Mr. Smith: hello? This map looks fantastic, what program did you use to make it? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): heyo; just testin the mike and getting things arranged. Map came off /tg/ some years back? Thought it fit the game nicely I have GIGS of /tg/ shit floating about Mr. Smith: ah I'll see about plugging my mic in say somthing? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): im still finding it; my stereo jack extender is being detected though Mr. Smith: ah] can you hear me? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): 1 sec here Mr. Smith: k Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): go ahead on your side? MOTHER OF GOD ITS A NERD IN MAH HEAD Awesome; I have hearing, but no talking british? foppy? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): nah, Im in chrome most likely the mic hardware but yeah, chrome is allowing roll20 too, so thats out of the way reinstalling drivers too its a POS Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): piece of shit poking at the campaign yeah jfc Ive been forever GMing GURPS for about ten years since around when 4th debut'd you using the freeware GURPS character sheet online? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ah ah! yeah okay so the GM adds it savvy; I'm the Gm I saw that with the other handsouts too BAM; you see outlander? k, hmm Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): try now; i just hit show to players haha yeah augh, this drawer is full of cables and none of them are my friggin headset bah, ill get a 5$ one tomorrow Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): so ranger/ wizard /face? tertiary a chronicaler yeah nah, you guys will get 3-5 per session well, dont worry about needing to fill the 4 player/DnD dynamic Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): that model is a nice guideline, but the games gonna be a bit more organic than fighter/rogue/cleric/wizard definitely have fun furst haha lean back, drop dots watch the tank die man-portable killing is still leaning bow Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): muskets arent accurate, and take reload time yeah theyre for volley fire, based defense yeah, GURPS notorious "fucking bow users" not often, but sometimes Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): what was their fix? lol yeah they are statistics leans on the melee guy wtf waaaaat Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): "hey dude, your math is fucked" whats your toher big purchases? *other big ol DX Longbowman? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ah ahhh "striking st, limited to bows" have you considered Unnatural bonuses to things? magic powers being a troll Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): your basing a bunch of assumptions on "historically accurate human man" hmm luls yeah, no ah! thought about riding a horse? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): "but what if my horse cant go in the dungeon?!" classic question not unreasonable well, they havent really done much since the las tbig war natch and they "fell out of need" Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): great hearoes come to the forefront, when great evil arises The mages of the last age fell to obscurity some may have taken apprentices Yes, a bit well, its still pretty rooted in the "spells as skills" concept If you prefer to run that route, youre the first to call dibs on 'wizard', and I'll make accomodations Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): prescedent it's more like "there are wizards, but not Eberron style WIZARD ERRWHERE" More like "there are story-important wizards right quality vs quantity your average citizen of the realm aint a wizard Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): GCS yep yeah, it is missing lots o plugins the easiest way to sorcerey with that would be to calc out an advantage then buy a same cost custom advantage on gcs bit more in hand bookeeping for you less auto-calc from the program as long as you know the math, and I know the math, its kosher Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ooh, lemme poke values heavily leanin gon investing points earned into skills during play? Imagine a hick kid from a farm discovers he can blow shit up with his mind point of order: why buy tha tmuch IQ? minmax wise, that relies on the premise the abilities are IQ dependant hmm Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): thats pretty inherently sinister in game np mind control advantage; Emotional control/suggestion modifiers from powers big discounts too, which is nice page 61 sorry, had to AFK a sec there Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): so youre asking on how to make a strength buff? right, so ignoring the in universe specifics for a sec what do you want to do rules-wise? grant stength/DR to peeps? Mr. Smith: yes Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): affliction; grants advantage/disadvantage b36 kay, so victim of the mind control/suggestion has also a linked trigger on the affliction bonus power thats just the linked modifer in the advantages section, back of the blue pages both? re-read em, but go on Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): well, if you want to drop epople with the incapacitating status, buy an affliction with "causes sleep" yeah, and if you have enough of them that are all just one big thing "mind powers" you can minmax some points buying them as alternative abilities bu the biggest one, and pay 1/5 cost for the rest and affliction sleep is +150% modifier, but right there on page B36 sort; no PSI in this game though brb afk a sec here Mr. Smith: brb too it's really hard to find non-badass character art Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): back "yes" but thats an over analysis of it might be simpler for you to buy your specific abilities you want, and slap on -10% magic ignoring modular abilities I mean buying the Healer advantage, and your sleep power, and your mind control suggestion, etc. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): buy them RAW, add the modifier, tweak costs/limitations. bam, done rather than dig into sorcerey fuckloads simpler; but its my job to help, as GM hokeydokey its an each not to the party, but per player Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): it will be pretty subjective try to have fun I would hope you like having fun im uploading a bunch of stuff here, we might buffer a bit luckily chats pretty responsive though, so it means theyre on different resource servers I may have killed your stream though, sorry Mr. Smith: you a programer you sound like you know what you're talking about Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): Ive been in IT helpdesk stuff for awhile its all speculative you could probably reconnect now if you like, uploads done and we now have a bunch of useful tokens! Mr. Smith: it's you not me your picture doesn't have the headset icon I'm broadcasting to an empty chat room at the moment just try and reconect Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): luls; troubleshooting Mr. Smith: yeap Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): do you see the grassy page? oh, wait, no I gotta drag you to it, i remember this now TUTORIALS bam, refreshed i can hear yo, major tom sjgames.com/gurps Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): hah how bad is it? aw, theyre PG its 2016, whatevs yeah, man, looks like PK spelled out your Spells for you in some awesome detail! Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ? LOL wow nice wattadick he probably felt bad, smacked you with the ruler then gave you help after Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): sure; but you can go ahead and not swear well, they have a publically accessible forum and they want to make sure its polite. They police it as they must just dont swear? yeah, I get it and they strike it out with *%^& Mr. Smith: Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): yeah, asterik right, its a PG forum you wanna swear, hit up tg thats their theory on life dude its 4chan its pissing int othe ocean of piss Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): cool, so re-reading sorcerey here. the only spell youre really rolling with is sleep, because its resisted sorcerey cuts out the rolling you wanna heal? BAM you pay FP give HP no roll required THATS what its all about aw man this included imbuments! nice! Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): you wanna make dudes sword flaming? BAM flaming sword! lots of points invested to DO that, but hey, its in there automatically hmm, your audio stream died again. day 1 might be text :S lame Mr. Smith: can you hear me now? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): nah, but let me refresh, see what happens yeah, there we go your dogs murdering each other? wheee man theyre nutters s'kool Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): theyre dogs; you try, but sometimes they loud as shit IQ vs their will and you add your sorcerey talent you gonna build sleep too? yeah you can pretty much spend points on things. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): not gonna be too many hangups other than you spontaneously growing wings or something hahahah fucking SAIYANS with theri TAILS AND THE TRANSFORMING Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): yeah, you stat it out hard in the book then "buy it as a sorcerey spell" for 1/5 that cost just like he built the other stuff in the sjgames thread ooh,. good idea GrimWyld killed all dem nazis? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): sweet; just gotta worry about them after ww3 then man, this is a spiffy interface I signed on like, three years ago? not nearly this good oh right i made a better granular map gimme a sec, uploading Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ive been out of twon 2 days hahah, big upload? CONNECTION TO AUDIO LOST DUE TO NETWORK ERROR wheee Mr. Smith: lol Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): BUT that means it doesnt crash out, it just kills things it cant maintain, rather than drop ALL THE THINGS Mr. Smith: good to know you may want to reconnect ... becouse I can't hear you I miss spoke becouse you can't hear ME Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): nice awesome ah. yeah, its still detecting my stereo I media centre out of my primary PC, so its got a nice little tuner attached PC thinks it s a jack, because it has a mic jack extender hubs man, the bane of IT troubleshooting Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): nothin it just goes off ahh right one sec ah, its a resistable beneficial Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): so there IS a casting from you to fire it off to heal someone a second time, your roll would have a penalty oh yeah, thats a nice high end 'talented' end of the bell curve yeah, bad things happen if people go down don't overthink it though a good personal mantra Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): "I din't do it; you cant prove it was me" ah kk yeah, travel details in the description hexographer laid an overlay and then traced it lurker Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ooooooh that was you FEAR MEEEEE THIS IS MY JUDGING FACE BLACKULA Well, the less pretty more useful map ya Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): so walking speed on a dude is 5, which is 10 MPH, which means an 8 hour hex is ~40 miles wheeee how many alaskas is that? LOL im experimenting with tokens there are quinari warriors all over the board Mr. Smith: 663,300 mi² Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): k 40 miles per hex Mr. Smith: 2280 Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ah oh shit many alskas 5198400 miles^2 7.8 alaskas daaang Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): Mr. Smith: 9.54 million mi² Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): woo! canada campaign the math feels odd, but yeah also, there are hamlets, thorps, and other fiddly unmapped details on a hex so theres stuff between places give or take yeah Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): "the town is in that 40 mile hex" oh yeah exactly abstraction is still in play here Mr. Smith: Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): very similar to the others so affliction, modifiers for targets etc. no edit acces syet Mr. Smith: Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): yeah, ascii shenanigains needs based on will, 1 sec any other modifiers? thats a dude you select, he rolls will versus your roll then bam, he fails and hes out or he doesnt, and youve spent a FP Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): so! normal cost yep starts at 10 +190% booyah those are generically "magic" this all depends Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): on your concept of this character who the fuck is he for starters name? GYPSIIIIIES travelling minstrel shunned folk? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): wait, what gives a bonus to tarot? ah so youre one of those mysterious mystic trained wizardy types? or is that in itself the facade you use as your face to the general population to bilk them of money? I'm getting a strong vibe of "snake oil salesmen" Elves are aloof, striking, mysterious didnt happen that way Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): BUT there is an elven kingdom anhaern elf as a gypsy analogue think more half elven gypsies the offspring of mortal men and nigh immortal elves? shunned by all Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): hence, gypsies pointy ears, magic aloofness let me slow you down a sec you wanna be a gypsy half elf sheyster wizard? raised by the aforementioned Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): bam done lets build that yougot it in text? ha okaythen go with this; the Anhaern keep mostly to themselves. The half elven offspring migrant folk live inthe kingdom, and move about a bunch. Theyre not one or the other, they live apart, but theyre still people Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): we need a different word than gypsy though and half elf is too on the nose what did dragon age use? Rovers? would that work? fits the migrant thing hard good question; its somewhere between "look at the stupid puppy" and "dont build in the forests down here" Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): but a ton more polite and aloof the Kingdom GreyHold keeps the peace by never incurring on the borders Well they have no legitimacy to make a kingdom and they have no place as pure men, or pure elf most wouldnt take in a 'half breed' Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): and that stems alot from the beastmen nah, theyre more benign neglect Theres a bit of text on the kingdom of gorgoth in the handout think warhammer fantasy amalgams Ibixians, Orcs, trolls, ogres goat dudes Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): half men savages ~cue pocahontas song~ good question ~nobody knoooows~ thats assuming the elves granted the magic Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): BUT what about human magic? there are human sorcerers! I'm saying that even in the game universe? not a ton of people know, and you guys will probably discover that a bit in game but also, no matter what your background, youre allowed to buy magic abilities not in force and with reularity no Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): they havent had a need so far good way of putting it yeah yeah, they had blasting powder when they met the humans and in the years since, muskets are now in use the dwarves focus a bit more on artillery if they use it, but there hasnt been much seen of dwarven warfare in the last age do tell Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): Ro-Haern then rovers of Anhaern two sylables no thats three pronounced "row hayrn" haaaaaaarn Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): luls Ro-Haern "half elf gypsy got it no youre a wizard hahah Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): youre a very not harry wiazard YER A WYZRD HURRY" yeah if youre an important or likable one yeah also, social stigma(minority) young teenager ish? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): mechanically, its an unskilled person luls if you charged people sure "snake oil salesmen" if you wanna buy it, sure you have useful applicable skills wherever you encounter the Ro-Haern Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): and theyre like "MAH NIGGA" and point you at the guy with knife wounds and youre all "I cast sleep on him" and then he just dies in his sleep and errybody happy yeah theyre everywhere, but not kings Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): you show up, they feed you, they dont ask questions they'd be a great contact group too specialized geographically youd have bandobras, GreyHold, Oakway, Fellmarsh, Dwarven Kingdom of Karak-Groldor, Anhaern, Gorgoth for those regions oh, also perryweather Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): but you guys are starting in Oakway/Timberkeep Oakway? big. 500+ peeps? plus the garrison in the tower yeah the Outlanders get a lot of supply via Oakway Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): yus hahah badlands, tar pits, ash thats where the elves stop their claims and they proker no tresspassing very abrupt border, but its roughly natural Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ya ish human buffer lands, mostly farmers and ranchers more like they have never let the humans past their borders or not very deeply same with the dwarves ro-haern Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): Nooooo man no dwarves are pretty zenophobic xenophobic* "camp outside the city. go fuck yourselves otherwise" yeah Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): the capitals are pretty exclusive oakway is a great middleground geographically, everything goes there Oakway covers the territory as well as the city proper o worries Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): think of it this way start in oakway half way to everything else on the map with a name, thats what oakway covers thats about...40 hexes in a bubble on oakway the tantamount "sphere of knowledge" dawgs man Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): fekkin dawgs you see lock stock and two smokin barrels? lol cant fit through the door? I heard on your mike the dog stuck? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): lol I'm laughing my ass off all I can think of is the quote from the british film "lock stock and two smoking barrels" "fekking dawgs mate" healthy, but small, and smart a kid Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): EFFF PEEEES CASTIN MAH REZZES so chunk from teh goonies SOOPAHMAAAAN you get the +1SM discount which is -10% Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): yeah youre easier to get hit I get a +1 to hit you haha no no thats a no Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): wtf lol nooooo lol stop shhh Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): lol you take gigantism its a +1 SM, your clothes are expensive, and you get bonuses to resisting falling on your ass but its essentially a way to buy SM, once, for normies who arent half trolls or giants Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): thats about it yeah, you get a discount on purchases above 10 str thats it you get nothing, with a 9 str. becasue that gives you points you cant apply a discount on a return Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): and now im imagining this tall thin 7 foot teenager screaming SOOPAHMAN and blowing shit up with spells so they are thieves, cuthroats and sheysters, but they are also informants, healers, scroungers, etc. theyre resourceful and they are everywhere. very self-reliant Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): choose skills accordingly yeah 1sec kay, so lets define a category which way you leaning? gypsy? Merchant? Spy? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): how would you sum up what they do, in one word? lol so on the nose it has brain damage from the hit k great stage name haha Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): okay so theyre probably not your personal spy network BUT asking them to ask around for you or ask them if they could look into your problem for you and I'll roll vs your skill group level and determine what the Ro-Haern do for you I think Gypsy skill is fine Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): It's like Police, or Mobster it fits "le tme roll against Gypsy and see what happens" 5 times costs, so the ro-haern are probably on average 15's. talented well trained knife throwers and watch salesmen as an average, among the massive group Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): this also abstracts your ability to apply leverage, and ask the best and brightest to help youre spending the points though dont forget the bribery section and dont forget frequency of appearance FUCK LOADS Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): 10 on 21? fuckoads of success they would stage a coup? help you overthrow a kingdom? ffs thats gonna be expensive though Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): and their frequency of appearance needs to factor in YES "the more they like me, the more they help me" lol yeah its 11 here I should sleep Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ha, nah i need sleep, im not pissing off the wife BUT keep poking at your sheet, I will followup tomorrow email me at kendelyzer@gmail.com Mr. Smith: Hello? Adolf S.: Hello. Mr. Smith: So you're Adolf? Adolf S.: Yup, I guess so. Mr. Smith: Is there a particular reason you're here or you just hanging out? Adolf S.: Doing some last minute touches to my character before sending it to the GM, using some of the information in the map key to make a few decisions. Mr. Smith: Ah, what are your plans if you don't mind me asking? Adolf S.: Hm? My plans for a character, you mean? Like, in general? Mr. Smith: I suppose Adolf S.: Welp, my character is going to be a dwarf soldier turned mercenary, focusing on musket and spear usage. Professional killer for sale. Originally I intended him to have very good armor, but that was prohibitively expensive. Mr. Smith: Ah, a mercenary. Adolf S.: Mmhmm. How about yourself? Mr. Smith: hmmmm....... Complicated. The relevant information for you I suppose is that I'm submerged in elvish culture for better or worse. I don't know much about dwarf lore in this game, but I image you're not going to think very highly of me. Tiss alright though. Adolf S.: Oh? What do you mean? Oh.. by the way, it's so far been very unclear and the two times or so I've had the GM to ask, I'd forgotten to but, are we playing this in text, or voice? Mr. Smith: Well I myself have spoken to our GM and and he's said he's having mic troubles. So I think it's planed to be voice. Adolf S.: I've been playing GURPS since... god.. 2006 - 2007, there abouts. I've been a forever-GM for the last 7 or 8 years. 10 successful long campaigns, and a spattering of lesser ones, and a bunch of games before that. Even with that background, I've never once played a game in voice. Mr. Smith: Adolf S.: So this'll be quite odd for me if that's the case. I sure hope it's not. Mr. Smith: I've been playing and GMing since last spring. since then I've had four campaigns Adolf S.: Oh? Do you mean in GURPS, or in PnP in general? Mr. Smith: Both Adolf S.: Huh.We're playing tomorrow, right? Or... well, 12 hours from this point, at any rate, right? Mr. Smith: I don't think so, that would be 9am in our GMs timezone. So unless he's a super early bird I wouldn't pay much attention to that. Have you had any contact with the other players yet? You'd be my first interaction. Adolf S.: The others? No, not at all. Not that surprising though, most of the time nobody hangs out in these between games. Sort of odd actually, in my experience, certainly in games I run myself, the GM sets up a skype group or IRC or something for everyone to use for OOC and general discussion. Also, I just checked, the game's page lists the first game time for 9 AM PST, for tomorrow. About 12 hours, approximately. Mr. Smith: It is a tad odd, but I'm sure everything is going to go on just fine. Adolf S.: Hopefully so. GURPS games aren't too common, it'd be a shame if this one fell out. Mr. Smith: I said something similar yesterday about today, I'm sure it just auto set for a daily game at 9am GMs time. Adolf S.: I've grown to quite like my character as well, which would be especially displeasing. Mr. Smith: As have I. Adolf S.: Mmm, no such thing on Roll20, as far as I recall. An auto setting I mean. Pretty much everything is set manually as I recall. I was meaning to have my character sheet done and in to the GM 9 hours ago, but things kept coming up and coming up. I've been on the phone all day. I was actually intending on being asleep by now. Hopefully my tiredness didn't cause any mistakes on my sheet. Mr. Smith: Mmmm.... Adolf S.: It's a shame we were limited to 50 points in disads. I would have liked to take a light phobia of magic, if it was appropriately rare in this universe anyway, and maybe some sort of elf racism and what not. Mr. Smith: I see what you're saying. I can't seem to set my game date on repeat, but again our GM's time zone makes him earlier then any other US state besides alaska and hawaii, so 9am his time would be 10, 11 and 12 for most people. I'm sure he seriously does't expect to run a game with normal people at that time of day. If it helps I have social stigma (minority group). :) Adolf S.: Well, it's 9 AM PST if I'm not mistaken. That's about my time. I thiiiiink the GM's on the east coast? Probably about 11 or 12 his time. Mr. Smith: He's said he's running under rocky mountain. time Adolf S.: Man, I am SO tired I'm having trouble figuring that out mentally. After I do some vague checks and what not I think I'm going to hit the hay. Mr. Smith: K Adolf, I understand and hope everything goes smoothly. Adolf S.: Also, eh, 9 AM seems pretty appropriate and normal. I've got a game that I play in that comes together at 9 AM, and another that I may or may not join, that gets together at 6 PM. That latter one isn't exactly unusual, but, hey. That being said I work an odd work week, monday is basically my sunday. Mr. Smith: By 9am most people are at school or work Adolf. In america that is Adolf S.: Yup. Happens, still. Mr. Smith: 9 to 5 is phrase for a reason lol. Adolf S.: I'm used to playing with folks on other continents, it all becomes more normal after a while. I've got a future-GM in Cairo who basically hosts for us in the morning before he goes to his teaching job. Mr. Smith: but yea I'll see about clearing this up with GM dude. I hear you, I've played with some Russians and English chaps before. Never again. Adolf S.: Mmm, please do if you can. It'll be a shame if timing issues arise. I haven't actually played any PnP in two weeks, so I'm more excited to start this game than normal. Mr. Smith: two weeks? I haven't played in four months! lol but yea I'll give him a ring. Adolf S.: As I said though I have a really weird work week. I'm an armed guard by profession, and work nights pretty much exclusively. For a while there a game I was in started three hours after I got off work. That upset my sleep schedule in pretty annoying ways. Mr. Smith: Ah, cool. Where do you work if you don't mind me asking? Adolf S.: local winery. I'm preettttty sure I could actually say the specific winery, but I'm not fully sure so I'm not going to. S'not like anyone will know, but, eh. I basically get paid 15 dollars an hour to wear a shoulder holster and stand around in the cold. It's decent. Going to be moving states here in a few months, might switch to day shift jobs for once. That'll be nice. Mr. Smith: Well that sounds does sound nice. Hope some coked up wine snobs don't try to shank you for a rose port. Adolf S.: Hah. It's a cake walk. I used to work unarmed security at a walmart. Surprisingly similar pay, but I was seriously considering purchasing either a bullet proof vest or a stab vest, despite my employers generally forbidding that. Mr. Smith: Black friday? Adolf S.: Methed up homeless people, man. Nothing ever actually happened, but it was some spooky shit. I was walking near this little ditch behind these planters they had, and found a homeless dude sleeping in normal clothes on the ground, in 30 degree weather. Janitors told me the guy was a regular, and to just leave him alone. No idea how he didn't freeze to death out there. Mr. Smith: He was probably high on anti-freeze. Adolf S.: Before I go, I'm curious, how did you come to find this game? Mr. Smith: da bum tss I was going to ask you the same thing. lol Adolf S.: Ah, I found him post inn a GURPS thread on tg. This was about.. eh.. .3 or 4 days ago now, I suppose. Mr. Smith: I stopped by the GURPS general thread on /tg/ to pick up some newer GURPS books and just happened to come across his invitation. Ah, lol Adolf S.: I was somewhat skeptical at first of this game because there wasn't a whole lot of setting description, but after talking to the GM a bit and reading the information hidden inside of this page, I'm less concerned. Shame, again, that I couldn't afford better armor though. I envisioned my character in thick plate, but I've only been able to afford some mail and a tiny bit of the cheaper plate configurations. Mr. Smith: I think as long as he isn't lying about the ten years of forever GURPS GMing, and I don't see why he would we're going to be fine. Adolf S.: Hah. If experience directly equated to quality, finding a good game would be a lot easier than it is. A lot of GM's can be bad, a lot of players can be bad, if both combine, their game playing relationship usually goes on mostly undaunted, I've found. So a 5 year GM might end up bein' real crap despite that. Mr. Smith: I'd say it does to a certain extent, I have a hard time believing he'd still be GMing if he's been bad at it for all these years. Adolf S.: Eh. People who can't find better GM's and just settle, or people who are bad themselves and have matching bad standards, which a bad GM might end up living up to.. It happens. He's probably at least okay though. I've seen nothing bad yet, and usually you would by this stage. Mr. Smith: Well you see he was telling me about his Cat girl sex slave race the black human kingdom has, but besides that I'd agree with you. lol Adolf S.: Hah, I'm honestly so .. .more or less ignorant of this setting I feel, that you may very well be telling the truth there, I have no clue. Mr. Smith: I'm not, I think he's leaving a good deal of it open for latter development, which is a complacently legitimate way to GM in my experience. Adolf S.: Mmm. I've got another few minutes on here at least before my business is concluded, and I'm curious, what exactly is your GMin' experience? Mr. Smith: I've played in a few one shots and a god awful stalker game. I've GMed about four campaign that combined have given me about 1500 hours on roll20. I'm also an avid watcher of itmejps Rollplay channel and have watched his various GMs talk about how to GM on there "being everything else" show. Adolf S.: Mmmm. Tell me about those four campaigns, those sound interestin'. Last game I ran was a Fallout setting. I ended up catching that unarmed security job, and had to stop it due to time constraints. My old players are begging me to reboot it, and I think I might in a month or two. Mr. Smith: First was a time travel game about three self insert character being sent back in time to ancient china. That sounds cool, I'm a big fallout fan myself. Second was another self inset game but this time it was a modern zombie apocalypse. Adolf S.: Mmmm. My pals tell me that I really captured the setting well, made it work. It was set in it's own thing, not directly connected to any fallout setting. Just about the time I had to cease the game, the players were close to finding a vault. I've lost alllll of my GM notes since then, and can't remember half the shit I wrote, unfortunately. So I'll have to fabricate it all over again from memory. Oh, zombie apocalypse? Neat. The game before the Fallout game, was a zombie apocalypse game. Went pretty decently, but a lot of the players were my personal friends, and they weren't actually especially good at role playing or anything like that, so it wasn't as great as it could've been. Mr. Smith: Third was a Monster hunters game that wasn't made as a monster hunters game becouse I didn't know what that setting was at the time. I hear yea Fourth was a low fantasy game I've learned a lot between that first game and now. It's a shame they ended like they did. Adolf S.: Mmmm. All on GURPS? Mr. Smith: Yep. Adolf S.: Neat stuff. Well, I've really got to go to bed. I've got some difficulty in actually falling asleep most of the time, so I need to really try ifg I want to make 9 AM. So, goodnight'. Oh, what's your character's name, anyway? Mr. Smith: Night dude sleep tight. Adolf S.: Mine's Bomrek Zirilkeskal. Mr. Smith: Lol, I'll introduce myself in play. You wouldn't of heard of me anyway. Adolf S.: Hah, well, night. Mr. Smith: Balthazarr you there? I'll be here for the next 20ish minutes if you can see this Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): yo! watup bam, right in the thirteens~ Mr. Smith: read my message Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): didnt get a chance; 1 sec AH1 classic scheduling blunders no worries mate I saw your earlier chat log with adolph; mixe dup AM and PM huh? Mr. Smith: ?? note sure what you mean? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): hah, nvm man. not to worry Mr. Smith: k so are you doing session zero without me? That's fine if you must Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): yeah looks like. Ill keep you on the loop about things though. My open times in my scheudle are all daytime hours ATM. Unemployed and filling in the time gaps :/ you in school M->F? or do you have a free day in there? Mr. Smith: ah well I can do week days between 5pm and 8pm your time Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ah, nah, that wouldnt work out. Thats when my wife gets back with the baby. and we do our other stuff. She's out all week and kid is in daycare, so im filling up my day because its ME time, not US time This might end up as my weekend gig though, depending on my IRL game group idiocy whats your weekends like? Mr. Smith: completly and utterly free Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): awesome then; if things turn into a weekend game we'll be good to go then Mr. Smith: I'll cross my fingers Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): I have heard literally 0 from the others on gaming availability yet, so it could turn out that way Mr. Smith: k I need to head out mate, so I'll see you later. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): no worries; have a good one Mr. Smith: you too, bye Adolf S.: Hey Balthazarr, this wasn't super clear to me, is this a text or voice game? I'd prefer text, in the 10 years or so I've been playing PnP's, I've never done voice before. Not much of a fan, at least from the perspective of some one who's not done it. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): hey no worries then microphone-shy? or just no mic? oh! I also just responded to your email there Adolf S.: Ah, neither, just uh.. I'm into RPing my character, y'know? I feel like I do it pretty well in text.. but doing it in voice? Not sure if I'd be good at it, for starters. Secondly I'm not sure that I could do it, uh, mentally. As in I might feel weird pretending to be a dwarf in voice, while trying to make it semi-serious, y'know? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): hah, man, I totally understand Adolf S.: Well. That and the house isn't exactly quiet at the moment, come to think of it. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): "not everyone likes silly voices" Adolf S.: Heh. So, what's the game in then, though? I'd feel sorta like a wet blanket if everything else is in voice but me. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): pfft, not to worry. I'll ask the guys to probably in-game in text, keep the out of character stuff to voice if they need to, but we'll accomodate Adolf S.: Soldiering skill it is. Yeah, that's great, thanks amigo. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): Yeah, soldier makes a great background choice as well considering. Adolf S.: Technically, TECHNICALLY, I have been in ONE voice game. It was a one on one game to help teach a good friend of mine how to play. No real RPing in it so it didn't touch on that, but we ended up making jokes and laughing and what not. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): It also rounds out other catchall things they may have trained you one. Its no substitute for survival or outdoorsman, etc. but it'll do ina pinch Adolf S.: Had a great time, but it wasn't really roleplayin', y'know? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): Adolf S.: So, who else is coming in this morning? Every player aside from Smith? Or have there been no confirmations as of yet? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): youre the first here so far; smith is out for now; he failed to realize that hes a fulltime student during the day and this was an AM -> midday game Adolf S.: Ah. What time options do we have with this game, anyway? I'm an armed guard and work nights, though my schedule is currently up in the air for the next week or so. So overall most day time stuff starting in the morning works out okay. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): scheduling wise? It would be best run sometime M-F during the day. I'm out of work at home right now, so its where my real free time is Adolf S.: Mmm. Like I said my schedule is up in the air for now, but it's very likely that I'll have a day off or two during the week days. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): regular-like? Adolf S.: Ought to be, though I'll be able to say for sure within the coming week sometime. That's when I should get the updates I'm waiting on. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): yay for scheduling! god forbid, my IRL game group is going through a stupid shakeup; lots of last minute cancelling, lots of free time for me there. I could stand to have us meet weekends :/ that would just be more of a me resigning myself to the death of that game though ._. (angry GM muttering) BTW, is that a Jewish Mr.Handy robot? as your avatar? Adolf S.: Yeah? Shame. What's the game? Hah, sort of, yeah.. I first ever came onto Roll20 because of uh a game started out of the fallout general from VG. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): hahaha Adolf S.: The GM turned out to be turbo shit, to be frank, but before the game ended in the second session, it was great. The other players were all really good with their shit, great RP'ers. Fun times. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): the nature of the internet and really, 4chan but hey, gotta get ourselves out there and try Adolf S.: Anyway point is, I was playing as a securitron programmed to be a merchant pre-war, who's program got super corrupted over the years and purely-by-accident made better Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): hahah Adolf S.: So he was an extremely suave charming robot, who was a great merchant. Who happened to be owned by a jewish man and had some judaism related programming, that also got corrupted. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): and you got dubbed the jew-merchant I think I see Adolf S.: Hah. Sort of, yeah. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): hahahah Adolf S.: Having the name of the robot be Schlomo didn't dissuade that any Was a fun run, even though it ended horribly. First time GM, hard headed, tried to make grand changes to an already poorly made system, and ended up making it all worse. Shame, really. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ugh yeah, bad way to adapt Adolf S.: I've never really done much in the realm of fantasy, by the way. Discounting my first GURPS game ever where I was more of a support character anyway, I've never really touched much on melee either. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): gotta be the stone in the river; let things flow around you Adolf S.: I'm hoping I've got all the melee related rules down, so we'll see. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): its not too crazy in gurps, luckily enough Adolf S.: I was intending on making my character a suit of uh... siege breaker? Somebody who could run in, shoot the heavily armored guys and or kill them, all while being in a nice steel suit that protected him. Unfortunately I could only afford mail and the like. Probably going to be one of the things Bomrek buys, when he gets some spendable cash. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ah, well, something to aspire to at least Adolf S.: I notice there's a dwarf icon thing on the map. Is that another dwarf player? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): actually just mesisng with the tokens here; what do you think of that as you? unless you have your own art? Adolf S.: I don't have any for myself, no. Also not toooo familiar with how roll20 handled tokens like this.. not really sure how to do it in full. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): hah now owrries Adolf S.: but uh, a dwarf with a gun of some type might be suitable. Or a dwarf in mail. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): zoom in: hes holding a rifle, got a cigar in hand. Might be a little compressed/grainy but its there hello stellers and Joush! Stellers J.: Wait I should get my microphone Joush M.: Hey there. Good morning Stellers J.: This is voice, right? Joush M.: No, seems like text to me. Voice is louader Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): lol adolf already mentioned to me here; Would you guys be okay with text primary? Feel free to still connect on voice ; we can use it as OOC chat, possibly Joush M.: I'm fine with text Adolf S.: Yeah, I'm about a 9 or 10 year veteran of GURPS and PnP in general, have lots of experience, but ironically I've never actually been in a voice game. 'feel like I wouldn't be that good at actually talking as a character in that. Could never really get into the whole "Okay, now I'm pretending to be a dwarf" thing, heh. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): stellers; you good with text primary? Joush M.: It also helps when you can scroll up and see what is going on rather then rely on memory Stellers J.: Sure Adolf S.: Sent you an email, Balthazarr. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): saw it; in the process now Adolf S.: Yup, that'll work great. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): coo and stellers/joush; forgive me but who was who and what again? im buried in avatars and handles here lol Joush M.: Gray the monster Stellers J.: I'm Horsa the Actor Gray: Better, there. Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): and there; y'all see three tokens on the page? hanging out in oakway? Adolf S.: Yup. Gray: Yeah Adolf S.: Oh that reminds me, can you give me a character slot in the journal page? Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): ja, one sec here Stellers J.: Hey how do I add a character so I can send messages in-character Stellers J. test Balthazarr, the Mad (GM): well you can set your display name over in the settings (gear icon) GM Ken (GM): like dis lol Ken (GM): or more appropriately like this Bomrek: Test. Horsa: Hark. No icon? Ken (GM): some vagrants! awesome, so thats chat roughly figured out. Stellers J.: rolling 3d 3 lol Bomrek: Ken (GM): you three are the lot so far; Mr smith dropped for themoment. He failed to notice this was a daytime slot, and he's a fulltime student :/ Stellers J.: oops (From Stellers J.): can you set my token/avatar as that picture I emailed you before? (To Stellers J.): yeah no worries Stellers J.: You wanna wait for them? Ken (GM): eh. I havent yet received a character sheet at all either I'm not gonna be too hung up atm; the three of you could survive I think Stellers J.: Wow Ken (GM): yeah, kinda flakey, but not the worst Bomrek: Well I'm fine with whatever. Enjoying some eggs and bacon at the moment, so either way I'm entertained, heh. Ken (GM): mr smith was kinda the polar opposite; tons of messages with setting questions, character ideas. We had a chat and creation thing for like, 3 hours. Adolf S.: Neat. Ken (GM): kind of a waste, but he was hella-excited. Gray: Would we be able to compromise on time for him or are we married to daytime? Maybe next week we could do evenings and he could get in on it? Adolf S.: Depends how late. I work nights, but my schedule's a little unknown until later this coming week. Ken (GM): weekday evenings are kinda outright for me; kid and wife out all day, only time I get to see em. My weekends are freeing up though(my regular IRL game group is dying a slow death ) bam, new token for the actor sorry it's low res- the art got compressed on your sheet Gray: looks good Stellers J.: Cool Ken (GM): hah, and Gray I just reverse-imaged search for a higher res of the original. That come out okay for you? Gray: I'd be fine with weekend evenings. Sunday? Got a soft spot for a poor bastard that got excited for a game before reading the time. and it looks good. The Arashock would be pleased Ken (GM): awesome, so thats tokens then ; eberyone have access to their character sheets in here? (I have a copy of each of you on my side, so I know I'm setup at least manually) Stellers J.: Yeah Adolf S.: Yup. "stream was unable to connect due to a network error" on your avatar there, Ken. Am I missin' something? Gray: I have my sheet up on PDF. How would I bring up the sheet in here? Ken (GM): adolf: refresh the page; most of roll20 will reconnect no issue on a refresh of the page proper. gray: theres a page for you over in the documents tab. it's mostly there for show and tell. I have your sheet too so we're on the same page Gray: I can hear but not talk on the chat. Stellers J.: I can see all the avatars except for Gray's Adolf S.: Huh. Same issue as before, even though I refreshed. Are you streaming a webcam or something, Ken? Gray: Alright, looks good. I don't know if Gray has a avatar Ken (GM): well, god forbid, we're lal alive in chat Adolf S.: Hm, yup, this doesn't want to work for some reason. Weird. Ken (GM): no problemo okay! so, down to breass tacks then Gray: Oh, one small thing. On my sheet I've got 18 rather then 20 max HP Ken (GM): Ah, yeah the roll20-sheet gave me some issues, let me just poke it here there, should be fixe dnow Gray: Alright Ken (GM): GOod! so, you have all answered the Call to Arms! As the document describes, there has been aproclomation from the King of GreyHold! Being mighty adventurers, you have found yourselves off to Oakway ... I hope adolph is reconnecting Gray has little patriotic love for King and Country and finds himself uneasy as he travels to Oakway to join the others. A mercenary, he sets aside whatever reservations he has facing beatmen, but wonders if the Men will look past his own brutish nature. Gray: Ah, damn. Yeah, here is hopeing Ken (GM) the coin should be good to Gray, at least. It loves anyone Ken (GM): how about Horsa? Adolf S.: Welp, that was untimely. Back now. Ken (GM): yay! Gray: welcome back Bomrek was out of a job, hunting near the elven lands proved less fruitful than he thought, and it was either he make his fortune as a mercenary under the King's banner, or make a pittance guarding the border in his homeland. A Dwarf's gotta' eat. Ken (GM): great! Ken (GM) Banners hang from the walls of Oakway, flying the Kings colors of Silver-Gray on black. The edge of the Grey Sword gleams on the cloth, shimmering as the flag flows in the breeze Ken (GM): Oakway is a bustling town of traders, timbers and people; the streets are lined with market stalls and inns, and the homes are well kept if not dusty Ken (GM) Beyond the pallisade walls and up into the city proper each of you have found the signs posted, all gathering for the militia should head to the barraks at timberkeep tower Bomrek: Bomrek hasn't been this far north before. Are there any dwarves among the bustling town-goers, or much of anything aside from humans? Ken (GM): very few dwarves, but those you do see are often traders or timberworkers. You spot one or two in the uniform of the city guard: Well-worn leather armors, a bright brass helm, and a stout pike at the ready Bomrek: Ontop of that, are there any beastmen at all aside from Gray? Assuming he is infact a beastman and not something else, heh. Ken (GM): Gray: the crowd often parts around you in the city. very few men meet your eyes, and those who do often look away quickly. Typical Gray is indeed a beastman. He avoids giving offense in turn as the humans avoid close contact, isolated in the crouad and following the flow of things. Timberkeep Tower should not be too hard to find. Ken (GM): technically, Gray is one of the forsaken. Half-beastmen, descendants of the ancestors who were banished to Gorgoth. His people, when found in the realm, are very often simply ignored. There are no others so far you have seen, in Oakway Everyone making their way to Timberkeep? Horsa: Yes Bomrek is rather tall for a Dwarf, standing at a stout 4 feet 7 inches. He's got a long brown beard and long hair typical of the dwarven style, is wearing a suit comprised of a mix of the cheaper mail and plate configuration, and just mail down his arms. He's got a musketeer's bandoleer strapped across his chest, and is carrying a very long double barreled musket, with a leather backpack slung across his shoulder. His helmet covers most of his face, but it's open enough to see his features. He looks content and excited, looking with interest all around Oakway as he walks. Bomrek: Yup, off to Timberkeep. Ken (GM) Timberkeep tower looms like a splinter in the world; several stories of seasoned wood, shingled walls and stone foundations stand stark on the horizon above the city. Ken (GM): you're each intercepted at the gates of the tower and barracks. A pair of guards are interviewing those coming in and taking down a list it seems. They seem bored, but look happy to have you interrupt their day with something to do reacitons? Horsa: They might glance over me. I look too refined, to gorgeous to be a volunteer. Gray watches Bomrek, some ill defined disapproval that has nothing to do with the dwarf as a person and more with his experiences with dwarves in the past. The guards draw his attention and he offers his mononym without any particular hesitation. "Gray the Mercenary. I have come to answer the battle call" Ken (GM): to Horsa: "Not many coming in today as we'd like. And damn near none as spiffy as you sir! nosiree!" The guard takes down your name, and asks your 'specialities' if you have to provide Bomrek: Bomrek looks up at the tower with slight resevation, he isn't much of a fan of tall structures that aren't dwarf made. He tries in vain to calculate just how far he would need to run if the tower were to fall down in his direction, and curses himself for not apprenticing under an architect like his father wanted. He was so distracted he barely registered the guards and first. "Oh, hello. I'm a mercenary responding to the King's announcements. He glances toward the tower for a moment, and then back at the guards, smiling. Ken (GM): to gray: "right, thank you. head on in to the meetin' hall round there and the Marshall will see's to ya in a bit" Bomrek: He doesn't have a hint of Dwarvish accent, clearly either having grown up speaking Common, or put a lot of effort into learning it. Ken (GM): to bomrek: "ah thanks master dwarf. Don't mind the keep, she don't bite much. Meetin' hall is just round the the way there" and he points you into the keep proper. Ken (GM) Within the looming doorways of the meeting hall, you find a long dark room lit by a modest hearthfire. Some water has been set aside on a platter with cups, and a plate of fruit. a meeting table sits empty with long benches to either side. The three of you seem to entail the entirety of the men to answer the Kings call this morning Horsa: I look around, then end up facing the other two. "We didn't miss the boat, did we?" Gray: "There's always another." The words spoken to Horsa, looking to the actor's fine features then turning to the hall and reaching out to take a cup, lifting it and sniffing the water before he drinks. "Gray. You said to them you are Horsa?" Bomrek: "Aye..I expected more." he looks around slowly. "This is the King after all, his coin spends well." Bomrek runs his fingers through the thick beard near his chin, and he slowly brings his eyes to Gray, looking him over. Horsa: Horsa mishears 'Gray' as 'Great'. "Yes. Son of Lionel Horsa. Maybe you've heard of him? What's your name?" Horsa tries for the life of him to identify what race Gray is. Bomrek not being one to spurn free fruit, grabs something more common in the north than in his homeland, and nibbles it. Raising an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, he takes another and slips it into his pack for later. "We don't get these in my homeland, not unless you want to break the family coffer." Gray: "I agree, Dwarf" The words rougher then he intended, enough to make him frown behind the mask as he reaches up to unlock the mask from his horns and hang it from his coat of mail, revealing those rough features and sharp fangs as he tilts his head back to pour the water down his mouth. "No. I haven't heard of your Sire. They call me Gray. Or Monster" Horsa: "Monster! I like the sound of that." Adolf S.: Oh, I'd forgot to mention, Bomrek also has a war pick hanging from his belt, clear signs of hard use on it's edges. Horsa is wearing a fanciful white shirt, a flashy leather vest, and has an expensive looking rapier by his hip. Horsa: He turns to the dwarf and says, "So. Hello there. What's your name?" Horsa continually spits glances at Gray's face, trying to figure out if it might be makeup or not. Bomrek: "Ah" he says heartily, turning to Horsa with his hand pressed to his breastplate. "I am Bomrek Zirilkeskal Götom." he supposes for a moment that those words might be hard to say for someone who hasn't been near dwarves much. "Just call me Bomrek." Gray owns nothing expensive, but his things look well tended and cared for. The brute no great wit, nearly wild instead as the brute watches the room. He has a sword that looks well used at his belt, a dagger that is more a tool then a weapon. The attention makes him nearly uneasy, looking to the side and working his jaw a moment. The dwarf's works prick him, make him want to growl back, but he ignores it the same way he ignores the way other people have more then one name. "Bomrek. I will remember." Horsa: "You know, Mr. Gotom, you're awfully tall for a dwarf. Have you been in many duels? Dwarven honor matches are so exciting. I happen to be trained in Dwarven grappling." Ken (GM) the GM thanks the gods his players aren't 4chan murderhobos so far, and actually appear to know how to introduce themselves to each other :D Bomrek: "Really? It's not often that I see anyone but a dwarf even considering the art." he smiles widely. "I was a soldier for many years, my superiors would have shaved me bald if I put myself out of commission in any duel and the like, and probably docked my pay while they were at it, so no, nothing since my youth" he laughs a deep slow dwarven laugh at the thought. Adolf S.: (psssh, 4chan gets a bad rap. I've been in two 4chan-related games discounting this one, and they're been pretty decent.) Gray isn't much used to dealing with people excited or curious. Horsa seems strange to him, outside his experience. Drinking his fill from the water and looking around the room again. Scenting the air. Listening to the conversation. "Small folk heal slowly." Stellers J.: What's Dwarven life expectancy? Adolf S.: Is Dwarven Grappling supposed to be a thing in this universe, or did you just make that up on the spot? Stellers J.: Yeah, it's Judo Adolf S.: That too, are they the same as humans,life-wise? Ken (GM): humans and dwarves are roughly the same generationally. Dwarves longer so if left alone, maybe 30+ years on men? and yeah, Dwarven grappling is a thing; hand to hand combat for duelling is preferred over weapons, as it allows you to live through an insult or return an honor better than if youre dead Gray: Just let me know if he's laying it on too thick with the Dislikes Dwarves, a qurk I took without knowing there was one in the party. Bomrek strikes a dwarven grappling stance for a moment, and laughs. "I'm not especially good, just the very basics from when I was a fresh recruit. I'm a .. what's the common-tongue word for this?" his face changes to one of heavy concentration. "Musket-Shooter? About as close of a translation as I can get, heh. Anyway, we were mostly trained in spear use, and of course how to aim." he taps his long double barrel musket fondly. Ken (GM): duelling caught on with humans over the years, and the aristocracy realy sets itself apart from dwarves because they use swords. gray: no worries. aloof and standoffish is about as intense as it seems, and youre not thicker than that yet Bomrek: It's fine so far, Gray'. Bomrek barely registers it. How often do Dwarves settle things with one of these honor duels? Would there have been many in Bomrek's teen years? Horsa also takes a playful fighting stance. "A gunner? That's too bad." He winks. Ken (GM): bomrek; oh yeah, duelling is for the young and hotheaded. Dwarves who have a major grievance will settle things with a duel if they cant agree otherwise. Human aristocrats use it a bit as sport mostly, where to dwarves its more of a tool of the law and society Ken (GM) "ah, What an unlikely troupe to see here today. I hope I'm not interrupting much?" Ken (GM): Striding into the room from the far corner comes a man clad in silk finery of uniform, and squeaking polished leathers. Coming up to you, he appears to hold some military rank, displayed on his uniform. Bomrek 's expression changes to one of light confusion, and shrugs, looking around. "It's been many days travel to get here, I'm glad to have something sturdy around me, something less bright. I think I'll take a moment's respite before we get told to march here and there-" he stops his motion toward the bench as he sees the man enter, and stands straight, almost saluting in the dwarven way before catching himself. Ken (GM): "I am Lord Marshall Geofferson! Welcome to the King's militia" he offers, as he strides up to you three with a clip in his step and a smirk on his face. His uniform looks to have been recently clean, or otherwise never worn outside the Barracks. He indicates to the benches at the table with a roll of map leathers under his arm. (an image of the marshall is in the handouts, fyi) "Thank you each for coming today. I apologize for the meager offerings here, but as you can understand a call to war is very serious and calls for some levels of rationing" He raises his hands in a placating gesture. Bomrek: (It is? I don't seem to see it) Stellers J.: I don't see the image either Oh Ken (GM): (fixed :P) Gray turns to the new voice, looking down to the lord martial. The man's polish, weight and finery seems wrong to him but he couden't give voice to why, the brute's posture shifting, strighting and nodding to the man. He has the look of an employer, and the polite conversation and tone is fine. "The food and water are enough." Bomrek: (well, he sure does look... Aristocratic, hah) Horsa: "Are we early?" Ken (GM): "oh no, not early. You three are......the only ones here so far." Horsa: "Today." Bomrek: "And I'm sure we all thank you for what you've furnished, Marshall sir." Bomrek says, and sits onto the bench, propping his gun against the sturdy surface. Bomrek sits on the bench At Attention, back straight and hands to his sides. Ken (GM): "Ah yes, exactly sir. The onlyones here yet TODAY" he stresses the word as if to make himself feel all the better, not so much you three. Bomrek: Bomrek's starting to wonder, is the King's army especially poor? Are there rumors that this position will be especially tough or dangerous? Why IS it that there aren't many takers? Also come to think of it, what's with the Dwarves? Is there a King for them as well, or some other method of rule? Gray lacks the wit to consider such questions that bother Bomrek. The situation seems off to him, but he can't think of why and accepts things as they come. Ken (GM): [the dwarves are rule din their kingdom by their Lord Groldor. The humans and dwarves have a peace and treaty; they are friends if not true allies as such. Not like in the last age] "Ive looked over your details here today. Barring anything extraordinary, you should each make a fine addition to the Milita. I must ask before we proceed: Do each of you understand the weight of the matter? Joining the Kings militia will mean risking life and limb for king and country?" He looks pensive as he speaks, as if he has heard far too many 'no's to that question in the last few days Bomrek: Bomrek narrows his eyes a tad, and looks to the others, mostly to Horsa. "Well, I am a trained and experience warrior, I feel I'm up to most any task.." he says pensively. Gray nods. "I will fight for your cause when fairly compensated." Being a mercenary is not, in truth, terribly complicated. "I will be required to protect the small folk." He says, emphasizing that he understands the basic idea. Horsa: Horsa, last, looks to the other two then leans forward and does a little little two finger flourish salute. "Sir." Ken (GM): "Ah, good, good! Thank you sirs" Ken (GM) The Lord Marshall places a document on the table, written plainly in common titled 'Writ of Contract:Militia Services'. it plainly details you accept your duties as men of the King's Militia, and hereby sign your assent. Ken (GM): "please then, if you could sign here, we can get on with gettin gyou organized" Ken (GM) he offers a quill and ink Horsa: Horsa speed reads it. Bomrek: Bomrek takes a quill and signs his name in Dwarven before realizing it. "Er" he straights his back in concern. "..Can common speakers read this?" he looks somewhat concerned and embarrassed toward the officer. Ken (GM): horsa: [not much more to embellish; "you are expected to report to your (not yet mentioned) superior, to follow his orders, and to be punished through the law as men of His Grace's standing army" Nothing seems out of place in that language The lord Marshall nods to Bomrek: Not to worry Master Dwarf; your signature is your own." Bomrek: Bomrek lets out a small, unsure laugh, and tries to make himself more comfortable on the bench. He thinks "I sure hope the paymaster can read it.." Gray walks to the paper and takes the quill, considering a moment. Reading slowly what it details before he makes his mark and draws back. Ken (GM): "are you fine with this arrangement Master...er...Gray?" Horsa: Horsa glances at the dwarf's neat signature. He wishes he remembered to bring his wax seal to impress the three. He signs his name in broad swoops and detail, the final motion leaving his arm extended fully in the air with a flare. Ken (GM): "The pay is good, we will make sure to arrange for coin or goods, should you require them" Bomrek: Bomrek nods, seemingly pleased with this situation, and begins to eat the rest of his strange Northern fruit. Gray draws the sword at his belt five inches or so, just enough to reach where it gets truly sharp, then cuts his palm a scratch and lifts that massive hand above the paper, squeazeing the fist and letting a heavy drop of blood fall onto the paper. "So it's sealed." The gesture dramatic, but humans seem to like it and a cut made with steel will heal swiftly. Ken (GM): the lord marshall pales for a moment, looks between you and the pen, and then scribbles a shor tnote indicating your name next to the crimson stain "very good, thank you" he manages, weakly Horsa: Horsa looks wide-eyed at Gray and his self-inflicted wound. How bizarre. Ken (GM) the marshall rolls up your signed contract, and tucks it away in his papers Bomrek: Bomrek continues to eat his fruit, he'd seen worse wounds from people cutting potatoes, and was in a bit of culture shock anyway, having never been THIS exposed to human culture at once, in one place before. Ken (GM) the apple is destoryed quickly at the hands of gray Bomrek: That makes Bomrek take pause from his treat and raise an eyebrow. "Is that common among..." He stares at Gray, trying to figure out exactly what he was, and exactly how to say this. "..Beast men?" Horsa: Why'd he lick it, Jean Horsa thinks. Ken (GM): hahaha Gray shrugs to Bomrek, speaking in that feral voice and almost embarrassed at Horsa's curious attention. "I've never known many of my kind. Most heal faster then small folk. Some heal faster then me." Bomrek: Bomrek's expression turns a bit troubled. "Remind me to sharpen my blades before we fight any beastment." Ken (GM): [offhand, trolls are whispered to be unkillable beasts, who only heal wounds from fire or other burns. He might be related] Bomrek: ("Only heal wounds from fire or other burns" did you mean to say they only DON'T heal wounds from fire and burns? Ken (GM): ah, yeah, only, i mean classic troll mythology there "well, thank you gentlemen; these papers seem quite in order now." He hands you each a braided token of fine rope, with a gray iron token on the end in shape of a sword "These are your tokens of service; your 'badges of office' as it were" he chuckles to himself at the small joke "they represent your partnership with the milita. please dont lose them" Bomrek: Bomrek takes it and offers his thanks, before attaching it to his armor above his heart. Ken (GM): the cord is a braided loop, long enough to wear around the neck, or hung from wherever you like. Gray isn't eager to share his weaknesses with others, even companions of the day. Fire and Silver force him to heal nearly human slow, but he isn't like other creatures.. His massive hand taking the token, thumb rubbing across the rope then nodding. Seeing Bomrek's gesture he drops the rope around his neck and lets the gray iron hang at his chest. Ken (GM): "So, if you don't have any other Questions sirs, may I direct you to the Barracks for provisioning and assignmnet?" Horsa: Horsa wears the trinket next to his belt buckle. Ken (GM): (any pressing questions for the Lord Marshall?) Bomrek: (lets see... Oh, one) "Sir, if I may ask, where will we likely be assigned to, and will there be much fighting? Or are we going to be a standing defensive force?" Gray nods again. No questions come to mind and he is ready for assignment. A more clever person might have much to ask about what is expected of them. Ken (GM): "Ah well, Master Dwarf, the natur eof your assignment is a bit hush hush as it were? I'll be handing you off to Master Silverleaf in a moment. He is the Outlander I understand, that will be taking you under his wing?" [ the Outlanders, you all recognize, are the order of scouts who reside in and patroll the Southern border of the kingdom. Rangers and horsemen] Bomrek: Bomrek nods, stands, and cradles his heavy musket in his arm securely, ready to be directed. Ken (GM): (nothing else then? Horsa?) Horsa: "What are their numbers and what are ours?" Gray nods again. "The outlander would be the one to ask then." He doesn't intentd to insult the marshal but it seems obvious to him that the scout would know more then the overfed, soft marshal. Ken (GM): "of the armies, sir? Oh well, I'd imagine...er...all of them? The kings armies are readying against the Beastmen Horde as it were. So I'd think that we'd be facing all of them, in time" Horsa: "Hum, okay. We'll probably be alright." Ken (GM) "very good then, if you will all follow me" Marshall Geofferson leads you beyond the meeting hall out the way he Ken (GM): came, through a side door into the keep proper. Dim light seeps into the stone passage through arrow-slit windows. The smell of stewing gunpowder seeps in from somewhere deeper in the complex, it's sour tinge unmistakable. (augh, kerning. Stupid block text ) Ken (GM) Bright sunlight outlines the barracks grounds neatly; men train in formations of bristling pikes and long shields, and the stables echo with the sounds of whinnying horses. Hammering of steel on steel echoes out from a smith set next to the tower, and officers in gleaming silver and black uniforms make their way to and fro from the tower gate. Ken (GM): The Barracks stands as a low, squat building on the far end of the grounds. Away from other buildings, it seems a bastion in and of itself, hewn from stone blocks and thick timber foundations. Only the heavy door and some small high windows look out from the forbidding building. The smell of black powder seems to come from somewhere nearby. Bomrek: Bomrek breathes subtly deeper than normal as the gunpowder scent hits them all, his eyes just a tiny bit more wide than before. Gray walks with the others to the barracks, looking to the dark, defensible building, scenting the air at the hint of sulpher then starting closer. "Let us find the Outlander" Ken (GM): "Just this way then sirs" The marshall picks his way accross the yard carefully, avoiding puddles and dung from the horses. At the gate to the barracks, he covers his nose with a handkerchief and motions towards the doors "through here please" He hauls agains tthe heavy door with his entire weight, and it creaks inwards to torchlit dimness. Inside, he leads you to a deep hallway in the bowels of the building. You pass some men as well in uniform, though more well-worn than the Marshalls. They nod to you as you pass, muttering "recruits" as a salute of sorts Horsa: I strut in a mocking way. Ken (GM): noted: You get some dark looks, but most of the officers you pass simply shake their heads or chuckle Gray walks with the others, wondering at the reaction they provoke and looking to Horsa's strut. Not sure what to make of the man. Horsa: The strut looks pretty good, they just can't appreciate it. Ken (GM): Marshall Geofferson takes little notice but leads you three to a room that appears to be a armory of some sort. Inside heavy oak doors, the room is loaded with bushels of provisions, barrels stacked with javelins and spears, and large clay jugs of water. A space has been cleared in the middle of the straw floored room, and seated there is an elf; cross legged, and apparently meditating in some way. He hums a low deep tune to himself, of indistinct rumbling tones Bomrek: Bomrek looks around. Any firearms in here? If so, are they of meager quality? Ken (GM): The marshall frowns when he sees the elf on the floor, and he turns to you three in a small huff "My sirs; may I present you Aachen Silverleaf" [no guns stack here, no. But you see bundles of what might be leather armor pieces, and what look to be pike-heads not yet assembled to a haft] (BAM; new token on the field, thats Silverleaf for those who want a face to the name) em/ The Marshall excuses himself, and heads back out into the hall Horsa: Is the elf a boy or a girl? Gray looks to the elf with curiosity, studying the man a moment then turning to watch the Marshal go. His back to the wall, the brute quietly waits to see what the elf will do. Ken (GM): He appears to be a He; broader shoulders than some you've see before in passing. Though I doubt any of you have seen more than a few elves each Bomrek: Bomrek looks over the elf, unappreciative of the general lack of facial hair he's seeing around here. He considers his new badge, and opts to salute the elf in the Dwarven way, standing half at attention, unsure of how exactly to hold himself in this new band. Ken (GM): A few long moments pass before the elf makes any indication that youre occupying the same room. His humming stops, hanging on an odd note before ending, and he then stretches, and scratches at his back, yawning Horsa: Horsa looks at Bomrek's gesure, pauses, and looks back at the elf. Gray: I hate to go but something's come up. Please don't stop on my account, I'll catch up next week if I may. Thank you very much for the game Ken, Steller, Adolf. It's been a lot of fun Stellers J.: Oh no Ken (GM): ooh, hope that wasnt anything bad Ill keep him in the loop; you guys dont mind if he's NPC'd awhile? Bomrek: That's fine for me. Stellers J.: I don't know, what's the plan with Mr. Smith and Sam? Are they going to join in later or are they just out? Ken (GM): I can work things in if they do end up joining. I dont think Gray is out completely here. Probably just had to AFK for some reason or another. Stellers J.: Yeah I don't know, I think we should stop Bomrek: Oh? Ken (GM): really? not to spoil things, but, "were just getting to the good parts" like, where I can stop exposition dumping, and have you guys actually do things Stellers J.: But that's a bit of a disservice to Joush though, and to the potential other two players who may or may not join Bomrek: Eh, not really to the latter two, and he said himself for us to not stop on his account. Ken (GM): well, those other two were give nearly a week to get back to me and be ready here today. I'll give them the option to join up (and have an ingame way and reason, no worries). And Joush aint gonna get murdered from not being present. And we can keep him easily in the game with the chat logs... Bomrek: Yeah, I only had like three or four days, half of which was spent waiting in limbo for lack of information. Less a disservice to them and more just a natural course of action, I'd say. Stellers J.: Alright, but I don't know about RPing his character for him Ken (GM): i got it handled; he's still here in the background, and that kinda suits his actions so far Stellers J.: Alright, if he's cool with it Ken (GM): Gray is written up as the "cool reserved observer" so far, and I'll take the heat if he's played off wrong Stellers J.: Ok Ken (GM): coo coo;so back to the meaty bits then "Hello you three; name's Aachen" He stands up and stretches, and you hear a series of pops and cracks from him as he does so. He may have bene waiting a long time for you. he is dressed in road leathers, high boots and gloves, and his clothing is all in forest colors: greens browns and the like. He smiles, and extends his hand to each of you that will take it. Ken (GM) he nods to the elf but no more Bomrek: "Bomrek, Mercenary from Karak-Groldor." He takes the Elf's hand and shakes, careful to not press too hard, unsure of the jokes of Elves bones being made of glass were to be taken lightly or not. Ken (GM) Aachen seems sturdy enough, and returns the handshake with equal measure Ken (GM): "You're probably wondering about all the secrecy, and the 'backroom meeting' here' he smirks. "The Kings Guard has been very wary of spies as of late. And the Marshall has been personally vetting people, slowing down the whole damned recruiting process all week." Horsa: "Is that so." Bomrek: Bomrek raises an eyebrow. "Spies? Working for the beastmen?" he glances toward Gray with just his eyes, then back at the elf. "Would a man really stoop so low as to work for those.." again he quickly shifts his eyes to Gray and back. "People?" Ken (GM): "Yeah theres been some sort of craziness they wont tell me much about. Just that 'its under investigation' and 'nothing for the outlanders to worry about' " Aachen mocks the marshalls accent as he makes handquotes and a silly face. "I cant imagine what spies the beastmen would even manage to slip into town. Anyone odd looking like that would stick out like a sore thumb. Present company excluded of course " And he nods to gray "I can tell the difference between one of the Forsaken and any of the foul things living south of the border. The humans havent treated the elves much better in late years." Bomrek: Bomrek runs his fingers through his beard a little "What exactly is it we're being paid to do? I feel like this is more than just a simple guard house job." Horsa: "We won't be on the front lines?" Ken (GM): Aachen nods assent "You're right actually, we get the Fun assignment" He breaks into a wide grin "We're headed deep into the south, to the Runis of Glardenfen boys; we're rebuilding the Alliance" Horsa: Horsa feels a bit miffed before realizing how untrained he is for mass combat. Bomrek: Bomrek's face takes on a look of surprise, almost shock. "Surely the keep is in ruins now, or occupied by those foul beastmen? I... have never been in a siege before." Bomrek looks off into space, looking as if he's trying to think of answers to multiple problems. Ken (GM): Aachen recognizes the looks on your faces and his smile grows a bit wider "ooooh dont worry men. We'll be able to handle ourselves I think." and he laughs a heavy laugh "Don't worry. Ive been down south myself these last few weeks. Patrolling the area with the Outlanders. We keep a good guard, and the Beastmen havent been spotted out of the badlands for some time. The keep is probably still just as musty and spiderwebbed as the last time I saw it" "We're being ordered out by the Kings Guard as a forward scouting group. We will meet up with others of the militia over the next few weeks, and garrison at the ruins. We'll just be moving in small forces so as not to attract attention to what we're up to" he taps the side of his nose "the King is being subtle here. He's calling together a grand army, sure, but he's no fool. well be sipping wine on the ramparts as we watch the rest of the army come in." [reactions? seems you guys are being sent on a milk run with a seasoned ranger] Bomrek: Bomrek makes a grunting noise of moderate approval. "I'm no ranger, and certainly no rogue" he shifts around in his armor producing clanks and other metal noises as evidence to the claim. "I'll be good enough in a pitched battle though. This baby should do some good damage." he pats the stock of his long musket affectionately. Horsa: "Clearing out a few squatters. Right? Won't be too hard." Ken (GM): Aachen pats the dwarf on the shoulder, iliciting another heavy clunk "Aye, you'll be fine under my wing here boyos. I'll even use my elven magic if we need" And he smirks again, with a wink The elf tosses each of you a heavy rucksack, and motions to the provisions around you "Time to pack then boys. We're gonna need about a weeks rations each. Theres not much road on the way, and there not many apple trees once you get far enough south" "Oh, and you're all able to ride horses I assume? Did the great Fop check that box off in his papers back there?" Ken (GM) gray nods his assent "Horses trust me a bit" Horsa: "Err..." Bomrek: "I can ride a horse, aye. I'm no cavalry man either, though. Don't expect much from me in that." Ken (GM) the elf eyes Horsa with a mild frown Ken (GM): "Are we going to be horse-buddies young Master" he says in a flowery voice Horsa: Horsa grimaces, "I've ridden ponies before." Ken (GM): "Hey well, I think you'll survive then. I promise not to lead us through any wolf dens." [Aachen can take you along on his horse, no worries there. Two occupants to the saddle works just fine if you'd like. if youre untrained in horse riding, rest assured that you can ride with a good saddle and not worry unless youre, say, attacked while on the horse?] Horsa: Yeah Ken (GM): [mechanically, as long as the ride is calm enough, its a "+4 easy gurps check" on default skill] [and hell, spend a point you earn today on 'refreshing your memory' and buy a level of training ? that works too [ feel free to provision yourselves here. You can write off some pile of rations here form the storeroom. Theres cheese, fruit and veg, bread and hard-tac. Dried meat as well. Water. Something like Rations(21), assuming youre eating three portions a day for a week] [any questions for Aachen? things you want to do here at the barracks of Timberkeep?] Bomrek: Lets see..Oh, did our agreement explain how much we get paid, and when? Or how, even? Ken (GM): Ah, coin Aachen explains the finer points of army pay; you'll earn wages for time served, paid on the month and back-held if youre away for some time (he winks) and then they'll dole that out to you in either kings coin or goods and arms form the stocks. You'll make a living wage, and as long as you dont die, you can claim it on the regular Plus any bounties you pick up, rewards for valor served, etcetera [mechanically, assuming you impress people, theyll throw bonuses on top of a wealth(average) living wage" "Oh, and we have plunderer's rights! anything found is ours, first come, first served" Horsa: "Wait, really?" Ken (GM): So legally, you guys can plunder bodies of the enemy, assuming you guys dont piss off your superiors. Horsa: "H-ho-hokay." Horsa grins. Bomrek: "Aye, but who will we be plundering from? I don't really know of beastmen, do they have anything worth taking? Are there any brigands we may be ordered to hunt?" Bomrek wonders aloud. Ken (GM): "just dont go claiming "the keep" when we get there. That'll get shot down by any lieutenant worth his salt in a wink" Bomrek: Does Bomrek know if gambling and the like is legal here? Ken (GM): [gambling is legal, yes. again, just dont go betting anything thats owned by , say, the army or the crown] Bomrek: Bomrek smiles "Well, that all sounds fairly good. When do we leave?" Ken (GM): "As soon as youre able my good Bomrek"Aachen says with a flourished exaggerated bow [The outlander is going to make sure each of you have a horse, tack and bags of provisions to travel. He goes through the gear with you to make sure you don't hurt the horses or yourselves getting arranged.] Bomrek: I try to see if I could get a small keg of powder from the place. Ken (GM): ah okay then. so a few pounds of shot? Bomrek: Yup, though emphesis in this case on powder. Lets say... 50 rounds and the necessary wadding, but enough powder for 100 shots. Ken (GM): your gun runs about 3 GURP$ per pound of shot and lead ah, wait, and each pound is about 50 shots Stellers J.: What's the currency, btw Ken (GM): so yeah, a 2 pound block in a sturdy oak barrel Kings coin, though bartering is still practiced quite a bit. The crown mints coint in GreyHold, and its used throughout the realm. Everything is still in GURP$ bucks, but if you want an exchange rate? 1 minted coin is 10$ ingame Stellers J.: K Ken (GM): you guys are TL4, average wealth, so 2000$. That would be a sack of coins the size of a melon. "All the wealth youve seen in your life" Bomrek: That means I have 2 or 3 coins to my name, then, there abouts. Stellers J.: Accounting for my equipment, I probably have 1000$ in my name in some bank, and $50 on my person. 5 coins Make it 10 coins Ken (GM): after your purchases, yeah. not too shabby Stellers: yeah Horsa most likely keeps a bit at home in the family safe/bank if he didnt liquidate it somehow and take it with him he's not the type to wear jewellery? Stellers J.: He has a ring on his right pinky (To Stellers J.): expensively noteworthy ring? Something to have for a 'just in case' measure? Bomrek: Bomrek's looking for some Alcohol and some Gambling before leaving civilization. (To Stellers J.): ahh, cool; make sure to note a GURP$ price, and embellish me on the details, but I like ;) Bomrek: Bomrek smiles "Good." He gives a slight bow to the others, and walks out of the room and eventually into the city. Stellers J.: Eager to get away from the elf, Horsa tags along. Ken (GM): whats Bombrek and Horsa's poisons then? games of chance? skill? Dwarven ales or elven wines? Bomrek: Dwarven Ales, games of skill and chance. Some sort of poker perhaps. Ken (GM) gray elects to hone his weapons, and stay on the barracks Bomrek: He's going to try to turn his 2 coin into something a bit better. Ken (GM): very good; and Horsa? Stellers J.: I'll follow, and maybe lend a hand. Can't expect to walk away after winning a big hand if you're surrounded by 5 disgruntled strangers. Ken (GM): aha, the 'muscle' nice Stellers J.: Sword on display. Ken (GM): so, oakway stretches out before you, a city of timber and smoke, pitch and quarried stone. There's people from all over the south here, mechants hucking wares from all over, and plenty to see in all directions Bomrek: Hah, Bomrek's carrying a big musket and a pick, I'm sure he's pretty intimidating as well. Ken (GM): dwarven ale is easy to come by down in the low quarter; workers of all types frequesnt the area. Timbermen in from a long haul, farmers who've sold their wares at market, and all the real down to earth types in the city Bomrek: Sounds like the perfect place to do some drinking and some gambling. Ken (GM): You get plenty of looks from the populace; a few of the guard salute you as you pass when they see your Militia badges, as well as your weapons Bomrek: Do we see any other militia types anywhere, at all? Maybe it's not the best idea to be wearing this while we gamble. Ken (GM): That is one remarkable thing you notice immediately; you dont see many soldiers. Not patrolling, or even in groups on leave. Plenty of the town guard, but you dont meet another Militiaman off the barracks, all the way down to the Low Quarter Bomrek: "Huh. I wonder where all the other militiamen are? Shipped off to the south, maybe? There's supposed to be Beastmen encroaching there, right?" Bomrek asks Horsa. Stellers J.: "I don't know, but if we're going to gamble outside of the barracks, we can't be identified as soldiers. Nobody would want to play with us." Horsa's got his sights set on a profit. (To Stellers J.): hahah greed + overconfidence. Awesome Bomrek: Bomrek makes a noise of agreement with his tongue, a clearly dwarven gesture, and stows his badge away. "Best not to mention it then. If anyone asks, we're, er, body guards for hire on leave." he pulls out his few coins and throws them into the air, catching them in his hand, headed for the nearest bar with some gambling going on. Stellers J.: What's the roughest, shittiest bar in town? Ken (GM): heh, and with a flourish you set off for the timberfall; the worst looking bar you could find, that has loud music playing inside, this early in the night Bomrek: Uh oh, we stumbled into a TL 4 rave Stellers J.: Radical Horsa: Whoops Ken (GM): the wheezing groan of a dwarven squeeze box(accordion) and the riotous clamor of a fiddle fill the bar, as the patrons jostle and make merry. Plenty of larger types in here, each of them bearing the marksof timbermen or warehouse workers. Scars aplenty and burly chests quite a few dwarves in attendance, as well as all folk of a moody bent. The bartender serves batches of dark dwarven ale and whiskey, as well as haunches of meat and stewed veg In the darker corners of the bar, patrons play card and dice games, away from the dance floor and milling drinking crowd. The place reeks of sawdust and puke, smoke and tabacco You are asked by the man at the door to peace bond your sword and gun, but he says it with a confident smile of a man who wants no trouble out of anyone Horsa: Is he confiscating them? Ken (GM): nah; he just wants to see you two tie them down in fron tof him, in their scabbard/holster. he can provide you with a red rag if you like Bomrek: Bomrek taps Horsa on his side with the back of his hand "Loan me 3 coins, will you? I'll either pay you back now and buy you a round or two at the end of the night, or pay you back down the road later." Horsa: "If you loan me three bullets as collateral." Bomrek: Huh. How would one tie down a musket? Only thing I could think of would be... to temporarily remove the flint out of the cock, so there would be no way to produce sparks. Ken (GM): [yeah thats about it. You tie it accross the mechanism, so you'd need to obvously unwind a cord before it could be fired] Bomrek: Come to think of it, Bomrek also has a war pick tucked in a loop in his belt. No scabbards for any of this really. Horsa: I tie across the bell guard and handle to my belt. *of the sword Ken (GM): kk; bomrek can lash it to his belt with the provided red cloth. its not the most comfortable thing, but it's polite Bomrek: Bomrek does that then, and then pulls out three balls from his pack and hands them to Horsa. How much for a mug of dwarven ale, anyway? Ken (GM): "a Kings coin gets you a jug of the finest draught beer in the land son, and dinner to boot" "and as many cuips as you need to drink" Bomrek: Bomrek lets out a deep laugh at the thought of it being the finest beer, but agrees and hands over a coin. As that's being prepared, he steps up to Horsa and says "Say, are you any good at cards?" Ken (GM): right;so a bit of abstraction You two are going to be drinking and gambling, and having a good time with the crowd. If you're intending to bet and make some coin, thats a roll of Gambling from either or each of you. it represents the next few hours of give and take at the tables, and you guys making merry with the locals Any skills you want to take advantage of here? Bomrek: Gambling skill, and maybe corousing. carousing& I've never messed with GURPS gambling. How does this go, exactly? Horsa: Horsa is admittedly sort of shitty at cards. He could try cheating, but he doesn't know how Bomrek will react. Ken (GM): well, youre gambling 'against the house' with the regular players already at the tables. Theyre willing to let a "fine dwarven brother" in at the table, as well as his friend. So its a secret roll on my part. you CAN USE sleight of hand to cheat, or some other relevant skill you can think of, but that comes with the usual warnings of 'dont get caught/reprecusisons" oh, feel free to have the two discuss it youre not on the clock Bomrek: Well Bomrek isn't cheating of his own volition at the moment. It's unclear regardless what his stance would be. Ken (GM): best not to risk making enemies when you dont need to? Bomrek: Well, what I mean is, how does that work? If I pass what I assume to be a gambling quick contest, and pass by 3, what does that equate? I go in with, what, 4 coins to my name.. Would that be multiplied by some amount? Would my winnings be more randomly generated? etc. Horsa: We could try grandstanding Ken (GM): like I said, its a general roll made by me, representing a few hours of you playing against the house. Youre gonna gain the bonus for being a dwarf among dwarfs +1, as well as knowing the game (dwarven poker) +2. if you'd like to try being a good sport/party friend you can try to gain a bonus with carousing (which horsa could contribute as well, reasonably) Bomrek: Grandstanding? 10 Horsa rolls Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs: ST 10 Bomrek: I was thinking also of maybe starting up a drinking contest. Horsa: ignore that Hmm Ken (GM): and yeah, grandstanding as well! boasts and shenanigains to win favor at the table first Bomrek: Hm. Well I'll try to gain a bonus via carousing then. Any bonuses at all for this roll, or na? Ken (GM): a +1 for being a dwarf among dwarves I'd think Bomrek: That's a success, heh. Pass by... what... 5. Ken (GM): nice 7 on 12 so, thats a +1 to your gambling for the night. Any other way you wish to gain favor with the gods Bomrek: Well nothing from me yet, unless Horsa has some options there as well. Horsa: hmm Ken (GM): youve currently got a 15~ on the roll Bomrek: This raises my effective skill to uh.. +1 from being a dwarf among dwarves.. and is that another +2 from knowing the game, or do you mean to say that it's a combined +2 Ken (GM): +1 dwarf +2 dwarven poker +1 carousing the crowd Bomrek: Hm, neato. Ken (GM): so 11 +4= 15 so far Bomrek: So unless Horsa wants to try for something more, or maybe try to up his own chances, Bomrek will begin the night's gambling. Ken (GM): he could 'feed the pot' with a rol lagainst gambling, to assist Bomrek: He'll also be drinking heavily, but he can hold it very well so it shouldn't effect much of anything. Ken (GM): ah yeah, alcohol tolerance Bomrek: Best single point I've spent, I'm sure. What's the stereotype for dwarves, elves, and humans when it comes to drinking, anyway? Ken (GM): I can see that providing a +1 assuming you wiggle in the alcohol purchases through the pot, with the other participants (From Horsa): I'll be watching Bomrek. If he makes a bad roll, I'll attempt to sneak him a good card. Ken (GM): dwarves are +1 HT on average though aha, so sleight of hand then! Horsa: I'll use acting to pretend to be drunk Ken (GM): very good, that first then Horsa: Roll it? Ken (GM): please :D Horsa: SL is 12 fug Ken (GM): ooh, MOF 3 but! they seem to go along with the drawled speech and slurred movements so, sleight of hand to assist the gambling? Horsa: Sleight SL is 14, ezpz. I do it. Ken (GM): BAM Horsa: bang Ken (GM): nice As if youre invisible, you palm cards and redistribute them to the dwarf as needed during the night so theres a nice +2 to the roll as well, standing at ~17; anything else to pile on through the night? Bomrek: All this and I haven't even rolled gambling yet, hah. Here's hoping for a crit success. Na, I think my luck is sufficiently buffed. Rollin' pass by 7 then, neato. Ken (GM): nice Horsa: Great Ken (GM): so, you guys play subtle, drawing them out over the evening with drinks and dwarven comraderie. By the end of the night, youve palmed enough aces of spades to thouroughly draw out and trounce player after player. You make no enemies over the course of the evening, but not many friends either. In a few short hours, youve cleaned out 26 pieces of gold, and a bottle of fine whiskey loaned to a ptron from the bartender! a patron* Bomrek: The only card I need' Ken (GM): and! you didnt get caught cheating :) Horsa: A cheat? Me? Never. Bomrek: Are gold pieces the standard coins? I was imagining they were silver before. Ken (GM): well, theyre the 10 GURP$ coin, so thats roughly 300$~ of coin and alcohol there Bomrek: Ah. What approximate time is it? Ken (GM): late evening. Most regulars gone for the night. Drunks and stragglers left. Now would be a good time to drink a bunch of water, roll HT vs drunkeness(and hangover) and go sleep it off so a roll vs +2 for the dwarf for the night of rowdyness. and an unmodified roll from the actor Bomrek: Hm. Do I actually roll drunkenness, considering my alcohol tolerance? The wording on it's listing isn't super clear. Ken (GM): this would be the binging i'd think; plying a table with alcohol for some hours on top of casual drinking. you wont have as bad an effect, thats for sure. Only something bad on a crit fail, I'd say dont drop 17+, really Bomrek: Mmm, right'o That's a success. Ken (GM): boom; it's coming out of your skin, but hey, thats tuesday night for ya. and Horsa? Horsa: I didn't drink much, but I did have some wine. I think I'm okay Ken (GM): nice; you'd better drink water, but nothing worse than a short headache tomorrow Bomrek: Right then. I think I borrowed three pieces of gold from Horsa, leaving me with 23 gold pieces for the night's take. Neat. Ken (GM): hehehe; he did help a bit Horsa: Hey now Bomrek, you don't think those aces were all riding with luck, right? Bomrek: I'll have to throw a couple more his way at least considerin' that. Heh. Any stores or anything like that open this late? Smithies maybe? Ken (GM): (man, I missed the solid chuckle from PC shenanigains. You teo make me laugh) whatcha lookin for? its pretty unlikely but I can roll for it you two private message arguing over coin there? :D Bomrek: Hah, no, distracted by a pal of mine. We're talking about dressing like the blues brothers, with me bein' Jake and him bein' Elwood. Ken (GM): heh Horsa: 5. Just five. Bomrek: Anyway uh, any place that sells weaponry, or can make weaponry to order, I suppose. Also any sort of general goods store if there is one. Ken (GM): general goods Bomrek: Also what's the lore appropriate way to refer to the human race? Human? Landsmen? Man? I feel like saying human might be off. Ken (GM): so nope and the smithy nope; people are pretty much regular - sleepin like smiths are keeping the noise down till morning Horsa: I don't think anything you order would be ready the next morning Ken (GM): landsmen is the term for "a man who owns any land or does services within the kingdom of GreyHold" human or man would be pretty common for human/dwarf interaction. it snot rude, just accurate (unless youre touchy about it) Bomrek: Yeah, agreed. I'd be more interested in finding something silver-tipped. Horsa: Ohoo Ken (GM): Sir is a common complementary title between the polite Bomrek: I wonder how that whole silver thing works, with beastmen. Like, if I had the knife edge be steel, but the other parts of the blade be silver, would that count I wonder? Ken (GM): and 'Master', like how the Marshall was using, assumes a title not specified, to be deferential. Horsa: General knowledge, would gloves lined with silver help against beastmen? Ken (GM): Silvering a blade involves edging it or plating it; one is just more permanent over multiple sharpenings. both would cut something vulnerable to it reasonably, anything vulnerable to silver would require a large striking surface. Gloves studded with silver, or laced with silver plates would work. not ALL beastmen are alike though; its a general term for the denizens of the wasted kingdom Gray is what you'd call, a unique case Bomrek: Hm. I wonder if I could take some of my bullets - remind me to get those back from Horsa - and coat or stud it with silver. Ken (GM): he's a descendant of the beastmen, sure, but hes more man than animal. The kingdom calls them 'the forsaken' and they tend to live in self-exile out on the fringes of the world. People are assholes, and theyre targets Bomrek: Oh? Well those beastmen types that regenerate, they're all vulnerable to silver, right? Ken (GM): yeah, typically its silver or fire for the weird ones. People believe theres a devilish influence there "cursed folk, what withholy metal burning them so" BUT I digress; we should wrap up for the day. i got a dog to walk and a bathroom to clean before the missus gets home. so thats like, 5 hours of play today. Take 5 points each. ill toss three to Joush/Gray and followup there look slike he sent me an email saying work calle dhim abruptly, so yeah, nothing untoward Either of you want to spend those points right away? or bank them for later? (you can bank them, save up for stuff. I also allow buying off crit failures with 2 points, and buying up a fail to a match success with 1 point, and buying a success to a roll of 3 with 2 points, i fyou guys want to do so) Horsa: Alright cool I'm going to spend my points in some skills Bomrek: Hm, I might spend them right away. I've got some general lore questions that I need to remember. Are you going to be on for very long right now, or on later? I suppose I could just email them to you, but I find live communication is better for lore questions. Horsa: Put 4 points into acting, bumping it to SL 13 Should I email you updated PDFs? Ken (GM): I agree, live is better, but I got some stuff to do ATM. Email me whatever comes to mind, and Ill get on later as well if I can. nothing for horsemanship Horsa? it MIGHT come up Bomrek: Is Horsa supposed to be a relatively wealthy actor / actor who's in a richish family? Horsa: fine, 1 point in riding Bomrek: Because never having needed to ride a horse would actually kind of fit, kinda. Horsa: ooh, 13 SL in horses now. god bless high dex Ken (GM): hah, the pampered osn son* Horsa: Looks like I rode a lot of ponies Ken (GM): hahah Bomrek: Bomrek has a very low amount of horse riding training, only 1 point. Never came up much, being a musketman. Stellers J.: I can't imagine dwarves are very good at riding horseback lol Ken (GM): kay, so thats 4 in acting and 1 in horses for horsa; ill just update my sheet here/make my own notes, no need for a new pdf right away Bomrek: Anyway, are you not going to be on later to possibly talk in this chat about the lore, Ken? If not, I'll just email the questions to'ya later. Stellers J.: k Ken (GM): they prefer clidesdales and heavily armored knights they picked it up from humans though; not super refined practices yet, im sure Bomrek: Man, we need to hustle more card games, I need about.... 400 more gold pieces to buy my plate mail. Ken (GM): yeah, nah, i gotta run. email me whatcha got right away Stellers J.: Bye, was a fun session Ken (GM): and Ill send out a mass Gmail too;summary, after action, fill in the other guy a bit ;) Bomrek: Yeah, fun, Adios Oh dang, wait, Ken (GM): ? Bomrek: when's next session likely going to be? I don't know about anybody else, but any day of the week is just as good as monday for me right now. So if anyone wanted to kick a game around wednessday or thursday or somethin', that'd work quite nicely for me. Ken (GM): ah yeah, good point. i will bring that up in the email. Wednesday good for stellers? Bomrek: Also Stellers, stay on after your business is done if you can, I want to talk a lil' shop Ken (GM): CONSPIRIININGNGNGN Bomrek: I'd also mention that tuesday is even good for me, I just don't want to be too pushy. Huh. How do you even PM in this thing. Stellers J.: you go /w [Name] Bomrek: Sorry, distracted by a pal of mine in TS Like uh, what have you played before this? Mostly GURPS? that sorta' thing. I talked tot hat student guy who couldn't play, he's only been PnP gaming since last spring, apparently. Real new guy, relatively speaking. Stellers J.: Hm. Well this is my first GURPS but I've played TTRPG since maybe three years ago, off and on Bomrek: Ah. I've been playing GURPS since about.. 2006 or 7. MAYBE 8, but probably about 7. First PnP game was GURPS. Been a forever GM for about 7 or 8 years now. Stellers J.: Gurps is pretty cool. I really dig the character creation. I haven't ever had the pleasure of finishing a campaign though. They either fall through or end in disaster. --Through no fault of my own that is Bomrek: Huh... You know, come to think of it, I'm not sure that I have either. THat's mostly because my campaigns are intended to be very long affairs, and I generally run them, well, fun, to where the players don't mind continuing. Last game I ran was a fallout game, had to stop because of a new job cutting into scheduling hard. That was mostly the story of all the games I've done, having to end due to outside circumstances. Stellers J.: Fallout Gurps? Bomrek: Mmhm- Oh do you mean a system? Well, it was a fallout setting ran in the GURPS system, at any rate. Set in the north east US... can't remember the exact state now, and all of my pretty extensive notes have been lost to a harddrive failure. Stellers J.: That's a shame Bomrek: All of my players loved it though. Diehard fallout fans who said the setting was meshed very well, made sense in the universe, etc. One of them is trying to get me to reboot it Stellers J.: Most of the games I've played were Fallout PnP Bomrek: and I might, though there are timing issues there. He's going off to military conscription around the time that I may find time to do it. Oh yeah? Stellers J.: It's a system that tries to recreate the games 1:1. It's sort of terrible But it was fun nonetheless Bomrek: What inspired me to make that fallout game was a completely and totally shit game ran by a shit GM, in some hack-job of the fallout pnp system. I disliked it strongly. It's where my avatar here on Roll20 came from, actually. As you can see it's a securitron in jewish garb. Players were great, the GM was just pure trash. Stellers J.: I have a good feeling about this game. The pacing was a little slow, but it'll pick up. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of character did you build? All I picked up was that he's a gun-wielding Dwarf who's good at gambling and loves to drink. Bomrek: Yeah, I like this game so far. Going into it I wasn't sure at all because there was very limited information on the posting and stuff, and the GM was off for two or three days away from home and didn't really get back to me meaningfully. I've been in slower games, this one was p. decent. A tiny bit slow at some points, but very very acceptable. Sorry for my slowness, my nigga and I are discussing things in TS and I can't split my attention between text and voice properly. Stellers J.: 'Scool The game certainly is at a more bearable pace when there's at least 3 PCs though. Bomrek: Well, originally I intended him to be like... a very very heavily armored guy, with a very high damaging weapon to take out other armored guys. Using a musket for that, as well as a bayonet on the musket , and a war pick for penetrating that thick armor. So slow-ish, but heavily armored, armed, and with great strength. Unfortunately I couldn't afford the 4,000 dollar plate armor, JUST for the chest, so now Bomrek is less armored by far. But uh, he's a very good shooter, a very good spear user, has a little judo but relies more on wrestling for breaking armored opponent's limbs, etc. I'm hoping the armor will be enough. What's your guy, 'sactly? Stellers J.: He mixes both fencing and judo at the same time for what I think will be some pretty entertaining combat. He might have a little trouble with armored people but time will tell. Beyond that he's an actor who knows a few roguish abilities like sleight of hand, stealth, etc. Bomrek: Oh, also Bomrek's got plate-and-mail armor for his chest and helmet. It's basically chain mail with a bunch of metal plates. Not actually THAT good, but decent. Then he's just got some chain mail on his neck and arms. I feel like I should get a visual representation of that somehow. Mmm. What's his, er, weapon score? Skill level dealy' Stellers J.: 14 for Rapier, 13 for Judo Bomrek: Mmm. Any techniques learned? Stellers J.: Not too many. I plan to bump them up based on which ones I find more useful Bomrek: I hope we can play wednessday. I don't know about most people, but I'm really into PnP like this. Pardon my 4chan lingo, but I've got autism over PnP fam. Feels like something I wouldn't mind playing daily if I could, in general. Stellers J.: Hah. Bomrek: I've got a hell of a lot of GURPS experience, but all of my GMing has been done for modern campaigns, and almost the same for the games I've played. Never really learned melee rules to any meaningful depth. Stellers J.: Well, I'll be improving a bunch. I'm on a cinematic kick right now. Bomrek: Oh? Stellers J.: Yeah. Mixing sword and judo. I think there's lots of potential. Anyways thanks for the chat, but I got to skedaddle. Hope to see you next session. And some of the other guys.. Bomrek: Right. Adios'. Stellers J.: Cya Ken (GM): hey adolph; you alive? I smell of mr.clean and wet dog, but am otherwise available for brain-picking if required Bomrek: Oh, hey. I forgot that I left this open, good thing I did I guess. Well hey, I've got some questions about the map, the uh... how to put this. The more "colorful" map, to the right. These red lines, what do they represent? Also it looks like a few of them are going off the map to the south. What's down there? Also, to the east of Anhaern, there's a space of orange ish stuff with the red lines going through. What exactly is that area and why is it so visually different? Also at.. Gorgoth, there's what look to be volcano symbols. Do those actually indicate that? Ken (GM): Ah, okay, so the second hexmap was built as a kind of overland travel map, to more specifically help with eyeballing things. I just wanted to include it to have measurable distances included. the major red borders are political. It seperates the human Kingdom of GreyHold and the merchant collective of Bandobras from the neighboring Elven and Dwarven lands So, the Dwarves own the SouthWestern corner, from their Karak keeps they hold sway on the mountain and the foothills there. Furhter south is the edge of the Elven Kingdom of Anhaern; the forested ridge on their border marks the last places they will tolerate human settlement. Bomrek: Does this imply that the area that isn't circled there is human territory? All the way to the north east, that swath going down to the south west, etc? Ken (GM): yeah, essentially the core of the map is entirely the Human Kingdom and it's holdings, including Bandobras. Really I should clean the map a touch, make more delineated borders with another color maybe Bomrek: Also what would Bomrek know about these other areas, assuming that he only ventured around with his military posting, and maybe up near perryweather. Ken (GM): Down in the Southeast is the forbidden kingdom of Gorgoth. GreyHold marks the border along the burnt out lands that border the steppe. The Outlanders patrol there, and shoot trespassing beastmen on sight Bomrek: Also, can you tell me more about Bandobras? Ken (GM): Well, Bomrek would have been a well travelled patrolmen to have ended up retiring as a mercenary. The dwarves and men both patrol the highways crossing into each other's kingdoms, as there are plenty of thorps and villages along the way, as well as farmers and traders through there. Yo'll have likely been a patrolman between Perryeather and the keeps Karak-Uninbar, or Karak-Kragg. Down south between the Gate of Groldor and Anhaern is mostly kept by the Elven Watch. Bomrek: Hmm. Just how plentiful are we talking about? Say that he starts at the gate of groldor, goes over to karak-poldark, then up to perryweather, how many roadside villages is he likely to actually encounter that aren't mapped? 2? 10? 20? Ken (GM): bandobras is a merchant collective; it's full of rich farmland, vinyards, orchards and exotic trees. So when the local landowners got sufficiently rich, they successfully petitioned the King to rule their lands more directly as a collective of landowners. Bomrek: Also can you tell me about Karak-Groldor. Is that only accessible from the gate of groldor, or could you easily get to it from the main road to the west of it? Ken (GM): Along the highway, theres probably a small collection of farms and homes totalling ten people for about 40miles. They live safely direct close to the highways there. Outwards from there, anywhere you see a symbol for a ranch(cow or horse), mill, or major farm (wheat or fruit) theres a major settlement or collection of farms/homes, closer to 100 poeple in the area. the bigger places are named, those represent major towns or settlments baoe like, 500 people Karak-Groldor is the seat of the dwarven people; the highway from the Gate of Groldor is the main accessway, and is a wide clear paved highway the length of the two locations. beyond that, there are cart paths through small valleys to the north and west, but they are narrow and treacherous. The dwarves once did have access to byways through the underdark, which reached each of the main Karak-Keeps, but those ways were lost in the Great War. The battle of Horns marked the end of an era for the dwarves, when they were a much more powerful empire. Bomrek: Neat. What's Karak-Groldor like? Ken (GM): Awesome and beautiful , in the oldest sense of the world; The king was once an Emperor of many houses of dwarf, and his throne is carved in a massive cavern of natural crystal stone. It was once an ancient volcano, long since dormant, and now is a carved jewel in the heart of the mountain. The entire city hangs from cliffside and clutches to the mountain walls, in caverns below the surface. Most denizens are older, more wary of men, and more likely to shun progress or change. They worship the great ancestors, they craft great works, but it is a place frozen in time, resistant to come to the surface and interact with the world. You'll find the oldest surviving buildings and artifacts of the old empire there. The hall of elders, which is a massive ossuary and burial ground for the fallen. Entire generations and lieages lay there. Bomrek: What powers it's economy? What does it make? How technologically advanced are dwarves exactly? Would you say that Karak-Groldor is the seat of industry among the dwarven lands? Where is the high tech stuff developed? What's Dwarven artillery like? Ken (GM): Well, the dwarves have used blasting powder for years; they are well earned alchemists and chemists. Theyre mostly a craftperson economy though; skille dartisans produce goods 9metalwork, stonecuttings, carvings) and they apprentice slowly and to a mstrey of the art. They are not focused on making much and trading it away. Rather they work towards perfection of a craft, and stubborn dilligence on that end. When they trade, it is mostly for living consumables; cloth from the surface, various foodstuffs. They farm a sustinence on subterranean fungi and large insect species, but human fruit and grain are incredible by comparison. They have a monopoly on valuable mineral wealth, and aside form the Finnbar mine out East, the dwarves own the lions share of iron ore and gold on the map Bomrek: Hearing this makes me want to put a point or so into making my musket an artisan craft, engravings and what not maybe, etc. Ken (GM): Military-wise, they prize excellence over numbers; quality over quantity. A knight clad in full plate and a fine greataxe is worth twenty lightly armored dwarves in poor weapons and armor Well, it would be obvious to have a crafting hobby, carving or etching maybe. Fine tooling on any surface you could practice on. Etchings on everything you own. The dwarves believe in a big well aimed gun being more useful than many small ones, so they tend to field large artillery pieces and elite shock troops more than mass pike and volley shot. There hasnt been call to war since the last age though, so they have at least considered the human tradition a bit since then. Humans gained access to their alchemy at the fall of the empire too; some curse treachery, some celebrate an echange of ideas. But what it comes down to is humans refining the idea of guns to the point where they have begun arming a unit of musketmen alongside an entourage of protective pike phalanx. Volleyshot on top of armored masses could be a formidable force against the beastmen in the coming altercations (goddamn, I sound longwinded and over-wordy) Bomrek: Hm? Not at all. You said Bomrek would likely have been a patrolman? Is his choice of musket and what not suitable for that? What would he have been armed with? How about armor? His light chain and plate, or something heavier? Ken (GM): yeah, if he ended up being out in the world and exposed to humanity? Bomrek: Also, what I meant was, put a point in my musket to have had it be very well made and what not. Also I'm half-thinking that maybe the musket is all Bomrek directly has in terms of armament from his days in the dwarven military, and that his armor is just what he could afford himself. Ken (GM): Bomrek is definitely armed and armored typically; a high quality weapon hes personally very capable of using. As well, youre not wearing a cheap quality piece of anything. youve intelligently put plate on top of your best areas (torso and face) in lieu of total armor Bomrek: Yeah, that certainly makes sense. I was thinking that maybe his parents or perhaps much older siblings were traders, and went up to perryweather on occasion, which prompted Bomrek to learn the language, perhaps with said parent or sibling helping him along with it and making it possible. Ken (GM): Oh, also is the Buccaner Fusil in Lowtech? Bomrek: So, patrolman, sees perryweather even more, probably associates with humans a good amount in that. Mmhmm. It's a uh.. Fusil Ordinier, or something along those lines, just made for maritime use apparently. Very long, big, and heavy though. Quite nice. Ken (GM): yeah, i assumed; ironically the only book i have no ecopy of is Low tech, and my hardcopy is missing in my house somewhere :P i noticed on your sheet you missed a damage value for jabbing people with the pointy end of your gun Bomrek: Jesus, looking into it now, the overall lengths of these things are HUGE Which I'm more than happy about but wasn't sure if the real life version actually matched my dwarfy version. Ken (GM): yeah its the exact gun i picture dwarves getting armed with; overkill bore width and enough heft to crack bone and mount blades Bomrek: Hm- Oh, yeah I wasn't sure how to properly put that in the system and I was too tired to bother at the time. It's the same stats as a spear, at that point. Ken (GM): lol cool, so a two handed spearthrust, thats thrust +2 Imp, and reach 1 Bomrek: Jesus.. imagining the length of that gun overall in person. Ken (GM): yeah its like a mois tnugget with an extra two feet onthe end and extra inch in girth the long dick of firepower I'd imagine skewering something on the bayonet, and getting it stuck, then unloading both barrels would be fun Bomrek: Man, I just spent about 5 minutes looking for a tape measure to get an actual physical impression of how big that thing was. Can't find the thing. Oh speaking of both barrels, I was thinking there'd be two triggers, it's about what they would do in that time period if they had a double barrel configuration, What do you think of me buying a cheap-ish technique to fire both barrels at once, basically putting two rounds on target before recoil took effect? I've got a few ways to deal with this, mechanically, rollin' around in my head. Ken (GM): yeah, its definitely one wide handle with two actions. (matchlock? flintlock? springlock?) I'm pretty sure I saw a blurb on hamfisting it and dropping both barrels at once. lemme check the hightech/etc. books on that. I'm sure it would be a simple -2 or so to-hit penalty to the awkwarness of the trigger, and easily you could technique off the penalties, Bomrek: Flintlock. Ken (GM): the second you said double barrel I thought of the time I fired 12G browning and nearly broke my shoulder Bomrek: 12 gauge browning? Modern one, I take it? Not familiar with browning shotguns aside from the A-5. Auto-5 rather. The A-5 is their modern reproduction, which burns my ass personally. 1,600 MSRP, with really ugly looking crap engraved on the side, and without the original guns' aesthetics. Ken (GM): oh man, my buddy has an old school auto 5; big damn heavy thing and the slide will take your thumb off I love it set fire to a target mag dumping it i was giggling and the rangemaster was swearing Bomrek: Oh, that is fucking nice. I want one of those really bad, but I also kind of don't, Ken (GM): it is so heavy Bomrek: because I autistically value shit that's old, and wouldn't want to even scratch it. Ken (GM): it is so useless but so fun Bomrek: Eh, google tells me that thing's about 9 pounds or so. That's not so bad, my mossberg 500 is about 7 pounds or so. That's with the poylmer furniture on it too, no wood unfortunately. Ken (GM): yeah, full length browning auto five. I think it had oak on the stock. so nice Bomrek: That's great. I wish they made straight reproductions of those, I'd buy one up in a heartbeat. Ken (GM): I mean, friggin oak furniture. And he bought it in rural BC its so pretty Bomrek: Mmmm. I've got my eye on a Colt model 3 Dragoon reproduction at the moment, black powder revolver, 7 inch barrel thing weighs about a million pounds. The great thing about is I don't have to pay the goddamn mafia-tier extortion that is California government fees, to buy it. Since it's a black powder firearm I can just buy it and get it shipped to my door, no problems. Ken (GM): whoa, good lord cowboy, thats a pretty gun Bomrek: Isn't it just? Beautiful thing, that. I've got a Ruger GP-100, six inch barrel, blued finish. Ken (GM): it'd need filigrie, with all that real estate up the sides Bomrek: Weighs about 4-ish pounds, heaviest handgun I've ever touched. The Dragoon will probably dwarf it. Ken (GM): yeah; big solid slabs of metal in that Bomrek: The thing is, I haven't even fired it yet, and there's finish damage. Poor finish from the factory. Ruger said they'll fix it for free, and I'm going to take them up on it, but it'll take a month or two to get it back. Frustrating since I've never even shot the damn thing. Ken (GM): aw man thats horrible. badly appleid finish? or did they just drag it accross the floor before boxing it up? Bomrek: Hah, no. It's in a place that's sort of on the inside of the frame near where the cylinder locks up Fucking shame, but uh, apparently when they get these things in for rebluing, they make extra sure that it turns out perfect So I have faith in it's quality when it gets back to me. Ken (GM): ah well, good customer service will make up for shitty manufacturing/finishing Bomrek: One fucking frustrating thing is that I'll probably end up paying 50 dollars to get the gun back, because they can't legally ship it to my door, so it has to go through a gun shop legally, and the gun shops around here charge 50 bucks minimum for that shit because this is California and htey know they can squeeze it out of us. It's like the minute anything firearms related steps over that border, there's a 20 percent markup. Ken (GM): ah fuck man, /k/ would be laughing at your situation so hard californistan Bomrek: Anyway, how would you want to handle figuring if both shots hit? If this were a modern firearm I'd say that if I pass the to hit roll by 1, then it'd hit, but since this is black powder round ball... Idunno for sure. Mmmhm. Cali's pretty shit. I'm intending on moving to uh, Missouri the middle of the year. And buying myself a sweet ass VEPR in 54r. For about 800 or so. Ken (GM): well, im looking up rulings. Nothing officially I can find (but I could have swore...) anyhow, the SJGames forum points out timing triggerpull that isnt mechanically interlocked would be pretty damn hard, and logically, you'd end up with one skill roll and a RoF 2 gun, with a stupid high recoil value of say 6. Bomrek: Eh. I'm trying to imagine how this would go, myself.. and it doesn't /seem/ like it'd be that hard to time it right. Ken (GM): so if anything, I'm leanin gon ruling it as "you treat the weapon as having a Rate of Fire of 2, but recoil is increased for the shot. " Bomrek: You mentioned a -2 to do it, and buying that off with technique, I'd say that certainly fits. Ken (GM): yeah. the timing thing comes down to this being a medieval piece of tooling, with comparably imperfect powder loads burning at a close enough rate to fire two arguably imperfect pieces of shot at a target. but you know what fuckit this is a fun game, not a stupid REALISTIC ame lets lean on the optimistic side of things threat it as skill -2, and you can technique that away. Rof 2 and Rcl 4. Bam. Bomrek: Eh. I'm into black powder from the arm chair perspective, having not delt with it yet by hand, but I doubt the loads would burn at meaningfully different speeds if loaded correctly. Ken (GM): I forget, are you the one with 6 month GURPS experience or 6 years? Bomrek: Oh, I made Bomrek have uh, paper cartridges with powder, ball, and wad Makes reloading super fast, AND accurate even under duress. Well, accurate powder measurement, that is. Hah, 10 year GURPS experience. Ken (GM): (nice) what TL is the gun you chose? Bomrek: Minus this game and another game, I've been a forever GM for 7 years or so. GURPS for longer than that in general. What TL? 4 Figured TL 5 would be uh, wassa word, unfitting, at any rate. Ken (GM): k; im just re-downloading lowtech here Bomrek: Anyway I don't think I was following what you were saying before - it's getting a little late in my sleep schedule right now, actually - What do you mean by rof 2 and recoil 4? Ken (GM): oh usually your gun is single shot pull trigger, get bullet Bomrek: Also, as somebody who understands the physics of firearms quite well, I'm surprised I missed this earlier, but firing a single shot per shooting attempt with this gun, it oughta have about half the recoil that I ended up listing. Ken (GM): but you firing both hammers? thats rate of fire 2; one pull, two bullet so when you do multiple shots per pull it looks at recoil to see if the second shot hit so you pull once and roll skill verses musket Bomrek: Mmm... Ken (GM): if you succeed, and beat by more than recoil, both shots hit Bomrek: I'd argue that it should be recoil 1 or 2, assuming that Bomrek pulled the technique off and really did fire both at once. ...I'm pretty sure.. Hm. Like 90 percent sure. Man being tired sucks. Ken (GM): ah, heres a compromise the technique reduces the recoil buying it down from 4 Bomrek: I'm remembering uh, dealing with some weapons in a recent game that fired so fast that they fired multiple rounds before the gun actually experienced recoil Very neato high tech, developed in the 80's and 90's if I recall. Ken (GM): oh right, thompson submachineguns Bomrek: Hah, no, I'm talking uh XM18's those uh.. ACR weapons, als- wait is it the ACR... XM-18, at least. Ken (GM): High-Cyclic Controlled Bursts Some guns with very high rates of fire (25-35 shots per second) can fire short bursts so quickly that the bullets exit the barrel before recoil and muzzle climb affect the shooter. This is called a Ken (GM): “high-cyclic controlled burst.” Such weapons have a number sign (#) after RoF. Guns firing high-cyclic controlled bursts are subject to Limited Bursts (above). In addition, they can’t use Suppression Fire (p. B409). However, shots fired in controlled-burst mode have effective Rcl 1. If the gun has selective fire, then in addition to firing at Ken (GM): its controlled-burst RoF, it might be able to switch to its normal RoF and/or semiautomatic fire at RoF 3. Details appear in individual weapon descriptions dur! thats what I was looking for you just have selective fire 2# hahaha Ken (GM): I'm a friggin derp thats on high tech 83 Bomrek: Mmm.. Man, lotta options here running through my head, on this problem. That reminds me, what's the deal with Gray? In game terms, what was that insta healin'? Ken (GM): and I'm just making a GM's ruling here that your Dwarven Fusil Musket has a special Dual action trigger that can perform a selective fire double shot, at RCL 1 ah gray has regeneration. Bomrek: Oh. That would actually be smart. Why didn't I think of that. Ken (GM): Slow enough that its an out of combat thing, but high enough you guys watched it happen in real time he was real keen on playing a beastman the second I mentioned them Bomrek: Wait... No, no I remember why I didn't think of it now. Hm. There needs to be two triggers, one for each barrel.. So maybe a third trigger? But damn that's a lot of triggers. Oh yeah? Mm. Neat. I love dwarves. First GURPS character I ever made was a Dwarf. I knew I was going to play one the minute I heard this game had'm. Ken (GM): nice well! I've gotta jump onto making dinner here Im gonn write up an AAR email as well, send it off back to you three. Bomrek: Alright, I've still got more questions, so if you find yourself with excess time, hop back in. AAR email? Ken (GM): Ill see about ccing the two who couldnt make it After action report Bomrek: Ayy, can I use a point to say that my gun was high quality, or whatever the thing for that was. Ken (GM): but yeah man, dwarves have masterd the art of THREE TRIGERRRS weapon bond Bomrek: That might be it. Man I'm tired. Fair warning: If you do come back in here later on tonight, I might just be asleep. Ken (GM): or otherwise signature gear? and then use that to buy a great quality musket? anyways, go sleep Bomrek: yeah, that maybe. Mr. Smith: Hey Adolf, what's up with you? Bomrek: Hey. Trying to find a palce to torrent an ebook that I've been wanting to read, before I go to bed. Game took place today, was pretty fun. Mr. Smith: Uhhhh Is Bomrek you adolf ? ah, it is indeed Bomrek: Oh, woops, yes. Mr. Smith: k Adolf S.: Forgot that was set. Mr. Smith: all good was the game mostly by text? Adolf S.: Entirely by text. Mr. Smith: good I can just read the chat log then What was mentioned about my character btw? Adolf S.: Uh... I'm not sure if anything was, aside from something about you guys working hard on it, or being excited to make it, or something like that. Mr. Smith: k Was I acknowledged as being present or will I make my entrance whenever? btw Adolf I can't type for shit I'm heavily dyslexic Adolf S.: Hm? Bein pre- Oh, no, you weren't in the setting to my knowledge. Mr. Smith: the only reason I'm legible right now is spell check which slows me down a good deal Adolf S.: The GM intends to bring you in later I believe. Oh, damn. Mr. Smith: The only reason I'm typing right now is becouse you're doing it as well and it's archive so the GM can just look over our conversation when he get's around to it. Adolf S.: Okay, well I'm going to head off and go to bed. Goodnight Smith. Mr. Smith: kk night (To GM) Mr. Smith: (To GM) Mr. Smith: (To GM) Mr. Smith: (To GM) Mr. Smith: (To GM) Mr. Smith: (To GM) Mr. Smith: (From Mr. Smith): Sleep Mr. Smith: (To GM) (From Mr. Smith): Command Word: Sleep Mr. Smith: (To GM) (From Mr. Smith): Minor Healing (Slow) Mr. Smith: (To GM) (From Mr. Smith): Suggest Mr. Smith: (To GM) (From Mr. Smith): Command Word: Sleep Mr. Smith: (To GM) (From Mr. Smith): I cast Command Word: Sleep Mr. Smith: (To GM) (From Mr. Smith): I cast Lesser Mend-Wounds (Slow) Mr. Smith: (To GM) (From Mr. Smith): I cast Suggest Mr. Smith: (To GM) (From Mr. Smith): I cast Strength! Ken (GM): moooo Adolf S.: Oh, Hello Ken. Ken (GM): what chu doin up so early? Adolf S.: Mmm, my blood is used to night shift work. Basically been on night shift for uh.. 6 months now. Ken (GM): ah acclimation is rough I am a father of a toddler; I do not sleep past 5:30 any longer Adolf S.: So, what did you want to do regardin' the .. I suppose home brew rules for firing both barrels at once? I've got a few theories on how to do that now that I'm cogent. Hah. Ken (GM): Well, I like the idea of using thelist recoil value and increasing rof to 2. Using a atechnique to cu tthat in half with some points what else you got Adolf S.: Well. I was thinking that it'd be some sort of roll based on guns skill with a penalty, -2, -3 maybe, that could be countered via a technique, to determine whether the user pulled the triggers (Assuming we're going with two triggers and not a single trigger releasing both cocks (Musket and black powder terms = consistantly funny and or awkward, across the board)) at the same time / at appropriate times knowing the gun's quirks I suppose. If that passed, then it would be a standard to-hit roll. If that didn't pass, it'd be a RoF 2 attack, with a slightly lessened recoil score. Ken (GM): ah I see Adolf S.: Man that took a while to type. I was distracted like 6 times within that. Ken (GM): that adds a bit of a complication to the steps, btu I like the logic there Adolf S.: Mmm. ALso I was thinking that based on just how much you failed the uh.. two-trigger-roll, it would determine how much recoil the second shot would experience. now THAT adds some cpmplexity there, so it's a liiitttle iffy. Ken (GM): man, you like penalizing yourself a bit haha Adolf S.: Hah, I'm a fan of realism. Damn the consequences, I need my simulationism, heh. Ken (GM): Well, lets do this to compromise: -Taking a double-trigger shot is a -2 penalty on the attack roll. (A technique can be bought up to buy this off, cannot exceed underlying skill) -The shot fires both barrels near simultaneously, for ROF 2, and Recoil 4 -The recoil value can be reduced with technique training as well, down to a maximum of 1/2 underlying recoil. that follows most of the hard gunfu techniques (like targeted attacks and such) so I'm pretty confident we're Haram and youre getting two things to spend points on! Ken (GM): c'est bon? Adolf S.: Hmm... So the "second" shot still counts as RoF 2, though? I think I may be accepting of this, yeah. Ken (GM): woot; we have a ruling oh! I got ahold of Mr.Smith. He was kinda bummed but he's bowing out. Ive pulled him from the active roster Adolf S.: Ah. Ken (GM): he was so excited to join; I cant believe he misread the play date Adolf S.: Yeah he and I were speaking, turns out he's got uh.. if I recall, 'really bad' dyslexia, so a text game would be a huge difficulty for him. Ken (GM): It was like kicking a puppy man ._. yeah he's an odd duck. You should hear him in chat Adolf S.: Oh? Howso? Ken (GM): he's either far too caffinated, or the most excitable person online, to date just...a stream of words constantly Adolf S.: Hah. I could get like that I imagine - and hell, have I not yet? - when it's something I'm interested in. Much more fun to focus intently on the matter and start comin' up with ideas. Ken (GM): yeah he was just so bent on joining up and making this half elf and he was a wizard and OH could he have sorcerey and WORDSWORDSWORDS It was like...building a PC with myself from like, 15 years ago Adolf S.: Speaking of which, could you help me understand magic better a bit? And by that I mean, just how common is it? Has Bomrek realistically seen it before? Would every little farming village we pass have a magic user or two? Or is it so rare that it would be like.. I dunno... Seeing a presidential motorcade? heh. Ken (GM): Actually thats not a bad analogy It's common knowledge that magic DID exist, at least as recently as the Battle of Horns and the felling of the great warlock King etc. etc. And the King of GreyHold holds his position as the Bearer of the Grey Sword; its a powerful and terrifying artifact, a tool of Justice and Law And all the Kings of each race boast having Oracles and Sorcerers at their retinue; advisors and so forth and there are a few wiazrds of some repute who live out in the land, in secluded groves and towers and whatnot. They interact a bit locally, but keep a low profile on the whole so, you won't have "Jerry the wizard" in town, sitting in star-robes and a pointed hat, down at the bar on sunday nights. Ken (GM): But Magic is real, and its OUT THERE, and people wisely fear it and respect it but a lot of it comes form personal experience Adolf S.: hm. Was there any magica presence in the military that Bomrek saw? Also, can you explain again Bomrek's exact position in the military? A mix of border guard and highway patrolman? Ken (GM): So, for the dwarves, they have rune-smiths: great ancient wizards who have studied the lines of power in the world, and they can carve out petitions to the earth, to ask for small miracles. You would have likely met at least one in your life, as they rank highly in the offices of the 'church". Reverence of the forefathers includes a reverence of the Earth that dwarves sprang from as well. The dwarven military is split roughly into two major sections; Home guard (which is localized for each Karak) who functions as a defensive military power, and day to day operates on keeping the peace. They answer to local elders in the Karak And then there is the Land guard, or Outer guard (your branch) which patrols the territory, puts down dissent and rebellion, and deals with banditry, wandering beasts, etc. They answer to the King and his council of Elders. Adolf S.: Neat. Is the gate of groldor a defensive structure, or actual settlement? Also how long does it take to get from there to Karak-groldor? Ken (GM): a mix of both It was once a purely defensive structure, built from the nearby mountain pass, stretching as a mighty gate accross the valley. Over time, the town itself sprang up amongst the foundations. The gates sit open and have since the coming of peace, and have not moves in two hundred years. No-one alive has seen them closed and as for travel time theres 9 hexes from the two highway along the length, so assuming you stick to that, its a 0.5 modifer the length of it.so 36 hours travel at a walking pace. 4 days on foot Ken (GM): (I gotta spruce up my map Ill probably do that today Adolf S.: Damn, hitting back space foiled me once again. Anyway uh, how much of this information are you making up as I ask, and how much is pre-made so to speak. Ken (GM): I have a lot of notes on this scribbled down. but not typed out so like, 90/10 Adolf S.: Neat. Considerin' that, can you tell me more about the Dwarves? What do they eat? What are some dwarven... Carnival foods, for lack of a better word. Street food, carnival foods, things that a person traveling there might buy from a small shop or cart. Ken (GM): well, the dwarves were a primarially subterranean empire for many years, and theyre very traditional. so they mostly ate what they grew underground. Bugs, lizards, and fungus They have species of tended fungi and lichen, from 'trees' of giant cap mushroom, down to thick ropey lichen thats a kind of cave-kelp protien wise, they raise grubs (big fat rabbit sized things) as well as a species of domesticated cow-beetle and a common underground fauna is cave lizards. newts essentiall, can get as big as a cat, but are often caught when theyre no bigger than your hand. Fries like chicken, or jerhy *jerky Otherwise, since trading with the humans aboveground, theyve adapted to growing in their cold dry climate in the south Adolf S.: Delicious. Have Dwarves found the secret art of deep frying, yet? Lizard on a stick, or lizard kebab and fungus and what not sound fun. Ken (GM): yeah man, they fry a lot of their food. Or dry-coal heat it think cajun Adolf S.: Hm. How do they do on spices? Ken (GM): they have dozens of variations on "salt" and that definition encompases actual chemical salts, through to flaked minerals but theyve had little access to it. Once men started trading though, they got access to peppers, chilis, actual flavors Adolf S.: Does the marsh have alligators? I'm imagining a cajun style dwarf picnic, catching an Alligator at night, butchering it and preparing it the next morning, and servin' it up as a big communal type BBQ at mid day. Around the marsh of course, Idoubt that lake holds crocs' Ken (GM): traditional dwarven food would be flavored through aging, fermentation, or brining Adolf S.: er, alligators* Ken (GM): yeah, once they actually started onthe surface, they adapted well to killing the local fauna and feasting on it there are more gator hunts in the south near the gates, and up north, they prefer beef and horse Adolf S.: I wonder what bug meat is comparable to,o taste and texture wise. Hm. Ken (GM): but they do tend to put the whole thing in a pit of coals more uniform and tangy. Like brined tofu Adolf S.: You mention cow beetles, I'm reminded of those cow beetle things from that episode of Futurama, on mars I think it was. Ken (GM): and they tend to be fried to the point where the carapace is edible (all the essential minerals in the shells, you see) yeah, about that size. Just think cow behavior, giant beetle without pincers big fat containers full of food, Adolf S.: Also can you explain the salt thing? I personally don't meaningfully know the difference between chemical salts and flaked minerals, and what exactly that'd entail at the dinner table. Horse eh? What do the humans and elves think of horse? It's pretty tough meat, unless prepared very... uniquely in the kitchen. What kind of textures are we talking for Dwarven foods, mostly? Soft, chewy, with some occasional crunch of the etles? Beetles* What do the dwarves have about Bread? Did they have bread before human trade? How does bread blend with their palate Ken (GM): sodium chloride is table salt. naturally occurring, and can be extracted from seawater quite easily. but theres a bunch of chloride minerals that make edible crystals as well, potassium chloride for example is road salt. Its kinda poisonous if yo ueat too much of it, but its a delicacy to the dwarves. Theres a bunch of other salts they make from really, rubbing two stones together over your meal. Theres nuanced flavors to the cuisine, but you'd have to grow up with it to really notice it. or have a discerning palate. I'm sure your characters idea of salting a meal is to take two stones he carries with him, and rub them together over his meal, dusting it finely. most human would balk at that, and assume you threw 'dirt' on perfectly good food Adolf S.: Whole thing in a pit of coals eh. That's quite a sight for the imagination. They dig a small ditch, throw in a bunch of coals, light it up and then let it fire down until they're just hot, or barely burnin'? Hm. Ken (GM): Dwarves are pretty much the only ones who raise horse for eating. Theyre like the french though, and respect that a horse is good for work, but becomes food after an age. Adolf S.: A delicacy to the dwarves, eh? Are they somehow more apt to handle it, or are they ignorant that it'll kill people? Or do they know that, and use it sparingly thusly? Ken (GM): texture wise, dwarven food is hearty; thick porridges, tough fungus steaks, ropey lichen noodles. Jerky-textured cured lizards and newts. The only soft things are the beer dwarf bread is relatively new, and an imitation of human things. often hard, dense, but nutritious, and very very yeast flavored Adolf S.: You mentioned two stones. Do you mean two stones of actual salt or the like, or are these different materials all together? What kind of flavor are they meant to impart on the food? I'm not much of a foody, so I'm having trouble imagining it. What comes to mind is an iron taste, but I don't think that's what you intent. intend* Ken (GM): dwarves are hearty enough that theyre distressingly cavalier about eating horse they have a reputation as madmen in the northwest, what with the horse-eating Adolf S.: Interesting. Would it be safe to assume that Dwarven teeth and jaws are stronger than their human counterparts, considering they seem to have a natural diet of everything tough? Ken (GM): but the +1 HT lets them argue the point rather well "Ive never fallen ill from eatin horse. maybe youre just not tough enough to chew it!" Yeah, big wide mouths and a disposition of many molars. age sof mineral rich diets but they didnt really encounter sugars until they came upon fruits; tooth decay is a hilarious problem for them and dentistry becoming a new formal practice that sprang from safely applying metallurgical processes for the repairs silversmiths asked to craft dentures, and now transitioning to casting individual teeth for mounting in a jaw Adolf S.: Gold and silver teeth-fills. Neat. Ken (GM): yeah, its kind of a weird thing though; you can assume anyone whos got it was rich enough to put coin in their mouth, but stupid enough to have destroyed their teeth on human foods so, its mostly surface dwellers with coin. being called "a coin mouth" or "gold toothed fool" is quite the hilarious insult Adolf S.: Hm. Are there many settlements populated mostly by dwarves on the surface? Farming villages, hunting villages, etc? Also, how do they like Fish? Is that lake a dead lake, without any fish? What's the dwarf history with that lake? Ken (GM): yeah; it looks a bit like rural scotland or ireland in the foothills of the mountains. Lots of cottages and hills of sheep and rams the lake is deep as hell itslef, and chock full of big cold-body fish. so lots of line-fishing for big body catches the humans who fish the rivers and pond up north tend to net-fish, so dwarven line and hook is entirely their invention it mostly involves a stout rope, a big hook, and lots of long patient waiting. and then pulling the fish out before it drags you to your doom Adolf S.: What boating technology do the Dwarves have? Is it their own invention, or taken from the humans? Does this mean that there's a big history of dwarven fishing of that lake? Interestin'. Ken (GM): Their boating is almost entirely restricted to that lake, so its not much advanced past fat gogs and oars. Adolf S.: How big of a settlement is the gate of groldor, anyway? How does it's economy work? People living there being hunters and fishermen and the like, as well as traders before taking their goods up to Karak-Groldor? Ken (GM): more like raft barges really The gates are really more outgoing than most. They have a vigilant watch, but theyre the primary hub for human-elf-dwarf trade they mostly farm the interior of the valley behind them. Nice and regular rain there, calm. safe enough to plant on every available hill. but they bring in big game from the lowlands south (elk, deer) and big stuff from the swamps east (which stretch the edge of the mountain foothills. gator and the like. Big fat crab/crustacean things) and otherwise it Goat and sheep raised inland down there beef up north in the rangelands Adolf S.: Hm, neat. I recall asking this, but don't recall the answer at all: In terms of tech, is Karak-Groldor the place for it's development? Or would that be any of the other places? Also, what are common beasts of burden for hauling? Oxen? Those domesticated cow-beetles? Or more human fair? Ken (GM): The beetles do poorly on the surface; they have a kind of blind vision based on echolocation, and get extreemely agoraphobic and raise poor on open sky. But a cowbeetle would be your BoB underground. Up top; Big ass rams. Tempermental but agile bull-sized rams. well, the dwarves are stubborn traditionalists, so theres not been a lot of push for any new schools of thought outside the reverence of elders. so any real tech is a mixture of 'teachings of longbeard the wise' and his personal journals on the subject or similar such things gleaming indivisual knowledge on a subject means studying a persons personal histor and glemain git there, or being an apprenticed student Ken (GM): you were trained, for example, by one other person min a master-apprentice relationship. Most likely a blood relative, but not nessesarially your father or mother. Uncles and cousins as well. but they'd have been in your clan so really, any real development isnt shared very quickly, disseminated knowledge takes a long time in dwarf society Adolf S.: Hm. Tell me about Clans. Ken (GM): "schooling" a group of indivisuals was a bit unheard of until men got into the mix years ago clans are semi-geographical familiar relationships you are a dwarf, you come from a family and forefather(and mother), and you belong to a clan. The clan is the group of families who have lived together for some time, under the banner of a great elder So other than the big 4 clans of Uninbar, Kragg, Poldark, and Groldor Adolf S.: Does this imply we'd all have the same last name? Ken (GM): there are other minor clans with smaller holdings It implies you all have the same clan-name first - last - clan Adolf S.: Neat, that's what I figured. So how many clans are there? The 4 big ones and.. Hundreds of small ones? Or are we talking Tens? Also you say trained, do you mean militarily? Does the Dwarven military not do blanket training and what not itself? Or was my, er, "group" basically just staffed by my clan? Ken (GM): More like tens after the big four. You could name them if you took a second to remember, like an american schoolchild learns the states Adolf S.: Neat Ken (GM): also, youre "Bomrek Zirilkeskal Götom" first, last, clan Adolf S.: I actually used the Dwarf language from the game Dwarf Fortress for all the names, I had thought Gotom was uh, Cavern Ken (GM): nice! Adolf S.: turns out it means Cavity, hah Still acceptable. Ken (GM): so theres a direct translation then? Adolf S.: Bomrek is uh.. Whip I take it to be the dwarven equivalent of the real life name "Dirk" which of course is like, a medium length dagger. Or maybe it was small length. One of'm. The second word is uh.. a combination of two, meanin' uh.. Like, "Fire- To Shoot" Which I'd argue would basically mean "Fire Shooter" which is what I imagine a musket might be called in that language. Ken (GM): huh, so youre the young "whip" from the family of Artillerymen, in the clan of the cavern Adolf S.: Like, in real life we've got Smith, Grocer, Brown, Bower, Krieger, etc. Mmhmm, sounds about right. Ken (GM): implication-wise; did they name you whip because youre the youngest of the sons? or the sharpest with your tongue? Adolf S.: Though again I'd like to emphasize that, at least on my spinning of this as I made it, that Whip is just a name and wouldn't really be thought of in passing as related to an actual whip. It's not quite, hah, like naming your kid "Shotgun" or "Spear" or anything Heh, before my take on it was that uh, they named him that for neither of those reasons, rather that it was just a name in effect, Ken (GM): oh, so more like "whipcrack" or "sharp retort" ? Adolf S.: but that does make me rethink that some. Hm. Thinking on it I think I'd say that it was a name of an uncle or grandparent, maybe one a long ways back, and it was given to Bomrek for sentimental and familial purposes, rather than any direct relation to his character. Ken (GM): ah cool; named after a long lost uncle. I can dig it honoring the anscestors" Adolf S.: Mmhmm. I suppose Bomrek's family is a family of gunners then, heh. Neat. Ken (GM): yeah, most likely named for a notable blaster or cannoneer; very likely gunsmithing or at least gunnery was trained through the line Adolf S.: But uh, you mentioned Bomrek's training being conducted by his clan or family. Does that mean that the patrol and defense group that Bomrek was in was overseen by his clan? Or is the dwarven military less, uh, familial and class-related? Ken (GM): well, youre family would have the onus of making you a productive member of society you'd have been wrestling with siblings into your teens, and someone woul dhave shown you the sharp end of a pick sometime around then as well. if you re any good at those things, you'd have practiced alone, and studied under the "family dojo" as it were, with your family (out to cousins of the same clan) acting as participating students for you to be a soldier would mean you being good at those things, then having your "mettle tested" by the guard, and then placement based on aptitude clans do the training, guards do the soldiering Adolf S.: Neat. Ken (GM): in a less-personal way, you would then treat that guard as a surrogate 'clan' for further betterment and training up Adolf S.: Reminds me of the American Military. Until either the late 1800's, or the very early 1900's, the American military didn't really have any marksmanship training efforts at all, Ken (GM): so really, you probably have an old fourth name about you , which was your guard detachment Adolf S.: assuming that every man in America would know how to shoot. Ken (GM): yeah "yer pappy woulda shown you this rigth?" Adolf S.: Also can you further describe the mettle testing process? Ken (GM): and then north america transitioned to an industialized society, and started centralizing specializations Adolf S.: Neat. So would it be First - Last - Guard Detachment - Clan ? Ken (GM): mettle testing is the slang for it, but each guard would have a test of trials. often thre ebig tests that would demonstrate ability (first - last - clan - guard) Adolf S.: Ah. Ken (GM): but you'd introduce in the reverse to a guard Adolf S.: Oh? So guard - clan - last - first? Or do you mean Guard - First - Last - Clan Ken (GM): i am a [guardsmen of X] from the clan [Y], son of [dad and mum]. call me [butts] Adolf S.: Hm. What are the guard names? In Dwarf Fortress they're generally two words. The Oily Boots, the Shining Eagles, the Strained Belts, etc. The Strained Belt sounds like a name for a dwarven buffet. Ken (GM): right same logic here; its often idealized primary concepts for the groups duties so the hill-riders, the flaming -swords, or Marching - shield describing Patrollmen of the foothills, elite shock troops with an alchemical bent, and a phalanx group for your guard? I'd assume they focused on shooting, wrestling/grappling and riding, in that order Adolf S.: Oh? Hm. Wrestling as an offensive tactic? eh Ken (GM): well, as we said before, dwarves use it to perform formal dues to settle disputes and otherwise, its a very capable martial art in its own right. Adolf S.: Agreed, one of the reasons I got into it was because I feared being unarmed against armored opponents, and needing to deal with them via limb wrenching and such. Ken (GM): the do also define "grappling" along with the use of short melee weapons and the like. Dirks, daggers, shorthammers and othe rone handed deadly implements so grappling a man might entail putting him in a headlock, then shanking his face with a spike on your guantlet out of place in a simple dispute duel, but fair game in a big clan conflict over a shameful divorce, or a large theft. or a murder Adolf S.: Though having it in the name seems like an uh.. over-play. Logically they'd prolly be armed with bayoneted-weapons like Bomrek has, or have their own pikemen for defensive purposes. Or... I guess if they're supposed to be fast acting, pursuing bandits and the like, they'd be more likely to be just musketmen with bayonets and other weapons, rather than having half their force be spearmen. Ken (GM): yeah; mixed role soldiers with mid to heavy armor, capable of target shot and man-to -man combat Adolf S.: Man, I just can't read if somebody is trying to talk to me. I'm mentally incapable of ignoring someone's speech that I know is intended for me. Ken (GM): hahah throw him outta the room! Adolf S.: Really am, part of my family's "grooming" of me growing up I'm sure, haha. Physically incapable of being impolite to strangers, as a result of that. Ken (GM): hahah oh god we gotta learn you some bad habits then brb Adolf S.: Anyway lessy... Oh wow, duels get lethal for shit like that? How does that get settled? Oh no, I curse like a sailor, always have really, and all that other stuff. Just can't do it to folks I don't know. You'd think it was something that on some level I'm forcing, being that polite, but it comes 'naturally' as a result of that grooming. No effort on my part, no skin off my back to do it. Hmm... Anyway it depends what their unit's designed for I suppose... You said patrol, and to stop banditry mostly, right? Were there other roles? If so, I could see them being light mounted cavalry types, but with less emphesis placed on horse riding combat,especially with musketmen. I figure they pursue, the musketmen get off on the nearest hill and fire down onto the bandits, or trudge vietnam style through forests after the bandits, or similarly into caves and the like. Question is what the enemy'd be armed with. Thick dwarven armor? Or ratty peasant clothes of no protective value? Ken (GM): back! -Duels get as aggressive as the parties involved agree to formally. So to challenge a man to a mortal duel better already have blood on the ground. or something as important to 'wager' -fuckin get on that then! with the fuckin swearing i mean -if you were based up north? thats rangeland and grazing. some mining. So chasing down cattle rustlers would be common enough. Settling disputes between landowners, some banditry. And the dwarven military response is like a pick in stone. The most force possible in exactly the right place, struck hard and fast. So good tactical reconnaissance, well planned or thought out responses to threats, and overwhelming abuse of force on the target. "Hit em with both barrels, right where it hurts. Never a problem again" Adolf S.: Neat. So what would bandits be armed with? Same for cattle thieves. Hell, what race would they generally be in these areas? Ken (GM): Your Guard captain would most likely deal with horsetheft by finding the horsethieves, knowing where they were based from, and doing a dawntime raid on their camp with an artillery strike or some other overwhelming show of force maybe killing them to the man, running them down in public, or such remember, an insult to a dwarf is an insult extended to his clan Adolf S.: Hm, we've got that much equipment freedom to work with? Neat. Ken (GM): lots of social pressure to right the "whole" wrong yeah, dwarves are often "the right tool for the job" but sometimes the job is hammering a nail, and they bring a sledge dwarves arent often seen as operating on small granular degrees. more like binary responses " they insulted our honor. Do they know we have a twelve inch gun at our disposal?" Adolf S.: Heh. Interesting. I've got to go very soon here for some time. Will you be on later? I've got many more questions and things that need figurin' Ken (GM): also, bandits i s a general term for lawless individuals with bad intent. Theyre armed with whatever they can get. Mostly thats swords, knives, bows and leather armors. Some chain, sometimes a breastplate? its all piecemeal yeah, no worries, I'll at least be on all day Adolf S.: A breastplate? That's some quality armor, there. Great, I've got a lot more to ask about. Not super sure when exactly I'll be back after I leave, but it'll be sometime. Ken (GM): well, not a full corselet, but a sheet of metal shaped to cover the front guts I shall endeavor to clean up the map :/ Adolf S.: Right'o, AFK. Well that wasn't quite as long as I'd thought. Oh hey, the map looks changed. Bear traps indicating hunting camps, I take it? Oh, Anhaern has a road going directly to it? I'm a little surprised, I expected them to be less.. 'open' to that kind of thing. You mentioned something about sighting elves being very rare, right? Ken (GM): hey yeah updated the map there Yeah, there is a road there, build by the alliance in the last age, but owned by the elves and yeah, true elves arent out and about much Aachen would be the first youve probably talked to direct. He might be half-elven though which would be much more likely is the map better? clearer? Adolf S.: Yup, certainly is. What's the road like down to the elven place? Do they do much direct trading, or does the trade come to them? Hell, do they do much trading, period? Ken (GM): They tolerate it; dwarven caravans often procure exotic timber, fine silk, some exotic foods Adolf S.: Anyway, how many soldiers were in his, er, group? It's a little odd, me being a big gun and military surplus weaponry fan, but I don't know the proper military word for that, hum. Platoon? Eh, somethin'. Ken (GM): most elven trading is done via the half-elven rovers. Ro-Haern. Essentially human-elf gypsies right Your outfit would have been classified as Dragoons; Heavy mixed role infantry deployed on horseback Adolf S.: Huh. Is that an "official" thing by the elves, or are the half elves the only ones who want to venture out and actually do trading, so it just happens to happen without it being some grand intent. Neat. I do enjoy the term Dragoon. It makes me think of cool cavalry and that lovely big pistol I've got my eye on. Ken (GM): The Ro-Haern are tolerated more by the elves, and have a better time dealing with the aloof elves. And seeing as they dont settle down for long, and neither human nor elf will really take them in, they are content to wander The capitalize on being a great middleman between the races. Down to earth enough for humans and dwarves, weird enough for the nigh-immortal magic elves Adolf S.: Ah, elves are near immortal, are they? Ken (GM): Mortal, but persistent. They can live 'indefinitely' compared to men and dwarves hence why they dont tend to meddle with them Adolf S.: How do the Dwarves at large feel about the Elves? Ken (GM): affronted distrust; its hard to relate to someone who lives forever and grasps time so differently than them and the elves dont approve of the whole burrowing in the earth thing Adolf S.: What are the physical stats for elves? -1 HT? Ken (GM): The actual city on Anhaern is all build aboveground and int othe living trees there; massively tall things, high and straight, but boughs full of homes and buildings worked into the brnaches over years an dyears Elves as a racial template are DX +1 and IQ +1, Undying* [5] Adolf S.: Hm. Ken (GM): with undying just being this campaign's modified "doesnt age". Sure, tehy can be killed, but theyre not paying too too much for the long lifespans which reminds me to followup with that sam fellow, see if he's gonna show. He wondered on playing an elven outloander or something similar there, sent I'll give him some time, but I havent heard boo since satuday, and he hasnt emailed at all Adolf S.: What did you hear from him at all so far? Ken (GM): hm, not much. looking back its like, 5 lines of text total. nothing concrete either Adolf S.: Incidentally what do the Elves think of the Humans, since they seem to be big into lumber milling. Ken (GM): Well, the elves publically are very big into worshipping the land as a living thing. They take great care to tend to the long cycles of growth and death. The two races have known of each other since way back in the foundings, really, when men first came to the land and built their first homes. The elves mingled for time, but slowly retreated from the land down to the South as men encroached in further. Some say there might have been a war, had the Beaastmen of Gorgoth not become a more immediate threat. But, since the last age, Elves have lived in their kingdom, and the men have not encroached, so there is a peace of sorts The rovers were neither human nor elf, mind, so when the elves migrated south, and the humans settled, they had place in neither home. So theyve wandered since that time as well. Long wagon chains moving throughout the kingdoms. Adolf S.: Are they Trouble? Figure Bomrek would be familiar enough with them and how they act in general, yeah? Ken (GM): Well, theyre trouble enough when they get in the way of things. People dont tend to trust them, as they dont have homes, or towns they call their own. No claims to any place, no king, no real country. So they get treated like vagabonds and homeless folk; not well at all The dwarves find it kind of impossible to not have a home. Half elevs have no place they claim, no cavern or hearth. Nowhere their people lived for all the ages before, so its hard for them to think of them as a society or even a clan. some of the more understanding treat all half elves as one big clan, but then they have to consider the rovers go everywhere, and who could claim THAT much of a holding? its a weird mentality Adolf S.: Hm. Ken (GM): a lot of dwarven self-identity is tied to where they are from, because thats so inexoriably tied to the family that is there as well Adolf S.: Well, do they just peaceably wander about doing trading? I can't imagine they've got much of a monetary backing like the town-backed traders might have Generally the vagabond homeless wanderer types are known to be, at some level at the least, miscreants and trouble makers. For good reason, often. Ken (GM): Rover trading is risky; you could be dealing with a real thug or a golden heart, but not really know. Theres alwaysa weird veneer of incredulity. Like dealing with real world gypsy types back in the day. Adolf S.: Bomrek bein' like a peace keeper in a sense, I figure he'd have delt with them a time or two, considerin' Ken (GM): oh yeah, all the stereotypes homeless vagabonds, no respect for property. just take what they like and move on rob people blind trading baubles for their things etc etc. I'd imagine though that half the scuffles youve broken up have been the fault of the rover or the dwarf but as soon as they wear out their welcome, up come the stakes and their caravan moves along Ken (GM): Beautiful wagons at least; every last one a piece of art in its own right decorated with crved wood, or bright paints. Flags of a million colors They tend to prey on peoples fears a bit too, to take what advantage they can. youve met plenty to claim to read fortunes in palm, in tea leaves, or in casting of bones. Adolf S.: What do they bring to town that the common dwarf would be appreciative of? Some sort of ... unusual foods? Rare and unique things? Or more.. "en mass" goods, like simple wheat or dried fruits or somethin' Ken (GM): They haul anything and everything and they bring rumor and news, anything they can carry. Adolf S.: Are they known for making anything themselves? Or hauling things that other merchants never do? Ken (GM): often its cheap and easy to unload goods to those who come to you Theyre crazy enough to move gunpowder and hooch spirits alike, or wild creatures if required. You've seen them travel with trapped alligators and mudcrabs in a cage Adolf S.: What economic value do the alligators bring to them to haul around? Same for the gunpowder and hooch. Who buys it? That reminds me, how permeated is the world with firearms? Is it something only the military generally has? Do non-dwarven hunters employ firearms? I suppose dwarven hunters at least do, ja? Ken (GM): Well, humans can mass produce powder, but not to the clean burning and refinement that dwarves have. The gun has become popular enough to start supplanting the bow. At least for those who afford it. A simple bow is still cheaper than a fine musket and powder. So the merchants of bandobras will ply fruit and wines down to the dwarven lands, and pay good coin for what powder the dwarves with part with and Oakway has eed for fine dwarven nails, in exchnage for timbers by the load but thanks to there being no easy waterways to use to load cargo, most heavy loads end up in a rover caravan moving up and down the highways Adolf S.: Interesting. Are these heavy duty nails intended for serious structural support, we're talking here? Ken (GM): well, im speaking in a small example of general description; dwarves have a bit of a monopoly on ores and rich mines. The humans own most of the timber-felling woods and its not like the elves will shuch out wagons of timber; theyre more of the fine crafting and little impact philosophy so dwarves tend to have a hold on metalcrafting, or at least ore supply. And the men have a hold on food and timber also, there hasnt been a full upset in the access of powder to men. So fine dwarven production still outstrips the bulk production by men dwarven mineral alchemy vs. human farm-produced chemicals Adolf S.: By outstrips do you mean in quality, or sheer volume accessible? Ken (GM): closer to volume; it's somewhat whispered about now, that if the humans were to get organized in a dwarfy way, they could likely refine their production of powder. The sheer difference in holdings would mean men could mass-produce powder. but so far, there havent been workhouses churning out powder at worst, hired dwarven alchemists work with men to produce it, and very rarely out of dwarven lands. The powderhouse at Timberkeep is probably the first you've encountered Adolf S.: Hm. Is that just the inaccurate perceptions influenced by the differences in dwarf society to those of humans, or is "Dwarfy way" really achievable? Ken (GM): some of both; theres a strict difference in how dwarves and men organize youve seen dwarves train on e on one, handcraft individual things. make mastercrafts. men often mas sproduce, work a field, a batch, a series of things dwarves consider this a crap way about things, really. How can you ensure the quality of any individual piece of the whole? How can you make each student the best they could be? but the times, they are a changing Adolf S.: Hm. Tell me about dwarven craftsmanship some more. Is every musket uniquely made? Are they made to order Oh that reminds me, was Bomrek given a musket by his ... I forget the word for military-group that I want to use here or was it from his Clan. Ken (GM): Oh, any dwarven craft would be made individually, to order. Most likely the design was conceived between himself and another clan member who was a gunsmith. So Bomrek would have carved the stock and furniture, worked the mechanism, mined or selected the ore for the barrel theres probably no spare inch of the workings he didnt touch He'd have been taught to fire on anothers arms, but brought up to treat his gun as his own personal treasure. "this is my gun, there are few like it, and this is my own" not all of the teaching may have stuck while building it; you dont have armory(small arms) at all trained. But he would have been included in the whole process from start to finish Adolf S.: Speaking of Barrel, have dwarves found out the concept of rifling? Or perhaps even on the bleeding edge of their technological advancement? Ken (GM): Bleeding edge; the old heavy guns used in the great war were of the ancient design, but a few new developments appeared in the last few decades. I'd imagine a master tinker or two have build prototypes. your gun is probably the sturdiest and most common design (at least in single barrel variety) Adolf S.: I like to think that in real life, the effect of rifling was accidental. Even after rifling was understood as a concept, it wasn't really understood why spinning the bullet kept it aimed better. It wasn't made to create an outcome, as much as it was made for some petty reason and then found to be more accurate. Ken (GM): ah yeah; so the natural tooling dwarves to do damn near everything leads to some overzealous artist putting a nice twirling groove down the inside of a wide barrel and then voila, it shoot straighter and he cant undestand why So likely if it's gonna come about, it will be on some new cannon Adolf S.: Mmm. A surprising amount of military "cannon" aren't rifled. American tanks for instance are smooth bore, so that they wouldn't have to replace the whole barrel often. Ken (GM): huh Well, imagine old chinese banded metal beasts, with big ornate mouths thats dwarven Adolf S.: Neat I'm reminded of our conversation earlier about the uh, the ruling for the double barrel attack by the way. I'm sorta messed up right now, sleep-wise. Didn't sleep well or long, unfortunately.. So I'm not sharp as I might otherwise be But thinking on it now there might be a few issues with that ruling. Mostly it's a range related thing... kinda. Ken (GM): ? how so Adolf S.: Well, I was just thinking of the .. I suppose you could call it physics, of shooting both barrels at once. Before hand I agreed because I thought "Yeah it's black powder, smooth bore, round ball projectile, it makes sense this way" and in a bunch of ways it does.. At meaningful distance. But thinking about it again, even with the innate accuracy issues of smooth bore black powder weaponry, and even accounting for the muzzle blast from both barrels effecting either projectile due to their close proximity, at the range where you owuldn't be suffering accuracy penalties, I don't see one round hitting, and the other not. Farther on, it'd be more than acceptable. That range, the little offset of the projectiles due to muzzle blast, and the smooth bore factor, all of it could lead to only one round impacting.. But at close range, if my skill is 12 but I have to roll a .. what was it.. 13? to hit with the second shot, it sort of strikes a cord of uh... un-realism? My explanations may be iffy, like I said, I'm only now realizing just how tired I am, heh. Pardon me. Ken (GM): no need to apologize but i do believe youre overthinging this a touch Adolf S.: Eh, possibly. It won't really matter thaaat much, since my musket skill is 15 anyway, but it does sort of grip my attention all the same. Ken (GM): phht; this is a campy fun game Adolf S.: Oh, and a suggestion if I may: The others probably haven't heard a musket shot close by Ken (GM): we'll adherea as close to realism as the fun allows Adolf S.: Muskets are loud as HELL Ken (GM): oh yeah man, there will be calls for temporary hearing loss HT checks Adolf S.: It would be quite funny if you gave them some, idunno, minor pain from it or something, in a way they wouldn't expect. Oh speaking of, would it be wrong to assume that the Dwarves have probably figured out how to plug their ears with cork, and that Bomrek would have a pair of those? Ken (GM): once that part of their hearing is burnt out though, they wont have to roll :) to tell you the truth, the amount of worldbuilding/backstory detailing youve done, youve earned at least a point or two in background stuffs. How many perks have you taken? Adolf S.: Perks? Embarrassing for me to say this given my uh.. pedigre so to speak, my background, Ken (GM): like 2? Adolf S.: but I've never really messed around with perks much, and don't recall the rules. Wait, do you mean advantages? Because if so.. lets see.. Ken (GM): "1 point advantages" Adolf S.: Ah. Ken (GM): yeah, so youve taken alcohol tolerance and weapon bond Adolf S.: So that's what perks means, huh, silly me. Ken (GM): yeah, those Adolf S.: Yeah, I love world building. I honestly can't NOT do it or wonder about it at the least. Ken (GM): but anyways, you could easily write in Musketeer "Youve acclimated to the ferocious noises of the battlefield, and do not need to roll for hearing loss against your firearms or those of your fellows" Adolf S.: Makes for a good, uh, heh, advantage to have in GMing. Ooh, that'd be neat. Ken (GM): and I could reasonably see a point in some relevant skill, like armory(smallarms) or another gunsmithing relevant skill like, youve earned at least 2 points today man :) Adolf S.: What are my limits here exactly with this point or two of background stuff? Because going with the hearing thing sounds like it'd be a good idea, but I bet there's another perk or two in the woodwork that I could logic my way into finding. Ken (GM): bounce some ideas off me then you thinking artist skill? or more practical crafting like carpenter or armory? Adolf S.: Hm. Perhaps armory, but I'm not dead set on that juuuust yet. I almost want to say 1 point in an artillery skill or two, considering Bomrek's Clan's background. Oh that reminds me, I still have those 5 points to spend. I think I might up my judo a bit, it's a tad lacking. That reminds me, wassis name, Horsa, brought up Dwarven Wrestling. Is that a concept that you had spoken about with him before, or was that something that was made up on the spot? Ken (GM): yeah actually, in his character building we got to discussing duelling. I brought up how the tradition was more dwarven and such, and how it caught on with the human aristocracy he jumped at that, wanting to have trained under a more traditional dwarven master, as well as the fencing nice little piece of backstory I thought. So yeah, he's also "classically trained" oin the more formal Dwarven martial arts. fancy locks and holds, etc. Adolf S.: Neat. Is said martial arts more.. "sports" or practical? Or a mix of both? Ken (GM): oh much more practical dwarves can be "sporting" by not leaving scars or broken bones but actual formal duels are serious busines. Adolf S.: Hm, interesting. So if Bomrek's Clan are a bunch of cannon and gun makers, artillery people specially, what would that mean to grow up in that clan? Erry 4th of July the Clan gets together and tries to hit Gators in the swamp with an old artillery piece from a high hill nearby while BBQin'? Ken (GM): hah Adolf S.: I doubt it would ever come up, but having one point in artillery and mybe spotting or other artillery related skills might be right up his alley. Ken (GM): just how much are you trying to make them from missouri Adolf S.: Hah, I can only hope missouri's like that, that sounds like a fun time. Explosions, aiming stuff, BBQ Ken (GM): gm question; Firing cannons direct on target? or indirect at range? eg: gunner(cannon TL4) vs Artillery(cannon, TL4) Adolf S.: That's the thing, I'm not sure exactly. It also raises the question of what the Dwarves would have generally. Both, maybe? Ken (GM): either or, really. Underground, youre likely shooting gunner, line of sight. aboveground, youre entirely capable of artillery targeting Adolf S.: Hm. Well, both comes to mind, if you'd allow that. I doubt I'll ever use it really, so I don't really see it as a balance issue. Ken (GM): yeah no worries. so gunner(cannon, TL4) for line of sight pieces, and Artillery(cannon, TL4) for hitting things over the hill Adolf S.: Neato. How about we tack whatever skill it takes to aim that thing accurately, and call that section done? Ken (GM): forward observer covers recon of an area, accurately estimating distances, basic mapmaking for gunnery purposes unless you mean siege engineering, which would be knowing where to target shots at an emplacement for best results. sapping, bombing, the like. it also covers trench digging, pallisade construction, the like Adolf S.: Hah, no, not where to target shots. His "training" was only enough to mess around on holidays I would think, and the preliminary stuff his clan would teach every clanmate, I guess. Ken (GM): ah Adolf S.: I imagine races to load cannon the fastest as kids and teens while the adults supervised and made jokes and what not, that sorta fun thing. Not anything that was ever taught to him specifically due to his aptitude. That was combat and small arm shooting. Given his height I suppose he'd be pretty well suited to that compared to others, as well, hm. Ken (GM): haha well then thos ekind of things are just HT or DX based rolls against artillery so all in the same skill Adolf S.: Oh, well it wasn't JUST loading races, shooting and aiming it correctly, both kinds, was also part of it. The full gamut, just all watered down and intended for family fun. Ken (GM): yeah thats all included; just rolled against a different stat. Until you get into the engineering or crafting, thats still just compared artillery rolls for comparison you in reallife are trained in guns(pistols) a bit maybe in armory but if you were in a stat-off with someone listing production details? IQ based guns roll ihnstead of the usualy DX Adolf S.: Hmm.. You mentioned that Bomrek probably helped a member of his clan make his musket, right? Can you tell me about that again? Ken (GM): well, in the dwarven way, he'd have received his knowledge handed down from the experts in the family. So, as your family name implies a long rooted history of gunnery, it stands to reason one of youre forfathers helped you put together your first kit. Showed you how to load and measure powder. Walked you through casting of lead balls. the family teaches the child I'd imagine each of your various relatives demonstrated everything to you growing up. each dwarf strives to be the most ideal version of themselves they can be. (the sid eeffect being they sea many things in black and white, or with the most extreeme assumptions) and some of the best learning you can do comes from teaching someone else, so while your family may have had great craftmen in them, the best would take on students to become better at the subject themselves so things from their student perspective as they teach Adolf S.: Hm, neat. That initial kit would NOT have been the weapon he has now, right? Ken (GM): maybe, maybe not; not unheard of to build and rebuild. He may have cast a new barrel after a significantly bad mishap with mismeasure powder, for example :P Adolf S.: Also how would that one have been formed? Would the master gunsmith of the family, or one of the ones near the top in that ranking anyway, take the entire job under him, trying to teach Bomrek about it even though Bomrek wasn't going to be a gunsmith, and instead a warrior? Hah. You'd be surprised, most issues aren't as much from mismeasured powder as they are with not seating hte ball correctly. Have an inch or more of space between the powder and the ball, and the gun basically turns into an expensive pipebomb but uh, you mentioned that Bomrek would go and help at every step of it's fabrication, or something along those lines, yeah? Ken (GM): yeah Adolf S.: I'm wonderin' to myself which bit of crafts he would pick up himself, from that experience and others living with the clan. Ken (GM): they would stress understanding at all levels; all encompassing knowledge of a subjust, from multiple viewpoints Adolf S.: Speaking of, how does that work? Do other clans buy arms from Bomrek's clan? Is there a clan that handles civilian clothes and what not? A clan that handles carpentry? Hm. Amoury really does fit with that pretty well. Ken (GM): well, its less "thic clan makes shirts" and more "the great weaver Keldan the nmble lives with his clan, and they mark amonst themselves great apprentices and great loomers" so really, one skill begets others, as many things have interlocking components. Woodworking and carpentry go with gunsmithing, just as dedicated armory, or metallurgy etc. etc. the products of the individuals come together to create the master craft. One dwarf may make a gun, but his clan clads it in oile dmahogany, carved to a decorative beauty. The alchemist weight powder, the smith builds bullet and barrel alike dwarves can appear quite critical; a good piece of writing can be spoiled by a poor telling, and a good meal spoile dby bad presentation. savvy? Adolf S.: Interesting thought. I wonder if dwarves would have invented Mine' balls for their guns? Ken (GM): maybe; i'd imagine the care at understanding would lean them toward the more handcrafted loads. Humans would just slug off balls of lead by the bucket. then again, theyre probably just as inclined to seek the elders for blessings of the forefathers on the weapon. Adolf S.: Mmm. What's Dwarven Religion like? Ken (GM): well, its really heavily tied into the anceint magic, as well as their personal histories so they rever those who came before them, as well as their fathers before THEM, at al into infinity to the All Father, the great Ancestor himself. And it gets a bit murky, but that great spirit of dwarves is very much so the world they live in. The bones of dwarves are made up of the same bones of the earth below them. so oaths are sworn against your own fathers. and reverence is paid to the family as much as the name and the history stowed there. to bring shaame to a family is as much a stain on the future as the past. and this all ties back int the names again; every dwarf has a name. and the more detailed the name, the more is revealed in it. Theres power to names so dwarven mystics are so steeply entrenched in the names of things, in the correct presentation of them, the nuances of pronunceation, the foibles of script and scripture, they can actually call power from it and make things happen, by working The Name Ken (GM): Dwarven magic is as much about runes carved into things and charged with power, as it is about knowing the right name to invoke Adolf S.: Huh...How common is it to get stuff Rune-ized? Ken (GM): no, not in the current age but the great halls of the King are Rune carved with workings of protection Adolf S.: and what magic exactly would be applied to it? What power- oh, so it's something that isn't done anymore? Ken (GM): just as the great tombs of the ancestors are below, their spirits are Named and worked intot he magic of the place Adolf S.: Are dwarven burial rights very important to the dwarves? Is there great importance in being buried in the clan's tombs or whatever? Will Bomrek likely consider that a very important thing to arrange, should he die Ken (GM): the greatest Namers were involved in the last war, and at the battle of horns they were nearly wiped out by the forces of darkness gathered there. But the Grey Sword bears runes of the old dwarves, and it is definitely a great Making of the dwarves, oh yeah, if hes a traditionalist he'd take care to be put at rest in the right place theres a real feng shui to it, and he'd probably want to be shipped to the right shelf and column in the hall of the dead. Funeral procession would be taken on by battle-brother most likley. onc eyou're trusting enough with the party I'd assume you'd choose the most worthy to carry your corpse home to your family they would handle the funeral procession proper, but an arrangement would need ot be made to go there on sudden pain of death. maybe something to ask of the Lord Marshall or the Outlanders? Adolf S.: Hm. That raises further questions. I need some information further, so that I'll know where Bomrek's opinions would lie: Ken (GM): hahah fractal backstory building! Adolf S.: Firstly, how far into perryweather would he have ventured as a patrolman? Also, what would he be referred to as again, in that position, "Patrolman" ? Guardsman certain doesn't feel right. Ken (GM): his patrol would have extended most likely from his Guard's home basing (most likely a small tower or hold on the land) and would have ranged up and down the higway between there and the human lands. So at the most extreme, your 'jurisdiction' would be respected out to the dotted line of the dwarven borders And your title is usually indiciative of your role; you'd have been a "Gun/shooter" most likely Adolf S.: Ah. And if bandits ran further out than that? Are these "hard" borders where we wouldn't be allowed further chase, or more... permiable, where we'd be allowed this if only to kill some miscreants or whatever. Ken (GM): assuming you didnt meddle, the King of GreyHold premits lawful prosecution within borders. He appreciates application of justice to miscreant within his borders, so long as you yourselves didnt abuse the law in his lands a gentlemans agreement between kings really The dwarves would incur no such dickery in their lands Adolf S.: Hm. I'd like him to have reason, either .. "practical" or just wanting to, to go to perryweather often. To be exposed to humans often enough that he learned the language, Ken (GM): hah, yeah its in the backstory most llikely, it was a preying on of the vices Adolf S.: I was talking to... What's that fello- Smith, I was talking to Smith and thought it up then. That Bomrek had a cousin who was an adult, older than him but not extensively, who was a trader and went up to Perryweather often, Ken (GM): youre an alcoholic and smoker. Tobacco comes from bandobras and to a lesser extent, hoddleton fields Adolf S.: I'd think Bomrek took interest in that, he learned the language from his cousin and they enjoyed being able to speak Privately, as kids or teens are like to do, and I'd think he'd accompany his cousin up there often-ish, which would hopefully have really sealed the language in'm. I forgot to mention the smoking at last night's gambling thing, was intending to, shoot. Ken (GM): it can be assumed; pipe or papers? Adolf S.: In reference to our past conversation by the way, I'm not cussing here in any great amount because you don't seem like much of a 4channer, yourself. Just came to mind, that thought. Pipe. Ken (GM): hahah thanks for the compliment (?). I'm fine with the emphatic uses Adolf S.: I imagine paper isn't something dwarves produce - well, smoking paper that is - in any great quantity. Ken (GM): yeah no, more of a humans with access to shaved wood thing, really Adolf S.: Yeah, I'm sure you are, but once again it's that... "Hey, you have to be polite" urge in my head, I think, hah. Well, that and a bit of practicality I suppose. I'm not sure how cool you'd be with me talking a mix of modern jive, calling people niggers in a friendly way or an ill-intent way, and cursin' up a storm, Hah. Not something I'll do I don't think even if you are cool with it. Don't know the other players well enough. Ken (GM): hahah yeah, nix on the old world racial slurs maybe mr smith, oddly enough, was SUPER KEEN on being a gypsy Adolf S.: I've always looked at it as a good thing to be honest. I'm a literal bastard, for example Ken (GM): and like, the most stereotypical interpretation of one Adolf S.: I've known it since I was about 4 or 5 or 6, the meaning and the negative connotation. Never felt bad using the word bastard or seeing it used however, because all of the bite was lost in modern usage. I feel like the word Nigger's on that path. Kind of hope it is, actually. Well, all of the intended-bite, that is to say. >Stereotypical gypsy What, like, modern gyspy? Ken (GM): best intentions for society as whole, I'd say. And I like to think of it the way it's put in game of thrones "wear it as an armor, and it can never be turned as a weapon against you" oh man, im pretty sure he has a personal history against them, or something. He came off super-duper keen on them being tortured decendants of a destoryed empire or something kept suggesting re-writes to the Elves as a whole to make it worse for the orvers Adolf S.: Anyway what was I sayin'... Ah, Cousin of Bomreks was a trader, Bombrek was fond of the cousin, the two were friends and Bomrek was taught the language. Bomrek went on trips with him, tradinn' up in perryweather, staying there for a few days or week at a time maybe, and practiced the language pretty often. Thus, no real accent, good speaker, etc. Tell me about Perryweather, at any rate. Another side question, Anhaern is the only city on the map. Is that because other elven cities aren't known, or is it simply the only elven city? Ken (GM): that fits; it also could transition into Bomrek becoming a more human-style gun for hire caravaneer and mercenary, working a job out of the clans. Perryweather is your classic "hubworld town". It's seated in a kind of low bowl valley that makes for good farming. Ponds and streams spread around to make life easier. natural progression over the years made it a natural stop off for goods before heading inland to GreyHold and the like. Trade with the Dwarven Empire led it to be a important stop off in that direction as well nowhere near as fertile as Bandobras, but it makes tidy coin on travel through it, lightly taxing trade on the highway in the name of the king, and garrisoning a force that patrols the higways in his name Adolf S.: Mmm. I was thinking Bomrek probably wanted to see more of the world than the same (however many miles) strip of highway, probably wanted to make more money than his position afforded, etc. Ken (GM): envision it a bit like Rohan from the LotR movies, jus ton a shorter hill and more surrounded by barley and bean fields. Adolf S.: Mmm. Watched the first movie when it came out in theaters, been too long since I've seen any of it to remember exactly what htat looks like - but I get it I think. Ken (GM): and following the path of the Rovers would make sense; theyre like a glittering trail of the wonders of the world, and they travel the highways in their decorated wagons with trinkets from far and wide perryweather to Hoddleton is a nice quiet stretch of protected highway, and it would seem a cushy job to protect travel there Adolf S.: Mmm. What kind of .. uniform I suppose, would Bomrek have had while he was working patrols and the like? Also, we oughta think of a name for that guard detachment. Figure it's something he'll introduce himself as once in a while on accident, and probably think of it fondly regardless. Speaking of, what is it to be a guardsman in dwarven society? Are they honored at all? Ken (GM): What about "Dragon Riders"? armored gun wielding horsemen in analogy to firebreathing beasts of legend? Adolf S.: Maybe. Might be a bit too ... I'm not sure if the phrase "on the nose" fits, but it's hwat comes to mind, Ken (GM): yeah I see that maybe something less grandiose Adolf S.: Måmgoz Emgash is "Dragon Rider" in Dwarvish. Well, dwarf-fortress-dwarvish. Ken (GM): Feel free to keep using it as a translator; thats essentially what I write with when I use dwarves fucking toady ate a few years of my PC life too Adolf S.: Mmm. Maybe something more... eh. "Practical" ? Hah, the name Highway Patrol comes to mind. Remind me again, what exactly was Bomrek's posting? A bunch of dudes under order to patrol the highways, looking for bandits and crap? Did they also respond to people claiming to have been attacked by bandits, to then hunt down the bandits and kill or capture them? Ken (GM): yeah, less boastful and more to the point and yeah, that roughly entails their duties Adolf S.: If there's parts I'm missing of their duties, do inform me, heh. Ken (GM): they'd also look out for any major incursion into the lands, but theres not much of that coming from the humans nowadays Adolf S.: How many men to their.. uh.. detachment ..or maybe the correct word is attachment. Hm. Ken (GM): haha detached attachments attached detachments you probably numbered no more than 50 at any given time, and recruited annually to replace losses as required not much more grand than that it's been a time of peace, so not much has been required of you Adolf S.: I'm wondering if it's like, say for example... 30 musketmen who have medium armor and melee weapons.. and maybe 5 or 10 comparatively specialized melee or melee-and-pistol units for going into caves and crap... and probably 5 cannon? And I suppose maybe a commander, some support staff totalling maybe 5.. Ken (GM): yeah, your cannons were probably mothballed for the majority of times. The largest would have been the commanders favorite/heirloom Adolf S.: So by my hacky estimate, 30 + 5-10 + 15 or so for the cannon I suppose, 3 each, and maybe another 5 or 6? Mmm. Please disagree with any of this, incidentally. Half of this is a prompt for the actual answer, half is my figurin' on what's likely. Oh, I didn't even see that. >No more than 50 at a given time Ken (GM): yeah, wiggle room about ~50 bertween recruits and losses. retirees, deaths, injuries requireing retirement ' Adolf S.: What do you think of the uh, job layout though? Also you mentioned the cannons were mothballed most of the time? What do you mean by that exactly, that htey're all back at base? Would we not have had at least one mobile cannon hauled with the men, to provide grapeshot support or artillery bombardment? And if the answer's no that's fine, I'm just tryin' to make it clear. Ken (GM): most likely not a need for deployment unless extreeme circumstance. The occasional bandit camp in the last few years, not much more Adolf S.: Mmm. Ken (GM): but yeah, a greapeshot volly and a routing to deal with some bandits you come accross sounds dwarfishly reasonable so really, over the years, boredom and a thirst for adventure would have pushed you into cravan guarding Adolf S.: Interesting though, that. How you would attack a camp at the distance in some woods. Grape shot to turn the trees into shrapnel, followed by some solid cannon shot until the cavalry was too close to risk shooting, and then maybe load it up with grape shot to shoot at any enemies running off that the men on the ground might not see. Oh, I don't mean to say he was straight up guarding the caravan, just going with it in his youth a lot, and then occasionally with his cousin while he had off time from the guard, and then probably a little after he left the guard in search of more pay. Ken (GM): and then just run aground the stragglers by horseback. Kinda like the (horrible) indian wars back in the day in the states Adolf S.: Pssh, every coin's got two sides. I'm sure not all of it was horrible. Then again I've never studied the indian wars and am not fully sure if this was before or after they were still a credible threat. Hmmm... This probably explains why he's not very good on a horse, especially. Musketmen would probably just use their horse to get into position, and do the entirety of their shooting off of it. Incidentally, how big is smoking among the Dwarves? Ken (GM): yeah, charged example, but I get the military theory Yeah, stands to reason Bomrek prefers having two feet on the ground. Smoking is more common among those with already-poor breathing habits, like miners smiths and alchemists. Common enough to have on you as well. Probably picked it up from your cousin, with all the sweet leaf up north (I cant believe how much of my notes weve put to type. Ive written more in the last few days than in the last few months. Amazing what an active game demands of you) Adolf S.: Oh yeah, when I was running my fallout game, I ended up writing down sooo much. Had to make up a filing system from scratch. Well I say "Write". More accurately typed down. My handwriting speed pales in comparison to my typing speed. Ken (GM): ditto Adolf S.: Tulon means Road, and Duthnur means guard. Road Guard might work. Ken (GM): i get inspired and make a few notes in my books, but its almost all scribbles keping up with my thoughts okay then; road-guard or guards of the road? Adolf S.: Maybe. Could be called Horse Guard, since we're presumably all mounted guard. Hm. Maybe a numbered system. 20th Mounted Guard. That sorta' thing. Ken (GM): tiebreaker: what rolls off the tonge best? Adolf S.: I'm reminded of the 105 airborn, "screaming eagles". Maybe there's room for a uh, 'nickname' then still. Too bad there's no dwarf words for numbers in toady's creation, hah. Well there are, but it's only "one" and "two" unfortunately. Ken (GM): hahah not zero? Adolf S.: Nope. Ken (GM): hahah fucking dorfs Adolf S.: I wonder how appropriate it would be to have the name be something related to burning, or firing, since gunpowder and all. Is it safe to assume that everybody in the mobile guard would be using gunpowder of some kind? A pistol at least? Ken (GM): yeah at least, then they'd close to melee with something at least as long as a mace or sword in your case, a pick Adolf S.: Heh, I think Bomrek was more of a support shooter than an entry-troop, but yeah. Ken (GM): hahah: how about the "blazing saddles"? Adolf S.: Suppose he must have done some spear work in his time, considering reloading these things takes forever. Hah. Ken (GM): make it an ingame dwarven wordplay pun Adolf S.: What's that stretch of highway like, again? Grassy low hills and the like? Ken (GM): yeah. the green wavy hexes are rolling hills. The browner ones are scrub/rangeland, and the most north is low grasslands horse-country. Like montanna Adolf S.: Maybe something that doesn't strictly sound "good" in english, also. "The Smokey Wolves" which to us sounds kind of weird, but to them would be something that indicated gunpowder users, descending onto people like wolves. Ken (GM): oooooh poetry in dwarven Adolf S.: Mm. I hope there's a word for Smoke, or smokey. Or wolves. Ken (GM): hah, there should\ Ive had "the crystal paddle keep" before. toady has tons of words translated there Adolf S.: Huh, I was just kidding about the wolf thing, but there really isn't a word for that. There is the word dog, and hound, however. Mezum is smoke, at any rate. Ken (GM): hound then? for a hunting troupe? Adolf S.: Possibly, the intent is to imply fierceness and killing intent, though. Closest one I've foiund to that so far is Hog Ken (GM): yeah man; hounds hahah or hogs Adolf S.: Jeez, there's even word for Monkey in here Ken (GM): as in Boar? or Swine? Adolf S.: Boar. Wild boar are terrifying beasts. Ken (GM): fuck yeah they are Adolf S.: Oh, there's a word for boar Dùstik So Mezum Dùstik, maybe. Mezumdùstik . Ken (GM): Mezemdustik; a boars head on the heraldry, breathing fire and belching a cannonball I like it Adolf S.: Hah, yeah maybe. That does sound pretty fitting. I was thinking that my weapon would have a proof mark from the guard, probably with my unit's emblem on it, surprisingly that kind of thing is common in real life. Ken (GM): oh yeah; heraldic signatures abound Adolf S.: Probably a small mark the size of a large coin, carved somewhere into the woodwork. Man. I should write some of this down. Ken (GM): haha YED YES Adolf S.: It'd be a damn shame if the game is postponed for a week or two, and I end up forgetting it somehow. I don't have a good memory, incidentally Ken (GM): its here in roll20, but get thee to some notepad! Adolf S.: Probably a good thing to be aware of. Ken (GM): thank the gods for chat logs Adolf S.: Ah, that's a good point, it is here.. heh, kind of hard to find though. I'll write it down sometime today. Ken (GM): notepad.exe Adolf S.: I know, right? That makes up.. 45 percent of the reason I prefer text games. Course, that's me being a GM. As a player that issue would be a lot lesser, hah. Oh that's right, I wanted to retroactively make my weapon Fine Quality. Is that okay? Ken (GM): if you dont mind paying the costs, sounds like a simple 1 sesion retcon you havent even fired it yet! Adolf S.: Heh. Ken (GM): doubled cost? Adolf S.: Somethin' like that, looki' it up now. Ken (GM): ah well, based on high tech then woul dbe best + 1 accuracy is +75% cost + 1 reliability is +25 % cost so getting both just has you pay"double" in the end Adolf S.: I think I'd like to pay that in points if I can. Man, reliability IS an issue, I didn't think about that. Ken (GM): signature gear? Adolf S.: Since this is Dwarven, can it get an innate +1 to reliability? Mmm, also a good point, I need to read into that one more, though. Ken (GM): haha fishing for dwarven +1's. "this pastry be dwarven make! with prefect crust and filling!" Adolf S.: hah Ken (GM): every point of signature gives you 1000 Gurp$ to work with, and makes the thing you buy stick with you throughout the game Adolf S.: Oh man, I could get this thing at "very fine" quality for a shit load more cost. +2 accuracy Oh? Hm. What book is that in, again? I assume campaigns Ken (GM): basic set B85 bottom middle of page yeah, yo uhave a 200$ gun to start with so only 1 or two points investment gets you set for quality and impressive styling oh, and your bayonet, which would get its own seperate cost modifiers, but you could get that sucker silver plated! like you planned/asked about Adolf S.: Hah, to retconn it into that wouldn't be so great though. I doubt the dwarves had beastmen in mind when they fashioned that. Ken (GM): pfft, Ive handwaved away much worse. And you could describe the intricate silver filigree on your "showpiece marching bayonet" Adolf S.: Okay so one point = 1k starting wealth to spend on this weapon, then? In all my year splaying and GMing this rule never came up, huh. Ken (GM): dwarves DO hold long ancestor deep grudges. if someone inthe family was in the war way back when... yeah, 1 point gets you 50% of starting wealth (in your case 1000$) and the things you buy that are equipment become your 'signature' stuff. Stays with you through thick and thin of the story Adolf S.: Question is, what WOULD a dwarf musket look like, exactly? Ken (GM): youre washed down a raging river? your gun stays clad in your grip the whole way down Adolf S.: Are we talking fine scroll work? Intricate wood carving? This thing was intended right from the start to be a battle implement, AND a melee weapon, after all. Ken (GM): think something between celtic knots and viking braids on all the flat surfaces. and geometric/arabic designs elsewhere repeated patterns, runes, 'sacred geometries' prefect repetittions of equilateral triangle making up the grip surfaces and on the general, 'heavier looking' than inventions of man. Adolf S.: Neat. Still torn between utilitarian and this, however. Are most dwarven arms intended for hard use this well adorned? Ken (GM): yeah, so the practical applications of the beautiful designs yeah; you carve in a pattern on the handle so it has better handling, but the design itself is ornate. Practical use, beuty to behold like this handle Adolf S.: Mmm. I like your picture example, for sure. Maybe something more... in line with itself so to speak, that looks like it was influenced from a few different artistic sources. Ken (GM): yeah its a hard thing to google ooh! ; Adolf S.: Looking at that just reminds me that you can never overlube things. Ken (GM): hahaha Adolf S.: Incidentally, did you get any confirmation on attending wednesday from errybody? Ken (GM): and this Adolf S.: I was taking apart my shotgun the other day and saw some internal wear marks that I hadn't seen before. I think I really need to start lubing more, it's not supposed to wear that fast. The wood is the most striking thing in that picture. That's some fine wood. Ken (GM): yeah, very simple but a nice pattern I have a raw wood coffee table, friggin glows when its polished Adolf S.: Mmm. I'm an armchair wood worker, myself, that meaning that I've studied it extensively, and know all the old handtool techniques, but haven't had the time or money to partake. Or space, for that matter. Ken (GM): as in making them, or commenting from the seat of one? hhahaha Adolf S.: Been meaning to fabricate myself a stool, but work got int he way. Ken (GM): armchair general/woodworker Adolf S.: Hah, as in I know the facts, but have no experience. Ken (GM): gotcha Adolf S.: More than just the facts really. I've poured over a lot of books written by the masters, on technique. Not a fan of power tools at all, myself. For one off pieces a lot of the time hand tools can be equally as fast for about half of what you'd need done. Leavin' better results frequently. Ken (GM): mm; my wife's dad is retired now, carpenter by hobby. he makes some works of art sometimes with a small handsaw Adolf S.: Anyway, I'm not sure. Designs on guns get worn down pretty often, rather quickly from use. Makes me think dwarven ones would be cut deep, intended to last, etc... Ken (GM): the cabinets he made for our house; my god man Adolf S.: Mmm, nice. I intend to build myself a chair that has a hidden compartment to store my handgun(s, when I actually buy more than just the revolver). Ken (GM): yeah dwarven work probably relies on a bit of metal inlay as well, for structure on the design. Feel free to mark it down as whatever description you see fits. Adolf S.: I'm not a fan of safes. The one's in normal people's price ranges are actually really shitty. I've seen them pried open with a steel bar and one man. Just a big "Hey, loot is in here" sign. Mmm. The problem with that is I have a hard time imagining how this design would be. Shame I'm not more of an artist, imagining how things actually LOOK isn't my strongsuit. Ken (GM): hey, well, as simple as "ornate dwarven scrollwork and braided geometric designs" will cover the description at least, if you dont have equivelant art Adolf S.: Okay so, 200 x 5 for 1,000. +2 acc, +1 to malf. Right, right, I just mean that I can't imagine that all that well, despite wanting to. Ken (GM): understandable so that covers the costs on your musket itself, no mods on the spearhead bayonet? or any other extra tooling? Adolf S.: Hmm... I could do something for the spear I suppose. Make it into an extra fine blade and the like. Ken (GM): kay; just rechecking low tech for stats, it should be treated as a large knife for cost/material mods Adolf S.: Oh man, this gets expensive in a weird way Ken (GM): yeah, gurps bookeeping rearing an ugly head Adolf S.: "or 10 times list price if they can do cutting damage (e.g., an axe or halberd)." Well, this is for all intents and purposes a spear, Ken (GM): base cost is 40$ Adolf S.: but spears can do cutting attacks. So do I count it as that for x10, or count it as impaling for uh.. x3 or x4 Ken (GM): ? spear stat line only indicates impaling damage, so its jus tth elower modifier so far oh, and rechecking low tech bayonets, you get a reach of 1,2* and thr+3 damage as a base :) so; silvering adds 300% cost. as does fine quality, so together thats 600% Adolf S.: Back, was on the phone, Oh you're right.. Where did I get cutting from? Huh. Ken (GM): unles syou wanted very fine, for +1000% Adolf S.: Maybe martial arts? hm. Ken (GM): probably. theres a bunch of fun techniques in there so what you want on yo bayonet sir? Adolf S.: Hm. Probably fine quality. Ken (GM): cool; so thats 40 base, 120 for a fine one Silver coated as well? Adolf S.: That leaves me with a lot of cash from that other point I expended, to be put into weapons. Hm. Ken (GM): yeah, you could actually affor very fine for 400 AND the +120$ for silver plated on top of that shenanigains Adolf S.: Hmm. Idunno, Oh, can I spend the remaining money from this on that war pick of mine? Probably ought to fine-ify that too. Ken (GM): hey yeah "heirloom weapons" makes sense to me base for a pick is 70$, so fine on that would be 210$ leftover room there as well +210$ to make it silver too! :P and then incidental dollars worth of finery on them each hah Adolf S.: So a very fine bayonet for 400 bucks, 210 for the fine pick, 610 spent so far.. hm. I don't really want to silver it since these were built with the idea of dealing with bandits and the like, from afar at that. Ken (GM): oh? signature gear says youre not losing the things, i dont know what youre worried about there :/ Adolf S.: Hm? I'm not worried about losing it, just saying that it wasn't built with beastman intent, mostly. Ken (GM): oh; well silvering a blade doesnt mean "this is for shanking beastmen" at least, not exclusively Adolf S.: OH damn that reminds me I need to call Ruger- aannd turns out they're closed. Shit. Tomorrow then, I guess. They close at 5 eastern time, 2 PM my time, and every time I mean to call'm I don't remember until 2 PM rolls around. Ken (GM): hah, fuck set a phone alarm for tomorrow! Adolf S.: I need to go over a couple things on this. If I don't get my gun in quick, they won't be taking any guns in for like, 6 months or more because they're backlogged. Fuckers apparently have a lot of issues with finish on their revolvers lately, just like mine has. Ken (GM): yeah you mentioned Adolf S.: In a way I almost hope the guy on the line tells me I can't send it in for six months, then I could go shoot it. I bought it new, haven't even fired it, and it's got these issues. Having it sitting here, having the shooting range only be a short 10 minute drive away, it's killin' me. What other options do I have besides silvering, anyway, that I could sink this money into Ken (GM): hmm lets see incidental equipment; sheathes, lanyards. abullet molding kit (50$) Adolf S.: Hm. Nothing else? Ken (GM): offhand, not really; you can pay to increase accuracy and reliability, or spend on presentation. other than silver heads on blades, theres not much else ingame to spend it on. but, thats also nothing to shake a stick at. for two character points youve got your awesome-o rifle for the whole campaign with little risk of unintentional consequences, as well as the pick. and really, silver is the catch all supernatural threats material. It would be a good thing to plate it (from the Gm's perspective at least) Adolf S.: Yeah, definitely would be a good thing. Hm. Ken (GM): on the wild side of things; a hidden compartment in the stock could hold a small weapon like a knife. thats about all else I got Adolf S.: I think I'll silver one of'm. Just not sure which. I mean, the spear attachment is supposed to be the main fighting weapon, as I imagined things here. Ken (GM): best bang for your buck is the pick, in that case Adolf S.: The pick for close quarters combat, when things went to shit. Hmm. The pick it is then, for silvering. How much does that increase price? Ken (GM): woot triples is, for an Imp only damage weapon Adolf S.: Neat. What's the cost at then, I've lost track, heh 70 dollars base cost.. then fine quality, then silver'd Ken (GM): 2 points of signature gear; 1000$ for the gun, 120 for the fine bayonet, and 420 for a fine silver pick. Altogether 1540$ spend the difference of 460$ on styling on the gun and pick oh, as well as on a bullet-casting kit, and gun cleaning kit (60~$ altogether there Adolf S.: Already got the gun cleaning kit, but I suppose I could just "remove it" and say that I didn't spend those 60 gurps bucks on it previously, heh. Ken (GM): ezzactly, mild retconning mostly "aligning character and sheet with concept" Adolf S.: Looks good to me. I need to google picks and find out what exactly they look like generally. Ken (GM): think ice climbers pick, just heavier on the head. and covered in dwarven script Adolf S.: I'm reminded of claymores, Ken (GM): and lastly, dont forget to name your weapons! theyve got to have earned stories themselves! Adolf S.: a dwarven weapon with "This side toward enemy" in dwarven runes, makes me laugh. Ken (GM): hahahah or the head carved into a hand holding a stilletto dagger shape, on ebig tooled piece heheh anywho, I gotta walk me dog here before the wife gets home Adolf S.: Historically it looks like picks had hammer heads on one end, and hte pick on the other, but GURPS only lists impaling so that's not their vision of them, clearly. Ken (GM): so! spend your points; Ive got you down for two free points in artillery, 1 on Musketeer, and youre speding incidental points on signature gear(2)"heirloom weapons" Adolf S.: Mmm, hey, has anyone else confirmed for tomorrow? Ken (GM): not as of yet; jst your response from the email I sent out Adolf S.: Wait, 1 on musketeer? Ken (GM): the perk? "doesnt go deaf" remember? Adolf S.: Oooh, right, that one. Gotcha'. Ken (GM): K, ill catch you then. make sure to sleep! Adolf S.: If you get some spare time, hop in, I'm sure there's more questions in my mind Ken (GM): gorram dog just LOVES getting muddy Adolf S.: Hah, enjoy cleanin' that up. Ken (GM): yeah, hosed her off in the shower. Thank god shes small breed terrier So, that mysterious fourth guy Sam seems to have gotten busy, might not be able to game after all. Im poking him for more info but he might just be right out. Adolf S.: Man, there's something up with my computer tonight.. Hey, are we going to be using tactical maps for combat? Mmm. I'd say advertise the game more. 3's good but 4's better. Ken (GM): yeah, hexgrid combat Adolf S.: Oh that reminds me. So, since I got the cleaning kit and what not, and paid for my weapons using points basically, do I now get the difference in cash? Ken (GM): yeah refund the cost of anything you swapped out. Adolf S.: So, tell me about Dwarven music. What kind'a instruments do they have, natively. Ken (GM): well, theyre good fans of percussive harmonics. a xylophone-like table instrument, played with stivks. Bells, blocks and chimes. choral singing. lots of dirges, tellings of great tales, venerative songs mostly good music tells a tale of heroes and great dwarves hah! and the wife is back early! i gotta go wrnagle a toddler Adolf S.: Mornin', get any return emails? Ken (GM): yeah; just sent out one response. we got two new maybes, if we can get scheduled. one east coast usa, the other brittania Adolf S.: Oh? You mean to say that we've got two new players? Or am I misunderstandin' Ken (GM): yeah, two potential new ones. King, and Gandalf G i recruited on tg/gamefinder and have been hashing out possible PCs with them Adolf S.: Mmm, neat. Any chance at all of them making this game, or na? Ken (GM): fingers crossed that the stars align! I'm only skeptical of meshing Britain and North american time zones at this point Adolf S.: So, what have they been interested in so far, character wise. Ken (GM): a frontliner guy; ded set on being in the fray of melee and a fulltime Gm , offering to look into a magic/healing role Adolf S.: Any word from that one guy who never responded? Ken (GM): yeah he got back in the end, sam s. His schedule exploded involuntarially. he bowed out but hey, we lost two and gained to, and can have fun seeing if theyre HORRIBLE PEOPLE thats always fun Adolf S.: Horrible people are fine enough, it's if they're bad at playing that I'm concerned about, heh. Ken (GM): haha; true nuff. But ive yet to see bad people make good gamers. Adolf S.: Come to think of it, I'm not sure that I have either, yet at least. Ken (GM): good people usually equals good gamer. . bros through and through Adolf S.: Mmm, now that I can disagree with some. I've got some good friends of mine who I know from experience made pretty bad players. Some folks just can't, well, RP Ken (GM): ah, well thats splitting hairs. I mean to say that people who try to be better than their previous selves tend to take a good liking to improving themselves in game too. But I can agree that , man, one or two of my friends are dead wood at the table sometimes. fun dice chuckers, btu cant pull an accent out of a bag Adolf S.: Mmm' So today's a definite no-go as far as a session goes, right? Ken (GM): yeah I'm just hanging out available for whoever needs to pick the GM's brain. Making maps and whatnot (emailing off my resumee to people who wont call me back ) Adolf S.: Hah, I know that feelin' some. What field are you aimin' at? Ken (GM): IT, in oil and gas, in an area that has started a weird tumble. my specialization is accursedly specific and coincidentially not in demand in my city/area it feels like we're sim city, all industry specialized, and someone deleted the highway and rail connections lots of flashing angry briefcases on the RCI indicator Adolf S.: A weird tumble? Eh, that's not a good sign for that area's future. I'm currently workin' security and trying to learn general business practice information among other things, intending to go to Missouri and start a business with some pals of mine. Ken (GM): entirely too dependant on international price setting, and not a ton of alternate avenues to push the oil. so that in turn crunches on the companies, who cut out IT ooh, management is always better than being the grunt Adolf S.: Mmhmm. I like what little I've done in that line before. Solving large problems by thinkin' cleverly, feels rewarding. The intent is to go into the firearms industry with this, which also ought to be fun for me personally. Ken (GM): hey, do what you love Adolf S.: I've got a pet project for a semiautomatic revolver, that cocks the hammer back every time you fire it. Not sure if it's too evident to you, but that is a reaaallly weird design. Don't think it'll be anything more than a novelty line at best, but I just love the concept. Plus because I'll legally be an FFL manufactuerer, I'll legally be able to make it full auto, as a "test piece intended for eventual development into a law enforcement or military arm" Ken (GM): look into weird historical pieces; you might be able to 'improve' on a design Adolf S.: Which is a hilarious concept, full auto revolver. I'd get a kick out of having a few of those floating around. Yeah, we're thinking gun accessories, ammo and stocks and slings and making tertiary devices, and then into actual replacement parts, spring kits and the like, and then maybe into barrels, and then hopefully slink into actual gun manufacture. It's probably about a ten year arch, give or take, 'that. Ken (GM): build up from the fast moving stock into the higher investment product. like moving magic cards at a game store before moving GURPS books. Adolf S.: Mmmhmm. Ammo and AK stocks, that's our starting goal. Luckily we have experts in both ammo makin' and wood workin'. Nice little starting platform. Ken (GM): hey man, when in doubt, people will have need for ammo Adolf S.: Yup. Problem is standard ammo that you find everywhere is made with extremely thin profit margins, so thin that we can't compete without selling snake oil or specialty products. We intend to do both. I've been really partial to the idea of selling novelty blessed, holy water'd, Crucifix'd ammo. Something I'd buy if I saw it online, once or twice, probably. Funsies' Ken (GM): hah; you know a preacher? Adolf S.: Heh'. Na but we're probably going to angle toward specialty long range rounds. That's what our ammo guy is obsessed with anyway, and the stuff does sell for pretty good. Luckily MIssouri is gun country, so we can sell local without issues. Ken (GM): yeah, youre not selling whiskey in Utah, thats for sure man, ampping things out here; I'm glad I figured out that I can "hide things" on the GM level, then just push them to the token level in play. Lets me set things up so I can reveal and go instead of rooting around for things Adolf S.: Hah. Yup. I'm trying to figure out if I built Bomrek right, considering I've never really had to deal with melee or make a melee character before. Ken (GM): doe sit default to GM control only? or do I have to set permissions on each token? Adolf S.: His shooting is fine, but this melee, oh boy I'm just not sure. Uhh... Now that I do not remember. Ken (GM): eh, ill just set it manually, test it later do you want to try out a test combat? see if you get murdered? Adolf S.: Sure, a little later though. 30 minutes to an hour, there abouts. Ken (GM): doable! alrighty; Ive got a page setup for it. We can test your mettle, and see if I can wrangle roll20 intelligently as well Adolf S.: Great, I'm just going to warm up some chinese for breakfast and do a few things, then I'll be ready. Ken (GM): cest bon Adolf S.: By the way, those white dots making a perimeter around many of the settlements, are those just boundry markers, or are they representative of gates? I ask because Karak-Groldor's looks like it has openings where openings in a gateor wall would likely be. Same for Karak-unibar. Ken (GM): not the city limits, more like the area they claim and directly patrol Adolf S.: Mmm. Another question, to get a better sense of scale for this map, the river that runs east of Greyhold, just how big would you say that was across? I'm not sure if we're talking a little stream here, or something big enough to sail two boats past eachother in. Ken (GM): those are wide lowland rivers. very wide, deep enough, but slow they flow to the keep, then up north not fordable, most likely. Adolf S.: Oh, they flow north? Neat. Ken (GM): yeah, out of the farm provinces, and out of the woods, collecting in a deep lake behind the hold, then out north Adolf S.: Man that took longer than I thought. Ready for taht test run, though Ken (GM): cool; ive swapped us over to the test field Adolf S.: Yup, I see it now. Ken (GM): cool; so youre a token you, and your equipment name,ly, your double barrelled musket with a big pointy assed spike on it your musket bayonet acts like a two handed melee spear Adolf S.: Right'o. Ken (GM): its reach 1,2* meaning you can switch to reach 1 or reach2, depending on how you hold the thing by default, as a gun, thats reach 1. if you wanna get the longer grip, you lose the option to shoot but can reach further all makes sense? Adolf S.: Yup. Though I'd think there'd be some stance one could take to still shoot the gun, just with more effective recoil and a large penalty to hit, etc. Ken (GM): hah, yeah it would be very un-braced. probably take the bulk penalty to reach the trigger and awkwardly heft the beast anywho you cannot reach your own hex with the bayonet. thats reach C, and is your bodily space you should now see a mildly threatening orc Adolf S.: Roger roger' Ken (GM): hes a jerk and wants to kill you sufficed to say, neither you nor he are surprised by this develoment Roll initiative! Bam; the orc gets a 2, added to his basic speed of 5, he gets a 7 how about you? Adolf S.: Sorry, pals of mine trying to make jokes and distract me, Ken (GM): hahah Adolf S.: Lets see, you say you want me to roll initiative? Ken (GM): ya, orcs got a 7 on you Adolf S.: Man, I'm starting to see the spots of GURPS that I've rusted on. Ken (GM): nice! add that to your basic speed, and add +! for combat reflexes +1 i mean Adolf S.: Man, these distractions, pardon my slowness, Anyway that's 5.5 + 6 then? I'm starting to think that I've forgotten everything about initiative stuff, because I don't remember this part from it. Is this the normal way to do this? Assuming it is, I must have never ran this rule or something. Ken (GM): yeah; gurps call to re-do it each round, but i find once per combat is fine enough Adolf S.: Really? Huh. Man I guess... I guess I must have decided many years ago that the rule was too finicky, and just went with basic speed and nothing more, or something, and forgot about it. Weird. Anyway, 5.5 + 6 + 1 then? Right'o. Ken (GM): yeah, youre definitley going first so, its you and your musket, and him over ther Adolf S.: Hm. I suppose I ought to fire off a shot at him, hope that pulling the trigger will solve all my problems' Skill of 15, that's a pass by 6 then. Ken (GM): itchy trigger finger! rnage is 5, so theres a -2 assuming youre shooting at centre mass, thats -0 Adolf S.: Mmhmm, center mass. Oh that reminds me, would you want to do that thing where you roll to see if a chest shot accidentally hit vitals, and the like? Ken (GM): and youre on a featureless well lit plain of white. So no darkness, no visibility issues there Adolf S.: Are the shelves full of guns going to rush past me soon? heh. Ken (GM): good ruling to get out of the way yeah; do we apply random hit locations to guns by default? and if so, when Adolf S.: Oh, are you asking me? If so, I'd say not to do random hit locations by default, assume center mass shot generally unless the situation makes sense with it, I guess. Ken (GM): in my typical practice, I'd do that for a snap-shot where a gun was fast drawn then fired. but not much elsewhere Adolf S.: Mmm, I agree with that idea, yeah. Though here I'm not sure that you'd consider this a snap shot, heh. Ken (GM): nah, ready weapon, but no aiming performed yet Adolf S.: I'd say if firing into a line of enemy, or firing at a form int he dark. Y'ever try to shoot in the dark, or at night? Minus the blinding flash, it's REALLY hard to line up sights without some night sights. I plan to get some for my revolver.. Either that or put white out on it. Ken (GM): yeah, so Ill call for it in extenuating circumstances, but not till those come up but anyways; the only modifier you have is -2 for distance dont roll to hit before youve got those sorted out, but make it clear to me what you wanna do and theres leeway for some 'after the fact' modifers Adolf S.: Mmm'. I've never read rules relating to black powder gun smoke. I wonder if there are any. Huim. Ken (GM): hahah youve created a puff of smoke at the bott of your gun, centred on your hex. -1 visibility in that hex, not much else so, anywho, you get a 9 on a modified 13, beat by 4 he can doge a gunshot(but not block or parry reasonably) Adolf S.: That reminds me, how do you handle dod- yeah Ken (GM): Adolf S.: I would argue that in most cases dodging firearms should be a lot harder than dodging melee attacks. Mostly because it's not really as... what's that word.. Telegraphed, as melee attacks innately are. Ken (GM): Yeah, I'm aware and theres ingame interactions representing that. hes not so much dodging the bullet as he's bucking out of the line of your gun. But lets move on so yeah! he jerks at the right moment from your line of fire! youve got not much left on your own turn to do; you can take a 1 hex step and retain your facing,(or you can save that to add retreat bonuses to defences) or you could also use that to change facing one hex turning left or right Adolf S.: Probably save that to add retreat bonuses, then. Ken (GM): nice, so nothing else from you, you end your turn. in combat rounds, try to declare it clearly for me and the group so we know to move on to the next guy. Ill try to get us all on the same page with that Adolf S.: Sure. I probably would in an actual game. I'm not kiddin' about my pals distractin' me. 'keep pullin' me in to discussion about things. Ken (GM): fuckers i suggest hirspray flamethrower or sharp pointy things anywho; angry orc and hes got an axe! Adolf S.: Ooh, I found a relevant rule: "Black powder weapons produce clouds of acrid, graywhite smoke. Treat this as smoke (p. B439) filling a one-yard radius around the shooter; itwill disperse in five seconds outdoors." Hah, black powder is fun. Ken (GM): orc is gonna run in screaming unintelligibly, bearing down with an axe ARGLEBLARGLE so, move and attack he move sup to his move, and then can make one attack with a -4 penalty. His skill can't exceed 9 Adolf S.: Lets hope he's shit at using his axe. Ken (GM): he's not exactly the most skilled but he knows the sharp bit form the not.Skill 12 so 12-4; 8 skill fuck no worst failure possible that isnt a critical failure, so its a big wiffa he still has his defences, and a shield to block or axe to parry with. but hes got nothing else to do now. the orc ends his turn and passes to next in the order, you Ken (GM): haha, looks like we have a turn tracker too Adolf S.: Ah, neat. Ken (GM): hahah fun so back to you! Adolf S.: Right'o. Lets see.. you know I never really thought about this, but do I have to change grips on my musket to use it as a spear, I wonder? Feels like going from shoulder or near shoulder position to spear position would be so easy it wouldn't require it, but what do you think? Ken (GM): no, youre good. youve got a combination weapon effectively. no craziness there Adolf S.: Neato. Then I try sweeping his feet out from under him with my sweep technique. Lets see him dodge a bullet with his back on the ground. Ken (GM): you did buy the sweep technique! great choice you swing your gun to either knock him at the shoulder level, or along the legs; its a cinematic choice Adolf S.: Probably the legs, more appealing. Ken (GM): he gets an option to defend Adolf S.: Ho boy, that still passes. Remind me to send you the updated version of my character sheet. There's a few small things that aren't combat related that have changed a lil'. Ken (GM): (nice, dont forget) nice match; so he tries to dodge. since this is a melee attack, he gets the bonus from his shield to all defences, +1 hahahahaha like it matters, thats critical failure Adolf S.: hah. Ken (GM): the orc curses the dice gods. he falls to the ground prone, with your trip automatically succeeding he is also quite embarrassed Adolf S.: Neat. Remind me, am I able to take a free step back during this? If so I do that. Ken (GM): yep, you can take your 1 hex step in any direction, but you retain your facing kerbam Adolf S.: Right'o, I step back here then. Ken (GM): end yer turn? Adolf S.: Oh, yes. Ken (GM): booyah orcs turn, hes in a heap on the ground. not much he can do in this posture so, he'll take his turn to get up from prone to a knee hmm, not a great icon for it Adolf S.: Right then. I take it after my turn, he'll be up and able to come at me again? Ken (GM): im thinking bent over with red dot, prone. Bent over with green is "at a knee" anywho, thats all hes got going on with his turn. hes facing you direct but "down on his knee" back to you Adolf S.: Hm. What kind of armor is he wearing? Ken (GM): boots, a leather helmet, and looks lke some poorly made scale shirt Adolf S.: Scale eh? Hm. Remind me, does he have any penalties to dodge in his crouch position? Trying to decide between expending my valuable second shot, or stabbing him. Ken (GM): fucking disorganized books, 1 sec Adolf S.: I know what you mean. It took me like 5 minutes to find that rule about shields helping /every/ defense option, which surprised me. Ken (GM): yeah, so youre at -2 to hit him, as hes a smaller shilouette, but he has a -2 to defend for being down on a knee (and the shield help every defense in melee combat, not versus guns) Adolf S.: Hm. I think I might take the shot.. Ought to tear through that scale pretty easy. Right, that's still surprising to me, it helping dodge and what not for example. Is that a balancing decision, or am I just missing something? Ken (GM): I think its a combination of the removal of passive defences from the old gurps 3rd edition, and the logic of still being able to put a piece of it between yourself and the attack. I'd assume the margin of success would mean getting mostly out of the way, and then whatever the attack was deflecting off the edge of a shield Adolf S.: Hm. I was thinking perhaps in the case of dodging, that extra weight on one end might be able to help you throw yourself... At any rate, I think I'll shoot at him. Just the -2, right? Ken (GM): ah1 but also the -1 for the smoke cloud in that hex which I just realized wasnt drawn on the map yet for your convenience Adolf S.: Oh that's a good point, I'd forgotten about that, hah. Hm. -3 to hit then, needing a 12.. Would it also be the -2 to hit if I tried to stab him? Ken (GM): oh one sec The modifier to hit torso, groin, or legs with a ranged attack. No penalty to strike other hit locations, if they are visible from that posture so no, stabbing him is not penalized at all I love re-reading thiese things I use them all the bloody time but when someone asks, theres the refresher Adolf S.: Heh, I tried making my own cheat sheets once for a game long ago, God that was a hell of an effort, and I still had to look up the book often. Anyway, no penalty for stabbing him? I suppose I try that then. Torso stab. Ken (GM): yeah, 400 pages of flipping thanks to bad book editing ten years ago Adolf S.: Ken (GM): kay, so youre currently holding the shanker at reach 1. youll either have to step then attack, or change grip before you get to attacking Adolf S.: I step then attack. Some breathing room would be nice. Wait, you meant step back, right? If you meant step forward, then I suppose I do that instead, heh. Ken (GM): yeah, youre wielding a reach 1 weapon. so to hit anyone, they need to be within that reach Adolf S.: Right then, I guess this'll do. Ken (GM): cool, step for 1 hex, and a shank taking your roll from above, thats 11 versus 15 he will try to block with his shield but hes also at -2 Adolf S.: oh boy. Ken (GM): nice, 5 on an eight (9 block, +1 shield, -2 posture) so he deflects the blow and has a nice scratch on the paint thats all your actions, end turn? Adolf S.: Yup, along with a snarl of a yell at the enemy, heh. Ken (GM): he growls a challenge of his own! he rears up to his full height (taking his fee step to get up, but not moving out of the hex) and he swings his whole arm along with his axe in a crushing blow (all out attack, dropping his defenses obviously) Adolf S.: Ooh. Ken (GM): so he's banking on hitting you and ending the fight here, you can tell he's not ganne be able to defend himslef after Adolf S.: I could've sworn GCS had my parry score somewhere on here automatically.. hum.. Guess not, hm. Ken (GM): ah, its under a weapon itslef and you didnt get a spear on the sheet yet Adolf S.: Yeah, definitely going to have to do that now after this. Didn't want to clutter it much. Ken (GM): easy to calculate; half of skill rounded down, +3, +1 from your combat reflexes so 7 +3+1: 11 but lets see how well the orc rolls first, before you roll any defenses Adolf S.: Ah, 3 + half your skill with that weapon, so sayeth the book. Damn that took forever to find. I REALLY need to write this down. Right'o. Ken (GM): he's all out attacking for a +4 to-hit nice, thats a 10 on his modified 16 (12 skill, +4) Adolf S.: Oh, aren't I also able to move to increase my parry chance? Or is that dodge I'm thinking of. Ken (GM): you must defend! or risk an axe in da chest well, retreating asks "did you move last turn? do you have your 1 hex free move still available?" you stepped then attacked, so your only option to help would be diving out of the way to the ground, as a +3 bonus to your dodge Adolf S.: Mmm. Ken (GM): or dropping to a crouch (which wouldnt grant any bonuses in particular) Adolf S.: Same score either way actually, unless combat reflexes also gives a +1 to dodging, heh. I attempt to parry then. Ken (GM): yeah, all your defenses have the +1 Adolf S.: Oh? Hm, that'd be about uh.. 12 then. Doesn't leave me much room for surviving after the fact, however... Unless I wanted to shoot him. Hm. Ken (GM): dodge is basic speed rounded down, +3+1, minus encumberance penalties Adolf S.: What would be the eventual roll to shoot him, assuming I dodge his attacks and ended up on the ground? Ken (GM): ranged attacks are unpenalized from the ground. just melee Adolf S.: Mmm. Right then, I suppose I dodge to the ground then, or attempt to. Ah, failure by uh, 1 Armor and the gun pull me down to 8 dodge, with the weight and all. Ken (GM): whee, so youre getting hit, and then afterward youre also prone on the ground. Fun stuff so the ork is stronk, the axe does swing+2 cutting, so in his case 2d+2 Adolf S.: Torso chop? Ken (GM): yeah so thats 6 against your torso DR; whatcha got? Adolf S.: 5 Ken (GM): 5 ! nice Adolf S.: Plate-and-Mail. Good investment, clearly. Ken (GM): so, he cleaves a hack in for 1 past DR cutting damage hits the torso, multiplies to 2 damage Adolf S.: youch'. Ken (GM): ooh wait Adolf S.: my character sheet tells me I have a shit load more HP than I thought I had. Neat. Ken (GM): thats only in the extremities, like limbs or the neck in the torso its 1.5 so 1.5 rounded down is still only 1 A SCRATCH Adolf S.: I've gotten worse wounds playing dwarven darts! Hah! Lets see... do I have a -1 to hit, due to injury penalty? Assumin' it's my turn. Ken (GM): yeah; youve got a shock penalty for the next second of time, equal to the dmage you took last turn, max -4 so, yeah, a -1 this turn boop, your go, my prone on the ground oh! question, dove to the right or left/. Adolf S.: Righto'. I shoot at this asshole. Dwarven lead beats Orc garbage. Hah, oh boy, am I sliding towards a worm hole? Ken (GM): oh wait youre a dwarf not a human so youre not that long laying down anywho Adolf S.: Right then. I try to fire at the Orc. No penalties aside from the -1, right? Oh, he can't defend either, can he? Ken (GM): yeah, no defenses this turn lucky you Adolf S.: Right. I make an all-out determined attack. Is that +1 for firearms? Ken (GM): yeah, +1 to hit, and youre not dodging for a turn Adolf S.: Pass by 2. Ken (GM): BOOM center mass! Adolf S.: Lets see... There's the damage Ken (GM): DAYUM Adolf S.: It's pi++ as well. Ken (GM): yeah, huge piercing, double damage in the torso Adolf S.: I'm curious to see how effective his armor will be against this. Ken (GM): so after DR of 4 form scale, thats 6 multiplied out to 12 damage! nice Adolf S.: Lets see'm handle that. Ken (GM): pieces of his armor fly outward (and inward) as your slug buries itself deep inside him he takes 12. Compared to his 14 hit points, thats a roll versus major wound, shock and knockdown! so first major wound wait no; he just HAS a major wound. thanks to getting it, he rolls vs knockdown and stun. dwerp derp Ken (GM): so this is just HT vs falling on his ass 8 on 10, hes up Adolf S.: Y'uh oh Ken (GM): oh hes hurting though Adolf S.: Well that's definitely my turn up, at any rate. Hope he enjoys that internal- Oh, that reminds me, did you want to do that roll for vitals thing? Ken (GM): Only on a random to-hit roll, I think. Adolf S.: Oh? Ken (GM): you can always target the vitals with impaling an piercing attacks, to specifically hit the vitals. its just unessesary extra rolling to see if you hit the vits on a normal shot aiming for the lungs/heart area is a -3 Adolf S.: Mmm. Ken (GM): ooh also, the orc is at less than 1/3 HP. he is reeling (he has half move, half dodge) similar effect when your down to low FP, but thats neither here nor there at the moment youve done your things. youre free step cant help you do shit to move so I'd save it to give +1 to a defense, your turn done? Adolf S.: Yup. Ken (GM): woo orc takes his turn; says "ow" bleeds a bit and screams, trying to put his axes in you again, howling in anger and rage, (making an all out attack and dropping his defences) Ken (GM): fun! 12 on 12! (axe 12 +4 all out -4 shock) oh fuck! you all out attacked! Adolf S.: I've got faith in dwarven steel! Yup, no dodge Ken (GM): cross your fingers and toes! Adolf S.: Oh boy, that's a big one. Ken (GM): eep; ten damage! 5 past Dr! damage ana half comes out to 7.5 rounded down to 7! Adolf S.: Puts me down to, 6 HP Ken (GM): that is half your HP in one blow! major wound! roll HT versus DA PAAAAAIN Adolf S.: Hah, that's not a pass. Ken (GM): NOOOO so, you drop anything in your hands (musket and bayonet) you fall prone (already done that was a 15 on 11, so nothing worse Adolf S.: Oh, y'know what I should've done earier? Attempted to disarm'm. Ken (GM): hahah, youre literally watching what you shoul dhave done flash before youre eyes, as youre mortally wounded so, at the end of your next turn, you can roll to recover from the stunning Adolf S.: Mmm' Ken (GM): otherwise you do nothing, and can defend at -4 the orc passes his turn Adolf S.: Welp, time to roll for stunning recovery then, ja? Ken (GM): ya Adolf S.: Whoa my mouse wants to double and tripple click occasionally. Ken (GM): hah Adolf S.: 14'd be the actual roll a'course. RIP. Ken (GM): well, not yet, youre just stunned but the orc moves to his turn Adolf S.: Soon enough, assumin' this orc lands a couple more hits. Ken (GM): he roars, drops his shield (it s a buckler type, free action) and swings his axe in an overhand two-handed chop at your neck he flares for the dramatic ouch. 9 on 11( 12 skill, +4 to hit, -5 to neck) you may defend, somehow, at -4 Adolf S.: Hmm.. Ken (GM): fun story prine adds another -3 on top Adolf S.: prine? Ken (GM): prone i mean Adolf S.: Ah, yeah, I figured it might. Guess I'll have to gun for a crit then. Dodge attempt. Ken (GM): you didnt move last turn Adolf S.: Ken (GM): so you can try a retreat bonus to your dodge for +1 Adolf S.: Mmm, that just reduces it to -6, ja? Not a pass. Ken (GM): nooo he hacks you in your neck meats for... a lot Adolf S.: Damag- ah I've got DR 3 there. Wonder if that'd be enough to decapitate me, considerin' Ken (GM): so 8, doubled in the neck extremity, is 16 HT check sees if it decapitates you! Adolf S.: Ken (GM): noooo! you are a headless dwarf now! Adolf S.: I'll go find a pumpkin and ride around then How much time would it have taken to switch my uh, hold so that I could have tried fighting him at 2 hexes away rather than 1? Ken (GM): the orc goes "ronch ronch ronch! over the body, like a tuskan raider swapping grips is a ready action, but you can take a perk(grip mastrey) that lets you put it where you like for free I'd say killing you in demo combat this morning earns you at least a point Adolf S.: Heh, I'm considerin' investing it in that grip mastery perk, actually. Probably not, but it's something to consider. Ken (GM): cool take the Xp point at least though. spend where you like Adolf S.: I wonder if it'd be worthwhile in the future to get some pistols. Would be interestin'. Ken (GM): theyre heavy, make good clubs in a pinch, but are worth the ranged 2d or so they can muster Adolf S.: I'd like to recommend this rule from tactical shooting: Restricted Dodge Against Firearms The GM may feel that, because bullets reach their mark too quickly for the target to move appreciably, dodging should be less effective against them. As an optional rule, if a fighter is aware of someone with a firearm (make a Vision roll if unsure) and selects Adolf S.: All-Out Defense, Attack, Change Posture, Defensive Attack (Martial Arts, p. 100), Feint, Move, or Move and Attack on his turn, he may take “evasive movement” with respect to that one foe as a free action. If the specified gunman shoots at him before the start of his next turn, he may dodge; all of the usual modifiers Adolf S.: apply. To claim the bonus for Acrobatic Dodge (p. B375), he must make his Acrobatics roll during his turn. To claim the bonus for Dodge and Drop (p. B377), he must dive prone at the end of his turn (this can be part of his free action). He can’t dodge firearms attacks from any enemy but the one specified, evade more than one shooter, or declare his evasive movement Adolf S.: in response to being attacked until it’s his turn again. Man. That's a lot more text than I thought. Ken (GM): hmm; not too crazy. Summarized down to "pick one guy, you can only actively dodge his gun until your next turn" Adolf S.: Mmhm. Ends up making more sense in my head. Ken (GM): high tech or tactical shooting? Adolf S.: Tactical shootin' Ken (GM): nice; knew i read it but couldnt remember where Adolf S.: Huh, weird how the rules for dealing with black powder gun smoke are in tactical shooting, rather than low tech or high tech. Ken (GM): haha i blame infamous GURPS editing Adolf S.: Black powder weapons produce clouds of acrid, graywhite smoke. Treat this as smoke (p. B439) filling a one-yard radius around the shooter; itwill disperse in five seconds outdoors. Unless used in large numbers, black powder small arms won’t create an appreciable amount of concealment, but the puffs of smoke are readily visible at a distance. Ken (GM): do they suggest worse than a -1 visibility? ah I see so in a volley of men, sure. but not appreciable from one guy nice Adolf S.: Huh... no information about the visibility issues that might arise, on page 439. Well not as cover, but I've seen a hell of a lot of black powder shooting videos and can say with some assurance that the smoke will obscure the shooter's view of the target for either a half second or full second To the point where if you're shooting you're not sure if you've hit your target or not. Ken (GM): hmm, okay, I can see that as bad as -1 shooting through it Adolf S.: Yup, that's what I was thinking. Ken (GM): leaning on the fun side of realistic mmm. leftover hommade chinese Adolf S.: Mmm. How do you want to handle like, me stabbing somebody and then shooting them immediately, perhaps in the same turn? Or shooting while the bayonet is still in the person? Guaranteed hit, heh? Ken (GM): all out attack double would work; shank the guy; if it succeeds, take the second one to drop the shot in his gut Adolf S.: Ah, that'd be neat. Ken (GM): assuming your spearhead is embedded in them, yeah, thats a +4 modifier right there reminds me of the guy who took a trench gun and bayonet. assaulted a watermelon. great /k/ gif Adolf S.: I think that's probably Hickok. Grandpa /k/. Really nice super tall old dude, runs a great youtube channel. Ken (GM): so! orcs are formidable, huh? Adolf S.: Mmhmm, somewhat, yeah. Doing that last all out attack ended up really sealing the deal for me in that fight I think. Ken (GM): yeah, theyre orcs; big burlies. crazy angry. not your run of the mill beastman, but theyre out there Adolf S.: What IS the run of the mill beastman, then? Ken (GM): typically Ibixians (goatmen) who are a bunch more docile, or Wolgen (wolfmen) who are a bunch more solitary and standoffish switching the map back to the homepage, in case anyone needds a look Adolf S.: Man, I was looking into gurps stuff yesterday, and I think I should've done a double attack to his groin. Probably would have hit both times, dealing at least 8 damage total, maybe more, and he'd have a -5 to knockdown. Also, when are we likely to play next? The email I just skimmed wasn't the clearest and I'm too busy with paperwork atm to go check it out in any detail. Ken (GM): haha; doubletap to the nuts probably monday, at the moment confirmably certain on that one extra guy petittioning to join as well, havent heard back from him at all, so thats just speculative. but GOD FORBID, i think we can game monday Adolf S.: Sounds alright. I'm probably free entirely between here and monay. Ken (GM): good to know; youre really the only one keeping up on the game schedule so far hence, teh constant scheduling issues Adolf S.: Damn. Auto update last night, lost some unsaved information. Need to call Ruger again. Great people on the line but this will surely take more time than it needs to take. Ken (GM): good! youre calling ruger! Adolf S.: Jesus, this guy was the slowest customer support dude I've ever seen and unhelpful as hell, but unintentionally. Just.. bad at his job. Ken (GM): ugh; I hate that. I got one like that, trying to setup my internet. He sent a team to my old address...from 5 years ago im pretty sure he got fired Adolf S.: Mmm. Wish I had a way to complain to their management about this guy. I don't even have any ill will toward him, it's just that he's /that/ bad that I don't want others to have to deal with this. Ken (GM): call back; ask to speak to customer retention/manager? It's how I spoke with mine. he has a supervisor at least Adolf S.: Yeah, I don't want to risk calling back and actually getting him. Rather not put the man in dread. Ken (GM): pfft. put the fear a gawd in im Adolf S.: Whoa, Hi there Horseman. Gandalf G.: ayy Adolf S.: Quite the coincidence that I just tabbed onto this page a moment before you joined. Gandalf G.: I'm just checking the handouts mang wanna soak in that lore as best I can before finalising my character fluff if I need anything relating to dwarves, I'm asking you tho Adolf S.: Mmm, I know what you mean, word to the wise fam, There really isn't thaaaat much there. Best way is to just talk to the GM. He may or may not be here within the hour. Probably not, but maybe. Gandalf G.: literally half the log, man Adolf S.: Oh fuck I forgot you could access that even though you're not here. Roll20's fuckin' weird. Gandalf G.: but I was just poking fun, I'm not even playing sorf dorf Adolf S.: So what kind of character you thinkin' about making? Gandalf G.: Healer magical healer Adolf S.: I've been playing GURPS for years, but I was never interested in magic, so I never read into it. Is magic healin' that effective? Gandalf G.: he's a minor noble who's wife succumed to an incurable magic disease that's theorised to be linked to the beastmen Adolf S.: Oh, neat. Is he going to go turbo anti beastman and want them all exterminated? Gandalf G.: we're not using standard magic, it's based in advantages so it's expensive, but pretty effective he's desperate for a cure, he'll do basically whatever he has to do to that end but he's not exactly a fighter Adolf S.: Lets hope that leads to beastman holocaust, that'll be fun to play in. Gandalf G.: oh also by the time you meet him, he'll be a bearded wildman type who's spent the last few months shacked up with a crazy hermit wizard learning magic any noble status is gone by then Adolf S.: Hm. So, noble, wealthy presumably, and then his wife dies to some magical shit and he goes off to find a hermit to try to train to make a cure? What happened to his estates and wealth? Gandalf G.: He walked out on it like I say, not 100% steeped in the lore, but general strokes are he was like 8th in line to a minor noble house she falls ill he gives her to the care of the church/hospital/something and runs off chasing wild tales of a magic man living in the woods the little estate and reputation he had would be thrown into disrepute and given away Adolf S.: Oh, so he's like one of those noblemen who aren't destined for shit aside from maybe some moderate level military careers or small appointments within the government or something? Gandalf G.: he's the medieval equivalent of lower middle-class whitecollar with fairly well off grandparents Adolf S.: Oh, his wife is actually still alive? I thought you meant that she died and he went crazy over it. Didn't realize he's actually fighting for her life so to speak. Neat. Gandalf G.: Nah it's a magical disease called Blackrot it can be slowed, it can't be cured and the cause is thought to be somehow linked to Gorgoth and the beastmen this is the second draft, mind my initial draft was a sociopathic fleshsmith with a taste for chimeras and unethical experiments who had a body-horror alternate form that spewed bile and bone shards Gandalf G.: but it didn't really fit the tone Adolf S.: Hm, Mengele. Gandalf G.: very much so Adolf S.: Like, mengele if he was a tertiary boss in a videogame or something. Gandalf G.: Mengele in bloodbourne Adolf S.: This second draft definitely fits better, though. Have you fleshed out the reason or way this disease is related to Gorgoth? Or the reasons why his wife got stuck with it? Gandalf G.: Nothing to flesh out on my end that's all from the GM mysterious disease, seemingly striking randomly and the best experts can't determine the cause consensus being it is related to the beastmen and gorgoth it just fits neatly into the narrative structure of my story Adolf S.: Mmm. I'd have some concerns that your guy might be uh... All action all the time, so to speak? Or to better put it, instead of taking a day to stop in town, if his wife's life is hanging in the balance, I figure the logical thing a guy would do is try to spurn the rest of the group to not stop in town and what not, and might sort of brood about due to it. Gandalf G.: Pretty much yeah he's going to be driven and fairly desperate that being said, downtime is also time to read medical books and magical tomes, so he's not going to be 100% against it the answer could come from anywhere, he's hedging his bets Adolf S.: Mmm, that makes much more sense. So was he into magic previously? I'm not sure how exactly hte book or the GM has it.. like, can anyone just learn magic? Gandalf G.: Anyone CAN learn magic it's just that most people fear it and few people know it Adolf S.: Huh. Don't need to be born special or anything? Interesting. Gandalf G.: in this case, he went chasing rumors of a crazy wizard hermit living in the woods tracked down said hermit convinced said hermit to teach him some and then when he found that even that wasn't enough, joined the call to arms he's not actually that skilled in magic yet got a basic spell that hurls bilious acid Gandalf G.: and a simple healing one Adolf S.: >convinced said hermit to teach him some< Interesting, I would assume all those crazy wizards are, well, crazy. Ooh, he shoots acid? What are the stats on that? Gandalf G.: it's a 1d6 corrosive ranged projectile with a resistable cyclic effect IE it causes damage every turn until they resist Adolf S.: Resistible cyclic effect? Gandalf G.: and because it's corrosive, it damages their DR Adolf S.: Ah.. and I take it that resisting in this case just means they try to brush it all off? Gandalf G.: yeah that would be a logical assumption I think by RAW it's a HT check but DX might work themetically more also if they wash it off, neutralise it or jump in water Adolf S.: Neat. How hard is it to hit? Does it require some sort of aim roll or is the casting itself enough? Gandalf G.: then it stops too Adolf S.: also how often, how many times etc, can he cast these things? Gandalf G.: it's against my innate attack skill which is currently at 13 so not all that accurate and it's wholly spammable Adolf S.: Hm. Eesh, spammable eh? That sounds a tad op. Gandalf G.: 1d6 isn't much damage and it doesn't bypass DR the cyclic resist will very rarely fail the first tick but we'll see if it does turn out to be OP, I'll add an FP cost Adolf S.: Good point, still though. How long does it take to cast? Just instant? So effectively one shot off per second/ Because that's some fire rate, goddamn. Gandalf G.: it's one per second, with a concentrate manouver Adolf S.: Ah. Gandalf G.: but yeah, it works better as a support move than anything the damage isn't anywhere near what most weapons will do and the accuracy is pretty bunk the main takehome is the DR reduction Adolf S.: Yeah.. I'm trying to figure out if that'll be a party danger. My dwarven armor melting away is a big deal. Gandalf G.: not gonna shoot it if you're in a melee Adolf S.: Does he have any other means of fighting? Gandalf G.: there's also a version that deals double the damage, but requires a touch he's got a selection of throwable flasks containing a contact agent ooze and basically napalm but they're limited in number and his throwing is only 11 and they're expensive to replace/synthesise Adolf S.: Hm. How's his healing roll? What's the deal there exactly? Gandalf G.: The basic premise is I roll against IQ+talent which works out at 13 and spend some FP if it succeeds, I heal double the FP spent as HT gotta touch the target works on diseases and crippled limbs, both for a penalty Adolf S.: Hm. Gandalf G.: and has one on unconcious people too I heal HP, not HT herp Adolf S.: Any uh, complications regarding really fucked up limbs? Setting bones and the like? Or is it just "ayy you're healed fam" Gandalf G.: GM's preference, but I do have the skills for standard 'wet' healing cos I doubt I'll be healing arrows out of throats also I can't do shit about death or lost limbs Adolf S.: Does the touch work through clothes? Gandalf G.: RAW doesn't specify probably though Adolf S.: My character's a musket user. I'm starting to have concerns about it's damage however, since I did some fight testing with the GM and an enemy with 5 DR really lowered this thing's lethality. Of course it was an orc with a shit load of HP, so that probably was part of it, but still it's somewhat concerning. Gandalf G.: The term 'bulletproof' originated with regards to steel plate armour armourers would shoot their chestplates to prove they can withstand a bullet my advice would be, aim for the limbs disable their dominant arm, you've won the fight Adolf S.: That's what I was thinking, reflecting on thefight, and the few fights I did solo later. Gandalf G.: always been my strategy in gurps generally it's -3 iirc for an arm they're less armoured Adolf S.: Right. The idea with this however was that it'd be an armor breaker. The intention. Gandalf G.: deal half the HP in one hit, that's a crippled limb Adolf S.: It sort of is, too, but eh. Gandalf G.: there are probably rules for high-power shot using more powder, at the expensive of your malf Adolf S.: Eh. I'm a real big gun guy, just had my hands on a gun not three minutes ago infact, and I can tell you that more powder generally is pretty okay. The only problem comes when you've got space between the ball and powder, allowing pressure build up. Basically turns that shit into a pipe bomb. Gandalf G.: yup hence malf which at this tech level, generally means it's going to blow up in your face Adolf S.: Doesn't Malf also apply to a lot of shit like failures to fire, mechanical prob lems otherwise, etc? Not what I expected from the simulationist's dream that is GURPS Gandalf G.: it does but idk, I've never played at this tech level\ Adolf S.: 'you familiar with which books have those extra powder rules, by the way? Yeah, same. Mine are always modern day or future. Been wanting to play an old west game for a while actually. I'm not a huge cowboy fan or anything, but it's a genre I don't see played much. Gandalf G.: I wouldn't be surprised if said rules also carry a skew towards explosion on the malf table or simply replace the standard malf rules with an explosion Adolf S.: That'd be neat. It's a fine quality weapon and has some malf bonuses. Oughta balance out. Gandalf G.: and honestly idk if there even are for sure it just feels like there will be, somewhere and I'm pretty confident of that I'd guess low-tech probably there are rules for high-powered ammo in hightech which deals with napoleonic muskets Gandalf G.: here you go mangh assuming you're not using paper cartridges and you're filling from a horn or maybe just got a horn as well this is what you'll want for the armoured fuckers Adolf S.: Hm. I am using paper cartridges, but I also have a horn. Can never be too prepared. Gandalf G.: yeah you could just top up before putting the ball in via the horn Adolf S.: That's what I was thinking. Gandalf G.: and with your tech level of the gun, it's sturdy enough to handle the extra powder assuming you pass the IQ check Adolf S.: That extra powder thing's an option, but the amount of damage extra sure isn't much... Hm. Does the higher malf chance make it worth it? Decisions decisions. Gandalf G.: you wont have a higher malf chance unless you fail the guns roll what's the damage type of your gun? Adolf S.: pi++ Gandalf G.: that 1-2 point(s) of extra damage works out at 2-4 taking into account wounding multiplier that's actually a lot of damage\ and can easily be a tipping point Adolf S.: Yup. Doubtful that it'd go 2 points. Oh, actually it doesn't go that high. Highest unmodified damage is 19. Gandalf G.: it's x1.1 what's the damage die? Adolf S.: 3d+1 I think I will go with this, actually. Gandalf G.: It'll probably be just a +1 Adolf S.: Yup. Still worthwhile. Gandalf G.: defo I mean, that's also +1 vs armour Adolf S.: 'afternoon Remind me, do you have the lowtech book? I'm reading through it, and it /looks/ like this rule states that I can layer armor without the lower layer having to be concealable, but I'm not sure if that's actually what the rule is supposed to state. Ken (GM): offhand I have it; pulled it form the GURPS general thread on /tg/; they have a megaupload somewhere. super easy to download at high speed getting armor paranoid? Adolf S.: Heh, arguably. I had intended for Bomrek to be really heavily armored, but the money just wasn't there. Now I'm thinking I could also just throw on some under-armor. Another DR or two would make some meaningful difference. Ken (GM): chain shirt, something flexible Adolf S.: Mmhm. Ken (GM): hell, 2 from leather would help Adolf S.: Either that or some flexible lea- yeah I looked more into melee rules. Turns out there were a lot of things I'd forgotten since the first time I took a deep read of the book. Ken (GM): refreshers always good; what did ya miss? Adolf S.: Uh.. The fact htat for impaling weapons and the like, I can do that uh... what's it called... Stop-something. Where I position my weapon pointed toward the enemy for them to run into it, heh. Ken (GM): stop-thrust yeah you brace it against the ground/nearby so that you can use peoples momentum against them Adolf S.: A few things related to all out melee attacks and the like. All out defenses, etc. Grip mastery is looking very appealing to me. Ken (GM): yeah, good to pick up when your primary weapons has mutliple features Adolf S.: Anyway, that rule though? I can wear flexible clothing under my main armor, even if it's not listed as concealable? May have to grab a mail shirt then, if that's the case. Ken (GM): yeah, flexible layers makes sense Adolf S.: Oh that reminds me, I think Bomrek's going to carry his weapon with that uh.. what's it called.. That slightly heavier than normal charge, that multiplies damage by 1.1 That one extra damage on my average damage results might come in handy. Ken (GM): its not going to interfere until you have too many layers, or layers of the wrong type overpowdering; seems very dwarvenly dangerous Adolf S.: Mmhmm. Bomrek works off of mostly paper cartridges, would you mind if I retconned those to be of the powder amount that I'm seeking here? Effectively removing the roll I'd have to do during combat, with that. Ken (GM): yeah no worries; mark em on the sheet. Adolf S.: Mmm. Going to have to give you this sheet before next game, there's been enough changes to warrant ensuring you have the update. Ken (GM): to remind me; that modifies your failure table? or does it directly increase MALF on the gun? Adolf S.: It increases the malf by 1. Which reminds me, I wanted to talk to you about the modifications that took place to my weapons, and possibly future modifications along those lines. Although thinking of it it would definitely make more sense to change up the malf table as a whole. Something to consider home brewing, perhaps. Ken (GM): hookay; shoot Adolf S.: Well I don't have it here infront of me right this second to reference, but I read up on the weapon modifications dealy the other day. When we were messing with that, did we base further modifications off of the base cost of the gun, or the "current" cost of it after previous upgrades? Because I thiiiiink we're supposed to do it off the base cost, and I can't remember if we had or not. Ken (GM): ptretty sure we base-costed things. You paid modifiers for guns on the gun bits. And melee costs on the melee bits looks like your variant ammo load? if it malfs out due to the load, it always causes explosion. nice n simple Adolf S.: Mmm, goody. There's some stuff in... I thiink it's high tech. Something around there, about increasing a gun's reliability and modifying it's malf score. Seperately from just the standard "fine" and "Very fine" qualities. I think I'd like to grab that if I could.\ Ken (GM): sam in lowtech (LT95) Adolf S.: I do like that malf idea, definitely. Ken (GM): Fine (Reliable). By installing better springs, custom-fitting all components, etc., a gunsmith can improve quality to fine (reliable). This increases Malf. (p. B407) by a step; e.g., from 14 to 15. The modifications require an Armoury (Small Arms) roll and two hours’ work. CF is +0.25. Very Fine (Reliable). Further work can improve Malf. by two steps. This is exceedingly rare except on the best target and sporting weapons available. The modifications Ken (GM): require an Armoury (Small Arms) roll and 10 hours’ work. CF is an additional +1 over that for fine (reliable) – that is, a total CF of +1.25 very cheap upgrades, I likey Adolf S.: Mmm. I'd be pretty inclined to get those. How do you want to do it? Another retcon, in effect? Need to spend a point or so to grab the necessary funds, I suppose. Of which I have... one left currently. Right'o. So the very fine thing already gives me a +1 malf or so. This will give me a further +2. I think that'd be acceptable. Won't have a mini heart attack every time I roll to fire. Ken (GM): hah yeah Adolf S.: Incidentally, how much exactly would that cost? I'm not sure what CF means exactly. Ken (GM): cost factor is simple assume: cost factor starts at 1 youmultiple final cost by final cost factor so to add very reliable means add +1.25 CF final CF is 2.25 (double and a touch more than usual) silvering, which would normally "triple costs" actually adds 200% to the original. which in CF should be read as "add +2 CF" Adolf S.: Man, seems like it'd be a lot easier just to stick with percentages. So.. You're saying I spend ... 25 percent of the gun's base cost? Not super sure if I'm grasping this as I should. Incidentally, did 'wassis name, Gandalf, get you his character sheet? Ken (GM): yeah, gandalfs healer looks pretty nicely rounded out. I loved his backstory so far. but back to your gun so. folllo wme here whats the base cost of your gun (the thing we are gonna modify) Adolf S.: Back, was afk, sorry about that. 200 - 250 if I recall.. Gotta look it up, already overrode the base cost a while ago.. Base cost of the gun this is based off was 150. I think I put it to 200 to compensate for the additional mechanisms. So 200, point is. Ken (GM): cool, so the gun is 200$ in gurps bukc bucks* when your making modifications to it, and using cost factor to do that, youre gonna factor in a few things to modify that cost, hence the name cost factor cost factor starts at 1 you add CF modifiers together, and pay for the final thing by multiplying the original, BASE cost by the final Cost factor so if you ha dno mods, and your gun costs 200 it would be 1X200 for a final cost of 200$ Ken (GM): adding very fine(reliability) would increase CF by 1.25 So you would take base 1+ 1.25, and get final CF of 2.25 then you multiply original cost 200 by 2.25, and get final cost 450 Adolf S.: Mmmhmm, makes sense. Kind of a surprise that they'd put it in like that exactly, but it works. Ken (GM): they did it to follow the logic of +% factors, but expressed as whole numbers its weird Adolf S.: That'll bounce my gun up to 17 malf, or 16 with the ammo like that anyway. Works out. Incidentally, how do you want to handle that if one barrel blows? I do have the second barrel right there, after all. Want to work it so the second one still functions, or na? Ken (GM): well, if the explosion damages the gun. and the second barrel is loaded, then that could lead to further bad stuff but the chambers are separated, so no issues unless the explosion is super big Adolf S.: Yeah. In a revolver cylinder configuration, I could see chain firings being a possibility, but in this standard double barrel configuration I don't see it being likely unless it was one hell of a big explosion. There just isn't enough force there generally to rip /both/ barrels open. Ken (GM): and by the by, if your loading was miscalculated its -2 malf, not 1 Adolf S.: Seen some gunpowder weaponry destruction videos. Real neat stuff. Ken (GM): box on LT 95 gun gore porn Adolf S.: Sorta. These things really don't detonate like how people would think, they filled up about half the length of the barrel with black powder, and instead of blowing up the barrel it just broke the stock against the frame that was holding it. Pretty funny stuff. Mm, now that that lunch of chicken and rice is disposed of safely within my mouth, I can get down to business. So, I'm going to have to throw a point into that money thing to pay for the gun upgrades, but that'll leave a good chunk of that money left over. Could I retcon that as a piece of torso armor, or somethin'? Ken (GM): back, sorry. was wrangling a baby Adolf S.: Mm, I figured, heh. Ken (GM): wife was dissecting an elliptical to move it, and needed the two year old outside for a bit we moves stones about shes fun but yeah, go ahead and re-arm yourself with some armor. Also, the militia is mildly arming yourself; feel free to write off any low quality leathers Adolf S.: Leather pants here I come, then. Ken (GM): haha TMO *TMI dwarven forbidden eroticism at its worst Adolf S.: So there was Gandalf and the other guy, right? How's the other guy doin'? Ken (GM): he is...young i thin Adolf S.: ..Oh? Do-tell. Ken (GM): he called email "web 1.0 bullshit" and hes terse with his conversations back and forth. lots of short answers and mild confusion based on them. He hasnt gained the wisdom of "other people dont have my train of thought" so minor quibbles. he seems game-competent at least, and is not bogged down with childish gaming concepts. Adolf S.: Where'dja find'm from? Ken (GM): tg/meeeup thread Adolf S.: Hm. Ken (GM): and he has some roll20 on his belt, which is promising like the rest of you, really. Adolf S.: Can you elaborate on the uh, lots of short answers thing? aannd brb Ken (GM): then again, mr.smith had something like 1000 hours on roll20, so thats not a certifie dguage of competency as people Actually; GTG myself; family dinner tonight catch you later! Adolf S.: So, assumin' you're here, has that dude actually make up a character at all yet? Gandalf G.: >he called email "web 1.0 bullshit" That was me yo. Email is scary and old, like the postal system. As for King, he's done with his sheet, archer. I'd spoken to him from before this game so I figured I'd help him with the sheet. And it was "Some web 1.0 shit", shit being used as a stand-in for 'stuff', not as an expression of distaste. GURPS on teeg is a small community, as a certain Mr. Manhyll mentioned in my Metal Gear Solid group. Ho ho ho. Ken (GM): whoa; hope I didnt piss off gandalf accidentially :/ whatup? Sorry again for the late start. yo! Stellers J.: Hi What kind of archetypes should I be expecting to join today? Adolf S.: 'ahoy Stellers J.: expecting to join... with Adolf S.: >Gandalf is Hyll's GM Man, every time I join a GURPS game I keep having to face the fact that our community's p. small. GURPS overall that is, not just TG. Ken (GM): haha its nots that theres few of us; its that we are Elite! Adolf S.: Truly we are superior to Der Untermensch. Thank you for reminding me Herr Ken. Ken (GM): heheh Adolf S.: [Erika plays softly in the background] Ken (GM): OrkenUntermensch Adolf S.: Y'ever listen to German marching music from the 30's and 40's? Top tier stuff, genuinely. Joush M.: 'yo, all Ken (GM): its a joush! Adolf S.: So, who all are we expecting today? Ken (GM): you three at least Adolf S.: Anybody else throw down a confirmation? Joush M.: I'm perfectly okay with things moveing back two hours by the way. This works better for me Ken (GM): plus king/gandalf Adolf S.: I'm alriight with it, but I do soorrrta prefer the standard time. Up to change, though, a'course. Stellers J.: All good. Adolf S.: That being said it's quite likely I'll be picking up night shift shit here soon, so it might turn out that having the game at our 'regular' time would be necessary. We'll play it by ear, I 'spose. Ken (GM): pps didnt get back to me till this morning; felt he wanted to stick to the shadows until he got in a finalized hseet. he had stuff to do this am schedules is schedules; gaming online is herding cats Adolf S.: Seems like it'd be easier than in person. Not everybody can drive 30 minutes to a pals house one way, but most people DO end up in their homes at some point during the day. Joush M.: That isn't a bad point Ken (GM): yeah its tricky business; my current IRL group has been notoriaously flakey as of late, for the commute reason alone. Adolf S.: So, I'm in another game apart from this one, Just starting. SUPPOSED to have a session today, but it's thin air right now, Ken (GM): hows that? burning orphanages? shenanigains? Adolf S.: Regardless, my character's a homeless person. I start with 20k wealth, and I've completed my homeless enamble in full so far, and only spend a hundred or two of that 20k. What do I do with the remaining 19k? I'm trying to think of something of SOME value that a homeless person would likely be in possession of. Got any ideas? Ken (GM): derilict car? Adolf S.: Na. The story is he's moving across the ocean to Shanghai, before the 'start' of the game. So no car transport really. Ken (GM): off the top of my head; youre homeless but have money. stands to reason you own one big thing you havent lost Adolf S.: Plus he's a little crazy. And a meth addict. Cars don't fit that too well. Stellers J.: A solid gold house Ken (GM): hahah 20k worth of meth? Adolf S.: You'd be surprised, that would be a hell of a lot of meth. I'm thinking some single or multiple objects of great value. Faberge eggs come to mind, but clearly those would be too pricey. Joush M.: A kilo of cocaine? That's the sort of thing that you might have ended up with and now it's a mix of great value and danger Stellers J.: Designer hobo attire Joush M.: Or just a decent rollex Stellers J.: A fancy bonfire Adolf S.: That'd be interesting. A really expensive rollex. How much do those run, generally? Ken (GM): as much as youre willing to pay im reminded of the homeless salaryman from that william gibson book. Count zero? where theres a guy holed up in the subway terminal. He paint shis white shirt and stinks to hell, but appears to be in good repair otherwise imagine being homeless, with a designer suit to your name. slowly hiding the nicks and scratches of everyday wear Stellers J.: He's a hobo but he gorges on very expensive haircuts, bimonthly Joush M.: Five thousand to about one hundred thousand or so. A decent submariner could be in the 20k range Ken (GM): (remembers the beautiful 3-d submariner on imgur the other day) good lord those are nice watches Stellers J.: I love the Submariner, especially when he fights the Fantastic Four Adolf S.: I feel like if I were a millionaire, I'd still wear those shitty plastic digital watches with no frills to'm. I just like'm for some reason. Joush M.: Well with a decent amount of cash you can be homeless with much less stress. Going from hotelroom to hotell room I can't imagine wearing a watch these days. I'm always carrying a small computer anyway. Adolf S.: A lot of the time it's surprisingly easier to just wear a watch, depending on the job you're up to at the time. Joush M.: Though a dive watch would still be something you'd need Adolf S.: Plus I have no worries wearing one of those cheapo digital watches when there's a possibility that I'll get soaked, or for some reason have to be in a position that would otherwise crush my phone, or other things like that. That being said I haven't worn a watch in a few years. I should buy a couple cheap ones. Stellers J.: Oh I appreciate those titles for the towns on the map Ken (GM): yeah it got redone a touch with adolf this week he badgered me for more info all week in the best way Joush M.: It's a very good map. Can't wait to explore it. Ken (GM): so; I'll make considerations for the latecomers, but would you guys like to dig in here? Adolf S.: Mmhmm. I've got a fever, and the only cure is trivia Joush M.: I'm down with it Stellers J.: I like the map but I wish the whole continent was mapped out Too tempting for players to just wander off though lol Ken (GM): (lol, this is a pretty expansive map! its bigger than alaska!) Adolf S.: Sure, I'm cool with diggin' in. Give me about.. two minutes or so to set some things up and I'll be fine. Ken (GM): kk; bio breaks for the lot of you then; Ill grab myself a drink P.P. A.: Good evening Stellers J.: Hey Ken (GM): sup ppa; just gonna do overwatch mode? or did you slap-dash a PC together for us? P.P. A.: Haven't gotten around to making a character yet since I was busy, so I'll just be observing today (also to get a better look at what GURPS is like) Nah, just came back so I didn't have time since we talked Looks like skills are pretty vital, and there's quite a lot of them, so I didn't want to rush character creation Stellers J.: Good move imo Adolf S.: Alright, I'm good to go. Joush M.: No problem, that's a good idea. Skill list are pretty overwhelming to start Adolf S.: Oh? This is your first GURPS game? I'm surprised. P.P. A.: I've only got experience with [spoiler]Pathfinder[/spoiler] so far, but I've been eager to try out other, better systems Ken (GM): hey, youre not tainted. You can become...ONE OF US ONE OF US ONE OF US Adolf S.: In all my time playing.. I think only my personal friends who I've roped into GURPS had been GURPS newbies, never anybody actively seeking it out themselves. Weird thing to realize. P.P. A.: gooble gobble gooble gobble! Adolf S.: Hey Ken, remember that armor I was talkin' about? Slapped it on my sheet. I'll toss it at you after the game. S'all paid for and what not. Ken (GM): email me whenevs then; the militia will supply each of you with any missing leather armors you have a need for Adolf S.: Oh crap, leather pants, almost forgot. Just fuck up Bomrek's dodge and parry score, man, fuck it up. Ken (GM): a pity they have no spare chain or plate, but the barracks are being stocked immediately and frantically fuck'd right up with armor my man encumberance: very yes Joush M.: Gray's armor has to be custom because of the damn CF P.P. A.: >leather armour reeee why not use gambesons instead Joush M.: Ehh.. It's cheap. More in the line of leather clothing then armor Ken (GM): (PPA; hit up the "GURPS character sheet software" if you havent already, or the GURPS character assistant 4 if you'd like. it reallllly helps character generation) P.P. A.: (sounds easier than continuing working on my custom excel spreadsheet, thanks) Stellers J.: so damn handy (To Joush M.): you're only SM +1; the provided bits and pieces in the armory are mix and match enough that you can swing "armoring up" without worry Ken (GM): anywho; shall we begin? say Aye? Joush M.: Mind if Gray buys Tracking and Rideing with the points from last time? Things he can pick up in the field? Adolf S.: Alright, NOW I'm good to go. Pants'd up. >Gambesons Shit fam, if I could I would. Why do you think Bomrek the Dwarf is out here doing this shit? He's got to make that paper 'cuz. Ken (GM): joush: go full force. very in-character purchases are totally approved, and yes, improvable in the field lol Bomrek, the southside dwarf crip, yo P.P. A.: >being so poor you can't even afford a few layers of cheap fabric Adolf S.: While using those character sheet programs makes it easier, I'd say it might be wise to learn it the hard way. That's how I did it, by gum, etc. Ken (GM): ~old man noises intensify~ Adolf S.: Pssh. Bomrek's covered in chain and plate mail from his belt up. Just, turns out, actual plate is way way too pricey. Anyway, I'm ready. Stellers J.: I don't know, learning alongside GCS.exe I think helped me learn faster I'm ready btw Joush M.: Seeing options in GCS and looking them up isn't a bad way to learn P.P. A.: Mail by itself isn't that good; a gambeson worn under mail greatly improves its defensiveness and helps protect the body from blunt force (but you could handwave it and say the gambeson comes free with the mail hauberk, since it's so cheap in comparison anyway) Adolf S.: Yeah. The mail was just the best defense I could muster. Originally I had intended Bomrek to be an immovable mountain of metal, gunpowder, and pointy weapons, but money constraints. Eh. Joush M.: That's pretty much how it works. Plate and mail, by default, comes apporpate underlayers in GURPS P.P. A.: oh, good I read that there's two rulesets, one simplified one where damage is only calculated for the torso, and one more complex where you can target individual body parts. Which one does this campaign use? Ken (GM): oh were in the slightly more complex one yeah the comparison youre drawing is GURPS lite vs GURPS P.P. A.: oh Adolf S.: The 'more complex' one is standard, I would say. Never been in a game without it, in my 9 or 10 years doing this. Ken (GM): it all builds upwards and outwards though, so the assumtions and rules described in lite are expanded on by the full ruleset but anywho! to bid'ness P.P. A. shuts up now Ken (GM): lulz Ken (GM) After introductions, Gray had settled in for some light work at the barracks, while Bomrek and Master Horsa whiled away their final evening as free men gambling and drinking to rival the gods. In the morning, they set out on the dawn for the Southern Reaches, and Adventure! Ken (GM): Ken (GM) As the dawn sun rises, Aachen is in the Barracks stables, applying last minute checks to pack and horse-tack... (From Horsa): Discreetly, Horsa looks around the barracks for a cloak and some bandages (From Horsa): a light cloak to be specific Ken (GM): very good; youre all alive and well (with Horsa only _mildly_ hungover from the night's wine) Horsa does find a cloak available in the armory, emblazoned with the grey sword on it's black-dyed cloth (From Horsa): I said discreetly, and i'm whispering to you. It's a secret dude come on Ken (GM): oh balls hahahahah (To Horsa): HAHAHAHFUCK Horsa: Don't want to get too cold out there (To Horsa): thank god :) Bomrek: For PPA's sake: Bomrek is a tall (For a dwarf) dwarf, standing in at around 4'7". He's got a long brown beard, green eyes, and generally a friendly disposition, at least as far as his expressions go. He carries a double barreld musket of Dwarven make, long and intricately detailed, with a detachable spear bayonet. He's wearing a plate-and-mail helmet, a plate-and-mail chest piece, and a bunch of chain mail elsewhere. He carries a war pick holstered in his belt, wears a bandoleer of musket supplies across his chest, and a leather backpack on his back. Horsa: Horsa is getting familiar with his ride, brushing it meticulously to make it shine. Stellers J.: Oh yeah for PPA here's what Horsa looks like P.P. A.: I'm planning on making a dwarf as well; mix of a landsknecht and a streltsy, with a bardische and a musket as his main weapons Bomrek: Bomrek goes to scratch an itch under some of his armor, and notes Gray looking in his general direction. He nods, smiles, and then makes a face of sudden recollection, and removes the pin the Officer fellow gave us all, signifying their status. He affixes it tightly to some of the mail above his heart. P.P. A.: >having a beard so sparse you can see the smile underneath do you even dorf Stellers J.: The modern dwarf Bomrek: P-pls no bully Gray: "We should distribute the weight of supplies and food between animals. The lighter ones should have more supplies carried by their beast." He says, giving Horsa more of the food and supplies to carry then he gives Bomrek, and plenty to Aachen. Horsa: Do I have a heavy horse? Adolf S.: Too long living in human lands. Anyway, >dwarf alndsknecth/streltsy/other words I don't understand, and a musket. A man of taste, clearly. Horsa: My horse is the most impressive Ken (GM): "haha, a good plan Gray; we want to keep them fresh for the long journey Gray nods to Bomrek and adjust the mark to it sits outside the surcoat. The reminder of common alliance putting aside the problems he has with dwarves. Ken (GM): Aachen advises "We'll set out for the Reaches by way of the Kings road south. Make our way easily on the highway and see some sights." "We should reach the old mill by the end of day tomorrow. We can resupply there, and then venture out into the wilds" he seems to have a gleam of adventure twinkling in his eye Gray tries to remember the geography of the south and nods. "Then.. a week, to the ruins?" Ken (GM): "maybe; the road is more a trail there. If the weather holds it will be a nice little ride through the steppe" Horsa: Bomrek: "A week if we don't encounter bandits, inclimate weather, mo-" he stops mid word, and ceases counting on his fingers, then continues, a quick glance toward Gray "Beast men attacks. A lot can happen out on the roads. Makes me miss my old guard unit. Shit pay, but we had cannon to solve our problems." Horsa: "The route there is patrolled, right? There shouldn't be too many bullies." (To Gray): Leather bits of all types. Anything from the armor tables of that make is good to write off Ken (GM): "Shall we ride then lads? Off to adventure?" Aachen mounts up, and takes his reins in hand Gray shrugs massive shoulders, sanguine about the possibility that their path will be beset by peril and adjusting the supplies on the horse, then leading the beast as he starts out of the stables. After a few steps he checks the horse, making sure everything is strapped down and the beast won't be rubbed raw by a loose bit shifting. "I am prepared." Ken (GM): [Good to set out boyos?] Horsa mounts his ride as if it were nothing. Horsa: "Does mine have a name?" Bomrek: [In the pipe, 5 by 5, mission control] Ken (GM): [noice] Your horse is an orphan, rounded up for use by the king's army only this week. No nmae emblazoned on the stall it was taken from. Bomrek: Bomrek climbs up onto his horse, with the help of a bucket and a hop. "Heh, they all have names at one point or another, I'm sure. Good luck finding a name tag on these beasts, though." he tests the reins, trotting around the area a little to get a feel for the horse. "A little... high, for my taste. She'll do though. Strong enough to carry me and my metal, and I'm happy enough." He says, looking around, seemingly trying to get used to this new tall-and-moving perspective. Horsa: "Everything needs a name, Bomrek." He twirls his hand while pointing at the horse. "Then I'll name her... Shortturn." Ken (GM): "A fine name Master Horsa! She'll surely live up to your care!" A broad smile on Aachens face Horsa waves to The People Gray: ((Gray + Supplies + Tack is more then 400 pounds.. the horse could still manage move 6, but they can make Move 8 with him beside)) Ken (GM) the people are somewhat startled to see a massive man keeping pace with a horse, but with the kind wave of the young Master riding with him, they seem more amused and some cheer excitement for you "Ride Kingsmen, Ride!" Bomrek: (Man this took too long to look up) "I'll name mine Zalud Fathkal Famthut. Fathkal for short." he pats the horse gently on it's side. He gives a very dwarfy hand motion intent to mean 'we'll protect you'. He wonders if the context will be lost on these foreigners, and hopes not. Ken (GM): Once out of town, and earshot of the masses, Aachen turns in the saddle to Gray "Planning on running all the way South?" (To Horsa): danke Gandalf G.: (oh what you guys are playing?) Bomrek: (Yup.) Gandalf G.: (sure ok) Ken (GM): [care to join the Outriders? Theyve bareley left town! you can still catch them! :) ] P.P. A.: (I haven't made a character yet so I'm just watching today) (From Gandalf G.): Any chance I could start with a horse that's not on my sheet, to save us having to go back? (To Gandalf G.): yeah no worries, the militia will be sending you out post hast to catch up with Aachen Silverleaf and the other new recruits, as per above Gray: (In fact, Gray can keep up this pace longer then a saddle horse can carrying a rider.) Bomrek: (frightening) Ken (GM): (hahah oh damn, just a HT roll or hiking/soldier/similar for the long walk, really) Gray: Ken (GM): (at +4 , this is a highway after all) [DANG SON] Horsa: (Sweet) (To Gandalf G.): pfft, no worries, gimme just a sec here Ken (GM): So! Gray will have no trouble with his stride today (To Gandalf G.): thats your queue Gray slows and calms the horse, patting it's throat lightly. Between his long legs and the odd, lupine speed that is disquiteing on a brute so large he seems to find the trip pleasant enough, though feels that it sets him apart from the humans, elves and dwarves. His attention goes to the one approaching, wondering if it might be a foe. Gandalf G.: A scruffy, lean and bearded figure thrashes his horse to its limits - his loose-fitting and ragged cloak flapping with desperate motion as he shouts out desperately trying to garner notice. (I dont got a sheet) Horsa: (What) Bomrek: "This doesn't look especially unlike a bandit" Bomrek says, only loud enough for the others to hear. Gandalf G.: (I haven't got a roll20 sheet, hence I dont have a fancy IC name option) Horsa: "Hey elf is that a bandit?" Gandalf G.: "Hold up! Slow it down!" (To Gandalf G.): you have with you a sealed order for "the elf Aachen" on the road ahead, and your badge of Militia membership, an Iron sword token on a braided cord Bomrek: (Gray reminds me of me when I'm in public in bad areas. Man. I almost wish I was unhappy about that compulsion, but I'm not) (To Gray): You spot no other ambushers approaching in the farmland around you; you suspect this man is simply a bit mad, and not a great hunter of guile Horsa: I look to see if he has a militia badge (To Gandalf G.): remind me your charname (other than wiznerd) what did you settle on? Ill make you a sheet Horsa: Gandalf G.: He fumbles through his cloak and its many pouches, his belt which dangles with glass vials jangles almost as much as his backpack and its dangling tomes rustle. After a moment he produces a familiar seal of an iron sword and a sealed scroll. "Falkirk-" he stops to breathe "Hillbourne" Gray speaks in that deep, rough voice. "I see no others. Open ground. Bad for ambush.." He doesn't quite relax yet. Being approached by someone strange and new is unsettling. The man's marker releases some of that tension. "Good day, Falkirk." Ken (GM): "Ah! orders from the Generals, I presume?" Laughs Aachen, as he waves down you all, over-playing a shushing nanny. He reaches for the letter emblazoned with a red wax seal Bomrek: Bomrek's expression turns to one of bored surprise and release of tension, and straps his gun back in. He raises a gloved and mailed arm to the newcomer, "Welcome." Gandalf G.: "I was to be among the escort, but perhaps I was too... embroiled in my research. Keeping the time has never been my strong suit." Gray: "You do not look like a mercenary." Gandalf G.: "It's good yo meet you, if somewhat later than was expected." (To Gandalf G.): sheet is on, placeholder art too (From Gandalf G.): ty bae Gray: "The small folk will find a physician useful." The words enough to settle the brute, Not clever enough to think of more questions for him, nodding in the human's direction. Bomrek: "He looks like one of those traveling half-elves who try to sell glassware without the mandated tax. I feel as though he's going to offer us a good deal on drinking vessels soon." smiling and laughing at his half-joke. Ken (GM): "Well met My Lord Falkirk! I'd imagine Marshall Geofferson simply failed to alert me to your conscription, as he is oft to forget many important things" He shoots a gnowing glance to the rest of you "These are your new strange bedfellows! Masters Gray, Bomrek and Horsa" He smiles broadly at the introduciton Falkirk: "I will be sure to keep death at bay as best I can - but I fear these introductions are at the cost of precious time. We should continue." Bomrek: Bomrek sighs and says 'The man's not wrong, and I'm no fan of flat plains. Lets carry on then." Ken (GM): "Ah yes, please, talk and ride, talk and ride" The elf Outlander makes a few clicking noises, and ushers his horse back to motion Bomrek: "So, what does a healer do exactly? Stiff alcohols and bandages?" Bomrek says, glancing over his shoulder at Falkirk. Falkirk spurs his horse back into motion, and begins transferring some of the contents of his pack into saddlebags - apparently lacking the time to properly load before leaving Falkirk: "Aye, something like that. With any luck, very little." Horsa: "I don't see a keg with him." (To Falkirk): again, placeholder art. 5 second google for "scholar" (From Falkirk): Honestly it's better than anything I managed to find. I was verging on just using a picture of Rasputin. (To Falkirk): negative connotations, I'd gather. Bomrek: Bomrek raises his eyebrow at the leeches. "I think I'll put my faith in a good bottle of whiskey and some bandages.' Falkirk: "I'm no fighter. Unless it is neccessary, combat will be something I am only there for the aftermath of." Gray considers Bomrek's joke a moment then shurgs, nodding in return in Falkirk's direction before he starts to walk again, keeping beside the horse and watching around them rather then join the conversation. He wonders at the books, haveing little use for them himself. Horsa: "I hear you there." Ken (GM): "Your orders do check out as well, Master Falkirk; Seems there is a note here that indicates you should be treated with 'the utmost scrutiny and respect'?" Aachen makes a passing imitation of the foppish accent of Marshall Geofferson Bomrek: Bomrek shrugs, purposefully exaggerated to make it more noticeable through his armor. "An army is nothing without support men." Gray: "I am not a clever man. Scrutiny means something other then what I thought?" Falkirk: "I don't demand respect or scrutiny, just keep in mind that I am no soldier." Horsa: "You're a lord?" *at the order Ken (GM): "The Fop is known for being a bit touchy; I'm sure that was his attempt at being subtle, urging us to not spill blue blood" Horsa seems offended (To Falkirk): Lord Marshall Geofferson is an aristocratic boob and brown noser. He's obviously made sure to urge special care as he understands your background is somewhat noble (To Falkirk): he sent you out with your orders, but no warning about his message Horsa: Horsa turns around and looks Falkirk up and down. "Blue blood? If you're color-blind." Ken (GM): [dying laughing here :D ] Falkirk: "As I said, it is not worth discussing." Horsa: Horsa pushes on "Falkirk, do you know royalty?" Bomrek: Bomrek looks to Gray, gestures slowly to the others. "Humans, eh?" he says softly, and then chuckles to himself a little. Ken (GM): Aachen snickers at the jibe Falkirk: "The concerns of nobles and barons and royals are of no interest to me, mr..?" Horsa: Horsa tries to keep cool (To Falkirk): roll on savoir faire (aristocracy) but otherwise feel free to play up the absentmindedness :) Horsa: Horsa turns his head forward Gray chuckles softly at the dwarf's words, then walks alongside the horse while the Fair human speaks of his father again.. His attention returning to the path and potental danger, demonstraiting beastmen's speed by loaping along beside the horses. Rolling 3d6 = 5 v12 Horsa: (Let me check) Falkirk: (sure thing) Horsa: (Default 6 lol, do I have a bonus with Social Regard 1?) Falkirk: (wasn't a competition roll, was just to see if I knew him) Horsa: (Oh i thought it was a battle) Ken (GM): (ah yeah, youre mildly well known, and your fathers name is popular) (you suspect the gentleman may simply have had the fact slip his mind until now) Horsa: "So you know him. Maybe you've seen 'Saints of Solitude?' 'Veneration of Captain Ound?' He's easily the best human playwright still living. I should take you all to one of his productions some time." Ken (GM): (Master Jean Horsa is known as an Actor of some regard, and otherwise a Duelist of talent. And here he is in the flesh!) Falkirk: "I found them rather droll when I saw them, it must be said." Horsa: "Is that so, potion man? You should see me on-stage." Falkirk: "Though I must insist that we focus on making this journey quickly over this squabbling." Horsa: "Right. For another time." Ken (GM): [ god I love it when the inter-party conflict is entertaining like this. :D] Falkirk clumsily rolls his baggy sleeves up, to better grip the reigns Bomrek: (man I keep having to jump up and go afk. If I'm not responding to something, excuse me and it'll be responded to when I can. Crazy day, today) Ken (GM) so the morning passes on to midday, and you make a steady and somewhat relaxed pace. The highway rolls on before you, passing miles below your hooves (and feet). You see the rolling fields laid out in all directions, the Shagwood looming on the western edges of your panorama view (To Gray): youre watching intent; you notice smoke on the horizon, out on the next farmstead maybe? Gray pauses, then points to the distance. "There. Smoke." He tells the others, drawing their attention to the riseing smoke on the horizon. "In the farmland" Bomrek: "Say, that Mill we're headed for, does it have actual beds? Or will we be sleeping on rough wood benches and hay piles?" he says to the Elf. Falkirk: "Are the beastmen this far out? That's not possible!" Ken (GM): "I see it too Gray; good eye! That seems out of sorts" The elf looks concerned "You'll be sleeping on the softest straw the king's coin can buy, no worries mate. But we should see if this is aproblem for the King here, eh?" Bomrek: Bomrek looks over to the smoke. "Well.. It could be some sort of strange human custom." he turns to Falkirk and Horsa. "Do you people burn crop waste after a harvest, or something?" How far away is this smoke, would you say? 5 minutes ride? 60 minutes ride? More? Gray looks to the older man a moment, the rough beast's features hidden behind the mask before his attention returns to the smoke. "Could be nothing. Or an attack. Let's find out." Ken (GM): [looks suspicious really; too black to be anything but a very substantial fire, and the farms round here are pretty much cottage deals, nothing that big.] Horsa: "I'm with monsty on this one." Falkirk hesitates, a pained look on his face Falkirk: "We can't rightly ignore it, can we?" Ken (GM): Aachen moves your group to the laneway to the farm; around the scrub lining the road, you can clearly see the cottage ahead. A smoldering fire burns on the hillside nearby, and you see no-one moving about the property in any direction Bomrek: "Aye, I'll prepare my gun then. Horsa, you don't look especially.." he gestures up and down Horsa with his priming powder horn. "Well armored. Are you okay in a fight?" Gray tosses Falkirk the reigns to his horse. "You may get a chance to practice your craft, Physician." The beast leaving the horse with the older man and ranging ahead after taking his shield from the horse's back, sword drawn from it's sheath. Ken (GM): "I'm sure we're all as prepared as we'll need to be" says Aachen, a serious look on his face now. He dismounts and draws a longsword from his pack, the blade gleaming with elven script and silver filigree. "Shall we men?" Horsa: Horsa stares back at Bomrek for several seconds. "They can't touch me." Bomrek: Bomrek sighs, dismounts as well, and checks his weapon over. He turns to Falkirk and says "I guess we're going to walk into this, then. If anything comes at you, leave the horses - or ride one, hells, it's your decision - and get over to us. Don't die." he nods as he says die, and then turns off to walk behind Gray. Falkirk shuffles around in his saddlebags, producing some of the previously-stowed supplies Bomrek: "Good. This armor's great for stopping a few wild blows, but it holds me down. I don't look forward to going toe to toe, myself." Ken (GM): [ right, so Aachen has dismounted, as well as gray, Bomrek, Horsa. Is falkirk?] Falkirk: (Specifically, my crash kid and medical treatise) (I am dismounted) Horsa: Shortturn's too green to see combat. I get off. Ken (GM): [cool, battle medic] Horsa: I draw my sword. Ken (GM): so, you all dismount, gather your horses at the edge of the farm Gray carries a blade that has a dull shine of well oiled steel and a shining polish along the sharpened edge. (Basic speed 6 with Combat Reflexes.. something I'm sure he shares with others) Bomrek: [Oh, Falkirk's coming with? Right then.] Ken (GM): Aachen hold up a finger to his lips, motions for you all to follow him, and makes his way cautiously down the lane [boom mapchange, y'all on the laneway? Falkirk nervously fingers the stoppered vials hanging from his belt, containing variously vicious-looking substances Bomrek: [Maps' black, 'cap] Ken (GM): k 1 sec Gray moves after the elf, giveing him more space if he wishes to move with stealth. The beast poorly suited to sneaking, himself. Gray: (There we go)) Bomrek: ((five by five)) Falkirk: (I see us) Gray: Gray's in front, I think?) (wait, elf moved up front, he's sneekylike) Bomrek: Bomrek stays behind Gray and Horsa, but ahead of Falkirk. Ken (GM) the farmhouse looms ahead, smoke billows from the hillside behind it, but you see no movement from man nor beast ahead Falkirk: I'll stay a good few steps behind everyone Ken (GM): [you should have token control, nudge yourselves?] Ken (GM) high leafy corn shoots up on either side of the lane, obscuring most of your view further in Falkirk: (are we freely moving now?) Bomrek: ((Affirmative')) Gray mrumers in that feral voice. "This is a good place for an ambush." Ken (GM): "I agree, be careful and keep quiet" Aachen affirms Bomrek: Bomrek's eyes narrow, he whispers "THIS is why we bombard places like this from a distance." he starts looking around, his gun shouldered and stationary, but his eyes and head on a swivel, looking around. Ken (GM): Aachen moves the group forward, inching and alert Falkirk: "There could be people inside. Injured people." Ken (GM) you also see the blood on the path ahead, leading up the lane to the house Bomrek: "Or dead people, 'could be dead people. Or people who we need to make dead. I've only done house-entering a couple of times, and usually it was with the TogalÊsik ahead of me clearing out the place..Either way, we need to take this slowly." Stellers J.: "That house is pretty small." Horsa: ^ Gray remains alert for danger and moves forward slowly. "You could not help them by being hurt yourself, physican. You will work when it is safe.." Ill suited to stealth, he restrains the impluse to move forward, approching the broken wood and looking to the blood trail. "Time is not a friend to whomever left that" Bomrek: GM, are there any windows facing us? Any light sources on within the house? Falkirk: "Perhaps wise. I will wait outside then." Ken (GM) the gate ahead is stained with blood. Fresh today at least it still gleams bright in the sun. The cottage ahead is dark and quiet. The doorway is closed, with no windows looking in. a large bloody handprint on the front wall, by the frame Falkirk: (I would like to roll to see if I can determine if the wounds leading to that much blood would be survivable for a human) Ken (GM): (no roll needed; its a ton of blood. More blood than could be in only one man) Falkirk: (gotcha) (To Gray): perception check? Ken (GM): [the handprint is five fingered...and very big. You can see from here it could be at least a foot wide] Horsa: Holy shit Bomrek: Bomrek says something in Dwarven under his breath, and quietly removes his spear point bayonet, affixing it as quietly as he can. Ken (GM) the loud moaning continues in the hut; it sounds pained, and very loud Falkirk: "Someone must be alive in there. If it's a human we can save them, if it's a beast... we can ask some questions." Bomrek: "That doesn't sound like a man. Maybe the farmer got a few knocks in before he was..dragged in." Gray considers a moment then nods. Moving forward with that lupine grace and pausing, looking around. "This is very eye catching. Search around you for danger approaching from the sides. Behind." (To Gray): I rolled for you; beat 12 by 4. You see on the corn aside to the left, a big dead cow, its guts ripped out as if by a massive beast. And an uprooted log fashioned like some sort of masisve club. And its stained with fresh blood Gray points into the corn some flattend ground and an evicerated cow, entrails ripped out animalsticly and a log nearby stained with blood as if used as a club.. oversized, too large, too heavy, for a human to use, or perhaps even a beast like Gray. Bomrek: Bomrek speaks some Dwarven under his breath. Horsa makes out a few quiet curse words, I imagine. Gray speaks to the others. "Shall I open the door and look into the house?" He trust the others, at least enough to make sure he isn't attacked from behind when he checks the house. Falkirk: "You have a filthy mouth, master dwarf." Horsa: Horsa glances back to see Falkirk has Fallen back. A coward. Falkirk: Falkirk remains a sentinel on the road, ensuring the survival of his group. Bomrek: "You should have heard me when I was fresh from my discharge. There's a saying back home.." he pauses, trying to translate. "A city guard is a cup, a patrolman is a bucket.." he loosens his stance for a moment. "That doesn't come out very good in this common tongue. Means Patrolmen curse, basically." Ken (GM): [sorry, ahd to change a baby :P] the corps eof a freshly evicerated cow lays on the side of the field, with the makeshift massive club nearby attesting to the beasts demise Falkirk: (What did you change it for? New car?) Bomrek: Bomrek gestures towards the door, looking at Gray. "Horsa you go after him, I'm after you." Ken (GM): (poop man, fatherhood Ken (GM) you all notice the pitiful whining from the hut has stopped Falkirk: "Words have power. You should use them carefull-" Gray moves to the door and reaches out to open it, the sound stopping enough to encourage haste. Falkirk: "If any of you are injured, simply scream." Ken (GM): Initiative ! Gray moves for the door, sword in hand, and inside you hear the sound of somehitng BIG standing up and muttering "FILTHY HUMANSSSSS" Everyone gets a +2, for gray leading the charge having combat reflexes P.P. A.: (Actually, if they could still scream, their injuries wouldn't be /that/ bad.) Bomrek: "Draw it out, Gray!" Bomrek yells. Wheree are Gray and Horsa on the board, anyway. Because I'm wondering if Bomrek should take covger behind that smashed wood crap and brace on it. Ken (GM): lol sorry, i sec Falkirk: You're those tokens, right? Joush M.: What is initative in GURPS anyway? I've always just gone by speed with dex to break ties Bomrek: Yup. Bomrek's the guy with the beard. Ken (GM): feel free to put yourselves within move of your current positions i put gray by the hut door, as indicated Bomrek: That's how I always did it too Joush. Ken (GM): but once youre good, 1d6+basic speed, and+2 for the combat reflex bonus Bomrek: Horsa: Rolling 1d6 = 6 +4 so 10 oh and +2, I thought that was if we had combat reflexes, so 12 Horsa: oh right, also 12 Gray: Horsa: so bomrek, me, falk, gray And aachen Bomrek: Neat. Ken (GM): wow, and only 9 from aachen yay for 1's Horsa: Save it for the skill checks Bomrek: Okay well, Bomrek braces his gun on the woodwork here, intent on aiming at whatever comes out of that door. After that, turn's over. Horsa: I'll stay put. Do a defense action? I'm not sure what its called Falkirk: all-out defense you get to choose the bonus it gives though Ken (GM): cool; bomrek bracing and "wait and aim" Falkirk: +2 to one defense or two different defenses against one attack Ken (GM): horsa: readying to strike? or readying to defend? Bomrek: So +2 to your parry or we, or you can try to both parry, AND dodge if the parry fails. Etc. Falkirk: ^that Horsa: I'll wait instead in case something pops out of the door Since gray's opening it Bomrek: So defense then? There's also a wait manuever, though that's simply just waiting unless otherwise specified. Horsa: Yeah, wait. Gray: Gray is opening the door this turn, I think? Bomrek: Uh. To wait would be just to stand there. To do the defense thing would be to prepare to be attacked, and give you an increase in your defenses when you do get attacked. Are you sure you just want to wait? Falkirk: guys Horsa: Okay I'll do +2 to parry Ken (GM): hah alright; so horsa is gonna defend, claim the +2 to parry? Falkirk: the key is: !2Me5YicSPlpaDWM9mhRnThE_jeWl2W3KWUzMXE8s83I it's combat cards for gurps (To Horsa): understood Ken (GM): ^very helpful so horsa; pass turn? Horsa: Yes, it's falkirk's turn Ken (GM): kk falkirk? Falkirk: All-out dodge. I'm watching from afar, braced in case something flies my way. Ken (GM): kk; on to gray then senior wolf? Gray: Opening the door, right? Ken (GM): right Ken (GM) you can see in the dingy room that its a shables and torn asunder, because there is a massive Ogre hulking inthe room beyond! Bomrek: "Draaw it out!" Bomrek yells in reminder. At this point being one second behind the first time he'd said it. Ken (GM): luls Bomrek: Holy shit that's big. I'm flashing back to resident evil four, for some reason. Ken (GM) the ogre roars and is drawn out, as it charges at gray; it was lying in wait! Ken (GM): gray; reaction? Falkirk: So that's what, sm2? Ken (GM): [SM+2 yes, you get a bonus to lay hits] Bomrek: Oh boy. Headshot city. Gray: My turn? Otherwise, block and retreat I think Bomrek: What does SM+2 actually look like? 8 feet tall? 10? Gray: That is, it's it my turn to act or am I defending? Falkirk: like 12 feet I think Horsa: Jeez Bomrek: Man, I bet that farmer regrets putting in 12 foot high doors now. Falkirk: 5-7 metres in their longest direction Ken (GM): bomrek; bigger than gray, so yeah, ~12 feet gray: its charging at you; you wanna defend with a block? dodge? Bomrek: Doesn't he feel silly. Gray: Block, yeah. Any bonus for retreat on that? Ken (GM): yeah! Gray: roll 3d6 Well, that's lower then 13 Ken (GM): nice! you retreat one hex(ty fo rmoving) and the ogre barges into the doorway he sends timbers and mud walls flying, but doesnt barge direct into the wolfman Ken (GM) the ogre bellows "FRESH MEATS! I EATS YOU HOOMANS!" Bomrek: Oh man. What's the modifier to shoot this guy right now, in these conditions? Gray lifts the shield with a growl of his own, deflecting splinters of wood and snarling behind the mask. He steps back to give the dwarf a better shot and to draw the monster's attention away from the fair Horsa. Ken (GM): Bomrek! you were waiting to shoot! distance -2! size +2! you aimed! (+ acc for your gun) Falkirk: Oh christ, a huge piercing gun at this range on that guy Ken (GM): bomrek; shot on his general meats? or somewhere specific? Bomrek: Ooh boy. Falkirk: this is gonna be like a large tomato vs a baseball bat Horsa: Cover your ears Bomrek: I almost want to say headshot... hm... Gray: Well if you miss by 1 you still hit the torso Bomrek: Right. I go for a skull shot then. Falkirk: your damage is double by default cos of the damage type, so torso shots are legit Bomrek: Against this opponent though? Eh. Ken (GM): skull is -7! Horsa: Go for broke Bomrek: Got a lot of acc' with this baby. Oh wait, I didn't put that in right... -5 for acc.. +7 for headshot... Still pass. Ken (GM): math should be +2 size, -2 distance, -7 head and then +acc your gun acc ended up +5? Bomrek: Yup. So total of -2 to skill. Yup. Well, +4, but +1 with brace. Ken (GM): right; derp bracing missed my +1 there Bomrek: Ken (GM): LOL Bomrek: Aannnd that's not enough dmaage to get the modifier for the heavier powder load. Still, an alright amount. Ken (GM): SLOW DOWN stop adding +/1 modifiers to your 3d6 roll! Falkirk: hueh it's cleaner if you modify the target, brah Bomrek: Hm? My damage is 3d6+1 Ken (GM): its ALWAYS modifiers to the target, not the 3d6 roll look up; you threw 3d6-5 Bomrek: Oh, crap, did you want to roll for him to dodge? Ken (GM): that TOO [very excited player :P] Falkirk: also the damage roll I think should be different, you modify it for the extra charge before rolling Bomrek: Riiiiight, my to-hit roll was still accurate though, was it not? Falkirk: I'll crunch the numbers, what's the damage of the gun? Bomrek: 3d6+1 Ken (GM): 3 5 and 6 was a 14 on a modified 13 (15 minus 2, all modifiers) BUT its a miss by 1 so torso hit! (if the ogre fails to defend Bomrek: Oh dang, you're right. Ken (GM): so lets see! THE OGRE FAILS TO DODGE Bomrek: Shouldn't be rollin' distracted, my apologies. Ken (GM): [no worries] your slug hits him in the chest; roll damage! Bomrek: Ken (GM): woot! Bomrek: Annnd that's effectively a +1 ontop of that for the extra powder, so 12. Ken (GM): ah, dont forget the +1 there so a final 12 damage! it strikes his rubbery flesh and buries deep (DR 2!) he gets 10 dmaage through, PI++ so 20! fuck! Bomrek: 'Kra-BOOM!' Ken (GM): funny story; its not an immediate major wound! it roars! Bomrek: Hah, I should've sprung for an all out attack. Ken (GM): [initiative got jiggered; the ogre was waiting on gray; bomrek was waiting ont he ogre. their turns are done, moves on to gray next] all done bomrek? Bomrek: Mmhmm. Ken (GM): Gray! youve pushed in a door and dodged an ogre! Bomrek: Bomrek probably assumes the thing is going to keel over in the next eye blink or so. Ken (GM): what you doin? Gray: First, seeing if Berserk triggers.. Ken (GM): ah not if yo udont want, good roll Gray: Next, going to go for a nice simple sword attack while takeing another step. step after, that is Falkirk: yeah it's just 3d+2 with the extra charge Gray: That hits (SL 15, no mods on this attack?) Ogre defends? Ken (GM): yeah! the ogre tries to dodge! Bomrek: Well, it multiplies the damage by 1.1, right? Not sure if tacking on the +2 would be appropriate, considering that. Falkirk: nah it's more complicated than that Ken (GM): bomrek: yeah, thats how its done3d6+ modified by 1.1 shoul dbe +1 to the total (I think) Falkirk: technically it multiplies the 3d6+1 by 1.1 Ken (GM): [neither here nor there for the moment!] ogre dodge Falkirk: which means you need to do some maths, which I just did. I'll explain aftergame tho. Ken (GM): ogre fails to dodge! barely! so gray; sword strike! Gray: Ken (GM): nice! Gray: 13 cutting damage on a slash Ken (GM): you shear hisgullet with your sword, it splits(DR20 and 11 penetrates 1.5 means 16 damage! Bomrek: That ought'a slow'm down some. I hope. Ken (GM): he reels! (you have staggered him to below 1/3 HP! half dodge and move for him!) Gray swings that simple, unadorend sword in a brutal arc, sidestepping and bringing the shield up to defend himself as he roars behind the mask. Ken (GM): so a step from gray; all good to pass? turn moves to aachen! he lunges up the lane, through the ruined gate; in a wordless cry he reaches with his longsword for a stab to the beast's guts! vs 14 for a stab to vitals yeah! Falkirk: woopwoop Ken (GM): ogre tries to dodge the blow, feebly (target is 4) ogre takes it in the gut! shanks! yay! for nothing! Ken (GM): hahahaha Joush M.: Someone needs to eat their wheaties Falkirk: wow Ken (GM): the sword plunges into the Ogres hide, and stick there. black ichor and blood leak out onto the blade. Aachen laughs at the moment HORSA! YOURE UP Horsa: I try to stab his left arm Ken (GM): woo! you'll need to step to at least reach 1 first Horsa: That's not 2 range? Ken (GM): Oh shit, right, rapier is long go ahead! Horsa: Cool Ken (GM): -2 arm, +2 size! Horsa: Rad Ken (GM): ogre feebly tries a dodge against 4 crit fail! horsa lands a lucky critical hit! 3d6 for effect please Horsa: ok Ken (GM): BOO! normal damage only! Horsa: That's okay Ken (GM): shanked for impaling! Falkirk: grevious bodily arm Ken (GM): unfortunately, IMP is X1 in limbs (B398) 1 penetrates past DR 2 Bomrek: About as dangerous as stepping on a nail. Still smarts though. Ken (GM): the ogre is definitely in pain modifiers right now; Horsa, any step? end turn? Horsa: Step End turn Ken (GM): cool! flakirk! Falkirk: yup same again, but taking my two hexes of movement Ken (GM): kk Falkirk: and that's me done all-out dodge Ken (GM): righto; defence! da ogurrr! is in so much PAAAAIN "DIRTY MEN! I KILL!" It shrieks, as it swings an arm at gray! He's out of control! (all out attack, dropping his defences!) -4 from pain, +4 all out to hit, skill is 14! Ken (GM): Gray! the thing tries to bash ya! defense? Gray: Going for the block on this one Ah! Missed by one Falkirk: looks like I get to be useful :D Ken (GM): damn! he bashes! 7 crushing, straight to the torso! Horsa: o god Falkirk: christ do you have 9 or less ST? Bomrek: Pssh, he'll be fiiine. A little 7 crushing damage never hurt 'nobody. Ken (GM): (gray has like, 18 st, no knockback worries) Falkirk: guessing not, considering Gray: Torso DR is 4 vs Cr for 3 penitrating damage Ken (GM): bam! 3 wounds, and the -3 shock penalty to skills till your next turn Gray staggers only a step from a blow that might leave another with broken ribs. He growls when he fights, but it's stopped a moment as he catches his breath. Joush M.: I miss high pain threshold Ken (GM): the ogre shrieks, leaving a black and bloody smear on the Scorned' breastplate! ogre passes on to Bomrek Bomrek: Wew. Another attempt to shoot the guy. This one ought to do something. Should have a -2 due to recoil, but I'll just try to eat that. Ken (GM): no! Bomrek: Mm? Ken (GM): recoil is only for rapid fire Joush M.: Go for the groin shot.. isn't recoil only across one turn? Horsa: I thought he had a musket Ken (GM): he has a double barrel muskey Joush M.: it's a double musket Horsa: Cool Bomrek: Oh? I thought when it ca- double barreled musket. Ken (GM): with a bayonet Bomrek: Right'o then well that's no problem then. Ken (GM): so +2 size, -2 range Joush M.: He kisses it at night Bomrek: Wew. This passes, assuming no other penalties that I've forgotten. Torso shot, obviously. Ken (GM): and for a torso hit, Im assuming? right; ogre dodge? (4) Bomrek: Mmhm. Can't be takin' fancy pot shots when a team mate's life is in danger. Ken (GM): no ogre dodge! Joush M.: he can't anyway. he all-outed Ken (GM): GREAT POINT Bomrek: Heh. Ken (GM): Bomrek: Lets see... That was 3d6+2, was it, with this over powder charge dealy? Falkirk: by my reckoning, that's your damage roll Bomrek: Right'o. Joush M.: Here's hopeing he dosn't have berserk. this would be a very bad thing to fight with +5 to stay awake and no pain modifers while we run him down to -5xHP Ken (GM): whump, into his guts; DR turns it into 8 penetrating, PI++ turns it into 16 he slumps to the ground, heaving he gurgles Falkirk: that's some TL8 tier damage Bomrek: "Make sure it's dead!" Bomrek yells, waving the smoke out of his eyes. Falkirk: "Does anybody have any rope or chains?" Ken (GM): (its a .61 musket!) Bomrek: By the way, I'm not sure if any of your characters have been around a musket before, or a musket of this type, but this fucking thing is LOUD Ken (GM): hahah, oh right Bomrek: Enjoy your tinnitus. Ken (GM): y'all got ringing ears Falkirk: "If we can restrain it, there's no need to kill it" Bomrek: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Luckily Bomrek's already blown out his ears and doesn't suffer much. Ken (GM) flakirk implores you to restrain the beast, as the dwarf calls out for it's blood Bomrek: But yup, this musket is based off of the Buccaneer Fusil Ordinaire. Biiiggg loonggg musket. If I were into flintlock, I might even consider getting one in real life because they're so neat. Are we free to move? Ken (GM): [actions? ] Bomrek: If so Bomrek walks around the little gate and goes closer to the beast. Ken (GM): [bomrek is moved to within touching distance] Bomrek: "Does this thing even have the ability to give us information? I've never dealt with it's kind before." He looks to Gray, then back at the beast. Ken (GM) the ogre heavs heavy breaths that gurgel; he's bleeding blood as well as a pitch colored ichor from his wounds. He's not long for this world Falkirk: "If we can restrain it, I can bring it back from the brink. This is a farm, go find some rope." (To Falkirk): the ogre is obviously suffering from BlackRot, fyi. He's a far gone case. and Contagious! Falkirk waves for everyone to back up Falkirk: "Blackrot." Ken (GM): dun dun dun! Bomrek: "What?" he turns toward Falkirk, suddenly concerned. Gray points to his pack on the horse. Bound to the outside is twenty meters of rope. He steps back at the doctor's advice. Horsa: Falkirk: "Keep your distance, get me some rope. This could be the specimen I've been looking for." Ken (GM) Blackrot is a curse of a disease; people infected waste away over time, their lungs dissolving into pitch colored goo Bomrek: Hum. As far as Bomrek can tell, is that what's really happening here? Does he have any visual reason to doubt the 'docs claim? Gray looks to the elf. "Sir?" He disapproves of the idea of restraining the dying ogre, but will do so if told to.. by someone other then the strange physician Ken (GM): [yeah, the symptoms check out. This ogre is bleeding pitch, and he has black spittle as well when it heaves a breath Bomrek: Bomrek grumbles, and walks over to the grass near Horsa, and begins loading another shot into his gun. Ken (GM): "Tell us what you can Falkirk. But be careful. i wouldnt rouse the thing" the elf implores you to continue Falkirk adjusts his cloak to cover his mouth and nose, examining the ogre carefully Bomrek: "Gray, the fire. Smoke." he gestures his head in the direction of it. "Could be more, or at least something of importance." Ken (GM) gray returns with his rope Ken (GM): falkirk; roll on relevant medical? Falkirk: Sure, diagnosis works? Ken (GM): yep; im assume human specialized, so -3 for familiarity Falkirk: sure Rolling 3d6 = 6 v9 (To Falkirk): definitely late stage blackrot; ogre had maybe a few weeks left? (To Falkirk): also; wont live long. drowning in blood and ichor as you speak Ken (GM) the ogre does not stir. Ken (GM): [bomrek checking out the fire?] horsa; any doings?] Falkirk sighs Horsa: Horsa circles around the cottages looking for anything while clearing his head Falkirk: "Nothing much be gained from this one, it'll be a dangerous and infectious corpse soon. We should burn it." Ken (GM) horsa and bomrek find nothing left of the small farmers cottage. Aside from the well, everything saw the rage of a mad ogre. In the field beyond, a fire burns low, but belching black smoke. it seems to contain the furniture and farm implements from the farm, as well as some logs Falkirk: "We do not. Blackrot is a plegmatic malady. If we leave tained humours it'll be sure to spread." (To Falkirk): gray has a large black smear on his chest, from the ogre (To Gray): the gore pile had bodies of some 3 beastmen; Ibixian Goatmen perhaps? looks like the ogre killed them all. Bomrek: Lets see... Ah, sort of. Bomrek was reloading. Should have taken aproximately 20 seconds with his paper cartridges. Falkirk: "I'd make sure you dont bring that chestpiece anywhere without burning the fluids off." Bomrek: So I figure I've got one or both barrels done by now. Ken (GM): bomrek: sounds good. aside from that, you found a ruined farm! Bomrek: Neato. Can we go fish bits of burning crap from the fire to toss on the ogre? I have the feeling that the house Maaaay not be enough to burn this thing in full, and Bomrek sure as hell isn't touching it if it's infected. Gray nods to the doctor. "I'll sear the leather of the surcoat." He assures the man, letting smoke and heat do the work then brushing it away. He carries a smoldering brand back from the fire, along with whatever fuel is easy to hand. "Beatsmen died along with the humans here. The ogre did not discriminate" Falkirk: "Everybody, stand away from the house. I'll get the fire going." Ken (GM): [haha, all considered, burning down the hut on top of it is probably a great way to dispose of it and the infection Falkirk hurls it hutwards Ken (GM): falkirk can rool vs IQ to remember that theres a smoldering bonfire that can be used, if he'd rather not use an alchemical sollution Falkirk: alright but that's lame as hell Ken (GM): hahahah Ken (GM) with a flourish of obvious alchemy, falkirk tosses in a bottle to the hut Joush M.: Anyone else think Fal needs a new outfit? Ken (GM): the hut explodes in flame Horsa: "Pff, he's just trying to impress us." Falkirk: plague doctors are cool Ken (GM): you just need a mask! Horsa: "He probably only has like two of those." P.P. A.: (Quick question: if your race dictates that you take a disadvantage—Dwarfism for Dwarves, for example—do you need to subtract that disadvantage's Points from your total, and does that count towards the Disadvantage limit?) Falkirk: by RAW, yes Gray tosses the smoldering brand into the fire and nods. "I am impressed. We could have saved trouble doing that ten miniuts ago." Ken (GM): dont include racial template disadvantages from your 125/-50 Joush M.: Nope. Racial disadvantages don't go in the campanage disadvantage limit P.P. A.: Ok, thanks Ken (GM): Ive always liked to assume that If im presenting a race, its an extra flavor on top. Falkirk: "I didn't know we were dealing with blackrot until now." Bomrek: Bomrek laughs, cradles his gun so it won't fall over, and prepares himself a pipe. "Hehah.. This'll be a story to tell the boys back in the 'guard. Dwarven lead does good work, as always." Ken (GM): but a good quesiton to ask PPA! Bomrek: Hah. Gray makes a decent point. Ken (GM): you may have had an angry ogre charging at you, while it was on fire (To Falkirk): given time and materials, and a source of magical fire? sure Falkirk: "I dabble. I can make it if we need to. I'm more impressed with that firearm you're waving around." "Don't think I've ever seen anything put holes in anything else quite like that. Is it magical?" Ken (GM) Aachen pulls a fence board to the ruined gate, and scrawls a message with a bit of sooty stick "Beware, blackrot" in common Ken (GM): "We should move quick men. No time to waste" Not much cheer in his voice at te moment. [youve burned the bodies, cleaned Gray, and checked for survivors.anything else you guys wanna do to the farm?] Falkirk: "You with the horns, when we get back to the horses I'm going to give you a leeching." Bomrek: Bomrek waves a gloved hand at Falkirk, grinning and laughing in the way professionals who don't get complimented enough might. "It's a fine musket, aye. I helped build it when I came of age. It's seen me through many battl-" Bomrek laughs so hard initially that he starts coughing, and decides to blow away the pipe smoke in the other direction. "Oh no, just Dwarven steel and craftsdwarfship." Falkirk: "You've been in close contact with the rot, you'll need to drain your damp humours so it doesn't take hold." Ken (GM): Aachen turns to gray, his look is grim "Sounds like you should heed the doctors word. You ever dealt with this disease? its nasty, through and through" he also turns to horsa "Im sure im clean, any on you Sir?" Gray considers that a moment, then shakes his head. "No." As the towering brute starts back in the direction of the horses. Seeming to reject the idea of a leeching. "It will heal by midday. Just some bruses or a cracked rib.. None of the bile was inside me." Falkirk: "Aye well if you won't take a leeching, at least let me take a look at your wound." Horsa: Horsa checks his poofy shirt "Not a drop of that gunk." Falkirk: "If the rot can kill an ogre the size of that, think what it'll do to you" Bomrek: Bomrek takes a few more puffs from his pipe, and then empties the embers and remainder of the tobacco on the cobblestone walkway. "Ah.. I think you might want to heed the, er, Doctor's advice Gray." "I've got some Scotch, it'll make the process easier I'm sure, if you'd like some." He says to Gray, then turns to Falkirk "Eh, he can drink while you..." he gestures in the air a little, and leaves the word unsaid "..him" Ken (GM): Aachen nods to Horsa; he manages a small grin "Gray; let the man at least look" Bomrek: Oh damn, was there a fusion reactor in that hut that we missed Falkirk: "Scotch will help nicely." Bomrek: That's one bright light. Ken (GM): [I love the smell of alchemical fire in the morning] Gray growls a touch, but shakes off the disapproval and walks back to the horses. Huge hands unbukcleing his mask and setting it on the horse, then loosening the surcoat and lifting it off, chainmail under. The chain removed, then the felted wool of the arming coat to leave his chest bare and rippling with stone hard muscles, old scars on the stone gray skin. The darker bruise across his ribs where he caught the blow fading by the moment. Ken (GM): [as an aside, gray has obvious regeneration. 3hp shold have healed by now] Falkirk approaches and examines the wound, eyebrows furrowed. Horsa: "Hoo it's hot. Popcorn, anyone?" Bomrek: "Huh. It's like watching metal cool." He looks from the bruise to the Beastman's face. Falkirk: I'd like a diagnosis roll Ken (GM): proceed master hospitalier! -1 for physiology] Rolling 3d6 = 8 v11 woopwoop Ken (GM): nice; he has a very obvious regenrative capability; his scars are old (probably frolm youth, before a mature healign factor. He shows no sign that he had an open wound, or that it is infected from the rot. He is also stacked (To Falkirk): old man moment, im sure Falkirk: "How unusual, this mass must be related to that ability to repair." Bomrek: Bomrek casts greater detect homosexuality on the crew, just to be sure. Falkirk: "Perhaps with the right surgeries it could be..." he trails off into muttering, heading to his horse clearly deep in thought Bomrek: Neato, horse icons. Ken (GM): [switching us back to overland map; lookit! horsies! [bomreks spell fizzles, but he gets a few weird feelings he should ask an adult about] Gray looks away from the dwarf's curious attention. Some pride at his ability, at his body, but the beast isn't used to being the center of attention. The beast is bisexual, but hardly thinking of sex with the scent of burning ogre on the air. "These injuries require no surgery to repair. If you need nothing else, we should move." Ken (GM): [I just got "playing online with 4chan bingo"! bisexual wolfman!] Bomrek: My husband is a bisexual werewolf 2: Paris Vacation Direct to VHS box set. Falkirk: "Aye, so we should. I find myself wondering if you'd even be at risk" Ken (GM): [we kid because we love Horsa: Gray nods. "I don't get sick like small ones." Falkirk: "Still though, I'd advise you partake in some of that scotch, it'll push you towards a choleric temperament and away from the dangers of the plegmatic." Ken (GM): Falkirk: ok I fucked up my roll20 ui, one sec Bomrek: Regardless of what Bomrek is into fucking, one can be assured that it's none of you. He's much too polite and has too much innate soldier comradery (that's the correct spelling, apparently) for his battle-buddies to say it, but anything outside of Dwarves are usually unattractive. Ken (GM): hey now, what you do with a bearded anvil, on your own time... Joush M.: Well, one of us had to like girls. I also tend to post everything about Gray with zero filter because he's got easy to read I assume Bomrek is gunsexual and in a commited relationship with his musket Ken (GM): oh, fuck me, that makes perfect sense Bomrek: The Bearded anvil can either be a bar, a band, a sex act, or slang for a dwarf good at sex. Vernacular. Ken (GM): I was wondering why everything was plainly emoted i meant a literal dwarf woman, an anvil with a beard Bomrek: Heh. Ken (GM): sufficed to say, Gray is earning Role playing XP today Bomrek: Yup. That's how I was reading Joush's playin' of it. Half way through, anyway. Joush M.: Ah! Thanks Ken (GM): [thumbs up emote] [also, along with horsies, please see the big red (X), that is current party position on overland map, FYI] Bomrek: "Well, that was good. None of us died, Gray's already forgetting his wounds, and we avenged a family and what I assume were migrant farm hands. Anyone up for a victory song?" Horsa:  Bomrek: Bomrek looks around, suddenly unsure "Uh. Humans do that, right?" Ken (GM): wtf horsa, what is this wizardry? Bomrek:  Ken (GM): oh god! Bomrek:  Gray nods to Bomrek.. then shrugs. Adding his voice to a marching song. His voice a deep, powerful bass that rumbles across the air. Horsa: I'll do your victory song  Gray: Bomrek: I imagine Bomrek leads the song then, and I doubt anyone knows Dwarvish. Half put together muttering along with the tune probably works out. Ken (GM) The elf finally breaks out of his groim silence and joins in a laugh and a song. He can't seem to carry a tune in a bag, but he hefts a wineskin and cheers the dwarf Bomrek: I just remembered as a Dwarf I have dark vision. Horsa: I dance to it Bomrek: And here I was scared about penalties from shooting in low light. Pssh. Horsa: Ken (GM): hahah a journey of discovery for us all gray and horsa are rolling against...singing? Gandalf G. has an open book balanced in the saddle, seemingly oblivious to the merriment\ Bomrek: Bomrek stops singing and starts laughing, for him this is like somebody dancing to a national anthem, in a way. So it seems Gm' Gandalf G.: oh okay, you get what I mean Bomrek: Is it getting dark? I'm wonderin' if Bomrek should light his lantern, and if anybody else has light sources. Oh boy, are we going over a river on a raft? Oregon trail flash backs and PTSD. Ken (GM) the day falls off towards evening. Your horses need water, and your party a rest, as dinner calls to you each in your gut. (To Bomrek): you might wanna roll SC vs alcoholism. Stressful fight and gore, and theres booze out Falkirk: "We should find a place to rest. We won't be able to keep this pace up all night." Bomrek: Somebody remind me, how do I PM. Ken (GM) as Aachen calls your group to a halt, your feet and backs thank you for the rest. He guides you to a roadside glen, under a reaching oak tree Gray: slash w slash w name (From Bomrek): Test. (To Bomrek): seen (From Bomrek): Right then. Uh. I think Bomrek might actually decide to drink after that, and be fine with it, since he doesn't suspect danger on these roads yet, despite the ogre attack obviously, and probably wants to unwind after that series of shocks. Bomrek: >Ken Gray unburdends his horse and examines it's hoves and back and gums for any injury before leading it to the water and walking to it himself, kneeling beside to drop his hands to the water and lift a drink, splashing more on his nearly muzzled face. Bomrek: Wow, way to assume, how do you know I'm not whispering to, uh, Falkirk. Gray: Well you can't whisper to gray. with easy to read he'd be like.. /me OBVIOUSLY CONSPIRES Ken (GM): Gray and his horse bond. There is nuzzling from the horse, as it walked with someone all day. Bomrek: Remind me, what armor and stuff does Gray wear, again? Ken (GM): looks like heavy leathers and some mail Gray: chain halburk, heavy leather sleeves, steel mask, leather cap, heavy leather leggings, boots, gloves Ken (GM): also fur ah yeah, hat and mask Whats that look like? Gray: A surcoat protects the chainmail from the weather Bomrek: What does Gray look like again? Hooves for feet? A face like a horse? etc. I'm a tad ... lost on that subject. Falkirk takes a seat on the ground, rolls up his wide, loose sleeve on his right arm and produces the jar of suspended leeches with his left hand. Horsa: Gray has - Hooves for feet - 15 eyes - two horns, sprouting from the neck Falkirk: 15 eyes holy shit Horsa: - Chicken legs Falkirk: I'd believe it Bomrek: You're describing an anime character at this rate Ken (GM): hahaha Horsa: - And four fingers, like a cartoon character Ken (GM): a korean-drawn anime Falkirk: and he always wears big white gloves Ken (GM): I'm assuming more in line with his character portrait Horsa: Gray talks in falsetto constantly Bomrek: Anyway, who takes initiative? Who's settin' this shit up? Is there a fire and a decently made cookin' thing? Anybody bring a camp stove? Ken (GM): Aachen sees a volunteer for firewood duty Falkirk: I brought a flint and steel in the form of basic supplies 'personal basics' rather Gray: Human, ish. Gray skin, dark horns from a mostly human face, though his jaws are overdelovped and he has long sharp fangs. Normal hands and feet Ken (GM): Yeah, and features tha unnerve rather than complement; Ugly appearance level Bomrek: Quick, somebody remind me what falsetto is Ken (GM): I imagine that a lupine features? sets peoples lizard brains off? Bomrek: Googling the exact sound that is like is proving difficult. Horsa: Listen to a bee gees song Ken (GM): "faked high pitches" Gray: It's a high sweet voice. Bomrek: >Bee gees Grovey Ken (GM): so! a fire is lit, comraderie abounds. Jokes about "sweet sexy elven wood" abound as Aachen collects some for the watchfire. Bomrek: Groovey* Gray: Singing higher then your normal vocal range, right? Ken (GM): He offers to keep watch; he also makes sure to show you all how to boil a decent potato (which he plucks from a nearby field) Falkirk: "We need a live one, in the early stages." "Maybe if I can see the illness develop..." Bomrek: "I need to clean my gun. I had it loaded in case of ambush, and you can't exactly unload a piece of equipment like this." Bomrek says, opening the cork of his scotch and pouring himself a glass, and setting the bottle on a small stump or whatever passes for a side table around the campfire. Ken (GM): "Hey now? Whassat?" Says the elf, with half a mouthful of potato (From Bomrek): Y'ever see somebody slip some slugs into a first timer's shotgun before they go to fire? Gray is, indeed, ugly to humans. The combination of features is close to humans but unsettleing, prediatory. The towering ogre nodding as they set up and frowning a touch to Falkirk. "Why? They are dangerous and could spread the corruption." He considers Bomrek's offer. "Certanly. Pick a target?" Horsa: "You only fired it twice, man." Falkirk: "There Ken (GM): flakirk, the elf seems to have been entwined in your words. "You want a LIVE ogre? full of blackrot?!" Falkirk: is a cure for every malady." "Ideally not an ogre, I'll grant. Something smaller." Bomrek: "Powder eats away at the metal fast. It's essential that I clean it within a half day of firing, at maximum." He says, as if he's reading it out of a field manual. Falkirk: "If I could just... see it develop step by step." Bomrek: No really, leave black powder gunk in a black powder gun, and your gun will turn to shit within two days. Falkirk: His bushy eyebrows frown deeply, perhaps if they managed to touch it would be difficult to untangle them. Bomrek: ballistol = god's gift to black powder shooters. Falkirk: you need a sidearm breh Horsa: "Bomrek go hunt us some food why don'tcha." Ken (GM): Aachen seems disgusted. He plucks a potato from the pot, tosses it to Falkirk and simply states in a flat tone "Ive got watch, the rest of you eat and sleep please. And dont go wasting too much powder Bomrek" Aachen stalks off into the growing dark away from the fire, and hauls himself up the oak tree above you Bomrek: "Does this malady effect animals, or just men? Either way, we could wait until we encounter something with the disease, kill it, and purposefully infect someone or something for you to do your tests on." Gray frowns to the doctor but doesn't argue, instead looking around the camp to make sure they've a safe place to stay. He trust the outlander, but still patrols restlessly for a moment before he finds a place to rest. Wondering if he will be woken for a watch or not trusted for that task. Horsa: "That doesn't sound very ethical, doctor." Falkirk: "I wouldn't infect anything with that pox unless I had no other choice." Bomrek: Bomrek waves his hand half dismissively "Bah, I have more than enough. That being said I don't think this is good hunting ground, so I don't think I'll even try." Ken (GM): [dwarven pragmatism clashes with a hippocratic oath!] Falkirk: "Gorgoth'll hold the answers. I know it. We need to push these beasties back." Bomrek: "Well if none of you want to try shooting my beauty, I'll have to go make some noise myself. Don't mind the boom, you lot'." Gray nods to Bomrek, no longer of a mood to test his skill with the fine weapon. Falkirk: "I'd like to give it a go, but I fear my lack of dwarven fortitude would cause it to snap me in twain. Good luck." Bomrek: Bomrek walks off away from the group and doesn't make any noise for a while, surely hard to see in the darkness. Suddenly you all hear two loud booms, and flashes of burning powder up into the air, and he walks back smiling widely. Horsa: ARGH Horsa grabs his chest and falls to the ground Bomrek: "Just like the first time I ever shot'er" he sighs happily, before propping himself against a log near the fire, and cleaning the gun. Horsa: "blaargh, what an aim!" Falkirk: "Skies above, get my bandages" Bomrek: Bomrek looks up into the air, curious. Falkirk scrambles over to Horsa Ken (GM): "booo! get off the stage" laughs the elf, from high in the tree Bomrek: "You know, I always wondered if those rounds ever came down to hit anything. We fire these things off in ceremonies and the like.. Huh." he says, stripping out the cleaning cloths and getting to work. Horsa pops up smiling Horsa: "I heard that bullets fired in the air get lost in space." Ken (GM): hah! Falkirk frowns, shuffling back to where he'd laid out his leech jar Bomrek: "Hey Zalstomudos" he then says something in dwarven, talking to Falkirk obviously, motioning him back to sit near him. Ken (GM): [ as an aside, escape velocity is 40,270 km/h . Mussle speed reaches maybe a tenth of that Horsa: (Assuming this planet is the same mass as Earth!) Bomrek: "Space? I don't think we have ever made study of that before. The only things high in the air that we care about are mountain peaks and cannon trajectories." Falkirk: "Space is a myth perpetuated by imbeciles." Gray wonders at the possibility of bullets flying forever before shaking his head, such thoughts seeming to serve little, his odd amber eyes watching the dark as he rest. Bomrek: Bomrek bites into the bread from his ration, looks disgusted, and spits it out. Ken (GM): oh gods! human bread! Falkirk: "The world is suspended in field of aether. Any bullets would simply be evaporated and absorbed by the natural flow of this aether." Bomrek: "God below I forgot how little you people cook this." he puts a stick through it and dangles it above the fire, letting the flames lick the bread, turning it dark and hard. Falkirk: "If heat could escape, we'd have no heat and we'd have all died." Horsa: "Hmm." "Well I don't hear the bullets coming back down. Must've hit one of the two." Ken (GM) glinting in the moonlight, a wry grin spreads on an elf, form high in a tree Ken (GM): hahaha y'all are allright Bomrek: "Bah, enough about space. Who gives [Dwarven swear phrase] about it when we've got problems down here, eh? Like Gorgoth. What did you mean the secret or whatever laid there, Doctor?" Ken (GM): buncha 4chan weirdos, but dang, who aint weird 5xp each! for murder, mayhem, and dick jokes Falkirk: woo Ken (GM): christ, that was like, 5 hours Bomrek: I had a thought the other day while in the bathroom, that it would be interesting if Dwarves heated up metal balls red hot, and dropped them in soup and stuff in an attempt at flash-cooking it. Or, near flash cooking anyway. Falkirk: humans did thaty Ken (GM): hahah Falkirk: historically with stones hence stone soup Ken (GM): yeah theres a method of boiling pots that arent put direct in fire, you just drop in heated stones and such then soup overtop Bomrek: Oh? Neat. Ken (GM): very common with clay pots Gray: Ha.. Boiled soup fast, huh? You can use hot rocks to cook. Iron rich stones can even treat anemia Ken (GM): this dude is great to watch Gray: That was a nice session. Thanks Ken Falkirk: brings the humours into the dry quadrants, see Horsa: GG Ken (GM): I can see dwarves trying to treat anemia with iron, in a direct to forhead fashion [thumbs up emote] Falkirk: it'll help with a sanguineous disease like anemia Ken (GM): seriously what the fuck is the emote nomenclature? Bomrek: Indeed. Good game. I didn't realize just how fucking tough ogres are. Ken (GM): 50-odd HP is hard to knock down or out Falkirk: havent you SEEN shrek? Bomrek: Makes me think that maybe PPA ought to opt for a smaller caliber, but multiple barrel weapon. 4 barrel, 5 barrel, 6 barrel, something stupid like that. He's got layers Gandalf, Gray: I'm just glad it went down before someone got hurt. Bomrek: This ogre didn't. Falkirk: but seriously that ogre could have been a lot worse Bomrek: Layers of shit, maybe P.P. A.: Isn't that a bit anachronistic? Bomrek: but those don't count. Somewhat. I had a better idea previously, P.P. A.: Also I'd invest some more in melee Horsa: brb making an ogre druid with a talking donkey familiar Ken (GM): Bomrek: a dwarven RPG.. In a sense. A carryable cannon. Put it on your shoulder, works like an RPG but with actual recoil. Bad recoil. But it'd kill things p. good. P.P. A.: Yeah, but these were oddities back in the— then again I'll be playing a dwarf, they have some silly gear Bomrek: Yup. Gandalf G.: what happened to King? Bomrek: My character's got background in practical military affairs of a general sort. Gandalf G.: that guy's sheet was done Ken (GM): yeah, in universe, the humans copied dwarven guns to get to the now. So be sure, dwarves have all the weird ones stored away somewhere Bomrek: So a double barrel musket makes a good amount of sense. Not so much something like I described ,however. Ken (GM): King did not appear Bomrek: Six more turns until we discover rifling ~ Ken (GM): Ill send him an email/skype Gandalf G.: hunters would often use Drillings which could be like two rifle barrels and a shotgun Ken (GM): yeah, the first over-unders Gandalf G.: fun stuff Ken (GM): but not really until cartridges Bomrek: You know what today's fight reminded me of, somewhat? Ken (GM): ~handwiggle~ Bomrek: That game where you're four players against a giant player controlled enemy. Either that or left4dead, when you're fighting a tank. Ken (GM): hahha YEah I could tell from the chatter I was evoking a good "oh shit!" vibe just wait till they start "coming out of the walls!" Bomrek: I made that joke about the farmer probably regretting installing 12 foot tall doors But that does raise the question, how the fuck did that thing get in there. "IT'S ALL OVER MAN, GAME OVER, GAME OVER MAN" Gandalf G.: crouching P.P. A.: You can assume that the house on the playing field was just an abstraction, and it was more of a large longhouse Bomrek: Pssh, crouching. Ken (GM): if it was careful going in ? yeah, it could fit through the door P.P. A.: A lot of farm houses from the middle ages (at least here in Germany) were pretty big and housed the animals on the same floor as the family of the farmer Ken (GM): it was not careful in it's exit Horsa: The ogre burrowed in, like a mole P.P. A.: so he might have taken the door for the cows Gray: Well you could make a rocket launcher.. big old stick out the back.. Bomrek: I like that explanation. Ken (GM): dwarven rocket launchers; I can diggit Bomrek: Is our game time alright fore you PPA? Bein' in Germany and all. P.P. A.: Yeah, very Ken (GM): lol; I just realized what my avatar is/where PPA is Gandalf G.: what time did we start anyway I had no idea we were even playing today Ken (GM): that being said, high fantasy WW1 game Gandalf G.: I just happened into the roll20 P.P. A.: It's one o'clock by now, I'm often still up at this time Gray: Perfect. Got to say that moving it up 2 hours works well for me Bomrek: Man. I would kill to play a no-fantasy WW1 game. Maybe something mixed with an indian jones sort of feel. Those river boats going down the amazon, malaria scares, those cool hats the works' Gandalf G.: Indian Jones Ken (GM): PULP ACTION Bomrek: >Indian Jones Ken (GM): WITH BOLT ACTION IN SPAAAAACE "That belongs on a reservation!" Throws tomahawk Bomrek: heh So, what have you thought on your character so far exactly PPA? One musket at least, y'said? I'm not familiar enough with old melee terms to have caught anything else you said. Gray: Someone did ask about mask. had to find one that fit more or less Ken (GM): so yeah, scheduling wise this works for me too. say 11:30ish to 5ish mondays(my time)? Bomrek: I 'spose, though I'd like to voice that I have no issues with keeping it at the previous time. Gandalf G.: what time are we even on now Ken (GM): noted! interjections? Bomrek: And on top of that, I might be getting a BIG schedule shift here soon, so I might be coming home at like, 6 in the morning my time. Ken (GM): I am at 5pm, mountain time (-7gmt) Bomrek: And that may or may not (Seriously, there's possibility it might not) effect my availability. Gandalf G.: nah for gamestart Gray: Gotcha. That's okay with me, though like I said, a little later (like we did today) would also be fine Ken (GM): did we rope you in at a weird time gandalf? P.P. A.: When I heard there was gunpowder in the setting I thought of making a Landknecht (German mercenaries throughout the Thirty Years' War; usually equipped with a longsword/halberd/pike, and musket, and known for their flamboyant and colourfull clothes) Gandalf G.: nah actually it works well I just dont know exactly when it is P.P. A.: but then I remembered reading about some Slavic/Russian units, the streltsy who carried a musket and a bardiche as their main weapons He Bardiche is basically a crossover between a polearm and an axe Gandalf G.: unf bardiches make me hard Bomrek: Neat. Gandalf G.: melee's gonna be awful crowded P.P. A.: They used them to rest their muskets on when they took aim, but they also used them for conventional killing Bomrek: Hey, what doe sthat mean for the uh, lore so to speak on these muskets. Ken (GM): think mondays Gandalf but yeah, melee is always welcome Bomrek: Are most / all dwarven muskets double barreled? Or were they mostly used by folks like my character in his relatively special guard duties? P.P. A.: Given that they're basically giant axes, I thought that combination was pretty appropriate for a gunpower-age dwarf Bomrek: Or was his meant to be a semi-unique piece. Ken (GM): keeping a rough line to protect the squishies is always a good idea Bomrek: >Melees going to be crowded Pssh, not really. P.P. A.: Gandalf G.: we dont really have any squishies though, bar myself Bomrek: Oh by the way, uh, why did Horsa go for that thing's left arm and not itself? Was there a distance issue there? Ken (GM): @bom: nah, the average is a single barrel (as its less comlicated) but a gun nut is a gun nut. You have a nice piece but it aint too weird you skirt the edge of heavy vs useful Bomrek: Yeah. Bomrek isn't really squishy, he's a good melee fighter. The problem is he's weighed down with all that steel, dodging is an issue. Horsa: Yeah I figure I wasn't really in range for the torso Gandalf G.: I figure king didn't get the memo about gametime Bomrek: Mmm, two shots is definitely useful. Oooohhh baby. Ken (GM): ah shit, nah, take a step and you were. Dont be afraid to ask in combat Bomrek: ^ Ken (GM): yeah, king missed his memo. Horsa: 1d6+1 is sort of wimpy though. How much damage do throws do, exactly? Bomrek: Eh. 1d6+1 isn't bad. Keep in mind an average unarmored human is at 10 HP, give or take. Gandalf G.: it's impaling damage Ken (GM): >attempts to judo ogre Bomrek: I mean in this universe it might be more appropriate to say 11 hp. Gray: Judogre Horsa: I would've during my next turn Bomrek: Average damage on your attack is probably about 4, which is 1/3rd of his over-0 health. That's not bad at all, for melee. Horsa: Since he had no defenses Gandalf G.: take that 1d6+1 to the vitals and it averages at 12 Horsa: also i bumped my judo up to SL14 :) Bomrek: Nice. I need to bump mine up some, I intended it to be higher when I made my character, but the points just weren't there. Horsa: I gotchu Gandalf G.: judo would be best served alongside your sword I think grapple their arm to fuck their ability to fight and block then step then stab Gray: Yeah.. Gray's wreaseling is 12 to hit then 19 for everything else Bomrek: Oh wait, is that thing impaling? THen that'd also be double damage to torso. Forgot to add. So yeah, 8 damage on average is some serious shit, fam. Horsa: Oh Cool Gandalf G.: I presume it's impaling Horsa: Yea Gray: that's what she said Gandalf G.: the flipside, limb attacks will be weaker Horsa: Gray what do you mean 12 to hit and 19 for everything else Gray: Power Grappleing lets him use ST instead of DX for wreaseling rolls, except for the inital grab Horsa: Cool Bomrek: Oooh yeaaahhh Gray's literally the fucking hulk Gray: It's his job in the party. To be the most attractive target Bomrek: Man Gandalf G.: then why did you take ugly ba dum tish Bomrek: that reminds me, I need to get some fancy beard combs for Bomrek Gandalf G.: first town we hit, I'm buying alchemy supplies and some flasks Ken (GM): oh yeah man, impaling is the shit Gray: If the whole killing people thing dosn't work out they can always make a band Bomrek: >first town Uh. That'll be after our trip tot hat fort, then. Ken (GM): just make sure to check your reach; if you get in a grapple in a hex with a guy, you cant exactly stab them with a reach 1 sword easily Bomrek: Which feels like it'll be a while. Gandalf G.: that's fair might want to look into dagger and rapier, Horsa Ken (GM): stilleto shanka I gotta go buy groceries; wife came home and handed me shopping list Bomrek: I wonder, is there a quirk or something that makes a person want all of their belongings to be higher quality. Some one point perk thingy. Roger roger' Ken (GM): y'all go ahead and molest each other in the new multiracial band then, and check in with me if you need anything. Spend points! Bomrek: Oh Gandalf G.: Sending you my updated sheet btw Gray: You could just make it a Likes The Finer Things Bomrek: when's next game then? 7 days? Ken (GM): quirk(obsession: bigger and better stuff) -1 yeah, 1 week to gametime schedule is updated on roll20 Gray: Nice, thanks again Ken Ken (GM): n boyos SP boyos a;lnfo;qinewf Bomrek: Adios' Ken (GM): TYPING No problem boyos Bomrek: Hand held cannon though, that seems like something the Dwarves'd do. Something that would be useful for taking out shit like Ogres. P.P. A.: Gandalf G.: I had fun Bomrek: By the way, all the dwarf names I've memed up, and most of the words, are from the dwarf fortress dwarf language. Stellers J.: lol P.P. A.: Well, gonna log off. I look forward to playing with you guys next time. Bomrek: Mmhmm, same. Come in here to talk to the GM, he'- welp GM's here often, point is. Gray: Ha, makes sense. I'll check in when I can. You all take care Stellers J.: Bye Bomrek: bye Adolf S.: Ahoy' Ken (GM): sup me dorfy friend back in a sec, putting a baby to bed and back; toddler down for unconsciousness man, mapmaking is hard, when all the basic pieces in the library have weird overlay settings some are transparent, some have cleared whitespace, some are puzzle pieces its nuts Adolf S.: Man, got turebo distracted there. Map mak- Oh you mean like, hex combat map stuff? Yyyeaaahh. I ran that fallout game I mentioned and uh, I spent SOO much time making maps. It was insane I had to get super creative with it to make it work. Ken (GM): yeah, considering the amount of individual pieces and the amount of stuff in the library with friggin square grids printed on them but I think Ive got a hang of it now also; PPS is joining up; got his dwarf finalized he gave himself a hard time; tried programming an excel sheet to do a character sheet in german Adolf S.: >gave himself a hard time W-why would he use excell for that? There's a decent program for it already. >In german r-really Ken (GM): yeah its his native language and I dunno; I pointed him to GCS and GCA4 he fired me a sheet? I rebuilt it in GCA4 in less than 5 minutes to audit the values and sent him back a PDF sheet too Adolf S.: Mmm. Weird. How's the character? Got any uh background stuff yet all done? Ken (GM): yeah, dorfy dorf very mercenary but smart guy merc Adolf S.: Spookt'. 'Civilian' or military trained? I'm reading the logs, trying to gauge how I've been playing Bomrek so far and what not. Going to write up a journal thing for him. Ken (GM): military trained. no contacts or anything, but big background in military Adolf S.: Mmm. Wonder how my character and his will get along, considerin' that. Ken (GM): like dorfs in a fort. 2cat jokes n all Adolf S.: Aw man, my browser crashed. Mmm. Wonder how my character and his will get along, considerin' that. ^ what I was going to type before browser crashed. Mornin'. Or, afternoon now I suppose. Ken (GM): sup? Adolf S.: Trying to decide what to do about an employment related thing. Got a guy who promised me an easy grab of a position but contacting him is sparse.. Could go directly to the job, but this guy likes me and has a pal in hiring who could guarantee me a way in. So I'm deciding between the slow agonizing wait for a sure-thing, or just go directly for a probably-going-to-get-it-thing that's less safe technically than the sure-thing. Ken (GM): ooh; rock and a hard place Adolf S.: worst case scenario, I go for the less-sure-thing, boss doesn't like me for some reason, and I don't get the job at all which would be a huge wrench in my plans. Damn, tough choice overall. Wish I could just opt for inaction. Ken (GM): yeesh, yeah i got no advice; im in a similar situation. Waiting on a sure thing job to crop up, as informed by a good friend. Taking sporadic interviews as well, but not committed to anything yet yay unemployment! [also, I have a cool thing planned for monday game, SUPER EXCITED] Adolf S.: Mmm. Problem here is I'm on a self-imposed time limit. I intend to move after X days, and the area I'm going to won't have this job - or at least not as good of a version of this job - so the longer this process takes the less money I make for that move. Oh? Cool thing? Goody. I've still got to write that journal thing. Been meaning to, but shit keeps coming up Ken (GM): hey man, life comes before gaming extras, I understand Adolf S.: Incidentally when you do find employment, will the game's schedule change really .. uh... sporadically? Or stop? Ken (GM): I could see it moving to the weekend; replacing my other steady game as that game has become so unsteady its ridiculous Adolf S.: Also while I've got your ear, can you tell me about what exactly the uh.. main page means when it references all those other things? I can't recall the names right now, but uh, Grim-dark something or other, etc. I've never seen any of those myself, and was wonderin' about that the other day in the shower. Ken (GM): " A classic 80's grim fantasy game (a la Legend, Neverending story, or Black Cauldron) " ? Adolf S.: I think I said it to a pal of mine, but most of the games I've been in either have had 2 XP per game be an unusual windfall, or they had so few sessions before end-game that points just didn't accrue. It's interesting having the option to actually have some points to invest for once. Come to think of it again, I also haven't been in many Actual-Games, that came to conclusions. Always had to stop before the. Yup, that's the one. Not familiar with legend, neverending story, etc. Ken (GM): DOOOOOD Adolf S.: Or even with 80's-grim-fantasy. Ken (GM): IMDB is your firend how di dyou never see neverending story? Adolf S.: I-is that the anime thing? Regardless, dunno, just haven't seen it. Ken (GM): I can excuse legend, or the black cauldron, but Neverending story is a staple! Its like not knowing Karate Kid! Adolf S.: Man, that trailer was a wild ride. Still, what defines 80's-grim-fantasy? I assume that's a technically different thing than Neverending story, heh Ken (GM): well, yeah. grim fantasy tended to dump on the hopelessness and make the heros journey come down into the much Wizards was similar; a lot more psychadelic, and odd, but that was definitely grim. also, Rock and Rule Check out Legend ; it hits the tone nicely also Tim Curry in his prime Adolf S.: Hm. How's mail work in this setting, anyway? Is there any post between towns? Or between the human areas and dwarf areas? Ken (GM): sorry; wife made me take a shower Adolf S.: sue her, how dare she Ken (GM): there isnt an official mail service, but couriers can be hired to travel between towns. Often the rovers will take deliveries as well as trade; its best to make sure they carry the approval of a duke or similar in the area. Otherwise, the church of Light keeps missives between it's priests and disciples. Adolf S.: Church of light? Wassa'? Ken (GM): The humans have a faith; they worship "The Divine Light" and seek it's blessing. Some hooey involving the magic of the last age. The legend goes that there is some of the divine power bound up in the great magic of the Grey Blade. But theres no real concrete evidence of this Adolf S.: Hogwash. What's the Dwarven religion, again? I think I need a refresher on that. Ken (GM): Ancestor worship; "May the spirit of those who have gone before walk with those of the Now" Adolf S.: Neat. Any controlling gods present in that at all, or anythin'? Ken (GM): All lineage traces back to "the All Father", though the specific texts that demonstrate the clans first born to him are all written in the old tongue, and the High Elders often debate the interpretations. So all dwarves are sons of The AllFather, but some hold themselves in higher regard than others Adolf S.: Hm. What's Bomrek's clan's ranking? Ken (GM): Middling; the King's Clan claims the most direct lineage, and the other elder nobles of the aristocratic houses bicker amongst themselves for more direct ties. All others outside the highest houses are "equally held in regard by the AllFather" or so the priests say Your family are not directly among the serfs, but also hold no major political power oh goddamn, I am suffering from the torpor Adolf S.: T-torpor? Ken (GM): just...I dunno. Malaise. Lack of stuff to do. Side affect of being unemployed/poor not much to do, or go out to do Adolf S.: In times like these I design machines. Ken (GM): I sorted my old campaign notes fer chrissakes... Adolf S.: My favorites are guns, toys, and white-noise making machines. Ken (GM): I envy your technical background and bow to your knowledge Adolf S.: Y'oughta try it. Mechanical design is some great stuff. How to fit things of a certain tech level inside a certain space with certain resources, seeking certain performance. Ken (GM): lots of "solve for an X" Adolf S.: I have these draft papers with a little toy pistol designed to shoot out tictacs, but mimics the physical actions of a real pistol. >Pull trigger >Hear click >Tictac flies out >Slide flies backward >new tictac in the firing position. Ken (GM): neat Adolf S.: Pssh, that's new-school mechanical design. Old school mechanical design is mostly being creative, mechanically so. Ken (GM): yeah, thanks to the internet and CAD, I'm sure theres a repository of standard design specs out there now Adolf S.: Another thing I'm a fan of is designing things to make out of wood. I'm toying with the idea of a beautiful chinese-classical-wood-working inspired stool, very beautiful design that, but mine will have a compartment for a handgun. Ken (GM): anti-communist-compartment? Adolf S.: So, what's outside the boundries of this map, anyway? Ken (GM): well, to the west of the dwarves lay the old dwarven empire. The overland routes were lost long ago or never tracked. And the Ancient Highway was lost in the last age. Underground tunnels linking the city states and the empire in a great vein of commerce and trade. East of the kingdom of Greyhold is the Great Greenwood; it stretches on into a massive track of wood so deep and dark, no expedition has ever returned fromit's depths NorthWest , lies the desert wastes. many have fallen prey to it's quicksand, rolling dunes of dust, and poisonous inhabitants South lies the forbidden Elven Woods; none pass through and the elves reveal no secrets of their homelands. SouthEast are the ruins of Gorgoth. All records of their once mighty kingdom were destroyed in the last war, but some say there is a great shimmering sea beyond their borders, and verdant lands there too, the map displays the arbitrary borders as well as can be described Ken (GM): brb, potty training two year old Adolf S.: Mmmm. I'm looking at Counterattack technique stuff.. If I do an all out defense parry boost, parry an attack, can I counterattack, I wonder? Ken (GM): back; lemme chack that for ya so yeah, doing a counterattack is simple enough fi you successfully defended against them in the previous round, you can attack with it,; you roll versus the technique; they defend at -2parry, -1 block or dodge Adolf S.: There we go, Bomrek's letter is posted. I feel like it was less of an inspired piece than I could have produced, it's a shame I didn't write it up a few days ago like I intendded. Generally would try to include some funny recounts or thoughts, didn't achieve that too much this time though. So, how does the uh, combining techniques thing work? Some of my plan is to parry, counterattack by using the sweep technique, to push the enemy on his ass. Ken (GM): hey; sorry was afk there for a bit Adolf S.: My understanding of it is that I just roll my normal score for that. Ken (GM): ah yeah; if you use the counterattack, and choose to sweep in combination, the target suffers a penalty to their sweep roll, depending on how well you rolled on your counterattack roll MA70; Counterattack description so; if you want to counterattack with sweep you roll against sweep -5, or better if you bought up counterattack(sweep) so, if you want to counterattack with a spear hit, you buy up the technique "Counterattack(spear)" if you want to counter with a sweep of the spear, you buy up "coutnerattack(sweep:spear)" Ken (GM): Martial arts is king for sub-techniques... Adolf S.: Huh. Are you sure that I have to specialize in a subtechnique for counterattack to work like that? Also you said that a penalty is dependent on how well I did on my counterattack roll, but I'm not seein' that here. Is that somewhere else in the book? Ken (GM): good point; I have reread MA64 you just need to specify a melee weapon but if you sweep counterattack, you combine penalties you dont have to worry though, as you bought up your sweep equal to your weapon skill Adolf S.: Great. I read into that and was wondering if I understood it correctly. Ken (GM): so yeah, if you wanna counter sweep, that'd be real sweet I was assuming it was a sub-technique. Derp hah, I'd imagine that since you got rocked by that orc, tripping motherfuckers sounds promising to you Adolf S.: It does, though I've actually had my thoughts toward this technique since our test fighting game thing against that goblin. You had me grab 2 pounds of black powder, remind me, how many shots is that? I have it written down as.. 100 shots, but I'm not sure if that's a number I pulled out of my ass to expediate record keeping or not. Ken (GM): 1 sec low tech saaaaays... okay youre using overpowered shots, paper cartridges. So youre using 1.5 times cost on o.065 cost per shot values which is a combo of lead shot and blackpowder so youre firing around ~0.1$ per shot, with overpowered paper twists so 100 shots would be 10$ Ken (GM): oh fuck, no thats shot weight, not direct cost derp so each shot, factored out, is ~0.1lb cost per shot is 20$ X 0.1 = 2$ (which includes lead and powder) so 2lbs of powder should be ~20 shots and that would be 40$, including lead sorry; math. And I'm not even drunk to blame it on that! Ken (GM): brb, baby bedtime Adolf S.: Hah, that's some heavy stuff. Ken (GM): back; yeah! Muskets fire heavy loads one tenth of a pound is just more than an ounce per shot right? jeez Adolf S.: How many rations have we eaten so far anyway, like 3? Ken (GM): yep, only the one days travel Gandalf G.: ayy Ken (GM): ahoi-oi note to self: do not allow scatterbrained friend to dye hair without supervision. She rinsed off in the shower, but failed to get the dye rinsed off the tub. i have been scrubbing for an hour Gandalf G.: oh christ well at least your tub has personality Ken (GM): yeah, mostly just the wife concerned at this point. i gave it a nice scrub, but theres still faded streaks of pink all through the fucking thing we'll live so, how's ya week? Gandalf G.: Quiet, man flatmate's out came back from visiting family halfway through the week not much going on, quiet is nice Ken (GM): nice to have a break then; but ya gotta do all the dishes Gandalf G.: I end up doing them anyway dont mind me tho I'm just here to make sure I dont miss the start again Ken (GM): hahah no worries; im just prodding at things. Being online early also, putting together a batch of butter chicken for the wife because she planned to cook this weekend, and failed utterly to do so. so now it smy job to finish it :P Gandalf G.: butter chicken is the shit you using a recipe? Ken (GM): my wife's; but its mostly marinated chicken tossed in with caramelized onion/tomato, set to cook for an hour, then added yogurt Gandalf G.: unf Ken (GM): its a joush! Gandalf G.: ayy Joush M.: Hey, what's up? Ken (GM): Butter chicken! Joush M.: Not a bad thing. I prefer Tikka Masala, but it's splitting hairs Ken (GM): yeah this is closer to tika, wife's recipie good week? Joush M.: It wasn't bad. I survived, at least Gandalf G.: I am not a fan of tikka or tikka masala, rather Joush M.: Hey Stelers Stellers J.: Hi Ken (GM): aw shiiiit its a stelllerrrrrrs Gandalf G.: I'm harrassing king on skype Ken (GM): lulz Gandalf G.: dude's offline or invisible Ken (GM): hes been incommunicado from me Gandalf G.: I spoke to him yesterday albeit briefly Ken (GM): he lives? Gandalf G.: the extent of the conversation Ken (GM): woooow Gandalf G.: yeh I hope he shows but w/e, not much more I can do about it Stellers J.: Is King the Samurai? Gandalf G.: yeah Ken (GM): yeah, but if he's not showing today I will free up the spot Gandalf G.: it'll be good mechanically to have someone with a devoted ranged skill but yeah, that's fair enough Ken (GM): no sense in waiting on someone who doesnt show Stellers J.: No lie when I made my character I didn't know the setting had guns lol Gandalf G.: I usually say 2 sessions for the first time Stellers J.: Like full blown Samurai or? Gandalf G.: archer samurai characterised by laziness Ken (GM): honorabru warrior Gandalf G.: it was kinda anime but I liked it Stellers J.: Ok Ken (GM): he may have channelled some spike spiegel Gandalf G.: and he was gonna coat his arrows in my alchemical goops rip Ken (GM): you excrete goops now? Stellers J.: Nice Gandalf G.: I excrete many things I'm a man of many excretions Ken (GM): gnerrrrr Gandalf G.: and you can quote me on that Ken (GM): *noted Gandalf G.: so we're waiting on just hitler? Stellers J.: Last night I dreamed I was in an airplane and I overslept and missed today's game Gandalf G.: I had a dream that I was on a bus with Patrick Bateman I dont remember the context Stellers J.: What'd he do Gandalf G.: I think I was using him as an example of something Stellers J.: Very cool. Ken (GM): wtf yeah we're waiting on adolph, and PPS(if he's coming) Gandalf G.: PPS Was he here last week? Stellers J.: The voyeur Gandalf G.: ah Stellers J.: I wonder if there are people like that, who only like to spectate? Gandalf G.: heheheh its called shagwood probably man there are podcasts and streams of tabletops out there Stellers J.: At that point you might as well GM Gandalf G.: GMing is woooork Ken (GM): "I like to watch" Stellers J.: Ken (GM): speak of the devil! Stellers J.: Look it's Walter PPK P.P. A.: Sup Ken (GM): I prefer a PPSH myself P.P. A.: Sorry I'm a bit late, I'm usually out until the full hour and have to walk home first Gandalf G.: ayy it's PMT Ken (GM): pffft; late he syas worried he is now wheres the jew-bot? P.P. A.: Orndung muß sein Joush M.: Welcome to the party, Richter P.P. A.: *Ordnung Are there any significant cultural differences between the different dorf forts? because Karak-Poldark sounds like a dank place when you read it as “Fort Dark /pol/” Ken (GM): hahaha Gandalf G.: do the dorfs actually live in forts Ken (GM): very much so; toady was a huge influence Stellers J.: They're like people but short and ugly Ken (GM): less 2cat though and less spontaneous insanity and less giant carp P.P. A.: and no atom smashers either? Ken (GM): ~handwiggle~ P.P. A.: sounds +fun+ Gandalf G.: on a scale of deterring wildlife to hushed whispers among the goblin people; how big are the lava moats? Ken (GM): 30 Stellers J.: meters Ken (GM): speed Gandalf G.: I love dorf fort Stellers J.: I want my castle to have a moat so big people mistake it for an island Gandalf G.: I cant wait for the update that lets me make rum-filled moats Ken (GM): mass production vats? Gandalf G.: dwarves can swim in it like water, lesser species become too intoxicated to remain afloat Joush M.: Stellers puts his castle in a three mile wide artifical resivore Stellers J.: Just renovate a dam Ken (GM): oh man, the amount of times I produced a megaproject, only to have my framerate die I have a dorf-boner for waterworks ayyyyy Adolf S.: Ayy, glad to see I'm not especially late. Wew. Ken (GM): nah its cool; youre down 10 horse points, and insane dorfs have crafted your old steed into a Gandalf G.: so looks like king is dead long live the king Stellers J.: Hey, you forgot to give my horse points last session Ken (GM): THE KING IS DEAD LONG LIVE THE KING Stellers J.: Sort of an esoteric name i think Ken (GM): ILL SHOW YOU ESOTERIC TELEPORTS BEHIND YOU Stellers J.: Ken (GM): NOTHIN PERSONNEL KID P.P. A. teleports behind u Ken (GM): DEAR GOD THE KATANA HAS A ZIPPER P.P. A.: pshhh..... Adolf S.: I woke up at 6 AM, thought "I could sleep for another hour" went back to sleep, had a kick ass dream, thought in the dream "Wait, what about the GURPS game you fuck?" and then opened my eyes and rushed in here. Slept for WAY longer than a goddamn hour, fug. Ken (GM): Gandalf, why the hell does a katana have a zipper?! wow yeah sleepy dorf Gandalf G.: it's a final fantasy weapon Stellers J.: You don't want your Katana just falling out do you? Gandalf G.: the zipsword Ken (GM): sorry, I had the mental image of a katana in pants. With a bulge. Joush M.: Nothing more embrassing then your katana just falling out and flopping around Gandalf G.: I think we're all here, right? Ken (GM): I make no assertions to the current mental state of any participants of this game oh! you mean yeah we're "all here" Gandalf G.: it's waluigi time Stellers J.: I'm teleconferencing Ken (GM): hey now? Stellers J.: With you Ken (GM): who whay? with the what what? Stellers J.: No, not actually Ken (GM): ROIGHT LETS GIT ON WIT IT DEN Stellers J.: Yes, get on with it Ken (GM): Everyone in attendance; all are prepared? P.P. A.: I just realised I don't have a picture and thus token for my dorf yet Ken (GM): DORF TOKEEEENNNN Stellers J.: just use a little :D face P.P. A.: In another campaign where I was playing a dwarf I did just that “o shit I don't have a picture” Gandalf G.: found one P.P. A.: “let's use an upscaled version of the DF character as token” one or two years later I'm still using it Ken (GM): lol Stellers J.: Just take a picture of a dude in armor and stretch him shorter Adolf S.: Okay, now that I've drank water to combat my dehydration, NOW I'm ready. That's a nice picture. Ken (GM): aded a sheet with a pic; want that as a token? P.P. A.: yeah, good enough Ken (GM): kk gimme 2 shakes Gandalf G.: oh cool P.P. A.: >Roll20 has built-in GURPS character sheets Gandalf G.: yup P.P. A.: what did I even make that Excel sheet for P.P. A. copy data Gandalf G.: I should fill mine in tbh set up some macros Stellers J.: As if I'm going to bother transferring from gcs Adolf S.: Excel sheets? Pssh. Back in my day we did it all in note pad, with 0 formatting. P.P. A.: (actually it's been pretty neat for familiarising myself with hitherto unknown functions of Excel so it was well worth ut) >Notepad >not Editor pshh, you kids with your fancy gadgets Gandalf G.: I use notepad++ and I also use it for coding get on my LEVEL Ken (GM): NEEERRRRRDSSSSS Stellers J.: _how do i bold_ Gandalf G.: Adolf S.: Ken (GM): double stars Adolf S.: Crap, that wasn't bold. Gandalf G.: Stellers J.: Ken (GM): twice Stellers J.: Gandalf G.: * that was 12 stars and 13 on the other Joush M.: Gandalf G.: Stellers J.: I want my text to be so italic it's practically flat Ken (GM): so, tangental? Stellers J.:Barely legible Ken (GM) as well, PPA has a speed of 5 P.P. A.: whoops Ken (GM): lulz Adolf S.: Heh P.P. A.: so that's what that button does Gandalf G.: hahaha shit Gray: I diden't even know there was a button for that Ken (GM) Aachen the Elf rouses the party from their slumbers, the smell of strong tea steeping in a kettle by the fire Adolf S.: Are Dwarves big fans of tea? Or is it mostly an elf/human thing? P.P. A.: Only with a shot of alcohol Gray rises and devours his repast while watching the morning with the alertness of a feral animal, scenting the air and guzzleing the hot tea, then stretching slowly to work the tension from that massive body. P.P. A.: but then you might as well leave out the tea entirely Ken (GM): (elf/human I'd imagine. Dwarves are fans of anytime alcohol) Bomrek: That's what I was thinking. Joush M.: We have new world vegetables, do we have coffee? Technicaly that's ethopian, but it's ancronistic in a lot of fantasy settings Bomrek wakes up, looks around, checks his armor and weapon for general damage like any good soldier might, and then goes to try some of this tea. Ken (GM): No coffee sorry; not yet Bomrek: "Glad to see we weren't all killed in our sleep.. Speaking of Sleep, did you take the entire watch, Elf?" Falkirk awakes easily, looking no more rested than usual, before striding over to the pot to start his day. Joush M.: I'll make note of that Yet and watch for any hyperactive goats Horsa barely gets himself out of bed. Before he starts his meal he brushes his hair and stretches. Ken (GM): The elf responds with his near-constant smile "Yes, I thought it best to let you all rest well. I don't often sleep much myself anyways" He downs his tea, and makes sure everyone ends up with a cup "So men, ready to get to the Old Mill?" Falkirk: "Elves..." Horsa: (To P.P. A.): I'll have you introduced in a moment. You've made your way to the kingdom past Fellmarsh, but a Marshall based by the Old Mill processed your militia recruitment nearby the old mill (From P.P. A.): all right Gray looks curiously to the elf a moment and nods, drinking from the cup deeply before nodding. The breast walking to the horses to check on them before he drinks his fill at the stream and washes up before rejoining the others to prepare for the day. Gandalf G.: the breast Horsa: (lol) Ken (GM): stop staring; he notices lulz Horsa powders his face between sips of tea. Falkirk: "So, when we're ready." Falkirk stands, his tea finished, and begins packing his belongings back into saddlebags. He begins cracking joints, starting from the neck down. Ken (GM) Aachen helps break camp. He again makes sure everyone is loaded onto the horses properly, as well as checking the horses themselves. Ken (GM): (anything extraneous boyos?) Horsa: Horsa puts out the campfire like a good boy Bomrek: "There's nothing worse than waking up and having the sun greet you. We sleep in tents for a reason.." he grumbles, gesturing his hand loosely toward the sun and spits on the ground, before moving his horse near a handily tall boulder, and jumping on it from there. Smokey the Bear's proud of Horsa. His spirit animal. Joush M.: Ha! yeah, maybe I need more coffee Ken (GM): The dwarve's horse seems to scoff at the unorthodox mounting technique Ken (GM) Aachen again whoops with excitement, calling the horses to move. The party is underway! Ken (GM): On the ride, Aachen discusses the next leg of the journey "We're to link up with some other fresh recruits by the Old Mill; we should be there just before midday. There, we reprovision, I'll issue a report, and we'll head out with the main body there, whoever that may already be" "That sound alright to you lads?" Falkirk: "Aye, it's good to see we're making progress." Horsa: "Huh, fresh recruits, probably like two people." P.P. A.: whoa, spoilers Bomrek: "Sounds fine to me, more hands means less blood on our side." Bomrek says over the hoof beats. Gray considers the words a moment then simply nods. Horsa's comment draws a thoughtful frown behind the monster's mask. "Wouldn't want too many anyway. Not to scout" Falkirk: "A physician can only do much. The more of you there are, the less I'll have for each." "Bottom line, try not to get killed." Ken (GM): "I'll endeavor to live up to the expectation, Master Falkirk" Aachen says with a wink "I'd imagine there will be a few more to see at the Mill; recruiting hasnt caught on yet up North in the Kingdom becaus enobody is afraid of the beastmen yet" Horsa: "Wait till they see this guy." Ken (GM): "but if that Ogre is any indication, we should keep a sharp eye out. I dont know how something like it could get this far north without notice" Gray considers a moment. "Alone. Driven off because of infection. Wandered north to hunt. To die." Bomrek: "They will be if we don't succeed. My grandfathers told many stories about full scale war. Burn enough farms, raid the trade roads, and the northerners will take up the banner soon enough. So that's something to look forward to if we all die on the field, I suppose." Ken (GM): "ever the optimist, Bomrek" "You make a fair point Gray; I can imagine it being mad, and venturing further due to it, but there was no trail. And you did see his entourage there with him in the gore. Maybe they were his keepers?" "strange regardless. Stiff upper lip, eh boys?" Falkirk: "Whatever the cause, they *they're bringing the rot with them. It can't be allowed to continue." Ken (GM): Aachen's face draws tight with some mix of anger and disgust "Agreed" He says tersely Gray considers that, then shrugs and returns his attention to watching for trouble as they go. Ken (GM): "Gray, so me a favor on the ride? When we get to the Old Mill, get up on the horse eh? Makes it easier to barter for feed if the things being used" "Just to keep up appearances" :) (From Horsa): hehehehhehehe Bomrek: Horse sustains mortal wound, Gray turns into the new horse. Falkirk: "Hey now, that's not fair. They have animal characteristics but they're a little more advanced than animals." Ken (GM): (and thus the scorned have again earned their name, through reputation alone) Falkirk: "No sense in blaming a man for his dispositions." Horsa: Gray shrugs. "It's in use. Carrying supplies, equipment. Fine then." The beast seems unbothered by that, his amber eyes turning to the others a moment. "A more clever man might take offense." Falkirk: "I see nothing I said warranting offense." Bomrek: Gray's self esteem ----> Right down the drain Horsa: For a brief moment Horsa feels a little bad but tries not to show it. Ken (GM) as the morning turns to midday heat, you pass a final farmer's wall of fieldstone to true wild field of steppe. Rolling on the far hills you see shimmering wheat and long grasses in the wind Ken (GM): on the rise ahead stands a massive windmill, surrounded by several smaller, newer additions. The ancient construction turned to the wind and spinning steady in the wind Falkirk: "I take it this is the place?" Gray trails a hand though the seed heads of the wheat a moment and takes in the scent of warm grain on the summer wind, ignoreing the others a moment as he looks into the distance. Mounting the horse easily, he lets the beast proceed at an easy walk rather then ask it to trot with his weight. Ken (GM): Aachen nods" Yes, thats the Old Mill. Build over three hundred years ago in the times before even the last war. Beast has been turning since I can remember" Bomrek: "More fields?" Bomrek is less than pleased. "A sloping valley or mountain pass is fine, I can work with those, but this? There's so much cover. Lets hope the beastmen don't understand tactics enough to surprise us." Horsa: How big is the town? Ken (GM) your path remains undisturbed by ambush or worse, as you make your way south. Nearby, you see the old road swing back out East, nearby a fallen stone signpost Falkirk: "So we're just here to pick up supplies and men before moving on, right?" Ken (GM): (Town is pretty migrant, full of farmers and marketers in and out. probably less than a hundred hands in the town, and the majority are workers) Gray: "You could see for miles from the Mill. The town may have watchers there." Falkirk: "I see no reason to slow our progress." Ken (GM): "Duly noted Gray; The watch keep the barracks in the base of the tower for both practicality and to ensure the safety of the King's crops. Its a Keep in it's own right, surviving the war as it did" "not to worry master Falkirk; I wish to speak with the Marshall as little as you do. I'd imagine he will be as Officious as the fop in Timberkeep" "In and out, supplies and stragglers. Nothing more" Horsa: "Hey, at least that guy had style." Ken (GM): "He may have been attempting to make up for a distinct lack of character" Gray watches around them as they move to the mill. "He was afraid, I think. Never suited to fight. Put in charge of warriors he dose not understand. It is too early to stop for the night, if we aren't delayed hours here." Ken (GM): "Well put Gray" Aachen says approvingly Falkirk gives a slight nod as he passes Bomrek: Bomrek gives his best attempt at this human salute, preferring the one he was brought up with more. More feeling and heart in it, he feels. Gray nods to the human solider, wearing the Milita mark to make his alliance clear and riding slowly though the busy roads while they work the way to the square. The intermittent shadows playing across his mask as the sails of the mill slowly rotate. Falkirk: "I'm glad to see food won't be something they're short on. We're going to need it for the journey." Ken (GM) your group is allowed passage easily enough, and as Aachen leads you to the barracks, none bar your way. There at the base of the Old Mill, the Barracks abutts to the side. A protrusion of fieldstone and heavy timbers, arrowslit windows squinting at you from the building face. (To P.P. A.): dats ya queue Ken (GM) aachen hails the marshall, who returns the saulte "Well met outlander!" Suðri Skornbrekker: ‘Attention’ being perhaps a little exaggerated, as the dwarf is eyeing the windmill in a state of mild awe, and takes a few moments to notice the arrivers and dutifully straighten u´p and salute. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): As I pointed out before, the local marshall processed yo out here. He's enlisted you , you have your signed copy of your papers, as well as the militia token; a Grey steel sword badge on a short braid of rope. Falkirk: "Let's keep this as quick as we can, aye? Every minute wasted here is a minute earlier we'd be doing our jobs." Horsa: Describe 'em Suðri Skornbrekker 's head, visible as he holds his sallet in his hand, bears a very short haircut–but makes up for it with a voluminous beard, a bright reddish-brown in colour. Bomrek: Bomrek is embarrassed and reminds himself to buy some beard combs. Horsa: (lol) Suðri Skornbrekker has already donned his breastplate and mail sleeves and leggings; his weapons of choice stand leaning at a wall behind him; a musket, and a bardiche [big slender axe on a stick]. A small scabbard on his waist completes the set. Ken (GM): Aachen hops from his horse and practically bounds over to the marshall, saluting quickly. They speak quietly and quickly, and Aachen ushers him inside the barracks. he calls over his shoulder "Make some introductions boys; the dwarf is with us, and I'll have us arranged to go immediately Bomrek: How tall is he? Bomrek is used to being the Tallest Dwarf in the room. Horsa: Turning to Bomrek, Horsa whines, "Do of you people use guns?" P.P. A.: I wrote him down as 4'3 *4.3' >imperial measurements Bomrek: Bomrek smiles and turns to Horsa "Only the good ones." Horsa: "Hey, do you know Judo?" Bomrek: Psssh, Bomrek blows that out of the water, dwarflette. Suðri Skornbrekker responds to Horsa: “considering their effectiveness, I have no doubt we soon will.” Suðri Skornbrekker: “Pleasure to meet you, my name's Sviðr Skornbrekker.”, he says as he steps forward to greet the bunch. Bomrek: (Judo = Dwarven Grappling, a dwarf thing) Falkirk: "Alchemical weapons are the future, I fear. It's the implications of this that are concerning." Horsa: Horsa mutters, "Damn modern dwarves." Bomrek: He's got a full breastplate? Huh. Gray dismounts, seeming glad to get off the horse and settling the beast, brushing it a moment and taking the time free to examine hooves and shoes, picking out a stray stone with a knife blade. The Dwarf's greeting ignored a moment, then speaking to Suori. "Gray. Thank you." P.P. A.: only a breastplate, the rest is mail steel breastplates were pretty cheap at that point, cheaper than mail actually easily mass-produced Suðri Skornbrekker: “No need to fear the future if it is in your hands – literally!” Falkirk: "I'm Falkirk, the physician of sorts. Well met, master dwarf." Falkirk does not dismount. Horsa: "ooh, Master Dwarf." (To Horsa): just to keep the horse from panicking, yeah. She knows you , but not so well for tricks yet Horsa slides off his steed before Suori. Bomrek: Bomrek looks Suori up and down. "Mezemdustik Götom Zirilkeskal Bomrek" and extends his hand to Suori's to shake. "Were you a guardsman?" Horsa: "Well met, gunner." Bomrek: Lets see. How do I whisper, again? Ken (GM): slash w name (To P.P. A.): just dorf fortress for translations, but its essentially the clan squad greeting /squad/clan/family/first names, in order Ken (GM): Horsa: "Well mister Sue... I am Jean Horsa and I will be the greatest actor to ever live." (To P.P. A.): you gather hes from a patrolsquad of highway guard, specializing in horsemaship and gunnery. Ken (GM): (Ever the humble master of the art) (From P.P. A.): since it'd take too long to look up DF's dwarf dictionary, I'll just use parentheses P.P. A.: “[Unfortunate Lemmings city milita][footman] Skornbrekker, Suthri. I did serve, but only in times of need; I usually build walls rather than man them, for I am a mason first and foremost.” Suthri says as he shakes Bomerk's hand. “'tis good to see familiar faces out here—that is, faces half hidden under hair, as it should be!” (didn't want to hold everyone up by looking up translations, sorry) Ken (GM): (forgiven! good on you for wanting the authenticity) Bomrek: Bomrek raises an eyebrow. "A militiaman then? Ah. Well [The rest is in Dwarven] Better to have even a Dwarf stonecutter than a human knight. Welcome." Ken (GM): (the dwarves Dorf at each other a bit) Horsa: Falkirk listens closely, hoping to improve his Dwarven diction (From P.P. A.): ok Suðri Skornbrekker: After a little too much dwarven discussion, Suðri also turns to Horsa: “You better act the role of a soldier well enough! Nice to meet you, too.” Gray watches the dwarves a moment in cast they are in a Strange Mood, then turns his attention back to tending the horses. "Where are the supplies we are to load?" He doesn't seem impatient so much as restless. Unwilling to stand by. Falkirk: "Aye, a good call. We should load up while the elf takes care of his work." Bomrek: How good is Suori's, er, 'common-language' skill anyway? Gandalf G.: this is where we find it was never bought hueh P.P. A.: Language is Native, Written is Broken Gandalf G.: aww Bomrek: Hah. Ken (GM): (Babrbarian!) P.P. A.: He's lucky enough he can fluently read his own language, given the setting Horsa: (lel) Bomrek: Bomrek turns to the Elf. "Say, how long are we to be in town? There are some sundries I need to run and purchase." Suðri Skornbrekker loads his backpack and weapons on to his horse and awkwardly mounts it, as best as a dwarf can Ken (GM): (the few stores i nthe town are all within sight of each other, here near the square. Shop quick!) P.P. A.: (do I need to roll for that, or is there an equivalent of Take 10 in GURPS for this) Ken (GM): (nah youre good; you have it trained. This is idiocy proof) (From Horsa): Horsa sneaks off to buy a sewing kit. (From Bomrek): if it's good enough for a car's engine in a pinch, it's good enough for me. Grain alcohol it is. (To Falkirk): That they do have; the mortar and pestle is stone, and the bottles are of a fair quality. 10$ for the pestle, 10$ for a dozen fist sized bottles (From Falkirk): 2 each, or 2 for the lot? Bomrek: Bomrek comes back soon after, his backpack now more-full than it was before. Ken (GM) Aachen the Outlander reappears from the side of the Barracks; behind him trails a sturdy horse with a large loaded harness. Two long heavy looking boxes are strapped to the beast, and they bear black brands of dwarven script (To Suðri Skornbrekker): [Point Towards Enemy] [ Earthshakers Guild] Bomrek: Uh oh, did the officer just tell him the tea brick he's been brewing from was actually a urinal cake? (To Bomrek): [Point Towards Enemy] [ Earthshakers Guild] Horsa pets his horse Shortturn Suðri Skornbrekker: [Dwarven] I may not know what exactly is inside of these boxes, but I do look forward to employing whatever it is. Bomrek: Bomrek smiles and suddenly looks more relaxed, and carefully climbs up his horse. Ken (GM): Aachen ties the new load-horse to his lead, and swing up to his mount "We ready to head out yet?" He calls in a less than controlled voice Bomrek: [Dwarven] Didn't do much interaction with the Beruthmik Domas while you were in the militia? Ken (GM): shorrtrun appreciates the pets, distracting the horse from the angry elf Falkirk: "We'll need to stock up on food, but aside from that we're ready." Bomrek: [Dwarven] "Don't worry, I'm a patrolman, I've got some first hand knowledge. Should be fun." Bomrek pats his horse on the neck and continues to sit there, smiling. Gray nods. "Nay. Others collect supplies they need in town. We move when they return?" He ask the elf, looking the dwarf box then to the dwarves. "We carry explosives. You do not approve." Ken (GM): Aachen pinches at an unseen headache, fingers on his brow."Right blasted food" He shuffles through some papers in his jacket, and holds out a paper with a bright silver seal "Somebody want to quickly go to the general store there and requisition the list?" Suðri Skornbrekker: [Dwarven] Unfortunately not; but I have had to repair the sites of their experiments a number of times, so I know what to expect. Horsa: Bomrek: Bomrek raises his eyebrow at the beastman. He makes a noise with his tongue, a dwarven gesture for minor surprise. Gray nods to Aachen. "Aye. Give me the list." Ken (GM): Aachen hands it off, and makes frustrated shooing motions after him (To Gray): The list is simple and short, hardtack, bread and salted meat (To Gray): you collect the items in store easily enough, but when you present the writ to the storekeep he balks at your appearance; "YOU? A soldier?" He says, incredulously "Can you even read this list sonny?" Ken (GM): Aachen nods" Yeah you could say that. Ive been ordered to drag this dead weight with us, as well as make more stops than I'm comfortable with on the way. We dont have the bloody TIME" He snaps off the last word through his teeth (From Gray): "Yes. harddtack, Thirty pounds. Salt meat, fifteen pounds. Trail bread, ten pounds. I carry the mark of the Milita." The beast tells the small man, looking into his eyes. Falkirk: "Perhaps we could just overlook some of the smaller stops. We've got a far greater purpose than humouring inept bluebloods." Horsa: Bomrek: [Dwarven] Some sort of half.. human half beastman.. thing? Something about humans cast out into the beastlands, and these lot being the result" he nods his head in the direction of Gray when he says 'these lot'. Falkirk: [Dwarven] "I wouldn't disparage humans too harshly, my dwarven friends. We're at least capable of learning multiple languages." (To Gray): (A social skill might be in order here to smooth over the transaction. or maybe assistance from the party?) Horsa: "Falkirk, are they talking about me?" Falkirk: "Aye, I think the short one was saying something. My Dwarven isn't so good... talentless?" Suðri Skornbrekker: [Dwarven] “So long as he harbours more deeply a grudge towards his beastman half...” Suðri is a little startled by Falkirk, but not that surprised, given his first impression of him as a studious (and not to sturdy) person. Horsa: "?" Bomrek: [Dwarven] "Ah, I didn't realize you spoke our language Doctor." Bomrek turns to Suori "This is our.. field medic, I suppose. Has potions that explode into a ball of fire, quite useful." he turns back to Falkirk. "I've not met many who try to learn it.. Did you perhaps live near one of our mountain homes?" Ken (GM): (you guys seriously crack me up) Falkirk: "It might have been 'overly flambouyant'. Like I say, I'm a little rusty." Ken (GM): (flustered aristocrat baffled by dwarven conspiracy; news at 11!) (To Gray): (Anything?) Suðri Skornbrekker reassures Horsa with a friendly smile. (From Gray): Sorry! I was AFK a second. Sure. Humm.. I'll try Intimidation, to get though this? (To Gray): Sounds good! toss a roll. Any specifics to the threat? (From Gray): Steady eye contact and a faint, rumbleing growl from under the mask Gray: (To Gray): the shopkeep pales, takes the writ and sweats profusely as he ushers you out the door with your packages and barrel Bomrek: Bomrek turns to the elf "So, where are these, er, 'stops' you mentioned?" (From Gray): Gray took no pleasure in frightning the man, and feels displeased with himself to resorting to that. The anger, in truth, is as much with himself as the man. Falkirk: "An excess of the choleric, master beast. We'll need to balance you out when we get a chance." (To Gray): noted; racists are disgusting to behold Gray: "I'll find reason to bleed soon enough." P.P. A.: For the record, ð represents the “th” sound from “that”, “there”, etc. (as opposed to the letter thorn, “þ”, which represents the other “th” sound like the one at the end of “with”) so you can just spell it Suthri Horsa: Falkirk: "Well actually, that would be sanguine. It's yellow bile that causes high tempoers." "We'll see to it, no worries." Ken (GM): "About midway along the ride, at the bottom of the forests edge. He has a small tower there, an apprentice. We call him 'the weatherman'. Good fellow. Shouldnt be an issue to see him again. I just hate to wast the journey" Bomrek: (Man, that's hard as shit to pronounce by my Californian tongue.) Ken (GM): (hah! sue) P.P. A.: (>don't even have any kind of th in my language) Falkirk: "A wizard, hm?" Bomrek: A weatherman? So he's wrong 3/4ths of the time?~ 70's jokes baby, badabing Ken (GM): "yes Master Falkirk; he's an odd duck, always staring at the skies. But he's never worng about the weather" Suðri Skornbrekker looks a tad uneasy, but decides to have faith in his new commander that he won't lead them into some madman's monster den... just yet Falkirk: "Aye, I'd imagine not." Horsa: "Weatherman? He can summon rainstorms and the like?" Bomrek: >People think he's a wizard >In reality he's just a guy who's really good at judging cloud migration and humidity Ken (GM): (Brick, from anchorman, with a robe and wizard hat) P.P. A.: >draws magical weather pentagrams on his wall >they actually just map highs and lows, wind currents, etc. Bomrek: >Draws magical weather pentagrams on his wall >Stands infront of it and points at the wall for the benefit of the others >As you can see, we've got a massive cold front coming down from the north, mingling with this hot humid front coming from the south east. We'll be seeing storms all through the weekend, so don't bother unpacking your grills folks Gandalf G.: Thanks Arthur Ken (GM): lulz so! Satisfied that youre all packed up, Aachen motions the group to head out! You have too much to do, and too many horses, but the road lays before you yet untravelled! P.P. A.: >villagers go home >the weather wizard said to cover up our stoves and hearths, lest the coming cold is angered by their heat and brings us great suffering! Ken (GM): heh but no objections to Aachen leading you guys out? Falkirk: "So, this wizard. Is he our next stop?" Nope Horsa: Let's rock, baby Ken (GM) as the Old Mill falls behind you on the horizon, the rolling Steppe of the South reaches opens up ahead; You ride your horses round the bend of the old road marker, and adventure awaits Bomrek: Bomrek doesn't like this land especially, certainly doesn't know it. An Elf is a good enough pointman than any. (From Gray): Sure. Faster that way Bomrek: Bomrek makes casual conversation with Suori in Dwarvish. "You a fan of boiled horse?" and pats his horse lovingly on the neck. "I'm trying to think of a way to spice it up for the humans, I learned in my youth they're not fans of it generally. I like it personally, nice texture, not overburdening with extreme flavors.." Suðri Skornbrekker: Suðri feels vaguely uncomfortable as well, with the plains stretching out deep into the horizon, without any mountains or walls in the distance to create a sense of stony safety Falkirk rides silently, a mask of stony resolution covering his face as he looks off to the south. Gray: (From Gray): That's a sucess on hikeing, sorry Ken (GM): Great; youre again keeping up with the horses well, Gray Suðri Skornbrekker: “I do like the taste. Once my cousin twice removed, a travelling cook, visited me and cooked our garrison a lovely stew, with wine and plants I'd never eaten before.” “Unfortunately it was his own horse, and he would have continued on foot if we had not chipped in to buy him a donkey, so I can see why humans value them for their usefulness more than for their taste. P.P. A.: *would have had to continue on foot Joush M.: Depending on what you guys weigh with gear, it's quite possble Gray is faster. A saddle horse with more then 176 pounds on is move 6 Suðri Skornbrekker pats his own horse reassuringly, but also with a watery mouth as he remembers some of his meals Ken (GM): (the horses eye each other nervously) (they plot a moonlit escape) Bomrek: ("They know, shut it down, shut it down!" Bomrek says as he burns his how-to-cook-horse book) Horsa: (Horsa regrets his name) Gray watches the people pass, looking to them and the carts, what the carry, then returns his attention to watching for trouble. The restless beast giving the pleasant peasants plenty of space. P.P. A.: I keep reading it as “Horsea” Ken (GM) evening comes, and Aachen orders to make camp while there is still light to gather wood for a fire P.P. A.: the Pokémon Horsa: (lol) Ken (GM): (I think of it as a Boston accent, talking about a horse-rider "Ah Hawsah" Horsa: Pleasant peasants present pheasants Falkirk: "We could probably ride through the night, you know." Gray shrugs. "The horses would go lame in another fifteen miles, and we have more then.. ninety? More? To go. We have no reason not to pace ourselves." Ken (GM): Aachen stops for a moment, and considers your words "We''ll need our eyes in the morning, you know; And I doubt the load we have will make the horses last long without rest" Bomrek: "I'm sure Souri and I could manage it, but I doubt the horses could." he turns to the others "Or the rest of the party." Falkirk: "I suppose you're right. Still though, an early morning would be best." Ken (GM): " a noble idea though; perhaps just a quick start in the morning to make up the time?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Overexertion would sour their tas—” Suðri says with a grin but doesn't finish the sentence. Bomrek: "Hehe.." Bomrek dismounts and starts making camp. He sits on a large tree root, breaking out a fancy mirror and comb, and tending to his beard. Gray examines the camp for the night, locating water and picking where to set his blanket, then unloading the horses and examining them for saddle wear and injury as he brushes them down. "Do we have a pot?" He ask the others without looking to them. His anger's gone but the brute's mood stays dark. Ken (GM): "not to piss in please!" Aachen offers up a small steel pot Bomrek: "Aye, I've been traveling long enough to know to bring that" he opens up his pack and sets out a small mess kit complete with cooking pot. "Please Aachen, I'm sure my Dwarven pot will do a better job than any steel the humans could ring out." he taps the Elf reassuringly on the arm and sets up his own equipment. Bomrek rolls to resist drinking~ Suðri Skornbrekker sets up his small tent and rolls out his blanket inside Bomrek: ..I find that I've not written down the number for that. Well. 12's probably a fail. P.P. A.: I almost took Alcohol Addiction as well Gandalf G.: it's 12 as standard Ken (GM): Self control should be 12 unmodified Horsa: Gandalf G.: so that would be a pass, unless you changed it Bomrek: Wew. (To Gray): doing anything weird with the pot? Gray tosses some corse chopped salted meat into a pot with oats and water, setting it amid the coals. The beastmen's cooking is basic, at best, but eddible at least, and hot. He finishes with the horses and joins the others. "I'll watch first, tonight?" Ken (GM): "Sounds good to me Gray, but dont get too bored" Aachen rolls himself into a ball, under a blanket, deep in the grasses (From Gray): just makeing hot food Ken (GM): Aachens slight snoring can be heard moments after he hits the ground Bomrek: Bomrek is approving of the food, and blackens a piece of human bread over the fire on a stick. "Fine night tonight." he looks around. "Not bad for ambushes, though. Keep an eye out, you lot." Falkirk nods softly before setting up his bedding Horsa: "Do all Dwarves like burnt bread? Crazy." Horsa settles in his bed. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I could take the first shift if you want. You've been on horseback since the morning I take it.” Suðri Skornbrekker says between two bites Ken (GM): ( so Gray then Falkirk on watch? Or Gray then Suthori? Suðri Skornbrekker looks at Gray with some wariness, though without hostility. Falkirk: Grey then falkirk works Gray shakes his head to Skornbrekker. "Stay awake with me if you like. We have people enough for three or four shifts." (Gray to start, then Falkirk.. with maybe Suori up with him?)) Bomrek: Bomrek's eyes perk up. "Eh. Our bread is harder, firmer. Your bread is so soft, it's like I'm eating hay. Taste is weird, too." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'll be taking the third shift then.” (From Falkirk): In Falkirk goes around waking everybody up, remaining quiet Falkirk: "Something flashed just now to the north east. It wasn't lightning, I can tell you that much for certain." "I suspect it was magic of some kind." Horsa: "mmmmmmmmnnnnnng" "how far?" Ken (GM): Aachen awakes with a jolt at your word, eyes wide and angry for a moment. He processes your words, then a look of deep worry corsses his face "Thats the direction of the weatherman!" he says in a hush Gray wakes and nods, collecting his arms and armor, readying himself for whatever comes next. Ken (GM): Aachen leaps to his feet and begins hastily breaking his camp Bomrek: "Agh.. what the hell.." Bomrek is still half asleep, and stumbles to grab his doublebarrel musket. Suðri Skornbrekker feels rather well-rested despite the interruption, and soon leaves his tent with his armour on and his weapons in hand. Using his dorf nightvision, he surveys the surroundings anxiously. Falkirk: "How far is the weatherman from here?" Bomrek: Bomrek is cursing slowly in Dwarvish as he layers on his gear, producing increasingly louder clanking metalic noises as he goes. Ken (GM): "If we go now, and hard, we can be there in a few hours!" Aachen continues to rush through the camp, urging you all to waking. He rechecks the horses, and starts strapping on the gear Suðri Skornbrekker quickly collapses his tent, shoddily stuffs it and the blanket into the saddlebags, and mounts his horse (which may or may not be cursing under its breath that its escape plans have been foiled). Ken (GM): Aachen barely waits for you to strap in, mounting his horse, and pacing the camp. The horses are all visibly agitated "With haste Master Horsa! "He barks Horsa gets on Shortturn. Bomrek: "Ah shit." Bomrek climbs on the horse. "What happened? Where are we going? I don't see anyone.." Bomrek looks around, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Gray distributes the load to try and get good speed out of the horses then sets off at that ground eating, eerie lope of his, covering ground swiftly. Ken (GM): The Outlander barely passes each of you a nod before rearing his horse back; with a scream and whoop, he kicks his horse out , dragging the pack horse to speed beside him your horses are eager to follow Suðri Skornbrekker does likewise, still a little insecure in the saddle but eager not to fall behind Falkirk: "There are a lot of potential causes for that flash that I can think of. None of them are good." Horsa: "Are you sure it wasn't lightning?" Bomrek: Bomrek turns to Falkirk "Doctor. What the hell is going on?" Falkirk: "I couldn't rightly say, but something went boom. In a wizard's tower. A wizard we were reliant upon." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I haven't met one yet, but my understanding of wizards was that a certain degree of things going boom is to be expected in their vicinity?” Bomrek: Bomrek Groans. "Make sure your gun's loaded Suori, we're probably going to shoot something by the dawn break." Falkirk: "It's to be avoided, but it happens. That was a Ken (GM) and as the sun breaks the horizon, Aachen leads the troupe down the old road trail at a blazing pace. He keeps the horses on a steady run; fast, but not to a breaking point Ken (GM): gray, keeping up is an issue if you dont mount; your horse should be fine and very well rested Falkirk rubs his weary eyes in the bright sun Ken (GM): A/em after a few hours ride on the road, Aachen ensures you all follow as he breaks off to a trail heading direct eastward, toward the wood outlined on the horizon "Not far now! Keep up men!" he calls back Bomrek: Bomrek speaks to Suori in Dwarvish. "It goes without saying that if I die, make sure my body returns to Karak-Groldor. I need to be entombed in my family crypt. Clan Götom." Joush M.: Alright then Falkirk: "Aye, we're keeping pace." Ken (GM): the trail leads up low hillsides toward the looming wood. Ahead, in the very edge of the trees, you can see a bright red light seperate from the morning light. It shines like a ruddy star on the treeline, and stutters with a sputtering shimmer Falkirk: I'd like to roll something appropriate to identify it Ken (GM): Aachen calls for a dismount on the edge of the wood, and he ties his horses to a stump of a fallen mighty pine. The horses are sweating and breathing heavy, and are happy for the rest. Suðri Skornbrekker: [Dwarven] “I will make sure of it—I'm sure you would do likewise. Clan Skornbrekker.” Ken (GM): falk: thaumatology! Suðri Skornbrekker: “But a new day has just broken, let's face it with confidence instead.” Rolling 3d6 = 5 v10 ayy Ken (GM): bam! (To Falkirk): definitely some kind of massive bound power there; likely some kind of elemental fire tied to something big Suðri Skornbrekker dismounts, leaving his backpack on his horse but taking his arsenal with him. Falkirk: "I'd suggest we tread... carefully." Bomrek: "Aye aye, it's all very strange, just try not to get too mezmerized and die." Bomrek offloads his pack onto the horse, and double checks his equipment. Falkirk slowly climbs off his horse, jangling with bottles, and takes some supplies from his back Bomrek: So we're in a wooded area before the clearing of a tower? Wooded enough to provide visual cover? Ken (GM): Aachen disregards his horses and leaves them tied; he draws his sword and makes for the edge of the forest before stopping to turn to you all. He hisses a whisper "Come on! Move men! Move!" the others Bomrek: "Aye.." Bomrek falls in line behind Gray, and presumably Horsa Gray moves, hanging back a little to watch the elf's back and to make sure the man's attempt at stealth isn't spoiled by the savage beast prowling tread. Horsa: Horsa is off, leaving his rations with Shortturn. Ken (GM): (Moving to the small map!) Falkirk: its so small I cant see it at all Bomrek: Ache, I can't see captain! OH, top left. Ken (GM): lol Falkirk: I got nothing anywhere one sec Bomrek: Top left of the map, travel up Welp. Ken (GM): lol Bomrek: Top left of the map fam. Scroll up and left. Gandalf G.: I just had to refresh Ken (GM): yeah, top left, Aachen hastily leads you all into the edge of the wood, along a worn footpath The peak of the towe rlies ahead in the wood, through the trees, it's red light burns like a massive intense flame Falkirk: "If, hypothetically, you saw a tree on fire or anything like that. I'd suggest running." Bomrek: "I... What? Why?" Falkirk: "Call it a hunch. (To Falkirk): Thaumatology says that if theres a big binding in place, and it was disturbed, thats what it would look like. But thats also mostly speculation Falkirk: "Nothing of use, really. Just step carefully." "And as I said, you see fire, probably best to run, aye?" Gray nods and goes forward, eager to see what is going on. Bomrek: "I say if we encounter resistance, we run back and shell it to hell from afar." Bomrek's voice takes on a harsh tone, though not uncontrolled. Falkirk: "Ah.. I dont think that would help." Bomrek: "You've never seen a tactical bombardment then. Kills most of what a person would want to kill." Falkirk: "Can it kill an explosion, master dwarf?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Depends.” Bomrek: "Might be. I know it can kill whoever's making it, though." Ken (GM): (hah) Falkirk: "There are some things in this world that you can't kill, no matter how big the shell is. We're wasting time, we should move." Horsa: "Killing an explosion sounds like a very bad idea." Ken (GM) You move forward through the cover of the brush; ahead the forest thins, and there lies a glade in the morning light. The wizards tower looms ahead, like a strange mill, but with odd mechanics on the roof instead of a fan. There, a great blazing light seems trapped in midair, suspended. Bomrek: Is the tower damaged at all near the top? Falkirk hurries over Falkirk: "Cover me!" Suðri Skornbrekker: A baffled “What is that...?” escapes the dwarf's mouth, as he watches the floating light with some bewilderment. Ken (GM): (one sec, buggered my map!) Falkirk: Can we move freely? Bomrek: Bomrek scowls and aims around the Doctor's general area. "Some one secure the medic." Suðri Skornbrekker is snapped out of it by the doctor rushing ahead (the wisdom of which he doubts). He takes a few steps forward, rams the butt of his bardiche through the moss and into the ground, and rests his musket on the blade to take aim at the Doctor's surroundings. Gandalf G.: the very earth moves what is this power Bomrek: Ayy, nice bracing, is there room for one more? P.P. A.: not really Ken (GM): right, sorry bout that Gandalf G.: ok we good to run across the map like we did? I'll take that as a yes Ken (GM): yeah, go full force Falkirk crouches down, seeing if the man is alive Ken (GM): so, you guys run over to check on the guy. The elf points out "Thats the weathermans apprentice!" he is very fucked Falkirk: Is he alive? Horsa: "No way." Ken (GM): he is breathing poorly, but just so; his chest is open, bare to the bone in some places from deep gouges like animal claw marks or bites Falkirk touches his hands to the wound and begins muttering under his breath Falkirk: I want to spend 4FP to try to heal 8HP Ken (GM): roll it! Falkirk: is he concious? Gray looks down at the wounded man and takes in the smell of blood, gazeing up at the tower and drawing his sword as he restlessly waits for danger to present itself. Ken (GM): he's fluttering around consciousness; his eyes are opening and closing, but hes not speaking Falkirk: alrighty Rolling 3d6 = 12 v13 wew Suðri Skornbrekker aims at the entrance, anxious to storm the place Falkirk: lad Ken (GM): yeah! Falkirk slumps slightly, as if under great excertion Ken (GM): White light courses out of you, and flows into the mans body; his wounds close of their own volition, leaving fresh skin Bomrek: "God below, he's alive?" Bomrek looks surprised, and confused. Falkirk: That will stop his bleeding and restore him by 8. Ken (GM): most of them have closed, and he is no longer breathing with effort. Bomrek: Bomrek shouts a curse in Dwarven and levels his gun over toward the Doctor for a moment, aiming everywhere but at his compatriots. "What was that?!" Falkirk: "He'll do for now. I can finish up after we've made sure the wizard is alive." Ken (GM): (magic panic!) Falkirk: "It's just a medical technique, no need to panic master dwarf." Ken (GM) the door to the tower lies open, one side having fallen to the ground as if bashed in. from this distance, a low red glow comes from inside the dark building Suðri Skornbrekker: “...your methods are disturbing, but at least I won't have to worry about injuries now.” Bomrek: Bomrek cycles through human curses until he finds one he likes, and says it a few more times for extra measure. Joush M.: Sorry, I've got a thing that has come up. I'll be back in an hour or more, maybe? Don't wait for me. Sorry again to leave like this Bomrek: "Come on, lets just go kill whatever [Multiple dwarven curses] did this" Falkirk: "How about we worry less about how lives are saved, and more about making sure we can still save them?" Ken (GM): (I shall wiggle gray for stellers) Suðri Skornbrekker: “You better not be draining your patients' soul with that, or something of that sort of thing,” Suðri says as he strafes closer to the entrance. Falkirk ignores the comment, and heads towards the tower Bomrek: It's unclear to me exactly where the entrance is. Ken (GM): (one sec (there, nudged the roof) perception checks! Erryone! Bomrek: Horsa: swack Bomrek: Fail by 1 Suðri Skornbrekker: rolling 3d6v11 3 Horsa: uh Rolling 3d6 = 11 v10 welp Suðri Skornbrekker can see everything Bomrek: Damn Horsa: did you roll right ppa? Ken (GM): Bomrek: Critical perception check? Nice job wasting it, PPA. For shame. Ken (GM): Gandalf G.: double crits count for something Ken (GM): and thats the elf and gray P.P. A.: I think so Horsa: rolling 3d6v11 3 yeah no P.P. A.: oh Horsa: just do [/roll 3d6] P.P. A.: fug :DD Suðri Skornbrekker: Falkirk: double square brackets is best Rolling 3d6 = 13 Ken (GM): luls kay, so thats everyone passed, except falkirk by margin 1? Falkirk: yes Horsa: lol Ken (GM): kk, no worries Falkirk: I'm worried Bomrek: Time to die everybody. Ken (GM) you all appreach the tower, intent on the door. You hear from within the hushed husky barks and growls of speech! Beastmen! (To Falkirk): your knowledge of old gorgoth translates it clearly to "Wait! tresspassers! we ambush!" Falkirk raises a hand Falkirk: "stop" "It's an ambush." Ken (GM): Initiative all! 1d6+basic speed, +2 from various combat reflexes sources! Suðri Skornbrekker: Falkirk: round to nearest for speed? Horsa: +2 because of gray right? Ken (GM): no! keep the decimal and yes, +2 from gray and the elf, combat reflexes Falkirk:9.75 neat Bomrek: Horsa: Bomrek: 3 + 5 + 2 = 10 Horsa: lmao Ken (GM): yay Bomrek: oh, keep the decimal? Mine's 10.5 then. Ken (GM): so thats 13 for gray, 8 for Aachen Falkirk: 9.75 for me Bomrek: Wait... is the door closed, and is that the door near Falk? Or is the door to the left-ish of falk. Ken (GM): one sec Bomrek: Oh hell yeah, a free buffet. Ken (GM): broken door and frame on the left, upright door beside Bomrek: Bomrek's loadin' up on shrimp, yall. P.P. A.: or spell ingredients Gandalf G.: would it make more sense to take the roof into the GM layer? P.P. A.: >lizard eyes, snake blood, and granny spittle Ken (GM): yeah Bomrek: Right then. Oh dang. Gandalf G.: oh my Horsa: metal Bomrek: Totally. Ken (GM): there we go Ken (GM) inside the dim room you see a magical pentagram coursing with blood-red energy, a flayed corpse lay to the side in a bloody smear, and the door lies in ruins Ken (GM): gray barges forward, sword at the ready Bomrek: "I bet shelling it from afar is sounding more and more appealing, eh Doctor?" P.P. A.: (are we in combat time or can we still move freely?) Bomrek: (probably combat time, realistically.) Horsa: (I don't see any baddies, yet) Gandalf G.: "This is something that needs to be dealth with up close and very carefully." oh well w/e Falkirk: also if we're not in combat, I'd like to draw my knife and make sure everyone's aware that we're about to walk into an ambush Horsa: "What else should we do then?" Ken (GM): Falk; feel free to draw it! Horsa: Ken (GM): (sorry, had to fight the tokends again) Falkirk does just that Suðri Skornbrekker: “I say we try exploding the explosion – can't get much worse than this,” the Skornbrekker says sarcastically as he edges closer to the broken door, his eyes looking over the barrel of his musket Falkirk: "Walk into an ambush with our weapons ready." Ken (GM): ( a single action each! Bomrek: (feel free to set up your drawing board and get to sketching out your sword's rough lines before inking and coloring~) Ken (GM): lol right! Bomrek: Alright well. Shit. Ken (GM): lol no worries Bomrek: What do the enemies look like? What are they armed with? Ken (GM): dont move anymore please, for a moment, well get into initiative direct Bomrek: Hm. Suðri Skornbrekker would rather parts of that interior weren't in his field of vision, though. Ken (GM): so; grey buts in , and howls out a challenge to the beasties! next up is Bomrek! Gandalf G.: (I'd advise aiming that gun bruh, only two shots) P.P. A.: How large is one hex, again? Bomrek: Hm. I aim at the second from the top. Gandalf G.: is that artillery Ken (GM): 1 hex = 1 yard Bomrek: Bomrek's not got any Arty' Gandalf G.: are the beastmen packing a fucking railgun Bomrek: OH, THAT ARTY Spooky. Ken (GM): lol marked with a skull for ya any step? Bomrek: One step closer, and end turn. Ken (GM): k, flakirk? Horsa: I only see Suori on the turn order box P.P. A.: >1 hex = 1 yard ok, thanks. So I don't need to worry about half-damage at these distances here Gandalf G.: I'll take a step and an aim with my [secret technique] P.P. A.: same Gandalf G.: at the top guy Bomrek: Same. Gandalf G.: or in fluffier terms Bomrek: "Kaamaaa Haamaaay haaaaahhhhh" Ken (GM): kk; marked with a twist there Falkirk steps forward, judging the distance between himself and the closest ratman. He rolls his sleeves up. Ken (GM): next up is horsa! P.P. A.: (refreshing didn't fix the turn order list) Gandalf G.: it's empty for me, bar yourself Horsa: Uhh I have basic move 6, does that mean I can go 6 hexes and defend? Bomrek: Na, the turn order list just isn't updated. Don't worry. Horsa: Or, have a defense rather Ken (GM): you can move 6 hexes, no worries Gandalf G.: yeah Horsa: Okay, there I is Ken (GM): very good Ken (GM) the crackling energy of the symbol on the floor tingles against your skin; the hum and whine of power is very strong here near the symbol Ken (GM): next up is skornbrekker Suðri Skornbrekker takes careful aim at the southernmost ratman and gets ready to shoot. P.P. A.: no wait Suðri Skornbrekker aims at the second one from the bottom instead Ken (GM): marked him with a wrench(?) any step? or you good? P.P. A.: that's it Ken (GM): kk last is the elf he barges in to the room, passt you, sword drawn; when he sees the carnage inside he yells out "Murderers!" Bomrek: That flayed corpse, is it as flayed as the picture would imply, or is the guy possibly still alive? Ken (GM): he aint got no face! no skin! Gandalf G.: Alive corpses generally are to be avoided. Ken (GM): so so deaded so! you surprised the beastmen i have added them to initiative Falkirk: "boo" Ken (GM): back to top is gray he avoids the magic circle, and charges along the top of the room brandishes his sword in a wild swing max skill 9 here, random location hit boooo Falkirk: damn shame Ken (GM): just barely misses on to bomrek! Bomrek: Oh boy. Uh. I continue to aim for another turn, and take a step closer. End turn. Ken (GM): kk; so youll have acc +1 when you shoot on to falkirk! Bomrek: Mmhm Incidentally, how tall are these things? Dwarf size? Human size? Falkirk steps forward, uttering a quiet incantation Falkirk: "MIND YOUR HEADS!" Ken (GM): (man sized) Horsa: Falkirk: A stream of billious, sizzling yellow fluid streams out from his hand. and I roll to hit Horsa: Ken (GM): woo Bomrek: ( I hope you all enjoy tinnitus~) Ken (GM): distance is 9 clear line of sight past your firends Bomrek: Falkirk casts boiling piss it's super effective Rolling 3d6 = 13 v13 wew Ken (GM): thank god for aiming Gandalf G.: yup Ken (GM): the beastman attempts a dodge, but he's still at -2 for surpirse! Gandalf G.: vs? Ken (GM): he fails to dodge, and takes acid to the chest! Gandalf G.: woopwoop ok so the way it works, cyclic 1d6 a turn, he gets to resist for every one after the first Ken (GM): yep Gandalf G.: however what he resists with is your call, usually it's HT for physical and will for mental but DX probably makes more sense for acid Ken (GM): ht then, unless you paid to modify that Rolling 3d6 = 4 damage Ken (GM): oh. yeah, DX, its a splorch Horsa: What's the turn order, I can't see it Should I refresh Bomrek: Undisclosed. Submit a freedom of information act document to your local FBI headquarters and wait 6 - 12 months. Ken (GM): try a refresh your corrosive acid splashes his chest! it burns away at his leather armor to the skin below! Gandalf G.: woo Ken (GM): 1 damage past DR, but the armor is corroded now! Horsa: Uncivilized Ken (GM): next up; the beastmen react! the one burning with acid howls and screams; he flops to the ground and claws at himself the others move in for the killlll they swipe with their clawed hands at Gray! Horsa: How tall is that gun thing Adolf S.: Huh. My turn order only has one rat beast, and Souri. Suori Horsa: Soup Ken (GM): (its a crane, sorry, looming over the magic circle. Occupies its base hex on the left P.P. A.: just use “th” or “d” instead Horsa: Sour Adolf S.: Sour. Soup. Sooary. Saxaphone. Ken (GM): Gandalf G.: soury to bother you Ken (GM): one wild swing may hit! he attempts a dodge P.P. A.: :V Ken (GM): and he does! the beastmen hunker down, claws gleaming horsa! you up! P.P. A.: Is shouting something a free action (if that concept exists in GURPS)? Adolf S.: Yup. P.P. A.: Ok, thanks Ken (GM) the beastmen seem to be moving around the magic circle, to approach you Horsa: I take a step and sssttaaaab Suðri Skornbrekker: “Out o—”, Suðri starts shouting, but nvm Ken (GM): cool, lunge at the chest? Horsa: Yarrgh! Ken (GM): the beastman tries a dodge versus 9! Horsa: lol Ken (GM): fuck no he gonna die Adolf S.: He falls into the circle and immediately vaporizes! Ken (GM): critical failure! Gandalf G.: half of him successfully dodges, the other half remains in place Ken (GM): horsa! you have scored a critical hit to the chest! 3d6 for effect! Horsa: Gandalf G.: lame Adolf S.: ("YEAH FUCK YOU, RAT PIECE OF SHIT") Ken (GM): normal damorge only! Adolf S.: Man, this fight makes me want to play vermintide, shame I don't own it. Horsa: noice Gandalf G.: impaling damage too m8 Horsa: what does that do, double? Gandalf G.: to the torso Ken (GM): daaang, nice Adolf S.: Spooky. Ken (GM): you puncture his leather armor and hide, 4 past DR, 8 wounds! major wound! Horsa: wow thanks rngsus Ken (GM): he crit fails versus knockdown and fails versus stun! nice SKORN! DORFODORFDORF Horsa: Suck it imps Adolf S.: W-which dorf. Suðri Skornbrekker pulls the trigger and fires, shouting “Feed on fire, furry scum!” once the noise from his shot dies down. Ken (GM): sKORNBREKKER Falkirk winces from the noise P.P. A.: so since I took aim, the target number is my weapon skill plus my weapon's Aim stat (on this case 2), right? Ken (GM): so, distance -4, +2 acc for aim skill -2! (the crane arm is high enough its not in the way) P.P. A.: that's 12 then Suðri Skornbrekker: Adolf S.: Wew Ken (GM): noice! the beastman is surprised! no dodge from him! damage! Suðri Skornbrekker: rolling 4d 4 P.P. A.: oops Ken (GM): lol P.P. A.: If it says “4d” does that mean “4 damage” or “4d6”? Horsa: 4d6 Ken (GM): try again, and try 4d6 Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): there we go P.P. A.: ain't that overkill (firearms are pretty neat) Adolf S.: 4d6? What gun are you using here exactly? P.P. A.: musket Adolf S.: Book? P.P. A.: Basic Set 4 Flintlock Musket, .75 4d pi++ 2 100/1,500 13/0.05 1 1(15) 10† -6 4 $200 4 Gandalf G.: huh Ken (GM): slightly larger bore than you Adolf S.: Shit, why are the basic set muskets better than high tech and lowtech muskets. Ken (GM): but yeah! you blow a frigging hole through him, he falls back, and a bloody smear showers behind everyones ears hurt Gandalf G.: I'd imagine it's cos the people who wrote basic improvised Adolf S.: Oh well, I'll trade it for my higher accuracy score I guess. Gandalf G.: and the people who wrote high tech are experts Horsa: And, y'know, double barrels! Ken (GM): the beastman is felled; initiative goes to the elf P.P. A.: If it's too OP for the setting (assuming a lot of other equipment is based on supplements) should it be retconned to a less effective one later? Ken (GM): howling like a man posessed, he charges the beastman by gray Gandalf G.: I would tbh bruh Ken (GM): (well look at lowtech together, no worries) P.P. A. remembers to subtract a bullet from his inventory Adolf S.: (lowtech is rad) P.P. A.: ok Ken (GM): Gandalf G.: I toned down my acid spell pretty heavily cos adolf pointed out it was pretty broken Ken (GM): aachen fails his wild madmans swing Adolf S.: (remember to clean it afterward. 12+ hours after firing without cleaning = your barrel goes to dogshit) Ken (GM): on to gray he chops a muthafucka Horsa: Kill 'em 'Shoot 'em Adolf S.: put'm in a stew? Horsa: Maybe Ken (GM): against 15 [/roll 3d6] Gandalf G.: heheheheh Ken (GM): yus beastman dodges? 9? no! Ken (GM): 9 cutting! hits DR3, 6 x 1.5 is still 9! very out of it! major wound knocks him down, and hes stunned! Ken (GM): derp derp, im a wolfguy! on to bomrek! Adolf S.: Right'o. Can I step BEFORE I shoot? Gandalf G.: yes Ken (GM): yep Gandalf G.: movement can be spread throughout your town however you like which is nice Ken (GM): leaning around the ruined doorframe? Adolf S.: Right, I fire at the one I was aiming at. He's not dead, right? Oh. Will that incur a penalty? Because if not I don't do that. Ken (GM): sorry, gray chopped him down he's prone (-4 to hit torso) easiest shot on the board though Adolf S.: Hm. I'll save this shot then, and instead just move. There we go. End turn. Ken (GM): kk prudent falkirk! Falkirk: I would like to take a concentrate manouver, amidst the chaos, to try to figure out what this big circle is. thaumaturgy or symbol drawing or what? Ken (GM): symbol please! P.P. A.: graffiti Rolling 3d6 = 14 v10 aw P.P. A.: 2cool4wizardschool Ken (GM): "it seems to be some kind of circle! with magic in it!" P.P. A.: *wizzardskool Adolf S.: D-does he get a penalty to concentrate from just having his ears blown out from musket fire? (To Falkirk): its some kind of blood powered magic, raw and powerful, but not immediately apparent, Very likely tied to the light ont he tower Horsa: "O-oh." Suðri Skornbrekker didn't understand everything Falkirk said because the bang is still ringing in his ears, but he caught “circle” and “magic” and can figure out the rest. Ken (GM): he finds it quite hard to hear the magic, thanks to bomrek and Skornbrekker on tot he beasts! the one left standing attempts to run past gray! nice, and gray oppposes Ken (GM): beat by 4 the beastman bounces off fun! (To Falkirk): "no kill! no kill! devestators! rampagers!" Adolf S.: "Cut it's legs off!" Bomrek yells across the circle. Ken (GM): Falkirk: "THEY'RE SURRENDERING!" he shouts, over the ringing in his ears Ken (GM): the other beastmen continue to slump and wiggle the one covered in acid screams; falkirk! damage! Rolling 1d6 = 1 Horsa: mercy acid Ken (GM): yaaay horsa! Horsa: "Should we stop?" He hollars *hollers Falkirk: "We can interrogate them at least!" Bomrek: "Cut off his legs, hard to run without a leg!" (From Falkirk): Wait no, accented Suðri Skornbrekker: Suðri shoulders his muslet and wields his bardiche instead. “What is upstairs?”, he wonders aloud as he keeps an eye on the stairs. Ken (GM) the conscoiuis beastman falls to his knees, hands up over his head in a prayerlike surrender Ken (GM): the other one keeps creaming, covered in acid Bomrek: "Death, probably. Reload your gun, we may need it." Falkirk: Are we out of combat time? Ken (GM): not yet! Bomrek: woops Horsa: Not yet. It's not over yet. Falkirk: It's not over yet, snake Ken (GM): so skorn, readies bardiche? step? P.P. A. forgot his position, might be off by one hex Ken (GM): then he has stepped! P.P. A.: well then I'll move a bit farther and yeah, readying bardiche for now Ken (GM): kk moves on to the elf, who steps to the acid one, and shanks him in the guts yelling "AARGLEHGEHREGE Falkirk: "Did you keep that rope?" Ken (GM): ALL OUT, against vitals shank failed dodge from beastman Bomrek: (I think the pentagram is a giant beyblade bowl, anybody bring their beyblades?) Ken (GM): impaled the screaming beastman collapses in a bubbling heap the other one who was kneeling is now cowed, and grovelling Horsa: "Stop!" Ken (GM): "Theyre murderers!" Aachen screams, a wild look in his eyes, hate in his face! Falkirk: "They will be able to tell us what happened here and what they did." "Without that knowledge, the bound power source here could rupture." Ken (GM): The outlander considers your words. Gray puts a boot on the neck of the beastmen cowering and groveling the others will likely succumb to their wounds unless treated (feel free to drop initiative here) Bomrek: Bomrek plans to go around the room with his pick and penetrate some skulls. So'. Ken (GM): "Mercy for the wounded" Falkirk: "Do we have any rope?" Ken (GM): Gray produces rope Suðri Skornbrekker takes care of his musket and reloads it. Falkirk: "Make sure this one can't pull any tricks. Search him for weapons too." "Was anyone injured in the fighting?" Ken (GM): Gray binds the "whelp" and imposes himself between him and the Elf Aachen broods Horsa: Horsa grimaces as the bloodshed *at the Ken (GM): Gray gives him a search while binding him Bomrek: Bomrek moves to the foot of the stairs and points his gun up them. Is there a door, or just a ladder going up? Is there a hatch? AN open space above the ladder? Etc. Ken (GM): finds nothing untowards Ken (GM) above the stairwell, a hatch leads to the roof from a short ladder Ken (GM): the hatrch is open and the morning sky looms Suðri Skornbrekker has finished reloading and joins Bomrek to get a look at the stairs Bomrek: Ah, neat. "Roof ladder here, door's open. Anyone want to poke their head through?" he yells to the rest of the room. Horsa: "I'll see it" Ken (GM): Falkirk: "Are there any injured?" Ken (GM): Neither gray nor the elf took a hit everyone seems good :) Suðri Skornbrekker follows Horsa. “Don't get caught in the act up there.” Bomrek: "Bah" Bomrek follows along with them. Falkirk: "Grey, keep watch of this one" Ken (GM): Horsa! On the roof, you see the swirling energies of bottled fire! A storm of horrible flames swirls in a sphere, over the roof. It produces no heat, but when you look into its depths, it seems to stare back! Falkirk: I'd like to have another look at this circle and take my time in figuring out what it is, what it does, whether I should stop it doing that and how to safely do so. Horsa: How big is the death sphere? Bomrek: "Suori, be on lookout with me. Yell if you see anyone coming from any direction." Bomrek takes up watch himself. Ken (GM): Falkirk, circle or thaum at +4 then ,please P.P. A.: downstairs, I take it ? Rolling 3d6 = 8 v14 woopwoop that ass too fat Ken (GM): the symbol is directly interfering with the bound elemental on the roof; the lines of power that usually have it kept contained are all disrupted! I need to stop us here though! Bomrek: Na, upstairs. Look around from the roof, make sure no bands come up and surprise us. P.P. A.: oh ok Bomrek: Neat Ken (GM): Wif eis home, slapping dinner together Gandalf G.: alrighty Suðri Skornbrekker: Suðri nods and follows Horsa up there. Gandalf G.: well that was fun Ken (GM): 4xp each; and we will pick up here direct! Suðri Skornbrekker does his best to ignore the swirling sphere of magical death Gandalf G.: and now everyone knows I'm a wizard harry P.P. A.: nice Horsa: Cool P.P. A.: I must say, GURPS's combat mechanics are really good Horsa: Whizzard Bomrek: Yup. GURPS is a good system overall. P.P. A.: They're rather realistic, but still simple Gandalf G.: yeah the gunplay is even better unf Bomrek: May want to discuss that musket however. I'm assuming it's in the right TL, but I didn't bother checking in the moment. P.P. A.: I also read up on how the damage you roll is lessened by damage reduction, and then multiplied by what kind of damage it is (like how deeply it penetrates and such), that's also great aye Gandalf G.: it will be P.P. A.: p. 279 of the Base Set TL4 Gandalf G.: the guns from basic and the guns from the tech books are very different beasts Bomrek: yUP. Gandalf G.: the former are generic and balanced differently Horsa: I sort of wish combat went on longer. I was prepared to run along the crane and doing a leaping attack at the second group of enemies. P.P. A.: but if the others' equipment is all taken from the Low-Tech supplement and the contrast is too great, I'll change it Horsa: Would've been so sick Gandalf G.: that would have been cool Bomrek: Stage combat, heh Well, I picked the highest damaging musket from the correct TL from low tech, and mine was only uh..3d+1 Ken (GM): pity you guys murdered so well! Gandalf G.: that acid was originally free P.P. A.: whoa I just realised what this setup is Gandalf G.: now it costs 1FP per use P.P. A.: It's a magical grammophone Bomrek: Good. P.P. A.: and that crane/raygun is the arm Horsa: lol i see it Gandalf G.: I put that on both my spells, gave me a grand total of 1 point Bomrek: Things not being balanced inflame my autism y'feel me blood. Gandalf G.: nah, I hear you P.P. A.: 4d is really overkill Gandalf G.: anyway, time to spend my 4 points Bomrek: Yup. 4d is very kill-y. P.P. A.: considering how the default is 10 HP Bomrek: Remember the average damage for 4d is... uh.. 12. Most people only have 10 HP. Most humans that is. Horsa: Whatcha gonna spend it on, Ghandi? Gandalf G.: 4d is TL8 gun level Horsa: I was thinking... acting Bomrek: So, 12 damage on average is a hell of a lot of damage. Gandalf G.: I'm thinking thaumaturgy it's at 10 and is the general magical knowlege spell Bomrek: Man, I'm starting to wonder if this program is properly saving my changes. Horsa: Might want it higher But I love clueless wizards Bomrek: I feel like I put my spear use at a different level than it is now. Horsa: Did you change DX or anything? Bomrek: Nope. Also, it might turn out that we DO shell this place from afar, considering everything. Oh that reminds me, we left a barely-not-dying man outside, didn't we He should be able to tell us more about this situation. Gandalf G.: he's stable but I'm also kinda busy stopping the reactor from meltdown P.P. A.: >look at page 93 of the Low-Tech pdf 4 Musket 4d+2 pi++ 2 120/1,200 21/0.15 1 1(60) 12R† -7 4 $175 that's even better/worse Gandalf G.: oh aye? P.P. A.: (and cheaper) Bomrek: OH that's the one that weighs 21 fucking pounds, haha Gandalf G.: that makes sense I guess yeah Bomrek: I remember now why I did not take that. Gandalf G.: muskets became slimmer and more practical and more sorta 3d pi++ Bomrek: I have the Buccaneer Fusil, which is basically a long ass and heavier Fusil Ordinare Gandalf G.: what's the weight of your musket, PMS? Bomrek: 11.5, also, >pms wot' P.P. A.: 13 Bomrek: >13 Jesus basic set really dropped the fucking ball Gandalf G.: significantly heavier than most yeah a little huh though brown bess is 4d+2 have we got flintlocks? Bomrek: We do. Definitely not caplock. Priming powder and all that bullshit Gandalf G.: where's the bucaneer fusil? Bomrek: Above the listing for the ordinare...lessy.. Page 92, near the bottom. Gandalf G.: high or low tech Bomrek: An even heavier variant, the buccaneer fusil, is favored for shipboard use: Dmg 3d+1 pi++, Wt. 7.5/0.065, ST 10†, Bulk -11. Lowtech. Hightech's stuff is all uh Tl5 + Bomrek: Well. MOSTLY TL5+ Gandalf G.: true yeah Horsa: I'm never going to get a chance to use my kung fu at this rate Gandalf G.: I forgot we were in 4 man, your kung fu would work a lot better with a knife Horsa: Impure Gandalf G.: I'd say take a knife skill and technique for knife-and-rapier and then you can just drop that rapier and fuck up peoples' day P.P. A.: Is everyone's armour from the Low-Tech book as well? Gandalf G.: honestly, the basic musket is relatively in-line Bomrek: Mine certainly is. Gandalf G.: for its weight, the damage fits and I just took basic cloth armour from the basic book Bomrek: Which musket? Basic set, or lowtech Gandalf G.: cos it's cloth both lowtech is slightly higher damage, slightly higher weight the basic one makes some sense as a lighter version Bomrek: Slightly higher? Isn't low tech's 21 vs basic set's 11? Gandalf G.: 13 to 21 for +2 to damage and +4 to wounding it's not hugely out of line the only other one that breaks 10lb is the arquebus Bomrek: I'm more concerned, by far, about the differences in weight. Gandalf G.: how so? Bomrek: Lowtech says it's musket is supposed to be huge basically and need a shooting stand, basic's (For flintlock that is) is way way lighter for not much loss. I'm not sure if that would be fitting given the TL. Basically I'm just not trusting Basic set about this thing's stats. Gandalf G.: he is using a stand P.P. A.: Given that— yeah, so that would fit Gandalf G.: that's what the bardiche is Bomrek: Has been thus far using a stand, though I don't think it was intentional with the weight and background information of the gun. Gandalf G.: the matchlock does require a rest Horsa: I hope the next session we do something other than go to place and kill thing Gandalf G.: the flintlock, by raw, does no not Bomrek: Oh you're right, I misread that. Gandalf G.: we did other things, I was expecting us to finish without killing thing I was preparing to be disappointed Bomrek: Hm. I enjoyed the whole kill thing well enough. Also, I just realized that all this gear was possibly here from the wizard, and not brought in by the rat men. That's... sure spooky. P.P. A.: I appreciate having gotten to kill something in GURPS to experience its combat mechanics first hand poor wizard btw, if that's him up there Bomrek: The last game I was in, my character never fired a shot in anger in like, 8 sessions. The one time he tried, his firing pin broke. S'nice to actually be able to fight things for once, to me. Horsa: I dunno Bomrek: I got some character interaction in which helps sate me, also, so that ended up working out on my end pretty decently. P.P. A.: I'm going to read through the Low-Tech supplement tomorrow, create an alternate equipment set based on it, and then let ask everyone next time if I should retcon to that, or keep the Base Set stuff Gandalf G.: that's fair I think it'll be a sidegrade more than anything P.P. A.: yeah Bomrek: Mmm, sounds good. After the fight we had with that Ogre, the one with 50 fucking HP that beat the shit out of Gray even though he was unarmed, Gandalf G.: weight fucks up a lot of things in gurps Bomrek: I got somewhat worried about going toe to toe with shit like that. Gandalf G.: acrobatics and dodge, both of which can save your life beat the shit out of him? bruh it did like 4 damage Bomrek: Now I'm thinking about putting some points into my spear skill for parry purposes, and counterattack. One more point than I have, to get it up to spear skill +0 Gandalf G.: that regenned Bomrek: Pssh, 4 damage after getting through his decent armor. Gandalf G.: spear skill makes sense simply for when there's more than 2 people you need to kill or carrying some pistols Bomrek: Yup. It also helps for Bomrek that his gun is his spear. Two weapons in one, works out. P.P. A.: Do I take it these beastmen usually go for melee? I was a bit unsure during character creation whether I should other with mail sleeves/leggings -Do *bother Gandalf G.: the ones we've seen so far all have Bomrek: They seem like a melee bunch. Certainly no firearms, I can say that. Also, considering we just found what is either the weatherman's crazy shit... OR something the rat men set up, Gandalf G.: I wouldn't be surprised if they start hurling bombs and using bows and stuff though Bomrek: there's a possibility next game we'll be investigating this. So Stellers, you might get your wish next game. Bombs I would be surprised about, unless they've gotten ahold of some human black powder or something. Throwing spears and arrows however, certainly would make sense. P.P. A.: Keeping a heavy firearm for long-range engagement, and then dropping it (well, laying it down so it doesn't get bent/dented) to lower Encumberance and fight in melee would work out if nobody decides to , wouldn't it? Bomrek: Yup. It'll take some turns to lay it down gently, and then draw your secondary weapon, however. Gandalf G.: buy a sling Bomrek: Hey Gandalf, you said spear makes sense when there's more than two people you need to kill, what do you mean? Before this, I've never really been in or ran melee games, so the melee rules are mostly new to me. Gandalf G.: two barrels. boom drop. boom drop. bayonet time. P.P. A.: Drawing the second weapon would be quick since he'd just need to grab the bardiche that's already in front of him, though Bomrek: OH, that's what you mean. Right. I've got a war pick for close combat, incase that happens, or Bomrek loses his weapons omehow. Right, but that would still possibly take a whole turn in GURPS terms, I think. P.P. A.: hm Gandalf G.: not neccessarily buy a sling, you can drop your gun without it hitting the ground fast-draw skill, if successful, lets you instantly draw a weapon P.P. A.: That wouldn't get rid of the encumberance, but probably still worth a purchase Bomrek: Oh, no, he wants to drop it partly to relieve weight. P.P. A.: yeah Bomrek: I thought you were talking about a rock throwing sling for a moment there, for some reason, hah. P.P. A.: me too Bomrek: Hello Joush. We're having a bit of after-game discussion. P.P. A.: Dropping the (heavier) musket would make the difference between Medium and Heavy encumberance Gandalf G.: yeah, that's smart then Joush M.: Yo party people. Sorry about that. Work stuff Bomrek: Mmmhmm. So I could spend 4 points to get counterattack -1, so 14 effective counter attack.. Or I could spend them and make my spear skill 16. Gandalf G.: work happens P.P. A.: So the Exp. we get are the same as the points you spend during character creation? Joush M.: Yeah Gandalf G.: hm? P.P. A.: Ah, ok Joush M.: You advance with the same kind of points as you build with P.P. A.: That's straightforward then Gandalf G.: oh yeah Bomrek: Yup. I'm Paranoid that Mr.Tank AKA Gray is going to die, or not be between me and the enemies. I'm feeling like investing into spear skill so as to basically raise my parry chance. Joush M.: Is spear what you use to baoynet people? Gandalf G.: he wont die he's got me Bomrek: It is. Joush M.: Well, I'm not going to die. I'm made of meat and evil. Also, worst case I can always turn around and be like "yeah, let's kill all humans, evil beastmen friends" Gandalf G.: my long game involves upgrading to a goddamn healing ray also the ability to regrow limbs P.P. A.: Well, I'm gonna go to bed, almost two o'clock already good night everyone, it was enjoyable Gandalf G.: aye Joush M.: Sleep well PPA. Looks like the weatherman is evil as fuck Bomrek: Mmm. I might upgrade some non-combat skills, at this rate. Stellers pulled up a good point. Hah. Maybe. His apprentice is alive.. Joush M.: What's that? Bomrek: Come to think of it, maybe we shouldn't have healed him quiiiite that high. He may be evil. Well, not 'point' exactly but, he was talking about how he hopes next game isn't just go-there-kill-these. That's not what today's game was, but he may feel it was. Regardless, I'm thinking maybe I ought to put some points into gambling and carousing. I certainly ended up using those skills heavily, earlier. Gandalf G.: I gave him 8hp Joush M.: That's true, it's always nice to have a group challange that isn't combat sometimes. Survive a vicious storm, get information from a mark, beat up the old man secret mage, that kind of thing Gandalf G.: if he was in negatives, it will stablise him but not much more Bomrek: Yeah, but, >wizard Still spooky even if he can't walk. Gandalf G.: true Bomrek: Anyway, is he evil? Well. This pentagram looks evil, and it looks like it was the wizard's originally.. Probably. Then again even if it was, the beastmen attacked the wizard, and they're the more pressing, greater overall threat. Joush M.: That's true. You don't have to fight all the evil, just sort it and deal with the most dangerous at the time Gandalf G.: actually pretty sure the magic was powered by an elemental the pentagram is a binding circle and since it's been damaged by the beastmen the elemental is escaping that's what I inferred, anyway Joush M.: Ahh, makes sense Bomrek: That's about what I got. I'm not at ALL a D&D person however, so, what exactly's an elemental? Joush M.: I guess anywhere looks evil with blood sprayed everywhere Gandalf G.: presumably an embodiment of the element Bomrek: And what might he have been using it for? Was this the source of his power? etc. Gandalf G.: no clue Joush M.: Judgeing by 4chan, probely sex Bomrek: There was that blinding flash earlier. Was it supposed to be different from the red ball of death? Gandalf G.: I dont think so Bomrek: Hm. Maaayyyybe these beastmen just killed the wizard and used his blood and power for this, and they summoned the elemental or something. Wasn't there something about how, uh, 'now that the seal's broken, the elemental might get out' or something? So maybe that's not quite it. Oh, maybe the elemental was just up there locked up in general, and the beastmen fucked it up and that's what caused the light. That raises the question of why they flayed the fuck out of him, though. Joush M.: Could be attempting to use him for some kind of magic Wizards are useful magic fodder, I'd imagine. Bomrek: Yeah. These guys don't seem like the magical type though. We didn't get any magic sent at us, and they fucked up this pentagram thing, presumably allowing the elemental to eventually escape and kill everybody around. Doesn't seem like they made this pentagram, and why break it like they did if they were the ones to make it? Maybe they just murdered the guy and the flay stuff is just GM-Decoration, basically. Joush M.: Beastmen = evil as fuck, I'd buy that Bomrek: We don't have access to the travel map either, just the really inaccurate and incomplete, uh, 'topographical' map. I'm trying to think where we might go from here. We either go back somewhere and tell the authorities about some crazy magic shit going on.. Or we go on ahead because 'gotta keep on schedule, lives are at stake guys Joush M.: Too bad we diden't bring any ravens with us. Could just send a message Bomrek: Well if Housa and Gray can kite the enemies well enough, and Souri as well I suppose, then I should probably just invest in my main damage dealer, and bring my shooting from 15 to 16. Joush M.: Gray's tough and deals a lot of damage when he hits. He's not much use at range though Gandalf G.: you could take some throwing weapons won't take much skill to be semi-reliable and the strength will do their range and damage well Bomrek: Eh. Not the most point to that. I've got two shots of my musket, and presumably a lot of accuracy on my side for that. My one concern is enemies being able to dodge my bullets. That's... eesh, a hard thing to deal with. Gandalf G.: you can use deceptive attacks -2 to hit, -1 to their defense Bomrek: I've been considering that, yeah. I may. Gandalf G.: it's what you usually want to do if you're attacking over 16 Bomrek: The fact that they can dodge at all is the main problem for me. Going to think up some penalties for that and ask the GM about'm. Joush M.: That's true. A few points in throwing (knife) and one in quick draw (knife) woulden't go amiss Bomrek: Mmm. Not Bomrek's style, really. Maybe something he could learn, however. Joush M.: I was thinking for Gray. Without monster ST it's hard to make a thrusting knife hit do much Got to get damn good aim Bomrek: I think I'll only invest in things that make sense for Bomrek to have practiced, for the most part. So far that's been armoury, gambling, carousing, shooting.. and that's mostly it. Oh, you mean for yourself? A decent idea. Joush M.: Let's see.. could go for observation or search, sword, intimidate and of course, Sex Appeal Bomrek: Hah. Man, I think I need a crash course on melee. I've looked online but what I've found thus far hasn't been very, uh, helpful. Joush M.: The combat examples are a damn fine place to start Bomrek: Mmm. Do they detail stuff like that melee-aim thing, and other things like that? Joush M.: I think that some of the examples cover it. Waits and shield bashes are covered, along with all kinds of basic attacks Bomrek: I wonder if we'll ever make it to Dwarf land. Having Gray knock his head on door ways constantly sounds like fun. Joush M.: Ha! That would be funny. Sitting in those low ass tunnels Adolf S.: ayy Man, I'm feeling a mix of almost-hung-over-but-not-really and sick to my stomach. This is sure unusual. Ken (GM): I vote for tequila and tacos so; abdominal issues aside, hows things? Adolf S.: Not bad. Going shooting in a few days. First time running slugs through my shotguns, first time shooting my 930, etc. Looking to be a fun time. Ken (GM): nice; prepare for moose-kick bruises and dont break your wrist Adolf S.: Yup, that's why I'm only shooting them at the end of the day. Ought to be quite the experience. Ken (GM): oh jesus; theyre here! Adolf S.: reeeeeeeee Gandalf G.: ayy Adolf S.: Is Hyll going to be playing today? Ken (GM): his old family is dead; we are his new family so, yeash, hes good to come by P.P. A.: All right, here's the two low-tech loadout: Equipment(2) is the Base Set stuff, Equipment the new set Stellers J.: in the future we'll just roleplay with superadvanced hyper ai Ken (GM): hahah Stellers J.: we won't even have to wait for players Ken (GM): hey, theres joush Joush M.: Hey cats and kittens. what's up? Ken (GM): PPA; looks good if you want to 'update' to the low tech stuff. No red flags. Just no more retconning, k? P.P. A.: Sure, sorry for the trouble. The only retconning (other than weapon and armour) was getting rid of some bullets and oil to afford maintenance equipment from the low-tech supplement (which wasn't listed in the base set). Ken (GM): hey no worries; it was all in character and within reason Stellers J.: You don't need to retcon it, just have Suori accidentally get splashed with Falkirk's acid, and then replace everything with stuff he finds in a convenient chest inside this here tower. Ken (GM): hahahah P.P. A.: that'd give a DX and DR penalty because the armour doesn't fit though :V Ken (GM): also, acid in the face Gandalf G.: maybe it was a very short wizard Ken (GM): DOUBLE WIZARDS Stellers J.: what's the stats for playing two goblins in a trenchcoat Gandalf G.: maybe the wizard was really two dwarves in a piggy back and you'll find a secret chest of dwarven armour hence the long robes and beard P.P. A.: Just noticed that there's now corpses on the map noice Joush M.: Or a secret chest of dwarven lingerie. Have to try and figure that out. Ken (GM): yeah, that shouldcbe the only update I have poked manhyll sevral times anyone else have eyes on him? Gandalf G.: I've poked him also Ken (GM): sexy SO LETS GET DOWN TO SOME SORT OF BIZNESS Ken (GM) MURDER Adolf S.: Hyll-kun? He's away on steam. AFK. I'll keep you posted. Ken (GM) The party had dispatched to the Southern reaches with a new recruit in tow, as well as a strange dwarven package. Aachen is a bit disturbed by the news, but the event is overshadowed by EVILLLL MAGIIICS Adolf S.: Has been that way for.. aprox. 30 minutes. Ken (GM) The group rallied to the event, discovering CARNAGE at the weatherman's tower; a battle ensued with several beastmen, the apprentice was saved, but the wizard was butchered to meat. His blood adorns a magic circle, which seems to be having some sort of effect on the bound fire atop the tower. Ken (GM): (i bet hes poopin) Ken (GM) a single beastman remains; to be tortured? interrogated? who knows... Gandalf G.: okay so first order of the day Falkirk draws upon his great knowledge of the arcane in an attempt to figure out how to fix this mess Brothermanhyll: Ha ha i'm not deaaaaaad Gandalf G.: ayyy Can I roll thaumaturgy? Stellers J.: The remaining beastman is him Suðri Skornbrekker , up on the roof, is staring at the ball of magic fire with a mixture of awe and fear Ken (GM): roll it gandalfio Suðri Skornbrekker would also really like to try exploding it, but alas Rolling 3d6 = 7 v11 woop woop Ken (GM): woop Horsa stares at the glowing deathball topping the tower with a great respect. (To Gandalf G.): the magic circle is some sort of disruption to the natural magic already in place. You can see the lines of power etched in runes and carvings onthe interior of the building. A large magic was bound here ages ago, and the new circle is interrupting that power, siphoning it somewhere else (To Brothermanhyll): so your portents and warning have been leading you to some dark omen coming in the last while. The news of the war with the beastmen has spread to the southern reaches as well. Soon the Kingdom will march its armies in a terrible clash with your cousins. (From Falkirk): What would be the safest way to disable the rune? I'll roll again if you'd like. (From Falkirk): aww nuts (To Falkirk): best guess, hit it with a bunch of inert medium, like water or stone, and then watch the fireworks Ken (GM): The tables about the room are covered with day-to-day things the weatherman and his apprentice used in their home; on the far right table, a series of alchemical substances and archane materials bubble and froth. the beastman giggles nervously, almost maddeningly, at Gray's question, but sputters a few words in common "Blood! Needed Blood!" (From Horsa): anything noticeably valuable on the tables? Bomrek: Bomrek turns to suori and starts speaking in Dwarven. "We fought an ogre, at a farm, not long ago. The doctor said it had blackrot. Be careful fighting these things in the future, be wary of their blood and any black icor leaking out of them. The doctor is..." he seems to chew on the words for a moment. "Odd, but he seems to know this subject well." Bomrek cocks his head back and pokes his head down the ladder. "Black powder did you say, Doctor?" Gray nods to the fearful beast and seems to consider that slowly. His gaze searching the room for any obvious powder then returning to the prisoner. "Why did you need blood? Why defile the circle?" (To Horsa): some trinkets that may be silver on the alchemists table; strange looking devices you dont immediately recognize. Suðri Skornbrekker: Suðri's gaze had just passed over the passed out apprentice. With the heat of the moment dissipated, it dawned on him just how impressive the doctor's feat was. “I am impressed by the doctor indeed; he's far from the charlatans I've seen passing through town once in a while.” Falkirk turns to the beastman P.P. A.: too much passing Suðri Skornbrekker: “We also ought to fetch the horses sometime soon,” he muses aloud. Bomrek: Bomrek laughs high and manic, and starts climbing down the ladder. "See? Dwarven explosives save the day again. What did I tell you all when we came upon this deadly place?" Ken (GM): (pass pass pass) Horsa: "Did you say something, Suori?" Falkirk: "Aye, this way we get to stop this magic and we also know the situation." Ken (GM): the bodies of the beastmen are indeed still now, after having been pierced with Bomrek pick to still their cries. Some of their blood is pooling with a distinct black ichor seeping about Ken (GM) BORK BORK BORK Suðri Skornbrekker: The dwarf chuckles at Bomrek's comment, before responding to Horsa: “We tied them up well, but you never know what bandits or beastmen might lurk in the woods. On the other hand, the animals might panic seeing this witchcraft here.” (To Falkirk): Blood! Our great dark fang makes great magic here! She uses blood to work it, and wizard blood is fine tastings for her! Ken (GM) the beastman gibbers quickly in response in the dark language (To Falkirk): he definitely alluded towards another female beastman, who isnt present. She may have been some kind of wizard or mage Falkirk: "Shit, this blood is tainted, away from the corpses." (To Brothermanhyll): You have come to the wizards tower this morning with dread heavy in your heart. You see the tower glowing with a magic fire atop it; most definitley a bad sign, as the Weathermans tower bound a powerful fire elemental. Reaction? Falkirk: "Any luck finding something explosive? Ken (GM): Aachen too backs away, rage on his face now, his sword still in hand Bomrek: Bomrek makes a noise of distaste at the situation around him, and calls across the room from the base of the stairs. "Elf, if we're bringing this place down, can we make sure these goods don't go to waste?" he gestures to many of the items of value on the tables around the room. Ken (GM): "Be careful and do it fast; I want this place to be rubble within the hour" Aachen steps outside "Ill tend to the apprentice Suðri Skornbrekker takes a last look around and descends the stairs as well, avoiding the blood. Falkirk: "Aye, that'd be good of you" Gray takes a step away from the beastmen and looks around the room, at the tables and for a moment to the circle before his attention returning to the elf's wrathful features. He waits for Falkirk to finish the intterogation of the prisoner. Ken (GM): (might be a good idea to evacuate the prisoner outside to continue that0 (To Brothermanhyll): yeah ill populate you one. Ive got your sheet hand too over here, made you a token (To Brothermanhyll): you can see a grou pof horses hastily tied to a stump outside the wizards property, maybe 6 men up ahead? Suðri Skornbrekker helps with the looting Ken (GM): (aside from various foodstuffs, theres a table covered with alchemical bits and bobs, as well another covered in various drawings and books) Horsa: "I don't particularly care to find out." Falkirk begins picking and choosing the more essential alchemical equipments from the table (From Brothermanhyll): I proceed to stalk the site from amidst the forest to get a lay of the land. And possibly the men. (To Brothermanhyll): just resized your token +2sm remember? (From Brothermanhyll): Yeh. Seeing the fire elemental is pretty fuggen bad so Ulm proceeds to stomp towards the tower to warn whoever they are. (To Brothermanhyll): Aachen notices you tormping up, and waves to you, happy for a familiar face Suðri Skornbrekker: “Not yet, but I'm eager to try,” Suðri responds. He looks around. Shame about the tower, though. Ken (GM): (the beastman shows no outward signs of infection; no boils, no black veins on his mottle dhide Bomrek: "Well, come on then, I'll need another pair of hands to set up." he walks through the doorway and out to their horses. They're still there, right? (To Gray): the beastman seems clean enough, hauling him outside? Ulm: Outside one can see something quite unsettling. From a first glance the thing looks like a werebeast, but upon closer inspection it is a very sizeable ogre of some sort, wearing a humongous bison pelt and a bison skull fashioned as a tribal mask. It is 10 feet tall, very pale, and covered in blood red tribal markings. It is very gaunt and shriveled looking for an ogre of any kind, relatively speaking, and it has a malformed left leg with only three toes on it. Gray examines the beastman a moment, looking him over and speaking in that savage voice, deep and rough. "Come" As he takes the prisoner outside. (From Gray): Yeah, sounds good Suðri Skornbrekker stops in his tracks, bewildered by the beast. Bomrek: Bomrek is shocked, shoulders his musket, and looks between the Elf and the Ogre, back and forth. Horsa: Stepping outside Horsa flinches at the site of the thing. *sight Falkirk pays no notice, flicking through- P.P. A.: our GM sure likes naming characters after German cities Gray looks long at the beast outside, watching the pale creature, twisted and strange. The horrific apperance dose little to repel Gray, he's ugly himself. Gandalf G.: oh okay Ulm: "What have you done to the Weatherman? Where is he? I must warn him of impending doom!" He says, focusing on Aachen and not really paying attention at the tiny people coming out of the tower. Ken (GM): (adjusting the supplies to outside the tower) Gandalf G.: the books I was flicking through took off at a sprint Bomrek: Which name would that be, PPA? P.P. A.: Aachen and Ulm are both German cities Ken (GM): (they roll off the tongue well :P) Falkirk: Falkirk is a scottish town P.P. A.: (given that I live here, I can supply you with more should you burn through too many NPCs :P) Ulm: (urmum is an ancient sumerian city devoted to obesity) Ken (GM): The (Urban German) elf has a lok of terrible sadness on his face "The beastmen; they killed him for terrible magic" "his remains are inside" "and they all have bloodrot." Horsa: "Gray, what the hell is that thing" (To Brothermanhyll): you recall Aachen has a terrible hostory with the plague. He lost most of his family to the plague. It shook him up enough to join the Outlanders Bomrek: (>Devoted to obesity) Horsa: "Shh- don't." Horsa sort of cowers. Ulm: "Bah!" The half-ogre raves. "Late again! Alas even i cannot run faster than the plague . . ." He turns his bone-covered fave towards the others. "And who are these? I assume they are not the beastmen in question." Horsa: Gray shurgs to Horsa. "A man, hearing of the death of a friend." He explains, understanding the human's confusion as the ranting brute waves around. "None save this one." He explains to Ulm, gestureing to the prisoner. Ken (GM): "No, these are Militiamen of the King of Greyhold. Men in my charge here." Gandalf G.: Did we find some black powder? Ken (GM): "Men! This is a great shaman of the Southern Reaches; please treat him with the utmost respect, if you will" (the tower had no black powder in sight, unfortunately) Adolf S.: Oh, we've got black powder to spare, back at the horses. Horsa: Suðri Skornbrekker: (Dwarven) “That is good to hear; I was already worried it... he might have eaten our horses.” Horsa: "Well, Gray, looks like they found you a horse that'll support you." Bomrek: Bomrek unshoulders his musket. "Well, best be getting back to the job at hand then. Suori, the crates." he points over in the direction of the horses and walks off. Ulm: The shaman laughs with a great vigorous voice. "Your militia of men shows great restraint in not engaging a big scorned such as myself." He stands as straight as he can with his leg, supported by the staff. "I am Ulm, the Sanguine Beast, and i have sensed the fates changing. Troubling times ahead!" Ken (GM): (the dwarves gonna rig some demolition?) Gandalf G.: "Aye well, if you could sense your way to loading up these supplies that'd be just grand." Gray nods. "Aye, commander." He says to the elf, watching the twisted beast a moment, walking closer and takeing the prisoner with him. "Well met. I am Gray. I regret the loss of your friend." Bomrek: Yup. Suori and Bomrek go break open the crates. What exactly's in'm? Falkirk: wrong name Suðri Skornbrekker follows Bomrek with taste. Though inclined to make a big circle around Ulm, he acknowledges him with a polite salute. Falkirk: but w/e P.P. A.: *haste Ulm: "It is regrettable, but alas it was his fate to die this day, brother." He says to his kinsman. "An inevitable occurrence . . . But that leaves me with a question. What exactly were you doing here?" He inquires, leaning downward. Ken (GM): (the dwarves retreat to the Horses, and find them well; the pack horse sent with Aachen and it's crates still intact. Popping open the lids, you find a beautiful packing of two wall-canons in once case, and in the other diagrams for stone ammunition, some shaping tools, and several sealed packs of pure dwarven blackpowder) Suðri Skornbrekker 's eyes light up a little. Gray: "I am employed with the Milita, in the service of Grayhold. We make for the south." He explains, makeing no effort to lie and watching the others a moment. "We move to collapse the tower and contain the damage done by the savages that murdered the Weatherman." Ken (GM): Aachen replies "The king has ordered us to the south reaches; we were to check up on the wizard ourselves. Last night we saw some magic at work and rushed here as soon as possible. we were also too late" Falkirk: "I wouldn't go into the tower unless it's neccessary. The blood is tained with rot." Ulm: "Ah, so it is already happening." He ponders and draws circles in the air with his wooden staff. "The fates are aligning, the wheel is turning yet again." He says and stares at birds. Ken (GM): (dwarves! You have supplies with which to blow shit up; care to roll versus relevant skills for a plan of demolition?) Bomrek: Bomrek runs his fingers through his beard. "No ammunition I see. Makes sense." he turns back to the tower. "This could be problem, considering he wants it gone in an hour.." He takes out the carving tools "You said you were a Mason? Can you carve some ammunition?" Falkirk: 'It would be incredibly useful if your wheels could align these supplies with our horses. We need to bring this tower down."" Bomrek: (Bomrek ain't no architect, he knows more about shooting cannon than he does about blowing structural supports. Not sure what to gamble on here.) (To P.P. A.): canon-shot isnt exactly required. Blowing out a main support directly would topple it as well Falkirk: "Beast magic. I don't fully know what it is, but I know that letting it do its own thing is not a good idea. We bring the tower down, we bury the rune." Gray nods. "So long as someone keeps an eye on the captive, I'll assist with the heavy lifting.. Why fire cannon at the tower? The powder packed into the walls would do much the same?" Not clever enough to understand balaistics, he has a vauge sense the demoltion is best done up close. Horsa: "I'll look after your pet." Ulm: "You bring about your own end, the tower is the sole thing binding the force on top of it." He points at the fireball. "An elemental being of great force. By demolishing the tower you risk evoking it's wrath." Suðri Skornbrekker: “What a strange turn of events that one who builds walls would find himself creating the very thing that tears them down.” He takes the plans and looks at them. “Hm... This could be done in an hour, I suppose, but...” P.P. A.: (can the two dwarves hear Ulm?) Falkirk: "Oh aye is that how it is? If you know a better way to stop it, do demonstrate." Bomrek: Bomrek begins unpacking the gear, and starts assembling one of the cannons, aimed for the tower. "..But?" Bomrek asks, kicking a piece of wood as gently as possible to get another piece to fit. Horsa: (lmao the comical bomb) Ulm: "Alas i was not destined to speak to the spirits of fire and flame. I can do little to help calm the being down." He ponders and paces around with huge steps. "Banishing it is too great of a risk." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It would probably suffice to detonate one of the supporting pillars. The tower would collapse, as a man would if you hooked his leg and pulled it out from under him. ...on the other hand, I feel it would be more... becoming of stone to bring down stone, for this building to fall more spectacularly, if it must fall.” Ken (GM): (best icon I could find :P) Gandalf G.: Weirdly, I used that exact bomb token in a game 3 days ago Ulm: "Hmmm, perhaps i didn't foresee this, that we are destined to fight fire with . . . fire." Falkirk: "hold the cannons for now. The big beastie might have a safer solution." Bomrek: "Detonate the supporting pillars? Well, if that is faster.." he stops his work, and looks toward the Elf, getting an eye full of Ulm's twisted leg and scowling in disgust. "If it's faster, we may be better off doing that." Suðri Skornbrekker breathes a sigh of relief; he would have felt bad about destroying the work of whichever mason built this tower. Bomrek: Bomrek looks at Falkirk, his expression turning to one of well-restrained frustration. He turns to Suori and says in Dwarven "It's like being in the Guard all over again." Falkirk: Falkirk smiles slightly, speaking in dwarven himself. Ken (GM): Aachen doesnt look happy "The plague needs to be contained here, and soon. If you say the tower needs to stand to keep the elemental bound, whats our other alternative? Can the magic be stopped by itself maybe? Falkirk?" Bomrek: "Well. We could always shoot the fireball with the cannon." he pats the cannon with one hand, and gives a shrugging motion with the other. Falkirk: "I take it without the guard, you wouldn't be speaking with us now." Ulm: (could i use Occultism skill for banishing the thingy) Ken (GM): (give it a roll, Ill tell you best you recall) Falkirk: "Let the ogre try something. If it doesn't work, you're the fallback." Ulm: (is it a roll of occultism or hidden lore?) Gray looks to Bomrek, his lips twiching in a faint smile. "You wish to shoot the cannon, I think, and don't care why you do so." Bomrek: "You never know Doctor, I could have become a merchant, eating my fill of human fruit back in Oakway." he lets out a slow laugh. Suðri Skornbrekker grins. Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs. 16 (Hidden Lore) Bomrek: (To note, soldiers bitch about soldier life a shit load. 95 percent of their conversations about their military life are bitching. Bomrek, like them, is doing it half-lovingly~) Ulm: (fuckken gay dorfs) (To Brothermanhyll): Ulm recalls how each spirit is a living thing, in a way, and some of great power can be bargained with directly as if speaking. Alas, you dont know the exact language Gray nods to the dwarf. "Aye. It would." (To Falkirk): hint hint Falkirk: "Well now that depends." Horsa: "I'm impressed that thing can talk at all." Falkirk: "I speak a little Infernal, though it's nothing spectacular." Ken (GM): (not much call to practice demonic tongues in daily life, i suppose) Ulm: "That might just be what is needed for this." He says with his slightly raspy voice. "Would you be willing to take the risk?" Bomrek: "A bargain? I've got Whiskey and I've got Gunpowder. I imagine a talking fireball might want either." he smiles and sits down on the Cannon frame, removing his helmet and setting it next to him. Gray nods to Horsa. "It is strange, to meet new creatures and things you did not expect." He says to the attractive young human as he walks out of the line of fire of the cannon. "Soon there will be need of us, I imagine. Until then, we wait for commands." Gandalf G.: "attractive young human" Ken (GM): (roleplaying intensifies) Ulm: (oh no, fade to black tiiiime) Horsa: Ken (GM): (so falkirk wants to fade to black the elemental then?) Ulm: "The plague is not a large concern in such an isolated place, perhaps with a proper blood ritual the rune can be undone." Gandalf G.: (roll to seduce) Suðri Skornbrekker sits down as well, and uses the opportunity to clean his musket. Ulm: (the thing is that Ulm has spirit empathy so he can in theory try to seduce elementals) Ken (GM): ("clean his musket" is not a euphamism, correct?) Suðri Skornbrekker: (it is not :V) Ken (GM): (theory and practice are two different things) Bomrek: (>Germans in charge of understanding muskets) Ulm: (eh, -16 appearance modifier is not much) P.P. A.: Also, if the fire elemental looks anything like those Flame Atronachs from Skyrim, I'd totally roll to seduce Bomrek: (:v) can't clean that thing without first getting that powder and ball out of there) Ulm: (cant polish without moving the balls out of the way) P.P. A.: (yeah, I just remembered I still had that in there) Ken (GM): (SO! Falkirk, you gonna try and talk to the roiling ball of fire up on the roof there?) (and Ulm wants to investigate the magic circle of BLOOOOD?) Gray: "That sounds disturbing." He observes, of the talk of blood rituals. Unattractive, brutal and likely the wrong gender he imagines the human has no interest in him, and makes an effort to only notice the attractive noble occasionally. The last thing their small band needs is Drama. Gandalf G.: I suppose so Ulm: "To me, i see two possibilities. The fates bend to one of them, but it is up to us to choose the right one. We can either have this human here try and act as a translator between realms, or we can test our luck against a force of nature." Falkirk: "I'll have a word with the beastie. If it seems like it's not going well, you've got your cannons already set up. (To Horsa): the beastman you have in tow seems more and more agitated at the conversation. He's fidgeting alot, and twitching noticably Falkirk heads into the tower (From Horsa): How injured is he, btw? (To Horsa): fine, no wounds yet. Gray seems to intend otherwise Ken (GM): (sudri spies a rock in the door rubble of the door that would be an easy cut to fit for the cannon Ken (GM) the beastman freezes in his tracks, trembling from the weight of the swor don his neck. (To Gray): reaction? Bomrek: "Ah, Gray, are you torturing the rat over there? There are more effective ways of that, you know." he takes a puff from his pipe and looks over in that direction. Gandalf G.: yo Gray drives the pomenel of the sword into the back of the beastman's head. A stunning blow, but unlikely a fatal one. "You are defeated and surrendered" Gandalf G.: are we up these stairs yet? Ulm: "Draw not it's blood in vain, only with determination and purpose." He says to himself idly. Horsa: "Hooh!" Horsa grins Ken (GM): the beastman falls like a sack of wet rocks, the howl dying before any volume could be made! (was he signaling someone?) Yeah, you two are up on the roof, no worries Bomrek: "Aye, Speaking of blood, it might have that black rot stuff. Might want to watch where he splashes, eh?" Ulm observes from behind the man, staying halfway in the stairwell to not fall from the tower. (To Falkirk): RELEASE ME! (From Falkirk): "See, I'd rather you didn't do the burning thing. Is there any chance we can talk about that?" Falkirk: "Ogre, tell me about elementals." Ken (GM) the fire boils in it's invisible prison, raging against it's magic bonds (To Ulm): Egotists to the core, capricious. Very tough binding but great power. Will probably demand sacrifice of a sort, but will honor an agreement (From Falkirk): "A sacrifice? So you'll settle down if we give you something alive?" Gray nods to Bomrek. "And our captive was howling for a reason. Maybe to summon others." Ulm: "Ah yes, fire elementals. Hot headed both figuratively and literally, not many can match the fierceness of their personality. Often they want something from the one seeking to bind their great power, but once done so they will honor their pact." Ken (GM): "I dont like the sound of that at all Gray; make sure hes out, and GAG him if you would" Aachen scans the treeline, sword at the ready Ulm: "I wonder if a sufficient sacrifice is enough to send him away from this world." Falkirk: "Aye, that's the impression I'm getting. What's the ritual to offer a sacrifice up?" Ken (GM): (one comes to mind, Ulm. You could probably ask it to retreat along the ways, assuming it agreed to your terms) offer it something, free it, and it leaves on its own) Gray nods to the elf and gags the captive with a rag, though he isn't pleased to be touching the strange sick captive. "Those bonds won't hold it long once it wakes" Ken (GM): "You have my permission to brain him if it comes to that, Master Gray" the elf says with a flourish of sarcasm Ken (GM) the elemental roars again in its strange tongue Ulm: "In this case we must offer it something and free it. It is vital that he agrees with our terms. If i were to guess he would ask a tribute of fire, something to turn into ash." (To Falkirk): FREE ME MORTAL! BREAK THE CIRCLE AND UNLEASH MY MAGNIFICENSE Falkirk turns to the fireball and continues the conversation Bomrek: Y'know, we DO have a prisoner that would probably turn to ash pretty well. (From Falkirk): "You'll get a sacrifice, on the condition that you leave this world the moment I free you. Is that agreeable?" (To Falkirk): the elemental stares at you for a heartbeat, and then utters fiercely AGREED. SEAL THE PACT (To Brothermanhyll): you will need to include your intended sacrifice's blood Falkirk: "Well, the beastie's agreed to the terms. The beastman for it leaving." Ulm: "I assume it will have no say in the matter. It's blood is needed, we must render it unconscious." Ken (GM): (Gray appears to have beaten you to it) Ulm: (lel) "Come, we must go to the base of the tower, the elemental shall have a prime view of the ritual." He says and starts walking downstairs. "Prepare the sacrifice! The beastman will appease the elemental once sacrificed." He says, rubbing his oversized pale hands. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I suppose it would not be satisfied if we were to fire the sacrifice out of this cannon, would it?”, Suðri jokes in Dwarven. Falkirk: "Blood sacrifices are a little out of my expertise. If I'm to help, I'll need to be shown." Ulm points at Gray with his staff and swings out a large bone knife. "You, lay the beastman down. I will carry on the pact." Bomrek: Bomrek chuckles "Maybe if we douse him in burning pitch first, and shot him up onto the top of the tower. Ulm is seemingly in his own world, excited to be performing a ritual. Horsa: "This is barbaric." Ulm: "Barbarism is the way of the powers that be, if you civilized folk are asked." Bomrek: "Aye it is, but it solves our problems." he looks around slowly, taking in the situation "Also it's a bit funny." Gray frowns in disapproval and looks to the elf a moment to see the commander approves before moveing the prisoner as Ulm commands. Noddin in agreement with Horsa. Falkirk: "Aye it' Horsa: "I'd've risked blowing it up before this." Falkirk: it's somewhat base, but I dont see much of a choice." Ulm begins the process but slitting his already scarred palm and drawing a thick circular pattern around the body with his own, gushing blood. Ken (GM): An evil grin spreads on the elf's face "Pass the man his sacrifice, if you please" Horsa looks at the little gremlin and sighs. Ken (GM) theres a quick flash of light as the bloody circle lights up with magic power. A similar glow flows out of the half-ogre shaman, and into the circle Ulm: (Ulm wipes his bloodied palm on his bare chest like a true vikin- . . . err blood shaman and stands there with his staff. "Ah, my presence here had purpose after all. The fates have aligned yet again." Falkirk: "Aye well, whatever the cause you were helpful" "I suppose we'll be on our way then." Ken (GM): the building seems to shrink upon itself, crumple like in the hands of some unseen giant, and collect under the ball of fire before disappearing the ball of fire, shrinks, then winks out of existence with a PLIP Horsa: "Whoa." Gray looks to the building a moment, unable to avoid watching that, then nods after the fire vanshes and the early morning goes quite and still. Bomrek: Bomrek looks from the empty space, to the cannon, and then back to the empty space. Suðri Skornbrekker watches the tower crumble with a bit of sadness in his heart, as spectacular as the show had been. Ulm: "Your business may be solved here, but mine is not. The winds of change are blowing and my fate is to follow you into a war we have little chance of winning." Bomrek: He sighs "Well, looks like we won't be needing that cannon ball after all." Ulm: "But, a chance nonetheless." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Our alchemists do yet have a long way to.” Ken (GM): (back; scared my internet with all the exposition, apparently) Bomrek: heh Ken (GM) the rbble of the tower settles before you, barely a wisp of dust escaping it P.P. A.: fire elementals can't melt wizard towers Ulm: "But as i have demonstrated, one should not judge a beast by it's hide. To the inconvenience of my kin, i am as civilized as the next common man in this realm." He says triumphantly. P.P. A.: wake up sheeple Ulm: (top lel) Ken (GM): (snrk) (terrible, but allowed) (So! The wizards tower is rubble, the elemntal banished of its own power. The beastman prisoner lies broken before you) Horsa: Ulm: (is the beastman still edible) Gandalf G.: yup, I pressed backspace because I wanted to go back of course I did thanks chrome Ken (GM): (They did warn it was likely infected with Blackrot) Ulm: (dangit) Bomrek: (no meal for ol' Ulm) (From Ulm): Neat Ken (GM): (you all recall the damaged apprentice, over by the well...) Falkirk: "You've got a lot of skills. It's worthy of respect. I'm not sure blood magic counts as civilized though." "But I'll leave you all to catch up. I've got a dying apprentice to patch up." Ulm: "Many civilizations have gone and went. The powers that be do not need such concepts, and as their follower neither do i." Falkirk produces a small wooden box from his robe as he walks to the injured figure. Ken (GM): (flakirk; you magic'd him to health last session. I will remind you to check him for the rot though) Ulm: "But who is this? Another beastman?" Gandalf G.: I'd like to stabilize him with my first-aid kid if he isn't already stable. Ulm: "The plague rendered them unsalvageable. A shame it is." Ken (GM): (roll first aid! He can still benefiet from some bandaging and treatmen) Falkirk: "A man injured when we arrived. I suspect he's the wizard's apprentice." Rolling 3d6 = 6 v15 one point off a crit Joush M.: dose he parry the first aid attempt? Ken (GM): (nice! he regains 1d-2 HP) he fails to parry Ulm: (he double reppukens out of the way of the healthcare) Ken (GM): and it takes about ~30 minutes to check him over so; packing the horses with all your loot? maybe transporting the wounded guy to somewhere safe? his house is now rubble, you do recall Falkirk:0 wow Ulm attempts to discern the fate of the apprentice through weird mystic stuff AKA looking at the patterns of birds. Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs. 19 (Fortune Telling) (To Brothermanhyll): you take the time to consult with the fates. he should probably be returned to some nearby town to start his future career as ex-apprentice to a dead wizard (To Brothermanhyll): all signs point to 'you owe him at least that for destroying his home' Gray nods to the pair of dwarves. "The cannon would have served well. We will need it soon enough." Ulm: "We should take him to a nearby town. This will be the last tower he studies in and he needs a safe passing from his past life to an uneasy future." Ken (GM): (and it seems in good condition; youve been issued a pair of nice artillery, assuming you carve some ammo for it) Bomrek: Bomrek nods back "Aye, aye we will." How much does each ball weigh? How many can the horses transport? Falkirk: wait what Joush M.: Bom is weighing his balls Ulm: (i can read the fortune of the balls) Falkirk: "We'll need to make sure he can walk first." Bomrek: (Can you read my beard to see my future?) Falkirk audibly sighs Ulm: (of course) Falkirk: "We don't have time for healing the normal way." Falkirk rolls his sleeves up and puts his hands on the apprentice Ulm: "He has lost much today, we atleast owe him to guarantee his safefty for the time being. Where we will be going, conflict will follow." Falkirk: I'd like to burn 6FP on a heal. Ulm: (rub his titties) Ken (GM): falkirk; feel free; roll against 1 previous attempt today(-3) Falkirk: oy vey can I take x4 the time for a +2? Ken (GM): yeah, no immediate worries, other than maybe your party Ulm: (How long will we stay healing the guy?) Rolling 3d6 = 12 v12 pls pls work ayyyyy Ken (GM): yay! Ulm: (clutch it nigga) P.P. A.: I suppose I should roll for masonry to see if my attempt succeeded, though I'm rather optimistic given the complexity of the task Falkirk: (good call on the extra time tho) that's 12hp Horsa: Bomrek: Bomrek turns to Suori, still carving out a stone ball presumably, and says "I've seen more magic in the last three days than in all my years as a patrolman combined. I can't say I'm too pleased about it. Thrilled maybe.." he looks over to the shattered building "but not pleased." Ken (GM): The man's wounds retreat, and pink scar tissue knits the lines of his claw-wounds closed. his eyes flicker open Ulm: (cuz i could take 1h and 10m to see glimpses of the future) Ken (GM): hes past the grip of death, but still pretty banged up Falkirk: "Aye, that'll do him. Let's get moving." Gray nods. "He looks healthy enough to ride, at least." The beast observes as he stands by with the horses, getting things loaded, eager to leave the dark, strange place. Ken (GM): the bewildered apprentice sees you all, his bloody clothes and the ruined tower. He looks stricken Ulm whistles his giant beast horse to ride. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Me neither,” Suðri responds. “This magic, not wrought with anyone's hands or tools, never sat right with me. But to see it able to undo man's laborious works with such ease...” He shakes his head. Ken (GM) Ulm's clydesdale lumbers up into the glen, an armload of fresh grass in it's mouth Ken (GM): Aachen tends to the apprentice, explaining the situation Bomrek: "Bah, I've seen cannon volley level a small fort before. It's not so shocking to think that some powerful magics could do the same." Bomrek finishes packing up the artillery, and dusts off his hands. Ken (GM): "we'll take you to the next village; you can ride with one of us" Falkirk: "I'm going to be well-loaded with equipment for this stretch. He'll have to go with someone else." Suðri Skornbrekker loads the cannonball onto the horses [unless I should make a check first]. While they can be easily made on-site, having at least one to fire at short notice seems useful. Ken (GM): (switching back to the overland map) Bomrek: Whoa, did the map turn to shit quality Oh, it just wasn't loaded in. Wew. Ulm: (its like unreal engine texture loading) Ken (GM): Sudri finds the canonball a good rough fit. it will need some polishing, but should do fine Bomrek: >We forgot to check the bodies for loot Rat men have currency, right? Horsa: (Megatextures) Falkirk: if by currency you mean diseases they're loaded Ken (GM): They were more like Gnolls, but you did rifle their pockets already. not much, no coin In fact, you recall they had no provisions, or packs. Bomrek: Bomrek talks to Horsa along the ride "Magic like that, do you see it often in human lands, Horsa?" P.P. A.: What's the Blackrot–Syphilis exchange rate at the moment? Ulm: (how long will the trip take to wherever we're going?) Horsa: "Sometimes I would see magicians do parlor tricks for high class events, but nothing that fearsome." Bomrek: If they didn't have packs or anything, they've probably got a camp set up locally. Ken (GM): on horseback, as long as you guys dont overload the horses too too much, you should be in the next hamlet by nightfall? Bomrek: I figure BOmrek would probably realize that moderately well, given his background. Ken (GM): its just up the old road, about 1 hex away from the wizards tower Ulm: (aight) (hmm, is it wise for me to ride into a hamlet) Horsa: *Hamlet, I like the sound of that Bomrek: So, Bomrek scans the area looking for faint smoke, or distant unnatural shapes that could be camp related, as we travel. Gray walks with that loaping gait, easily keeping up with laden horses and putting the wounded man, leaving the apprentice on the horse with some of his equipment. "Slowly, today. The horses were pushed hard last night." Bomrek: "Parlor tricks? Hah. You humans have odd definitions for what a pleasantry is." Ken (GM): gray, horse whisperer Ulm: "We approach the lands of men, one wonders to their relations to the spirits of flesh and blood." He says and somehow meditates atop the horse. Horsa: Ulm has a horse? Bomrek: (Anyone ever have the problem where GURPS character whataever it's called program formats itself weirdly, so you can't see all of your stats? Any idea how to fix this annoying crap?) Horsa: Jesus Christ Ulm: (I have a bigass chaos marauder-tier horse) Ken (GM): To address the beastmen issue; there seems to be no nearby camp; no obvious trail they'd have left, nor the over signs of concealing one however skillfully. At least not in the immediate area about the tower Ulm has a Clydesdale; heavy horse closer to a moose lol Ulm: (probably oversized to carry his SM+2 frame) (he is quite lanky but he is preeetty biiig) Ken (GM): yeah, its a symbiotic relationship. You dont put more than yourself on the horse, and it doesnt collapse into a singularity Bomrek: For you, maybe. If I take that bone mask off, will you die? Ken (GM): hahahah DANK MEMES Ulm: (it would be extremely spiritual) One can see the lower half of his face from under the skull. It is a hairless, gauunt jaw with a clear underbite that shows his carnivore teeth. His lips are scarred. Joush M.: GCS can't handle some screen sizes. Try resizeing, get a screen cleanup. P.P. A.: said UUUUlm Bomrek: "That went well, did it not? No one got stricken with the disease, no one die-" Bomrek glances back slowly "er, well, none of us died anyway. A good Omen for the rest of our mission, perhaps." (To Falkirk): so youve ended up with a full alchemical lab worth of equipment; a good 100 lbs worth of relatively fragile bits and bobs. Dont tip your horse Ulm begins to drift back into his own meditative state upon hearing the word "omen". Ken (GM): (Nyan cat gets stuck in Ulms head) Ulm: "Yes, the fates have brought us this far, and they will bring us all further than any of us wish to imagine." Suðri Skornbrekker nods, albeit hesitantly. 'tis not the village life he's used to. Bomrek: (Didn't seem to work Joush. >Screen clean up< What the meme is a screen clean up) Ken (GM): So! the party departs for better parts... The horses are allowed a sinple walk, as you head south, along the old road once again. Falkirk: "Actually, I think you'll find the horses did most of the work." (To Falkirk): also, several pounds of scrolls, books and arcane writings and scribblings, from the weatherman's library(?) Joush M.: When the UI checks for window size/postion for readability. Horsa: "You talking about your mask?" Bomrek: Bomrek checks to see if Ulm's horse is even shoed. Ken (GM): (converse hightops. its a COOL horse) Falkirk: hahaha Ulm finally acknowledges the human. "Yes, i suppose the visage i wear is part of me as well. But is the mask you wear a part of you also?" He says and ponders the fanciness of the lady. Ken (GM): hehehehe You discover the fancy lady is in fact, a young man Falkirk: wow Ulm: (man this is the second time i can't discern the gender of a character) Falkirk: this IS a /tg/ game huh Ulm: (last time i had to look through the character's commlink and SIN to see the truth though) Horsa: "I don't need a mask." (To Horsa): I dont think you bought unattractiveness that low. but the shaman might have been speaking an a more aloof spiritual sense Ulm: "What a strange composition of militia. Men do not often send the educated to fight their wars. Ours is a special fate indeed." Ken (GM): Ulm: One can see strands of long, wavy and dark hair coming from under the mask of Ulm. Ken (GM): "theyre all volunteers Ulm!" Aachen shouts back with a laugh. "We're all a bit mad to have joine dup, arent we?" Horsa: Bomrek: (Bomrek is a tall-for-a-dwarf Dwarf wearing lots of mail and some cheaper plate. He carries a double barrel musket with a removable spear tip bayonet, and a war pick at his belt. He's got a bandoleer full of ammo draped across his chest. Descriptions Ho!) Ulm: "One should ask now who is mad here, us, or everyone else?" Falkirk: "Any man can be motivated to warm given the right circumstances." war not warm Horsa: lol Ulm: (i can motivate you for some warm if you catch my drift) Falkirk: my heating is not working, I guess I let slip the contents of my brain Ken (GM): wink wink, dundge nudge, knowwatimean? /monty python Ulm: "The dwarves, little artisans, even brothers? What led you to our company?" Bomrek: "I'm here for Gold, Plunder, and maybe a bit of Adventure. As I said before, I am certainly no architect, I've little love for desk work." "Brother? He is no Kin of mine. I'm fairly certain he's not even from the same Hold as I - and I am more warrior than Artisan, Ogre." he gives a sharp tap on his chest armor. Horsa: "I could've sworn they were related." Ken (GM): (assumptions make an ass out of "u" and "mptions") Ulm: "Your brotherhood exceeds blood, that much i know. But will you succumb to the greed that will eventually drag the deep tunnels howling into the void?" () (&&&&&&&) Ken (GM): [dorf fortress intensifies] Suðri Skornbrekker: Suðri nods. “I for my part would rather be building a wall along our southern borders. But alas, the the lives of soldiers are cheaper than stone—they don't last as long either.” He looks out onto the distance. “So ere the enemy comes to raze our villages, I deemed it my duty to defend the land directly.” Bomrek: Bomrek frowns at this and raises an eyebrow. "Are you to imply that the Dwarven empire isn't Eternal?" >wall along the southern borders MAKE KARAK-GROLDOR GREAT AGAIN Ken (GM): (the trump-dwarf's luxurious beard) Ulm ignores the dorf and focuses on Falkirk. "What about you? The fate of your hands is to mend the marks of steel, why have you embarked on this bizarre adventure?" Bomrek: Bomrek's meme arrows are of course pointing toward the Ogre, not Suori's comment. P.P. A.: “I would build a great wall—nobody builds walls better than me, believe me!—and I'd build 'em very inexpensively. I would build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will have the beastmen pay for that wall, mark my words.” Falkirk: "Does a man need a reason to defend his home from invaders?" Bomrek: "If they didn't, I would suppose we would be a traveling band of 7,000, not 7." Bomrek comments across to Falkirk. Ken (GM): [ooh touche] Falkirk: "Aye, we'll see how reluctant they are when the Beasts move north." Ulm: "Perhaps not, but many need a reason to take the fight to them, to risk their own wellbeing for the days to come. Your spirit echoes kindness, here's hoping it will endure the storm that is gathering." Ken (GM): "you'd imagine the men would be more eager to join ranks and make war. But the consription has been oddly lopsided to dwarves and others, hasnt it?" chimes in Aachen Ulm turns his boney and bloody visage towards the quiet grey guy. "But you, my kinsman, is who is the most puzzling of all. Why do you travel with the members of a race who often wishes an end to our existence?" Ulm: (fuck you GM, i'm creating my own exposition now) Ken (GM): [hahaha] [inter-player prodding intensifies] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Driven by dour sense of duty, and a desire to try out our new toys perhaps.” Horsa: "Maybe he's seen the light." Ulm: (http://puu.sh/nq9Or/c3b619cf6d.jpg) P.P. A.: wizards—no sense of right or wrong Gray speaks to Ulm in that deep growl of his. "Because the small folk require protection. The woman that rased me was human, I owe them a Debt." Falkirk: "You're awfully inquisitive." Bomrek: "Mmm, perhaps you do not know the Dwarves that well, Elf. We are a Martial people to say the least. I spent my youth learning how to best run a man through with my bayonet, and shooting off cannon." He smiles and runs his fingers through his beard "It builds a strong will to fight, when needed." Ken (GM): "bomrek, I fear what of your tales are euphamism, and what are not" He replies with a wink Gray considers a moment, then adds as he watches the horizon. "I do not blame anyone for hating monsters. I will show them another possibility." Bomrek: Bomrek looks momentarily disgusted, and speaks quickly to Falkirk in Dwarvish "Say Doc', he doesn't mean to say he was birthed from a human woman, does he? Is that something these bastards do?" clearly somewhat sickened by the idea. Ulm: "Admirable altruism, the world would benefit from more like you. But remember that a debt is a burden, you will need to free yourself from it if you ever wish to acheive happiness in your being." "And finally we have you, noble . . . man. You have left the confines of civilization to brave the savagery of the south. Why?" Bomrek: I swear half of what Ulm says sounds like it's coming from a high-as-a-kite-all-the-fucking-time black dude I used to know who hung out in parks and shit. Ken (GM): Shamans; the first stoners Ulm: (that means my character building is working as i intended) Horsa: "A small sense of duty, perhaps. But the people love actors who were war heroes." "First thing I do when this is over is buy my own theater." Bomrek: "Hah, with a soldier's pay? You best hope we find some more ratmen with pockets full of gold that we could rightly loot, then." Ken (GM): ["im only three days away from retirement"] Horsa: Ulm looks at the noble with a strange expression. "Be sure that you do not lose track of the masks you wear. Time and time again men have upheld their masks in valor, but forgotten which one they were born with." He says with contempt and retreats back into his meditation. Falkirk: "We're wasting breath better spent riding. We've done the introductions so let's continue." Ken (GM) a tense alliance Ulm: (i dont spend extra breathing to ride you frail old man) Bomrek: Are they not both frail old men? Falkirk: (you ever ridden a horse? its not a sofa with legs) Ulm: (Ulm is 70 but i think that means a different thing when it comes to how long half-ogres live) Horsa: (Mine is) (Comfiest horse in the whole kingdom) (Canon) Ken (GM): (shes so comfy. and pretty) Ulm: (good thing i have sick meditation skillz) (dhalsim-tier) P.P. A.: (I should have built my character to be a furniture enchanter) Ulm: (this reminds me of the time i wanted to build an armchair with miniguns in shadowrun) P.P. A.: (Ikeamancer or something) Ulm: (ikeamancers are the worst) (Ikea engineers are basically fell artificiers) Bomrek: >not a sofa with legs Ken (GM): [you put a few ranks in smuggling and armory:small arms, and suddenly theres revolvers in teh armchairs, and C4 up everyones butts] Bomrek: a fine description Gray is walking, but fast and unburnded and thrust likely faster then those that ride today. His gaze hunts ahead of them and he frowns a little at Ulm's words, but makes no remark beyond glanceing a moment to Horsa at the mention of a theater, then returning to the prowling and scouting. Falkirk: (powerful smith-mages from the cold north) Ulm: (meatballmancers) Joush M.: They had that in a Saint's Row expansion.. a Sloth-sin weapon that was an armchair with guns and rockets. Ken (GM): ugh keeping us on track then :P Bomrek: hah Ken (GM): AND SO the mighty milita did track the long hills of the Steppe, heorically and not at all tlakin gof military grade sofa cusions or weaponized chairs As the day falls to evening, they find themselves entering a meager village, the road wasted away to occasional flat patches, unworn by heavy traffic Ulm: (i hope they dont get spooked by a giant wendigo riding into town) Bomrek: (it's okay, we have overwhelming firepower) Ken (GM): a few meager huts hug around a hillside, perched on top a barn. Smoke rises from a large campfire to one side of the village, as what appears to be a band of Ro-Haern Rovers have taken to camping here Ulm: (meanwhile in africa) Bomrek: Oh man. Falkirk: Ro-Haern Rovers aren't a football team I take it do we know what or who they are Ken (GM): (Ro-Haern are the half elf gypsy folk.) Ulm: (shit now i want to play a blood bowl veteran in a fantasy campaign) (fuck now we have two kinds of mystics) Ken (GM): You can see several villagers tending their fields Bomrek: CHARLEY'S IN THE WIRE, CLOSE AIR SUPPORT, LEVEL THE HUTS, AAHHHH Horsa: (this village looks TL2 as fuck) Ken (GM): the sound of racous music wafts from the rover camp Falkirk: "We'll need somewhere to sleep. How are we for supplies?" Ulm: ("FOOTBALL" he shouts and throws a pigskin through a dragon's head) Gray settles his mask across his face and watches the people a moment. "Let's find somewhere to stay tonight. None of these huts look unused, but the village should at least offer water.. I belive, physican, that we should not require resupply here." Ken (GM): [the GM derps out on tokens for a moment Bomrek: Juh-Ohn M'Den, Football. About what time is it? About what number are we looking at here of villagers? 20? 200? Any shops or pubs around here? Ulm: "I can embark on a hunt. The blood of the wild swirls in the air." He says and equips his longbow from his back, a huge construct of bone and wood. Horsa: "Aachen does this place like the army?" Ken (GM): The village probably houses no more than a dozen to 20 souls. There is a large communal barn and smith in the centre, where you see the well and midden/waste round back Ulm: (yeah i agree that all elves are waste :^y) Ken (GM): the townsfolk wave friendly enough at the sight of Aachen, and he hails them as an outlander "We should be able to camp here. Their elder should be about here somewhere" Bomrek: (Agreed, lets burn down their huts. It doesn't count as a war crime if no one is around to report it) Ulm: (there are no witnesses if there is nobody around to witness) P.P. A.: (we're not even officially at war yet, so that's definitely not a war crime) Ken (GM): There is various embankments and log-walled edging implies some sort of attempt to add a wall to the city, but it is far from complete. Nothing is on fire or covered in beastmen though, so your pretty sure theyve dodge any scouts, so far Gray nods and brushes down the horses, looking around the village a moment and avoiding spooking the popele. Bomrek: I'd also like to avoid spooking Popeye. Joush M.: It looks like I'm running out of time, but very good game Ken (GM): One of the farmers, caked with thick mud on his legs, heaves himself out of his patch of green to hail you an Aachen Ulm stays at the edge of the forest, meditating like a boring person. Ken (GM): (joush, we will have you on a murderous rampage, no worries!) Joush M.: Sounds good. As long as it starts with mudguy Ken (GM): (woo) Horsa: In his rampage Gray only manages to kill Aachen Well done, Gray Ken (GM): "outlander!" He calls "We didnt expect to see you so soon again!" Ulm: (is his weapon nicknamed Charlemagne) Suðri Skornbrekker scoffs at these villagers' wall-building attempts, but appreciates that they're trying. He waves at the villager once they come inside. Gandalf G.: I'm up for calling it here too tbh I'm fucking tired P.P. A.: *in sight Bomrek: I'm still good to go assuming that's an option for you, Gandalf. Ulm: (i might go sleep) Horsa: I'm okay with stopping P.P. A.: I wouldn't mind because my hayfever is going haywire today Ken (GM): (dangit, that IS half of you) Gandalf G.: sorry breh Bomrek: heh Gandalf G.: I'm kinda rekked today Bomrek: Hyll is Finnish, they don't count as a whole human being. Ken (GM): [hey, it happens. ] Ulm: (also nice meeting you all except Adolf who should hang himself) Bomrek: (I know Hyll from lots of other stuff~) Gandalf G.: shoot himself surely in a bunker or some sort Ulm: (i sort of came rushing in late because i fell asleep in the sauna, it was 2comfy) P.P. A.: (nice meeting you too) Ken (GM): [I'll halt it here then! 4 XP each! (Ill have to throw that at gray via email)] Gandalf G.: ayy im going to sleep Stellers J.: Cool Gandalf G.: gg was fun Bomrek: Night gandalf-kun. P.P. A.: good night Ken (GM): next weel, what SINISTER things lie in the heart of the village? P.P. A.: crops Bomrek: eventually, dead half-elves. Brothermanhyll: Inbreeding Ken (GM): SO MANY POTATOES Brothermanhyll: There was a town in north finland Bomrek: Ayy, what do Elves look like in this setting. Stellers J.: Las plagas Bomrek: Need to Determine if Bomrek hates them or not. Brothermanhyll: They only got proper roads leading there in the seventies, the road workers reported that the town was 70% schizofrenic due to inbreeding Ken (GM): bomrek: elves? like...well. elves? Slightly shorter in stature than men, long ears P.P. A.: These are not only elves, they're also gypsy elves Ken (GM): fine features? Bomrek: >Shorter than Men That's news to me. Ken (GM): bluetooth enabled gps capable Bomrek: Can I charge them with my cigarette lighter? Ken (GM): by like, an inch on average not SM-1, but like, asian VS european? Bomrek: Hm. Define fine features. Wassat' mean? Ken (GM): 'prettier on avearage' Brothermanhyll: (fine means they're not stocky and ugly like neanderthal dorfs) Ken (GM): Swedish women Bomrek: rude hyll Brothermanhyll: In my experience swede women are hideous But then again so are finn women Ken (GM): okay, stereotypical swedish women lol P.P. A.: well good thing they'll all be hidden under burqas then in a few years, hur hur hur Bomrek: >Implying Finns are technically even human. Brothermanhyll: Some are very pretty Some are very very uggo Bomrek: Did we suddenly start talking about England, PPA? Ken (GM): you will find the differences between men and elf are little more than skin deep, im afraid Brothermanhyll: Are they balls deep? Bomrek: What do half elves look like. Ken (GM): points to the ear, and less facial hair on average; they mostly are distinct in that they almost all dress garishly and against current muted fashion. All the colors possible Brothermanhyll: Real nigga elves Ken (GM): jfc Brothermanhyll: I played an african elf in Shadowrun once, it was fun He was fabulous af Ken (GM): huh somali pirate? that scream shadowrunner to me Brothermanhyll: Nah he was a rap artist in Seattle Ken (GM): HEX grenades, duct tape, an AK and sneakers. all ya need Bomrek: What do Elves think of Half Elves? Brothermanhyll: He also had a stand Which i christened Blackjack Ken (GM): not welcome in the homeland, unfortunately; caused kind of a rift during the great migration. Lots of simple resentment over that minor quibble. Same with the kingdom of men. No established homelands means eternal roving Brothermanhyll: They're all jews i tell ya Ken (GM): very paralell histories P.P. A.: >elven gypsy jews it keeps getting worse Bomrek: Lets burn this place down. Brothermanhyll: P.P. A.: They're only camping here while the village is human though, right? Ken (GM): you can even hear a Herdy Gerdy playing alongside a squeezebox up ahead in their camp. The Horror well, Gray and Ulm come from communities like this, on the outer reaches. Men not welcome in the kingdom, or on the outskirts by choice Bomrek: IT IS THE GYPSY GIRL THE WITCH WHO SET THIS FLAME PROTECT ME, MARIIIAA, DON'T LET THIS SIREN CAST THIS SPELL, DON'T LET HER FIRE SEAR MY FLESH AND BOOONE and then we burn the place down. P.P. A.: given that this place has a map of its own I'm sure we'll face some beastmen or others who will take care of that already Ken (GM): *suddenly, ninjas, thousands of them Brothermanhyll: When are we fighting nazi vampires P.P. A.: Small-scape maps in tabletop RPGs are like the conspicuously flat-shaded objects in the water-coloured backdrops of old cartoons Ken (GM): fufufufufufuf Bomrek: Nigga, I made so many small scale maps when I GM'd Ken (GM): paranoia runs deep Bomrek: Maps don't mean much. Ken (GM): who's to say this inst a blufF? Brothermanhyll: I remember your fallout maps They were glorious Bomrek: Do you remember the Giant duck in the sewer? Ken (GM): or a double bluff? maybe the map itself is the encounter Brothermanhyll: Yes Stellers J.: Imo a prefer more pictures of locations Bomrek: Mark and Froogle meme'd about it in TS when I revealed it. Stellers J.: This top down stuff is killing me Brothermanhyll: And the impaled trapper woman crushed on the floor Bomrek: Psssh, top down is what I know. Lets his words fill in the horizontal. Ken (GM): Quoting that; I like it :) Bomrek: impaled trapper woman crushed on the floo- Oh you mean the one in the paint factory? Stellers J.: top down is how you get booooring terrain Brothermanhyll: Yeah Bomrek: quotin' what? Brothermanhyll: Your gay shit Bomrek: :OOO Ken (GM): stellers, I challenge you to make a compatible map with isometric elements, in Roll20. bomrek "top down is what I know. Lets his words fill in the horizontal." its poignant Bomrek: It's the pizza and mountain dew talking Brothermanhyll: I'm gonna go get some bread Ken (GM): GASP NOT BREAD YOU BARBARIAN Brothermanhyll: NOO NOT THE BEES Bomrek: so this area, this area is mostly uncared for by any uh, government, right? Which is why this lot has been able to live here? Ken (GM): Yeah, they live outside the rule of GreyHold, and neither the dwarves or elves claim it The Outlander rangers patrol it. Aachen is the nearest authority figure in a league P.P. A.: There's only one thing to do found our own kingdom here finders, keepers Ken (GM): OF COURSE Bomrek: That reminds me, can you slap the travel map in one of the handouts? Was trying to find it the other day but I'm p. sure it was only on the uh, main screen, which at the time didn't have it. Well, does anyone technically own this land? Humans maybe, but they don't give a shit to patrol it? etc Or is it truly ownerless at this time. Stellers J.: Uh quick question Ken (GM): haha, re-uploading the map I somehow deleted Bomrek: Damn look at that wagon down there. That thing looks heavy duty as hell. TL 4 convoy truck, tier. Stellers J.: I currently have a whopping 16 points put into Acting (14), which defaults my Performance (12) Ken (GM): map is fixed; whats up stellers Stellers J.: Putting 4 points into acting brings it to 15 and Performance to 13, but putting 4 points into Performance makes it 13 and does nothing to Acting Is there no point in raising Performance then, at this point? P.P. A.: I still need to distribute the 3xp from last session I remember Bomrek: I've now got 5 XP I need to invest. Ken (GM): stellers; mechanically? Not so much in the one way, given the good default youre getting between the two skils. ppa; SPEND POYANTS BOMREK: YOU TOOOOO BUY ALL THE THINGS P.P. A.: If you raise an attribute by 1 later in the game, do all your skills (that depend on that attribute) get bumped up by one level? Bomrek: Yup. P.P. A.: neat Bomrek: Does Suori actually have mason skill and stuff? P.P. A.: yeah, at 13 also architecture at 10 Ken (GM): MY GOD, HE'S COMPETENT Bomrek: Bomrek's training in civilian-practical skills is pretty limited. Lacking, in his own opinion, I'm sure. There's a reason he's here doing mercenary work after all. Ken (GM): "im sorry sir, I tried delivering mail as you requested, but musket-delivery is still in it's infancy" Village burns in the background Bomrek: He's got good faith in the dwarven homelands to hold their own no matter the situation with the beastmen, at least until he's long dead from old age. He's more in it for the coin, furtherence of his skills, and some honor and adventure. Ken (GM): I gotta say, Im really loving the various inter-party conflicts arising from mild and casual racism Bomrek: I was thinking about soldiers and mercenaries earlier, and I'm fairly certain next time Bomrek's in a decent town, he's going to go spend some pay in a brothel and or on a whore. And also drink and gambling. P.P. A.: For Suthri, it's a mixture of impatience (he knows a war is coming so he'd rather get it over with), and not wanting to wait until the beastmen burn down any nice buildings his masonmates might have built Ken (GM): its fun to watch unfold. Gray hits on one of the party, the dwarves get offended. The elf gets on everyones nerves, then someone makes a dick joke and it all settles nicely P.P. A.: also money, of course Bomrek: It inflames my autism too much to imagine a celibate mercenary/ former guardsman. Ken (GM): BomrekXGray Slashifiction incoming? Bomrek: >Gray hit on one of the party He did? Stellers J.: I don't remember that P.P. A.: Horsa Stellers J.: Nope I'd remember something that stupid Bomrek: hehe P.P. A.: Made a comment about him being very handsome or something Stellers J.: He was being factual Ken (GM): there were ten minutes of dick jokes, about the "pretty human"? back at the tower? Ah! factual; best way to take compliments Bomrek: Bomrek and Gray having been on the road for months, his beard still kept well thanks to his beard combs, but ragged otherwise, meets Gray in the moonlight near a small stream. "Don't think this means anything, we're just too far out for me to find anything better. Not a word of this gets out to the others.. You're the girl, okay?" I imagine that's how that'd go from bomrek's perspective. Ken (GM): hahahhaha loveley Tsundre Dwarf/wolfman "baka Gray-kun; don't think this means I " Bomrek: I was hoping Doctor-kun would notice Bomrek asking about Gray's whole deal in Dwarvish I don't think he did though. Must not have seen it. Brothermanhyll: Party-wide racism is the best racism Ken (GM): yeah, I saw that fall to the wayside too hey well, half the party bought social stigma backgrounds as a GM? Theyre ROLEPLAYING and its LOVELEY Brothermanhyll: Ulm is a walking social stigma Bomrek: Bomrek is moderately disgusted at the thought of sapients who are roughly within his classification of people, breeding with beings that are roughly just outside his classification of people. >Social stigma backgrounds Social whos whats? What is that, in GURPS terms? P.P. A.: I've got Chauvinistic, among others racist enough to be racist, but not enough to be a dick about it Brothermanhyll: Social Stigma is a disadvantage that says you are oppressed and need the help of SJW's to exist Ken (GM): Gray is a scorned/half beastman. Thats Social Stigma(minority). HEll, Ulm's a mild cannibal! Bomrek: Bomrek is Prideful. This extends to himself, his guardsmen, the Dwarven race in general, and his specific Hold Brothermanhyll: Ulm is also a savage who doesn't care for fancy book smarts Instead he trades secrets with spirits Ken (GM): totally above-board there P.P. A.: I need to act on the Impulsiveness part a bit more in future sessions, though so far Suthri's always kept himself busy and there weren't any long waiting periods Bomrek: Chauvinistic, Impulsive, what else? (To Stellers J.): Im hella disappointed we ended early; theres a you-centred encounterr up here :P Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs. 5 erotic art Stellers J.: How do you do that bruh Brothermanhyll: Double brackets P.P. A.: Chumy, Code of Honour (Soldier's), Delusion (worldwide shopkeeper conspiracy to control the prices) Rolling 3d6 = 7 (From Stellers J.): Can't wait P.P. A.: and quirks: Chauvinistic, Nosy, Personality Change (Bad Temper when drunk) , Likes (Masonry), Dislikes (young ruins*) Bomrek: Elves = Jews, Half Elves = Gypsy jews, Souri = Distrusts both Ken (GM): hahahah P.P. A.: *as in he's fine with ancient ruins, but feels sad about things recently collapsed Ken (GM): ffs Bomrek: >young ruins Neat. P.P. A.: mason and all Brothermanhyll: That is a really weird thing Bomrek: I need to slap on more shit like that to Bomrek's ting. What is? >code of honor (soldiers) Brothermanhyll: Being sad for ruins Bomrek: >Bomrek implies with meme arrows that Souri was a soldier laughingdwarfengravings.png Brothermanhyll: Ulm has bad temper but i guess you haven't done enough to anger him yet Meditation is 2good P.P. A.: Well he's a mason, he knows how much effort goes into building the structure someone just laid to waste Ken (GM): Demons run when good men go to war Brothermanhyll: You better run bitch-nigga P.P. A.: and takes some solace in that his buildings will (hopefully) outlive him by centuries Bomrek: How exactly would you play chauviniistic and nosy, PPA? >being sad for ruins is weird Na, I get sad-ish when I see unkept historically-important weaponry. Ken (GM): he will mourn the wizards tower, Im sure and thats not a euphamism Bomrek: A rusty civil war musket is unpleasant. I held one the other day. Killed northerners 150+ years ago, and now it 's in a shop in California. Brothermanhyll: Ulm doesn't care about man-made structures one way or the other, he knows that they will all crumble eventually P.P. A.: Pretty much how I've done so far. Raise an eyebrow when meeting some furry weirdo or knife ear, comment on them in dwarven behind their back, but without being actually hostile Ken (GM): Moisin Nagant, buried in cosmoline Brothermanhyll: "OH GOD I DONT WANNA LOOK AT ULM'S MUTANT LEG" Bomrek: Ayy I wanted to ask, how old was the wizard's tower? Was it part of some previous old structure that went to waste otherwise? Was it a newly built one? Was it middling, not old in the ruinious sense, but not at all new? P.P. A.: and Nosy: curious and eager to explore, but much more muted than “I must touch this glowing magical artifact to see what happens” Bomrek: and why was it there? Was it some fortification? Some fortification / lookout tower? Part of a more grand defensive structure line spanning the area? etc. Ken (GM): the tower was old enough to be mossy on the shady side. Well worn. Probably mourned by the dorf Brothermanhyll: Wizards, i ain't gonna explain shit Ken (GM): you might ask falkirk on it's histories; he had his nose buried in the Weathermans journals the entire ride Brothermanhyll: I think Ulm's bad temper will properly come to play when combined with his lunacy Bomrek: I'm wondering what's up with the assistant. Wonder how he's doin'. Ayy, Ulm's predictions, were those actually rolled for things or told by the GM, or BS? Brothermanhyll: Both? Neither? Who knows :^) Bomrek: :v) Ken (GM): >le may may face Bomrek: Ulm seems like the type'a nigga who read his horoscope erry mornin'. Brothermanhyll: Ulm's sexcellent 19 Fortune Telling says that the apprentice will spend the rest of his days as an ex-apprentice P.P. A.: dunno, he'd just get hi— perform a shamanic ritual and ask Fate directly Bomrek: "Ayy, it says I gotta watch out for some picces ass nigga today" Brothermanhyll: He tries to constantly evaluate "the fates" in some manner, mainly just looking at omens appearing in nature But even with his advanced ability of foresight, he is not omniscient P.P. A.: “the dire wolves are restless” “I foresee an encounter with dire wolves” Brothermanhyll: It's a sort of like a "puppet who sees his strings" deal Bomrek: "That rock kind of looks like a dick from this angle. I think there must be blooming romance within the party, hmm, yes" as he drinks a cup full of fucking peyote Ken (GM): hey now, his rituals are holy and sanctified...and deal almost exclusively with reading bloody entrails of small sacrifices Brothermanhyll: Well, he is not omniscient YET hehehehe HAAHAHAHAH Ken (GM): Moo hoo, hah hah? Brothermanhyll: HE HE HE RETURN OF GANON Ken (GM): P.P. A.: so, if the ratman had not been infected, and if the ritual had left him done Brothermanhyll: Wait until i can afford Super Luck, then the game changes P.P. A.: would he have eatne him (because civilisation is for mortals)? Ken (GM): thaumatologically speaking; SHITS ON FIRE YO Bomrek: I wonder how Bomrek would look at that. It would be like... eating a particularly smart pig, mixed with a parrot, to him. Brothermanhyll: He would've probably eaten him, he has this philosophy where he has the right to eat defeated enemies and vice versa Bomrek: "These things aren't people, even though they're sort of clever, and can sort of talk" Ken (GM): LOL P.P. A.: fair enough Brothermanhyll: It's like if Adolf tried to eat black people Ken (GM): theres a generally accepted theory that "If its conscious, the meat is cannibalism" Brothermanhyll: What if i make them unconscious first Bomrek: Nigga I'll eat the fuck out of a parrot Ken (GM): hahahha >4chan gamers Bomrek: even if it does swear at me and yell racist things. Ken (GM): >not even once Brothermanhyll: You can imagine it as eating Uncle Ruckus Ken (GM): I'm laughing hard enough my dog is staring at me P.P. A.: Brothermanhyll: Your dog can smell fear Ken (GM): the dwarves are allready established horse-eaters I'd imagine Gnoll is close Brothermanhyll: I'm already an established horse-eater in real life Ken (GM): Is this another not-euphamism ? Bomrek: Totally literal, I'm sure Finns = Mongolians = Ate horses I think? Brothermanhyll: I read somewhere that mongolian horsemen had good endurance because they drank the milk of their war horses to survive Sucks to be the guy who gets a stallion P.P. A.: kaksoispiste D D D D Brothermanhyll: oo hiljaa Ken (GM): they sippe don the blood, and it essentially was introducing horse-steroids/hormones into them Brothermanhyll: Oh yeah blood too Blood and milk P.P. A.: yeah Ken (GM): I now have an odd mental image of a dwarf suckin on a horse titty Brothermanhyll: Midget milk drinker gets down and nasty with a horse (Gone Sexual) Bomrek: I've never thought of the idea of horses having milk but, shit, I guess they'd have to, huh? Brothermanhyll: What the fuck do they think they had Did they feed their young with horse cum? Bomrek: Nigga I ain't never seen no foal suckin' on any horrse tits 'just never came to mind. Brothermanhyll: That's because they're not huge bags of sand unlike us hairless apes have *unlike what Ken (GM): I turn away from chat, for two minutes,,, Brothermanhyll: Nooo nigga all horses lay eggs Have you never seen horse eggs? Bomrek: I googled "Do horses have tits" Brothermanhyll: They're tasty i tell ya Bomrek: The answer's yeah Brothermanhyll: You learn something every day Bomrek: Man, horse eggs would be like, 10 or 20 pounds, wouldn't they? Ken (GM): You google something weird everyday* Brothermanhyll: Depends on whether they come out foal sized Bomrek: I can't wait until Bomrek hooks up with a lady somewhere along the line, and has to awkwardly ask the Doc if Dwarves can get X thing pregnant. Ken (GM): "SHEW ME YER TEEEEETS WOMARN" Brothermanhyll: I remember a person asked me once if you can get pregnant from doing fellatio I said "Yes if you try hard enough" I hope she didn't take the wrong message from that Bomrek: Huh. What is Dwarven courtship like, anyway? Brothermanhyll: Dwarven courtship consists of ale, ale and more ale And suddenly babies Ken (GM): I keep saying "what the fuck" out loud,today. Its all youre faults Bomrek: Good thing you don't own a parrot, fam. Brothermanhyll: The secret is that their beards touch But you're not supposed to know where the females' beards are Ken (GM): the anvil is struck with a hot iron, and suddenly, BEARDS P.P. A.: Attempts to observe the mating process of dwarves have so far always ended in failure. Brothermanhyll: P.P. A.: After their courtship ritual, the two disappear in a giant ball of beard, hair, and public hair, and nobody has yet been able to peer inside. Bomrek: Na but for real, you got that worked out GM? Dwarven courtship rituals. P.P. A.: Attempts to mate hairless dwarves have failed, as the females reject them. Bomrek: Wonderin' how that all works out. Brothermanhyll: Party attends Bomrek's wedding, gets wasted Ulm acts as some sort of priest and sacrifies ten live babies for the well being of the couple Ken (GM): the bits are roughly human shaped. The courting is more of a series of boasting, championships, and round robin deulling between prospects P.P. A.: and then eats them Ken (GM): also, inebriation Brothermanhyll: "Roughly" Ken (GM): most dwarven bits are roughly human shaped Brothermanhyll: I'm starting to regret the fact that i'm into short women Ken (GM): just sturdier. better buttressing. reinforced tempered Bomrek: So it's a bunch of wrestling duels, tests of skill and might, and boastin'? sounds about right. (To Brothermanhyll): buttsmithy.com thank me later Bomrek: >He's into short women Nice shit taste Hyll Brothermanhyll: They don't have to kneel to give a blowie you idiot They're small and efficient Bomrek: Nigga we got chairs for a reason Brothermanhyll: Also they can be used as pillows Well sorry i cant carry a chair everywhere in case i want my dick sucked Ken (GM): again, what the fuck P.P. A.: Nigga we got folding chairs for a reason Bomrek: Yeah, W.W.E title belt matches Brothermanhyll: Folding chairs are for wrestlers and white trash If i want my dick sucked while sitting, i need to be maximum comfy and maximum style choice for chair Ken (GM): y'all need cheesus Bomrek: Talkin' to the nigga at LazyBoy, "yeah hey fam which one'a these the best chairs for gettin' yo dick sucked?" Brothermanhyll: Everyone knows the table is the noble man's weapon in WWE hardcore matches Bomrek: "See that one there got head room but the back support's too vertical yfeel me" What's Dwarven dancing like. Ken (GM): ritualized, rythmic, and structured. So more line-stepping, hungarian/ukranian/russian leaping and kicking. some highland 'lord of the dance' Bomrek: >Niggas be thinkin' the Waltz is all classy and regal and shit Brothermanhyll: Anyway, i assume Scourged courting is trying to find someone who even vaguely matches your subtype and just trying to make it work Bomrek: >When in reality when it came out it was the sluttiest fucking thing in existance >The bump and grind of the time I'm lookin' up dance now. Ballroom dancin' is some neat shit. Brothermanhyll: I remember we had a dance thingy in school I was better than my partner Then again she was like one and a half heads shorter Bomrek: Ukranian dancing, ont he other hand, is some really weird shit. Ken (GM): its elegantly complictaed Bomrek: Any idea how to fix my uh, gurps character program thingy issue? Ken (GM): use GCA4? No idea sorry. GCS is my athenema Bomrek: What's GCA 4 like? Ken (GM): autistically better; it shows it was programmed in XP's days, but its solid once you get your head around it I highly recommend piratin git purchasing it legally* I mean gtg; making indian food again on the wife's whim P.P. A.: see ya Ken (GM): sweet monkey jesus! Stellers J.: Hi. Are we actually playing today or Ken (GM): hah; nothing ELSE has pushed my schedule around today :P Joush M.: Good morning Ken (GM): sorry my week was hectic :/ Wife took off a bunch of days to do appointments and took up 99% of my time to now morning! woo, and thats Manhyll Brothermanhyll: That's mee The other game is kill so i can devote myself to this fully now Ken (GM): Yay!/Boo! or rather, in the reverse order and thats a 'Dalf Gandalf G.: ayo Ken (GM): ayyyy [SO MANY PLAYERS T_T] EVERYONE HAD A GOOD WEEK? er, everyone have a good week? Gandalf G.: IT WAS LARGELY UNEVENTFUL THANKS YOURSELF? Joush M.: I'm good. Thanks. You've had a weird one? Brothermanhyll: I'm good, i joined a spess game on sundays and i didn't contact a vomiting disease I also had some discussions on collecting human skulls Ken (GM): My week was far too active; I'm getting used to being unemployed good job not having space puke disease? and whats with the skulls? Brothermanhyll: I don't know, i was thinking of getting a hobby and that trailed off to a discussion of how to best acquire human skulls I guess you'd have to be a mortician but your boss might start asking questions Gandalf G.: naturally Joush M.: Starting an ossuary is a hell of a hobby Brothermanhyll: It's a hell of a hobby and only a very small amount of people will appreciate it Joush M.: You can get paid for it. Open a low cost crypt Ken (GM): maybe head into the natural sciences? but even then... Brothermanhyll: That's not bad, i could open up a mortuary service for the homeless so i can put their heads on racks so they will be remembered Stellers J.: larping has gone too far Brothermanhyll: I could also rack some profits from running a halloween dungeon Ken (GM): "Sir, please refrain from humping the displays" "SIR" Brothermanhyll: Or a meetup for goths That reminds me of the guy who stole a skull from the catacombs in Barcelona and photographed himself sticking his dong inside it Ken (GM): oh shiiiit that was what, 2007? Joush M.: Brothermanhyll: Time goes by Joush M.: Man, that's fucked up Ken (GM): man, thats INTERNET HISTORY Brothermanhyll: That is pretty metal Do u liek mudkipz? Ken (GM): so who else we missing? speak of the devil theres ppa Brothermanhyll: Cat Gandalf G.: just hitler afaik P.P. A.: bit late because I managed to fall up the pavement on the way home with my eyes in the stars ouch Joush M.: Sounds painful Stellers J.: Report abuse, PPA Gandalf G.: extremely painful Ken (GM): dang Brothermanhyll: I TOLD YOU ABOUT THE STAIRS BRO P.P. A.: pavement op Ken (GM): haha Stellers J.: it keeps happening Gandalf G.: god dammit mandrill Brothermanhyll: You're the one with the appropriate picture Gandalf G.: exactly now there's egg on my face Ken (GM): stupid sexy egg face Brothermanhyll: You have to eat these eggs Ken (GM) Where last we had left our heroes; The Weatherman's tower lay in a smoking ruin, as the bound elemental atop had been freed by the party wizards. The group had contained the plague-ridden beastmen within, scaveneged what they could from the late mage's belongings, and now rode the apprentice to an uncertain future among The Scorned. As the day falls soon to night, the group now speaks with the elder of a remote farming village. The sounds of strange janky music creep from the Ro-Haern camp alongside. Ken (GM): OOC; any major things you guys need to address immediately? Where we left off, Aachen the Outlander was speaking with the village elder, asking him for you guys to make camp with the farmers. also assuaging fears of savagery by making introductions for the entire militia group. The elder was concerned you guys may have been EEEEVIIIIL Gandalf G.: I, for one, am happy to let the elf do the talking. Brothermanhyll: Who would look at Ulm and think he's evil Stellers J.: How many rations do we have and how many miles are we from Helms Deep? Gray stalks beside the others on the horses, followign the elf closer to the remote village, eyes falling on the people as the beast scents the air considers a moment while waiting for the Outlander to smooth things over. That done, he ask in that growling voice. "Where should we set up our camp?" With direction, he starts unloading the hourses and following the familair routine of checking their hooves for stones and back for sores, brushing them down. Ken (GM): [How many stacking social negatives does ulm have again? :P] Brothermanhyll: let me check Ken (GM): lulz Brothermanhyll: I'd wager that roughly -24 reaction penalty Ken (GM): hahah wat Falkirk sits quietly, looking up at the stars absent-mindedly. He jangles slightly every time his horse shifts. Brothermanhyll: It ain't easy being Suðri Skornbrekker always keeps a suspicious eye on the gypsyelves' campsite Stellers J.: Gray gets by Ken (GM): hahah okay to clarify; you paid -16 points for hideous, which is ITSELF only a -8 reaction penalty but yeah, thats redonkulous bad Brothermanhyll: Still not great Ken (GM) the Elf and elder speak for a few moments, a short laugh or two as the Outlander joke sin his usual tone. Horsa: Joke sin? Blasphemous. Ken (GM): "Men, we'll need to setup camp out of the way of the Rovers, it seems the elder has secured some...mercenaries to protect the village Joush M.: Gray is rocking -2 for Ugly and -2 for Social Stigma. He dose okay Ulm stays well away from the village proper, looking at the surrounding nature and animals rather absently while watching a small stream of blood run down from his fingertip to his scar-riddled palm. Ken (GM): Ulm: (craaaaawling iiin my skiiin) Ken (GM): Falkirk: (why are you crying?) (thiknig of blood) Gray looks to the elf thoughtfully a moment and nods, making sure the place he works is well out of the way and curious about these mercenaries. Ulm: (we are made men by blood, undone by blood) Falkirk: "Aye, mercenaries is it? Well I've no qualms with camping." Ulm: (how long are we camping?) Ken (GM): Aachen directs you all to make camp up on the North side of the town; a bit of a walk to the well, but he seems to be direct you all to be out of the way of the villagers Suðri Skornbrekker: “I have my doubts that these ‘mercenaries’ will leave with only the pay they agreed upon, but that's the villagers' decision.” Ken (GM): "hopefully no more than a night, we should make haste to the Ruins now, with the Beastmen so far inland." Horsa: "We Ken (GM): "I cant understand how they got so far without any warning..." wonders Aachen Ulm: (built this city on rock and roll) Horsa: "We're not Gray considers a moment. "The outlanders patrol this place. They should have seen the beatmen, even if they are working only in small scattered bands." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I was was referring to these upstanding examples of knightly chivalry.”, Suthri says while pointing his thumb in the direction of the Ro-Haern with an expression of mild disgust on his face. Falkirk: "There's no point in worrying about the concerns of the locals. We have bigger goals to accomplish." Ken (GM) the whimsical sound of a squeezebox accordion and the droning thrum of a herdy gerdy wander through the air, as the sun sets red on the horizon. The sounds of merry-making a sharp contrast to the toiling villagers you see in the rest of the village Ulm: (what phase is the moon in?) Horsa: (awoo) Falkirk: (goth phase) (its wearing cut up jeans and eyeliner) Ken (GM): (waxing, I believe youre in a jovial bent for a while) Gandalf G.: so like I didn't ask for expediency's sake before Ulm: (gibbous or crescent?) Gandalf G.: what do we have in terms of camping supplies? Ken (GM): G: youve been issued a bedroll and wet-tarp if you didnt have one. otherwise very basic. Dry rations and water. Gandalf G.: alright P.P. A.: > if you didnt have one I paid for my bedroll ;_; Gandalf G.: saame Suðri Skornbrekker erects his one-man tent and rolls out his bedroll that he paid dear money for Ken (GM): hey! its yours! and not standard army issue! Ulm: (i assume it's gibbous since i'm going jolly) Ken (GM): dear dwarven coin, paid to darling dwarven craftsmen, for the finest dwarven sleeping apparatus known [tent crashes into a heap, catches fire] Falkirk unrolls his bedroll, noting the significantly higher quality than those of his comrades, before lying down and opening up one of the recently 'acquired' books from the weatherman's tower. Ken (GM): ulm; yes, gibbous Gray finds the music aggravateing at first, but soon gets used to it as he goes about the task and unloads supplies. Cannon, powder, rations and supplies put where they will be secure and dry, horses brushed down, walked, watered and stakes out, then his blanket and own personal supplies piled. "Who cares to stand first watch this night?" Falkirk: "I barely slept a wink last night before the tower went up. I'm not taking a watch tonight." Ulm: "We move under the embrace of the screaming moon." He says like it's a relief of some sort. Horsa: Suðri Skornbrekker takes his backpack off his horse and stores it in his tent, just in case. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I can take up the first shift,” Suðri volunteers Ulm stares at the moon before seemingly falling asleep straight in his position. Ulm: He seems to enjoy the smell of blood vaporizing in the fire. Falkirk wraps his ears in the bedroll and attempts to muffle the music. After 4 hours the previous night, he's not about to cut another night's sleep short. P.P. A.: when does Ulm wake up, circa? Ken (GM): [Ulm may be a bit confused on the time of night...] Brothermanhyll: [that's what the moon does to you, also i read everything wrong] [retcon, retcon, retcon] Ken (GM) Bomrek mutters angrily to himself about the inhuman elven racket, and wraps his head under his blanket, alongside his flask P.P. A.: (oh ok, I assumed he was just being the usual weirdo) Brothermanhyll: [we can attribute it to that] Brothermanhyll is more or less wrapped in his bison pelt, sleeping in the meditative position he fell asleep on. Brothermanhyll: Man i am bad at this Falkirk wears the same ragged brown robes as always. He doesn't seem too concerned with concepts of 'changing clothes'. Ulm: (do i have to roll meditation to stay undisturbed in my sleep) Gray is quite used to hearing a distant party and not joining in. In the silence he dosn't quite wake, but some awareness rises. Silence is supriseing, here. P.P. A.: How deep into the night is it (i.e. late enough for a shift change)? Ken (GM): "YOOOO HOOOOOOOOUUUUUU "ELLLLLLFY BOOOOOY "YOU AWAKE OVER THERE?! Horsa: Yeah, wake up Aachen Ken (GM) through the evening starlight and campfire, three garishly dressed rovers are at the periphery of your camp. The one in their lead, a tall blonde fellow with gold jangling off his ear Horsa: (Oh boy more PCs) Ken (GM) he is flanked by two beautiful but hard-faced women, who seem positively wolfish Ken (GM): [oh hush :P] "HEY AK-IN! COME OUT N PLAAAY Falkirk: how many hours of sleep did we get? Ken (GM): [no more than an hour or so, maybe two?] Falkirk: (oy vey these fatigue penalties) Ken (GM): the sudden CRASH of shattering glass startles you all, as the rich scent of sweet wine comes burbling out of a shattered wine bottle, thrown haphazardly into your camp Gray rises to his feet. Wearing draw string shorts and scars the massive human-hybrid works his jaw a moment and streaches with the look of a man that would rather be asleep as he looks to Suori, then nods and picks up his sword. It's sheathed, for the moment, but there's distinct annoance on his inhuman features. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Keep it down,” Suðri yells at them as quietly as one can yell trying not to wake too many people up. Suðri Skornbrekker , upon hearing the bottle shatter, gets even more hostile: “don't set a foot in here! What do you want?” Ken (GM): "HEY YOU STUPID ELF, WHERE'D YA GO?" His voice seems to have turned to a drunked anger Suðri Skornbrekker is starting to raise his voice as well Ken (GM): The women seem to try to drag him around, back to their camp, but you hear a sharp SLAP and the yelp of surprise from one of them Ulm slowly raises his head. "A disturbance? A flow, red. Blood? No, less intoxicating." Falkirk: With a growling guttural sound, Falkirk resigns the idea of much-earned sleep and pulls himself into an upright position. Suðri Skornbrekker stares at them from behind his musket's barrel instead. Ken (GM): "Whats thish, a buncha furry outcasts huh? Akin collectin you weirdos now?" The man scoffs at you all, leering a toothy grin "AKIN! GIT YER BUTT OUT HERE YA DAMN DESERTER" he bellows into the night (To Suðri Skornbrekker): he seems either unperturbed or unaware of your musket lined up on him ;) (From Suðri Skornbrekker): I'd fire a warning shot but that would be counterproductive, and then I wouldn't have a second shot again Ken (GM) Aachen went to sleep with the rest of you, wrapped in his bedroll. He seems to have disappeared, his bedroll right where he left it :/ Ken (GM): "~OOooohh, that sounds like a THREAT big guy" he slurs, and you hear the sound of steel rasping out of a sheath "Care to put your sword on the line then?" He giggles to himself Suðri Skornbrekker pulls his bardiche out of the ground, and approaches the revelers with his long big axe on a pole. Falkirk: "The elf isn't here, he's managed to disappear in the night. And until morning comes, I neither know now care what the situatioin is. Now good NIGHT." Shouts Falkirk Suðri Skornbrekker: “You're one to talk about outcasts and weirdos,” Suðri bellows at the drunkard. Suðri Skornbrekker is also pissed that one would waste a perfectly fine bottle of wine P.P. A.: absolutely disgusting Ulm: "This outcome i did not foresee. That you would come unprepared to a priest." He says, his calm facade crumbling a bit. "The elf has run off too, but that i already suspected." P.P. A.: t. dwarf Ken (GM): "Are you taking the cheek DWARF?" he spits the name like a curse "Are you calling MOI and outcast?! I'm the FINEST blade in the SOUTH" He screams to the night Gray walks closer to the drunk and looks to the blade he's drawn, then to the screaming elf's reddened face. "Remember, you wanted to do this." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Fine but not very sharp,” he taunts back. Falkirk stands up, stretches, and shuffles over to the makeshift battle-line. Horsa: Horsa gets up and creaks his neck. (To Horsa): 'The line 'finest blade in the South' catches your ear. This is probably the Yellow prince! A famous Rover duelist! (To Horsa): He's known to be a bit of a loudmouth, but he's got a fine swordarm Horsa: "Wait, I think I've heard of you." Ulm unsheathes his large bone knife and licks it. Ken (GM): [squirmy "oh go no" in reaction to ulm] Horsa: Horsa turns around as 'tssts' all the angry men with weapons. Ulm: (good thing i didn't poison it) Horsa: "Yellow Prince?" Ken (GM): "OH FINALLY someone who knows WHO I AM" He says, lifting his voice as if addressing an unseen crowd "YES! That would be MOI" (From Horsa): what else do I know about him? Ken (GM): "Just where are you and mister BIG here hiding my good friend AKKIN?" (To Horsa): by reputation, hes a deadly duelist, made his coin taking young inexperienced noble sons to lopsided duels. He made off with quite a bit of coin before being run out of the North (To Gray): and hes being quite rude, pointing that hooked blade right at your nose like that Horsa: "Aachen?" Gray looks to Horsa and lets him do the talking a moment, then looking to the saber a moment, then to the man. "No one hides from you. He isn't here, perhaps because he dosn't wish to speak with you." He takes a long step forward, closing in, the saber nearly brushing his body as he towers above the man. "Stop. That." Ken (GM): The rover backs up, quite preceptibly shaken by Gray advancing. Directly back into one of his entourage Suðri Skornbrekker occasionally looks back at the camp and his tent to make sure nobody's stealing from it while Price Piss here is distracting the party. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): the camp seems fine; everything still on the grond where you guys left it. Aachen has disappeared, and the villagers look as if they are watching with some interest from their huts Gandalf G.: I bought a new spell :D Horsa: "Aachen isn't here... that's true..." Gandalf G.: 10 yards of light, 1 minute Ulm: (i might know what kind of ability i'll get next) Gandalf G.: assuming a successful IQ roll, that is Horsa: "It's because... Aachen is fucking dead." Rolling 3d6 = 10 Ken (GM): [hah! a big flash of shining light; that should startke] Gandalf G.: nah it's more a small glow of dim light Horsa: (that's v acting 15) Gandalf G.: to stop people tripping over Horsa: Gray fights to still his expression and keep from giving away Horsa's deception, odd amber eyes blinking in the light. Rolling 3d6 = 12 v12 pls work ayy Ken (GM) with a whisper of power and the intoning of words, Falkirk calls up a glow form the land itself. Everything is outlined in a soft glow, casting fell shadows in all directions. As Horsa drops his dramatic proclomation on the rover Ken (GM): The half-elf seems to be startled at this revelation shocked even Falkirk: "Aye that's a bit better isn't it? Those scrolls had some useful secrets inside." Suðri Skornbrekker: “The big guy,” Suðri points at Ulm “ate him because he was making too much of a racket and didn't let us sleep, so you better bugger off before you become his dessert.” Horsa: Ken (GM): The Rover stops, staring. And then falls over laughing, loud and long and nearly manic in intensity Suðri Skornbrekker wasn't trying to seem convincing or serious, but just threatened them using the context. Ken (GM): the girls flanking him titter between themselves, hiding their laughter behing veiled arms and slapping the rolling duellist on the ground playfully "HAHAHAhahahahah FUCKin Akin" he yells, finally, trying to compose more giggles "Goddman coward. And his silly bastard friends" Gray shakes his head and looks to the others, then around. Eyes searching past the light, hunting for something sneaking up on them. This could be a distraction from a real threat, after all." Gray: ((no " at the end there..)) Ken (GM): The 'Yellow prince' composes himself, stands up, and dusts himself off. His sword, he slips back into his sheathe at his hip, it's yellow-bronze metal glinting in the weird magic light "You fuckos better tell Aachen to see me when he's done pissing himself. His Brother wants to see him" He says with a vulpine grin, the liquor on his voice seemingly evaporated he kicks out a foot, turns on his other heel, and sweeps the ladies between his arms, turning back for the Rover camp Suðri Skornbrekker picks up his musket and returns to his position, grumbling to himself for the next five minutes or so Gandalf G.: these mud textures remind be of Conker's Bad Fur Day cept that wasnt mud Ken (GM): [ya work with what ya got. The terrain is slightly smoother, but theres limited free options to work with] Ulm wanders back to sleep in his meditative position. "Odd people. The elf Aachen has left. His part in our journey is unclear to me, i must contemplate on this." Gandalf G.: nah man, it's coo I like what you've done Horsa: "Good riddance." Ken (GM) the elf seems to be sound asleep, snoring lightly (To Falkirk): ah, awesome :) Ken (GM) the eve creeps on steadily, the watch is uneventful, and the morning rises with a fine glow. You are all rested well Ken (GM): When day returns, the villagers head about their day quick as the dawn. You hear chopping wood, a pick on stone, and the whine of the OX as a millstone is put to use before teh day grows hot. Aachen rises with little word. Only going about his business is a slightly aloof way P.P. A.: gud seson 4 crops Gandalf G.: swerve Brothermanhyll: but its almost harvesting season! Gray is recitant and dosn't ask about the man's brother. He starts the morning getting fed and washed up then looks to the village. "We should ask them what they've seen. If anyone's sick." Ulm: "The screaming moon is laid in the hands of the dark, the sun begins it's journey. We should too." Falkirk: "I'm not even bothering with what happened last night. We've got bigger goals to do, so let's not dally." Ken (GM): "Get to it then Gray, if you could. And if someone could see about topping off our water while we're here?" Aachen tends to his horse blankets... Falkirk begins quietly loading books onto his horse Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye, I'll do it,” Suðri says—but pauses for a moment and turns to Falkirk: “Is there a chance that the water here might be... bad, what with all these festering creatures around?” Gray considers a moment, then shrugs and adjust his armor before pulling on the surcoat and slipping his mask on over rough features. The beast walking to the village and looking around a moment, picking someone to question and walking closer. "A moment of your time." Falkirk: "If there's a community surviving on it, I'd be surprised if anything's awry. I'll check it if you're concerned though." (To Suðri Skornbrekker): you notice that even the children are hauling wood, and tending to the work. They seem all right, no open sores from sickness, no black welts Suðri Skornbrekker appreciates the masonry of the well. Though he is surprised to find such a nice well in a shoddy village like this and wonders if something else might once have occupied the place, he doesn't dwell on it for long. Ken (GM): "Ah well, no, nothing so much Outlander. The village has been safe so far. We got call of the King's war, some of the folk move dto out of the way places at that, but we're all fine so far. Havent seen a touch of the dark ones her'tall" He seems worried, and a bit sad at his description Ulm: (back) Ken (GM): "I wonder though, if someone like yourselves could speak to the Rovers? We're grateful n 'all theyre here. Jus...they take to carrying on so much. And theyre burning quite a bit o' good building timbers for their bonfires. Seems a bit wasteful?" Gray nods to the man. "Aye. I'll speak with them." He says, stretching a moment and inclining his head to the man in the pit. "Thank you for your help." Before he turns to start in the direction of the rovers, pauseing after a few steps and calling over. "I'm off to speak with the Rovers. Anyone care to come with me?" He knows enough to know he isn't clever. This might require a delicate touch. Falkirk: "You're going alone?" Ulm: "I vouch for moving along. Best heading on for the journey rather than waiting for it to come to us. He who cannot decide will have his decision made by circumstance." Gray speaks to Falkirk "You are welcome to come, physican." Falkirk: "I don't see what's to gain in dealing with petty disputes of a local nature. We've got an important job to do." Ken (GM): [hah, I take it thats a no from falkirk and Ulm then; Horsa? Sudri? you game? Bomrek is making semi-hungover motions to pack and Aachen is again, aloof] Horsa: I guess Gray shrugs. "Shouldn't take more then a moment. The rovers might know something." Before he starts again in the direction of the Rovers. Trying to get this done quickly. Falkirk: "But if I'm not going to convince you, I'll go along with you. They might not take too kindly to a savage such as yourself in their camp. "no offence intended, of course." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Sorry, I don't think anything good can come from getting involved with such people...” He pauses and looks around. “...but without our commander, we can't move on anyway...?” Ulm: "Their fate is a trail of disappointment, yet they look at the trail they have left behind rather than the trail ahead they follow." Ken (GM): "Go ahead boys, just dont be long. I'll pack for you" Aachen replies Suðri Skornbrekker keeps talking as he loads some of the water onto the horses. “If you could use another angry face to stare them down I'll tag along, but I'd rather not.” Ulm: "How long until our next stop?" P.P. A.: oh sorry misread that, I thought Aachen was gone again rather than here but aloof Suðri Skornbrekker will be tending to packing up in that case Ken (GM): luls, no worries. Hes being kinda quiet and distant P.P. A.: (so year, retcon “...but without our commander, we can't move on anyway...?” then) Ken (GM): So! Falkirk, Horsa and Gray head over to the half-elves. Their brightly painted homes and carts are arranged in a half crescent on the south of the village Ulm: (i will use this time to activate Oracle) Ken (GM): their horses are penned, munching on stray hay and feed in their pen. The camp is a mess, and looks well lived in. The sharp sickly sweet tang of wine hangs in the air about the camp Gray calls to them as he approaches the wagons. "Good morning. We would care to talk." He wonders at the chance of finding anyone sober, frowning at the camp and it's state. Ulm: "If we have time. . " He speaks to the rest. "I must be away for an hour." He swings out his knife and slits his palm, pouring the resulting stuff into his other palm to minimize waste. Ken (GM): [Red communion; fatespeaking?] Ulm: "Elsewhere . . . " He says and begins painting small eye-patterns along his limbs and body in a ritualistic manner. Suðri Skornbrekker looks on with a blank expression, and stoically turns around to continue packing up. Ken (GM): The Rover camp is quiet, and as you reach the edge, you see only one person stirring; a young woman wrapped in a warm colorful blanket stirs at a large pot by the bonfire. It's smoking contents dont seem to meet her approval, and she frowns at the spoon that comes up with a black sticky substance. "Come and talk then, just do it quieter Wolf-Man" She calls out "And bring your actor friend by too" She says with a kind of wink Ulm then sits in a meditative position after his body is covered in eyes, facing forward. He will remain in this position for an hour if not critically disturbed. P.P. A.: >black sticky substance Joush M. walks into the camp quitely and nods to the woman. "I am Gray. This is the Physican, Falkrik and Horsa, the Son of Horsa" P.P. A.: I hope they're just gypsies and didn't also poison the well with that, else they'd really be jewgypsies elven jewgypsies, even Ken (GM): [paranoia abounds] Gray: ((Ah, Gray that is)) Horsa: "My name's-- whatever. Does Yellow always drink that much?" Ulm: (pls dont kill Ulm when he is trying to peer into the far future) Ken (GM): She has a long smile cross her face at your words "Dirk drink like that when he's bored, or when he's horny and getting nothing. Don't worry, he should be much more manageable now" "pleasure to meet you all" She bows, with a small half curtsey in the blanket "I didnt think your father would let you out and about joining the Militia Master Horsa "She says "Whatever will it do for your family name and career?" Falkirk raises an eyebrow Falkirk: "You know this woman, Horsa?" Ken (GM): She laughs loudly at the quesiton Horsa: "I'm famous." He smiles. Ken (GM): "I should think not!" she says, blushing" But Ive seen him act and I've read his fathers stories" Gray bows in return, leaning forward from the waist and holding a moment, then rising again to his full towering height. He looks between the woman and the attractive young actor, listening curiously to the conversation without interrupting. Horsa: "It's good to get out once in a while. Need some time away from acting, but I'll get back to it soon as I can." "Dirk's lucky I didn't actually fight him." Ken (GM): "Oh I'm sure; he's quick to grab his sword sometimes but not nearly as apt at it's use as he care to think" She drops a heavy lid on the pot to stop it's belching of black smoke. "And hes a fucking idiot trying to cook when drunk, in a bonfire. Ruined an entire barrel of syrup in the fire trying to make candies" "so,. how can our merry band help you today? Offering us the big one to replace one of the horses? The smelly one here wants to paint my picture?" she says coyly Falkirk frowns Falkirk: "I'm only here to make sure we don't get a repeat of last night. I think the beast here has something to pass on." Ken (GM): [gray violently marks territory all over camp?] Gray steps back away from the smoke, nodding and listening quitely while standing by. "The locals think you burn too much wood and make too much noise. They want you to treat them with more consideration. I wanted to know if you've seen hostile beastmen or signs of the Black Rot." Ken (GM): "Oh is that all then?" She says" Well, Dirk does seem to be keeping better company when sober and not just perpetually drunk or hung over. I doubt he'd need to party as much as he feels he must if the fool had more to do with himself. " "We're out here in this dirtly little hole, because he has it in his mind to make his fortune adventuring! He and his friends will just stick their silly swords in any bandits from the beastmen, and theyll spill gold all about the ground!" "I dont know anything about the BlackRot, and we havent seen a beastman yet. Just these poor folks what sold us their timber and lets us 'protect' their simple lives. Gray considers that. "He should take up with the milita then. Better that then being guardian to a single small village and doing a poor job at that." Ken (GM): "You might have better luck asking a river to kindly move around the other side of a mountain. He's a stubborn streak in him, Dirk. But do talk to him. He's in the big wagon yonder "She points to the largest one behind you "If he'll be convinced, youll do it to his face, not mine" Gandalf G.: rip Horsa: Ken (GM): ["So...much...text..." Falkirk: "If we're going to do it, let's do it. We should get this done so we can move on." Ken (GM): [Bang bang bang on the duelists house?] Ulm sits in tranquility, his bone charms swaying in the wind. Falkirk: "Princeling, you're doing the talking." Ken (GM): [LOL I LOVE THESE GUYS] [so; asking on dirk then?] Falkirk: Sure I'm not going to be the one to knock though Ken (GM): The Yellow Prince's rover carraige is a motley assortment of banners, flags and ribbons, tied haphazardly about a wooden rover-home. The timber walls are painted golden yellow and striped with red, and the whole place reeks of wine and wet tobacco Ken (GM) Gray hammers on the door, loudly Ken (GM): Drunken stumbling and cursing can be heard within (To Horsa): poke poke Horsa: "Falkirk do you have any anti-alcohol serums or something?" Falkirk: "Drunkenness is a wee bit out of my medical reach. I'll look into it in the future though." Ken (GM): After a moment more, you hear more stumbling and mumbled curses, and then the top half of the wagon door swings inward. A man in a silken shirt covered in wine stains looks at you blearily, his hair in his eys "Ey wot?" he manages Horsa: "Good morning, Yellow. I was wondering-- are you really a prince?" Ken (GM): "Wahazzat. Prinzzzz" he mutters, still apparently quite groggy "Yeah, Imma prinz. Thats me all righty" [fyi, looks like joush fell off the roll20 map? may have lost conneciton on us?] Horsa: "Huh. Strangely enough you remind me of my mother." Ken (GM): "heh, yer mudder" he chuckles to some unknown joke to himself" Horsa: "Well buddy we think you should join our army." Falkirk sighs quietly Horsa: "Of course, the army has standards." "You either have to be as crack-smart as this guy or as huge as that guy." Ken (GM): "I got standards!" He chimes in, looking a touch more alert" I got enough standards to hold up a whole army miself!" "I got a whole SWORDFUL of standards" he says, fumbling about in the wagon with what sounds to be a sword and scabbard Horsa: "You know, sooner or later there's going to be no demand for swordsmen like us. It'll just all be magic and guns. Magic guns...?" Falkirk: "Alchemy can be thought of as magical, so I suppose so..." Horsa: "Regular guns, magical bullets." Ken (GM): "Hey, arent you the fancy guy from lassnite?" "Hurda....horsey...." he trails off Horsa: "Do we have coffee, or..." Ken (GM): "HORSA!" he blurts out "Yeah I know you! Youre that kid Horsa! Your dad does all that writing!" "Whats a kid like you doing in a shittown like this? Running around with the militia?" Horsa: "Yeah basically. You should come with us." P.P. A.: Please, this village produces only the finest dirt. The one that grows shit is two miles east from here. Ken (GM): [midden heaps in all directions] "Come with you? Waht? The Yellow Prince, come with you?" He seems incredulous Horsa: "Want to make a wager?" Ken (GM): "Oh? A wager? That some kinda fancy bet?" Horsa: "...we fight. If I win you have to join our militia. If you win, I'll join your... corps." Ken (GM): "Oh, you'll have a corpse all right" he says" ITS A DEAL!" and he sticks out his hand like a flash Joush M.: Sorry about that everyone Horsa: "Swords or bare-knuckle?" Ken (GM): [Yay! youre alive; Gray is currently assisting indimidating the Yellow Prince, who has just agreed to duel Horsa] Gray seems suprised at this development. Also, that Horsa is going for a brawl with the odd man. Ken (GM): "SWAORDS" he bellows enthusiastically "A duel of swords like none other!" He rambles about in his den, throwing on a vest and apparently, pants he pops out of his cabin, half dressed and half a shambles, but with a gleam in his eye. In one hand he holds his weird crooked sword by the scabbard "Wheres the Judge?!" he says excitedly Falkirk: "I'll judge if that's acceptable. We're fighting to first blood?" Horsa: "Yup." Ken (GM): "Very good! "he yells out to the half-asleep village "Then take me to the field of battle!" Gray gestures mutely to the space beyond the wagons. "Let's go then. Plenty of space to fight there" Horsa: "Get Suori, I want him to see this..." (To Ulm): the fates portent; A doom is coming. A doom of black blood, hooked blades and darkness slithering (From Ulm): Dayum, that's metal Falkirk: "Are you coming to the fight or what, horsa?" (From Ulm): Gotcha Ulm: "Where are the others?" He says with distress. Gray looks supiciously to the hidious and massive creature. Studying a moment, then speaking. "Past the wagons. Horsa readies to fight the fool" Ken (GM): The duelists gather on the far end of town, just some distance from the midden heap. The rotting garbage blossoms with a rubbery red bush and various vines, alongside rotting vegetables and useless things Ulm: "The fool . . . the. . . " He is trying to find words. "We have to prepare, i have seen it!" He raves to Gray. Ken (GM): The rover camp awakes, somewhat blearliy and half-clothed, but they gather to watch the festivities at their leaders call Gray nods to the ranting beast. "What have you seen?" Before he turns to start back to the duel and the rovers. Ulm: "It approaches. Doom, with dark blood in it's veins. It crawls forward with it's hooks, slithering." He says with exhaustion and distance. P.P. A.: (oops, sorry) Ken (GM): "Come and see the greatest show of manly might in ALLL THE LAAAAAAND" calls out the half elf, flourishing his blade hither and yon. The crooked hook end gleaming in the morning sun Suðri Skornbrekker came as well Ken (GM): [dragge dyou guys down to the "festivities" Falkirk: "Are we ready?" Suðri Skornbrekker thinks that this is all a bad idea and keeps throwing slightly accusatory glances at Horsa, but also hopes he'll win. Ken (GM): "I stand ready good sir!" Calls out the rover, his sword held down and to the side Horsa: "Hey, hey, HEY. Let's put this fraud down." Ulm: "Doom approaches with great haste, seeking to devour us all, weaken our blood!" He raves. Ulm draws out his rather large bow and looks around. Horsa: Falkirk: "The fight's to first blood. You land a hit, stop the fighting and I'll inspect and decide if blood's been drawn. If you don't stop when I signal, you lose by default." "Aside from that, no holds barred." Ken (GM): "Agreed!" Dirk calls out, so the group can hear" I shall fight to my very best!" Gray nods to the ranting beast and looks around as if expecting little to come from Ulm's madness. The towering brute prowling a moment, then walking closer to watch the pair of duelist. Horsa: "No magic, no hidden weapons." Falkirk: "Do you agree to these terms, rover?" Ulm: "Great hatred approaches this place, prepare you fools!" He says and limps around with a barbed arrow readied. Ken (GM): "No magic, no shanking; Agreed!" Falkirk: "Then on my mark, we'll begin." Horsa: Let's rock. Ken (GM) the rover crowd seems excited to see a fight, and scared of an ogre loosing an arrow Falkirk: "And..." "May the best swordsman win" Falkirk steps back with a slight motion of his arm Ken (GM): INITIATIVE Horsa: What's the formula, again? Ken (GM): 1d6 + basic speed + combat reflexes bonuses Falkirk: "You might want to stand a wee bit further back, grey." Ken (GM): Horsa: lol Rolling 1d6 = 4 + 6 + gray's bonus Ken (GM): hah, so a 10? Ken (GM) the rovers eye Ulm nervously Ken (GM): So! Dirk takes the initiative, and shuffles his stance a bit, shoving his sword forward in a defensive guard turn passes to horsa! Horsa: Step and feint Falkirk: reach 2? Horsa: Can you not feint from range 1? Ken (GM): contest of weapon skill! margin becomes a bonus/penalty to Dirk's defenses versus Horsas next attack Ulm walks over to one of the stagecoaches and keeps lookout of the perimeter. "This place will be the stage of it's hatred. A great force will perish in this ground today." Horsa: Ok Falkirk: that's reach 2 man reach 1 is hexes next to you reach c is yours Horsa: No it's not Ken (GM): and rapier is reach 1,2 so hes good Falkirk: okay Gray looks to Ulm a moment, wondering if there might be anything to the ranting, then turning his attention back to the duel. Rolling 3d6 = 14 v15 Ken (GM): beat by 1 hah! and a failure on Dirk! You shuffle and he flinches hard! press the all out attack? giving up your defenses for the 'Double' ? or pass? Horsa: I think i'll take a... Is a double with the same weapon twice or my sword and my hand? Ken (GM): youre good to stab; feinting doesnt use it up Horsa: I can feint and attack in the same turn? Ken (GM): assuming youre using the all out attack to do so, yeah. thats what i was asking so far youve only used a step and a attack(feint). Falkirk: is this for an all-out? Rolling 3d6 = 12 Ken (GM): very good! He will defend with the feint penalty Ulm stands vigil and watches the skies and the grounds, looking around with an arrow ready to launch. Ken (GM): youve beat by 3! and Dirk has failed on his defenses! he was defending at 3! dodge 8(-1 drunk, -4 feint penalty) Horsa! 3d6 for your critical hit result! Rolling 3d6 = 14 Brothermanhyll: Ken (GM): hahahah Major wound! What is your shank damage! Horsa: wait no Ken (GM): luls Horsa: oh fuck Falkirk: do bear in mind you can freely revise damage dow- Ken (GM): hahahahhHAHAHAHAH Falkirk: well okay Horsa: I think i stabbed too hard Ken (GM): you can always "pull" a blow down to minimum you do at least 1 damage though Falkirk: make it a little more than that in case DR Joush M.: Or just stab this guy. That's okay too. I mean, it's only 14 damage.. Ken (GM): hahahahah Horsa: Right, I do my best to pull it out before it goes too deep (wink) Ulm: (only) (he fucking explodes into gore) Ken (GM): cringe VERY good Horsa: Ken (GM): so, you thrust, he steps RIGHT IN THE WAY and your sword goes straight inbetween two ribs you yank back, and an obvious spurt of blood follows Joush M.: Just a flesh wound Horsa: o god is he unconcious Falkirk raises a hand and quickly steps over Ken (GM): he remains standing, but looks surprised to see a stream of blood shooting straight out his chest area, out his shirt THE CROWD IS SILENT Falkirk: "Someone get my medical bag from the horse. Quickly." Ken (GM): FALKIRK INVESTIGATES THE MANS NIPPLE THE NIPPLE IS BLEEDING A LOT Suðri Skornbrekker: “Oww, that must hurt” Sudri the Spectator comments, somewhat gleefully. Ulm: (thats what happens with me an women) Falkirk produces a roll of bandages and rolls for first aid to stabilize Horsa: (bloody nips, bloody nips) Gray nods. Dueling with live steel is dangerous, and the man's suffered as a person might expect. He goes to get the doctor's bag without comment. Rolling 3d6 = 7 v15 Horsa: Good Ken (GM): Short bloody moments pass as the mans life blood threatens to seep out of your fingers. You clamp down on the wound hard, and stem the tide, and when bandages are handed you imemdiately tie the wound shut as best posisble Ulm: (this feels to me like you're trying to bait a certain blood-savvy individual into sucking a man's nipple) Ken (GM): the crowd is laughing, heartily [THE GM I SNOT ENCOURAGING BLOOD SUCKLING] Falkirk: "Where's my MEDICAL BAG?" Ken (GM): [OH LAWDY] Falkirk works unshakingly, blood all over his nice brown robe. Horsa: "Uhh, uhhh, uhhhh." Ken (GM): A SHRIEK TEARS ACCROSS THE WIND, KEENING IN YOUR EARS Ulm: "Approaching, screaming, frothing. Or is it already among us? Dark blood hazing the soil?" Suðri Skornbrekker claps. “I must say, Horsa, your performance in stage combat is lousy! But if you act like that on the battlefield, that'd make up for it.” Ken (GM): A RENDING SCREECH, LIKE MIGHTY THEWS OF IRON RENDING The painful noise echoes, and as briefly as it came, it is gone. the silence that follows ringing with the noise in your heads Horsa spies two perfectly good sticks lying a few yards away. Ken (GM): the Rovers look baffled, hands on their ears, pained and startled looks on their faces Falkirk doesn't notice due to his ABSENT-MINDEDNESS attribute Ken (GM): somewhere in the distance, you hear a horse, screaming Ulm suddenly perks up to the skies. "It has come to us now! The vileblood, frothing with hate!" Ulm: (Ulm now gains the status of being the Ron Paul of the party) Ken (GM): [its habbening?!] Falkirk: "I swear to the light and all gods and deities of somebody doesn't fetch my bag I'm going to violate some laws of man, dwarf and elf." Horsa: Falkirk: *if Ken (GM) one of the rover men tosses falkirk his bag Suðri Skornbrekker: “I would rather avoid joining your troupe of actors should you ever form one, no offense.” Suðri lookes at Ulm. “Looks more like normal blood, frothing with alcohol, to me.” Ulm: "I foresaw this, the fates are clear, a great battle ensues. A great force will fall on this earth." Falkirk opens up his full crash kit and begins more significant treatment Falkirk: I'd like to make a physician roll Gray draws the blade. "Horses." Before he starts in the direction of the equine scream. Horsa: "What, did you want me to sandbag? What is it, Gray?" Ken (GM): falk: please do, the man has a split artery most likley Falkirk: surgery? Ken (GM): diag first to check Ulm jumps down from the carriage and bolts to the horses. Ken (GM): based on the location? and how far you can get your finger in? He'll be fine with a tight bandage and some small stitching or a brand the party makes for the horses! Suðri Skornbrekker gets serious again and grasps his musket Ken (GM): they seem okay! Theyre being reined in by Aachen and Bomrek, all of them at the reigns and slightly panicked, but calming by the moment Ulm: (horses screaming reminds me of those strange comics about these weird round fluffy MLP lookalikes) Ken (GM): all of them are acocunted for as well Falkirk curses quietly under his breath Horsa: "Sorry buddy but when you heal, remember our deal." Ken (GM): the villagers seem spooked, and are huddling in their huts Gray speaks to Horsa. "I heard a horse scream after that howl. Something's comeing." Rolling 3d6 = 9 v12 Horsa: Let's prep Ulm: "I tried to warn you." He says. "Our fate is to face a terrible force. Screaming. Howling." Suðri Skornbrekker knocks on a door and asks the villagers inside what happened, if they saw anything Ken (GM): falkirk!: a quick sew and hes good. It takes only a moment, and should stay fine if he doesnt touch it Falkirk: "Aye, that'll do for now." Ken (GM): sudri: the villagers are okay, just afraid. They heard the howl and the screm, but saw nothing specific. a shape, moving by the hill maybe? just out of town? Falkirk looks up from his patient, exiting the little world he created for himself and looks around Falkirk: "What's all the noise about?" Ulm: "Prepare yourselves. I foresaw it, and now it has come. A fell beast approaches, prepare for a battle." He says with a calm, somber tone while he starts fiddling with his large knife. Ken (GM): falk: the rovers help you take their leader dirk to cover. some panicked joking about his situation, and they remind you of the terrible noise and screaming just heard by all? Suðri Skornbrekker thanks them and tells them to stay inside for now. He takes an uneasy look at the hill, and rejoins with the others. Ken (GM): dread moments pass further the rovers make for their covered wagons, as slightly more formidable then tents Falkirk draws a blank, insisting he didn't hear anything Ken (GM): the villagers batten down their windows, peering from between reed thatch curtains Suðri Skornbrekker approaches Ulm and Grey, assuming they are still with the horses. Suðri Skornbrekker: “The villages say that they saw something move near the hill out of town,” he relays to the group, pointing towards said hill. Ken (GM): AND THEN SUDDENLY THE NOISE COMES AGAIN Suðri Skornbrekker ! Ken (GM): SWOOPING OUT FROM THE HILLS COMES A GREAT AND SWEEPING BLACK FORM Horsa: What the Falkirk: "Oh aye? So that's what the fuss was about." Ken (GM): The air trembles as it takes flight over the village Ulm now fully swings out his large knife, having tried to warn everyone. "Doom." Ken (GM): It sweeps almost faster than your eyes can follow, but you witness a dark and sleek black form. all sinew and scale, wings outstretched and thrashing against the skies Gray winces at the sound and braces himself for combat, looking to the dark and flying figure. "Dragon." Ken (GM): it's claws gleam, long as swords, and it drops a black shape into yourmidst in the village, sweeping across the sky Horsa: How big? Falkirk: "Now I suppose I've seen everything." Ken (GM): with a wet THUMP, a horse carcass plows into the earth nearby gore rains down in droplets as well, as the drake continues its flight overhead Gray only had the vaugest idea what dragons are, beyond very dangerous. This seems like a poor place to fight one, and he can't help but think they may not be up to the task. His eyes fall a moment to the dead horse. "Blight" He swears in a heartfelt way. Ken (GM): it swoops with it's mighty wings, and disappears over the forest glen to the west, with a shriek nearly as soon as it appeared, it is gone the village panics Horsa: "Whoa." Gray stands as a stone amid the panicked village, watching the direction the dragon went and trying to commit the details of the monster to memory. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I concur.” Ken (GM): men, women and children are screaming, and the townsfolk are in an uproar Ulm: "A vileblood beast that has travelled far for the sake of it's hatred. Darkness flows within it, a leviathan of malice." Falkirk: "Aye well. It didn't seem interested with us so I'm not worried about it. We should go calm the horses." Ken (GM): [actions?] Horsa: "I want one." Falkirk also heads over to the horses, eager to continue south. Ken (GM): Very good! Youre camp is moslty packed, and some of it is on the horses. Some of the rest of it is spille don the ground where it fell form the startled beasts (mostly just some food, nothing much more) Bomrek and Aachen are standing aghast at the passage of the Dragon, looking West, holding the reins of the steeds. Aachen seems to have them all under control, rubbing the nose of the closest one, speaking in hushed tones "Did you see it?! " he says quietly, excitedly Gray nods to the elf. "What do we do about it?" Ulm: "Yes, i saw it before all of you." Ken (GM): "We....get the hell out of here, I think" Aachen looks stricken. Worried. "We get these people in this village the hell out of this town. We tell them to get their things, put thme in the rover wagons, and we tell them all to get North as best they can and we do it now" Falkirk: "Aye, if you think that's the best action then let's do it." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Behind some proper walls!” the dwarf adds enthusiastically. Ulm: "The scream prolongs, spiraling towards the howl. Our journey continues to ward off the dark blood." Suðri Skornbrekker is pretty much treating Ulm's ramblings as background noise at this point Ken (GM): "Right get your shit together men. " Falkirk: "Light above, does this beast ever talk sense?" Ulm: "Talk? No, i perceive." Ken (GM): Aachen hands off reins of horses, then breaks off at nearly a sprint into the village. He gets the elders attention, then passes off the plan. Ulm patrols the perimeter, scouting signs of the beast and danger in general. Ken (GM): Between Aachen and Suðri , the villagers get organized. They gather their belongings, what they can carry, some food, and you lead them to the rovers. Aachen presents his plan; the rovers are quite convinced they should leave as well, and considering the outcome of the duel, they accept aachens offer to deputize them all into the militia Falkirk heads down to the rovers, attempting to locate the injured prince Ken (GM): He hands them a Militia token from his pack, writes out a quick scripts for them to present if needed, and leaves them to get organized and out of town the injured prince, you find, is being packed into his bed by the woman you spoke to earlier. She has answered his protests of being bed ridden by threatening to brain him with a large cooking pan Falkirk addresses the bedridden princeling Falkirk: "I'd suggest you don't resist too much. Those stitches aren't made of iron." "Take it easy for a few days. You lost some blood, so drink warm water and apply boiled cloth poultices." Ken (GM): "AND IF YOU GET UP AGAIN ILL KILL YA" The woman chimes in, as she lashes their belongings away in storage around you Dirk takes your advice well "Ill try to stay out of trouble" he says quietly Gray looks to the rovers and villagers, watching them work and assisting where he can with the villager's things, then turning back to the work of getting moveing again. "I hope they will be safe going north." Falkirk: "Aye. You're in the militia now, so your job is going to be keeping these people alive and moving. Stay safe and avoid cold meats." Falkirk turns to leave Falkirk: "And mutton. Avoid mutton." He adds at the door. Ken (GM): So! With your help, the village organizes quickly, galvanize dby fear and an urgent need to vacate immediately Horsa is pacing around Shortturn while thinking about all the different ways the duel could have gone. Ken (GM): all told, the rovers had plenty of room for stuff, and there were only a half dozen or so villagers to worry about. They over-horse their carriages anyway [all told, an immediate shank to the heart was pretty perfect] [stopped the fight immediately] Ulm: "An exodus. The dark blood paves way for it's armies and the meek make way." Joush M.: Got stabby. Next time go for a tip slash to the face. Give him something to show off. Gandalf G.: pretty sure rapiers dont have a slash by default probably something in MA tho Ken (GM): take a -4 to hit, deal swing-1 cut, i think something like that ANYWHO the village has a plan, you guys are packed. Anything major to do other than set out? Falkirk: I think we're good Joush M.: I can't think of anything, as long as we are all resupplied. (From Horsa): The bandage mask hides my identity.... (To Horsa): the mystery deepens! Sounds good. The stiching comes out easily enough on the emblem. The cloak is plain otherwise P.P. A.: +drop Falkirk: "That, master dwarf, is why you build a roof." Falkirk swings himself onto his loaded horse. Ulm: "The small artisans wall themselves in to protect themselves from the threats of the sky, but can't anticipate the threat from below." Gray considers that as well. "I'd never seen a dragon before." Ulm: "I have perceived some, but only seen a few." Ken (GM): [It's a bit like meeting a lion in the wild; luck it was a brief encounter, and that it didnt care you were there] Suðri Skornbrekker chuckles at Falkirk's comment. “And a graceful vault to support it!” Falkirk: "I've read enough about them to know they're not worth chasing. We're wasting valuable time." Ken (GM) And so, the party moves on, fear at their heels and a village safely on its way to hope up North. Ulm: "There was a time when they were more prevalent. Their blood has grown cold, bitter. It's spirit festers, boils, waits for something." Ken (GM): And so you set out SouthWest again, on the old road to the Glardenfen Ruins. Here, along the lane, some villages do come up. The scorned make their homes here, mingling with the few men outside the kingdoms. Aachen doesnt stop your group long. When you come into one of the few thorps, or up to a small cottage, Aachen makes quick work to warn the villagers there to make travel North. Ulm makes his blood cleric status prominent, pulling the bison pelt back to reveal the blood tattoos. Ken (GM): Any who doubt the veracity of his claims heed the ill omens of a blood cleric, and your prominence convinces them Horsa: "You should have Falkirk take a look at that." Ken (GM): They are a somewhat superstitious people to start with. A giant blood soaked man on a Clydesdale tends to convince [hahah. Get the healer to stop all the bleeding he does? Horsa: Adolf! Adolf S.: Ayy. Sorry, some shit happened and my trip out to town took about4 or 5 hours longer than intended. Ulm: (he has an inexplicably large amount of spare blood to spill, spirits ain't no joke) Adolf S.: What'd I miss. Ulm: (kill yoself Adolf) Adolf S.: (:-DD fug) Horsa: I fucked up a Prince in a duel P.P. A.: Not much, I'd say Joush M.: Welcome back. Horsa stabbed a guy P.P. A.: There was a dragon, but it only flew by and dropped a horse without actually interacting with us and Horsa stabbed the dunken jewgypsy prince who is also Achen's brother *elfgypsy Ken (GM): hahahah Horsa: I think the horse was for Gray, we merely failed to catch it Ulm addresses the villagers. "Conflict will soon follow, head north. The dark blood flows, swirls, slithers. The howling will soon ensue." P.P. A.: Oh yeah, and you missed more of Ulm's shamanic ramblings Ken (GM): ["Aw shit, the blood cleric is here. Time to move honey"] Ulm: (I have a lot of moon-phase related gimmicks in store so keep me updated on that) Horsa: (Were-ogre) Ulm: (not quite yet) Adolf S.: (Since I came in late anyway, I'm going to go afk for a quick 15. Roleplay bomrek as standard in my absence~) Ken (GM): yeah, check out the logs, but essentially you guys got into town, and the rovers hassled you before you could sleep. Pompus drunken duelist hoser in the lead there, asking on Aachen. The elf disappears, he leaves, and then aachen reappears. The next day you guys go to set out, stop to talk the rovers into not being dicks, and it devolves into horsa dueling their leader. And then a dragon did a drive by on the village, everyone decided that was a good time to leave, and now you guys ar eon your way we're 99% done for the day no worries :/ Ulm: (i dedicate the speech mannerisms of Ulm to my old classmate whom i shall call Timmy, he was tall and had a very cryptic manner of speaking) Ken (GM): Any of you seeking to do anything major with the settlements on the side of the road? We're talking sheep herders, potato farmers, and the like. COttage dwellers Ulm: (i might try my hand at hunting local fauna) Joush M.: Naw, I think Gray dosn't have any reason to bother them. Just warn them to move Falkirk: I'm good to keep rolling Ken (GM): cool cool; Aachen isnt pushing the horses too hard, so no need to check there. Maintenance time then! Gray! rolling versus overland travel for your non-horse-ness Ulm! Relevant hunting/food supplementation? Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs. 14 (Survival/Plains) Ken (GM): bam! foraged there are various delightful tasty cacti and small game in the plains here. and only SOME of the cacti contain hallucinogenics! Ulm: (Dangit, no herd animals. Time to catch wabbits and cacti.) Falkirk: I dont have any relevant skills so I'm good Ulm: (Blood is the best hallucinogenic) (Do i need to roll against my bow skill to hunt down those cacti?) Ken (GM): hahah, nah, they are very easily stalkable Ulm: (just like my ex) Horsa: (Harvest their needles) Gray: Ah, failed by 1. Not bad though Ulm: (I assume i manage to harvest some wabbits and cacti) Ken (GM): gray! you are slightly fatigued from forgoing a horse, however, its nothing some light rest cant cure Gray: Gotcha Ken (GM): rabbit skin footies for gray! (turns rabbit inside out) (inserts foot) Ulm returns to the road with some wabbits and cacti. "No bison here, shame. I caught some rabbits and anointed plants though." Ken (GM): [thats code for drugs] Ulm: "The milk of the earth that is blessed by spirits. Ingest it to commune with the unseen." Ken (GM): [hard drugs] Falkirk: "Ingest it to unbalance your systems something terrible." Ulm: "Perhaps for the unaccustomed. Channeling the spirits with your system strains your essence. With proper training you learn to mimic the flow." Falkirk: "Perhaps in your case, your dispositions are already unbalanced beyond repair." "If you drop dead between here and our destination, I'm not going to be the one to transport your corpse." Ken (GM): Okay then; so you have all travelled a bunch of miles on horseback. The land is allowing for nice travel, light rests. Aachen is sending the people back to civilization and the army and y'all are making good time. By the end of the daylight, youre in sight of the great burned forests on the horizon, and the black hills of Gorgoth beyond. When yo umake camp by the roadside, it is in the lee of a dry ravine edge, with a spring of clear water. 4 xp for the lot of ya, and I think tossing 1 at Bomrek is fair for trying to be on time and being hilariously late. again, thank you all for allowing me to have the most retarded schedule this week; lord knows wives do that to you once in a while Ulm: "Ah, the sun is now let into the embrace of the long dark. The moon is delivered unto prominence yet again." Gandalf G.: woopwoop Suðri Skornbrekker: “Just like every evening.” Horsa: Cool beans Ken (GM): hahahah Ulm: "The ritual continues, the cycle has almost reached it's apex." Ken (GM): dwarf-sass Any immediate purchases outside of the Wizard's new light spell? Brothermanhyll: How much XP do we have now? 8? Gandalf G.: Nah I'm gonna save to upgrade my healing talents because 12s and 13s aren't sufficient but a light cantrip is infinitely useful Brothermanhyll: I think i am going to get the cantrip of inflicting ebola upon my enemies. Affliction attacks are fun Ken (GM): hahahah wait wut Gray: Thanks for the game Ken. Intersting stuff. And if you give anyone ebola, it gets on everyone Brothermanhyll: Not really if i am in control of it Innate Affliction-based Attacks mofugga Gandalf G.: afflictions are pretty stronk once I'm satisfied with my healing rolls I'm picking up a wide selection using some clever tricks, I could make a positive affliction to regrow limbs for example Brothermanhyll: Middle-Aged man regrows limbs with a simple trick. Clerics hate him! Ken (GM): hahah oh god internet meme magic I gtg; kraft dinner time Gandalf G.: A SINGULAR METHOD TO EFFECTIVELY SHED CORPULENCE PHYSICIANS BEAR NOUGHT BUT CONTEMPT FOR HIM Brothermanhyll: THIS MAN IS healing corpses EVERY DAY AND BASICALLY YOU'RE FUCKING STUPID P.P. A. has 12 xp now, still saving them until he can buy +1 INT P.P. A.: Anyway, till next week y'all Gandalf G.: ciao Horsa: bye Brothermanhyll: Hey i'm gonna do a thing I am gonna spend 5 xp To remove the IQ 0 thing from the thing Ken (GM): happy pie day! so improving your allies to being sentient? Brothermanhyll: ye Ken (GM): madness! Approved Adolf S.: Ahoy Ken (GM): oh hoi hoi! I am roasting a ham! Adolf S.: Er, Ken, I don't suppose you have record of the amounts of the last two times I was awarded XP, do you? Ken (GM): it smells glorious Adolf S.: 'tops Ken (GM): back at the tower shoulda been 4, then last week was just 1 Adolf S.: Right, that lines up with my vague memory. Turns out, this program didn't save last time I saved. RIP. Nothing lost aside from the unspent points though, thankfully. Ken (GM): woo; stupid GCS Gandalf G.: ayo Ken (GM): :P Adolf S.: I'm only just now reading the logs - s'been a busy time lately. Yellow prince got himself shit on pretty well.l Ken (GM): hahah yeah that was an awesome first round Stellers J.: can you take an aim action with thrown weapons? Ken (GM): yeah Adolf S.: >Dragon Joush M.: Oh yeah, tip slash is no penality, but it's thrust -2 cut damage so you aren't going to do fuck all but give someone a scar most of the time Adolf S.: Ayy b0ss, what does Bomrek know about Dragons? Ken (GM): He's never met one, and he is therefore alive Adolf S.: Are these common - or is it like Skyrim where them appearing is a huge surprise? Ken (GM): they ar emythical magical creatures of incarnate destruction sooooo not been seen since the last war? Adolf S.: >Rended to fuck horse plows into the ground like an unexploded dumb bomb It'd be a shame to waste such good meat. Joush M.: Ahh.. I had Gray react like a rhino. He sort of belived in them, and he'd heard of them, but had no real concept of what they are. They are on the road, warning everyone they pass HEY, FUCKING DRAGON! Adolf S.: Are they known to be unkillable? Or impervious to gunfire or cannon? Ken (GM): Theyre not unkillable, but the last war didnt have gunfire. The dwarves broke sieges with their thunderous massive bombards, never shot a dragon out of the sky Adolf S.: 'first time for everything, I 'spose. Ken (GM): the tales tell of their hides being quite durable, like armor. But they have soft spots too. They massive beasts; fearsome, but still mortal Sufficed to say, they served the dark king in the last age; if theyre back, dark things are afoot Joush M.: What's the common knowlage of the dark king and last age? Adolf S.: ^ Ken (GM): He was a mythic creature; some say he was a mighty Orc, striding accross the battlefield, ten feet tall and swinging a club carved from a solid oaktree. Others described him as a great black hound, goading on the Lycan and Gnolls, prowling the dark like some massive shaggy wolf. Others still described him as a scaly lizardman, bound in shadows and cloaked in darkness, throwing wicked black fire from his fingertips Stellers J.: definitely the dog Ken (GM): When the Gray blade felled him, his dark hold on the Beastmen was shattered, and they retreated to their lands like dogs, terror gripping their hearts. The Sword was swung SNICKER SNACK and the king's head was chopped like wood from his body. They monument to the battle is said to be the final resing place of the remains The monument your party is within a days ride of seeing, on the way to the Ruins of the Keep Joush M.: Well shit. That seems like the kind of tourist attraction that a beastmen incurison might want to stop at and get a tee shirt Ken (GM): ayyyy, this guys gets it Stellers J.: Sounds lucrative Ken (GM): so, we just missing pps? Adolf S.: Seems it. Gandalf G.: just IPA, right? Ken (GM): i found him on skype; dalight savings apparently they dont do that in de deutchland P.P. A.: we do have DST, but switch at a later date Adolf S.: okay, NOW I am all caught up good timing, too. Ken (GM): lol; yeah, north americans are all fucky with that now stupid Bush Gandalf G.: brb 2 mins Joush M.: We need to get rid of that. it's absurd Ken (GM): canada tried to warn them but nooooooo Adolf S.: Man, I want to get a maine coon But at the same time I'm not fully sure if they're assholes or not, despite people saying they're okay And to the right we have the world's first space elevator P.P. A.: >falling for toxoplasma gondii jewry yeees good vector Ken (GM): lol just adding a feature to the map, for clarity Gandalf G.: k Ken (GM): also; maine coons are HUGE and aside from that are just cats. the bigger the cat, the more attitude Brothermanhyll: Yeah Adolf S.: I hear they're supposed to be rather uh dog-like, for a cat. Brothermanhyll: Coons are huge alright Adolf S.: And very docile. If that's the case, they sound appealin' P.P. A.: >cats Ken (GM): Harry Dresden's cat. Much wizard, so magic P.P. A.: A friend of mine had a maine coon (died last year, though), and quite liked it Adolf S.: How long did it live? P.P. A.: gonna ask Brothermanhyll: Did 25 in prison P.P. A.: kek Adolf S.: in for a quarter? What was he in for, murder? Brothermanhyll: ye One thing black people taught me is 25 to Life Adolf S.: Now the question is, what do I spend these points on, hm. Stellers J.: If you put all your points into health, your character cannot die Adolf S.: I could boost gunner (cannon) some, might be good if we need to shoot down a dragon.. P.P. A. hoarding points, probably going to buy more Int to cheat and raise a bunch of skills at once Joush M.: Stealth up. Or maybe Not Delicious would be good Ken (GM) WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES... The brave adventurers have trekked to nearly the borders of the evil empire itself! The dead wood lies on the horizon, the wastelands of Gorgoth beyond even that. Behind them, an unnamed village now lies barren and abandoned, the residents evacuated alongside the Ro-Haern Rovers. A DRAGON has been spotted on the hillside, terrorizing the lands once again, not seen since the last age. What ill omens with the group face today? Ken (GM): [perk: dragons find me un-delicious] Ulm: (ask Ulm about ill omens) Suðri Skornbrekker asks Ulm: „any ill omens today?“ P.P. A.: ulmind Adolf S.: How long approximately has it been since we saw the Dragon? Ulm: "One could see many ill omens on anything, depending on one's perception." He mutters from under his bone mask. Adolf S.: I imagine if a dragon tried to eat Bomrek, it'd be like chewing into a candy with the foil wrapper still on. ("Oh, some one's grumpy, wake up on the wrong side of the sacrificial alter today?") Ulm: "I foresaw the dragon, but i must rest now before i attempt to discern the fates of the world once more. Fortunes i can read however." Horsa: (He mutters from under his bane mask.) Gray walks beside the others, occasionally ranging ahead of the burdened horses and looking back to the abandoned village, the small collection of fleeing refugees before his attention turns to the path again. The masked giant looking to the ogre blooded a moment. Adolf S.: What time is it right now? Ken (GM): well; you guys travelled after the abandoned village until nightfall, warning all others you met on the road about the dragon, the invaders and implored them all to retreat northward on the highway so you rode until nightfall, and made camp on the road, just out of the way so now, this is the morning of the next day; night watch was uneventful, no dragons, no beastmen Horsa: P.P. A.: what Ken (GM): "you werent ambushe din your sleep" Gray and Ulm are still with you :P Adolf S.: Lets see, gotta crack my knuckles, stretch, and get back into a dwarf mindset. Guns, alcohol, luxurious beards. Guns alcohol luxurious beards. Ken (GM) The morning rises gray, and cloudy, with rolling seams of the sky slipping in and out of view through the clouds. The red sunlight of dawn tinging everything with a ruddy glow Horsa: lmao Gandalf G. rides quietly, eyes to the sky Gandalf G.: oh okay you know what I mean Ulm: "The moon is carried unto the long dark, the sun begins the journey again, trying to catch it" Ken (GM): lulz, yes we do Bomrek: Bomrek looks off toward the burnt forest, and calmly fills his pipe with tobacco. "For the first time in a long time, I want to be in the safety of a cave or under-hall more than I want coin." he takes a puff from his pipe and pauses. "What can we do against something like that?" Ulm: "But only in silence can the sun catch it." Gray walks to the shore of the creek in the dawn light, shaking off water and much cleaner for having bathed. The breast scrubbing himself dry as he tilts his head back. Weather: partial clouds, maybe rain later. Armor and clothes and weapons arrayed out before him, cleaned and ready. He dresses and arms with the familiarity of an old ritual, then goes to join the others. "We might make our goal today. We are close to the last battle of the war with the dark king, aren't we?" Horsa: "Uhh," Ken (GM): Hopefully "says aachen" we can get to the covers of the ruins, fortify ourselves inside. Make like a tortise and hide from the sky" Ulm: "Indeed, the land is drenched in blood, we are close to the center of the pool." Ken (GM): "By midday we should reach the Statue of the Horned King. From there, we head into the foothills and the ruins by nightfall. Aachen busies himself with arranging the horses Gray nods and seems troubled. Nothing he mentions to anyone else, assisting with preparing the horses, loading them with the heavy supplies for the small military group. Ken (GM): "Gray, youre wearing your heart on your sleeve; whats got you so troubled?" Implores Aachen. Suðri Skornbrekker washed his clothes, himself and his beard (especially his beard) before they departed, and also cleaned his musket, and spent what little idle time he might have had misappropriating the tools for carving cannonballs to work some first-sized rocks into different shapes. Ken (GM): [ammo for the cannons is a good idea; roll on armoury +4] Bomrek: Bomrek gnaws on some dried meat from his pack "You know Elf, I had a thought. So far every wretch we've killed hasn't had more than a shirt and a crude blade. I don't suppose the beasties closer to their heart land carry gold or jewels on them, do they?" Ulm: "Heavy burdens, debts of blood." Ken (GM): [you guys have time and guages on the ammo shape, so its relatively easy] P.P. A.: (which armoury would that be) Ulm: "The beasts carry the dark blood, a jewel of scorn, a toast to the death of all." Rolling 3d6 = 10 v10+4 Ken (GM): yay! you guys get Gray hadn't considered that, nodding to the others thoughtfully while he walks. His attention on the path and alert for potental dangers. Ken (GM): 4 cannonballs out of the creek, shaped and firable Falkirk: "They are beasts. Perhaps they simply subsist on the air around them. There is no way to know their foul ways." Bomrek: Bomrek takes a last puff from his pipe, knocks the ash out against his boot, and says "Quite the puzzle. Times like that make me glad I'm just paid to shoot." and walks off toward Souri to inspect the ammunition. Ulm: "They spread their blood to bolster their ranks, turn the land against itself, sow discord." Horsa: "They keep their gold somewhere. Everyone does." Ken (GM): ' A good point Falkirk; they do have fell power behind them. But those who slaughtered the weatherman were merely pups. Mangy dogs. If they had a master he was far gone" Aachen looks worried as he considers the line of thought "What other dark powers are at work, I wonder, if they also have a dragon..." Ulm: "They who seek darkness find it in no short supply." Bomrek: "I'm still more concerned for the gold, myself. Horsa's right, everyone has gold of some amount, it's just a matter of where they're storing it." Gray gestures south. "Maybe there is no army. Only some terrible disaster in Gorgoth driving everything north, dragons, beast and all." Ken (GM): [ooOOoo paranoia abounds!] Horsa: "Must be the smell." Ulm: "Gorgoth is a disaster." Ulm remarks while in his meditative riding position. Suðri Skornbrekker: “In which case everyone left and nobody guards their hoards any more,” Suðri chuckles as he happily chips away on a rock. P.P. A.: Gorgoth is a mess Gorgoth is a big fat mistake Ken (GM): [make gorgoth great again!] Horsa: The Dark King is a nasty guy. Bomrek: We're gunna build a wall - and let me tell you, Gorgoth is going to pay for it Suðri Skornbrekker: “What do their cities look like? ...do they have cities?” Ken (GM): [anything else you guys wanted out of camp? ammo for the cannons so far...] Gray: ((Not that Gray can think of)) (To Falkirk): this morning you stumble upon something of a bit more substance. Near the end of the last logbook is a series of thaumatological calculations; measures of power, things to do with the higher spheres of the planes of existence themselves. Some of it is scribbled as if in great haste, and it all points to one thing; a great power was felt by the wizard, days before you found him. He was afraid of some massive magical occurrence, coming the day he died (To Falkirk): roll on thaumatology +2? Bomrek: Bomrek does his usual routine, food, a smoke, and some beard grooming. He listens to the sound of Suori chipping away at the rock, finding it soothing and familiar. Ken (GM): Aachen chime sin" If they live much like our friend Ulm, I'd imagine they spend more time in ritual and tribal dispute rather than building stone or steel." Gray shifts his great weight and listens to the conversation around him. Ken (GM): "No offence oh great Bloody Eye of the South" he says with a wink Bomrek: "Bah, surely they must have some civilization. You can't rightly make blades and armor - crude as they may be - by living in a tent made of sticks." he untangles a couple knots in his beard and grunts angrily at them, before setting them straight. Ken (GM): Rolling 3d6 = 11 v13 (To Falkirk): Navigation: Land at +2 given the stuff you have on hand (To Falkirk): someone is doing some big magic, and you can pinpoint where Ulm: "I do not recall us going on a journey of destroying homes." (To Falkirk): the magic is happening at the Ruins! Someone is breaching the veil and travelling in and out of the realms from there! Horsa: "As a ground rule, we're not shooting the ruins." (To Falkirk): no, the Ruins of Glardenfen! Your math puts it in some few square miles, right around there on the map Bomrek: "Things can change, Shaman. One day you're out on patrol looking for smugglers, the next you're burning down a cottage full of plotters against the king." he inspects his beard with his very expensive mirror, smiles, and puts it away. "The only true constants I've found are the value of gold coin, the power of black powder, and the bite of cheap alcohol." Ulm: "Perhaps it is true. All of your examples are means to an end as well." He ponders and goes back to finishing his arts and crafts project. Gray speaks to Suori. "Building anything in Gorgoth would be difficult without monsters striking at you. It's a very rough place." (To Falkirk): lol, kk Falkirk splays out an array of charts, scrolls and maps, looking deeply concerned as he mutters under his breath Ken (GM): "Master Falkirk, we're packing to GO, not setup paper tents. What are you up to?" Asks the Elf Falkirk: "A moment more, I must confirm this. It might be the difference between life and death." Ulm: "Both states are surprisingly fleeting on this earth. What is the matter?" Falkirk roughly scratches his beard as he measures some distances between charts using his fingers Bomrek: Bomrek looks between the others, and then back toward Falkirk. "Found the cure for a bald chin, Doctor?" Falkirk: "Perhaps I am mistaken, but from what I can discern of the writings of the late weatherman... someone or has been making regular cross-planar journies. The point they've been travelling through has been the same ruins we're heading for." "The implications of this I'm unsure of though." Ulm thinks of the implications. Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs. 16 (Occultism) Horsa: "More death balls?" Bomrek: "Cross-what?" Bomrek looks actually concerned now. "Whatever it is, can we blow it up?" Suðri Skornbrekker was about to ask as well. Falkirk: "I'm interpreting the notations of a somewhat distractable mind. I'm not sure of anything here." (To Ulm): Occultism tells you that powerful rites worked at regular intervals implies someone is working a large amount of mojo; if theyre storing it, its for something big. If its a working, theyve already done a lot Ken (GM): [anyone wanna dig in with thaumatology on it?] Rolling 3d6 = 16 v11 (To Falkirk): nothing more to tell you than what youve already deduced :/ (To Falkirk): but another working like the unleashed elemental? that could fit maybe (From Ulm): Ye boi Ken (GM): "well shit" says the elf, flatly "Youre sure this comes from the ruins?" He asks falkirk "The math holds out?" Ulm: "I only dare to imagine the sacrifices required for such an amount of rituals." Bomrek: "So what does all this mean? Sorcerers bleed like any other man, don't they? Lets just kill him and collect our pay." Bomrek says after a moment of thinking on the situation. Falkirk: "As far as I can tell." He sighs "It's hard to be sure." Gray speaks to Bomrek. "Means magic, things like what required a blood sacrafice at the Weatherman's tower." Ulm: "No, they bleed better than all men combined. That is their most terrifying ally." Ken (GM): "Well then, lets get them bloody" says Aachen, a vulpine grin on his face "MOUNT UP" he shouts to the group, hefting himself onto his horse (To Ulm): AIDS POWERS ACTIVATE Ulm: "To think someone is sustaining these rituals, it inspires jealousy in my heart, to be able to pay a tribute so grand to Them." Ken (GM) he directs you along the kings highway, as fast as can be allowed, pushing you all to keep careful watch out. The enemy is close now. You need to be careful Adolf S.: ("We ride we ride we ride - we ride - we ride for the keep / the bloodied battered beastmen corpses lay beneath our feet / Off to Glardenfen to fight and kill who we might meeeet / Our guns belching fire as we take back the keep") To the tune of ghost riders in the Sky. I'm on a blues brothers kick~ Ken (GM) as the day rolls on, the Steppe rolls away beneath you. The dwarven song ringing in your bones. Ulm: (good taste in spooky western songs) Ken (GM) as the day passes on, light rain begins. The clouds seem to weep at your coming, thickening to darken the sky, the day dim and wet Bomrek: (can't go wrong with the blues brothers, Hyll, you Finns seem to understand that) Ulm continues meditating like a rock, wrapped in his soggy bison pelt Bomrek: "This rain isn't good for our guns. Remind me to pay careful attention to our cannon when we next have rest." Falkirk takes advantage of the precipitation to wash some of the blood from his ragged burlap robe Ken (GM): Aachen asks Gray to stay close, as the rain is impeding vision and he want s you close to the party Ken (GM) you are passing a large rock when... Ken (GM): PERCEPTION CHECKS Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs. 13 Rolling 3d6 = 9 v10 Bomrek: Falkirk: ayy Bomrek: Pass (To Gray): roll? Ken (GM): Aachen is fail! Rolling 3d6 = 5 v11 (To Gray): perception check? bad bad things! P.P. A.: btw: that friend's maine coon was put down at 3 years of age because it was suffering from an unknown illness, but they can get older than that. Ken (GM): [still waiting on graaaaay Bomrek: Only 3 years? Jesus. P.P. A.: er 13 years Bomrek: My cat prettyboy lived to be 21 and a half. Ken (GM): [poor kitten :( ] P.P. A.: the 1 was swallowed there Ken (GM): oh! yeah 13 is nice n long Ulm: (Isn't coon a racial slur) Horsa: lol Gray: ((Damn it, that's a fail for perception)) Bomrek: So's Desert-Irish but I use that constantly. P.P. A.: >Desert-Irish Ken (GM): SUDDENLY P.P. A.: kek Ken (GM): THE UNDERBRUSH IS ALIVE WITH MOVEMENT AMBUSH! Bomrek: Marry Poppins, oh fuck Ulm: (that's my line in bed with the ladies) Ken (GM): Initiative from those who passed perception! Falkirk: remind me how init works Ulm: (Initiative?) Bomrek: ^ what falk said. Ken (GM): thos ehwo failed have been surprised! d6+basic speed! keep the decimals! 8 Horsa: +2 cuz of gray's combat reflexes Ulm: [1d6+5] Bomrek: Ulm:7 Falkirk: +2 for wombat reflexes from grey or not? Bomrek: + 5.5 for 9.5 Ken (GM): roll:1d6+5 Falkirk: cos he failed his Ken (GM): Horsa: oh right Bomrek: Bomrek's got combat reflexes, so does the elf I - oh wait he failed. Well, Bomrek's got combat reflexes, if it counts. Falkirk:6.75 D: Ken (GM): oh yeah, +2 for everyone becasue bomrek rocks Bomrek: "AMBUSH!" I suppose would be appropriate. Ken (GM): yes, obvious, but helpful no stealth for you! Bomrek: Spookt'. Ken (GM): [rolls behind the GM screen a bit] Ken (GM) the rain falls in thick bullets of fat rain, as the foliage around you erupts in motion! Beastmen! An Ambush! Ken (GM): "KILL THEM ALL!" screeches a cloaked figure on the top of the stone outcropping. It's hands wave madly in the air, clawed and cloaked in magical looking darkness! Bomrek: ("Shoot here", got it~) Ken (GM) beastmen burst form the underbrush, rushing Gray! Falkirk: no map? Ken (GM): ffs Bomrek: ^ Ken (GM): boop, map Falkirk: oh there we go Ken (GM): derp Bomrek: Precious sight! Falkirk: I was wondering if we were gonna ToM Ken (GM): hahah so yeah, the beastmen yell, come out of hiding, and there they are on the map; one gets close enough to swing at Gray, who can defend at -2 for surprise Gray: Ken (GM): [ the beastmen appear armored, with shields and picks. the minotaur is unarmored, but for a loincloth and a greataxe] Gray lifts a shield to block the blow and roars in return. Bomrek: >minotaur (From Ulm): Was the target for muh spirits 9 or 10 Ken (GM): woo! gray blocks the blow! the pick grazes the wood Skornbrekker! Bomrek: Ayy, are you sure you've got that right GM? Looks like Bomrek's got initiative over'm, unless you're organizing this different P.P. A.: Hm, what penalties are there for firing a musket from horseback, and in the rain? Ken (GM): MATH it sbomrek! Horsa: lol Bomrek: Woo Ken (GM): derpo P.P. A.: dwalfs arr rook same Falkirk: pretty sure mounted combat is riding or the relevant skill, whichever is lower Horsa: I'm not even on the chart Bomrek: Okay. I'm not familiar with fighting on horse back. Am I right in assuming that there's a penalty to do this? Ken (GM): yes; you'll likely want to dismount Bomrek: Mmm. I dismount then. Does that take a whole turn? Does it allow any further movement? 8-ish years of GURPS and this has literally never come up before Ken (GM): you're just swinging off the horse; drop a check against riding and it can be just a step for a quick dismount Falkirk: page 396 in campaihns has the mounted combat rules Bomrek: Well that's a failure I assume I stumble off the horse instead? Joush M.: the comadey of errors begins Ken (GM): you jump off, but dont kill yourself Horsa: The horse laughs at you Ken (GM): [nearly though :S] pass turn? or anything quick you wanna try to get in? Bomrek: Hm. "Shit!", end turn. Ken (GM): kk SKORNBREKKER (ACTUALLY) Rolling 3d6 = 8 v10 Ken (GM): yay! with a hop you are down! Suðri Skornbrekker immediately sticks his bardiche into the ground and starts aiming at the— holy shit a minotaur Ken (GM): awesome! ULM (From Ulm): Is 9 or 10 the target number for Ally summon Suðri Skornbrekker considered the sorcerer but the minotaur seems to be a more immmediate threat, also a larger and juicier target Rolling 3d6 = 15 vs. 9 Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs. 9 Bomrek: I wonder, should we kill the minotaur first, or the magic asshole? Ulm: (well it was worth a shot) Ken (GM): you get three tries! try one more1 Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs. 9 Horsa: ulm is an emo kid Ulm: (kill me rn) Ken (GM): BOOOOO to the dice gods Horsa: LOL Ken (GM) Ulms invocation to the blood spirits is weak, diluted in the rian. They fail to answer his magical call Falkirk: "Perhaps not the best time to exanguinate, all things considered!" Ulm: "The pact is not strong enough yet . . . my calls are in vain." He laments. (do i have actions left?) Ken (GM): (if you wanna risk a fall off the horse? try riding to hop down in a rush) Ulm: (what's the default) Ken (GM): lol DX Ulm: (nice, any modifiers) Falkirk: dx-5 animal handling -3 P.P. A.: >cut yourself >fall off the horse into a puddle of your own blood >the rain cries on you Ken (GM): yes, ty Ulm: (in that case i have to get snake eyes to succeed) Ken (GM): hahahah dont try it then :P play it safe Ulm: (yeah no EoT) Horsa: Do it Ulm: (He has a bad leg) Ken (GM): FALKIRK! Dark sorcerers! beastmen! a Minotaur! Falkirk attempts to lithely hop off his horse Rolling 3d6 = 12 v11 Falkirk: lame Ken (GM): fwump down you go, unsteadily P.P. A.: lithely, he saud Ken (GM): lithe, like a rock P.P. A.: hehehe Ken (GM): left or right? Falkirk quietly curses the combination of thick fabrics and water Falkirk: My right Ken (GM): boop eot? Falkirk: I assume that takes my manouver, so yeah Horsa: "Oh shit bandits oh shit these guys suck at dismounting" Ken (GM): Horsa! Gray! Aachen! Roll versus combat stun! (gray is at +4 for Combat reflexes) Ulm: "Perhaps the time was not opportune, the moon is still screaming." Ken (GM): IQ roll! Aachen shakes off the surprise! Rolling 3d6 = 12 Ken (GM): boo! gray? (To Gray): poke poke Ken (GM): [wtf happened to joush?] Falkirk: he dropped a while back Horsa: fell of his horse Ulm: (died on the way to his home planet) Ken (GM): fun! I shall NPC :P Gray snaps out of it! 12 initiative for him! Horsa: fuc Ken (GM): HE ROARS A CHALLENGE Ulm: (good thing he's the strong silent type) Ken (GM): "YIFF YIFF YIFF!" shanks the nearest beastman beastman attempts a block! blocked! Ken (GM): canny beastmen! Falkirk: shields stronk Ken (GM): gray backs up, and eot THEM the minotaur charges the unattended horse! that poor horse! Ken (GM): it fails to dodge! The Minotaurs horns gore the beast deeply! Bomrek: We're eatin' flank steak tonight boys Ken (GM): Ulm: (the horse explodes into gore) Ken (GM): the horse is impaled, wounded for 20HP Horsa: how much HP does a horse have Ken (GM): it is wounded, but remains upright1 Ulm: (horse/10) Gandalf G.: the minotaur swings at the horse's torso the severed part flies off in an arc Ulm: (the horse has been struck down) Gandalf G.: it was inevitable Horsa: Horse panic P.P. A.: Suðri: It was inevitable. Ulm: (it is terrifying) Ken (GM): lol the sorcerous looking one claps its hands together overhead, and a black shadow creeps along the air above it, like a hole in the world the beastmen howl and charge gray Horsa: Oh crap shoot that asshole Ken (GM): and defending Ken (GM): Bomrek: Crap indeed. Horsa: das a hit Ken (GM): one block, one dodge! but one hit1 Falkirk: "I'll do what I can about this sorcerer, take out the minotaur and support our beast!" Ken (GM): boo the beastmen shanks him with a pick, but leaves no blood from the wound in his armor! BOMREK Bomrek: wew, oh boy. What's the penalty to shoot at the magic man. Ken (GM): -4 for distance Bomrek: Mmm. Ken (GM): clear los otherwise Bomrek: Man, I sure hope you guys can deal with that minotaur. I aim at the magic guy and end my turn. Falkirk: I'll focus on the minotaur then P.P. A.: what bonuses or penalties for aiming at someone right in front og me? Bomrek: idunno, the magic dude is concerning. Gandalf G.: at this range shouldn't be any if he's ON your tile, then you suffer your weapon's bulk Ken (GM): Skorn! shoot him! point blank! P.P. A.: doesn't look like it Rolling 3d6 = 6 v14+1+2 Ken (GM): yay! CRITICAL HIT Falkirk: heheh P.P. A.: oh boy Ken (GM): he does NOT critically defend! P.P. A.: what do crits fo in GURPS (or how do you roll them) Horsa: what page is the crit chart btw Ken (GM): 3d6 for your hit effect! Ulm: (table of ouch my nigga) Falkirk: roll that crit table meng Suðri Skornbrekker: Falkirk: inb4 9-11 or after Ulm: (shoot his penis off) Ken (GM): boooooo "normal damage only" P.P. A.: ;_; Ken (GM): but an auto hit past that dodge roll! DAMAGE Suðri Skornbrekker: rolling 4d+2 4 P.P. A.: er error Ken (GM): wat Horsa: 4d6 bruh 4 Horsa: roll 4d6, not 4d P.P. A.: oh Falkirk: 4d6 Horsa: dork Ken (GM): wat wat P.P. A.: so that's what's wrong :DDD Ken (GM): [canne dlaughter] Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): [wamp wamp noise] BOOM Falkirk: that's more like it P.P. A.: pi++ Ulm: (the thing explodes into gore) Horsa: He's just knocked down right Ken (GM): The minotaurs belly erupts in a flood of gore and entrails; the beast falls dead to the ground Horsa: Oh Suðri Skornbrekker exhales a long sigh of relief. Ken (GM): the horses! BOOM; screaming! the horses are not well P.P. A.: can't blame them Ken (GM): Everyone on a horse, riding check. Horsa! Youre still stunned, check at -2! Bomrek: Muskets are loud as fuck, poor guys. Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs. 9 Horsa:13 v13 Bomrek: ayy you fuck get back here, all my shit is strapped to your back. Ulm: (OH NOW YOU WANT TO BE GOOD TO ME) Ken (GM): lol Ulm: (I'LL STAY ON A HORSE BUT I CANT SUMMON A BALOR) Ken (GM): ruh roh youre now on a scared horse master horsa! Horsa: Shortturn please Ken (GM): they rear and buck, scared and such. Bomreks runs off, and the one with the cannons kicks wildly the rest of you who passed wrestled them back under conrol the wounded one jus tkinda lies down dying Horsa: Screaming Falkirk: now THAT would be creepy a human scream Ken (GM): horse screams are worse ULM Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs. 9 Ken (GM): derp Ulm: (ulm is crash) Ken (GM): youre down, but not dying off you go P.P. A.: I hope Ulm isn't sad, wouldn't want him to go all emo and start cutting hims— oh, wait. Ken (GM): hopefully it doesnt ride off on you Ulm: (i hate you people) Ken (GM): lol FLAKIRK Falkirk: ayy I'd like to take a concentrate manouver, crouch down and get this horse back into the world of the living' Ken (GM): vetrenarian! roll IQ and spend FP Falkirk: physician-4 = 8 let's see how this goes Rolling 3d6 = 9 v8 4FP for 8 heal ahh nuts Ken (GM): boooo; dice gods on the warpath today Ken (GM) the horse cries bloody tears in the rain Ken (GM): Aachen reacts! Ulm: (i need to get super luck) (then i will be the dice god) Bomrek: The horse grows multiple tumors, nice job Falk' eh Is that a tiny bomrek token near the horse? Ken (GM) Aachen spurs his horse forward, and plows straight for the beastmen! Falkirk: cancer magic comes later Ken (GM): Horsa: Bomrek and his son Ken (GM): CRITICAL SUCCESS THEY DIVE OUT OF THE WAY Bomrek: ayy Ken (GM): Aachen ends his turn beside Gray, the beastmen scattered prone! [marked with the face] Joush M.: Sorry about that. Fucking power died Ken (GM): end of turn! HORSA roll vs IQ+2 for stunlock! Gandalf G.: you're getting shafted by multiple beastmen Rolling 3d6 = 9 v12 Ken (GM): nice to have ya back! Gandalf G.: I'm giving a horse tumors Ken (GM): Horsa! roll initiative! +2! Horsa:13 Ken (GM): yay! Gandalf G.: the minotaur was Struck Down it was inevitable Horsa: Im back whats up Gandalf G.: I think that's all you missed Ken (GM): first to go this turn! your horse is a panicing! Horsa: Uh Ken (GM): stop it with a riding roll success! or gtfo Rolling 3d6 = 10 v13 Calm horsie Bomrek: haha Ken (GM): your horse does not kill you! huzzah! Horsa: Can I move this turn on it? Secondly how high up is that mage on the rock? Ken (GM): calming took your action Horsa: Ok Ken (GM): mage is about 3 yards up Bomrek: He's pretty high man, he's been hot boxing all morning Ken (GM): clear to see, very very spoopy but! Horsa: What's the horse's move by the way? Bomrek: I'm going to shoot the fuck out of that asshole. Magic is terrible and deserves to be destroyed. Ken (GM): saddle horse, B 460 GRAY! Ulm: (;_;) Ken (GM): youre half ssurrounded, but Aachen rode to the rescue. Theres a prone beastman behind you and one up in front wat do?! Joush M.: sword is at the ready? Gandalf G.: why is there a small bomrek Ken (GM): yeah, youre sword and board, good to go Gandalf G.: bomrek cancels fight: tending to child Ken (GM): [affronting bomrek removed] Gray: Ken (GM): murder chop! Joush M.: Sword attack on the one in front of me, that's still up? Ken (GM): beastman goes to block! augh Ken (GM): got a 12, fails to block; disregard roll spam Bomrek: Bomrek was pleased to have worked outside lately. Bomrek misplaced a child recently. Bomrek is unhappy about inclimate weather. Ken (GM): lol Gray: rolling 3d+1 3 Ken (GM): wat Gray: Ulm: (Bomrek lost a friend lately. Bomrek had a good sparring session lately.) Ken (GM): chop! right into the beastman! Joush M.: Just a torso hit, or whatever presents itself.. Ken (GM): you cut through leather armor and tough skin, 6 penetrates! 9 wounds for cutting! stunned beastman falls! DERP eot? Joush M.: End of turn Ken (GM): THEM [much murder has happened here....] Gray moves with a brutal economy of motion, the well praticed slash slamming into the beastmen, attention roaming the battlefield, looking a moment to the mage. He is beset on all sides, the others will have to handle that. Ken (GM): "FOOLS! INCOMPOTENTS!" Screams the cloaked man; the swirling blackness enfolds him, and disappears with a PLIP Bomrek: Shit. Ken (GM): the beastmen stagger to their knees the felled one recovers his wits Gandalf G.: "Capture one alive!" Ken (GM): the minotaur gurgles BOMREK Bomrek: Riiight. Hm. The one to the right of the elf, that one's still standing, right? Or is he prone? Also, is he wounded? Ken (GM): bottom one is wounded, the top two are at a knee, facing away from ya Bomrek: Right. Well I'll shoot the right to the right of the elf, then. Ken (GM): lol Bomrek: 3 hexes. Any penalty? Ken (GM): -1! Bomrek: Shocking. I'll fire at'm then. Thassa' pass. Ken (GM): yay! he takes shot to the back! (no defenses) Bomrek: Two less and it would've been a crit. Damage: pi++ Ken (GM): splorch gray, your back and knees are spreayed with gore your horse is all sorts of spooked Skorn! Suðri Skornbrekker lays down his musket, picks up his bardiche with the other hand, and if his turn isn't over yet, walks south Ken (GM): yeah, full move; youre gun lays behind ya P.P. A.: ok (I doubt there's going to be enough enemies left at the end of this turn for me to try out melee, though) Ken (GM): lol ULM Ulm: (are there still home owners to slay) Ken (GM): 2 down south; in a bad way only one will probably survivie [if they dont take it prisoner...] Ulm walks up to the minotaur body and figures whether he can fix a good ol' family style blood sacrifice out of it. Maybe the horse too. Bomrek: Lets have a horse BBQ Ulm: (no, They need tribute) Ken (GM): dropping to a knee? starting to perform blood rights? Falkirk: Horse isn't dead yet. Horse isn't going to get the chance to die. Ulm: (YOUR BLOOD HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT) P.P. A.: in loving memory of cancer horse Falkirk: You've never given up on anything in your life dammit, dont give up on me now. Ken (GM): lol [HORSE FIGHT[ falkirk? do you stave off death? Ulm starts drawing a sacrificial circle around the minotaur to give the guy as tribute to his Masters. Falkirk: I'll begin a second attempt, taking 15 seconds to do so, buying off the -3 for repeat attempts and getting a +1 left over so concentrate manouver Ken (GM): kk; dont get interrupted! Aachen! Horsa: Lmao ulm can't even wait for the fighting to stop to rack up the blood points Ken (GM): "DIE BEAST" Falkirk lays his hands on the horse's head, muttering incantations. Ken (GM): Ulm: (it's gonna pay off more than your acting career) Ken (GM): Ulm: (#dayum) Ken (GM): beastman fails to shield! 5 cut! chop chop to the beastman, 3 wounds Bomrek: "Keep one or two alive, we can't question a dead body now can we?" Bomrek yells Ulm: "Bring the dead ones here, i will dispose of them." Ken (GM): "RHAAAAAGH" aachen responds HORSA1 Bomrek: Man, look at Ulm's fat ass horse Thing probably eats other horses Horsa: I move up on my horse (horse comes along) Ken (GM): kk, should be move 5 with load Horsa: O Ken (GM): sorry, there ya go Horsa: lol Ken (GM): Horsa: End Ken (GM): boop GRAY Gray wears blood well, in some ways far more at home here, marked with blood and death, then in the cities and hamlets of humanity. Blood drips from the dark surcoat, not for the first time, and falls from the long, heavy blade. The blood splashs the beastmen as he slashs hard.. Gray: Strikeing the beastmen's weapon Ulm: (pretty metal) Ken (GM): cool, he fails to dodge chop chop! Joush M.: Mind an intimidate as a talking action as well? Gray: Falkirk: if you're trying to subdue the guy, I'd suggest grappling his ass to the ground Ken (GM): snicker snack, pick is in pieces Gray growls to the disarmed beastmen. "Surrender. This is over." Bomrek: Kick the enemies until they don't move anymore Best way to subdue Ulm: "Yes, an alive one will do just fine." Ken (GM): ze beastmen snarl in defiance Joush M.: "It's just a fleshwound!" Ken (GM): the wounded one backs away from Aachen the one on the ground swipes at Grays leg! he's trying to grab your leg Gray! (To Gray): poke poke Gray: Ken (GM): you deftly step out of his reach and he fails to grapple you! BOMREK Gray keeps away from the attempt to grab and stands towering over the defiant monster as rain and blood drip from his body. Bomrek: Hm. That one who backed away from Gray, how wounded is he? Ken (GM): he took a chop to the shoulder, for 3 Bomrek: Is he on the ground? The whole being sideways thing sorta implies it. Ken (GM): sorry, no, he turned and is facing you guys is all Bomrek: If he is, I'll walk a few steps toward him, pointing my musket at him, and basically yell at him to stay down- ah Ken (GM): face meant he was down off now Bomrek: Well that makes it simpler then, I shoot him in the leg. Ken (GM): lol, -2! Bomrek: -2 for distance, or for a leg shot? Can't open my books right now. Ken (GM): -2 for 5 yards as well Bomrek: Ken (GM): assuming you step toward shim Bomrek: That's just barely a pass, wew, and yeah it'd be a step. Ken (GM): kk dang! he skips just out of your shot (he was all out towards his shield :P) dodgy beastmen! Skorn! P.P. A.: Question: if my weapon says (for one kind of attack) “2, 3*”, does that mean I need to make a ready action whenever I attack 3 hexes away, or only if I attacked at a different range and now need to switch? Ken (GM): lol your weapons has reach 2 or 3 and you can attack at eaither reach without issue Falkirk: pretty sure it takes a ready to swit- or not ok Ken (GM): ah yeah, * means switching between them (hard to read text, my bad :P) P.P. A.: ah, so only when switching, ok Ken (GM): Ill assume the weapon is held at 3? step and shank? Falkirk: there is a perk monkey grip P.P. A.: aye Falkirk: lets you switch freely Suðri Skornbrekker takes a step and a stab at the beastman's leg Ken (GM): -2 for target! roll1 Suðri Skornbrekker Rolling 3d6 = 12 v14-2 Ken (GM): woo! hah! beastman fails to shield block! leg chopped! P.P. A.: (damage roll? or not if you're aiming at a body part and it hits) Ken (GM): yeah! damage roll! Suðri Skornbrekker: P.P. A.: er, wait, what's the standard damage roll again Ken (GM): dude; youre glaive does 1d6+5 on a swing... P.P. A.: that seems a bit high oops Ken (GM): lol we love ya you silly noob P.P. A.: :DDD Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): chop chop P.P. A.: (not +3 though?) Ken (GM): your 6 damage hits his 3 dr, 3 penetrates and does double damage to a limb, so 6! complicated! he fails the health roll! and loses a leg! he screams and blood gushes from his stump above his knee Bomrek: The severed part sails off in an arc~ Ken (GM): twirl twirl ulm! (Still performing blood rite son Minotaur?) Falkirk: it is horrifying Ulm: (Yeah sure, send him up to the big shots) Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs. 16 (To Ulm): Your blood spirits call to you, nearby through the veil "Shall we enter your realm?" they ask (From Ulm): If you please, i have a tribute waiting. Ken (GM): A BLOODY HOLE RENDS ITSELF OPEN FROM THE BACK OF THE MINOTAUR, AND STEPPING THROUGH COMES A BLOODY CREATURE OF SANGUINE SLITHERING . SPLORCH Bomrek: Now I regret firing off that second shot. Falkirk looks up from his horse with a furrowed brow (To Ulm): the pact is sealed until the dawn! Horsa turns around. "Whut." (From Ulm): Nice Falkirk: I speak a lotta tongues Ken (GM): the conscious beastman by Gray screams in fear falkirk! concentration! Falkirk: oh so will? Ken (GM): still saving the horse? Ulm: "Do not worry friends, he will guard us until dawn." Falkirk: yeah Ken (GM): youre good unless smacked about, no rolling Aachen! has his horse stomp on the beastman! FUCK Horsa: fight your own wars, aachen. Ken (GM): FUCK FUCK Horsa: Don't drag the innocent horse into your bloodshed Ken (GM): The horse flips over, throws aachen the horse may have broken a leg... lol Joush M.: Great, now we will have to pack our supplies on Ulm Ken (GM): the other horses continue to jump about, Suðri Skornbrekker: “Whoa,” Suðri exclaims in surprise as the elf lands on the mud in front of him. Ken (GM): but nobody else gets kicked or thrown HORSA! Falkirk: "Can you PLEASE stop KILLING the horses. I'm not a VET." Horsa: I go up this far and dismount Suðri Skornbrekker: “The casualties are mounting, and the mounts are casualties.” Bomrek: "No, continue, I haven't had a good meal in a week!" Bomrek says jovially, despite the fucking demon. Horsa: I dismount into the space in front of my token Ken (GM): KK Horsa: do i have to roll for that? Ken (GM): just for the quick dismount actually should take a turn to end up adjacent; riding roll to hop off as a step instead Horsa: So yes? I'm a quick boy, hop off Rolling 3d6 = 10 v13 Ken (GM): woo! works out for you, youre on the ground safe Horsa: Okay end turn Ken (GM): kk gray, one defiant beastman on the ground, one dying over yonder wat do? Gray snarls, repulsed by the bloody creature summoned by Ulm and turning back to the surviving beast-men. "This is mercy" (Attack with sword) Gray: Horsa: "Dying Over Yonder" sounds like a sick band name Ken (GM): beastman fails to defend! critically failing (due to penalties) Gray: Ken (GM): critical sword effect! Bomrek: "Doctor, we can buy you a new horse, but can't buy new beasts to interrogate! Get over here and fix this mess!" Ken (GM): hahah okay, between that much damage and such, beastman is roughly in two pieces... lulz. step? Gray bashes the beastmen's shield aside then takes off his head, something made less elegent then it sounds when bones are smashed and crushed and broken by the impact. Ken (GM): CRUNCH Bomrek: We gotta' interrogate these shits so as to find out where Mr.Magic went / came from Ken (GM): the last one, leg missing, continues screaming bomrek! Joush M.: end turn.. Gray implusively gave the one brave enough to fight a clean death rather then let Ulm have it Falkirk: "You can't buy a horse out in the wild, and we need to transport our supplies. I'm prioritising here." Joush M.: With easy to read, that motivation is pretty clear. Bomrek: Oh boy. I suppose I walk over and try to see if the Elf's broken or not. Also I say "Damn the supplies, we have enough carry capacity, but we need to get information from this vile creature, it's too important to disregard." and then much quieter "Come on Aaechen, lets see if you're okay." Ken (GM): Aachen is down, seems hes got the wind out of him, but he's alive Joush M.: Are we out of combat now? Ken (GM): THE DEMON GOES Joush M.: Shit Ken (GM): IT POUNCES WITH A FIENDISH SNARL Falkirk: "The two are not mutually exclusive - just a few more seconds." Ken (GM): ITS FORM RIPPLING LIKE BLOODY QUICKSILVER Bomrek: and it trips on a rock Horsa: "HOLY FUCK" Ken (GM): It dives like apuncing leopard on the felled beastman Bomrek: "Seven hells, what is this monster, Ulm!" Ulm: (how does that even happen) Ken (GM): the beastman feebly tries to move and fails Ulm: "He is our mutual friend. I heartily recommend treating him as such." Ken (GM): it hisses in a feral rage, fangs bared on inch long teeth Skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker has tried to show tolerance for Ulm's weird actions, but this definitely crosses two lines at once. (To Ulm): you may want to order it to stop Ulm commands the demon. "Stop!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “What the fuck.” Ulm: "Take the fallen one." "The fallen beast man, that is." Ken (GM): At Ulms command, the demon stops, freezing with the beastman in it's grasp Suðri Skornbrekker drags Aachen away from the blood demon just in case. Ken (GM): Aachen gladly goes with you Rolling 3d6 = 9 v13 P.P. A.: oh, I thought he was out cold? Horsa: He nervously points the sword at the daemon Ken (GM): [aachen just took a fall to the back, he's good. the horse broke a leg] P.P. A.: ah, ok Bomrek: Lets turn the horse into glue We can make our money back on it Ken (GM): the demon holds the beastman firm in it's grasp; it grins a large toothy grin Suðri Skornbrekker still helps him get back up and walk a few metres away in case he's still dazed (From Ulm): No you may not, he is vital to us. You may take the dead horse instead if it so pleases you. (To Ulm): "it does" Ken (GM): the demon drops the beastman and pounces on the horse with a broken leg and tears into it like a wild thing Horsa: Ken (GM): the scene is gory, and disturbing amounts of screams come from the horse, even after it should be dead from its wounds falkirk! one will roll vs. that disturbance please Falkirk: I'd say 15 seconds have passed, can I make my rolls? Suðri Skornbrekker: “What an abomination!” Suthro is aghast and disgusted. Falkirk: oh okay P.P. A.: *i Rolling 3d6 = 9 v10 Ken (GM): nice Gray snarls at Ulm from behind his steel mask. "End this! Banish that thing!" Ken (GM): you focus your thought s past the grossness Falkirk furrows in concentration Ulm: "An inevitable sacrifice for the protection granted by Them. He will be the key to defeating the sorcerer." Ken (GM): splorch, rend, crack scream Bomrek: Bomrek looks only mildly disturbed "Waste of good horse flesh, like feeding a dog with A-Grade cuts." Horsa: "This is evil magic, Ulm!" Ken (GM): [the unattended horses move away from the demon, inherently afraid of its power Bomrek: "Somebody go catch the fucking horses!" he ends the sentence with a few dwarven curses. (To Falkirk): Rollin on healin? Falkirk: roll time Horsa: "You're a god damn freak, you ogre bastard." Bomrek: Bomrek glances at Suori and speaks in Dwarven "Load your gun, we might have to shoot more, soon." Suðri Skornbrekker goes and picks his musket back up Falkirk: here's the big one tho Suðri Skornbrekker nods at Bomrek Ken (GM): Aachen chases down horses, soothing their fears Rolling 3d6 = 8 v9 for vetenarian WOOP WOOP Ken (GM): yeah Joush M.: Falkirk, Horse Surgon Falkirk: and that's 4FP Bomrek: Bomrek starts reloading his gun as well. Falkirk: for 8HP Ken (GM): yay! Suðri Skornbrekker cleans his musket inside and outside and reloads it. Ken (GM): the horses wound closes, tenderly, and it gets up with your help Suðri Skornbrekker tries to distract himself from what he just saw and heard. Ken (GM): it will need to rest and heal, but its not gonna die right away Falkirk wipes his brow as he slowly stands, visibly wearied (To Suðri Skornbrekker): you got your gun back, no worries (To Ulm): travels back to his realm Ken (GM) the demon stands to its full height, gurgling feverishly and grinning madly Rolling 3d6 = 10 v10 Horsa spews a little Bomrek: It looks like the elf is having a meeting with the horses. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I wouldn't ever want to call a monster like that a ‘friend’.” Suðri Skornbrekker scoffs angrily. Ken (GM): "Ive stopped them from fleeing!" He calls back (From Ulm): "These people, their horses, their valuables are sacred. You will guard them from anything with harmful intent except if the intent comes from themselves." (To Ulm): the beast calls back "yes master; they are all safe now" Horsa: "If you do it, I'm right behind you." (From Ulm): "You will continue to guard them and you will follow us from a distance, until your contract ends." (To Ulm): "yes master" Ken (GM): the demon pounces off into the rainy trees, out of sight Ulm: "We are honoured to have him guard us, show gratitude and accept his benevolence. Now, we should move on, we have nothing to fear anymore." Bomrek: >shoulders Shoulders a weapon - when it's a firearm at least - implies putting it to your shoulder and getting ready to fire. Ulm: (VADE RETRO SATANAS) Falkirk: not according to early 1800s military parlance Ken (GM): [bah! , nomenclature] Falkirk: shouldering is resting the barrel on your shoulder with the butt at waist level regardless, this beastman here is injured? Bomrek: That's a surprisingly very comfortable way to carry a gun, it's not just something people do for no reason. Ken (GM): yeah, hes down like, 9 Falkirk: unconcious? Ken (GM): i think they wanted to save him from bleeding to death? hes screamed himself unconscious, yes and seems to have soiled himself Gray nods to Horsa, waiting a moment then letting a breath out as the deamon flees. To Ulm, he speaks. "No thanks. No friendship. Keep your deamon away and do not call more darkness into this world." He demands sternly, then almost reluctantly he wipes down the blade and sheaths, rain washing the blood from his surcoat. "Do you require assistance, physican?" Falkirk: "Does anybody have rope?" "I'll bring this beastman back onto his feet, is he's tied up." Ulm: "Darkness? No, never have. I call the blood to us, they are on our side. But i will do as you wish." Suðri Skornbrekker finds his horse and reaches into his backpack in its saddlebags. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Here,” he says, helps tie up the beastman. P.P. A.: +and Gray nods, takeing a long line of coard from his pack and tossing it to Falkirk. "Here" Bomrek: Bomrek takes a few puffs from his pipe, and says to Ulm "Shaman, just how strong is that.. thing. Demon? Could it survive a musketball to the face?" Ulm goes to his horse and caresses it before mounting it calmly- Horsa: "Aachen? Where's Aachen? This has to be severely against the church." Falkirk catches the rope and moves to tie the beast's hands Bomrek: "Aachen has a church?" Bomrek asks with some aloofness in his tone. Falkirk then rolls his blooded sleeves up, laying on hands and quietly whispering Ulm: "It does not understand strength like you do. I am not sure if these balls can even harm him. Do not worry, he will protect you from fire-lances." Ken (GM): "No church I belong to, son of Man" He says "What Ulm did here is sacred to his people, and to mine. Though we dont tend to call such forceful and angry things into existence" says Aachen Falkirk: 15 seconds again, burning 4 more FP. Ken (GM): kk that gonna knock you on your ass? Ulm: "His force is what drives our efforts forward, the strength in our blood that shall overcome the dark." Bomrek: Bomrek's face cracks into a grin, and then laughs. "You mean to tell me the Elves worship the same gods as the beastfolk?" he seems to be greatly amused by this. Rolling 3d6 = 10 v15 Nah I'm 1 point above tired Ken (GM): "there are no gods, dwarf, only the spirits, and their plans. They are like us, only made of power, not form. Ulm is a shaman of the blood. he uses blood to call them into form" Horsa: Bomrek: He leans over a little bit, patting his belly through his chain mail. "We always thought you lot must worship the trees or grass or something." Ulm: "I never expected you to understand, all i ask for you is to not test our mutual friend, i can only control him so much when his allegiance is put under question." Ken (GM): cool, the Beastman's leg wound closes and his slash as well. Hes alive, bound, and interrogatable Gray shakes his head. "Of course you can't. It's a fucking deamon that humors your thoughts of friendship and control and will devour you the moment you laps or weaken" Bomrek: Bomrek lays his gun across his shoulder like Souri and starts going through the camp's contents. Anything of note? Falkirk breathes ragged, clearly drained from the magics, he stands shakily and moves towards a nearby log to sit, vaguely gesturing at the tied-up beastman Ken (GM): many! Ken (GM) inside each is little more than a den of furs and hides. prodding through them, you reveal a sealed ebony-wood box with a brass inlay! It is heavy, and has sigils written on it's surface in a strange dialect (To Gray): you see on the far edge of the wood, perched on a tree limb, the beast, staring back at you with wide excited eyes Bomrek: Oooh. (To Gray): the beast grins wider, and winks, but keeps its distance Ken (GM): the box is not locked, inside is a plush red velvet surface, form fit, holding a shining clear sphere of some kind of crystal. Carved on the surface is a single rune of the same strange dialect 'Ive tied up the horses, anythign of note in the camp" asks aachen Bomrek: "Shaman, Doctor, I found something. I think it's more magic shit." he calls to them, walking over the container. Horsa sits on the rock and looks off in the direction of Greyhold. (To Horsa): home is far, far away now. The gray skies reveal nothing Bomrek: I'm suddenly imagining Ulm as really fat and immobile, and his horse like an electric scooter, basically necessary to his easy mobility. Ken (GM): lol Bomrek: Bomrek shows the box to the two magic men. "What do you make of it?" Falkirk: he'd need one of those grabby arms in the basket to grab things with (To Falkirk): you recognize the runes and symbols on the box; Old Gorgoth. "It is a sacred object contained within beware heathens!" (To Falkirk): the ball is carves with one rune "Blood/Sacrifice/supplication" carved in demonic script Ken (GM): [gibbled, ogre style] Falkirk: "Old..." He wipes his brow "It's Old Gorgoth." (To Ulm): you read neither language written on the box or globe Bomrek: A crystal ball sorta thing, Falkirk: "The box I'd say is..." he breathes loudly "It says the following:" Bomrek: Like a dragon ball but crystal and with a single rune. Gray ask Falkirk. "What are the implications of that? Can you tell what it says?" Not a clever beast, so he ask only simple questions. Falkirk: "It is a sacred object contained within; beware, heathens." Ulm: (can i roll theology) Bomrek: We need to find the other 6 dragon balls and put them together to get a wish. Ken (GM) thunder, followed quickly by lightning, accross the sky Ken (GM): yeah, theology fits Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs. 15 (Theology) (To Ulm): you feel power throbbing in the ball; like a pulse from a mighty beast, tingling your magical aura Gray moves closer. "I'm not sure I trust Ulm with such a thing." Bomrek: "Shaman, what does it do?" (To Ulm): youve never held one, but youre sure you could bloody your grasp and call its power, to speak with the powers P.P. A.: (I'm going to have to call it quits here. Slept pretty badly last night, got a headache, and would overall like to just go to bed.) Ken (GM): [we love you ppa! have 4 exp!] Bomrek: I had a headache last night, real bad, couldn't sleep due to it Falkirk: if we're calling it, I support this action Ulm: "I can gain audience with it, i know the required rituals." P.P. A.: I usually get a headache when I have trouble falling asleep, it creeps up from my right shoulder. Falkirk: I am also very tired P.P. A.: Anyway, see you all next week Horsa: Bye bro Brothermanhyll: Then we can speak with Shen-Ron Ken (GM): haha Bomrek: Adios Ken (GM): we can definitely pause here Bomrek: Speak with Chevron? With Tecron? Gandalf G.: was a good session tho healing horses is hard Ken (GM): 4 xp for the lot of you! Very good RP/interplay with the forces at work here Gandalf G.: I hope healing horsa isnt this hard Ken (GM): fuckin hores horses* Joush M.: Sleep well PPA Bomrek: I wonder if that one horse is still good. Brothermanhyll: I'm glad you didn't attack my display of baphomet-based horror Bomrek: Oughta get Ulm to butcher it. Ken (GM): its at ~half hp Stellers J.: Sleep tight puppar Ken (GM): it should NOT be pushed too hard Brothermanhyll: It can be a moving emergency sacrifice if we need blood pals in the future Bomrek: Pssh, Bomrek's an experienced warrior, he's seen bad shit before. Just the other day before Ulm and Souri came in, we saw a farm house full of pulled apart corpses n' such. Joush M.: Ooh yeah. Gray Dose Not Approve (-20) Brothermanhyll: Get a load of dis race traitor Joush M.: Or Gray Will Remember This, if you prefer telltale Brothermanhyll: But the blood spirits love you Bomrek: What exactly happened, anyway, regarding body horror? The thing jumped out of the minotaur corpse, and then pulled a horse apart, and then drank it's blood, right? Ken (GM): heyo? oh yeah Brothermanhyll: The minotaur was mangled and the horse is a pile of bones Ken (GM): Ulm has an ally,. and used blood sacrifice to bump up his frequency of appearance roll Joush M.: On the bright side, nobody hit Horsa. We still have someone pretty Ken (GM): the spirits are fickle, but like blood Bomrek: Bomrek's beard is very pretty Ken (GM): but not Gray-pretty Brothermanhyll: I didn't actually know i could do that, i just assumed that doing it would get me good rep Ken (GM): its a special kind of pretty Joush M.: That's true. When the blood deamon eats Bomrek we will keep his beard in a glass case Bomrek: I was surprised too. Brothermanhyll: Well now i know that i can sway the results with mad sacrifices Ken (GM): hyll: you essentially are rolling an approval roll; sacrifice adds to it Brothermanhyll: Good to know This means we need a cage for live prisoners Ken (GM): hahahah Bomrek: Or shackles. Ken (GM): you guys have a one-legged prisoner; hes gonna need a cart Bomrek: Or get really good at making them too lame to fight back or escape. Please, we'll be interrogating him rightt here. Maybe up on that rock, infact. Brothermanhyll: We can then take him and use him as a vessel Ken (GM): and by "interrogate" you mean"murder slowly while talking" Bomrek: Basically Brothermanhyll: Oh god i'm getting deja vu Ken (GM): poor horsa; I think we destroyed his boyish sensibilities Bomrek: He's never really seen proper battle before, has he? Ken (GM): hes up on the rock, looking wistfully at greyhold, thinking of home... Brothermanhyll: thikngen of blood y u sad Bomrek: Wondering how much his daddy will have to pay to get him out of a desertion charge. Ken (GM): lol I doubt hes ever seen a ALL CAPSLOCK DEMON ALL CAPS LOCK ACTIONS ALL THE TIME Bomrek: Bomrek's going to lay stake to that case the crystal ball came in, assuming Ulm takes it and just keeps it on his person. Ken (GM): (all the tiiiime) Bomrek: Oughta sell alright. Brothermanhyll: I think i'm gonna keep it because it holds a fuckhueg something Ken (GM): hank hill voice "fine ma-hogany" Brothermanhyll: Not giving it to dorfs Ken (GM): the ball is like, a billiard ball sized thing. big enough for a man to fist; orge trinket Joush M.: No driveing it into your forhead Diablo style Ken (GM): [omfg; I'm glazing a ham right now. it is so tender its disintegrating in the BEST WAY] Bomrek: Is that all? Yeah, Bomrek's definitely interested in it. Valuable / sellable / small enough to transport Bake some rolls and make tiny ham sandwiches, it's the best thing to do with the scraps. Ken (GM): "my pipe could fit in here! and my beard-brish!" Bomrek: Yup, not wrong. Ken (GM): so good game? people seem to have scattered to the winds... Brothermanhyll: Good game because i got to show my TRUE POWER Ken (GM): WITNESS ME Brothermanhyll: VADE RETRO SATANAS Bomrek: Uh huh, though I was tired and what not through all of it which was a problem on my end I'll rectify next time. I should've shot that wizard Ken (GM): LESS VIOLENT SEX MORE LSEEP Bomrek: I assumed he was casting a cloud of bees at us or something, though. Would've been nice to have a wizard to interrogate. Ken (GM): "a hole of blackness, like a tear in the world" you thought that was bees? wtf kind of bees do yo live with?! Bomrek: Dark-Magic bees, spooky'. Ken (GM): ah. okay then; ima go make mashed taters to appease the wife night! have I missed much? :P P.P. A.: Thrilled anticipation Ken (GM): sorry im late; baby wraangling anyone else been able to get online for the impromptu saturday? Joush M.: Naw, just us Ken (GM): well, it was pretty halfhearted rescheduling; I got work finally! Joush M.: I heard that. How's that going? P.P. A.: yeah, if you only look at the thread it isn't clear yet if we actually settled on a time Ken (GM): it's good; I'm gonna need to commute in town a touch but its mostly avoiding known bad traffic at peak. god forbid we can run next weekend with more certainty :P how are you guys doin otherwise? Any mad science plans? P.P. A.: playing Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth, which finally arrived after I waited around a month and a half for it (thanks customs) Ken (GM): dang; PSVITA, Digimon title, more than 3 followup tags on the title. Must be very niche and very fun? P.P. A.: Not that niche (well, within its given niche). Pretty fun though, and really polished. Bamco realised that there's no kids left that still care about Digimon, so they're beginning to market towards older fans of the franchise instead (wise decision). CS is their flagship title atm. Joush M.: I'm doing okay. We will figure something out time wise. Ken (GM): I'd hate to abandon the game :( I really wanna make a time that works for us all P.P. A.: it did sound like most people were okay with Saturday, they just didn't have enopugh time to confirm Ken (GM): yeah; I got the job offer/confirmation thursday i found gandalf and hyll! thats what, 2/3rds? :P Joush M.: 4 out of 6, right? So yeah. Weird to reduce at that point Ken (GM): [so many players, blessing and curse, and entirely my doing] hmm, just discussing it with hyll; he might have to drop, no weekend time regularly available for him P.P. A.: It's worked out nicely so far oh :( Ken (GM): yeah he's already got two games regular like, on those days hokay; i spoke too soon looks like Hyll will be bowing out Ulm; he's booked up for his weekends. I'm gonna call it for this week at least; let us all iron out the game schedule for sure for next week at least Joush M.: Ahh, that's too bad. Ulm's fucking wierd. too bad we won't know what his story was Ken (GM): I'll have him kick about at least; no sense in throwing him into "the bottomless pit of bad scheduling" just yet. Considering last sessions roleplay it makes perfect sense for him to wander astray/be uninvited for his demon worship okay, so, take 1xp each of you two for being awesome and being online/ingame when I wasnt :P spend it on something flavorful! P.P. A.: :V well at leats it works out that it's him The recent thing with the blood demon gives our characters a good reason to part ways with him Joush M.: I'll pick a vaugely obscen perk Gandalf G.: ayo P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): wakka wakka Adolph will be inwhen he can; he had a long drive to do today and might be late Joush M.: Gotcha Ken (GM): sorry again for getting a job and fucking up our gaming schedule :/ at least the job is great! Adolf S.: ayy Ken (GM): yay! its an adolph! P.P. A.: oy vey Adolf S.: Watashi no namae wa hotdog des Ken (GM): quid dicis de hotdog irrumabo Joush M.: Good for you on the game. Adolf S.: Eh, Je suis un hotdog. Joush M.: Uh, Job that is Adolf S.: Oh, new job! How's that goin' Ken? Ken (GM): It's great; nice middling sized company. the IT is no more complicated than office 2013 and making sure people have shared drives mapped correctly or explaining to a guy how his vpn connection works I took apart something like, 30 harddrives by hand, to fill time this week Adolf S.: >to fill time As in, you had nothing else to do? Ken (GM): I am now the proud owner of a toolbox marked "Warning: Extreme magnetic fields" Adolf S.: My Dream Job~~ Man, all I got from my last job was free box cutters, a hat, and what amounts to a layer of poison on the soles of my shoes. Joush M.: Don't worry. Soon enough you will have to explain to people why you can't tell them their password is when they've forgotten it Ken (GM): classic IT so, where the shit is stellers? P.P. A.: >12345 Ken (GM): >implying that hasnt been done more than "Password1" and "Password2" P.P. A.: Ken (GM): STEEEEEEEELLEEEERRRRRRRRRS He gets as long as a pee break, then we just NPC him [so many NPCs T-T] Adolf S.: Oh boy. I actually have to go afk for 15 minutes. Pardon me. After that I should be good though. Gandalf G.: this could work out why not give stellers that 15 minutes to show and then we can kick off Ken (GM): yeaaaaaaahkay you with your sense making and all (rechecking my notes) -One-legged prisoner Ibixian, tied up -found the Speaking Stone, checked it out between the mages -nobody died horribly, but gandalf's dude is down 99% of his FP, needs a rest Ken (GM): I miss anything major? Joush M.: So I was considering what to get Gray. Resistant To Disease (+8) seems like a flavorful option but if you want the danger of getting sick to be a big part of the game then it might not be a good fit Gandalf G.: as I recall I was 1 point from being winded yup 6/18 Adolf S.: Aannnnd back. Gandalf G.: ayy P.P. A.: RIP stellers Gandalf G.: anyone got him on skype or something could have forgotten cos the time changed Ken (GM): I dont; he's only ever emailed me :/ Gray could pick up resistant(disease), definitely. :D not to reveal anything to critical, but yes, disease is a possibility Adolf S.: Man, so much has happened in my life in the last buncha days. Remind me, exactly how long ago did we last play? Att his point I'm not sure if it's been a week, or two whole weeks. P.P. A.: two weeks ago Adolf S.: Mmm. Gandalf G.: a week and a bit, really Ken (GM): yeah week and a bit Joush M.: Humm, Gotcha. Yeah, it's been a while Ken (GM): there was the actual session where you guys got ambushed by the beqastmen. Weird wizard booked it but you guys shot a minotaur and some ibixians. You recoverd the stone, cleaned up the one survivor. Aachen lost his horse to the demon blood...shit was cray Gandalf G.: and I spent the fight playing Platoon with a horse Ken (GM): hahaha yeah "DONT DIE ON ME JIMMY" "NEIGH" Gandalf G.: "YOU'VE NEVER GIVEN UP ON ANYTHING IN YOUR WHOLE DAMN LIFE, DONT GIVE UP ON ME NOW" Ken (GM): "NEIGH" Gandalf G.: anyway, we good to start? Ken (GM): I think so yeah Ken (GM) LIKE, YOU SHOULDA BEEN THERE MAN. IT WAS BALLER Adolf S.: I believe Bomrek got done poking around the disgusting non-person camp, found one of the seven dragon balls, and gave it to the wizards to poke at, yeah? Bomrek: So, Bomrek hears what they have to say (said, I suppose) about it, and then goes back to poking around the camp. Anything else around? Ken (GM): yes, you had also found various living accoutrements; some game strung up near the fire from last nights cook. bits of trinkety belongings. most striking was the rich mahoganey box though (Mahogeney? Mahoginny?) P.P. A.: mahogany Ken (GM): noice Joush M.: Gray was watching for trouble while horses screamed, a deamon watched them and they got rained on, I think. Ken (GM): The camp is otherwise empty. You note, that it seems lightly equipped. Implying that this is a forward scout's position and most likely supplied from somewhere else Bomrek: Do the trinkets in any way compare to the quality of dwarven works? If not, Bomrek smashes them under his boot as he walks along. Suðri Skornbrekker is done cleaning his musket and all that Ken (GM): nooo; baubles and bits of brass, Bone carvings, small totems of strange humanoid figures. Tufts of hair(fur?) bound in small strings. A small clay jug of (maybe) alcohol Falkirk: "We should rest, the horses need it too. We dont have much time to waste." P.P. A.: Where did the blood.demon go on the map? Bomrek: Disgusting filth, truly. "Aye, aye.. I could use a sit down after that I suppose. I'm reminded of that old saying, "Where there's one rat, there's also 20. So where are the other 20 rats?" Gray settles his mask across rough features and finds little worth consideration among the tents, looking around the dark place then back to the older man. The brute nods to him and goes to tend the horses, brushing them down and at least cleaning the blood off them. Ken (GM): ppa: west-ish; hes hanging out perched in a tree, staring at you all Falkirk: "I think, master dwarf, it's perfectly possible for there to be a single rat." P.P. A.: ah Suðri Skornbrekker keeps an uneasy eye on the bloodcurling blood demon Ken (GM): Ulm chimes in "But a rat will have a nest, even when sneaking from the dark places. I fear the Runis may be infested" Ulm continues "But I am not a ratcatcher, and I have misstepped in your deeds. I am a soothsayer and one of the voices of the fates, but my path only crossed yours here" Bomrek: "Bah, these vile creatures weren't here for a fishing trip, Doctor. There was intent here. There are likely more, somewhere." he sits on a log and calmly starts packing his pipe. Ken (GM): "I shall not be the undoing of your great works. My minions and I will guard the highways, speak with the Scorned who still must flee" Falkirk: "So you're saying this is where we part ways?" Gray works his jaw and looks to Ulm with undisguised mistrust and odium a moment, the beast then shakeing his head and examining hooves a moment. Ken (GM): "yes, this is where we shall go on our journeys alone. Seek me out, and I shall provide sweet honey and a warm fire" Bomrek: "Farewell then, Beastman." Bomrek gives him a quick nod and a wave. Ken (GM): Ulm clals back to your group as he rides out of the thicket "Be warned, son of Man, the Speaking Stone is a powerful tool! A sharp blade in the hands of blood!" Falkirk: "Aye. You've done well by us, beast. Safe travels." Ken (GM): [exit Ulm, stage left] Suðri Skornbrekker can't say he's unhappy having to part ways with the weirdo and his hellish horrors, but doesn't want to see him off with scorn either, no need to make enemies. Falkirk: [pursued by bear] Ken (GM): [bear pursued by demons] [no more bear] [so, other than a rest, Next step for the troupe?] Bomrek: Bomrek's posture relaxes and he shrinks about a half inch as the beastman rides away. "Not sad to see that devil creature gone, I must say." What time is it, Ken Falkirk: "He was skilled in his craft. Worthy of respect, even if not a civilized creature." Falkirk nods thoughtfully, scratching his beard Bomrek: Oh, Bomrek is referring to the literal devil creature, incidentally. Suðri Skornbrekker: “At least he took his blood-sucking demons with him, if that's the only thing they suck out of a being,” Suðri comments and shakes his head. Ken (GM): ingame, it is a rainy midmorning. Overcast and gray, big wet drop falling everywhere Falkirk: I'm happy to skip ahead 20 minutes if everyone else is Ken (GM): Falkirk: short rest, get the injured horse vertical again P.P. A.: (actually referring to the soul but I guess that works too) Ken (GM): right, you popped it up to about 9 of 20 HP and every 10 minutes resting gives you a FP back Falkirk: we rolling the standard 1FP for 10 mins? yeah cool dw, keeping tabs on it Bomrek: Rain drops keep fallin' on my head, somethin-something somethin-something something-ed. Ken (GM): ~throw in a hot lunch and you can have another~ Falkirk: Sounds like a plan Bomrek: Rest, eat if it's late enough but I doubt it. Keep an eye out for further ambushes. Falkirk Sits on the log, eating some fire-toasted dried meat as he passes the time. (To Falkirk): You feel a nagging feeling. Something about the Stone keeps popping up into your mind. You cant put your finger on it, but it feels like youre forgetting something about it Gray fights the impulse to be impatient with the old man that has to rest, even as he appreciates just how much healing the horse required. The towering horned man looking to the others in the group quitely for a moment, then back outward to watch for danger as he waits for them to get back on the road. (To Gray): the Bloody demon has left, no longer on it's perch overlooking you all (To Bomrek): as well, you notice that the trail bear sno markers of such a large beast as the minotaur passing through. Tracks in the camp show his mighty hoofprints, but nothing leading out of camp farther than a shit in the woods Bomrek: "Ah, here's an idea" Bomrek sets his musket down where he was sitting, and goes over to the corpses. "We could leave a message for any others that come around. Something to put some fear in their steps, aye? Anyone object to taking the heads off and sticking them on sharpened sticks? Suðri Skornbrekker thinks for a moment. Suðri Skornbrekker: Good idea. Ken (GM) Aachen begins foraging sharp sticks Suðri Skornbrekker: Are the corpses diseased? Falkirk: "How very crude." Gray speaks in that deep voice. "Could send a different message by burying the dead." Bomrek: "Right, well some one else do the deed, my bayonet might work for stabbing, but a butcher's blade it is not." Ken (GM): "yet effective; the Beastmen are superstitious, and scare easily enough" retorts aachen "Would you preside over the funeral service, Gray? You a priest in your spare time?" Aachen spits sarcastically Bomrek: "And what message would that be? 'Don't worry, you'll be treated good by us if you fall in battle'? The more reason they have to fear us the better, I say." Suðri Skornbrekker looks for a thick branch or a young tree which one could starpen into a pole Bomrek: "Simple dwarven Wisdom, 'that." he runs his fingers through his beard, inspecting the area. Ken (GM) Suðri locates such a pole among the tents (To Falkirk): roll perception? Gray frowns as he turns to the elf. "I've spoken words over plenty of the dead, and buried them. I'm not a fucking savage.. It's a message lost on many." He tells the others, the brute scowling a moment, then nodding to Bomrek. "That's.. unsettleing. I wouden't have though even a sorcerer could do that." Ken (GM): Aachen takes note of that theory, Bomrek, and takes a look at the trails around you Falkirk: "I suppose there's no reason why it couldn't happen, especially considering he was able to disappear himself." Suðri Skornbrekker takes his bardiche and strikes for a clear cut at the neck of one of the corpses. Ken (GM): "There's no trail!" Aachen "Absolutely no trail through here! No broken branches, not even through the thicket. The sorcerer must have done some working here!" Ken (GM) SPLORCH Ken (GM): the Beastmans head cuts clean, and gushes ruddy red blood you see no signs of black infection in these corpses Suðri Skornbrekker then notes towards Grey: “I appreciate your respect for the fallen on either side, but this is not out of spite. Fear can be a more potent defense than any sturdy wall—if the enemy is scared enough, he won't even try to reach your walls.” Bomrek: "Damn, say, Doctor. Do you know anything of spells or magics that allow a person to disappear like that? Or it's limitations?" he says, taking a few steps towards Falkirk. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I see this as a forward line of defense that'll save us trouble and enemies down the road.” Falkirk: I'd like to roll to see if I do thaumaturgy? Ken (GM): please do! Rolling 3d6 = 11 v11 ayy Gray nods to the dwarf, anger subsiding and seeming to accept the reasoning, even if he doesn't like it. He sets the pikes for the dwarf's grim work among the dead, the work unpleasant, but not particularly hard. (To Falkirk): it is possible through many means, to breach the veil between worlds. The mage demonstrated his own with a focused use of likely a personal talent; a very controlled gate through to another realm, which he stepped through. He has a very good control over it, most likely, with the ease he opened and closed it. (To Falkirk): otherwise in general, breaching the ways is simple in principle, and dangerous in practice. Like jumping into a pool of water you cant see the edges of. It could be a bath, a lake, or a raging river Falkirk: "That was a mage with lot of experience in his art, I think." (To Falkirk): as well, if he is focusing his talents as well as he demonstrated there, he is likely using a powerful talisman to channel energies. Or using some other way of grounding his work. With portals like that, he probably has a 'home gate' he uses to focus his work, as a destination he can readily access (From Falkirk): Would this stone be possibly related to that? Gray digs in the rain with the dwarf, the work hard and muddy, nodding to Suori as they work. "What of the captive then?" (To Falkirk): AYYYY; Thats what you were trying to remember! Yes! This is very likely a powerful focus! Bomrek: "We should question him. Find out information about how they got here, firstly. It's almost more important than why they came here." (To Falkirk): Well, youve essentially stolen the keys to one of his cars. If he doesnt have it, he cant [do X], which is what he tuned his power to do with that focus. Just having it out of his grasp, youve done some damage to his repitoire Bomrek: "Aye, aye.. I have a feeling he won't be too happy to talk. Might have to pick up one of those poles and wave it at him a little, hehe." Bomrek laughs a little and keeps digging. So, I figure if the guy doesn't wake up, we throw'm on a horse and keep movin'? If he does, interrogation time. Ken (GM): allrighty; so you fellows go to work, hauling corpses about and making a nice shallow grave for the bodies. the camp gets kicked in, and thrown in the heap, and you have two spiked heads(so far. Minotaur body? whats your plans? Bomrek: Hm. The minotaur looks like it was torn to shit, right? Might as well leave that one there as is. Falkirk: "We should get back to the road." Ken (GM): gutted from the blast through it's torso, but otherwise intact. Just opened up violently Suðri Skornbrekker: “Not worth bothering. I suppose a dead minotaur is a decent deterrent even if not properly displayed.” Bomrek: That's pretty spooky in of itself, I figure. Ken (GM): hah, yeah, I agree Gray shakes his head in disapproval but offers no comment, thinking the task has already taken too much time. "Hopefuly they go in peace to whatever darkness waits for them. We should move again soon." Ken (GM): so, roughly 30 minutes, I'll say, working with the bodies and tending to things. The horses are okay, (minus Aachens), and the packs are all secure. nothing went astray that didnt get fixed with some work from Gray. Bomrek: Well I guess we pack up then. Bomrek looks back fondly at the dead horse, wishing there was a cart and a near by butchery. Cut down in it's prime... rib. Ken (GM): hah P.P. A.: heh Joush M.: Too bad we lacked the time to process it into rations. We could make our horses mean by feeding them nothing but cocaine and horse. Ken (GM): Aachen gets his old kit off his fallen mount, and rejiggers on the packhorse; he redistributes some of the weight of his bags amongst you, but he should be able to ride it Okay, if not very agile [joush, no cocaine horses] Bomrek: peyote horses Ken (GM): [you bad bad man] Falkirk: hueh Ken (GM): [map change! Overworld travel music~] Bomrek: ["We're off to kill the wizard, the horrible wizard of Gorgoth~"] Ken (GM): 'mage of Gorgoth' fits the timing better Bomrek: (t-that's a wizard of oz reference) Ken (GM): NERD :P AND SO THE RED X OF TRAVEL DID THUS MOVE ACCROSS THE WORLD MAP AND THE DOTTED LINE OF EVIL DREW EVER CLOSER Gray walks with the others, rangeing ahead with that relentless speed of his long limbs, waiting sometimes for the laiden horses and 'his' horse now carrying much of their supplies to balance the loads. The beast's shield across his back as he looks ahead, trying to get a look at the ruins that are their goal, ajusting his talbrid at the chill wind. He looks back with concern to Falkirk, trying to tell if the older human is holding up well in this grim weather. Bomrek: "Say, Elf, are we expected to meet anyone at the ruins? Some fellow soldiers of the king, maybe?" Joush M.: Surcoat, not talbrid.. wrong clothing Ken (GM): Your period-authentic clothing is soaking! "We're scouts, remeber Bomrek? I think they intended the Canons to be all we would need as reinforcements for the time being" "I doubt the Marshalls knew the extent the Beastmen were already incurring into the Reaches. They made a lot of decisions based on their maps, not their travels" Bomrek: "Paperwork, every soldier's enemy." Ken (GM): "The problem I see, is that the Men are all just sons of their fathers. The Kingdom is Marshalled by men without tested mettle! "he scoffs" The elves would be fine if their territory was breached, I'm sure. We still have some leaders who were there in the last war!" "Men are too young, too...thin blooded a species. They dont have the breadth of time. No experience. No ability beyond 'book learned studies' or 'theories' about the Beastmen" Falkirk: "We do what we can with what we have." "Some would say a long lifespan is cause for complacency." Ken (GM): Aachen look like he's kicked a puppy "I meant no offence, Master Falkirk, I simply mean...I am frustrated at the lack of control the Humans have on their Kingdom. " Falkirk doesn't make any obvious response, face hidden behind his hood. Ken (GM): "And you are too right; the Elven Empire is a torporous beast. Bomrek: "Bah, I heard tale in a tavern once of a traveler who went to the elf lands. Said that you aged just the same as men, but kept acting, pretending to be your forefathers. Something Horsa could respect I suppose." Gray considers that a moment. "I don't know if I have any opinion about that. We should come into sight of the ruins soon, shouldn't we?" His lips twich to a faint smile at Bomrek's suggestion that elven longjevity is playacting. Bomrek: "How can a man tell lies when he's had seven ales in him? A fine way to get the truth out of a guardsman, that much I know." Ken (GM): NPC-Horsa: YES; ACTING. THAT IS A THING I DO BEEP BOOP Suðri Skornbrekker looks in awe at the great statue, an d in shock at its disfigurement Bomrek: What kind of gore? Just what scale are we talking about anyway? The size of a minivan? The size of a city bus? the size of a house? Ken (GM): [map change! Bomrek: Neat Gray pauses to watch the statue a moment before looking around to watch for dangers with bright eyes, hunting around them as the statue gleams in the wet. Falkirk: "That's... unusual." Ken (GM) around the statue's base, you see small effigies of bones and worse, arranged encircling it. Each is a strange affront to the statue. Fearsome. Striking. Suðri Skornbrekker: “It is strange that the crown has not yet been plundered, isn't it?” Falkirk: "I dont think this was the work of bandits, master dwarf." Bomrek: "What's strange is that they keep the thing standing. I would think they would just tear it down if they wanted to dishonor it." How big is the crown, approximately? Something comparable to it in real life. Ken (GM): [It looks to be a few feet accross. Several hundred pounds of gold, or at least several pounds of gold leaf] Bomrek: Oh baby Ken (GM): [adjusting your tokens to fit the map; I dont know whay it doesnt do that automatically :P] Bomrek: Well shit, it's not like anybody's been here for a few decades. Gray scowls a touch as he gazes at the obscean plant and the strange effegies, considering a moment and drawing his sword, settling himself slowly and speaking in his rough voice. "I don't like this." Bomrek: ["Oh, that gold hat thing? Yeah idunno, it was gone when we got there"] I look at the plant. So it's... moving on it's own, slightly? Or is that just the wind? Falkirk: I'd like to see if I can recognise any of the weird and probably magical shit here what's the relevant skill? Ken (GM): The odd red plant has swaying fronds reching up, much like a cactus flower. The fronds wave back and forth, twisting about the plant, moving of their own volition." Bomrek: "I say we burn that plant, it looks demonic." Suðri Skornbrekker only now pays closer attention to the weird plant thing, his eyes having been affixed on the statue, and subsequently the other objects placed around it. Ken (GM): @falkirk: thaumatology please, for the raw magic understanding. You might have best results investigating it directly poking and prodding, I mean Falkirk hops off his horse, approaches the strange plant-like growth and produces a small knife from the sleeve of his robe Suðri Skornbrekker: “Sounds good to me, though my gut instinct tells me not to get too close to it. Perhaps we should remove these bones first, they might create some sort of magic circle that empowers it.” Suðri Skornbrekker has no idea how magic works, but figures that would be a magicky thing to do Ken (GM): around the far side of the brazier and plant, you also see the odd growth on the hillside, spilling out from what looks like arelatively recent unearthed ossuary Falkirk: "Well that's cause for concern." Ken (GM): the vinces seem to grow out of the earth from the bone pile, and have taken to growing in the Brazier direct Gray frowns and walks after the older man, watching to see if the man will be devoured by an evil plant. "That seems unwise." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Careful, doctor.” Ken (GM): the red rubbery vines go "squish" as if they were hoses filled with liquid. Suðri Skornbrekker dismounts and follows the doctor, weapon in hand. Ken (GM): The vine wiggles a bit in response Bomrek: "Doctor, use that fire potion of yours, nothing from this land is safe I'm sure." Falkirk: I'd like to try a thaumaturgy check to see if there's anything I can discern at this point Ken (GM): (horsa volunteers to watch the horses) P.P. A.: does poking something first give you a bonus to identifying it Falkirk: "Calm yourselves, we'll find out exactly what this is before rash decisions." P.P. A.: I think it should! (To Falkirk): You suspect this plant is otherworldly, or not a plant at all; when you touched it, you can feel a pulse of magic. A strong aura of ... something alive. Not just growing, but possibly sentient Ken (GM): nice roll Falkirk begins speaking, addressing the fleshy mesh in one language after another. Falkirk: "Do you understand language, fleshy creature?" Bomrek: Bomrek's expression changes dramatically, to angry confusion. Suðri Skornbrekker 's reaction to seeing someone speak in tongues to a plant is similar, though perhaps more subdued. Bomrek: Bomrek has his musket in hand in general, but puts out his two-pound weight gun powder barrel on the ground near his feet. Suðri Skornbrekker can't get that upset about it after seeing a demon suck the blood and possibly soul out of a horse just recently. Ken (GM): Ken (GM) the plant doesnt seem to react. Rain falls, bouncing off the rubbery hide of the tentacle growths. Gurgles of fluid travel about the veiny protrusions. Not much happens Falkirk: "Worth a try." Falkirk raises a robed arm, beckoning the others not to do anything rash. Suðri Skornbrekker: “If you say so,” Suthri comments cheekily. Ken (GM) it drips with a wet veneer of cherry-red fluid. The sickly smell of sugar and coppery tang of blood hit the air Suðri Skornbrekker: me immediately aims his musket at it Suðri Skornbrekker * Ken (GM): [point taken] Falkirk: "Seems somebody is indeed home." Suðri Skornbrekker: “You have my apologies, but now I doubt the wisdom of trying to speak to the plant for an entirely different reason.” Gray settles the shield and watches with a scowl on rough features, looking to the grim skull as rain drips from the blade in his hand. (From Falkirk): "We bear you no ill will and hope that you return this. Who are you?" Ken (GM): At the sound of the forbidden tongue, the head whips about to face falkirk! it Bomrek: the skull grins uh oh (To Falkirk): You are wise to wish to appease me MORTAL for I am He Who Grows, and I will feast upon your bones! Ken (GM): The Skull barks back in the gutteral tongue, his voice slithering and screeching along the notes Rolling 3d6 = 7 v11 (To Falkirk): This is most likely a demon, and while his specific name holds no historical meaning to you, the flowery prose and method of speech implies he is a powerful spirit residing in this mortal coil. He is most likely egotistical and demanding P.P. A.: Playing a low fantasy campaign is kind of satisfying, you get to have your characters actually react as you'd expect someone to, faced with horrors from out of this world Ken (GM): (Yeah, 4 shots, and each of the cannons got pre-loaded and packed watertight way back at the watchtower/weatherman) P.P. A.: ok, thanks (From Falkirk): "You're quite a majestic entity it must be said. I'm already feeling honoured to have had a chance at talking with you. We have an offering of flesh and bone, but I'd humbly like to request something of your knowledge as a small boon in return." Bomrek: >pre loaded and packed water tight Shit, what am I doing just standing around then. Bomrek goes to unpack that Suðri Skornbrekker replies, in Dwarvish too: “At least four... but none of them incendiary I'm afraid.” Ken (GM): The Skeletal visage continues to speak in shivering tones with Falkirk Falkirk continues to return the odd tongue (To Falkirk): "You are wise to ask before I extract my price, MORTAL. I am already weary of this stinking world; flesh and bone will sustain me, and I shall have it NOW. Ask your boon" Falkirk quickly turns to the group. Falkirk: "Fetch me the beastman, hurry it up." He turns to the skull and continues talking Suðri Skornbrekker: “Is this going to be another sacrifice? I've had enough of these for today.” Suðri goes to get him anyway, having faith in the doc. Bomrek: Bomrek grabs the beast man and drags him over to Falkirk, leaving his other job of untying the canon. Cannon* O-or Suori has it. (From Falkirk): There is a rot that plagues these lands, turns flesh to phlegm and leaves none behind it - I imagine your knowledge is only matched by your grandeur so you could surely part with such paltry trivia in exchange for this?" Ken (GM): The great skull rises up and shivers; it writhes and rattles, like a great snake Bomrek: Like a great rain-stick. (To Falkirk): WHat. Is . This?! P.P. A.: what king rules disneyland is it west of the elves' lands? (From Falkirk): "Aye, perhaps it is not to your taste. We'll simply take it out of your sight and continue on our journey. Your time has been appreciated." Ken (GM): "Uhh, flakirk, everything okay?" asks Aachen quielty Falkirk backs up more (From Falkirk): "We've paid your bargain, perhaps if it not to your tastes we could find something more suitable at a later date?" Falkirk looks distinctly concerned with this turn of events Suðri Skornbrekker: “Run!” Ken (GM): INITIATIVE! Gray swears with the passionate intensity of a man that expected this and is still pissed. Gray: Ken (GM): hahaha Rolling 1d6 = 1 WELP Bomrek: aw crap, got distracted, time to read what happened. Gray: That's 6 + 6 = 12 for Gray Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): and combat reflexes! +2 Gray! Gray: Ah, yeah. 14 Bomrek: welp Ken (GM): boourns falkirk is 7.75 aachen is a ... 10 Bomrek: Okay so mine is 1 + 5.5 + 1 Ken (GM): +2, not +1, you and Gray was all prepared and watchful like and last horsa Bomrek: So 8.5 Ken (GM): and it (rolling secretly GRAY! The beast is all snippy about something! WAT DO Falkirk: turn order isnt updated for me Bomrek: I'd like to mention that I did intend for the cannon to be back a ways, like I said. So.. maybe 3 hexes extended past the end of the map? Falkirk: is it just me P.P. A.: for me neither Bomrek: Samme. Ken (GM): mm, sorry; it looks good here Ive got Gray 14, Horsa 12, Aachen 10, Skornbrekker 10, Bomrek 8.5, falkir 7.75 and the beast somewhere in there Gray: Uhh.. Fuck. Gray will move some. Try to get over nearer the old man Ken (GM): kk; runnin to get into the fray Horsa! Ken (GM) Horsa yells out for the dwarves "Bomrek! Suthree! Help me kill this thing with your damned cannon!" Ken (GM): He draws his blade, and steps up to the canon Aachen! draws his sword, and leaps to interpose himself between the beast and Falkirk "YOU SHALL NOT HAVE HIS BLOOD TODAY!" Skornbrekker! Falkirk: "Aye, here's hoping you'll be buffer enough." Suðri Skornbrekker runs towards Bomerk with haste Ken (GM): (you callin achen tiny?! :P) Falkirk: elves Bomrek: oh man P.P. A.: ugh, not aligned to the grid Ken (GM): try now? P.P. A.: thanks Falkirk: oh also, did I regain any FP on the ride not sure if a horse ride is relaxed enough to count Ken (GM): yeah, you'd have +3 FP from the rest back there P.P. A.: (is this where the cannon is actually located?) Ken (GM): yeah, should be a token on the map? Bomrek: (Bomrek is like, three hexes back from where he is on the bo-) Oh, why's the cannon over htere. Huh. Ken (GM): lol P.P. A.: (in any case, my dorf is running to the other dorf and the cannon, wherever they are actually located Ken (GM): I was assuming it got pulle doff the horse, and then not dragged too far away from that Bomrek: Ah, I was intent on moving it a good bit further, but this is fine I suppose. Joush M.: how much dose the gun weigh? Ken (GM): as per Wall Gun, Low tech p93; 27.5 lbs Joush M.: Gray should use it as a musket Ken (GM): lulz you guys are in position with the gun you firing it? (forgiving moving your tokens around there) Bomrek: Oh, is it my turn? Because yes, after figuring out SM stuff, and maybe aiming. Ken (GM): aim would be good Bomrek: Right, well assuming it's my turn - Aim. What are the penalties and or bonuses to hit this thing, anyway? Ken (GM): cool; its a heavy gun, but mostly just awkward; its mean t to be mounted and you guys have it braced on the ground in its frame the beast is SM +2, really, you'll just need to contend with the 13M strength requirement on the gun BUT! you have aimed! the Beast goes! (got an 8 initiative) Bomrek: Wait, I'm holding the cannon? I thought we had this baby set up? Joush M.: when it's mounted you get to ignore Bulk and ST requirement, and it's braced. Gray really could just fire it as a handheld gun without penality, beyond that of carrying around an extra almost thirty pounds. It's braced in it's tripod/frame now Ken (GM): braced in its mount on the ground, yes. Your aiming, nudging it with your hands, minor adjustments Bomrek: Ah, right, right. Ken (GM): so the beast! it lunges for falkirk! frothinf red from its maw! Falkirk: oh boy Bomrek: Bomrek is scrambling to aim and make sure this shot counts, and says "We're going to need a bigger cannon" in Dwarvish as he sees THAT happen. Ken (GM): it's squelching vine of a body thrusts out of the pool and flower, forward, for falkirk! Ken (GM) splorch splorch splorch Ken (GM): Aachen interposes himself! well! yeah! sacrificial dodge! Ken (GM): in the 8's! Falkirk: oh lord so he's taking the hit for me? Ken (GM): direct int he right arm! Joush M.: Falkirk's getting our elf killed Ken (GM): bam! Falkirk: oh christ Ken (GM) red blood and red spittle mingle, as Aachen leaps to falkirks defense! He thrusts his arm in the maw of the beast, defleting the blow, but suffering a terrible bite! Ken (GM): Aachen screams, high and panicky! You can see bone, flakirk! *falkirk Falkirk: "What are you for? Get that cannon fired!" Ken (GM): He's still standing! and the arm isnt severed! Falkirk: Crippled? I can fix crippled maybe. Ken (GM): hoepfully! falkirks turn! Falkirk yanks a bottle of black, viscous liquid from his belt and swears in an obscure and ancient tongue Falkirk: and that's my turn (To Falkirk): fun! (To Falkirk): even if it's disaster, thats still fun Gray: Humm.. Move up and hit it with All Out Attack (Double) Ken (GM): cool! you get up to half move Gray: Bomrek: "Fire the Cannon Bomrek, fire the Cannon' Well I told you it takes time! You should have thrown your blasted fire bottle at the start like I said! No good comes from magic and beastmen!" Gray: Ken (GM): but you only got reach one, so you gotta be adjacent kk MURDER and remember, SM +2 Gray: Two hits then. Could have gone for deceptive or something Ken (GM): The beast attempts a dodge! Gray: Should have, ah well. Ken (GM): it wiggles shy of your first blow! second attack? Gray: Hit with 11 vs 17 Ken (GM): oh! math right, you rolled twice ther derp it fails to dodge your second blow1 choppy choppy Gray: Ken (GM): goddamn Gray: 10 CUT Ken (GM): Thwack! Falkirk: woah Ken (GM): yeah, so you hew into the massive thing, like wood it parts, and you deal 15 wounds to the beast! and it keeps on wriggling! Gray lunges forward, past the smaller writhing vines to strike at the thick stalk that writhes out of the way, then on the backstroke the blade catches it deeply, red ichor from the twiste plant released.. but he's left himself open for a counterattack. Ken (GM): Horsa! does nothing useful but look nervous with his sword in hand! mutter sormething about dwarven cannons aachen! screams! Bomrek: Oh, I'm intent on eventually shooting the bowl it's wriggling out of, by the way, if that wasn't clear. Ken (GM): and wiggles Joush M.: Nervous, but at least we will die looking at something pretty. Ken (GM): (sounds good bomrek) Aachens Wriggles actually free him! the maw drops his arm! it is streaked with two tones of red ichor! Skornbrekker! Falkirk: wew P.P. A.: Is there a way to assist in setting up the cannon to give Bomrek a bonus when firing it *aiming the cannon Ken (GM): assuming you take his lead? Yeah, you can grant a +1 bracing the thing with him. Beat a gunner; cannon roll? Adolf S.: >Suori doesn't even know the SPORT of dwarven cannonmanship How embarassing P.P. A.: Sec, gotta look up the default since I don't have it trained (gotta fix that) Bomrek: dx-4 I think? P.P. A.: Default: IQ-5. Artillery Bomrek: This would be gunner, since it's a straight shot Ken (GM): nope, Gunner Cannon; DX-4 Bomrek: and not just an arch shot related thing. Shooting a gun =/= as shooting a mortar, P.P. A.: yeah, dx-4 then Falkirk: mhm Bomrek: shooting a cannon directly at something =/= shooting a cannon super far and calculating archs and such. Basically. Falkirk: but you can use both skills for one weapon Bomrek: Yup. Falkirk: in the right circumstances Suðri Skornbrekker isn't very useful Ken (GM): I AM HALP Suðri Skornbrekker: Shouldn't negatively affect it unless it#s a critical fumble though, right? Ken (GM): you didnt fuck up too bad; +0 for bomrek! Suðri Skornbrekker is helping! Ken (GM): speak ing of which! P.P. A.: now I know where to put some of the XP I accumulated after this session Falkirk: mhm Ken (GM): Bomrek turn! Bomrek: My turn? Turn order isn't showing up for me still so I'm basically blind. Great. Ken (GM): do da shooty! Bomrek: What's the SM and distance stuff? For the .. what's the word. Fire-bowl dealy. Gray tries to resist going berserk in combat Rolling 3d6 = 13 Ken (GM): aiming on the brazier? Bomrek: Mmhm. Joush M.: Forgot to roll that before, sorry Bomrek: I figure something important to it is in there, but if not, I imagine it'll at least fuck it up somewhat. Ken (GM): 7 hexes away, SM +4, and it's not dodging Bomrek: Right. Any penalty fort hat hex distance? (To Gray): no worries, good on ya for rolling it Bomrek: Hm. Falkirk: wow wooooooooooooow Bomrek: I may have a chance.. may. P.P. A.: fug Bomrek: No, not so much. Ken (GM): yep, standard -3 distance penalty Bomrek: wait. Ken (GM): oh dear Bomrek: What was my aim benefit Ken (GM): lol Bomrek: or does this not count as that. Ken (GM): Acc +2 Joush M.: Did Bom just shoot our elf? Ken (GM): "maybe" P.P. A.: or the statue Falkirk: pretty sure that's a malf regardless Bomrek: So +4 for size, +2 for aim, -X amount for distance, with a skill of 13. Falkirk: like, critfail and target skill aside these cannons rarely have malf higher than 16 iirc assuming we're using malf rules that is Ken (GM): -3 for distance Joush M.: You killed mah gun! I was going to make it a pistol! Ken (GM): so you got 17 on a 16 roll Bomrek: At this point it'll be faster just to strip the other cannon out of it's box, than reload, I think. P.P. A.: yeah Falkirk: I wouldn't bother with cannons at this point Ken (GM): we need an unmodifeid 3d6 roll for malf, bomrek Bomrek: >wouldn't bother Eh. Ken (GM): yay! Bomrek: Depends how easy this thing is to kill. If it's as simple as shooting it's skull, yeah, but that might not mean jack shit. Ken (GM): the cannon goes "phunt" and farts its load. the gunpowder got wet(?) and it simply needs a repack! you didnt died! Joush M.: Makes sense. hard to get a wheellock working in the pissing rain Ken (GM): it will take a ready maneuver to diagnose/fix. Armory +2 or IQ based gun roll but now its the beasts turn! it rears back, and snaps at Gray! and bites! Gray cannot defend! Ken (GM): Gray! whats ya Torso DR again? Joush M.: Gray has 6 DR over the torso Ken (GM): noice so! youve been clamped down in it's maw! Ken (GM) chew chew chew Ken (GM): falkirk1 Joush M.: Ooh, you want to grapple do you? YOU ARE IN MY TOWN NOW, BITCH Ken (GM): crap, did we lose gandalf? ah, reconnecting? Falkirk: what a beautiful dewang (To Falkirk): poke poke P.P. A.: (tell me when it's my turn) Falkirk: oh, I'm up? okay Gray: Joush M.: Sorry, ignore that.. I was just checkign to see if that option works how I thought it did Falkirk: All-out attack with my flask to the base of this thing's stem what's the rangepen on that? Ken (GM): 7 hexes/ -3 BUT Falkirk: oy vey Ken (GM): if you aim for a stationary target/ a hex, its treated as +4 to hit Falkirk: true Ken (GM): so aiming for not IT but the thing its in might be easier Falkirk: which is precisely what I'm doing Ken (GM): kk Gray snarls as the thing grasp and shakes him, holding it's attention and trusting the dwarves to handle this. They could leave, if they wanted. It's not as if a plant could chase them. But killing this thing seems a worth task. Falkirk: okay so that's a +2 modifier including +1 for all-out Ken (GM): so size/range combined gives a net +1, +1 for all out attack thorwing +2! Rolling 3d6 = 10 v13 Ken (GM): woo1 Falkirk: wewlad okay so Ken (GM): Falkirk: the numbers on alchemist's fire Ken (GM): flask breaks! Falkirk: 2yd radius of fire Ken (GM): hahah FUN Falkirk: 1d-1 burn in that radius Ken (GM): kk Falkirk: with 1d-3(5) burn on the target per second for 30 seconds Ken (GM): hahahsh fuck Falkirk shakes and hurls the bottle Ken (GM): gimme radius, then target, both apply Falkirk: "How's this for flesh and bone you overgrown graveyard!?" how do you mean? Ken (GM): roll us some damage my man! you damaged it! Falkirk: OH oh ok Ken (GM): lol Falkirk:3 2 Bomrek: Neat. Ken (GM): nice okay then! The brazier bursts to alchemical life and fire engulfs the base of the Beast's stem! It howls in pain and does not drop Gray! Gray1 you have been bit, it is latched on stubborn like, do the kill1 Gray! turn Joush M.: with the torso grappled my arms are free, but I'm at C and can't use the sword? Bomrek: Gray's strong isn't he? Might be able to pry some of that shit off him? Ken (GM): well, you can use the sword(only your torso is grabbed) but you can only hit reach 1 distance. so the body, but not its head. Also, -4 for it not being a C range weapon, used while youre grappled awkwardness penalty yeah, gray has a nice roll vs breaking free if it comes to that Falkirk: if you have a knife Joush M.: Well Gray has one C weapon readied. Bite for the neck. What are my modifers on that? Falkirk: now would be a good time to drop and draw Ken (GM): nice Falkirk: a bite works too Joush M.: Knives are for people without RAZOR SHARP FANGS Ken (GM): hahah hit location is normal, but i'll throw a +1 to hit for that being firggin awesome (and for logical reach/placement) and dont forget, it's SM+2, so bonus to hit there too Gray: Hit! Ken (GM): yay! it attempts to wriggle out of the way, but penalties no dodge! you have bit! 1d+1 imp! yikes! Gray: Ken (GM): (do not fuck with gray) you bite back! sinking your fangs and tearing a chunk; its a bit like biting hard rubber Joush M.: The scary part is he can grapple normal sized people with his fangs and drag them off like a mountan lion with a deer. Ken (GM): red ichor splashes your mouth roll HT Bomrek: Saw this coming, don't bite into something made of magic Rolling 3d6 = 12 Ken (GM): boo; thats all sorts of pass no fun allowed Joush M.: Possible modifiers are +1 for Fit, +8 for Resistant to Disease, -? for You Seriously Bit The Graveyard Plant Monster (To Gray): All sorts of passed. Good job :) Ken (GM): Aachen! "OH god my arm oh jeez i use that arm!~~~" Skornbrekker! Bomrek: Unpack my man! Unpack! Suðri Skornbrekker does just that P.P. A.: How many rounds will that take? Ken (GM): cool, you step around the horse and haul on the straps to the next box. With a yank, Aachens pack-ties release the box only a ready action you has a box (1 round for open box, 1 round for ready gun/point at enemy) Suðri Skornbrekker carries the box over there (if there's still time) and dumps it Bomrek: I'd like to make my turn into a "unpack this shit" turn, if that's possible. Ken (GM): kk not enough to move too much there but bomrek shows up and helps! P.P. A.: good enough Ken (GM): the box delatches, and opens! theres a cannon in there! the beast! it picks up gray! Joush M.: I'm getting eaten over here and the dwarves are makeing an unboxing video Ken (GM): and laughs! as it retreats into the burning brazier! gray! an opposed grapple? Gray: Ken (GM): your choice of ST, grappling or escape Bomrek: ["Kinda shoddy honestly, I expected more packing information and maybe some quality infographics. Oh, here's the user's manual, it's in spanish on this side as you can see"] Gray: That's uh.. 7 degrees of sucess on ST based grappleing Ken (GM): noice P.P. A.: [“Here's the free collector's card that comes with every cannon... Ooh, it's the rare ‘Bomrek Buster’ card, and it's the shiny variant too!”] Ken (GM): 11 from the beast, size difference included (your +1 vs his +2 = +1 for him here) the two of you get toasty in the fire it cackles Falkirks turn! Falkirk: so grey's in the skull's mouth, right? not being tentacle'd Ken (GM): grappled all fun-like! yep, just held by the mouth Gray gets dragged, lifted, pulled into the burning hell of the brazer filled with offal and fire. Burning sends a fission of fear the monster failed to inspire, it's one of the few things that forces him to heal nearly human slow. Ken (GM): which has retreated into the FIRE Falkirk: do I have LoS on said skull? Bomrek: Aw shit. Ken (GM): yes; but it is grappling Gray! Falkirk: hmm I'd only hit him on a miss though right? Ken (GM): one sec ugh "shooting into a grapple" fuck Falkirk: heheh Ken (GM): I know the modifier; I thnk its on the GM screen easily enough shit; fuckit call it -2 for now, ill look it up again some other time Falkirk: improv something meng okay Ken (GM): when im not holding us up but! wat do? Falkirk: okay actually I'm gonna go and make all that a waste of time Ken (GM): lol OF COURSE Falkirk: and just move Ken (GM): luls, go full force Falkirk: okay I'm good Ken (GM): BAM GRAY it is initiative count 0! youre in a fire! Falkirk turns to run, steering clear of the fleshy biomass Joush M.: For large area it's the average DR between your least armored non-eye location and torso, right? Ken (GM): falkirk! 1d-1 burning on him please! (and yeah, thats the DR rule for area effects) Falkirk:5 Ken (GM): whee! Falkirk: D: Bomrek: oh god. Gray: So.. I have 4 DR if you average Neck (2) and Torso (6) for 2 damage? Ken (GM): yep toasty! it is now your turn at top of order! Gray attempts to throw off the monster's grasp, snarling. [3d6] Gray: Ken (GM): nice! (From Falkirk): What would be the most likely outcome of me disturbing that there circle of skulls, do you think? Bomrek: "Oh god, it ate gray! And now it's going to eat us too!" Joush M.: 11 I think. I've got Weaseling at ST +1 for escaping grapple, ect from Power Grappleing. Bomrek: "Nooooooooooooo!" Ken (GM): ah right (To Falkirk): roll vs thaum! Ken (GM): you got a step, if You want it! gotcha Gray withdraws from the grasp after twisting away, roaring, fire licking at his huge body. There will be painful burns later, but he can endure this a moment. (To Falkirk): its part of the binding (which it looks like) you'll definitely be breaking up whatever working that was here. it might banish the beast. it might not, but odds are likely it will do SOMETHIGN Ken (GM): lol Aachen! retreats from the fire and such to accompany falkirk with his limp swordarm also, he droppe dhis sword Bomrek: For a second there I thought that was a snow cone with a prayer dcross in it. Ken (GM): SKORNBREKKER (lol, stupid auto adjusted art) unpacking? setting up canon with Bomrek? Suðri Skornbrekker unpacks the cannon and helps set it up indeed Ken (GM): woot woot Bomrek: Well, suori took the cannon off the thing, I unpacked it, I guess now we set it up? Either that or aim. Ken (GM): pick a Hex? Bomrek: Depends what step we're on. yeah, right about there. Ken (GM): cool; it is setup, and pointed, and now Aiming! ze beast! Bomrek: +2 baby. (To Falkirk): "Ima eat ya bones!" in infernal Ken (GM): bony tentacles burst from it's body, and thrust out , dripping with flaming gore REEEEEEEE Falkirk! Falkirk continues running, breaking into a sprint Bomrek: ["REEEEEEEEEEEE DWARVES GET OOOUUUUTTT"] Ken (GM): initiative 0! fire damage from falkirk! Bomrek: Can we actually see Gray? Or is the thing above his head? Joush M.: This is fine. I'm okay with events are unfolding currently. Falkirk:12 Ken (GM): (Gray is visible, burning and hot Falkirk: oh shit no Ken (GM): lol Falkirk:1 dont worry guys Ken (GM): right gray is undamaged, the beast burns more gray! back to you! it has flaily arms now! Gray knows that even with his toughness and armor he won't survive long in the flames, and so retreats.. Ken (GM): [zoidberg noises] Joush M.: 2 move per hex for the bowl and then clear? Ken (GM): sounds good Gray drops down from the bowl and staggers back, then slaps the fire out on his arm, turning to hold off the monster, between it and the dwarves that prepare the heavy gun. Ken (GM): The horses dont deal well with the demonic screaming, and Horsa apends his turn keeping his from bolting Aachen accompanies Falkirk Skornbrekker! P.P. A.: Hm, the cannon is unpacked and loaded already Bomrek: I'm already aiming it actually. Ken (GM): save the horses? P.P. A.: Guess I'll do that another attempt to help aim it with a target of 8 wouldn't be very useful Ken (GM): cool; two of them in immediate reach, theyre kinda panicked, but do well to simply be reigned in BOMREK SHOOT THE SHOOT Falkirk: inb4 critfail :3c Ken (GM): lulz Bomrek: I do one'a those determined wassit calleds, for +1 Ken (GM): kk acc +2 Bomrek: Also it's +2 for aiming.. +1 for that determined wassit... what was the SM again? and then range penalty. Ken (GM): distance is -2 form here, SM +4 for brazier +5 total! Bomrek: spookt' Ken (GM): BOOM THE BRAZIER FAILS TO DODGE Bomrek: Yup, that's a success. 13 gunner skill, too good. h-hhow do I even roll dodge for this beast, anyway? Ken (GM): 5d+1 pi++ please! Bomrek: oh man. Falkirk: 44 injury holy shit Ken (GM): lol fug Bomrek: "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" KABOOM Ken (GM): THE BRAZIER SHATTERS, throwing fire and boiling blood in all directions! Joush M.: If that gets on me I'm killing all of you Ken (GM): the Beast's Keening wail reaches a fever pitch and keens up into the most painful of registers Bomrek: "Hahahaha! Take that you potted plant!" Ken (GM): the rubbery mass of tentacles and beast burn and froth, writhing an wriggling in the fire Bomrek: Shit, Bomrek takes his musket and puts two shots into the thing at this point, too. Ken (GM): haha NEXT TURN MAYBE Bomrek: Oh, it's not dead? Fuck. Ken (GM): ITS THE BEASTS GO Gray snarls at the scream digs into his sensitive ears, a spike of pain from the sound as the monster flails there. Ken (GM): REEEEEEEEE Bomrek: More like EEEEEEEEEEE for everybody's ears but Bomrek's. Suðri Skornbrekker wishes this thing would finally die already Bomrek: Enjoy Tinitus forever, courtesy of the Royal Dwarven Cannon Works. Ken (GM): ITS COMING FOR YOOUUUUUUUU hiss flop wiggle Bomrek: Quick, Gray, jump into it's mouth! Ken (GM): falkirkio! Falkirk: I'd like to make a move-and-attack Bomrek: More fire bombs Falkirk: to punt one of those skulls Bomrek: It's Ireland up in this bitch Falkirk: and also cast my contact acid spell Ken (GM): okay then so move up, splash skull with magic corrosion? Falkirk: I've got two versions Ken (GM): oh right, slap with the hand kk Falkirk: I want to use the stronger close-quarter one I only have the reach to kick it Ken (GM): ah, okay Falkirk: but it shooould still be castable since I'd be making contact Ken (GM): GM agrees Falkirk: okay Ken (GM): do the kick! Falkirk: I'll burn an FP to remove the penalty for move-and-attack iirc it's +6 for attacking something immobile you can confirm/deny that Ken (GM): extra effort? Falkirk: yeah you can extra-effort for move and attacks to buy off the penalty and it it's a skull so like -5 size modifier? Ken (GM): yeah, burn the Fp, based on the Martial arts options, makes sense youre flailing hard, hitting an immobile target, frantically high kicking acid so SM cancells out +0 (its a big effigy) rollio? Falkirk: so +6 total modifier then? Rolling 3d6 = 15 v14 wow thanks dice you dicks Ken (GM): DIIIICKS but! fire damage vs the beast (it has tentacle entrails in the fire still Falkirk:2 Ken (GM): woo gray! Bomrek: "Doctor, now would be a good time for more fire!" Rolling 3d6 = 5 Ken (GM): swordo choppo! Joush M.: Hey, is that a crit with skill level 15? Ken (GM): hells ye sit is! and the beast FAILS to critically doge out the way Gray: P.P. A.: good thing it isn't 11 again Ken (GM): nice, also, 3d6 raw for effect! Gray: Ken (GM): always! with the normal damage onlys! but thats still 10 cutting, 15 wounds! it goes REE and swings its fearsome maw to look at gray (hint hint, wink wink) HAVE AT THEEE Horsa, charges Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker: “Sounds like a good id—” Ken (GM): and shanks! and hits, dodge fails! 5 impaling! thunk! Ken (GM): Aachen follows falkirk takes falkirks lead, tried a flailing kick almost pulls his groin! but manages to bask the bones! Falkirk: it's like the under-12s football league up here Ken (GM): bashed! skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker: “Oh whatever, if there are too many of us it can't devour us all.” Bomrek: "Kill it!" Suðri Skornbrekker slashes, too P.P. A.: (oh wait, I have range, I don#t need to kmove that far Ken (GM): right, long thing P.P. A.: sec Bomrek: How high up is this thing's skull head, anyway? P.P. A.: Ah, so skill-4 except 9 because it mstn't be above 9 do I get a bonus for the size though? Ken (GM): you get +2 to hit him, and yes, you can reach all his bits Suðri Skornbrekker aims for the head then Ken (GM): burn a FP, and you can ignore the wild swing bit and roll like a normal person just like falkirk and Aachen did Suðri Skornbrekker does just that, putting it all into a mighty, controlled swing at its head Rolling 3d6 = 8 v14+2 Ken (GM): yeah it attempts to wriggle out the way fails to do so! (why do I even roll dodge :P) Suðri Skornbrekker: rolling 1d+2+3 1 Ken (GM): lol P.P. A.: er fug, forgot the 6 again > Ken (GM): hah, yay! P.P. A.: cutting damage Ken (GM): cut cut! Bomrek: woo Ken (GM): chop chop you hew a chunk, and it goes REE bomreka! Bomrek: Hm. Can I hit the head without issue of risk of hitting my companions? Or is it not tall enough for that? Ken (GM): yep, you can Line of Sight to the face, no worries Falkirk: main advantage of dwarves the other being that they're stackable Bomrek: Wew. Okay, what's penalty to hit when combined with SM at this range? Ken (GM): -2 range, +2 SM, -5 for face (or -7 for skull/brains) Bomrek: Hm. I could shoot now, or i could aim.. Then again I have another shot, so I think I'll just fire. Er, does this thing.. have vitals? Ken (GM): probably not a heart/lung/liver. not a humanoid shaped torso Bomrek: I guess I aim for the head then and give it a try. Firing, Wew, That... is a failure by 1. Ken (GM): "torso" hit! Bomrek: Think that switches it to something else, non? woo Ken (GM): and it failed to dodge! so yeah, normal damage, torso hit location Bomrek: ER That should be +1 Ken (GM): kk Bomrek: So 12 pi++ Ken (GM): 12 hahah it goes WHUMP into the rubbery vine-lump of torso the beast responds (To Falkirk): You shall not fell the mighty tree theat is he who groooows!" Bomrek: You too pal! Turn end\ Ken (GM): He swings a tentacle arm at gray! (To Gray): poke poke Joush M.: Sorry, back! Gray: Ken (GM): NICE FUCKIN CRIT Gray: Yep, that's some defending right there/ Ken (GM): lol Falkirk: nice Bomrek: ayy, should I be a responsible adult or a piece of shit? Damn tough choice. Falkirk: that turns his attack into a critfail Gray swings the shield hard into the tentacle, driving it back with a snarl. Bomrek: I think responsible adult - I'm going to have to leave here. Are yall' going to continue? Because once I leave, I'll be back in about ... 45 - 60 - 75 minutes, aprox. Falkirk: I think it's about to end man P.P. A.: I'll probably be on my way to bed by then clock's gonna be set back tonight so I have to get up early tomorrow in order to be able to get up at the usual time :DDD DST a shit Ken (GM): no worries; the Beast kinks a tentacle trying to lash you , and flails in frustration otherwise so ! 4 XP each! and then next week, in media res back to the combat! Falkirk: sure thing Bomrek: Woo! P.P. A.: \o/ Bomrek: I should invest that in shooting Ken (GM): lol Bomrek: would've allowed me to ace that headshot. Falkirk: woop woop healing magic level Ken (GM): and if anyone sees stellers, thwack him? Ill send an email but I didnt get any indicators he would miss today :/ Falkirk: throw him one now Joush M.: Thanks man, good game Ken (GM): wilkome n Gandalf G.: I have no idea when we're starting today so I'm just going to leave the chat open until it starts making noises oh wait do we play sundays Ken (GM): BEEP BOOP Ayyy, its PPaaaaaa P.P. A.: Howdy Ken (GM): whatup G? P.P. A.: Pretty tired, took a first aid course (mandatory for getting a driver's license here) which took up most of the day Gandalf G.: its making noise Ken (GM): hmm; learned how to un-kill peeps? P.P. A.: where I also found myself translating things (into English) for a Hondurean couple who couldn't into German Ken (GM): hahah P.P. A.: yes Ken (GM): oh fun lots of retention then, as yu re-read it twice and a half Gandalf! Muh G! whazzap P.P. A.: er, not translating, interpreting Gandalf G.: not much man yo there's no time up on roll20 for the game when do we start? Ken (GM): the usual; my bad for not having it up :/ Just noticed like, an hour ago Gandalf G.: it's cool, I've become reliant on it when is the usual? 15 mins from now? Ken (GM): yus fingers crossed, stellersJay comes by. I havent heard from him, emailed him twice this week with no reply SO funny story; I work for a food distributor now. We make and sell Jerky, sausage, frozen chicken, etc. I came home friday with a box of chicken fingers, three kielbasas, and a box of slim-jims )(I am gonna die of heart failure Gandalf G.: heh well I'm living off pasta and canned baked beans until tuesday so I'm quietly envying you Ken (GM): delicious nutrients dont forget to lick the drywall for much needed calcium so, I feel like this could run a game by itself Gandalf G.: huh HUH Ken (GM): yeah man, i know and its delayed atm due to prometheus 2: elctric boogaloo Gandalf G.: delays are good delays mean more time to work on it Ken (GM): delays mean we havent thrown enough money and labor at the problem yet I WANT MY FAITHFUL REBOOT THEY MURDERED CHOSTBUSTERS; I WANT MY NOSTALGIA SATISFIED Gandalf G.: we are very significantly short of players Ken (GM): jeez where they all at? ima check skype Gandalf G.: adolf is adoffline Ken (GM): augh balls. i blame my inability to populate the some of the bitch Gandalf G.: could be related to DST that happened recently in murika right Ken (GM): ~handwiggle Gandalf G.: threw off some of my players Ken (GM): blargh of course, the two guys staying up to game are the two who end up showing :P sorry to have kept you boys up :/ P.P. A.: No worries, it's early evening here Gandalf G.: ^ P.P. A.: (and we switched to DST too one or two weekends ago so I'm back on schedule) Gandalf G.: you in Civilized Parts, PPA? P.P. A.: in the Sti--Civilised Parts, yeah *Still-Civilised soon-to-be Western Roman Empire II: Electric Boogaloo Gandalf G.: I'd say give it an hour, ken see if anyone shows then and maybe do some chasing during that hour Ken (GM): yeah. hail mary email time boop, sent mmmyep; pretty sure they aint showing up AT LEAST my toddler napped nicely down in no effort. sleeping soundly this whole time P.P. A.: congrats P.P. A. was told he was much less cooperative as a baby when it came to sleep Ken (GM): hah yeah, I have been blessed with a daughter a terrible as I was as a child. Days like this are one in a hundred okay; I'm gonna head out here. I got homebrew mead to rack, and cosplay to put together i will reschedule for next week. Gandalf G.: ok meng Ken (GM): bam, saved and doublechecked P.P. A.: see ya Gandalf G.: bonus XP for showing? :3c :3333333c Ken (GM): hahah take 1 each you horrible people you Gandalf G.: Adolf S.: ayy. I'm going to be afk for 10 minutes or a bit more, but I'm finally here. wew. Ken (GM): ayyyy Adolf S.: Aannnnd back. Lil' more than 10 minutes, there. Man, where is everybody. This is weird. Ken (GM): yeah :/ SPEAK OF ZE DEVIL Joush M.: Hey everyone, sorry about that How's it going? Ken (GM): quietly Adolf S.: Too quietly. Oddly quietly. Ken (GM): I know gandlaf is gonna be tardy; big protest or something going on in his town. He's attending but he's making an effort to appear i have standing orders for falkirk Adolf S.: Protest? About what? Ken (GM): dunno; he didnt say maybe something local AYYY ya didnt die Gandalf G.: yo the fuck is everybody? Ken (GM): my thoughts ezzactly stellersjay has been flaking, we know. But PPS? Adolf S.: Germans being late to something? Weird. Ken (GM): HAHAHAH classic Adolf S.: In Adolf News, California finally got my paperwork pushes through it's gaping orifaces, and I've now been able to legally get the job I should've had months ago. I'll probably be fine for the game, but we'll see if I get any weird schedule oddness from this. Ken (GM): woo! work! Always fun. Myself; I work for a Jerky company now I came home with abox of sausages Adolf S.: Woo, standing at attention and having to get back into shape Ken (GM): :D Adolf S.: Nice. I've never been one for jerky. Always wondered what the appeal was. Joush M.: It's chewy and salty.. Lots of people love on dried meat Ken (GM): its a western thing; very cowboy Adolf S.: Does it vary much? I remember coming out of a 12 hour shift, grueling physical stuff, and taking a bite off of a slimjim I bought at the store hours earlier I was starving, but it still tasted so bad I just spat it out the window as I drove home. Ken (GM): haha Joush M.: Slim jim is acutely a thin sassage product, like a pepperoni, not really jerky Ken (GM): was it in the sun all day? yeah, slim jims are ike dried sausages not a great comparison Adolf S.: Na, this was all through the night, winter hours. Mmm. Ken (GM): and by comparison, our jerky is to slim jims as what hot dogs are to steaks fathoms of difference Adolf S.: Nice. I shot slug rounds out of my 12 gauge for the first time ever. Turns out slug rounds ain't shit, and my high brass turkey loads were only a tiny bit under them in terms of recoil. Pal of mine said I'd be knocked on my ass, but na, pretty easy all in all. Joush M.: It's all about sholder weld. If you've got it in tight and properly settled recoil's fine.. unless you've got a heavy gun, then even then most 12 gauge won't be bad Ken (GM): my buddy has an old browning auto 5; barely any recoil on that beast and the slide will take your thumb off when loading Adolf S.: How much would you say it weighs? Also, Joush, what do you mean unless you've got a heavy gun? My experiences with my semi-new mossberg 930 would lead me to agree with you, but my vague understanding of recoil says that shouldn't be the case. There's something about shotguns, and about my pump specifically, that just ends up being really enjoyable. I sure as hell can't identify it in the moment, but overall it's very, very fun. Ken (GM): well, the browning weighs nearly 20 pounds; its all steel plates and oak furniture so its just DENSE and kicks so little compared to the shot in it Adolf S.: Oh, dang. Ken (GM): its massive ah, the wiki entry says 9lbs. Guess I just need to LIFT Joush M.: Recoil is moderated by the weight of a weapon. The heavier it is, the lighter the round is by comparasion so the less the round acclerates the gun Adolf S.: hah. Joush M.: The auto 5 is great though, it also kills recoil by the action. Those big friction rings slow it down Ken (GM): SO I might be convinced stellersjay has abandoned us for good Joush M.: Ah, that's too bad Ken (GM): he hasnt answered any emails in three weeks, and was very very quiet that last day he played Adolf S.: I'm only now getting to experience the annoyance of friction rings. Mine on my 930 come into contact with lead way more than I like, and I end up having to clean it off which is way more difficult than I thought. Ken (GM): anyone else with eyes on pps? Gandalf G.: nothing here meng who was he playing as he was dwarf #2 right Joush M.: Nope, sorry. And poor Adolf, that cleaning is a pain in the ass Adolf S.: How do I even do it? Bits of lead keep jamming up between the two rings, flattening out, and basically being impossible to remove. Ken (GM): lol, yeah, dwarf number 2 Adolf S.: Ballistol doesn't seem to cut the stuff. Gandalf G.: heheh I found myself in the russiatoday video Ken (GM): oh dear Adolf S.: Did you throw any molotovs? Gandalf G.: it was a chill protest most I did was shout at some cops and then run away when they tried kettling us Joush M.: It shouldn't be that filthy. I'm not sure though. Not super familiar with the 930. Make sure the assembly is right when you finish the next cleaning and try different ammo I guess? Good for you, Gandalf Gandalf G.: I am very tall I really stand out in this crowd I hadn't considered thiw this Joush M.: It's going to get you grabbed "take out the ringleader! The tall one!" Gandalf G.: they do that yo they're allowed to select 'people of interest' detain them drive them 2 miles away drop them off and take photos so you'll get picked out in future protests Ken (GM): fun! Joush M.: Damn man, that's just not right. Intimidateing people exersizeing the right to peacefully assemble and protest Ken (GM): well, its better than a truncheon to the head. Adolf S.: Yeah, the ammo I was using was basically cheapo target loads. I tried scraping it off with metal tools but got very little progress goin'. Think I might go grab some harsher cleaning chemicals and try to get it off that way. Ken (GM): im glad we still have ourselves a gandlaf Gandalf G.: they do that too, but they need an excuse Joush M.: Stay safe and good luck! It's a brave thing to stand out Adolf S.: >Right to peacefully assemble and protest D-do the british have that right, even? Ken (GM): right to assemply? i thought so *assembly Gandalf G.: british rights are odd cos we've got the idea of sovreign government meaning no laws can bind the governments that follow and the constitution is uncodified but generally yeah, we've got the right to peacefully assemble and protest but if it starts getting 2spooky, they'll start with the underhanded tactics Adolf S.: What was the protest even about? Joush M.: IIRC, British have the right to assembly and protest but it was only written into law in like, the late 90's. Gandalf G.: oh the PM got caught in tax avoidance in the panama leak Ken (GM): hahahah Adolf S.: wot Ken (GM): fuckin hell, the worlds gonna catch fire due to that leak Joush M.: Goddamn, everyone is getting caught up in the Panama Papers Ken (GM): icelands PM already resigned over it Adolf S.: I'm not even familiar with this, what is it? Ken (GM): and it vaguely implicates putin too Gandalf G.: snowden leaked a list of people involved in a panama offshore savings company IE a tax haven the icelandic PM had active savings in it and was forced to resign ours had sold his in 2010 buuuuuuut, he hadn't declared it as a PM, lied repeatedly about it when asked, and was pushing for 'closing tax loopholes' and also his entire party and cabinet are implicated Ken (GM): fuck me, the hack was snowden again? Adolf S.: >People surprised that politicians are lying cheats Literally how can anyone be shocked Gandalf G.: nobody is surprised except perhaps regarding the extent of it Joush M.: It wasn't Snowden, but Snowden dose approve Ken (GM): ah Joush M.: The guy that did this one should not try to get aslym in Russia.. Ken (GM): yeah the wiki entry says it was literally the moniker "john doe" thats so bent back its right around to funny again Gandalf G.: oh it wasnt? but yeah, snowden was hyping it Ken (GM): well, it seems stellersjay and pps are awol. and it look slike stellers is making this a habit gave them an HOUR, so signs of life :( thoughts? Joush M.: Article 11 of the Human Rights Act says Brits get to protest peacefully. It was only signed in after 1998 Oh! About the game Adolf S.: Kill'm all, kill their families, kill their friends. How DARE they. Joush M.: Yeah, I don't like loseing people like that Gandalf G.: we've got the UN and EU too main reason I really dont like the idea of leaving Joush M.: Hopefully PPS will come back around. Things happen though Ken (GM): fingers crosse dhe aint dead but yeah, hes been apologetic when late n such Joush M.: Do you want to try continueing with our compact group or rescedule for another time? Ken (GM): (big sigh) question of the day fuckit, lets soldier on here if we can Ken (GM) OUR HEORES BATTLE FOR THEIR LIVES IN THE FACE OF GREEN LIMBED DEATH AND DESTRUCTION Joush M.: IT ATE THE DWARF! Adolf S.: NOOOOOO Ken (GM): last round was, the demon had attempted an attack on Gray, got crit-shield'ed and broke a limb against his shield aborting its flurry of blows rathe rwell initiative steps to FALKIRK, master of humours (To Gandalf G.): poke poke Gandalf G.: oh sorry yeah Ken (GM): lol Gandalf G.: can we have the map pls Adolf S.: I had shot the cannon at this thing, right? Did it hit..? It did, right? Ken (GM): the shot had shattered the demon's vessel, spilling flaming blood in all directions. it scrambled right after you guys! lol map bam Gandalf G.: ah there we go okay so going to crouch, free action and reach out to touch that skull and acid it Ken (GM): the smashed one right by Gandalf? Gandalf G.: is that smashed? in that case, I move Ken (GM): oh! yes; Rubble on top now. I believe Aachen followed your lead and threw a leg into it kk Gandalf G.: and end (To Gray): poke poke Gandalf G.: yo gray Ken (GM): graaaaaay jouuuuuuuuush Gray: Sorry, yeah, I'm shere! Up and at it.. ah.. Going to slash at it again. Ken (GM): kk Gray: Ken (GM): remember, its SM+2! Gray: ahh, can I deceptive attack for -2 then? Ken (GM): I shall allow it! it attempts to dodge Gray: Parry that then! at -1 Ken (GM): A fail! you hew and chop! damage time Gray: rolling 3+1 4 Ken (GM): lulz 11 cutting! Gray snarls to the others. "Careful! Watch those tendrels!" As the towering gray skinned beast brings the sword down across the heavy limb of the demonic creature that has crawled from the firey brazier. Ken (GM): Your blade bites deep, and the wound cut is juicy! the demon is leaking bloody ichor! black and red ooze from it's hacked form Bomrek: Remind me, is that similar to the uh.. rot disease dealy, in appearance? Ken (GM): master horsa attempts a shank-lunge! (absolutely! black horrible bloody ichor!) horsa stabs it with his rapier! Ken (GM): rah! Aachen scrambles over the statue base, tackling one of the skulls, full bodied! huzzah! in his rage, it topples into a scattering of bones and detridus! Skornbrekker Gandalf G.: woo Ken (GM): he shanks the beast with his poleaxe! vs 14 or rather, 16, due to SM bam! Ken (GM): and the beast fails again to dodge! and 8 cutting damage! Skornbrekkers bardiche drops into the demon like an axe into timbers Gandalf G.: that's a lot of damage Ken (GM): with a satisfying THUNK it chops deep into it's hide, and it GUSHES ichor from the wound screaming and shrieking, it begins to gush MORE AND MORE there is a crackling noise like gathering lightning and the skull implodes! the body falls limp Ken (GM) the demon twitches, and is still Gandalf G.: combat over? Bomrek: The burning blood filling the air part is somewhat concerning. Oh he probably means that it's just the sound, right. Ken (GM): the ichor continues to billow out of the demons body (yes! combat rounds over! demon killed!) Aachen madly continues to bash the skull altars about the statue, cursing loudly in his own tongue (To Falkirk): elvish curses along the lines of "blasted cursed demons" and "fuck your face" in more eloquent tones Falkirk: "You'd be well served staying away from the corpse." "Black blood, not to be trusted." Ken (GM) gray is splattered with blood, ichor and burns Gray: "Aachen! Come let the physican see your wounds" Falkirk puts on his doctorly face and approaches the angry elf. Falkirk: "Let's take a look at that arm." Bomrek: "Aye, you too Gray. I didn't expect it to take that cannon shot like that and still live." he looks at the corpse, concern on his features. Ken (GM): "What? my arm?" and he loks at you with some confusion before realizing theres a gory open wound on his shoulder, exposing the bone Falkirk: "Aye, that arm. We'll have it patched up in a jiffy, just hold still." Bomrek: "Suori!" Bomrek puts on an approximation of a Dwarven squad leader voice, and then indicates to clean that shit off his weapon, and then help him reload the cannon, double-time. Gray considers his own injuries a moment. "The flames will hurt for days, but the rest will heal in a moment. I don't get sick" He assures Bomrek, though suprised by the concern the dwarf shows for him. He walks over to the damaged gun and lifts it, studying it to see if it's intact enough to reload and fire. Ken (GM): (it's 4 hp of damage on the arm, plus a crippling. first aid before healing advantage might be a wise course of action) (the canon is still loaded, but misfired. maybe bad powder or a fouled wick?) aachen retrieves his sword, and follows, carefully, to the healer (From Falkirk): I'd rather start with a diagnosis check to see if there's anything untoward (To Falkirk): the wound is relatively clean, but slathered with grime from the altars, and ichor from the demon! Gray: Bomrek: >People pounding shit outside so loud it sounds like thunder jesus. Joush M.: barely a sucess vs Guns (Musket) Ken (GM): BOOM The canon kicks like a mule in your arms, but the ball flies to its target just fine! Falkirk takes the first aid equipment and begins attempting to clean and dress the wound Ken (GM): theres a loud SLAP and the corpse shudders like an overripe melon full of an untoward amount of blood (To Falkirk): nice! You splash it out with clean gauze and alcohol, and clean it nicely. An easy stitch should close it well. Surgery +6 (To Falkirk): +2 for your kit, +4 for ease of procedure Ken (GM): very good; the fouled canon should be servicable once again after being re-packed reloading it's sister as well? Bomrek: Bomrek helps as well, while keeping an eye out. "Magic." he says sorely, like it's a curse. Yup, both canon ought'a be reloaded. Don't know when we'll face any more spooky plant monsters. Speakin' of, Bomrek reloads his first musket shot while he's at it. Ken (GM): noted! all reloads, for erryone. Skornbrekker does the same muttering under his breath in dwarvish about curses and demons and the like Falkirk nods at the cleaned wound, before rolling his sleeves up and laying his hands on the arm, quietly murmuring (To Falkirk): While channeling your power, you notice the crystal speaking stone intermingling with your magical powers! Ken (GM): Aachen chimes in with a weak voice "Magic seems to be healing my wounds quite kindly today" Gray nods. "Ah.. Well, that is different" (To Falkirk): shall you proceed? Falkirk: 18-6 for crippled limb Rolling 3d6 = 9v12 (From Falkirk): yup Ken (GM): Falkirks magic glows as he collects it, and shines warm light as the wound stitches closed on the Elf's arm. Heat like a soft flame splashes out for a moment, before the gash disappears. Aachen flexes the arm almost immediately, and seems to have full use of it again! (To Falkirk): The speaking stone remains warm after the procedure, felt even through your pocket. Falkirk: for 4HP Ken (GM): Ah well, you also applie dfirst aid immediatelt roll that first! 1d-1! Falkirk:4 Ken (GM): woo! Falkirk: "Almost done now", he says as he produces a pair of forceps and opens up the jaw of leeches Bomrek: Bomrek looks up and eyes that golden crown atop the statue, and then looks around. Has the fog that I vaguely recall lifted yet? What time is it? Ken (GM): (roughly midday, rainy, foggy as well. Mists and such cut off the low terrain around you very quickly.) The corwn is still there, though you notice, the bloody gore in the hand of the statue has burned up, and is a small dripping charred mass Gray looks around the raining day and to the grim statue, considering the strange thing that's happend here and scowling as he washes up after the fight. "This all seems unnateral" Ken (GM): (horsa gathers the scattered horses, with Skornbrekker) Falkirk places three leeches along the elf's arm, assuring him that it'll drain the oversanguinous influence of the creature, before closing up his jar and turning to the horned figure Falkirk: "Beastman, you're injured too. You're next." Bomrek: "Makes me wish for a couple of the King's heavy gunners to accompany us. Would solve problems like this quickly." he says, referencing the Dwarven king. (From Gray): Yep, that's right Ken (GM) gray has a few small singed patches on his hide, from various burns inflicted in the fiery melee (To Falkirk): diagnosis (To Falkirk): nothing too bad, 2hp lost to the burns. First aid should cover it nicely. You have an aloe balm in the crash kit so +2 for the roll Rolling 3d6 = 7 v17 Falkirk dresses the wound quickly, throwing on a strong-smelling balm and wrapping it in bandages before reaching for the leech jar. Ken (GM): nice! 1d-1 HP for gray! Falkirk:3 Ken (GM): woot; as if he'd never been touched by the flames Gray sniffs, heavy scent of champhor and mint from the burn ointment wrinkles his nose, then soothes as it's rubbed across stone hard muscles then covered in the clean fabric. He wonders if the leeches will find sucess trying to bite though his tough hide but dosn't protest as the physican works, trusting the man to know his trade. Falkirk: "Now, I'll need these back when they've drank their fill. They *They'll drop right off when they're ready." Bomrek: "Say, Doctor, what exactly did that beast say to you?" Ken (GM): Achen: "Yes, good doctor, it seems you had a good conversation with it before it went mad. What did it reveal?" (From Falkirk): Wait, the old remain buried in the hill? (To Falkirk): yes; theres a bit of excavation to the side there. Most likely where the skull altars came from. looks like old bones too, about right for the last battle of the war? (To Falkirk): more like a heap. no real order to the remains. No coffins or caskets. The hill is most likely full of it, based on the shape of it Ken (GM) the fat red roots growing from the heap seem squeezed, or thin now. like the plant was drained Gray: "Is there a thing we can do to fix this?" He gestures to the ruined graveyard Bomrek: "More of that fire in a bottle the Doctor has may help. Hard for something to menace you if it's burnt 'ta ash." Ken (GM): Falkirk: "This alchemical flame is hardly cheap or easy to synthesise, and I'm running rather low." Falkirk slashes at a root with his short iron knife, seeing if it responds in any way Bomrek: Bomrek makes a noise of general acceptance of the situation, and takes a seat on one of the wooden cases for the canon, and begins preparing some tobacco to smoke. Say, who took the dragon ball, anyway? Does Falkirk have it, or did ol' Ogre-face take it? (To Bomrek): Feels like a good time for a drink too. ;) Ken (GM) the roots part easily, barely holding on to the ossuary below. The plant comes free, and you can see a gleam of bright red a the root. Like crystal? or stone. It catches the light in the wet Bomrek: Hum. What's my roll to resist alcoholism, again? 12? Falkirk investigates Bomrek: Bomrek could certainly use a drink right now, but he probably would find it's smarter to be sober for now. Though just having dealt with this problem, damn he could use a nip. Ken (GM): look slike you didnt modify the cost, so it should be 12, yeah Bomrek: Ken (GM) falkirk finds a ruddy colored stone at the base of the bloodroot. Its the size of a fist, faceted like a cut stone, but shaped like a human heart. The roots seem to grow from its surface Ken (GM): sobriety reigns in the dwarf! (To Falkirk): it also is very obviously magical, to the touch. there is a strong dark aura here. Sleeping in a quiet way. Ken (GM): (angrily smokes pipe :P) Falkirk considers the strange rock Falkirk: thaumaturgy? Ken (GM): please do! Rolling 3d6 = 12 v11 (From Falkirk): How dangerous does it seem? (To Falkirk): it seems strong...and dark. When in doubt, thats never a good combination Ken (GM): lol not a stretch to think these remain were from the final battle, and the statue erected on top as part of the memorial Falkirk places the large piece of confectionary on the floor and stabs his knife into it Ken (GM): ooh! Bomrek: Demon heart I stab at thee Ken (GM): The knife pierces the shell easily, and the stone parts and crumbles! Theres a dark flash, and then the red stone breaks up into gray chunks of lifeless rock Falkirk: "We don't have time to be playing with rocks." Bomrek: You're to blame, you give wizards, a bad name~ Falkirk: "Is everyone ready to continue onwards?" Bomrek: "Aye. What happened here, Doctor? What did that damned thing say? Was it some sort of demon? Or some accident of evil?" Ken (GM): (oh gid, did joush/gray disconnect again?) Falkirk: yup "It's not a problem anymore." "Let's put it out of mind." (To Falkirk): you feel the dark magic dispersed as the stone crumbled. the air smells richer and learer now, in its absence Ken (GM): Aachen: "I dont know much for magic, but it seems so Bomrek. I think they may have placed this...root here as a trap. Or maybe an offering to their dark gods. They are demon worshipers, after all" Bomrek: "I've been in a few ambushes, all of'm with my side being the one in wait, and not once did we stop to chat with our prey, or barter" he waves his hand toward the dead beastman on the ground "..goods." Ken (GM): (Skornbrekker retrieves your incapacitated captive beastman) Bomrek: Oh, he's still alive? Shit. Ken (GM): Missing a leg, and tied up, from that previous ambush Bomrek: Is he wounded further than before? Ken (GM): he got magic'd by falkirk. Hes stable Bomrek: Right. Well, Bomrek finishes packing up the last canon, everything ought to be ready to go. Ken (GM): Aachen is also keen to go. This distraction aside, he wants to keep heading to the Ruins of Glardenfen. Investigate the magic coming from there. Secure them Gandalf G.: I reckon we should call it we're down to two natural closure Ken (GM): yeah, fits for me too Gandalf G.: maybe next week people will show Ken (GM): I concur call it 2 XP each, Gandalf G.: im sooper tired ok ty Ken (GM): ill send out an email , see if I can rally stellers, but if not Ill just ccut him from the roster. ya'll go sleep Gandalf G.: ite stay fresh Bomrek: Back. Man, where was the german at. Ken (GM): I dunno :/ He's pretty stable otherwise im not worried bout him, at least. Steller looks to be cutting ties though :( till next week! Gandalf G.: yo Ken (GM): ~fanfare plays~ Gandalf G.: hey brep Ken (GM): ~confetti cannons fire~ ~red carpet rolls out~ BEHOLD YOUR GM Dude o rinos; how ye be? Joush M.: Hey there. I'm okay Gandalf G.: I'm good mangan there's a big inter-board 4chan minecraft serb that's been up for almost 24 hours I spent all day building dwarven architecture Ken (GM): ooh hahah nice P.P. A.: I think I missed the last session because a different game that was to be held on Sunday was cancelled, so I confused the two days Ken (GM): ah yeah no worries there mate; Stellers however, has failed to contact me in like, 3 weeks Im cutting him from the roster after today, I think :/ Gandalf G.: damn shame Ken (GM): yeah, I liked the whoe fish-out-of-water thing he had going on. Joush M.: Ahh, that's too bad. I hear you though Ken (GM): I have skype-poked bomrek/excitable labrador/adolf, but I think we can safely start without him (he's had weird scheduling with a new job prospect, but let me know about it ahead of time) Gandalf G.: gm's gotta do what a gm's gotta do Ken (GM): all part of the job PPA, you up to date on the last session we did? Short hour and a half of demon fight then cleanup P.P. A.: We killed the plant Anything else happened, or any insights gained? Gandalf G.: we kept it short semi-intentionally cos we had like 2 players Ken (GM): you got the killing blow, falkirk cut to the heart of the plant and broke it. Not much major other than fixing Aachen (crippled arm fixeD) and Gray (boo boos bandaged nicely_ oh~ and guns all got reloaded, including the two cannons Gandalf G.: also I took a few samples Ken (GM): yes! Vials of ichor. Gandalf G.: vial of ichor, slice of rootflesh, the usual Joush M.: he's going ot have a very strange bag of stuff Gandalf G.: everything you need for a healthy breakfast Ken (GM): or medieval SCIENCE Gandalf G.: who are we missing then assuming stellers is mia is it just lil' hitler Ken (GM): just bomrek/adolf hah, "little hitler" Gandalf G.: so we gonna wait on him then? Ken (GM): Nah, 15 minutes, and we're good from here I think AND SO Ken (GM) The great demon tree was slain, and the monument of Horns put to rest. A great battle fought and won, but the rain falls on the heroes and slain alike. Chill winds blow from the forbidden lands of Gorgoth, and tidings of death roll on the airs... Ken (GM): Your group has rested, recuperated, and bandaged all wounds. Your goal still lies ahead: teh Ruins of Glardenfen, and the Magical resonance emanating from there Gandalf G.: FP restored? Suðri Skornbrekker: “I thought we were going to fight a simple war, not stem against the brimming gates of the underworld.” Suðri Skornbrekker sits down and takes a breather Ken (GM): FP will require a bit more; you rested back up to 3 I recall, and thanks to good rolls and magic, you havent spent any more. a short rest might be in order though Gandalf G.: I was on 6 P.P. A.: I spent one in the previous fight against the minotaur etc. Falkirk: "Looks like we won't be getting much light today, we should move." Gray: "We have learned much. This corruption.. " Gray watches the dead plant a moment and shakes his head as if to clear it. "That's wise. Let's get to the ruins and find somewhere to stay tonight." Ken (GM): Bomrek: "Aye Suðri , pack the guns and stow the cannons. We should bring the fight to the beastmen now!" Suðri Skornbrekker uses his bardiche to lift himself up again and stretches his back. Ken (GM): Aachen: "The Ruins are a short ride from here, just in the edge of the foothills South. The road trail will lead us right to the gates" Falkirk stows his medical supplies, carefully loading up his new sample vials Suðri Skornbrekker: “Praise to our alchemists—knowing that we can unleash our own kind of hell upon any hellspawn we might yet encounter.” Ken (GM): (Other than gather your things and make ready to go, anything in particular you guys need to get out of the way?) Suðri Skornbrekker backs up the cannons, packs the horses, etc. Joush M.: Gray will take the chance to look more closely at the statue. Anything noteworthy about it? Falkirk stretches and twists his upper body, muttering about his back (From P.P. A.): oh, it's not that high up? ok Falkirk hops up into his saddle, pulling his robes rightly around himseld Falkirk: "We've wasted enough time, let us continue" Gray nods to the dwarf. "Cleverly done. Your prize, I think." He complements the man's cleverness for searching the pile of offal. Ken (GM): The thing seems to be a small statuette of a snake; a cobra, coiled on itself, hood open, ready to strike with bared fangs. It's eyes are small bright rubies, glittering back at you it's about the size of both your fists together, and looks to be made of some shining golden brassy metal Suðri Skornbrekker grabs it behind the snake's head, as thought it was a live snake—given that, for all he knows and all he's seen recently, it might as well spring to live. (To Falkirk): Apep, maybe, but the imagery is very clear, even from here Suðri Skornbrekker: “Doctor,” he addresses Falkirk as he passes by him, “could this be a clue as to who's behind this?” “And, uh, is it safe?” Falkirk: "Safe? That, master dwarf, is a demonic effigy." Gray looks at the strange ring, the vicious snake with it's ruby eyes. At last turning to walk back to the others and the horses, patting their necks and letting Suori do the talking. (From Falkirk): I'd like to take a closer look, see what I can see and determine the implications of it. occultism? Falkirk frowns as he examines the snake with two hands. Rolling 3d6 = 3 v11 (To Falkirk): You can break the intrusion immediately if you wish, or try to force your will back upon them :D Rolling 3d6 = 11 v11 Ken (GM): woo! (To Falkirk): But you have a clear picture in your mind, of a womans face, clad in fine silks, bowed in concentration...and afraid of you Falkirk: "Aye... this will perhaps fetch a pretty penny." Suðri Skornbrekker is no longer worried (To Falkirk): nice subtlety :) (From Falkirk): wiiizard (To Falkirk): Through the steady cold rain, the warmth of the seeking stone seems to remain a steady embrace, even through your cloak Gray: (To Gray): You find the occasional marking on the trail, as if it has been cleared recently for use. Cut srubs tossed back into a ditch, or scree thrown clear of the roadway. You cant tell who haas done it in the washing rain, but the road looks like its being used. And has been used recently Gray looks down to the trail and speaks to the other s as they go. "We aren't the first to use this trail. It's been cleared back and there's been traffice." He lifts the cut branches of a bush that otherwise would have grown across the path, tossing them back to the side of the road. Falkirk: "The elves patrol these parts, no?" Ken (GM): Aachen calls for the party to slow, so you can speak "Not this far East, I'm afraid. And the Outlanders dont make a habit of clearing the road to the Ruins anymore. That sounds like we have company ahead" Gray admits to the older man. "I don't know. I can't tell who used the road. Only that it's been used" Then a growl of disapproval at Aachen's words, the brute nodding. "We should be alert then." Falkirk: "How far to the ruins?" Ken (GM): Aachen: "Very near now; over one of the next hills should be a green plain and the towers. These hills rise to a well-defensible hilltop. We're maybe less than an hour out. If it was clear we could probably see the peak of the tower" Falkirk: "We should slow our pace and travel quiet and vigilant then." "No sense in walking into an ambush this close to our goal." Ken (GM): Bomrek pipes up "Well if the ruins are occupied, we could be walking into a trap, sir! ambushes on the steppe and cleared trails imply an enemy presence!" bomrek: "The soldier in me speaks to not being the victim of an ambush" Suðri Skornbrekker agrees. Ken (GM): Aachen considers a moment "I agree; we shouldnt approach them head on if we can avoid it." Gray nods and considers a moment. "We could leave the horses and go ahead to scout the ruins quitely." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It seems like a given that the tower is occupied at this point. Are there any other sites nearby where we could camp for the night?” Falkirk: "Aye. There's no sense in mounting an attack when we're halfway dead already." Ken (GM): Aachen" You'll forgive me; its been years since I was last near the ruins at all. There should be caves west of the ruins, down in the hills some ways. They could make for a shelter of sorts, and could hide us from anything patrolling the area" "But be alert; signs are pointing to this being less easy than the Marshalls implied" Ken (GM) Aachen dismounts, draws his sword, and leads your group into the hills West, off the road. Picking a path his horse can still navigate, but eyes alert for danger in the darkness Falkirk: "Perhaps I don't have a beast's stamina, I should also point out that shaping the fundamental forces of reality is no easy task." Falkirk climbs down from his horse and follows Ken (GM): Gray! A hiking roll please (for scouting in the hills) and I'll roll for Aachen leading you guys to a safe place Falkirk: "Not like I should expect one such as you to understand this." he half-mutters Ken (GM): woo! Gray: Joush M.: Not as good as elf boy, but still a solid sucess. Ken (GM): nice; you pick along like a mountain shepherd, leading the flock deep into the hills betwen yourself and Aachen, you soon find the caves he spoke of; the hillsides fall away to gullies and short valleys, but on the wall of one cliff you find deep caverns running down into the earth One such cave Aachen leads you to is dry inside, and has a cleared floor and defensible entrance. Aachen lights a small lantern from his pack, and leads the group inside (horses included Gray looks around the cave, searching to make sure it's empty and secure before he turns back to the horses to brush down and unload them. Ken (GM): The walls are a black, soft stone, and the floor is a sand and gravel surface. Very smooth. No signs of animal inhabitance, no other trails in or out of it. Even with the horses inside, it should be comfortable for all Suðri Skornbrekker: “I feel at one with my ancestors,” Suthri cheerfully exclaims. “As masterful as masonry may be, it is nothing compared to nature's spires towering to the heavens, or her catacombs crawling deeper than any pickaxe has ever struck—well, any pickaxe other than a dwarf's.” Ken (GM): Bomrek practically beams "We've found a blessing of the Fathers here! Its a regular dwarf cottage in here!" P.P. A.: cavemind Falkirk shakes his sodden robes, and sits cross-legged. Ken (GM): Achen" I think we can risk a small fire here; the smoke will disappear in the rain, and if we keep it back, it shouldnt reveal our position" Bomrek immediately sets about making such a fire, and warming himself with it Aachen "Suðri, could you be a good friend, and setup one of the cannons, aimed at the entrance? Just in case we need it?" (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Roll vs IQ gunner(cannon) for me? Rolling 3d6 = 16 v11 (To Falkirk): The stone gleams in the firelight. Glints of something shimmer in it's depths, like an opal in the sun, as it catches the firelight. The warmth from the fire pales in comparison to the thrum of power you feel in the stone. Roll vs per+mage please? Rolling 3d6 = 8 v11 Ken (GM): The cannon gets setup very nicely, aimed right for the doorway. ;) (To Falkirk): There is a depth of power in the Speaking stone; As you probe it's aura, you feel that wellspring reach out to you as well. You find your own fatgue washing away, receding from the power you feel in the stone. Like a warm sunny day you are feeling regenerated. You have 3 fatigue returned to you in the scant 15 minutes you have been meditating with the stone Falkirk sits like this for around 15 minutes Ken (GM): Bomrek beckons Suðri back to the fire to enjoy some of his final roasted bread rations. 'Blackened, like it hsould be' Suðri Skornbrekker: “Too bad about the horse.” Falkirk puts away the stone, and stands seeming refreshed. He pulls out a hunk of his own bread, slightly stale and takes a bite. Ken (GM): Bomrek" Aye, spolied the meat, what bein sucked dry by the devil there" Suðri Skornbrekker eventually addresses Gray: “Though you may look like a beast, and fight like one, you also battle with courage and with honour, the likes of which are rare in man.” Ken (GM): "Could have been good roasted, that" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Though truth be told, it still feels strange to be around you, it would feel worse not to have you among us.” Gray nods in agreement, scowling a touch at the memory of the blood deamon.. surprised by the words from Suori then, his gaze turns to the dwarf and he nods. "Thank you.. I.. Wouldn't have expected such words, from a dwarf. You've fought well, and bravely." Ken (GM): Aachen raises an eyebrow "High praise Master Gray; he nearly complimented you there" Falkirk: "Over-consumption of phlogiston is terrible for one's body." "As with all things, food must be a balance." Falkirk nods slightly as he speaks Ken (GM): Aachen looks at his dried meat, and back at falkirk "Should I be worried on the phlostigen content in this then? Suðri Skornbrekker had reflected on Gray mercy-killing the beastmen earlier, before the blood demon could have gotten to it, and how he flung himself at the plant when Falkirk was in danger. Falkirk: "Phlogiston is dissipated through etherous water in the very air, it's only of concern with food cooked recently over a fire." Falkirk takes another bite of bread Falkirk: "Medically speaking, of course." Ken (GM): "Ah. right" "Speaking of beastmen, however" Bomrek pipes up from behind his pipe "Did our prisoner ever awaken? or is he still out cold? I havent checked since before midmorning" Gray drags a hand though his hair and nods to Aachen, seeming surprised at the words and almost chuckling. The dark haired beast prowling, thinking of the others and more relaxed and at home among them. The question seems to remind him of the prisoner. "Physican, Do you feel ready to check on him?" Falkirk: "Aye, I suppose I should." Ken (GM) the Beastman, minus a leg, has been dropped from the horse and propped against the wall nearby, over by the corralled horses. He smells clearly of offal and unwashed everything, here in the cave. He is still unconscious, still bound, and lies limp on the ground Falkirk: I'd like to roll through the standard procedure, starting with an examination. diagnosis ? Ken (GM): yus, please Rolling 3d6 = 8 v13 (To Falkirk): the blood is a deep red, but upon inspection shows no sign of the black ichor of Blackrot Falkirk nods, wiping the blade on his sleeve, and stands up Falkirk: "It's alive, just exhausted." Falkirk moves to where he previously was, sits cross legged and opens a medical journal Ken (GM): Aachen" Good; let me know when it's awake. We need information if we're going to assault an occupied camp in those Ruins" (ANy immediate needs to be tended to from you guys? Or are we just camping until rested here?) Falkirk: Camping, resting Ken (GM): Bomrek will, again, clean and dry-load his gun barrels. Very studious of him Horsa broods quietly in the corner Joush M.: Resting I think. Gray kind of wants to go exploreing but he's resisting the temptation Falkirk: also reading I guess but that's a given Ken (GM): Suðri ? Suðri Skornbrekker will also be talking to Bomrek a little about how to operate cannons, and then put some points into that skill before the next session Ken (GM): If you have the points spare now? Feel free. 1 or 2 point investment? totally in line with the game so far but! Suðri pokes about in the cavern... P.P. A.: I still have something like 13 unspent points spooked me! (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You notice, upon quiet inspection of the cavern, some vines growing through the earthen roof in a far corner. The roots are thick and sturdy...but then again, the area seems sparse of heavy vegetation. Prodding, you find they are rubbery, and yeilding...like the red roots of the BloodVine back at the statue! Joush M.: Well, I diden't hear anything P.P. A.: ah yeah, was in another window Suðri Skornbrekker remembers the spot and hurries back to his comrades. Suðri Skornbrekker: “We might be sharing this cave with more than just mold and moss. There's a vine over there just like the ones we saw—and fought—at the statue.” Ken (GM): Gray turns and draws his sword, nodding to Suori. Wordless, but there's respect for the dwarf's observation and scouting. Spotting something like that might save their lives. Falkirk: "How busy are these caves for say... extra-planar demonic visitors?" Ken (GM): Aachen "I wouldnt know, but lets check it out " He turns to follow Suðri with his sword Suðri Skornbrekker grabs his weapons and dons his helmet, then leads the way. Ken (GM): Aachen follows, and lifts his lantern to reveal the roof Ken (GM) a web of red roots crawl upon the surface of the cave here, finding purchase on the black stone. They seem to be invading from an earthen part of the roof here, from the hillside above Suðri Skornbrekker: “Should we go outside and see what's above this cave?” Gray considers that. "A battle with another monster like that might draw attention from the tower. We can't kill the roots from here?" He sounds disgusted by the crawling red roots. Falkirk approaches the root, frowning Falkirk: "They're not moving." He says this plainly, as if he were talking about tree branches on a wind-free summer day. Gray isn't so large compared to an ogre like Ulm, but beside Dwarves and Men the seven feet and more of grim Beastmen looms, even as they glare at the vines in the lamplight. "Not animated by the same foul powers as the last one. But the same repulsive breed of plant?" Ken (GM): "Interesting" SAys Aachen dryly" What the hells are you talking about?" Gray ask Falkirk. "Can we cut it away?" Falkirk: "These roots are not moving. Whether that means the beast is dead, sleeping or dormant in some way, I cannot say." Suðri Skornbrekker: “But these are of the same kind of beast we fought, are they not?” Falkirk: "Perhaps this is part of an ambush technique to lure unwitting meat-creatures closer." Falkirk considers this for a moment Falkirk: "I would have to say yes, though it's unusual. What we met before was hardly a common sight." "I fear for our safety if these abberations are now considered to be among the native fauna." Ken (GM): Bomrek, uneasy at the entire discussion asks "Can we just stab it, and see what happens? Maybe cut the heart out again, like you did before doctor?" Falkirk frowns, his face a mask showing little emotion. Falkirk: "Turn that cannon around. If this thing rears up, we must be ready to put it right back into the ground." Ken (GM): Bomrek hups-to, and prods Suðri to helping him move the cannon Suðri Skornbrekker puts two of his 17 points (I checked) into Gunner (Cannon) for a skill of 13 Ken (GM): nice Aachen" Gray, Suðri , would one of you like the honors of prodding it?" Suðri Skornbrekker helps move the cannon and his player is relieved that that previous roll didn't have any consequences Joush M.: KABOOM! Falkirk nods in approval of this decision, and walks behind the cannons to ensure the previous fight doesn't repeat itself Suðri Skornbrekker: “Very well!” Suðri Skornbrekker , after setting up the cannon (roll again?), takes out his bardiche Ken (GM): Bomrek waves you off, taking aim with the gun on the vine cluster Ken (GM) the web of bright red vines spirals out of the roof like a spiders home, clustered around a central lump in the cieling Ken (GM): shall you shank it? Rolling 3d6 = 13 v14 Ken (GM): The bardiche sinks deep into the soft earthen cieling; a shower of dirt and soil falls to the floor below, jets of wet red plant-blood falling in a stream. The roots fall about you, detached from the central stalk Falkirk narrows his eyes, looking for traces of black Ken (GM): With a wet PLOP the central stalk falls from the roof in a miserable pile In the lanternlight, nothing stirs. Small rivulets of sand and earth fall from above, but the plant is sitll It leaks a thin, watery red liquid from the blademark (To Falkirk): You notice no gem-like heart at the centre of this plant. And the 'blood' is markedly different. More like a cactus water than blood Falkirk steps forward, heading into the cave Ken (GM): SHUNK; it is skewered on grays sword Gray cast it outside, done for now with their grim gardening. Ken (GM): it falls into the creek outside, quickly washed away like so much compost You find no other strange outcroppings or growths in the cave. Aside from the leaking vines, nothing else grows in here Aachen" I swear, if I retire, i will never grow a garden as long as I live" Bomrek seems crestfallen, disappointed he didnt fire the cannon Horsa quietly broods Falkirk: "This must be a native plant. I suppose the eater-of-flesh or whatever he named himself had somehow possessed some of this plant matter." Gray shakes his head. "Don't be so quick to swear. Fresh herbs and bright flowers outside a cottage are far from those unholy things.. I haven't seen the blood deamon or Ulm again." Falkirk: "That's interesting," he muses. Ken (GM): Intradesting? Falkirk: Indredressing Suðri Skornbrekker nods Ken (GM): (alright then, with the inert Blood Root dispatched, it seems you again are alone and safe in your cave Rest until morning? Stay dry? Falkirk: Rest and hope the rain fucks off P.P. A.: aye Joush M.: Sounds good. Gray's going to keep an eye out and head a little out of the cave, but he won't go far. Make sure nothing's sneeking up on them, do guard duity, that sort of thing Ken (GM): I'm gonna roll for Bomrek here, IQ gunner Joush M.: Keep an eye out for that blood deamon that vanished right before we started seeing blood vines.. just saying. Fuckking Ulm, man. Evil ogre Ken (GM): pfft, finally a match P.P. A.: Skill's 13 ;_; Falkirk: rrrrrrrrrrrip Joush M.: I wish I had the IQ for Fireworks or Armory.. start makeing grenades Ken (GM): He points out to you all "We're sitting on gravel. Nice, even, smooth gravel. " P.P. A.: Oh, just gunner gunner (To Falkirk): rip? Gray nods. "Won't work as far as lead shot. I don't know why." (To Suðri Skornbrekker): you realize now that the idea almost occurred to you as well, earlier. ;) Suðri Skornbrekker was Ken (GM): hah SO! picking and choosing stones, you find enough to pack one well-made shotgun blast for your cannons. The rest of the stones are too frangible or would simply be destroyed in the shot to be of use. but hey, go scrounging dwarves did you guys want one cannon loaded shotgun alredy? or store it away for later? P.P. A.: I'd say we load one On the other hand, hmm nah, rather not. It'd be more useful in an open field and the next battle is going to be at a hilly ruin Ken (GM): righto; Aachen trusts the dwarves judgement so! the day draws to a close, and night falls the rain dissipates some, trickling off to a thick mist and fog that rolls through the hills as the day falls to night the dark is pervasive, and the glow of the moon is barely visible in the night sky. The darkness seeps into the countryside like an evil gloom Then, as you fellows are packing in for the eve, a shriek pierces the night! Ken (GM) It falls away, as if passing by your cavern. When it sounds again, it is muffled, as if issued from far away Suðri Skornbrekker: “Was that... the dragon?” Falkirk: "Whatever it is, it won't find us in here. I need my sleep." Gray shakes his head, wincing at the overwhelming sound. In the darkness the beastman's amber eyes seem to shine and drink in every scrap of light from the moon and missing stars. The brute speaking softly. "I don't know. I'd believe it was the dragon though." Ken (GM): Aachen" I'll be damned if theres anything else that makes that infernal noise "and considering how close we are to a suspected beastmen camp...at the Ruins" Gray uses some twine to hang a blanket in front of the cave opening. Not enough to block the smoke or air from outside, simply a visual obstruction so light from the fire doesn't leak outside. He calms the horses when the 'dragon' screams in the distance and nods in agreement with their elf commander. "Get what sleep you can. I'll watch and wake you when it's your turn." Rolling 3d6 = 12 v5 (From Falkirk): I've got Fit, does that get involved in this party? (To Falkirk): You have regained FP from resting, but your sleep was horrifying. You have -1 FP from lost sleep ;) (To Falkirk): Youre sure this wasnt simply a natural nightmare. Most likely you were the victim of a magical assault Falkirk: "It's... it's nothing. I just... I just need some breakfast." (To Falkirk): So cavalier Ken (GM): Aachen raises a dubious eyebrow" Nothing Master Falkirk? I havent seen someone rise in terror like that since...well...ever. You sure youre fine?" Falkirk: "An unsavoury dream is all it was, your concern is without cause. A classic symptom of sleeping with an excess of the sanguinous." "Some cold food and a leeching will set me right." Falkirk doesn't get up for a good ten minutes, despite this Ken (GM): Bomrek and Horsa go about repacking the campsite to the horses, with Aachen. They leave the wizard to his bed "I want to set out early" Declares the elf" We can probably catch them with their breakfast in the pan if we strike for the ruins this morning" Gray frowns but rises from where he knelt. Letting the man go and turning instead to return to the work of the morning, calming the horses after the scream and prepareing something for breakfast. (To Falkirk): Reactions? investigaitons? You were magically poked overnight :/ (To Falkirk): Simple deduction then? You got hit with a whammy through your stone! (To Falkirk): The familiar touch of the stones power greets you as you place it in hand. Joush M.: Gray looks at a book titled 'How to tell when your wizard is corrupted by evil.' A moment later he sighs. "I wish I knew how to read." Gandalf G.: hueh P.P. A.: lel Ken (GM): "None of you seem quite exactly Dragoons" Aachen offers, nonchalantly" Assuming we approached on foot through the gully, and left the horses behind, would you men be prepared to sneak in unawares? Take them at their camp from the moat?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Has our prisoner come to his senses?” (To Falkirk): Stone is in hand; anything you wanna do to it, in particular? (To Falkirk): Soon, the stone stops reacting to the acid, scoured clean and shining in your hand Falkirk nods slowly, seems satisfied, and puts the small stone away. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Doctor?!” Falkirk: "Light's 'a-wasting, let's get back to the road." Suðri Skornbrekker: “That... was supposed to happen?”+ (To Falkirk): The stone again thrums with power, even through your pocket Ken (GM): Aachen'Uh doctor? Were you planning on that happening?" He looks quite concerned Falkirk: "Master Dwarf, if we were to sit here and explain every nuance of the supernatural, we'd make it to the ruins after the war had ended." "Now let us make haste, as I said the sun will not shine down forever." Suðri Skornbrekker is definitely not satisfied with that explanation, and uneasily keeps quiet Ken (GM): "Right" says aachen, seemingly satisfied you have things under control" Can you possibly prod the beastman into usefulness before we go?see if he has any trade secrets of the Beastmen?" Falkirk dismounts and approaches aformentioned beastman. P.P. A.: I forgot, when did he acquire that stone? Ken (GM) the beastman is still, curled up into an attempt at a comfortable position. It seems he roused at least overnight. Ken (GM): (its the speaking stone Ulm discovered in the dark wizards things, from that ambush in the wood?) P.P. A.: (oh, that one) Ken (GM): (Ulm said it was a dark and powerful artifact) P.P. A.: Between that and the demonic serpent statue, looks like we're good to go (To Gray): The skies are overcast and lit a pale pink by the dawn. Cloying mists hang everywhere along the hills, and you will have the benefiet of concealment if the mists do not burn away this morning (To Falkirk): Well, he seems to have rolled over on his side overnight, and tucked into a kind of fetal position Falkirk strolls over to the prisoner and gives him a prod with his food Falkirk: foot, even food remains in food pouch Ken (GM): lol Joush M.: Aww, I thought you might walk up and sandwich slap him. Ken (GM): The beastman grunts, and rouses, a deep growl curling out of him. (From Falkirk): "Your lord is not here, I am. Do not pretend to embrace death, none of your kin are here for you. I have two questions, which if you answer to my satisfaction I will allow you to worm away from this place." Ken (GM) the Beastman stoically remains quiet, but seems to tremble a bit Ken (GM): "Ask him of the Ruins, if they indeed camp there" prods Aachen Falkirk: "Aye, I was about to put it to the creature." Gray waits out the interrogation, wondering if he should try and learn that dark lanauge. He fits in badly with humans, but worse among beast. (To Falkirk): 'The very same. She will strangle you in her sweet embrace and drown you in your own blood, human" He spits in the direction of the group Falkirk nods Falkirk: "I've learned all I can. This runt knows nothing." Ken (GM): Bomrek angrily tightens his grip on his weapon, scowling Falkirk: "He won't get far with one leg, we can leav him." Suðri Skornbrekker grumbles Ken (GM): "agreed" responds Aachen "Gray, if you could 'subdue' him when we go, so he doesnt call any undue attention?" Falkirk: "Don't kill the creature." Ken (GM): "Allow me the honor sir!" Pipes up Bomrek, and he gives the beastman a sharp rap about the head with the butt of his gun Falkirk: "Aye, that'll work." Ken (GM): KONK Ken (GM) the beastman slumps Ken (GM): (Nothing like a concussion to stow away a proisoner) Gray had reached for coard. "You could have simly bound him lightly. We need only buy an hour..." He puts away the line. "Let's go." Ken (GM): "He spat at us! It was disgusting!" argues Bomrek "Our honor was at stake" Gray nods. "How we treat prisoners is a matter of honor." Ken (GM): But! I digress! GM needs to take the wife and kid to the park :) Great session today guys :) Falkirk mounts the horse, wordless and deep in thought Falkirk: yeah, had fun P.P. A.: Aye Ken (GM): Also, Adolf just got back to me; he has a new schedule, but managed to sleep in today accidentially; woke up around 2 and got back to me about 3 :P Falkirk: 10/10 Ken (GM): so 4 XP each :D Joush M.: Good game man, thank you. Glad lil' Hitler's doing okay P.P. A.: I'm really enjoying the atmosphere Ken (GM): I'm cutting out Stellers/Horsa from the group. but we'll work out the particulars with him as an NPC here. (I would not disagree with using him to check for traps :P) P.P. A.: which is helped by our GM's descriptions too Ken (GM): Yeah, adolf is all apologetic; I'm just relieved it was simple oversleep and not abandonment :P Joush M.: It's a very dark setting, I like it. Ken (GM): hah! thanks for the compliment! Falkirk: I'm enjoying myself immensely trying not to lose track of all the magic tho Ken (GM): ditto Falkirk: like Ken (GM): if it sounds quiet? theres a bunch of falkirk rolling internal knowledge checks, FYI :P Falkirk: despite my IC STOIC EXTERNAL Ken (GM): many internal struggles (not to reveal things) SO STOIC Falkirk: these whispers is hype Ken (GM): SO BRAVE but! I gtg, park time with a toddler Joush M.: That is part of the dark, yeah. Have fun! Falkirk: ite meng Ken (GM): good night folks! See you next weekend! Falkirk: ciaobella Gandalf G.: oh hey I was starting to think this week was off Adolf S.: ayy Ken (GM): hahah far from it gandalf i was just wrestling my toddler into naptime, dodging the wife while she cooks Adolf S.: Man, working 6 days a week sucks. I have no time to indulge in my shooting hobbies, ever, basically. Gandalf G.: I'm going to have to split for like 10 minutes maybe in like 2 hours Ken (GM): must be nice to have money though; are you still at 40 hours over six days? Gandalf G.: got a food delivery due Ken (GM): no worries G; food must go to places Adolf S.: Na, it was 40 hours for the first bit, now it's uh... 34? 35? Something like that. HUGELY ample time to pick up other shifts, but, eh. A guy from another security company came up to me the other day and was offering some day time shift at some factory in the other town owned by Frito Lay. Sort of appealing. Ken (GM): [chris will be online in moments; I love having IRL methods of poking him from here] I gotta say, if it's at least walking about shifts then thats awesome I do IT, and the days where I go desk to desk fixing things are so superior to 'from the desk' work, theres no comparison being able to DO and stretch...ungh so good Gandalf G.: I know a large amount of americans who work in private security is it a big thing over there Ken (GM): and really comparatively lucrative hell, Adolf pakes a living off it ! *makes Adolf S.: It's really not. Or not meaningfully bigger than anywhere else. Big important buildings still need folks to sweep'm occasionally. It's just that we've got Walmart and a few other things which like having guards at their exits, mostly as a visual deterrent. Ken (GM): ahh, well, we have an idealixzed view of ya then whatup joush? Joush M.: Not a whole lot What about you all? Ken (GM): meh; cant complain we can expect chris on in a fe wminutes here Gandalf G.: ite Ken (GM): lol Christopher B.: Yo How goes? Gandalf G.: ayy Ken (GM): chris is such a keener youre the only one with a camera and mic Joush M.: We are doing pretty well. At least, complaintless Christopher B.: Mexcellent. Ken (GM): PPA is just dawdling Adolf S.: Back. Ken (GM): SO Chris is real! as I have assured you all Christopher B.: Well, at least I know my webcam works. Ken (GM): lulz Gandalf G.: oh thats a shame cos most of us are strings of code Ken (GM): I have the horsa ingame sheet/token in your control now as well Fiss. You are the little white dude in the back of the marching order Gandalf G.: I'm an omegle script that became self-aware a few months back Christopher B.: Nice And Nice...Omegle scripts are some of the best. Ken (GM): that explains everything about falkirk Gandalf G.: So gonna hop straight into an existing guy? Christopher B.: Yeah, figured it would be less disruptive, plus the character is something I can play, so no worries I'll wait for Round 2 to introduce the Tentacles and Hentai Monsters Gandalf G.: a little late on the tentacle front but alright, makes sense Christopher B.: Damn, I knew I was getting in late for tentacles. Will have to move to plan B...laser-tentacles Ken (GM): Hah, yeah, I'm still kinda bummed we lost stellers like that, but Chris should be able to handle "haughty actor-cum-fencer" Christopher B.: huhuhuh...cum-fencer Ken (GM): Ive seen him do worse with a psychic old man, or a delusional gunslinger Joush M.: Quite a collection of characters, that Christopher B.: Indeedy. I'll play damn near anything so long as the group is having fun. Ken (GM): which, by far, is the goal of things but let me know when you wanna take an arrow to the face; we can 'arrange things' Christopher B.: Heh, it's all good. I'll see how far I can stretch the son of the poet. Seems like a fun time Ken (GM): so, just as a refresher: we have Joush/Gray the Sword swinging half beastman Adolf/Bomrek, the dwarven Dragoon Gandalf/Falkirk the not-old-but-old guy wizardmang PPA(not yet online)/Sudri Skornbrekker, another dwarf but slightly more choppy than shooty and you! Chris/Horsa, fop extraordinairre as well, you are led by Me/Aachen, a horrible little elfman Joush M.: Who has the worst fucking luck Christopher B.: Heh Ken (GM): Y'all are in the horrible wilderness, and are about to be eaten by bears Joush M.: That poor elf takes risk a man with 10 HP should not Ken (GM): oh Aachen, so many crippling wounds, so many heal checks Christopher B.: Hehehe Ken (GM): hes so BRAZEN and BRASH Gandalf G.: It's a good thing there's a doctor or that guy wouldn't be tying his own shoes for a while Ken (GM): tru dat Joush M.: Hallariously moreso then Gray, whom has more HP then a average oak tree Ken (GM): PLUS an award winning personality Hokay, so , PPA is not online yet, but we can sally forth without him Gandalf G.: sure Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes, they stalked through the mists en route to the Ruins of Glardenfen. Their goal; liberate the old keep in the name of the GreyHold Army, confront the dark wizardry there, and avoid getting eaten by a Dragon i nthe interim... Adolf S.: In my only-got-little-sleep-ness, I forgot to read the archive to see what happened last game. Crap. What happened last game? Ken (GM) Last session, they had stalked into the dark lands of the fringe of the Forbidden Kingdom of Gorgoth. There, they had holed away for safety before their assault on the keep. Information plied from their captive beastman led them to believe many beastmen lie in wait there, as well as their keepers. And possibly a dark wizard Ken (GM): [timing!] Gray works though the early morning mist, on foot and staying low as he scents the air like an animal. The huge man has a mask to cover his lupine features and pauses to glance back at the others. He speaks softly. "We will try to find where the enemey are and in what numbers before we strike" Adolf S.: What kind of numbers did the beastman let on, exactly? Are we talking... 20 enemies? 50? 200? Gandalf G.: He was just like 'lots' Christopher B.: "More than 2" Bomrek: Hm. I suppose if we're trying to be somewhat stealthy.. Bomrek has his bayonet affixed, and is at the back of the line, mostly being on the look out for ambush. Loud weapons =/= stealth mission tools. Ken (GM): "a score" so roughly 20 and yes, stealth, so bayonet bomrek it is Bomrek: Chris, Bomrek is a tall-for-a-dwarf Dwarf, wearing a mix of chain mail and a few cheap pieces of plate, who wields a double barrel dwarven musket of fine make. He's a former patrolman for the Dwarven military, and is now a mercenary lookin' for a fortune, and adventure. Falkirk curses the uneven ground as he attempts to say somewhat low. He stays a few steps behind the others. Bomrek: Figured some minor description would be in order. Ken (GM): Aachen: "Our prisoner is not an issue for the moment; I say we approach on foot, leave the horses behind, but take the cannons and their packhorse along for security. Might as well put them to use eh?" Falkirk: Probably fair. Falkirk is a gaunt bearded man standing at 5'11". He wears a brown burlap robe that he never seems to change or wash and his face is covered in a slowly-growing mass of tangled hair. "Let's not make the mistake of leaving the prisoner with the horses." Bomrek: "Nothing puts the fear of death into a man like the sound of cannon in the early morning." Bomrek waves his hand in the air through the light mist, and sneers "Though I don't feel very confident considering this weather. These are fine machines, sensitive to this damned mist." (From Bomrek): So they're currently just loaded with standard cannon balls? Sounds good. Ken (GM): Your group stalks through the lowlying gulley bed. The previous rains have swollen the banks and grey-brown water gurgles through , masking your approach nicely. As Aachen leads you around switchback turns, the day remains bleached gray from the mist covering your backs you are confident between the weather and creek that this was a wise approach to the keep Falkirk: brb sorry Ken (GM): np Falkirk: delivery is easrly Ken (GM): See you in ten! Falkirk: ty Ken (GM): SO! Aachen leads you along clear riverbanks, and sure footing. Here the rocky smooth surface of the gulley-bed allows you to make good time. Within an hour, you have made it far enough that Aachen motions for a stop as he surveys around the bend "we should be near soon enough; around one of these next turns..." he sasys, hushes *hushed Stealth checks please! Horsa: Bomrek: Horsa: Damn...fail by 3 Ken (GM): flakirk Bomrek: What's stealth, DX-4? Gray: Ken (GM): [thank god its an opposed roll with distance modifiers :/] Horsa: yus Bomrek: Computer's taking forever to open GCS.. damn. Gray: ((Sucess vs 10. So.. Margin of sucess = 2 for Gray)) Ken (GM): no worries bomrek; dwarves are slow :P Horsa: Unless you throw them! Ken (GM): crit success from the OTHER dwarf lol and Aachen Bomrek: Okay, success apparently. Wew. Ken (GM): nice, so worst margin looks like falkirk at a -8 or so :P [secret rolling behind the screen] Bomrek: Does Falkirk accidentally slip down the bank and land splashily in the water, or somethin'? Ken (GM): More like, despite everyones best efforts, he tends to walk in a perfect anti-rythm to the background noises... Horsa: Considering the ruins are where the enemy is fortifying, coaxing a few of them to come to us might not be a bad idea once we know how many there are Drop something suspicious in the river, let it flow to the moat, and set a trap for when someone comes looking Joush M.: Old man suddenly burst into a musical number with accompaying band. Ken (GM): BUT creek noise and distance are a factor, so, Aachen leads you fellows around bend after bend before bringing you to a halt. Bomrek: Rag time gal, ala' the classic looney toons frog. Ken (GM): LOL Horsa: I quickly put my singing/dancing frog into his boc ...er box Joush M.: "What? It's my sneeking mission song" Horsa: STEAAALLLLLLLLLTHHHHHHH! Ken (GM): You have followed the gulley to a greenspace, where ragged plants crawl down the riverbanks to the water. They stand out against the black stone and gray earth, and are the first real green youve yet seen. Aachen uses the cover to look ahead, and motions for scilence! "The keep it just ahead" he whispers "Right over there, about thirty yards to the wall" Gray creeps forward like some overlarge beast, shifting his weight slowly and kept to the pace of the others by the bulk of the heavy boxes with the guns. As they move forward he stays alert, scenting the air and pauseing when the elf motions and speaks so softly to them. He waits for his own chance to see the keep they've come so far to claim. Bomrek: Bomrek glances around at the greenery "I think I've had my fill of plants for a while" remembering back to the demon plant thing. Ken (GM): Aachen "We have options here men; we can scale the riverbank, and try to take the gate. its the shortest direct route into the keep. But that means crossing the bridge and thats a bit exposed" "Or we could try to sneak about, scale the opposite bank, and take the rear approach. The moat wall is slick though, and I can't guarantee we can scale it" "How are you all at climbing?" he says with a faltered smirk Bomrek: How tall is the wall? How big is this entire structure, really? What defensive positions are there on the walls? How delapidated is it? Ken (GM): lol Gray nods to the elf. "I can climb a tree or rough stone. Slick stone.. I could attempt, at least." He offers. The huge beastmen flexing his hands and considering. "We could cover our assault on the gate with smoke" Bomrek: Bomrek spits on the ground. "Never was my strongsuit. Neither was sneaking." Bomrek turns to the Elf "Say, how much of this do we need intact, exactly?" Ken (GM): -Peeking through cover, the moat wall rises about 5 yards from the water, and then a good 5 more yards of wall rise up from that -the castle is roughly 100 yards long, so patrols might have gaps -the walls have crenellated gaps; cover for shooters looking down at you guys -everything looks from here to be in usable repair; no obvious wall breaches from where you see Aachen" I'm sure the leadership will want a usable fortress when we are done; so no damage to the walls you cant repair later, master dwarf" [Aachen seems to be hearing a good argument for taking the gate] Gray reaches into his pack and takes out a rock hammer, iron spikes and a length of rope, along with cruel looking steel spikes with leather straps to go on boots, along with a bag of chalk dust. "One person could free climb, secure a line and the rest coudl follow.. ah.. Mostly" He dosn't look at the old man, but dosn't have confidence the physican could climb the wall, even with the rope. Bomrek: Bomrek turns to Suori and shrugs. Does the gate have a gate house, or anything like that? Gandalf G.: back yo Bomrek: ayy Ken (GM): -Through the mist, from here, you can see the rough break in the wall where a gatehouse sits; you cant see from down in the gulley if the gate is open or not (To Falkirk): you flubbed an untrained stealth , but nothing bad/overt happened as of yet Ken (GM): Horsa, care to weigh in? Bomrek: "I can send a cannon ball through the gate and the gate house, and Suori can probably patch it up with stone within a day or two if you don't mind it being walled up. Might be advantageous for our attack." "Put some fear in those beastmen's bellies" Gandalf G.: I'm up to date Horsa: I think letting the enemy play the strengths of the stronghold is definitely worrysome Falkirk: "Let us preserve our element of surprise as long as can be done." Horsa: Picking off a patrol or two would be ideal first, charging in and storming the gate would be a hard afternoon I suspect. Remember that we may be up against some magical tomfoolery as well...the farther we can keep the fight away from the wizard the better, at least at first. Bomrek: That's assuming there are patrols to pick off, and assuming in our picking they don't get alerted. (To Horsa): sure! roll at +2 Horsa: (To GM) (From Horsa): fail by 5...damn Horsa: O (To Horsa): You can neither confirm nor deny a good plan of attack. :P Bomrek: Bomrek shrugs "Not I, Gray, definitely not I." Horsa: I'm light enough on my feet, Gray, but no, I can't say I've scaled moats before. Ken (GM): Aachen shrugs "sounds like a lot of votes for rushing the gatehouse" Gray nods. "If we can get inside in the first rush we can take them." He puts away the climbing gear. Horsa: Well, I suppose unless someone has a better idea, we'll have to meet the full brunt of the ruins anyway eventually. Bomrek: Bomrek claps his hands together quietly and rubs his palms together "I'll begin setting up the cannon, then." Er, you said we don't have direct line of sight to the gate? Ken (GM): Aachen" and we can use the cover of this overgrowth a bit as well. Yes, bomrek, get one reaady to breach the gate. Gray, lend him a hand O steady one" Aachen motions you fellows over to the riverbank, and the short steep hike up the side through the bushes Falkirk: "I'll take this time to see if I can't detect any unusual aethers in the air," Lied Falkirk as he sat on a rock to take a breather. Gandalf G.: How long does a cannon take to set up? Bomrek: In this case it's mostly pre loaded. I'd guess a minute or so. Plus, Bomrek would like to take ample time to aim. Ken (GM): not long at all the dwarves pre-load a bit just tamping and double-checking to do Gandalf G.: Do I get 5 minutes? Horsa: They are ons Ken (GM): lol Aachen looks warily about, but allows for the breather to last afew minutes, yes Gandalf G.: swell (To Falkirk): that 1 FP from the terror sleep doesnt recover until you have an actual good sleep, sorry (From Falkirk): Lame. One short of max then. Gray can fire the heavy guns standing without trouble, but helps set up the tripods that support them with the dwarves. Ken (GM): [map change!] Bomrek: Okay so just to confirm, I can see the gate, AND the gatehouse? If the latter, what are the gate houses features. Oh, map Ken (GM): [you fellows are hidin gin the heavy brush of the riverbank, out of sight. Ahead, you have the gatehouse and bridge, but havent riske dbeing spotted. The mist is clearing slowly, but stubbornly holds near the riverbed. North of you, the exposed roadway leads to the gatehouse, and East of you, the walls of the ruins rise up from the moatway the rush of the water bubbles around you. No other sounds than your breathing and quiet work break the silence "Ready?" whispers Aachen Horsa: "Ready" Gray nods, the beast takeing a deep breath and letting it out. "Would a keg of gunpowder open the gate without doing too much damage?" Bomrek: "Aye, when I fire this thing, plug your ears, then be ready to spring." Bomrek says, adjusting the aim by very small amounts and sighting down the cannon. Falkirk pre-emptively obliges by plugging his ears Bomrek: Bomrek raises an eyebrow, then looks at Suori. "Would it?" Ken (GM): Suori shrugs "We'd need to get it RIGHT against the gate to be effective" Horsa: It would be nice knowing there's a way through before we charge in Falkirk: "Sounds like more risk than it's worth" Bomrek: "Bah, nothing a powder keg will do that a dwarven cannon ball won't do better, I say." Lets see, how many turns can I aim this thing for, again? What's the acc on these babies? Falkirk: "Can't we just blow the doors open from here?" Gray nods, then just waits for the show to start. (To Bomrek): Acc 2 + long aiming for another +2 Ken (GM): also, aiming for a large target +4 Bomrek: "Firing! 3.. 2... 1..." as I then try to re-figure my gunner score, Ken (GM): lol Horsa: Bomrek: vs a score of 13, before any modifiers. Ken (GM): hsould be net +8, and indirect fire, so thats a not-crit fail ! :D Bomrek: >indirect fire It is? Ken (GM) The shot rings out like caged thunder, and the stone ball whips into the gatehouse dead on through the shrubberies Horsa: Ni! Ken (GM) You hear a CLANG and a ruckus of splintering wood as the shot tumbles into the keep ahead Ken (GM): INITIATIVE ROLL Bomrek: ayy, wait a sec, I was aimin' at the gate to the right, not the gate house. Horsa: Bomrek: which if I understand correctly is, er, 'up'. Falkirk: what's the modifiers again Ken (GM): +2 from combat reflexes/initiating things! otherwise 1d6 and basic speed (To Bomrek): no worries, the gate got fucked. I was being flowery again with the talkin words (From Bomrek): spooky'. Roger roger. Ken (GM): Bomrek: 5 + 5.5 + 2 Gray: Horsa: 9 for me then as well with the +2 Ken (GM): yep, and 11 for gray bomrek on the top with 12.5! Bomrek: Woo! Falkirk: order is empty again Ken (GM): lulz Bomrek: same Ken (GM): stupid thing never refreshes right Falkirk: maybe close and reopen Ken (GM): im doing a refresh here too, see if it helps Horsa: I see things! Falkirk: we're good Ken (GM): howsat? Horsa: Nice Ken (GM): woot Joush M.: I always forget that +2 Ken (GM): pfft. i nearly do too BOMREK you up! (To Bomrek): poke poke (To Bomrek): Hulooooo Ken (GM): [is he still reconnecting?] Gandalf G.: no? Ken (GM): I shall assume connection issues or AFK; GM nudging him up the underbrush with gun at the ready Aachen! follows suit with sword drawn Gray! Horsa: Is the Underbrush sufficient to slow our move? Ken (GM): [not significantly if you stay to the edge; past that it drops to the river down (To Gray): poke poke Ken (GM): kk Gray: (To Gray): Through the mists you see not much than the edges of the wall, but you hear a kind of clamor from in the ruins. SOme kind of banging Ken (GM): Skornbrekker hurries along, un ready and pike alongside HORSA Horsa rushes up with the rest, trying to stay ahead where rapier-range is useful Ken (GM): Falkirk! (To Gray): I assume you have the other gunbox, right? Ken (GM): [gm rolls things] Bomrek! the group is advancing! (From Gray): Yep Gandalf G.: Specifically Thing 1 and Thing 2 Bomrek: Woo! Okay then, about what you said. Bomrek hides in the underbrush with his weapon. Horsa: Son of a Seuss... Ken (GM): KK, covering the advance? or moving up? Bomrek: Sorry, distracted. Covering the advance for now. Ken (GM): kk Aachen moves up! along cover, creeping-like Gray! Gray starts properly running now (move 7) on the way to the gate. Ken (GM): kk; DX or ST check please; the underbrush is a jerk. DO you barrel through or nimbly duck branches? Bomrek: Barreling through sounds more his strongsuit. Joush M.: Barrel though. ST check Gray: Joush M.: Margin of sucess 10 Ken (GM): TREES DIE BY THE ARMFULL but you get up to a good run while not yeilding to thorn or branch Gray smashes a path though the brush for the others to follow. Ken (GM): Scornbrekker tries to keep up and curses his stubby legs HORSA Horsa follows the trail of broken trees and dreams, trying to slip between the trees once he gets to the front Horsa: NICE Ken (GM): LULS ninja horsa SPRINT ASSAULT Horsa: YUS Ken (GM): THROUGH THE FOREST falkirk! Horsa: BURNINATING THE FOREST Gandalf G. follows up, moving as well as he can, all things considered Gandalf G.: oh you know what I meant Ken (GM): hah, yeah. Bomrek: Do I gain any sort of stealth bonus for being in this foliage, by the way? Also, I should lay down on my stomach, get some brace action going on. Ken (GM): Yeah, youre covered form view form the keep proper (spot penalties). And yus, retcon you on position is ok your turn in fact! Bomrek: I'm mostly worried about outside patrols coming to investigate that noise. Ken (GM): oh, thats probably a surity Bomrek: Mmm, I scan the area to the north (up?) and east (right?), looking for any sign of beastmen. Ken (GM): perception! Bomrek: Pass! (To Bomrek): Obvious signs of disuse on the North tower; undisturbed overgrowth and such on it. You see no movement or figures on the keep walls East. (To Bomrek): you can hear a noise from within though; an indistinct banging? Ken (GM): Aachen moves up! (From Bomrek): or is it too indistinct. Gray continues his charge, keeping pace with the elf and slamming though the brush. Reaching the footing of the bridge. Ken (GM): kk Skornbrekker follows Horsa!\ Horsa crashes out of the bush and swings to the other side of the bridge Horsa: Overconfidence I figure works here. Bomrek: Playin' his own theme song in his head all the way, surely. Horsa: Yer darn rights Ken (GM): lol falkirk! Joush M.: Horsa's got some slayer playing in his headphones right now. Horsa: SLAAAYYYEEEEEEFalkirk keeps up the pace, seemingly unaware of his falling behind Ken (GM): hah Falkirk: He is not a fast man Ken (GM) as you break through the underbrush, ahead, the gate lays in shattered pieces of ramshackle wood and bent old rusted metal! Ken (GM): bomrek! covering still? or otherwise? Bomrek: Covering still, lookin' for responders, mostly. Can't let'm get the jump on us from behind Ken (GM): kk Aachen burst through the brush as well, sword up and heads down the bridge gray! Horsa: m'elf! Gray runs hard, pounding along the stone bridge. "Don't get too far ahead, Mister Horsa!" Ken (GM): skornbrekker plants his pike and readies his gun; he waves at bomrek to move up horsa! Ken (GM): kk; falkirk! Falkirk continues trailing, blustering under his breath and behind his beard Ken (GM): [needs to jog more, wizard less :P] Bomrek: Joggin's for chumps, he's got books to read. Ken (GM): A figure appears on the wall top! A green skinned burly orc with a bow! he seems to be looking down at the smashed gate in astonishment! Bomrek! Bomrek: Do I see Mister Orc up there? Gandalf G.: Shoot him before he starts playing it Bomrek: And what's the range penalty for this distance, for this guy? Ken (GM): 25 yards! so -7, but youve been spotting, so +acc of 2 Bomrek: mMM... Ken (GM): net -5 right now Bomrek: I continue aiming, trying to get more of an edge before I take the shot. Ken (GM): kk Bomrek: I also signal to Souri that the dude's up there. "Enemy, wall" Ken (GM): right; Aachen! He rushes up the middl eof the bridge (From Bomrek): We're tacticool! Bomrek: Oh boy, a keg. Ken (GM): you see the ruined gate before you, an overgrown courtyard half-heartedly cleared for use, the keep rising up squat in front of you looming in the corner, a massive bloodroot plant sprawls from the fountain, with water barrels nearby the dark keep ahead is shrouded in mist and darkness Skornbrekker! Takes aim on the wall, scanning for targets Horsa! Horsa unable to get up at the archer with any real ability, will rush in and find cover Ken (GM): kk falkirk! Gandalf G. breaks out of the foliage and breaks into a haggard sprint Gandalf G.: fuck Falkirk: falkirk also does this Ken (GM): heh The orc sees you three running up the bridge, and nocks his bow, taking aim at Aachen! Joush M.: My eye! I'm not supposed to get arrows in it! Bomrek: Hah "My optomitrist said no more eye bolts, man!" Ken (GM): another orc comes ot the edge of the wall, while a third rounds the wall steps in the courtyard bomrek! Horsa: "I'm supposed to have full UV protection! Ultra Violence!" Ken (GM): I recall youre in a braced shooting position, so another +1; shoot at net -3? Bomrek: Sounds about righ- Oh, wait, wouldn't this be.. My gun's acc bonus as well? Which is 4. Or the +2 from before, was that supposed to be a standard aim bonus? Ken (GM): oh shit, right, you bought that up. So acc+4 long aim +1, braced +1, distance -7 is net -1 only Bomrek: Sounds acceptable! Ken (GM): (i forgot it was a fine gun, I never updated my sheet on my side, but made a note :P) Bomrek: Before I fire, Orcs like this... are they comparable to humans in their toughness n' such? Ken (GM): yeah, so centre mass should be pretty deadly Bomrek: Also, he doesn't know I'm here, right? And he's distracted otherwise at the minimum, right? Ken (GM): (he appears armored with a leather shirt, and cap, but not much else. He does not appear to be actively dodging you) Bomrek: Either way, Fire! Krahk-Boom! Pass by 4. Ken (GM): nice! he takes your shot, unawares, dead center damage! Bomrek: +1 pi++ Ken (GM): hahah 13 large piercing! Horsa: THatsWHATsheSAID! Falkirk: hueh Ken (GM): dead orc Bomrek: Wasa the orc aiming at anybody in particular, previously? or vaguely-pointing-toward? Ken (GM): at aachen, incidentally Bomrek: "First one's Free, Elf!" Bomrek yells over. Ken (GM): who now runs up the bridge into the courtyard, swaord up, murder on his face Horsa: Facemurder! (To Bomrek): the other orc on the wall looks over in your direction, but youre not sure hes seen you yet Gray gestures to the steps and charges in that direction, runnign at the one that came around the corner. The huge beast slamming forward.. (To Gray): the orc looks genuinely suprosed to see you, a bow loosely held in one hand, no arrow ready Ken (GM): skornbrekker takes a shot at the wall orc! thank god! a match the orc doesnt see it coming, and fails to dodge Bomrek: >4d Jesus Ken (GM): and his body tumbles back dead (To Falkirk): TO BATTLE! (To Bomrek): TO BATTLE! Ken (GM): A step and hes done horsa! Gandalf G.: They're also servicable clubs when empty (To Horsa): the orc looks genuinely suprosed to see you, a bow loosely held in one hand, no arrow ready Ken (GM): falkirk! (To Gray): i am nearly always forgetting to move that cannon icon along with you :P Falkirk continues running, muttering "one, two, one, two" quietly to himself Ken (GM): lol Bomrek: I do that in french. Forgot almost all of my french, aside from how to count to 4. Gandalf G.: trais bein mom ame Ken (GM): The orc appears surprised; he fumbles for an axe at his hip and draws it out (From Joush M.): Ha, yeah. As long as we remeber it's there when we need it. Gandalf G.: c'is le superb Bomrek: Hm. I scan to the north wall, see if I see anything. Ken (GM): no reactions up there, coat looks clear Bomrek: Mon francais est tres petite. Mmm. How about to the north further, anything coming from up there? If not, I stand up and end my tur. Ken (GM): the coast looks clear through the mists; they must not have posted a guard outside the gates (typical undisciplined savages) Bomrek: Disgusting. End Turn. (To Falkirk): you hear him yell "For my family!" in elvish Ken (GM): Gray! Joush M.: All Out (determined) sheild slam on the remaining orc, deceptive -2 for -1 to defense for a total SL of 14 Ken (GM): nice! Joush M.: So he gets to defend at -1 Ken (GM): it attempts a penalized dodge and dive! Falkirk: nice desu Bomrek: ore wa Ken (GM): and narrowly ducks you, to the side, but falls prone Joush M. growls to the orc, the huge beast holding that wicked sword in a massive hand. "Stay down!" Ken (GM): skornbrekker readies his pike as he jogs to keep up horsa! Falkirk: I thought he had a bardiche (To Horsa): Aachen looks positively angry/frothing Ken (GM): (big stick with a pointy bit, yes) Horsa runs up and attempts to get the down'ed Orc in a choke hold Horsa: Ken (GM): kay, dive and grap, so brawling at -` to hit him in the neck Horsa: Damn, no brawling...will know what to put points in Ken (GM): er -1 net (+4 for dive and tackle, -5 for hit location) Horsa: Fail either way Ken (GM): hah! thats still DX-1 Falkirk: I thought horsa had wrestling skill Horsa: Judo Everything's Judo Ken (GM): hey! there ya go Horsa: Yeah, unfortunately still fail by 3, lol Ken (GM): I see a fail by 1! which is still a torso 'hit' to start the grapple Horsa: Ahh, good! I meant to do that Ken (GM): youre doing a tackle (move and hit for +4) so its kosher lets see if he dodges though at prone :P he does not! Horsa: Noice Ken (GM): you are grappling successfully! no auto chokeout yet through Horsa: got it Ken (GM): he seems surprised entirely by the maneuver (To Horsa): he also smells horrible Falkirk jogs across the bridge, a flurry of unshaven legs and unwashed fabric Ken (GM): le ew Bomrek: Bein'; a doctor has nothin' to do with bein' clean. Ken (GM): orc scrambles in the grapple! Chris, opposed skill! (To Horsa): Opposed 'rasslin skill! Joush M.: We all stop to watch the pretty actor wreasel with the orc Horsa: (To GM) (To Horsa): FUCK beat by a mile Ken (GM): The orc flails, and horsa hold him fast Horsa says "Now now, you're not going anywhere, Stinky!" Bomrek: Oh boy. Well, Bomrek's up and about. He follows the others, across the bridge. And, end turn. Ken (GM): another orc walks about the end of the keep, a confused look on his face kk, bomrek move sup Bomrek: "Wha? I didn't order any strippers" Ken (GM): Aachen dives foot first at the orc's head AAAAAARGH Bomrek: Elven kung fu. Ken (GM): yay! no orc dodge! and one point of crushing damage to the orc! negated by armor! Ken (GM): he goes OOF! and thats about it! (To Gray): poke poke; orc has come looking round down south Joush M. starts running down in the new orc's direction down south, leaveing the others to grapple the one on the ground. Joush M.: Ah, that but as Gray Ken (GM): lol, lots of /me stuff? Horsa: Makes for a good "In Character" division vs just chatting Ken (GM): skornbrekker attempts a stubby-legged run, pike down and rushing in (To Horsa): youve got him in a one armed grapple, and he has no free hands. You can choke hold him at that technique -2, or drop your sword for no penalty, using both hands. Horsa drops his sword and tries to tidy up this little package with a arm around the neck Horsa: beat by 1 (To Horsa): nah youre good on that, he bought up the technique, hence the skill level entry. Orc fails to defend out of it, flailing wildly. Hes locked in and will start choking on his turns Ken (GM): the orc gets locked into a chokout! he flails! falkirk! run run run? Falkirk: run run run Ken (GM): or run run run run? (From Falkirk): That's what I've been doing for the past 3 turns :P (To Falkirk): ah, kk (To Falkirk): You hear the beastmen gibbering in their tongue "To arms! to arms! fresh meat!" Ken (GM): Bomrek! Bomrek: Runnin Ken (GM): kk Falkirk: "They're coming!" Bomrek: And then turn end. Ken (GM): falkirk calls out a warning! Aachen shanks the choked out orc! big overhand swing, very scary, much elf the orc is shanked! Ken (GM): for a pittance of impaling damage! Gray! Joush M.: Going for the same All Out Determined shield slam with deceptive -2 for SL 14 Gray: Ken (GM): kk BAM right in the kisser Horsa: COME ON AND Ken (GM): shield slam damorge Gray: rolling 2d+1 2 Bomrek: y-you mean 2d6- yup Ken (GM): lol CRACK Joush M.: He gets to do his HPx7/100 dice to my shield in return Ken (GM): the orc goes down like a ragdoll, crumpling messily his squishy form does! [checks calculator] Gray: Ken (GM): 1 damage! doesnt even pass hardness does it? Joush M.: Shield has DR 3, yeah Ken (GM): nice one Joush M.: he takes 5 damage from getting trampled when a SM +1 creature moves over him Ken (GM): hahah yeah, he goes out like a sack of rocks CHOO CHOO HERE COMES GRAAAAAAY skornbrekker charges in, bellowing a battlecry Gray isn't takeing chances in the inital, brutal assault, slamming the orc off his feet then crushing him with massive boots, roaring and ready for the next.. (To Horsa): i forgot to roll it, but you were +5 and trained versus his untrained chekc :P Horsa continues to try to get him to Nighty Night Land Horsa: (To Horsa): and b370 Ken (GM): some math happens, and then horsa starts choking out the orc violently, for 3 damage to the neck! the orc is changing colors! Horsa: death by math! Ken (GM): falkirku! (To Horsa): its you rolling choke @ +3, versus his opposed. Margin of victory in crushing damage, X1.5 for location. He strong but youve got him down Falkirk: in a SURPRISE TWIST I'm gonna keep running (From Horsa): nice, that makes sense Bomrek: what a turn of events! Falkirk: dont turn that knob, you'll never guess what happens next turn Bomrek: Chaching! ...I regret not loading the cannon with grape shot, now. Ken (GM): inside the keep, braziers flare to life, and the interior is lit! Five(!) hyena-men gibber and slaver at you, claws out and hackles raised! A massive serpent statue glistens within, surrounded by bloody stains and heaps of golden bullion the hyenamen howl, and charge out of the keep to the courtyard Bomrekka! Bomrek: Man, do you know how many gold noodle soups I can make with all of those gold boullion cubes. I.... Do I see the hyena dudes? Ken (GM): lulz you have line of sight, yeah at least to the upper three Bomrek: Huh. Range is bad, but not as bad as I expected, actually. What's the penalty at this range again Joush M.: Note to self: Grenades Ken (GM): -7 from here Bomrek: Hm. I aim, I suppose, and end my turn. Ken (GM): kk Aachen rounds on the new beastmen, and charges them wildly! BLARGHLE ARGLEFLARGH [ he seems mad] Falkirk: that seems unwise Joush M.: So.. replacement elf soon Ken (GM): the hyenaman deftly ducks the swung blade the elf, he is exposed GRAY! Falkirk: "Someone help the elf!" Gray turns and start running back to the others, leaving the crumpled ruin of the orc behind as his heavy boots slip then catch on the mist-damp stone. "Death comes for you! Surrender, fools!" Ken (GM): [lots of "run run run" today :P] speaking of which Joush M.: Damn, I might have to roll HT to keep from loseing FP soon Ken (GM): Skornbrekker digs deep! he spends a point of fatigue to run HARD and charges the closes hyenaman with his reach 3 pike! and hopefully hits! fucking barely! AND IT FAILS TO DODGE Ken (GM): THANK GOD oooh! 7 impaling damage! Bomrek: GOOOOAALLLLL Ken (GM): yeah! (PPA does so well when hes not here :/) Horsa! you are being flanked! Horsa: Bloody hell.... Acrobatics to grab sword and stand up? Ken (GM): thats a kip up!, might go poorly for ya Horsa: Yeah...mmm...All out defense is probably the best I can do, can't remember the rules for stuff while grappled though Ken (GM): prone is bad, but! if you use your turn to get up to a knee, thats infinitely better for ya (and you can maintain the grapple) Horsa: Yeah, let's do that. Move to a knee, maintain grapple, rolling for the quick contest / continued damage, sound good? Ken (GM): you can damage or change posture, but not both :/ Horsa: OK, knee, no damage Ken (GM): kk, roll your judo+2! (i think you win) Horsa: Match, actually er... Ken (GM): beat him though, he got a -2 Horsa: I mean beat by... yeah Ken (GM): lol MATH Horsa: MATH R HARDS Ken (GM): Falkirk! Falkirk runs to a halt, pulling his sleeves up once again and scanning the courtyard Falkirk: "Is anybody injured? Who's dead?" Ken (GM) the courtyard is bloodied with wounded orcs and hyenamen; the party is savaging them greatly and appear (so far) uninjured Falkirk: oh endturn also Ken (GM): kk BOOM CRASH Bomrek: This is like the start of a /k/ thread. Ken (GM) a door in the keep wall bursts out, slamming open, revealing a massive ogre armored in chain, weilding a greatsword Bomrek: "BOOM BOOM CRASH. That's all it takes for 5 hyena men to burst into your castle, how do you defend yourself?" Ken (GM): he makes unintelligble noises of rage and such Gandalf G.: WHAT ARE YOU DOIN IN MAH SWAMP Ken (GM): also, the hyenamen charge Horsa: IT'S ALL OGRE NOW Bomrek: Shit. Ken (GM): and chop at the elf too [frantic rolling] hyenaman vs aachen Bomrek: ("Watch out, he's got layers of DR!") Ken (GM): rakes him with claws, armor saves aachen Joush M.: That's some big ass ogre Ken (GM): hyenamen vs Suori Bomrek: Yeah, they're REALLY fucking hard to kill. Ken (GM): Bomrek: Needs a cannon. Ken (GM): suori takes one clar rake to the torso armor! Gandalf G.: Is that the ogre at the top (To Gandalf G.): yes, ogre at the top now :) Gandalf G.: k Bomrek: yup Ken (GM): and the last hyenaman is making for falkirk, but doesnt reach him this turn (To Horsa): opposed grapple skill! Horsa: (To GM) Ken (GM): and the orc wiggles uselessly against a chokhold hes getting weaker Bomrek! Bomrek: Can I see taht huge beast? Ken (GM): the ogre is SM+2 fyi, and yes, you have LOS Bomrek: Hm. So... What's range penalty and bonuses atm? Ken (GM): +4 acc from aim, -7 distance, +2 Size Mod oh, and +1 from bracing your gun if youve taken a knee/shooting stance Bomrek: mmm. What's penalty to a headshot, again? Or vitals shot. Ken (GM): face is -5, skull is -7, vitals -3 Gandalf G.: face isnt extra damage in most cases do note Bomrek: Right. Ken (GM): but calls for knockdown and stun rolls Gandalf G.: skull is the 'headshot' area Horsa: His favourite food is faces Ken (GM): lol Gandalf G.: but yeah it stuns good Bomrek: I'll do a vitals attack, I think. +4 for acc, +2 for SM, +1 from bracing. -7 from distance, so +0 basically. Then -3 for vitals. Pass. Ken (GM): NICE Bomrek: Not by 10, unfortunately. But pass. Horsa: YUS Ken (GM): and he has not had a chance to 'dodge' you yet so no defence, damage! Bomrek: Sweet. ...Huh. Ken (GM): WAT Gandalf G.: huh Bomrek: When's the last time there was even a true critical It's been a long goddamn time. Joush M.: Well, on the bright side that's a 0.5% chance of being that fucking aweful Bomrek: Yup. Ken (GM): HOLY SHIT damn, well Bomrek: If I had just hit the roll button a split second later, that'd almost certainly have been a different roll. RIP. Ken (GM): your shot flies over to him, hits DR2 from chainmail, and 2 penetrates into 6 wounding (x3 damage in vitals). So he grunts, but seems to shrug it off but DAMN Bomrek: Do you count the pi++ at that point? Gandalf G.: he did breh Ken (GM): it changes the wounding from normal to X3 Bomrek: Spookt'. Ken (GM): Aachen attempts a shank on the hyenaman and hyenaman take sit yay! swing, chop 6 wounds after cut calculations Ken (GM): Gray! Gray runs to get back to the fight with the others, looking to the hidious hyenamen and the towering ogre. Ken (GM): skornbrekkerbacks up, changes his pike hold, and swings at the hyena making for falkirk fuckyeah Gandalf G.: ayy Ken (GM): hyena fails to critdodge shit, 1d+5! go glaive! Gandalf G.: hacked Ken (GM): horsa-man! you have a knee, and a strangling orc Horsa: Getting sick of this orc, tryinna finish him off. All out for extra damage possible? Ken (GM): CHOKE CHOKE Horsa: Ken (GM): oooh Horsa: >_< Ken (GM): the orc manages to flail-resist and not take any damage :P not cool falkirku! shit is getting real! (To Horsa): fucking hell this is turning :P Bomrek: Remind me, is skull x4 damage? I should've went for a skull shot. Ken (GM): yeah, skull is X4, and calls for a HT roll vs stunning Falkirk thrusts his arm forward and encants an ancient, arcane utterance Falkirk: all-out determined also extra effort aiming at face (From Falkirk): Sure Ken (GM): no range penalty at 2 Falkirk: alright I'm aiming at the face\ so all things considered 11 Ken (GM): kk Rolling 3d6 = 14 v11 (To Falkirk): you take 1FP in damage, on top of your efforts but you spray from your hand WAY TOO MUCH MAGIC (To Falkirk): you also feel the weelspring in your speaking stone greatly reduced Ken (GM): A spray of stinking acid clouds out of falkirks hand, the light on his pouch burns brightly for a moment then flares out, as a spray of acid clouds the area [please see green cone on battle field] falkirk! 5d corrosion damage please! Falkirk: I see no cone Rolling 5d6 = 24 Horsa: I am also Coneless Bomrek: ^ Falkirk opens a bag of skittles? Ken (GM): better? (sorry for the crudeness of my model :P) Falkirk: I chose Leprechan as my race Horsa: Taste the Acidic Rainbow! Bomrek: Skittles Sour Ken (GM): sufficed to say, those two hyenamen melt screaming, boiled away to bones and teeth Bomrek: For gods sake, do that to the ogre Ken (GM): the ground boils and bubbles. Even the stones are etched The ogre witnesses this! he readies his weapon in defence and shuffles over (To Falkirk): the stone doesnt seem so magically charged anymore; it is not throbbing against your aura Ken (GM): Bomrek! Bomrek: Oh boy. Okay, so... how fast do ogres usually move? How fast did this one move? Any estimation that Bomrek can figure? Ken (GM): the last one was about as fast as a man (remember the farm?) this one is wearing chain all over and has a big slab of sword Bomrek: I guiess the best course of action is to run up there. It'll take too long ot reload - BUT, there's a cannon up there with my name on it that might come in handy. Ken (GM): true dat Bomrek: So, I run. End turn. Ken (GM): kk Aachen screams "Cowards! Face me!" wheeling with his sword, bellowing a challenge at the ogre gray! Bomrek: Elf, Need I remind you that the Ogre is fucking large? Ken (GM): [he is foolishly brave and impulsively angry] [but es, leagues smaller than the ogre] Joush M.: I'll move up here. Can I get the gun box out while I run and set it down for the dwarf? Ken (GM): Roll DX for me? Gray: Joush M.: MoS 1 Ken (GM): nice; yes, you unleash the box for your better trained ally skornbrekker lengthens his grip, and readies against the ogre "Back off falkirk! that ogre will tear you apart! magic or no!" Horsa! gibbering hyenamen are panicedly running past you! Horsa: I ignore them and try to end this orc Ken (GM): :P Horsa: Falkirk: "I wasn't planning on anything but." Ken (GM): orc fails by 2! your margin end his struggles! huzzah! Horsa: Ugh, finally, lol (To Falkirk): acid poking? retreat? Falkirk: oh shit I'm up herp Ken (GM): a derp Falkirk makes the wise decision to tactically retreat Ken (GM): ~zoidberg noises~ Bomrek! oh wait! ogre first (lost his counter, my bad) Bomrek: Where's the cannon, anyway? (To Falkirk): "Surrender wizard! I shall best you!" in old gorgoth Ken (GM): bomrek! Gray has your spare cannon! (From Falkirk): "I don't doubt you. That's precisely why I won't surrender." Bomrek: I run toward'm, and end my turn~ Ken (GM): kk Aachen yells an unitelligble challenge, but stand his ground with you all Gray1 Joush M.: I'll step up one to cover the gun crew and crazy wizard then wait, see if the ogre will wait long enough for us to shoot him dead. Ken (GM): lol Gray steps forward and settles his breathing after the run, sword readied and watching the ogre. Ken (GM): Skornbrekker takes your intent, and drops his pike to start unboxing the gun Horsa! the beastmen are retreating past you, and the group stands agains tthe ogre. You are cradling a dead orc Bomrek: ("You were too beautiful for this world ugly world, Uglack... Too goddamn beautiful.") Horsa drops the corpse of the orc, sweeps a frustrated hand to his sword, and picks it and himself up, facing the ogre and exhaling a dramatic breath. "Well then..." Ken (GM): falkirk! Bomrek: Cast your gay rainbow attack on the ogre! Melt off his layers! Ken (GM): lol Falkirk turns, takes a step and makes an ogre-ward gesture Falkirk: so 7 that's -3 by my reckoning Ken (GM): -3 distance penalty Falkirk: +1sm? Ken (GM): ogre is SM+2 Falkirk: neat extra effort wait no AoA and I'm aiming randomly that's unmodified right? Ken (GM): roll for hit location? yeah +0 Rolling 3d6 = 12 v14 neat and hit location Rolling 3d6 = 7 Ken (GM): the ogre attempts to dodge ya and fails! Falkirk: right leg Ken (GM): nice Bomrek: Now he'll only pay half price at ogre shoe stores. Falkirk jets a stream of hissing yellow bile from his sleeve at the ogre's leg Falkirk: and that (To Falkirk): your stone flarres again weakly, add+1d6 Rolling 2d6 = 9 damage corrosive Ken (GM) the stone flickers from falkirks pouch and shines into him Falkirk: so also -1 DR for him Ken (GM): the ogre goes OH GOD NO MY LEG and reaaaaaaally fuck up that standing up roll he falls over (To Falkirk): BY MY FATHERS THE PAIN Falkirk: "He seems to be surrendering." Suðri Skornbrekker: sizzle sizzle Ken (GM) hiss pop, bubble Ken (GM): his leg has nearly melted away Falkirk: crackle Ken (GM): AND that seems like a good time to halt us for now, as I just relaized the time! fuck1 Falkirk: sure ok Ken (GM): 5xp each you beautiful weirdos Joush M.: Thanks man. Good game Ken (GM): I desperately need to run; NP I love runnin it for you guys Falkirk: good session mang Ken (GM): but see you all next week! (To Falkirk): with good reason you suspicious man you :D Horsa: Rock on Falkirk: I got 15 exp to spend now Gandalf G.: think I'll get a new spell Bomrek: Back. Ken (GM): woof Joush M.: Hey there. How's it going man? Ken (GM): good! had a great con amazing long weekend of nerdity Joush M.: Good to hear. Anything stand out? Ken (GM): I was a con babe for like, three days. I must have had my picture taken with people hundreds of times best compliment I could get Joush M.: That's awesome. Good for you Ken (GM): ayyy its an adolf! Adolf S.: ayy Man, I've had a hell of a time at work this week. Shifts needing to be covered, slack needing to be taken in. They wanted me to work today, too, but I had a bunch of car shit to do and couldn't Ken (GM): well, we commend your commitment to the game people out sick? Adolf S.: Something like that. I wasn't given all the details. Ken (GM): "and thus, the zombie outbreak began..." Adolf S.: >zombie outbreak happening when I'm low on .357 Shit luck Ken (GM): oh! FYI, PPS is out with an excuse. Fmaily visit/big event at his place tonight so we're just waiting on chris and gandlaf Joush M.: Ahh, time for him to hit on his cousins. Good for him Ken (GM): hahaha Oh man, this new pertubator album is nice Adolf S.: Remind me what happened last time - I've gotten very little sleep Ken (GM): lol you guys are in the middle of routing the enemy at the ruins you stormed the gates, covering each other with dwarven overwatch. You blasted in and got in the fray with a bunch of orcs and gnolls the ogre showed up, falkirk sprayed acid everywhere with a burst of magic and then he hit the ogre in the leg, knocking his ass out as the limb melted off bomrek and gray were hastily unpacking a canon Ken (GM): and horsa JUST finished choking out an orc Most of the gnolls are fleeing now as half of them melted in the acid Joush M.: We know the fight isn't over yet though. Nobody's mangled Acacen Ken (GM): hahah yeah and the sorceress/dark warlock/dragon havent been seen yet and you guys know theyre here somewhere Adolf S.: Thinking about getting myself a 1911. Was going to go check the one I want out at my LGS, but because of that forced shift I had to take I couldn't, and it looks like they're out of'm now. Lame. Ken (GM): you'd think theyd allways be in stock? (or is this an ORIGINAL1911? Adolf S.: It's an Armscor GI model, 5 inch. Mostly the only thing they have in stock is the shitty tactical model that I have no interest in. It's a good gun at a good price point, that supposedly eats the cheap shitty ammo without issue. Which is more than I can say about a lot of 1911's on the market these days. Ken (GM): Ooh, well, its pretty I take it the tactical model isnt though? Adolf S.: Not quite. It's got a skeletonized trigger and hammer, which both does so little that the concept is almost a joke, and looks bad to me. Ken (GM): ugh, yeah Adolf S.: Sights are supposedly good for closer shooting which sounds nice in concept, but the controls are over sized which I sort of dislike. Ken (GM): I can understand taking pounds off of other areas, but the miniscule difference on the hammer and trigger are just silly Joush M.: The finish on armscor guns is kinda.. well, not good. It's solid, but you stay aware it's a cheap gun. I've heard good things about their 1911 though Adolf S.: Eh, define not good. Are we talking aesthetics or practical, er, resilence? Ken (GM): yeah, if its an ammo-dumper, I'd look for a nice resilient uncorrodable finish Adolf S.: For the time being I live in a dry area and keep on top of my oiling, so I imagine rust won't be much of an issue. Joush M.: Asthetics mostly. Tightly fitted together. If there's anything they need to go to a gunsmith for it's shitty sighs out of the box Adolf S.: Ye? Aren't the sights mounted to the slide in this case? Also, they're tightly fitted? I thought these things were supposed to be rattle cans. Horsa: Yar! Adolf S.: ayy Ken (GM): YAR Joush M.: Not the stuff I've used from them. yeah, the sights are mounted to the slide. If they are fucked up it's back to the manufacturer it goes to get them fixed. Ken (GM): ugh, manufaturer fixes so slow Adolf S.: What all have you shot from'm? Any 1911's? I'm not super sure what they make aside from this particular model Ken (GM): Ive only ever fired a .45 1911 I borrowed from the range on my first training day I have little to 0 practical experience with them, aside form living vicariously through /k/ and chris Horsa: Praise be to the Murder/k/ube :P Adolf S.: "Training day" ? Is that something you just did because you wanted to, or some sort of mandatory range qual'? Joush M.: The MAP from them. It's their compact 9 Adolf S.: Ave nex alea~ Ken (GM): just me "man-ing up" with a firend. I had never shot before, so he took me out for a practical lesson. Adolf S.: Mmm. I'm hoping it runs well, it'll be a fun substitute for my other guns that I can't shoot as much now days, since I've only got one day off a week. Horsa: Last time I was out at the range, my old work buddy went with me...he has a bunch of prohib guns. It was awesome. Got to shoot stuff most Canucks like me will never even SEE in their lifetimes. Collectors license are win. Joush M.: What kind of stuff? Now I'm curious Horsa: I'll have to get a list from him, I honestly can't remember the names/models. But a few were pocket pistols...big no-no here in Canada because apparently anything under 4 inches is a ninja stealth death weapon and could never ever be used for range fun. (generally speaking) Joush M.: Oh man, that's so weird. I've fired so fucking many compact when my friend was trying to find the perfect every day carry instead of a new job Ken (GM): great mental image there "shouldnt you be applying for work?" "BLAM BLAM BLAM" "Ooooh this one is fun" Horsa: Yeah, it's silly....but playing nice with the politicians is pretty much our only option. We're too nice for armed revolt. :P Adolf S.: Hearing canadian gun laws makes me angry. For the last 4 weeks I've been in a situation where I have to have complete emotional control over myself in the face of shitheads, I think I'd forgotten what it was like to feel anger. Neat. Joush M.: "Maybe find a job where you won't be rapemurdered and need to go strapped everywhere" Horsa: lol Joush M.: Damn Adolf, sounds rough Adolf S.: I dislike compact guns for range use, mostly. Ken (GM): I'm a fan of the China Lake 40mm Horsa: I know when I look for work, I rank not being rapemurdered and good dental as the two things influencing my choices. Ken (GM): Horsa: :D Adolf S.: I think I'd rather have a standard 70's era single shot nade launcher than the china lake. Joush M.: Yeah, the only reason to shoot a compact at the range is to get used to it for carry. Otherwise they really aren't very fun to shoot Adolf S.: Seems cooler for some reason, despite, y'know, being lesser in most ways. Ken (GM): RACK CHAK poot BOOM The four reasons I need Horsa: The poot is the important bit Joush M.: That's just beaitful Ken (GM): hehe okay, all joking aside. PPA is out with an excuse, and Gandalf/Falkirk is MIA at the moment I have 3/5 of you, so I'm good with starting this babd boy back up (and PPA will be on later if he can manage) Joush M.: Gotcha. Falkirk must be wiped out after the spell, let him rest? Horsa: I'll have to duck out in a bit to bring the missus to work, sadly. But I'll do my best to be on here Ken (GM): As long as you drive like the car is on fire :V\ Horsa: yus When in doubt, assume I stab things with the pointy bit of my rapier. Adolf S.: I might have to leave at any time myself due to some family obligations, incidentally. Ken (GM): dear god what is it with you people and your loving families? ugh Joush M.: Deer god! Horsa: In the name of the Antlers, the Tail and the Hooves, amen Ken (GM) WHAT OTHER FOES SHALL OUR PARTY FACE? Adolf S.: Was the ogre still awake, or was he knocked out? Ken (GM): [He has succumbed to his wounds/passing out from the pain. He lost his entire right leg!] Horsa "Well...that doesn't sound very happy..." Adolf S.: I think I fired both shots on my musket, so I'll take some time to reload. ..Think I was doing that last game, infact, come to think of it. Ken (GM) AS YOUR PARTY ASSEMBLES AND REARMS, THE RUMBLING ANGRY NOISES GROW LOUDER, APPROACHING THE COURTYARD Ken (GM): Bomrek is reloading, as is Sudri Horsa: I've moved up Ken (GM): Aachen is looking about wildly, trmbling with anger, shouting after the retreating beastmen kk Adolf S.: So, where exactly is that growl coming out of? The room with the snake and gold? Or further down to the south? Ken (GM): falkirk looks a bit winded, but assures you all he's fine "Where is that beast?!" his eyes searching the courtyard Gray settles into place, checking his weapons and watching the grim keep when he isn't looking around for things trying to approch behind them. Ken (GM): @adolf; the noise seems to be coming from within the keep; the way is dark, however, except for low burning braziers of coals lighting the statue in the entryway Bomrek: "I don't like the sound of that... best we keep the canons handy." Ken (GM): The last canon is packed and ready to fire; it takes only a few moments to unpackage it from the carrying box Suðri Skornbrekker: "READY" calls out the dwarf, propping up his freshly loaded gun on his bardiche Bomrek: Hm. And the other canon? Still back a little ways, or..? Ken (GM): you fired that one at the gates, you recall bomrek, you've got one barrel reloaded as well at this point Bomrek: Goin' for the second as well assuming nothing disturbs that. Gray stands guard on the first gun, frowning at the woman's laughter behind his mask. He waits with stony paitence, alert, breathing in the scents of the place, the sharp chemical scent of the acid. He looks to the others, the beast unclever enough not to wish to speak for the group to the enemy. Bomrek: Hum. Ken (GM): Aachen calls out, his voice angry and strained "WE ARE THE HEROES OF GREYHOLD! HERE TO CLAIM GLARDENFEN IN THE NAME OF THE KING!" Bomrek: "Just a humble party of candle salesmen! Come out, and we'll show you our wares!" Bomrek yells back, continuing to load his second barrel, but also steps behind Suori out of the presumed line of fire / sight. Ken (GM): lol Horsa: lol Ken (GM): Gandalf also backs up here, putting the stone wall behind him. He seems worried at the sound of that voice Horsa "Guess she doesn't like candles." Ken (GM): Bomrek, time enough to have your second barrel readies as well Bomrek: "Shame, I was preparin' to offer her my two-for-one special" he says, tapping his double barrel musket fondly as he secures his reloading materials. He moves back, past the doctor, and closer to the elf. Ken (GM) The womans voice calls back to you again "Sons of men! Leave this place and you shall keep your lives. But leave the Speaking stone with us! Place it on the ground and you buy yourselves safe passage home...for now" Ken (GM): Aachen raises an eyebrow at this offer, looks to falkirk, and simply shakes his head 'no'. Falkirk looks grimly resigned Horsa "I don't think she quite gets it, does she fellows..." Bomrek: Bomrek looks toward the elf, and then the doctor, confusion on his face. "That damned trinket we found at the camp? How important could that possibly be?" Gray shrugs. "Well, she's right that I have no understanding of the stone." Falkirk: "It is a powerful magical object; we cant let it fall into evil hands!" Ken (GM): PERCEPTION CHECKS Bomrek: "Well, what shall we do then? Going in straight might work, unless that growling earlier wasn't for show." he leans over a little, taking a look into the passageway again before leaning back. Pass. Ken (GM): horsa roll 3d6 Horsa: Ken (GM): ugh pass from aachen, sudri and falkirk gray? (To Gray): perception check? Ken (GM): it may end very poorly for him :S Gray: Ken (GM): woo! pass! Joush M.: Sorry, I was grabbing coffee Bomrek: Horsa doesn't notice the trip wire hooked up to a claymore mine in the corner, and blows himself up~ Joush M.: Nooo! He was the only pretty one! Horsa: lol Ken (GM) Everyone alert for the enemy notices the crackle of energy in the air and the sound of whooshing air; behind and above them, a hole into nothingness has appeared, and out has stepped the dark robed sorcerer from the previous day! Black lightning crackles on his fingertips, swinging in angry motions over his head! Ken (GM): initiative! Horsa at -3! but also +2 for eveyone, thanks to combat reflexes in the party! Horsa: Ken (GM): daaang Horsa: Oops, sorry -1 to that. 13 Ken (GM): lol, STILL Horsa: Yeah, 6 on the roll helps. :P Bomrek: Gray: Bomrek: +5.5 + whatever I get for combat reflexes in this case. Ken (GM): 10.5 for bomrek okay! HORSA reacts first to the dark mage appearing! Horsa is startled, but acts out of instinct, making a bee-line for the mage, sword ready Ken (GM): so over to the stairs and up to the battlement? kk Horsa: Yep Ken (GM) the screech of stone tearing rends the air, and a heaving mass of sinewey musle bursts from the darkness of the keep. Atop the draconic horror is a woman clad in fine silks, riding it's shoulders, grasping a brassy-golden chain about it's neck Ken (GM): She seems eerily calm, and is grinning ear to ear Aachen! bellows in defiance and charges the dragon! he swings his sword wildly, missing the massive creature's neck widely Gray is impressed by the entrance despite himself as he watches them. Then the elf charges right at the dragon's mouth. Ken (GM): Falkirk! Looks quite worried, but chases after horsa! Bomrek! Bomrek: Hm. Decisions decisions. Does the woman look unnatural in any way? Magic-y, etc. Also is she a human, or some sort of beastman.. woman. Ken (GM): a human woman, clad in silks of red and orange. She's insanely calm for riding a dragon, but looks otherwise human Bomrek: Hm. What's the penalty to hit the wizard fellow here? Five hex range. Ken (GM): 5 yards of distance (due to the upward dimension of him up on the wall so a -2 only Bomrek: Alright. Any penalty? Think I'll put a round in his ches- righto. Last time I let this guy linger and he escaped in a flash. Don't want that happening again. Chest shot~ Ken (GM): kk Bomrek: Joush M.: Ouch. Is that a malfuction? Ken (GM): [doublechecking the malf on that, 1 sec] Bomrek: Not sure - that being said, I thiiiink previously before my crap crashed and I lost my progress, that I had my rifle skill to 18. Waaaayyyy too tired to remember atm though. Ken (GM): ah, yeah, my sheet over here is out of date but I will hold you to the spending of points ;) checking for a defense! The wizard has dodged! barely! Your shot fires true and then a flash of light bursts! there is a clap of thunder as the mage's lightning disperses, and he stands unharmed! his lightning, however, has discharged from his hands! Skornbrekker! Aims his gun against the dragon and it's rider! Ken (GM): Gray! You will want to circle round the bubbling acid ground! Gray advances, shield at the ready and circleign around the scorched earth. Words fail, so he roars his defiance at the dragon. Ken (GM): Horsa! Joush M.: that should do it. Don't want to risk a AAO. Horsa: Rushing up the stairs...any penalty to move other than no sprinting? Ken (GM): nope, youre good; theyre even stairs Horsa: Cool, I'm ready for step-attack next turn Ken (GM): kk THE DRAGON Horsa: MY THATCHED ROOF COTTAGES! Ken (GM): The dragon roars in return against Gray, it's maw splitting back to show hand-length razor teeth, and a gullet of flames! It turns toward you and spews fire from its maw! Gray: Ken (GM): would gray and Aachen like to dive out of the way? Joush M.: FUCK Ken (GM): FUCK Joush M.: Luckly, my shield will protect me! -dies- Ken (GM): haha, actually this is an area-effect; you need to dive-dodge out of the way at a minimum you get the shield bonus, and the +3 for a dive, but you need to dodge Aachen has to beat 11 yay! he dives forward and out of the path of flames! (To Gray): poke poke Ken (GM): YO gray! target should be 15! Gray: Bomrek: Crap, I've gotta go do shit. Not sure when I'll be back. Joush M.: Yes! Damn, sorry Bom Bomrek: Assuming I'm not back: Bomrek will consider shooting the lady with the dragon, assuming the wizard starts getting perforated by the others. Ken (GM): kk so gray needs to dive back into the courtyard only free not on fire hex in range but! he does so successfully! the dragons fire spews like liquid hell, but you dive unscathed aachen gets back up to a combat-kneee on his turn Horsa: "If you spew and she bolts...it was never meant to be..." (From Gray): Yeah sorry. I'm out of it today (To Gray): no worries :P Ken (GM): 8 hexes is a -4! so skill 14! BAM Horsa: aww yissss Ken (GM): she attempts to rear out of the way! hauling on the dragons brass reigns! FUCK NO she's glacially slow in reaction! damage from bomrek Ken (GM): kerbam! she tumbles from the dragon to the ground, and the startled beast shakes it's head in a fury Horsa: noice Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! Takes his aimed shot at the confused dragon! (Asusming he also spent points as he described, looking at a roll vs 14!) Joush M.: It's been a day for high rolls. Nice to see it help us some Ken (GM): yay! and the confused dragon doesnt even dodge or react, taking the shot to the head (face) good god Ken (GM) The dragons maw explodes in blood and shattered scales, and you see exposed skull behind the bloody spray Ken (GM): it shrieks and falls over (it is prone/knocked down, fyi. cant really rotate the mini much Gray! Joush M.: Is the ground still on fire in the AOE zone? Ken (GM): yes! like a gas/napalm fire, sticky flames lick the ground Joush M.: Can I skirt around the flames to get there? Ken (GM): yesm theres a narrow path but its clear wait, you were prone though from the dive! you still need to get up first! like aachen! Horsa: ooooh boy here we go Ken (GM): right so, top of the count, that dark wizard Gray rises to his feet and snarls, fames crackleing nearby. Ken (GM): he collects black lightning on his hands, chanting in a dark tongue [the same black lightning he used to deflect a bullet!] (To Gray): if you dont wanna be RIGHT UP AGAINST the fire Ken (GM): Horsa! Horsa: Going to go for a stab to the vitals to see how that gets me Ken (GM): kk target area is a -3, but you got the reach! do the shanky! Horsa: Target is 12 with my stuffs :P Ken (GM): The dark wizard attempts to swing his black lightning hands into the blow! and misses the parry by 1! shit! Roll your impaling damage! Horsa: Ken (GM): fawk! X3 in the vitals! Horsa: Pokie pokie, artichokie! Joush M.: Wizard needs to git gud Ken (GM): you skewer him, he coughs blood, and falls on his ass Horsa: Ken (GM): lulz the dragon feebly screams and bleeds a bunch from the face it looks really dazed and angry Aachen lunges for it's face with his sword Ken (GM): Nice! The dragon fails to dodge form prone and stunned! and is impaled in the head! Gray waits a moment. The fight lasted only seconds and he waits to see if there will be another threat before the beast starts working aorund the fire. "Everyone alright?" He calls in that deep, carrying voice, looking to the dragon then stepping over it. Curious about the woman. Seeing if she's still alive. Ken (GM): The dwarves signal they are uninjured, and move to check the wounded foes as well Aachen is smeared with the dragons dark blood, but also nods his safety "If those mages survived, bind them, and see that Falkirk keeps them alive for the moment. I want answers" Horsa "Help me with Mr Lightning over here, let's get him down before he bleeds out." Ken (GM): Falkirk stoops to help horsa with the warlock, chekcing the rapier wound, and confirming that he is down for the count at the moment Gray returns the simple straight sword to it's sheath and looks to the snake statue and fallen dragon. The beast scenting the air inside, strange eyes adjusting quickly to the dimness. Ken (GM): "A quickbandage will keep him with us for the time being" Horsa: Ken (GM): Horsa: :D Ken (GM): The keep is dark and musty, and full of the decayed smell of age. The beastmen seem to have made dens further in, judging by the smell (To Gray): She remains still, no breath rising from her, no pulse under your touch. In one hand she is grasping a small red stone, gleaming in the dim light, glowing with an inner energy Horsa shakes his head. "Another tattered soul enticed by the darker deeds of the world, I suspect." Ken (GM): The dwarves reload again their muskets, and take up positions ont he wall, scanning for danger "Looks clear from up here Sir Aachen!" (To Gray): The spark of magical energy reaches out to you through even your gloves! Roll Will for me! Ken (GM) Gray calls out to you from the keep about the stone and sorceress, but seems to lurch midstep! a crackle of red energy on his hand! Gray: (To Gray): Flashes of pain and images of terrible dark shapes flash in your mind! Gaping maws of infinite teeth! Oceans of blood! And pain more than you have ever felt! Then in an infinite moment, it is gone and youre left with the stone in your hand and a stunned look on your face Gray may not be clever, but his will is iron. He snarls at the vision from the stone and growls wordlessly a moment, stunned, snarling, animistic beyond even his normal measure while he pants for breath. Ken (GM): Aachen calls out "Gray? are you alright? What have you found?" Falkirk tends to the fallen warlock with his healers tools Horsa: Shit...Ken, I'm going to have to head out for a bit. Probably about an hour or so Ken (GM): kk no worries This might be a good point to pause at least then Joush M.: Alright. Good game man, too bad people couden't stick around Ken (GM): The dragon is slain, the sorceress too. The warlock is bound and kept alive for the moment Horsa: Glad it wasn't in the middle of combat at least, sorry folks Joush M.: Good luck Hors. Get your grove on Ken (GM): bah; their loss for misscheduling no worries fiss Horsa: o/ Oh, Upped DEX on Horsa with my accumulated 20 points from last session. Cool? Ken (GM): I'll put up an announcement on the campaign page, putter around here I think, see if people show back up DX sounds like a good idea! write down another 3 points for the both of ya! Gray: Very nice. Thanks Ken (GM): np; always glad to game with you guys fuck scheduling though; we all seem terrible for it Gray: Early on saterday is hard Ken (GM): yeah, it seems. I'll pose the question if we wanna move times. Gonna be hard with two euros and 4 North americans though :P Seems like the only middle ground other than noon sundays instead Gray: Yeah, shit could get complicated. Gandalf G.: ayy P.P. A.: Hiya So what have I missed these past two sessions? I see dead people and a dragon Gandalf G.: I missed the last session too P.P. A.: o Gandalf G.: but previous to that, we killed the plant demon thing, arrived at The Place and I guess since then they entered The Place P.P. A.: Another plant demon thing? Gandalf G.: and killed a dragon and some magic chick there was a plant but it wasnt a demon I guess the demon was possessing that type of plant P.P. A.: Oh, I remember that session Wasn't there for the dragon though Gandalf G.: oh yeah I guess the one before didnt happen so we're on the same page we missed one week I'm gonna spend some points P.P. A.: Oh right, I still have a couple too Going to wait until after this session so I can raise my INT by 1, though Ken (GM): wakka wakka! Joush M.: g'muonging everyone Gandalf G.: ay P.P. A.: Hello (To Gandalf G.): sounds fun! :) Ken (GM): he will be on directly Bomrek/adolf is being hauled out by the fam, but he gave me early warning. He's on standing orders to shoot, shank then drink, in that priority :P P.P. A.: The two dorfs haven't been able to properly interact in, what, four sessions ;_; Ken (GM): hah, yeah P.P. A.: (half of which were my fault, though) Ken (GM): lamentations of the adult schedule P.P. A.: (well, one and ahalf) Ken (GM): I yearn for the halcyon days of youth, with 3 times a week schedules, marathon weekends, and a total lack of responsibilites Gandalf G.: while we wait, imma grab a bowl of cereal brb Ken (GM): Wacky bunch of session in the last few weeks. I'm excited for today :D not to reveal my hand, but you guys are near a climax of sorts :P P.P. A.: I see we reached the ruins and killed a dragon Ken (GM): yeah, the assault went well Sudri was quite critical to the melee; very choppy, and he shot the sorceress and the dragons brains Joush M.: It's all comeing to a head. Lots of gunfighting and all. We've missed the dwarves though P.P. A.: nice Ken (GM): gray has been a ridiculous force to be reckoned with too; shield bashing, trampling, chopping, dodging out of dragons breath and Horsa/chris spent an entire session/7 rounds of combat choking out one orc :P P.P. A.: l-lewd Ken (GM): falkirk/gandalf hasnt had to heal anyone, afaik either; lots of minor scrapes or good dodges Gandalf G.: I had to patch aaron's arm when the plant monster chomped it up Ken (GM): Aachen! ah yes, but that was days ago, barely counts Joush M.: There was some serious orc molesting going on. We are going to get a letter from orc HR Horsa: I liiive Ken (GM): speak of the molesting devil Horsa: Yes! Suðri Skornbrekker has been fighting like in a trance; as his heartbeat calms down, he finds himself coming to his senses again. Joush M.: Now turning off AutoDwarf Ken (GM): Autodwarf engaged for unit:Bomrek Gandalf G.: Martial Trance (To Gray): You did well against the power of the bloodstone; other than a hideous vision, you are unharmed. The hideous bloody pictures still scour your minds though; infinite gaping maws and horrible gnashing teeth echo in your head Falkirk wipes sweat from his brow with the back of his gaunt hand (To Falkirk): Youre good; you did a first aid roll to stabilize the Warlock, but hes incapacitated and bound at your feet. Horsa "I think we got the best of them with the cannons and surprise attack. That went well...and I hope I'm not tempting literary fate by saying almost too well." Bomrek: "Aye, i cannae see any of the retreating forces. No discipline on 'em, theyre off fer the time bein. We should secure the gates, though" Gandalf G.: So have we got the castle/fort to ourself? Ken (GM): Bomrek reloads his weapon, and makes for closing the frint gate Suðri Skornbrekker likewise reloads his musket, and takes a closer look at the keep and the state of ruin it is in. Falkirk: "I'll take care of that. It's a powerful artifact, best kept under my care." Ken (GM): Aachen "Master Falkirk should have one for you, Gray" The elf retrieves his sword from the Dragons skull, viscera spilling from the gaping wound in the exposed bone SHLUP (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Pretty good condition, considering, but the army will have some work cut out for it when it gets here; lots of walls to shore up and ground to clear properly Gandalf G.: yo so are we alone? how how big is this place? Ken (GM): Ya'll gonna explore :P ? Suðri Skornbrekker nods to himself and strokes his beard. Too much work for their small team, but he hopes to be able to assist the army when the larger body arrives to garrison the keep. Gandalf G.: aye I reckon we should Falkirk (presumably) takes the stone, depositing it somewhere inside his robes and turns Horsa shrugs and smiles, "Which room first, fellows?" Ken (GM): [There are some places of note then; the beastmen came from the northeast room there, the dragon from the southern, and there is a door there, firther in tot he keep. As well, the courtyard continues around the south walls Falkirk: "I say our first priority is finding these... creatures' quarters and ensuring they won't bother us." Suðri Skornbrekker: Does anyone have experience with preserving bones? Methinks a dragon's skull would make a fine trophy to adorn the keep and welcome would-be invaders. Although, of course, that can wait. Falkirk: god only knows what skill that would be Horsa: Taxidermy? Falkirk: taxidermy is probably a professional skill Horsa: :) Ken (GM): yep, or some such default from vetrinary/medical but! to the inside of the keep then? the deeper rooms? Gray nods. "Many fled the battle. The gnolls scaried easily but may return, and in greater numbers.. If you expose the skull in the sun the bugs will clean it in about a month." He says, knowing something of exposed remains. Falkirk: I vote we go to where they beasts came from P.P. A.: >in another campaign I'm in our party made itself a little fortress in a mountain, and started collecting the skulls of demons and dragons slain at my dorf's suggestion Horsa: I vote for where the Beastmen came from should be our first priority to see if there are any brave ones lingering. P.P. A.: >then our wizard set them all alight with everlasting flames for good measure Ken (GM): lol well, to the indide of the keep then Suðri Skornbrekker nods and slowly advances, musket in hand. Ken (GM): In the southern room, a hole in the roof has collapsed, and claw marks belie the entrance for the massive draconic beast (outlined in red) On the East wall is a tall steel-bound door. It has a large bloody symbol carved into the surface, crudely, as if with a bloody ace axe* Falkirk: I'd like to continue deeper, where exactly are the doors? (To Falkirk): You recognize the writing; old Infernal, the same rune as on the speaking stone. "Sacrifice/Blood" Joush M.: Can Gray catch up with Falkirk? Before he gets too far ahead of them? Ken (GM): absolutely :) Ken (GM) as well, a large tent stretches up to the ceiling, draped with rough hides, but also fine silken screens and golden threaded sheets Falkirk: I would like a knowledge roll to identify the magic thing thaum? Ken (GM): yus Rolling 3d6 = 11 v11 (To Falkirk): Definitely a portal of some kind, manifested by the two large totems/pillars. P.P. A.: that thing below the barrels looks like some kind of sci-fi portal Falkirk strolls in, squinting at the suspended anormality in the middle of the room Falkirk: "Aye, it's a portal. I don't think it's much of a surprise to learn that." (To Falkirk): etched lines of theumatological power are inscribed on the totems. The things is buzzing your aura with power. It is definitley up and running. (To Falkirk): This is definitely the power you have been feeling, and calculated would be here. Now that it's right in front of you, its obvious. The wizards working for the Kingdom of Gorgoth have made a gateway here. Gray looks t othe portal and ask Falkirk after a moment. "What sort of things might come though? It would be best if we could somehow make it stop. As it is, it's a dangerous way we could be attacked" (To Horsa): That is the finest bedroom youve ever seen, and youre no shlub yourself. Makes you miss your home a bit, I'd think :P (To P.P. A.): You notice, those chests in the south wall? Dwarven. Well cut and bound with dwarfsteel. You recognize the tooling. Falkirk: "And who's to say this portal doesn't lead directly to their keep?" "Our armies blindsiding them from within their own walls. We could end this war in an evening." Gray considers a moment. "They diden't flee to the portal when they left. They ran out the gates. The gnolls, at least, diden't think of it as a way to escape to safety." Suðri Skornbrekker: If our reinforcements arrive before theirs so, at least. Ken (GM): Aachen "The army will be coming soon. Reinforcements cant be but a few days behind us, come south. That was the plan before we left" Suðri Skornbrekker: They might also have placed the other end of the portal in a narrow corridor, or a small room, to ensure that any would-be invaders are easily fought off. P.P. A.: oops, forgot quotation marks Horsa says: "We've also got an tire keep on THIS side of the portal we still need to secure." Bomrek: An army will retreat to the safest place it can get; but if they didnt use the portal, how safe can that be?" Falkirk pauses and walks round, hurling the apple into the portal's surface Bomrek: "By the maker! These are dwarven Suðri!" Bomrek there is a flash of light, and a sizzling noise in the air, like bacon in a hot skillet. The apple explodes into smoking pieces Suðri Skornbrekker: “Indeed they are!”, Suðri agrees as he tries to open them. Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't want to use force if it can be avoided, would be a shame. Ken (GM): [rather; the GM said that, but you get the gist. no more apple] Suðri Skornbrekker turns around Ken (GM): BANG SIZZLE POP Suðri Skornbrekker: “What was that?” Horsa "well, that certainly makes our choice easier..." Ken (GM): The smell of applesauce and sulphur in the air Falkirk: "That, master dwarf, was the sound of a decision being made. We'll dismantle the portal." Suðri Skornbrekker looks at where the bit of smoke comes from. Suðri Skornbrekker: “...oh, I see.” Ken (GM) Small probing tendrils of the gray mist are moving out of the portal Suðri Skornbrekker: “Curses!” Suðri Skornbrekker after making sure Bomrek isn't in the way Ken (GM): Bomrek also levels his gun at the probimg mists "Curse all this silly magic shite! I'm sick of it!" Gray draws back from the portal, watching the edlrich, horrorble thing as he tightens his hand on the blade. Ken (GM): Aachen "Falkirk! Do something with that portal, wizard! Destroy it! Disable it! I dont care!" Falkirk: "Gah, I was hoping to do so much more!" Falkirk rolls his sleeves up and utters an incantation Falkirk: what's the to-hit modifiers? Ken (GM): stationary object, +4 to hit Falkirk: size modifier? Ken (GM): yeah thats factored in; its a big unmoving magic portal :/ Falkirk: ok [3d6]]v18 Rolling 3d6 = 13 v18 Ken (GM): Splashed with your magcial acid? Rolling 1d6 = 3 damage Joush M.: At least it's 3 corrisive damage (To Falkirk): The sensitive thrum of power is gone. You essentially threw a rock into a spiderweb of magic there. Its dead :) Horsa: Nice Gray growls to Falkirk. "Is that going to explode?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “The pillars still stand; could the portal be conjured a second time from the other side?” (To Falkirk): The totems could definitely be used to focus a new portal, but the conjurer would need a presence here. Like two people on two sides of a canyon, throwing a rope between them Falkirk: "I'd remove the pillars to be safe, but as the dwarf says we should leave it for a few hours." Ken (GM): Bomrek inspects/looks at the pillars. Spits on the surface, and sees that sizzle off the side like a hot pan Falkirk frowns deeper still, to the point where it seems he must be using magical aid Ken (GM): "Aye, give them a bit to cool" Falkirk: "Or perhaps... we could leave them be. I'm sure we could find some utility for them..." Suðri Skornbrekker returns his attention to the dwarven chests in the corner and attempts to open them, hoping that they aren't locked Bomrek: Bomrek heads back over to the chests "What exactly are the beastmen doing with our things now, my good dwarf?" He waves over Suðri Bomrek The fine dwarven chests open easily, unlatching without issue. The CLACK of the mechanism releases, and the lids swing open to reveal... Suðri Skornbrekker: “Nothing that would honour their creators,”, Suðri scoffs. Suðri Skornbrekker 's eyes widen and he chokes for a moment. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Were we... supposed to hand over just the keep itself, or also its contents?” (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You notice, these coins are odd. Theyre gold, of course, but the cut is old. Very old. Not the current regent's minting. And not his fathers... Gray searches the rest of the room while the dwarves open the chest of gold. The huge beastman checking the stores of food in the fortress before turning to look to the gold. "Quite the wealth. Best not to let it distract us.. so much money too easily makes men fools." Suðri Skornbrekker: “In this here case, it is another crown that could claim rightful ownership of these, though.” Ken (GM): Aachens jaw does drop when he sees the chest though "Goddamn. That is a FUCKload of gold though, isnt it?" Suðri Skornbrekker takes a closer look. (To Gray): All is as I described above, but the jugs in the SouthWest give you pause. They are unlabelled, and sealed with wood caps. And have some sort of red sticky flud at the spigots. Nothing you recognize (To Suðri Skornbrekker): When the Dwarven empire was a real thing; when the empire stretched from Hold to Hold, and back to the West. These are priceless coins Gray scents the air as he looks at the heavy jugs. "Anyone recongize this?" He ask. "The matter of the gold can be left to other people. It's not going to go anywhere.. right?" He ask the others. The question intended to get their agreement they won't grab what they can carry. Suðri Skornbrekker: “...I would not want to spend these anyway. These are... truly ancient.” “Dear goodness, these are a piece of dwarven history that has outlived even any weathered ruin!” Suðri Skornbrekker definitely pockets at least one of them when nobody is watching Ken (GM): lol Horsa nods. "I wouldn't want to loot one single coin until I know why they are here...and for what purpose these vile folk have stockpiled them." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I do wonder—why would they keep such a treasure in a weak outpost far out at their realm's border?” Falkirk walks over to Grey and the mystery of the jugs (To Gray): You smell blood, but saccarine sweetness too. It turns your stomach, but it smells...delicious. Makes you hungry, like fresh baked bread. Or hot pie cooling on a shelf Horsa cautiously inspects an apple (To Horsa): Fresh fruit, apples, pears, dates, figs, and some strange red spiny thing you dont recognize (To Falkirk): You smell saccarine sweetness here at the jugs. It turns your stomach, but it smells...delicious. Makes you hungry, like fresh baked bread. Or hot pie cooling on a shelf (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You smell Saccarine sweetness here. It turns your stomach, but it smells...delicious. Makes you hungry, like fresh baked bread. Or hot pie cooling on a shelf Horsa pulls out his knife and uses it to inspect a strange, spiky thing in the barrels of fruit and supplies P.P. A.: in b4 it's an ananas which nobody here has seen before Falkirk: "Drinking blood and honey? I suppose that explains the bestial temper." Ken (GM) The jug is heavy, and the red fluid spills out like viscous tarry honey. It doesnt so much spill as crawl from the jug and falls with a heavy splatter P.P. A.: or a dorian (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Food stores. Grains. Flour. Lentils. Rice. Horsa eats an apple, still not trusting the spiny fruits Falkirk: "We're wasting time. There could still be enemies within the walls." "Once we've searched everywhere we can peruse the stores in our own time. Horsa nods, holding the apple for a snack as he walks to the door (To Falkirk): You feel an odd presence, magcially. Like someone brushing against your shoulder in an empty rpoom. It's an odd feeling Suðri Skornbrekker takes out his bardiche and raises it above the warlock Suðri Skornbrekker: “Is this guy of any value to us?”, he asks the party. Falkirk glances around, making EXTRA sure they're alone Ken (GM): Aachen "Yes Sudri! Dont do anything rash!" (To Falkirk): Something is attempting to reach out to your speaking stone! It's aura is faintly buzzing at you Gray: "I'll check to the south end." He tells the others and walks though the misty morning. Suori's work holds little attraction to him, so he walks down in the direction of the orc he left dead on the ground. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Good morning,” he says to the warlock in a sarcastically sweet voice, ”rise and shine—well, perhaps don't rise now.” “Could somebody please tie him up, and disable his magic, if that is possible?” Falkirk gm Falkirk: fuck Ken (GM) The warlocks eyes open. His hands still bound behind him, (From Falkirk): I try to discern who it is? P.P. A.: Oh, I didn't know that we knew he was still alive, and tied him up Ken (GM): [No worries. Horsa skewered him on a rapier, falkirk bound and first-aid-ed him. aachen has been watching him (To Falkirk): Seems like someone nearby. You feel a tingling like electricity, and the aura feels very very black Ken (GM): savvy Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well, I trust you with him,” the dwarf says to Aachen and Falkirk, and follows Gray deeper into the hold. Ken (GM) The lower courtyard is empty; the West gate stands open a bit where the Beastmen likely retreated through. Two old forges lay cold and quiet here and their rooms are webbed and musty. Falkirk: "He's trying something with the speaking stone." "I'm reconsidering the wisdom of keeping a magic-user alive as a prisoner." Ken (GM) in the North camp room, the smell of wet dog and stench of musk are heacy here. The ember fire is nearly out, and the bedrolls all empty. Bones and viscera lie here an there, discarded like a dogs yard Ken (GM): Aachen "i agree Master falkirk" The elf draws his sword, and puts the tip to the warlocks throat Bomrek levels his gun at the prisoner, and cocks the mechanism Falkirk: "There's so much we could learn..." Gray walks along the south wall, nodding to Suori as the dwarf joins him for the check of the place. Falkirk: "But aye, I can see no way to contain him." Horsa nods "Yes, Falkirk, but one must have a willing teacher." Joush M.: Found the Quad Damage. Bomrek: "And how does he earn our trust Falkirk? Paid with dwarven coin?" Suðri Skornbrekker takes the other entrance Falkirk: "You don't need to trust a man to learn from him." Bomrek: (@ joush; Quake joke :P) (To Gray): The forge is empty, and holds no hiding enemy. The floor is free of footprints or tracks (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The forge is empty, and holds no hiding enemy. The floor is free of footprints or tracks Gray goes with Suori, looking into the south room. "A forge. I don't think anyone has been here in a while." Horsa: Ken (GM) The dark wizards grin never falters during your conversation. His tatooed face stretches into a wider grin as you seem so torn on his fate (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The forge is cold and dead for some time; the room is strewn with discarded tools (tongs, hammers, files) and old decaying boxes of raw flux, ore and petty goods Gandalf G.: yeah there's basically nothing we could do to imprison him but at the same time, falkirk really wants the information this guy inevitably holds Ken (GM): Aachen "Well wizard; what do we do with you? Can you plead a case to live? Prove youre worth keeping?" Suðri Skornbrekker shrugs, nods to Gray, and leaves the room Ken (GM): The dark wizard's smile continues as he says "I am worth nothing to you Elf. Kill me. Send me to my place in the void. As it should be" (To Gray): The keep yard wraps about the wall; you see here the South road, stretching back into the dark kingdom through the morning mist. The yard continues above, through fallen stone, back up the walls there Gandalf G.: roll for pillow fluffing Gray: "We are too few to hold this place.. or at least, all of it." He says, looking to the south road and the huge arched gate before he nods to Suori. "Shall we check the north end now?" Ken (GM): Aachen looks to bomrek (shakes his head), Horsa (shrugs) and to falkirk in turn Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's.”, Suthri responds. Falkirk: "We should decide what we're doing with this warlock before we leave him" "I don't trust the idea of going north and returning to an absence of him." (To Falkirk): Yay or nay? Aachen seems on the edge Horsa smirks "Non-lethal head-blows seem to help keep him stationary." Falkirk: "This shouldn't be my decision to make. What does everyone else think?" Gray works his way though the ruins and starts climbing the steps. Planning to get on top of the walls and walk along them to get a good view of the area. Ken (GM): Aachen nods at your words, and swiftly swings around in a viscous kick on the Warlocks head The warlock stiffens, and falls over in a heap, a large goose-egg bump forming on his skull "Fine, we keep him around, for now" aachen says, sheathing his sword" But Flakirk, you keep on him. Warn us if he does anything...funny" Horsa laughs "And besides...it's good therapy to keep taunting the bastard." Falkirk: "Aye, I can do this." Ken (GM) Gray and Sudri patrol the walls, walking the perimeter;; the mists are burning away in the morning sun, and the bluff the keep is on is revealed to you Horsa: Roll bluff check Ken (GM) the old towers on the hillside ar ein ruin, but the keep is still sturdy and tall. No beastmen remain lurking in the nearby countryside it seems Ken (GM): lol bluff versus overconfidence for wizard watching :P Gray pauses to take in the view from the top of the walls, nodding to the dwarf and speaking in that rough voice. "Is there steps leading down there, at the north end?" He points into the ruins. P.P. A.: (is north up?) Ken (GM) The steps lead up to the roof, and perhaps once to a room above, but have fallen to disrepair. Only the main floor of the keep remains, with what little sound roof is to be found P.P. A.: (oh, these) Ken (GM): [yeah, a bit misleading there, but the steps go up to the roof. Just debris up there now. ] And the other room up there was the ogres, you find. A disgusting heap of his victims (mostly other beastmen) and rags Gray is slightly disspointed, nodding as he studies the ruined steps. "Ah.. Nevermind. Well, we've got an idea what this place is like. We should pick the least replusive intact room to camp. Maybe that storage room with the food, water and treasure." Ken (GM): [yes, fine bedding in there to fight over] Suðri Skornbrekker: “I suppose any walls and any high ground is better than none. We will not be able to protect all the walls, but holding a few rooms until the army arrives should be doable.” Ken (GM): so! Good job on securing the keep then Suðri Skornbrekker: “If the beastmen used the portal to get here, we might have some time before any reinforcements of theirs arrive here on foot.” Ken (GM): a few things to note: Aachen will need the provisions you guys brought, and your horses, retrieved from the river-cave where you left them -you all will need to setup shop here, clear the bodies, deal with the dead Gray: "Well, the gnolls could return any time.." Ken (GM): -and you have a few things of note left; the retreated forces (gnolls and orcs who ran when you broke them) as well as the bloodroot growing out of the well on the North wall The demon statue surrounded by gold and blood by the dragon corpse as well as your other two prisoners; the one legged beastman you knocked out, and the Ogre you melted a leg off of Joush M.: Gray would vounteer for getting the horse duity with whoever wants to streach their legs, then collect things for the bonefire for the bodies and jugs of bloodroot wine. That bloodroot should get some fire too. We don't really have a hostpial for cripples. maybe just mercefuly kill those captives? Horsa: Horsa will go with Grey to retrieve the horses/supplies, happy to stretch Suðri Skornbrekker will dig some shallow graves a certain distance away from the fort, towards the East Falkirk: I suppose Falkirk would stay around the castle, clearing up the bedding and then less happily but possibly neccessarily the corpses. Ken (GM): okie dokie; so you guys are giving the beastmen a burn in a mass grave then? Falkirk: Yes. I also want to check the corpses for signs of blackrot. Horsa: Good iea *idea Ken (GM): Aachen is inclined to agree with Grays suggestion as well; kill off the ogre and one leg beastman swiftly, only deal with the warlock as a prisoner Falkirk: and if I find any, making sure to follow up with some fire around where they were before Joush M.: I assume there's enough stuff around for a nice big bonfire Suori is digging some graves for us later? That will be nice Horsa: hehe Ken (GM): Bomrek is first to volunteer for digging. nice to get intot he earth and root around any opposed to mercy-killing? Horsa: Nah Ken (GM): very good then The ogre gets a sword in the neck P.P. A.: it's ogre for him Ken (GM): and gray/horsa get orders not to come back with the beastman lol Horsa: IT'S ALL OGRE NOW Ken (GM): you two do the deed to the other guy? gray? Horsa? Horsa: Sure. Ken (GM): woo! moral ambiguity! alright Horsa: I shall partake in that dark task Ken (GM): so falkirk, the demonic statue definitely draws your attention as well, the bloodroot in the well (To Gray): You notice the ogres sword is a nice heft and sized rightly for you; at a minimum, look slike a nice trophy Ken (GM): The bloodroot is the unmagical, inert type, luckily. it doesnt try to kill you for prodding it. It's taken root in the well, and seems to be seeping out a viscous sap from it's tendrils Horsa hums a song with the chorus going something like: "Be glad that war is Hell, or more good men would seek it out" Ken (GM): The blade is well crafted, balanced, and nicely decorated. It's a brassy metal, straight edged and flared at the blunted tip. There is a design of geometric swirls on the edges, and a simple red stone beuilt into the guard above the handle (To Gray): Mechanically; Fine Balanced SM+1 Broadsword with some fine decorations. Ken (GM): the Ogre liutenants. Up by the well actually (From Suðri Skornbrekker): yeah, after preparing some graves Ken (GM): Aachen sees to disposing of the dragon's corpse, hewing it into manageable pieces with a wood axe, and hauling the corpse off with the dwarves on grave duty (To Falkirk): Ah kk. Yes, it is. You grasp it, but theres no singing magical power in it. Justa finely wraught design. Ken (GM): The statue is a massive brother to the small statuette you found oin the gore pile with Sudri, back at the statue of horns It is a demonic serpent, poised to strike, hood out gleaming red eyes lighting from a deep black metallic body heaps of odd coins lie at it's base, as well as an offering bowl caked with fried blood and a rusty offering knife seems they were making regular prayers to a dark overlord here Suðri Skornbrekker sings an old dwarven song while digging: “Thou foughtest hard, thou foughtest brave; but in the end, thou'st but a knave/ Suðri Skornbrekker: We'll shovel thee a shallow grave; with earth and mud and worms and moss; and mourn not thine unfortun'te loss.” Ken (GM): hah, gallows humor. Lovely Gray frowns at the statue, looking to the ogre's blade in his hand. "I'll keep this, if noone protest" he says in that rough voice, setting the blade across his broad back then getting back to the work of building the fire to burn the tainted and grim items from the hold. Cleaning will take all afternoon, he expects. Ken (GM): definitely a day, at least Gray: Ken (GM): oh dear, critical hit on grave digging? Horsa: Noice! Joush M.: I think I just criticaly succeeded on Housekeeping Ken (GM): lol Joush M.: That's how I roll. I might fall over and get hurt in combat, but goddamn, I can clean. P.P. A.: That's the only crit consequence I can see here Ken (GM): hah well, regardless of the dangers of handling corpses, he ensures you all stay clean and in the proper PPE gear HSE master, Gray Beastman of custodial virtue Joush M.: LOL Ken (GM): SO! Time passes Yo umen and dwarves and an elf seure the Ruins of Glardenfen watching, ever vigilant, from it's gatehouses, guns a tthe ready Over the next few days, you make camp, stay watchful, and keep the ruins safe. The beastmen fail to regroup, and you dont spot them on your patrols of the keep Aachen and Falkirk manage the prisoner, keeping him under medically induced chain and key Ken (GM): other than a few cryptic remarks, he doesnt reveal anything untoward, and stays a captive Until, two days later, the Kings Guard arrives Horsa: Wooo Gray sews a banner and rases it above the ramparts and patroling often. Keeping the keep tidy and ship-shape. The reenforcements should arrive soon.. and so they do. He fades into the background and lets the Outlander elf handle talkign to them, wouden't want to be mistaken for a foe. Ken (GM): Banners raised, a string of horsemen appear up the trail to the keep. Foot men armed with pike and shot behind them, an army train of ox-carts behind them The marshalls congratulate you on your work, on evacuating the countryside at you approached, sending the refugees to the safety of the Kingdom The army has been encountering sparse groups of beastmen, all infected with plague 9much like the scouts you saw) but they saw fewer and fewer as they went to meet with you They conclude, once you had the enemy's attention, the beastmen were no longer being inserted in the army's path. Good work on disabling the portal! As well, the strange bloodroot you all encountered on the way down seems to be blossoming more and more in the countryside. On falkirks medical examination, and your encounter with the demon force, the marshalls order the destruciton of the root on sight now, as it bodes ill for the future of the kingdom Very heavily distruste dweed Falkirk: weed is banned Ken (GM): You are all commended for your deeds; Your valor in combat and deeds in the field have impressed the leadership. Each of you enlisted are offered a full member ship in the army, including the salary promised with service. (including Gray, despite his heritage) Gray is glad for the sucessful mission and the addtional forces to secure the keep, but can't help but think this is the start of dark things to come. He dose however enjoy hearing what their efforts had wrought, and how they'd succeded. The beast considers the offer seriously, wondering what they will be sent to do next, and wonders if they should accecpt. "A kind offer. The dwarves might appreciate a share of the treasure recovered here, as well." Ken (GM): But, the next chapter is just beginning. You can only assume the marshalls will need your help in fighting the Gorgoth beastmen in the future. Horsa: Best/Worst Job Interview Ever! Ken (GM): so! Chapter 1 end! P.P. A.: noice Falkirk: I just hope its not like MGSV and the next chapter is largely reused content and stops suddenly P.P. A.: Also I'm repeating myself but I really enjoy the atmosphere Ken (GM): Ya'll are ognna get some points here for concluding the prologue, and we'll continue on from here lol no, no virtuous missons for you guys Falkirk: yeah I'm enjoying it P.P. A.: Especially in contrast to the high fantasy Pathfinder campaign I'm also in Ken (GM): lol so! 10 points each, and a new opportunity Horsa: oooo P.P. A.: Just mundane things like having to bury dead bodies so they don't rot, or having to execute prisoners add a lot of atmosphere and allow for a lot more immersion \o/ Joush M.: Thanks man. It was avery good, grim story. Lots of forshadowing. Horsa diden't die, that totaly suprised me. Ken (GM): if you wanna keep on with your current characters, thats good. If you want to do a switch to something new, this is an opportune time to do so (hinthint, HORSA) Horsa: lol Falkirk: huh Joush M.: I'm kidding. It's the Elf Commander that we all thought was going to get one wound too many. He should really get Falkirk something nice as a thank you gift Ken (GM): but, the Army is setting up it's forward base in the kingdom, and organizing you, so mercenaries are gonna flock to the area, the South is somewhat secure due to your actions Falkirk: to be fair poor aaron got his arm fucked jumping in the way of an attack aimed at me Ken (GM): (If its not obvious, I left Aachen's fate to the dice like, a half dozen times in the last few months. He somehow always scraped by) Bookeeping! I'm gonna want an updated character sheet form each of you! P.P. A.: Aye-aye Ken (GM): so spend your points! Level up! Joush M.: I'll get to that. New fun sword! (To Joush M.): the balanced modifier is from martial arts, by the way. +! skill with the weapon due to superior weighting Ken (GM): chris, you gonna stay on Horsa as is? Bring in a Fiss-crafted masterpiece? Horsa: I'll do a bit of thinking, but for now Horsa seems fun, so I'll probably just keep using him till he explodes into negative-Horsa-points. Ken (GM): lol oh thats an old joke "negative ten horse points" no matter what they asked me, for like, two sessions, they earned negative horse points pood pod poor* pod Joush M.: We got all the horses though this adventure alive Ken (GM): most of them! Joush M.: Ooh yeah.. Blood deamon Ken (GM): Aachen lost his, though, to the blood demon only real casualty, thank the stars you guys were all smart, took good light armor builds, and kept your didge up I dont think I ever got the drop on anyone but Gray, and he tanked the fire likea champ even though gandalf set him on fire :P Falkirk: well I didnt reallyu Joush M.: Oh yeah. That brawl with the possessed bloodroot was survived by luck Falkirk: my strategy was to make sure there was someone between myself and the pointy object aimed at myself Horsa: Generally that's a very good strategy. :D Ken (GM): and gray is a good meatshield what with the DR and regen P.P. A.: Mine was to shoot things with a stick that creates thunder and fire and pierces opponents far away with cold hard steel Having a giant axe on a stick as backup didn't hurt either Joush M.: Gray's stratgey is to stay behind the shield and wait for an opening, unless he gets into beastman mode, then his stratagey is FUCKING KILL Ken (GM): yeah, you got the killing stroke on the demon AND the dragon! Joush M.: That dwarf is killy as fuck Ken (GM): quite so! level up; send a new sheet to kendelyzer@gmail.com I'm gonna wrap up here, I think I'm getting sent on a grocery run by the wife :) gotta buy toilet paper Horsa: I'll mull it over and either give you Updated Horsa, or he'll take a job as the army's scribe and I'll fiddle with a new character. Ken (GM): kk Horsa: Any requests from the party? A healing machine / sacrificial dodge master? Ken (GM): not to say he isnt fun, but he's just not 100% yours Horsa: :P Ken (GM): lol Joush M.: Take care man, thanks for the game. I'll update Gray and get you a new one.. Humm.. We could use a scout. Maybe a archer to quitely take things out at a distance Ken (GM): if adolph jumps online, remind him ten points for chapter end, and send me a new sheet! Horsa: Mmm, that might be fun. Joush M.: But the group covers most things pretty well P.P. A.: Aye-aye Joush M.: I mean, we can handle dead weight like Horsa Falkirk: the only ncihe we dont really have is reliable ranged damage Horsa: OK, I'll brainstorm and use the Periodic Table of Awesoments and see what it says. :P Falkirk: it consists of boom boom boom and we're out Horsa: Mmm, good call Yeah, that might be fun...I'll whip something up and see what Meester GM thinks Joush M.: You could go with a beaitful and kind healer to male Falkirk even more grumpy. Just someone with Empathy and Pacficism to make him look like even more a grumpy old man P.P. A.: Make a brainy engineer who can invent us breech-loading rifles :D Joush M.: male? MAKE.. make him more grumpy Falkirk: hueh Horsa: "Hallo. My naem is Sergei, and here's this rifle I invented. It is SKS, it is for goin' innawoods." anyway o/ folks! See you next week...maybe with new eyeballs P.P. A.: See y'all Falkirk: ciao Ken (GM): whatup? P.P. A.: Oh hi Forgot to add the +2 reputation to the character sheet I sent you, I noticed a bit ago Ken (GM): ah! yeah, you guys earned a bit of fame, doin what cha did I got your updated factored into a new sheet did you want a copy of the character sheet? or are you comfy with your excel sheet? P.P. A.: I wouldn't mind a copy but I'll probably keep using my sheet unless that's inconvenient for you Ken (GM): there ya go P.P. A.: thanks Ken (GM): np; just had to fight the link there P.P. A.: ok Ken (GM): so! were you up for the offer of a commission? Willing to become a Man-at-Arms for GreyHold? P.P. A.: How long would he be in the army? (And the alternative would be to continue as a mercenary, right?) Ken (GM): the commission would last until the end of the war, at a minimum. Otherwise militia/merc status remains P.P. A.: Hm. He does want to return to his hometown (or seek employment in whatever towns got damaged by the war, or were conquered) to continue working as a mason, but it seems doubtful that the war will end in under a year so he might take up that offer How would it affect things OOC? i.e. would our characters be sent on the same missions regardless of status? Ken (GM): well, your immediate orders are to remain onsite in Glardenfen. Your commission isnt going to have you generalling armies just yet Horsa: zupdawgs Ken (GM): if anything, it looks like an honorable reward promotion for your work so far sup fissdawg just working out if Skorbrekker becomes a man at arms Syviis: \o/ P.P. A.: Naturally. It's rather about whether army status would mean the character being blocked from going on some missions the mercenary characters are sent to because of guard duty or something Ken (GM): Nah; this is more a formality. your duties will remain the same P.P. A.: (Hi btw) What have the others decided on? Ken (GM): Falkirk turned down the offer; he's too driven by personal study and his obsession with the blackrot reasearch to formally join the military 10 woah..okay, I can click stuff Ken (GM): Master Horsa took the job; he's however used it to leverage a position as a scribe/officiant and assist the leadership. he's riding high on the fame yeah chris; none of the values are set though, sorry. Just built your sheet ten minutes ago Syviis: Tis all good mang. Ken (GM): ayyy its a graaay we were just discussing: Id Gray joining up to the Army formally? Joush M.: Humm.. He'd be okay with that. He is leery of being responsble for other people. He dosn't think of himself as a leader. Ken (GM): ah well, good that its more of a formality then an honor-reward for being so good at MURDER and SHIELD BASH P.P. A.: I'll make it depend on Bomrek's decision Joush M.: Sounds good then. Do we get uniforms and a awesome cermoney with metals and stuff? Ken (GM): the ceremony is a bit more muted, but there's cheering and huzzahs from the pikemen a bit of peer-pressure Joush M.: That's good too. Ken (GM): just waiting on bombrek then; I poked him on skype Gandalf G.: ayy I completely fucking forgot Ken (GM): ah yes, and our good man G Gandalf G.: 10 mins tho, could be worse Ken (GM): who apparently loves us SO MUCH Joush M.: It could be much worse. We barely started heating the brands Ken (GM): lulz Gandalf G.: if we're waiting on lil' hitler tho I'm gonna grab a bowl of cereal breb Ken (GM): hahah, oh god, that little hitler Robot Chicken skit that was awesome weird memetic/fastball humor on a TV show. really should be an uncensored web series now Joush; I meant to ask. Who's the nosering/tribal in your bio pic? Joush M.: Oohh.. something for another game. Small little archer. playing something very different from gray Gandalf G.: Grape nuts is this an american cereal Joush M.: Were they out of good cereal? Gandalf G.: cos it tastes like cardboard Joush M.: I think it's mostly a concreat aggrigaet Gandalf G.: I never saw this shit before thought Ken (GM): grape nuts are cardboard. It essentially leftover stuff branded as a healthy cereal its like gravel Gandalf G.: "I like grapes, I like nuts, boy I wonder how they're going to combine them as a cereal!" Ken (GM): hahahah "...this is not what I expected" Gandalf G.: It's like eating construction materials Ken (GM): great for pooping or adding to tasty unhealthy cereals Gandalf G.: the fucking box Ken (GM): so you can poop Gandalf G.: has fruit in the cereal misleadingly Ken (GM): thats a HINT Gandalf G.: lying cunts Ken (GM): box of LIES Gandalf G.: this is the home oven pizza of the cereal world and since I dont waste food Ken (GM): like a childrens toy commercial Gandalf G.: I'm gonna have to eat all this crap Ken (GM): 'contents may vary, not a real gun, blocks not included' Gandalf G.: the texture is awful too it bunches up and gets everywhere it's like vomit Joush M.: I don't get it because rasin bran is right there. It's cheap, it's every bit as healthy as grapenuts, and it acutely involves grapes at some point Gandalf G.: fucking hell who the fuck made this yeah man if I knew what this is I wouldnt have got it this is the price of exploration Ken (GM): I put mine in a birdfeeder. I dont like my neighborhood squirrelys Gandalf G.: haha Ken (GM): right, well, adolf/bomrek is being a bit incommunicado which is odd; spoke to him yesterday. fingers crossed its a sleep thing BUT ANYWHO LETS ROCK Gandalf G.: this is torture ok lets lets go P.P. A.: >Hitler is ded RIP ;_;7 Ken (GM): What's Sudri's decision then? join up? or hold off ? P.P. A.: He will... just join for a year, then. Ken (GM): heheh "for a year" the officers chuckle P.P. A.: I'll add the stuff to his sheet later, unless things like the armour are going to be immediately delevant Gandalf G.: I turned down my commission no shame in it (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You're gonna end up with a budget to improve your arming. 1000$ worth of arms and armor, your choice Ken (GM): well, no more shame than you already bring, you dirty wizard you Joush M.: He has too many duites to the brotherhood of evil socrerers to join the army full time Ken (GM) AND SO, OUR BRAVE HEROES, THE LIBERATORS OF THE SOUTH, MET UP WITH THE ARMY OF GREYHOLD. THE KEEP AT GLARDENFEN ROUTED OF THE ENEMY, THE LANDS SAFE TO CLAIM FOR THE GREY BLADE P.P. A.: it's just like my Swedish map painting games Ken (GM) It has been two weeks since the fall of the Beastmen here at the keep. The army has consolidated it's presence in the area, erecting watchtowers and patrolling the old highway Gandalf G.: Is the old highway in blue Ken (GM) The army has been quick to rebuild the keep, and the surrounding area is a buzz with work. Ramparts and pallisades carve the hilltop to a defensible perimeter, and a new timber floor sits atop the old ruin. Gandalf G.: or is that the yellow one Ken (GM): [on the map, you see the river that winds around your keep, terminating in the NE at a small lake. It's headwaters lie in Gorgoth, hence the blue "?"] Suðri Skornbrekker has been helping out with the rebuilding of the keep, and also learned new things in the process, as reflected in his updated skills (To Syviis): You are a member of the Elven troupe, venturing in with your High elder. He has been in communication with the Army of men as you travelled to the old ruins, and has advised you that yo uwill be part of several important "spirit quests". Suðri Skornbrekker makes his way to Whent immediately after emptying the mug of ale before him. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I could imagine that we are to escort some of the elves as they scout the area, or investigate traces of the magic we have encountered.” (From Falkirk): Seems it Falkirk enters the room, beard bedraggled and eyes bagged. He taps a thick wooden staff on the hard floor as he walks, scanning the room. (To Syviis): The elder seems to read you excitement, and smiles warmly at your apparent excitement. "Find joy, young one, in the coming times. They will be full of wonder and excitement" Bomrek: "No, not yet Falkirk. But if you're here, I fear for the Commander. Who could be this late to attend that you beat them here?" Falkirk: "I have far more important concerns than the comings and goings of the commanders. I do hope this is quick." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Where went Whent, and when will he here, one is left to wonder.” (From Syviis): to the elder: "I'm sure there will be much darkness as well, but I cannot help but admire the way they shine and glitter with promise." (From Syviis): Does her best to sober up and returns to a determined, if slightly excited gaze forward Ken (GM) You all hear a small commotion outside the door, then, it is swung open to reveal Lord Commander Whent as well as a very old and frail looking elf, swathed in green and brown robes. As well, a much younger looking elven woman enters the office with them. Ken (GM): Whent strides in, flush and a bit angry looking. "Men! Take a seat!" Falkirk frowns slightly and slowly takes a seat, leaning on his staff Ken (GM): Bomrek rushes throughan official salute before slamming quickly into his chair at Whent's command Falkirk nods at the commander. "Commander." Falkirk: He then turns to the elves, greeting them in their own tongue. Ken (GM): The old Elf beams happily, thanking you in a soft voice as he takes his seat. Syviis is unable to hide a joyous smile at the greeting and nods politely, but does not speak out of turn. (To Syviis): I think that was a cue from Gray to describe your new PC to the group :P Syviis takes time to note each face in the room, nodding to each politely. She seems very at home in her intricately worked leather armour which clearly was designed for hiding through shadowed forests. Her fair skin is covered with elaborate, but not overly distracting, lines and patches of blue wode, less as camouflage and more as someone might wear medals of honour to a military function. On her back rests a capable-looking and intricate bow, and her hips sport a rapier and a covered bundle of arrows Syviis: Woad? BLUE STUFF Falkirk: woad Syviis: Got it Ken (GM): bright blue dye. very woad Syviis: ELF WOAD IS SPELLED WODE :P Ken (GM): lol Suðri Skornbrekker can't tell if that's a woman, or just an elf. Ken (GM): vague sexual dimorphism for the win Suðri Skornbrekker: me returns the nod anyway P.P. A.: also >leather armour Falkirk: hushush its a buff coat Syviis: aaarrrrmurrrr (To Gray): The old one smells of the deep woods. Nothing but. Very hard to discern the elf from the forest P.P. A.: unless that's like cuir bouilli, or leather scale armour oh buff coat works too (To Gray): She smells more like leather and polished steel. And shes a she. Ken (GM): banded and scaled leather guys, its all very kosher. Gray studies the delecate patterns of blue on the pale elf, studying her a moment then looking away to keep from troubleing her after a nod in return. The huge, rough beast wearing well broken in dark trousers and a black shirt, the gray skinned beast scarred, mark. He dosn't bring his sword to this meeting but even sitting there without armor he looks dangerous. Considering the scent's he has caught. Ken (GM): *casual gray, still deadly *much horns, very big. yes Falkirk nods slowly, not belying any obvious emotion Ken (GM): "I know each of you are here for your own reasons. Some of you have joined the cause; while thats honorable, It doesnt make a lick of difference at the moment, because we're at the mercy of the enemy we don't know." He sweeps a pointing hand about the table "You all however, know the enemy. Youve met him in battle. Several engagements, all successful." "You, I can trust, to get us more information" "You, I can trust to not die in the wastes" "You, I can trust to succeed in your mission" Bomrek: Bomrek raises his hand, and then salutes hastily "Apologies commander, but beggin your mind. Who are these two?" indicating to the elves "And why do we trust them?" Gray rubs a rough hand across his horns. He looks like he would be at home in the waste of Golgoth, of nothing else the monster would fit in there among the beastmen. Ken (GM): Whent looks a bit puzzled by the question for a moment, then a look of resignaiton comes accross his face "Apologies. You are right Bomrek. I have rushed into things and forgotten decorum. Please may I introduce to you all the High Elder of the Elven Kingdom of Anhaern, and..." He trails off, apparently not knowing who the second elf woman is (From Suðri Skornbrekker): fug Syviis takes that as her duties of politeness are answered and clears her throat. "Syviis Adjeon," and then in her native tongue, a brief greeting, doing her best to gesture the same with open hands (To Syviis): thats entirely Falkirk, but whats the specifics? Falkirk nods slowly (From Syviis): "I give my bow, my will, and should the need arise, my blood. I am at your command, fine friends." Gray: "Well met, Syvils Adjeon." Gray says in that deep, rough voice then looks to Falkirk. It seems a good question as any. Ken (GM): Whent seems to get his train of thought back, nods to Syvis and the High elder, and then returns his attention to the map "You will be our secret weapon; a quiet, unseen group, venturing into old Gorgoth, and returning with something they dont even know they have "The Ansible of Spirits" Syviis: I'm calling it now....the stealthy woods-savvy elf shall fail every stealth roll from here on in. Falkirk: naturally (To Falkirk): A fabled device lost in the last war, used by grand mages to communicate with spirits Gray frowns at that, the massive beast leaning forward and listening closely without knowing just what they will hunt. (To Syviis): A fabled device lost in the last war, used by grand mages to communicate with spirits. It was last used by the high sages of the Elves, to work the curse that destroyed much of Gorgoth. Kind of a "Nuclear football" that went missing after it was las tused to nuke the Kingfom Ken (GM): Whent looks around the table "I take it only Falkirk here, and the Elves, have any idea what I'm talking about? Suðri Skornbrekker: “'tis the first I have heard of it, I'm afraid.” Gray agrees with the commander. "I've no knowlage of sprirts." Falkirk: "I've heard of the Ansible" "It has been found?" Falkirk seems somewhat invigorated Ken (GM): "Well...thats where you all come in, naturally" Gray ask in that deep, rough voice. "What is this device?" Ken (GM): "The elves used it once to work some terrible magic. The whole reason we call old Gorgoth 'the forbidden Kingdom' is because of what they did two hundred years ago with the Ansible" He gestures to the High elder "They tell us, however, that it was not lost in the Battle of Horns. But rather, where it was, was lost" Ken (GM) the Old elf seems to have a sadness creep accross his face. Or some old shame. He speak in a soft old voice, in clean common, with no accent (To Syviis): The history speaks of the magics wraught on the Day of Darkness some 211 years ago. The elves know it well; it is a lesson in 'get what you ask for'. The beastmen traded in black magic and darker spirits in the old days, and the elves simply advanced the sickness they had purchased in blood. They gace them exactly what they asked for; a dark kingdom over which to rule. The Ansible disappeared that day Ken (GM) The high elder reaches accross the table, with some effort, and he places a small marker on the Western edge of the map Gray: "I pass no judgement on the past. It's not my place." He says, the beast sure that he isn't clever enough to understand why things happend as they did. He looks to the map, watching what the elder places there. Ken (GM): "Here is where the Ansible should lie. Here is the resting place of the Order of First Order of Spirits. Their home, and their tomb" [ the marker matches the tower on the west edge of the overland map] Falkirk: 1sec roll20 is being shit Ken (GM): lol midway down the west border with Anhaern. In the wasteland there Gandalf G.: I see it Ken (GM) under the marker on the map, the area is described as "hostile wasteland" and is marked with symbols for fire, desert, and broken rock Gray: "Hard land. It won't be easy to reach. Will it be hard to move?" Ken (GM): The high elder continues "Those lands what once bordered the Anhaern are now a hellscape. A burning cursed wound on the land. The world itself ripped open there. but the histories indicate the tower held. And the Ansible should remain within, housed in the inner sanctums, the holy places there." Gandalf G.: "Aye, sounds like a lovely place." Falkirk: said falkirk Ken (GM): ;P P.P. A.: (sorry, was distracted a bit) Ken (GM) bomrek looks like he needs a drink Ken (GM): Whent chimes in "So, pretty straightforward then men? You head in here with the help of the elves, and stride back out with the Ansible!" He seems almost cheery with himself "\Oonly Syvis and these four shall go" Says the high elder in a quiet voice Syviis Adjeon laughs at that, amused, not angry at the slightest. Syviis: Oh, neat, I can post as her voice... Falkirk stays quiet throughout, deep in thought since the ancient relic came up in conversation Joush M.: Yeah, I'm still figureing out this thing myself too. Ken (GM): (To Falkirk): Anything specific youre pondering? knowledge checks you wanna dig in on? (From Falkirk): Let's go with journey itself. What roll would I need to try to picture the terrain? (From Falkirk): Sure thing Syviis Adjeon tries not to smile, but clearly is flattered by his confidence in her Ken (GM): 'But dont you thin kit wise to send them with more trackers? Or scouts? Milord?" Whent implores, but The elder simply looks at him and shakes his head "She is all who shall go. As the spirits speak" Falkirk: "A small band moves faster and quieter." (From Syviis Adjeon): "Don't send too many...less experience that way. Don't fuck up their CR!" Falkirk: "There is no route that will be easy. We'll need every advantage we can have. The terrain isn't suitable to a large party either." Suðri Skornbrekker is unconvinced, but, being in the military now, can't go around questioning orders. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Do we know anything at all about the kind of terrain we will be passing through?” Ken (GM): Whent nods along with Gray "Yes, it will be difficult, but with a small group you should be able to circumvent anything large in your way. like an army" "This is the best map we have" Whent shrugs" and it's based on scattered reports, secondhand at best, thirdhand otherwise. Thise who venture south into Gorgoth tend to be criminals and vagabonds, so the historians dont have much to go on. Just old tales and lost histories." [the overland map on the gamespace is the best they have, and even then, the notations indicate the camps and towers and cities were written in hundreds of years ago] Fiss: "Bob's farm" is now "Bob JR's Farm" Gray rubs a hand across his jaw, the savage looking beast considering. "We will try to remeber to keep good notes." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We ought to travel without any large carts then, in case we need to navigate swamps or dense woods.” Falkirk: "Aye. That I can agree with. No carts." Ken (GM): "You will note, the Blacktooth Camp, down South" Whent points out the simple totem. "The tribe of orcs named there were infamous in the histories. They defined the brainless tusked brutes you met at the keep. Other than that, reports are all but nonexistant on the forces ahead" The elder nods along "yes, they have been seen by our scouts before, but our lands tolerate no stain of evil. The orcs will be there, hiding in their black woods" Gray speaks grimly. "We can handle orcs." Ken (GM): "Gray, Skornbrekker; you two will be in charge of requisitioning for your party. Keep it simple and quiet; this mission is not to be communicated publicly. Falkirk, I will have our aides deliver you a package of maps and our reports, what we have been able to transcribe for you" Falkirk: "I'm no cartographer, but I'm sure we'll manage." Ken (GM): "and Bomrek, be sure to take a ready supply of powder and shot along, just to be sure" Ken (GM) bomrek salutes again, flustered he was addressed directly Bomrek: "Yessir! Bombs at the ready" Gray nods firmly to the Marshall as the hard, bestial man waits. Sharper now, ready to go to work. The human army is imperfect, but the elven Elder proves this mission is vital and important. Bomrek: "Any questions men?" Whent asks Ken (GM): derp Falkirk sits back and nods slightly, seemingly content with the orders. Ken (GM): "DIIIIISMISSED" He rattles off, the bravado of military drill carrying his voice through the room. "High Elder, a word" He says, waving out Syviss with the rest of you Syviis Adjeon raises an eyebrow, wondering how practical hauling a desk through the wastes would be Rolling 3d6 = 13 v11 Joush M.: (To Falkirk): Youre not quite sure, but something seems amiss, magically speaking. The Ansible is a fabled engine of destruction, and the elves are quite hush hush on it. No living human wizard has studied it directly, only through historical heresay Ken (GM): sweet; exactly what I pictured P.P. A.: noice Ken (GM): (From Falkirk): I will be sure to bear that in mind Falkirk seems struck by a thought but shrugs it off as he turns to his quarters for the arrival of the documents, his staff clacking. Ken (GM): And the dice gods are with you; there should be one in camp available to take with. The owner asks for 100$ to cover its replacement, though it will be packed full of clean sheets and ink Gray agrees to the expense, though he makes sure to get the man to fill out a recpite so he can report the expense to the army. "Thirty days food per person. So.. one-hundered-twenty days of food. Call it two hundred and forty pounds. We can't carry enough water to last more then a few days" Ken (GM): (youre a party of 5! two dwarves, a human, a scorned and the elf!) Joush M.: You put the guy with IQ 8 in charge of provisioning Ken (GM): lulz Fiss: Elves don't eat. They just photosynthesize :P Joush M.: My mistake though, Yeah, someone should correct Gray's math)) Suðri Skornbrekker: “One-hundred-fifty,” Suðri corrects him after he realised what felt off about that. “Beer would be as good if not better than water-but it'll weigh about the same, so that remains a problem.” “Perhaps take large but light buckets and bowls with us to collect rainwater.” Gray nods. "Beer, yeast, some barely. We can refill the cask and brew more on the march.. if you don't consider brewing beer to be women's work. My beer isn't.. safe, for humans." Bomrek: "I'm packing my own whiskey, so we're covered on that" Chimes in Bomrek, sipping from a flask. "Ive gotten pretty good at cards with these humans; they keep losing their private stick to me" *Stock Gray nods. "Distilled sprirts can make water safer. We should take a few gallons, for medicine, fire and drinking." Fiss: Private Stick. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Joush M.: Wasn't sure if we were whisky= yes or not Gray prepares a list and presents it to Syviis and Suori, seeing if they agree.. 300 pounds dried foodstuff (5 person-months of Average quality rations) Gray: 3 gallons whiskey 5 gallons beer 4 muskets 40 pounds gunpowder 80 prepared rounds for muskets 5 sets warm-weather clothes Gray: 1 portable writeing desk 1 spyglass 5 oiled canvas tarps 100 yards 1/2” rope (To Fiss): Roll Survival woods for me? Syviis Adjeon: (From Syviis Adjeon): beat by 5 (To Falkirk): 'should' but if its intense, you might want to pretreat/prepare filter masks/breathing cones. Like plague doctor masks? stuffed with straw/cotton cloth (From Falkirk): Alright, where would I likely be able to source something like that? (To Falkirk): Here and there in camp. A visit to the doctors/apothecaries might be in order. Youre the resident alchemist, you find, but the ingredients to your work are all over camp (From Falkirk): Alright. I'll wait for the documents to arrive, then collect some masks and basic medicinal herbs. Bomrek: "One or two should spare the load quite a bit. Shouldnt need more than that to pack lightly on each of us. And if one of them dies, it doubles as provisions!" (To Falkirk): Very good. The documents are delivered as Whent promised. Theres a single weather-locked tome packed full of clippings and transcribed notes. its a bit heavy (5lbs) but you can lock it closed and sealed against water! As well, a map on tough wax-sealed vellum of the south, in a locking scrolltube Gray nods somberly to Bomrek. "Once we've used the provisons one carries we will have little other use for it." Bomrek: He nods in the elf lady's direction "Ever had it then? Nice and tough, like good dwarf cooking should be. I like it boiled out too, nice and dry that way" Ken (GM): Gray likes it raw, but doesn't say that. People don't talk about that, and it makes them unconformable when you say you prefer warm, bloody and fresh. Instead he turns to the work of requesting supplies, thinking to ask the quartermaster, or whomever is in charge of supplies, for any advice or suggestions. Gray: 300 pounds dried foodstuff (5 person-months of Average quality rations) 3 gallons whiskey 5 gallons beer 4 muskets 40 pounds gunpowder 80 prepared rounds for muskets Gray: 5 sets warm-weather clothes 1 portable writeing desk 1 spyglass 100 yards 1/2” rope 5 oiled canvas tarps 30 arrows Gray: 5 waterproofed traveling cloaks 3 blankets 1 cooking pot Ken (GM) The quartermaster has no qualms about supplying your list. He taps his nose and says "Whent spoke to me too". Syviis Adjeon: The Elf makes a few scribbles for twine, needles, feathers and a few other things that seem to lend to the fact she intends to be able to make arrows in an emergency, but also changes the '30' to '150' Adolf S.: Truly, family is terrible in concept. Gray nods, looking blankly at the man, then nods as a fletcher's supplies and more arrows are added to the list. He seems suprised, then nods in agreement to the lovely elf and the dwarf. "I am not familair with the other side of a bow. That's a good point." Adolf S.: What'd I miss, friendo's? Syviis Adjeon: Elves apparently cannot convert sunlight and water into food internally. :P Joush M.: We got a new mission, a pretty elf to replace our pretty actor, and Bomrek posed for a painting P.P. A.: Female elf (redundant, I know) joined the party, Suðri joined the army, and we'll go out into Gorgoth to look for the Ancient Elven Trinket of Oops Joush M.: The rest of us are gathering supplies while he sits around in the art studo with a cat in his lap and his portrait being done Adolf S.: Oooh. How much of the game do you think'll be left, Ken? If it's a substantial amount, I might try to read the last 10 minutes of, er, events and wing it. If not, I'll go read from the start and try to catch up. Ken (GM): yeah, as the chat log indicates, The Elves did a thing years ago, and the GreyHold Army wants you guys to go in quietly and get it back. Most of today has been Adolf S.: >Quietly Do they know half our armament is based around explosions? Ken (GM): lol 5 people versus 5000 Joush M.: I was lying about the painting too.. We are supposed to sneek in and theoreticly get the spririt ambasiel back. Then we went to collect supplies. Adolf S.: >Bomrek didn't pose for a painting Ken (GM): "Ansible of the Spirits" P.P. A.: explosions Adolf S.: Most dissapointing news I've heard all day, and I just got told over the phone that my gun order was delayed three weeks due to stocking issues. P.P. A.: but not MAGIC explosions Joush M.: Gray sucks as math, like me. Luckly the elf that dosn't speak Grayhold and Suori is checking on his math Ken (GM): hahah P.P. A.: that feel when German that feel when no right to bear arms Adolf S.: Should've tried harder to win the war PPA Shame on you, no one likes a quitter. Ken (GM): yeah, the new girl has been only speaking elf or making hand-jive/notes for people Joush M.: I'm in Washington state.. we have a right to arms, bears and arming brears. Falkirk: see this is why buying languages works :D Ken (GM): nods* Adolf S.: Who would want to speak Elf? Truly a sub-dwarf language. P.P. A.: Recently in some town a woman was beset by a group of 5 muzzies who groped and beat her. A man came out of a nearby house and fired a blank gun in the air which scattered them and saved the women. But he didn't have alicense for it so now he's being dragged to court over that. Fiss: Elvish: It's Dwarf with more sighs and less growls. P.P. A.: >no second amendment feels bad man Also yeah, the new girl understands and writes common but doesn't speak it Suthri asked to make sure that she is female btw and not just an elf Fiss: The elf responded by miming her junk. Joush M.: Gray's only elven is 'you are a whore' (perjorative) 'you are a whore?' (innterogative) 'how much?' and 'My hovercraft is full of eels' Ken (GM): hahahahah P.P. A.: kek Adolf S.: I work with a couple vets, one from nam, one from the airforce, Fiss: Well...that's what you get. Always eel-proof your hovercraft. Adolf S.: both of them know a bunch of asian languages, but pretty much only enough to order a prostitute and some food. I'm learning so many new swear words, it's tops. Ken (GM): in that order? Adolf S.: Probably so. Ken (GM): lulz Adolf S.: I got to hear a lot of stories of 1969 / 1970 japan, which was neat. Ken (GM): HOKAY so the party has been sworn to shush on the mission, and have been given an elf woman provisons are being planned and found Adolf S.: Neat, slavery. Fiss: It's dangerous to go alone: Take an Elf Falkirk: elf slave what do Adolf S.: pack mule Joush M.: Those too Ken (GM): Any other specific things you guys want to take with you? people you wanna rob before leaving? cows you need to tip Joush M.: Gray dosn't plan to ride on this trip, If you want to take horses you'd better mention it to him/say so IC Falkirk: Well I'm hitting up the apocarthery for stuff I already went over Adolf S.: Er, where are we exactly right now, and how long has it been since we last fought for our lives? Fiss: She'll take a moment to practice on the butter/herb horse - Riding skill - just to ensure she has the basics of human/common riding gear and doesn't make a fool of herself by jumping on bareback / with elf-hooks / whatever elves have Gray is in the storehouse at the keep they seized, prepareing for their trip into the blasted and burned lands of Golgotha. Huge piles of supplies are nearby, being inspected and reviewed before being loaded into pack frames for the mules. Ken (GM): big red X is sitting on glardenfen; you guys have been here two weeks since shooting a wizard socrceress and dragon their faces. The army love syou guys, and such P.P. A.: Bomrek can decide whether to join the army or remain a mercenary everyone else sans Falkirk joined though Gray is taking a remarkable amount of booze on the trip. Just in case. Adolf S.: Why'd Falkirk not join? Ken (GM): 'reasons' Adolf S.: Bomrek supports gray's decision. P.P. A.: so he can continue to wizard as he pleases Joush M.: He's old as shit and an evil sorcerer? Ken (GM): PUUUURE EEEEEVIIIIIIL Falkirk: Wizards cant be tied down they're not into that shit Adolf S.: Anyway, I feel like I need to read up the logs to properly figure out what I both should buy, and what Bomrek'd probably buy considering his personal experiences while I was absent. That'll probably take a while, so a retcon in this regard might be necessary before next game, assumin'. Ken (GM): no wirres there Suðri Skornbrekker will buy yet unspecified equipment that he'll add to his inventory by next session Adolf S.: ^ Joush M.: Yeah, good time to do some off screen shopping. Ken (GM): one consideration is that youve been gambling as if you almost died for a week straight, and now you have a nice collection of human-made whiskeys and a nice flask to drink from Gray: When you scroll up you can see the list of supplies they are getting from the army for the job Adolf S.: >40 pounds gunpowder Yes. Joush M.: Fuck those stumps (To Gray): Almost forgot; joining up to the army means being fit for 1000$ worth of armor and weapons of your choice Gray: w ken Fuck yes. I'll update Gray's sheet Falkirk: hueh (To Bomrek): Almost forgot; joining up to the army means being fit for 1000$ worth of armor and weapons of your choice Ken (GM): lol Gray: At least it's not one of my dirty PMs Ken (GM): 8TIS A CONSPIRACY SO DIRTY Adolf S.: Grassy gnoll, grassy gnoll Ken (GM): MUCH NIPPLES Adolf S.: knoll* Ken (GM): who gave the gnoll beans? Adolf S.: I wonder what I should buy.. More gunpowder related weapons might be a good idea. Joush M.: Some quick match would be good. Give more options to do demoltion work Ken (GM): dont forget you were eyeing steel plate back in the day Fiss: MANANNA, FIZZBITCH...and..GUN Adolf S.: Mmhmm, I've got that on my mind as well. Er, just to be clear, this'll take a while, so don't wait in any respect on my account. At this point I'm mostly reading the backlog trying to get a good angle on what I ought to do. P.P. A.: We haven't encountered any enemy guns yet, so plate armour might actually be worth the investment Falkirk: but plate armour was designed to stop bullets P.P. A.: well full plate Adolf S.: "stop" Gray examines the army mules and makes sure they are healthy and hale for the trip. Adolf S.: I mean Falkirk: stop The word bulletprood Ken (GM): P.P. A.: Suthri already has a steel breastplate, but no gauntlets or anything Falkirk: bulletproof came from armourers shooting their breastplates with handguns to demonstrate it didnt penetrate Adolf S.: Man, I have 150 rounds of ammunition for a gun I don't yet own. Freedom best, truly. Ken (GM): lol P.P. A.: shooting every newly made armour with a gun to show how awesome it is, yeah Adolf S.: >implying handgun penetration would be anything anyway Joush M.: Deflect, mostly. They'd leave a smear of led and had a nasty tendency to cause injuries to the deltoids and brachial artery. Funny way to die, a bullet off your chestplate hits your upper arm Ken (GM): sudden heart attack from arterial damage/clots thrown in the body Fiss: Blood Clots due to Lead Poisoning....very aggressive lead poisoning Ken (GM): lol Adolf S.: Slap an EPA warning sticker on the side of my musket Ken (GM): The alchemists should be tapped to help pack lead balls with sodium Fiss: I just put a "Unleaded bullets only" sticker next to my vital organs. Gray loads and fires each musket they are getting from stores, carefully performing the drill and proofing them with a slightly hot charge. The smoke drifts on the air and the huge beast handles the weapons with care. Adolf S.: If I recall right, sodium is turbo expensive. er, well, whatever that particular mix is, in that particular amount, that is. Ken (GM): "careful with that one, it kicks..." Gray barely moves, firing a .81 load Adolf S.: when in doubt, assume Bomrek shits on inferior human craftsmanship in both materials and execution, of firearms and related items. Joush M.: Sodium is verrry reative. With water, it makes a lot of hydrogen that then combines with oxygen in a very exothermic reaction.. so.. fire. Gray: Adolf S.: Isn't that just dragon's breath, that link that is. Joush M.: Magnisum on the other hand, you can have as normal metal and shoot at people to light them on fire without any special handling Ken (GM): Gray/Adolf, you two do find the guns are servicable, but the human designs are, well, inferior to dwarven They only have cheap quality muskets, bonuses to malf Joush M.: Nope, Dragon's breath is propellant and zerconimum for fire. They make a lot more fire and for longer then magnisum rounds. Like a small rocket or firework. They are used to light fires Adolf S.: Neat. I think I'll probably try firing something like that within the next two years. Gray nods to the man in thanks at the warning, studying the guns. "They will do.. We could hope for better, but there are few dwarves here." Adolf S.: Pal of mine is getting really into that sort of thing. P.P. A.: I'm looking to get my hand on some illegal guns and get training from a friend in the US whenever I can afford the time and money to fly over, but w/e Adolf S.: As much as I love having multiple guns that performt he same exact role, there for invalidating their usefulness, and storing them in my closet, why are we buyin' these again? Ken (GM): You do note, there are dwarves here. But they are each armed with wildly intricate and beautiful weapons. You havent seen anything less than a piece of art amongst them Joush M.: We aren't buying them, we are requisitioning them. If our good guns get damaged, we have these.. and we can fire one, pick up the next, until they are all gone. Adolf S.: African safari style, nice. PPA: What are you aimin' for? Shotgun? Pistol? I imagine the latter'll be easier to acquire than the former, there. Gray wonders a moment. "Do dwarves not sell their fine weapons to the army? Or dose the army refuse to pay the high price of such weapons?" Adolf S.: Also, aren't you lot allowed firearms if you bow down and kiss your Queen's toe and swear fealty to her, or something? P.P. A.: Pistol at least I'm German Fiss: Canadian gun laws are similar to German, from what I understand, surprisingly, less paperwork for large collections. P.P. A.: We can legally own the kind of guns Bomrek and Suthri use without a license but anything more recent than (and including) a revolver is highly restricted Bomrek: Bomrek raises an eyebrow, a look of surprise and mild confusion on his face. "Each of these weapons is specially made for the soldier who uses it, by master craftsdwarfs of unparalleled skill. Even a relatively simple one probably costs as much as one human soldier's entire armament." Bomrek runs his fingers lightly down his guns stock as he's saying this. Fiss: For us: Need a licence always. Long-arms / shotguns generally are cool for any purpose. Handguns have to stay above conceal-sized barrels, and are restricted to range-days only. Same with some rifles, like AR-15s. Syviis Adjeon marvels at the beauty of the firearms, the interesting types of armour and gear, and generally looks like she's on a field trip VS a war camp. Adolf S.: That's such a silly thing. The barrel length thing, I mean. Reminds me of US laws on suppressors. P.P. A.: ban assault weapons Fiss: Yeah: Don't get me started on mag sizes P.P. A.: identifiable by their silencer Falkirk: automatic assault clips for shotguns Fiss: 5 for rifle...unless it's using a pistol mag, then it's 10...unless it's rimfire or shotgun, then it depends if you're hunting....otherwise technically unlimited. Falkirk: fire up to 90 bullets a second Ken (GM): tactical muskets need to be restricted! Adolf S.: >mfw cucked to 10 round maximum because I live in California >Mfw bunch of my neighbors have totally-fucking-illegal-in-this-shitty-state mags and weapons despite the laws >mfw being a law abiding citizen is torture Oh man, it hurts. Syviis Adjeon shakes her head, excited to watch Adolf S.: Bomrek's Goals: Gold, Honor, Adventure, Gold, (now) making sure his traveling companions don't get gutted. Meta Goals: For Bomrek to fall in love with a prostitute, for Bomrek to become best shooter, for Bomrek to actually get into melee combat for once Ken (GM): lulz show her your "private stick" Adolf S.: I read that one, apparently stolen from a bunch of humans in a card game Very /d/, truly. (To Fiss): you best blow their shit out of the water with your bow ;) perfect opportunity Suðri Skornbrekker eagerly accepts that invitation. “Perfect, thank you!” He takes one of the guns, rests it on a stick (assuming he doesn't have his bardiche on him right now), and takes aim for two turns. (From Syviis Adjeon): Nah, she's happy to surprise them later. :P (From Syviis Adjeon): well....maybe...we'll see. :P Adolf S.: If I recall, yup. My brain pushed out most of my GURPS knowledge the last few weeks due to job, but it sounds about right. Ken (GM): yep, capping that last one at the acc of the device in question. (so you could aim on a +2 acc gun up to another +2 Falkirk: yo I gotta bail but like P.P. A.: I missed two sessions and the last one was non-combat so I'm rusty too ah, I see Falkirk: probably gonna be absent from the 'gamespace' anyway for this session P.P. A.: Wait for the shot at least! Rolling 3d6 = 10 v14+2+2 Falkirk: ciaobella P.P. A.: Bye! Joush M.: Take care Fal Fiss: Later mang Ken (GM): BOOM the shot rings true, and blasts a hole in the sandbag on the firing range! the elf's ears are definitely ringing Suðri Skornbrekker fans away the smoke with his hands to reveal what looks like a grin underneath his beard. Adolf S.: Yeah! Tinnitus for everyone! Syviis Adjeon: YAY! Suðri Skornbrekker demonstrates it with the empty one first so she can learn how to pull the trigger and all Adolf S.: roll dx to not fall on ass. Syviis Adjeon does her best to learn at least not to explode herself Syviis Adjeon: And manages to stay upright while operating the boomstick Probably not enough to aim well. Not sure what the default is... Ken (GM): DX/E, so -4 (?) (From Syviis Adjeon): She's going to miss on purpose this time. (To Fiss): oh dear Ken (GM): its just the whole "aiming down the sights" and such Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): wholly unlike a bow Suðri Skornbrekker: “It takes some time to aim well, but with enough practise it's easy to learn. On a large battlefield the enemy army is packed together densely, so your shot might well have hit someone in a formation.” Gray nods. "I missed my first shot as well." Bomrek: "Aye, if you're at range, aim at the tops of their hats to hit their gullets. Tends to work for me, I've found. Ken (GM): wasnt gray holding a cannon his first time shooting? Syviis Adjeon sighs and nods, still looking frustrated, then angrily pulls out an arrow to make good on her threat to the target. Bomrek: Bomrek stands nearby smiling, readying his double barreled musket. Syviis Adjeon closes her eyes for a moment, and a crackle of...something...sounds as she lets the arrow fly. Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek: Rice Krispies, oh no Ken (GM) a bolt of lightning looses form her bow and blasts downrange Bomrek: Has Bomrek seen this trollop use magic before? If not, he lets out a startled gasp and jumps back. Suðri Skornbrekker 's eyes open wide, certainly not expecting this. Syviis Adjeon: Gray steps back and watches the flare of light, turning to the effect it's had on the target. "Powerful" Suðri Skornbrekker: “It would seem that we have got the thunder, and you have got the lightning!” Gray is put at ease by the demonstraion of supernateral might. The eldrich power of the young elf beauty speaks to the ability to survive the hell they will face. Adolf S.: THUNDER - Duna dun duna dun dun. Spooky. Suðri Skornbrekker offers to keep tutoring her whenever he's free. Bomrek: Bomrek curses in dwarven, initially in shock and then very quickly in anger. "MORE magic?" Syviis Adjeon: If GM is willing: Will put one point into the skill after this session Gray: "We live in a time of magic and power, Bomrek. Just be glad it has a place for simple creatures like us." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It's not my thing either, but the results do speak for themselves.” Ken (GM): sounds like a plan fiss good job on freaking out bomrek Fiss: Rifle skill? Ken (GM): musket Bomrek: Bomrek scoffs at that "Bah, Simple? You're talking to a Dwarf who can shoot a potato off the head of a running horse at 50 paces, with a weapon that has had more hours of craftsmanship put into it than an average human house." Ken (GM): Bomrek: "Simple is a word you use for elven art and those who have had too many head wounds, not on a skilled warrior like myself." he taps his breastplate stoicly. Suðri Skornbrekker cleans and reloads one of the muskets. “Nothing bears the smell of burnt gunpowder and the lingering cloud of smoke, created not by magic but by minerals torn from the bowels of the earth summoning thunder louder than that in the sky, though.”, he muses aloud and proudly. Ken (GM): dwarven conniseur skill Gray nods to Bomrek somberly. "I don't mean to give offense." Syviis Adjeon: Gray opens his mouth and closes it again, thinking better not to talk of what the gunpowder's made of. Bomrek: Bomrek waves his hand dismissively in the air, "Bah, no offense Gray, just clarifying how honed a Dwarven Guardsman really is." Dwarven gunpowder is made out of hard work, determination, and hatred. Ken (GM): finely crafted hatred. Aged a thousand years. filtered through prejudice and finely tuned stubbornness Bomrek: So... Salt Peter, Charcoal, and Dung, respectively. Syviis Adjeon: Sees legit. *seems Ken (GM): hahah alright, well, lets wrap up here then. Buy your 'tings, provision yourselves. We leave on the 'morrw for the dark kingdom! take 4xp each for being kooky roleplayers who made me fall out of my chair today and made my wife wonder why I did that laughing P.P. A.: >Nothing bears the Bomrek: Time to spend several hours sorting out my char sheet, surely. Fiss: Laughing? This is a GAME, there is no room for laughter and joy! Ken (GM): yes! dont forget to send a newly audited bomrek! P.P. A.: again I don't know what I actually wanted to write instead of “breas”, probably “rivals” Bomrek: PPA, what pistol are you aimin' at gettin', if you're given any choice at all. Ken (GM): blunderbus spistols! loaded with fish! Bomrek: Bomrek probably imagined a pile of sticks and leaves on a dirt floor when he mentioned Elven art, incidentally. P.P. A.: Given that I'd have to go through very shady channels (which I don't even know how to tap into yet) to get one I'll take whatever I can get Ken (GM): time for a shower! P.P. A.: or I'll have to take a look at what's legal in Poland or Czechia and can be smuggled across the border Bomrek: Ken: Hit me up later to- shit Guess I'll message him on skype. P.P. A.: By the way Joush M.: Take care, Ken! Good game man. I'll find new stuff to buy and message you later.. when you see this message, I guess. LOL.. Thanks for the game everyone P.P. A.: I asked Ken if I could create a custom Perk and he agreed Bomrek: Oh? Which? P.P. A.: “Dwarven Beard: +1 DR to any slashing attacks aimed at the throat; can store a single small item (no bigger than the size of a thumb)” Fiss: Hahaha, nice Bomrek: Also, Fiss, you're playing Elf Lady right? Fiss: Yes I just finally figured out the "Post As" thing Bomrek: What's her description n' such? Asking now, just incase you didn't give one previously, so I won't have to wait a week to imagine that. P.P. A.: >Bomrek: Bomrek probably imagined a pile of sticks and leaves on a dirt floor when he mentioned Elven art, incidentally. >sticks and leaves Fiss: Haha. P.P. A.: >implying elves would ever hurt trees and bushes Fiss: She's young, fair, but covered in purpose-ready leather armour and woad Adolf S.: All of them safely harvested from the forest floor after they've naturally fallen off. Fiss: Seems excited to be here, excited to learn the non-elfy things of the world, but doesn't speak common...though she seems to understand it fine. OOC: Vow not to speak non-elf tongue. RP impact only, no spooky secret magical vow or anything. P.P. A.: (also at least Salpeter is a mineral) (oh, Joush left already) Fiss: Also...everyone knows Elves only use humanely harvested vegan wood. Organic free ranged P.P. A.: free ranged trees Fiss: Yep Adolf S.: Hm. What an odd vow. I wonder if she promised her weird elf gods that one time in exchange for not having her bean sprouts die, or something. Fiss: It was more of a "to appease the family, worried she'd come back with a Jersey accent" kind of deal. Heh Adolf S.: Also, why not just move out of Germany if you're so screwed on guns, and clearly have interest in havin'm P.P. A.: Might actually, depending on how things develop Adolf S.: When in doubt, abandon your country of origin that your forefathers bled on to protect - Like me and Fiss's surely did. P.P. A.: I'd be willing to fight for it however unfit I might be, but it seems the majority would rather go down with a whimper than with a bang Adolf S.: (That is to say, our grandparents or somethin' surely did) P.P. A.: also no guns so nobody can even start something if they wanted to well except Islamists Adolf S.: Time to convert to Islam PPA, stop being rude. Fiss: Granddaddio was RCAF, proud and true. Canuck gun laws are silly, but they aren't as bad as some countries. I probably spend too much on ammo as it is. :P P.P. A.: My paternal grandfather was actually Han Chinese and came here via Spanish monks smuggling him out through Macao Fiss: And by 'too much' I mean not enough... Adolf S.: I have a big metal pot full of boxes of ammo behind me. Needed to stuff it in the computer room cause we're having people from the TV company over, P.P. A.: (and illegally owned a handgun for some reason, as they discovered after he died) Adolf S.: and showing my power level to people who make minimum wage / know where I live / know that I have guns there by, is a bad idea. That sounds like an interesting ass story PPA, lay it on us. Fiss: Yeah. It's not the arseholes you need to shoot...it's the ones who break into your house to steal your expensive shit when you aren't there to shoot them. P.P. A.: That's all there is to it, sadly. He died when I was a baby so I never got to meet him. so I never heard any stories from him Fiss: Damn. Well, you get a free pass if I ever invent a time machine P.P. A.: Apparently he had the gun because he held an irrational grudge against some guy and wanted to get back at him eventually Fiss: Heheh I've heard of people doing more illegal things for far less irrational grudges, so I suppose that makes sense *less rational whatever P.P. A.: I'm told that he was getting a bit weird in his last years, so :V Fiss: If you DON'T get a bit weird in your golden years, you're not trying hard enough to be awesome. Adolf S.: Distracted as all fuck: What's Han Chinese exactly, how did he get there via spanish monks, when, why, and where is Macao exactly? P.P. A.: Han Chinese are the Default Chinese. It's the majority group who speak Mandarin and Cantonese Adolf S.: I know how to say uh.. "You suck dick" in Mandarin. P.P. A.: His family was Roman Catholic which is probably why he left China back then (when Mao was still alive) Adolf S.: Or did at one point and forgot half of it. What year'd he do this? P.P. A.: so he somehow got into Macao (back then still a Portugese colony, like Hong Kong), and travelled to Spain with Soanish monkys dunno which year exactly He lived in Spain for a while and eventually moved to Germany where he met and married my grandmother (and later cheated on her leading to a divorce) Opened and closed a few restaurants/bars in his time here Adolf S.: Well, when would this be at all? 40's? 50's? 60's? 70's? etc. P.P. A.: 50s or 60s Adolf S.: Mmm. My character sheet is all sorts of fucked up, I'm trying to figure out what I should do regarding all this. What'd you invest your army-money into, PPA? P.P. A.: Haven't yet; I only made the decision to join after all right before the session started Adolf S.: I've got the slightest bit of inclination to buy some pistols and get some pistol skill for this. Give me the run down on this offer, it's benefits, downsides, etc, if you can. P.P. A.: How much did your fancy double-barreled musket cost? Adolf S.: A shit load P.P. A.: fug Adolf S.: It was a money sink for me in intention. It's basically a crap load of high-quality-perks stacked ontop of eachother. If you want just the basic one, much cheaper. P.P. A.: I guess pistols would be very useful to have as backup muskets that take up less space, but I wouldn't go overboard with it Adolf S.: I was thinking 2 to 4 pistols, so when my two shots of my musket run out I can sling it on my shoulder, grab the two pistols, and work with those. P.P. A.: Unless the GM wants to have us recreate that scene from Zulu, we'll probably figt only smaller groups of enemies three shots from our two dwarves' muskets, Gray can probably be counted on to kill someone, and now we have an elf who shoots lightning Adolf S.: Lighhtning that seems to be bound to an arrow P.P. A.: between all that , two backup pistols should be plenty Fiss: Yep, until she passes out from FP loss. But until that happens, she'll be more useful than just a chick with a pointy stick P.P. A.: or get a backup musket instead if you can shoulder the weight Fiss: That might work too Adolf S.: Eh. that might be a little much, weight-wise. Fiss: "The elf is out of arrows! Get h-" Adolf S.: OH, you were talkinga bout the elf, Fiss: Funny as fuck, though. Adolf S.: Well, my statement sitll stands. Muskets are heavy. Fiss: Yes P.P. A.: I was mostly talking about Bomrek but it actually applies to the elf too Fiss: Anyway, better go and interact with reality. A pleasure, folks. o/ P.P. A.: well she could really do with a pistol a musket is probably too heavy for her build See you o/ Adolf S.: Mmm. Adios. But uh, idunno. Pistols seem like they'd be pretty good. Something that'll put an enemy down quickly, at no risk to Bomrek.. Problem is if I've just shot my two rounds of musket fire, and am for some reason not running toward my enemy to use my bayonet on my musket, Then I'm probably really far away from my enemy, and pistols might not be good choices for that. P.P. A.: If you're that far away you can simply reload Adolf S.: Yeah, but it takes 20 seconds per barrel, with all the bonuses from my gear, too. P.P. A.: or run to your horse to get a loaded musket from our backup stock Adolf S.: Mmm, that would certainly help.. I wonder what I should do overall. My original idea with Bomrek was that he would be a really heavily armored tank, but with a very high damaging weapon, and practical battle implements. Not having enough for armor I made him more of a long ranged character. So now I could either go toward that route and armor him up a shit load... OOOoorrrr I could do the snake route, and make him a sniper sort of character. Ghillie suit, gear for long range shooting, etc. Wonder which'd be more useful, and which'd be more fun. P.P. A.: We do occasionally get in close-range combat so retaining some heavy armour is probably wise Adolf S.: Yeah, though in all instances of that we've had Mr.Beastman tank, which worked well to kite the enemies. P.P. A.: Suðri chopped off a beatsman guy's leg and attacked the giant plant, both with his bardiche and I heard that during the battle where he was NPC'd he engaged in some melee as wlel We tend to fight in woods, ruins, probably caves too eventually all terrain that allows enemies to sneak up and limits the distance you can shoot so I foresee more melee Adolf S.: Mmmm.. I might just armor up then, yeah. Though I'd still like to get a brace of pistols. Four shots is better than two, n' all. P.P. A.: I'll probably deck myself in full plate as well, unless that inhabits mobility so much that it's not worth it on our kind(s) of mission(s) *inhibits Adolf S.: Thinking on it again, decking myself out fully might not fit with my character too well. Originally I wanted that tanky effect, but later I settled on what amounted to Dwarven Cavalry, highway patrol, basically. Would make more sense for him to be more long range minded than that. P.P. A.: Can we sell any of our current equipment by the way? (And for how much relative to the base price?) Adolf S.: I'm sure we could sell it in general, but we might not be able to do it with any ease since we're in a war camp. As for the base price... Merchant rolls + what the GM thinks makes sense, I suppose. P.P. A.: Guess I'll save that question for next session Anyway, getting late See you in a week o/ Adolf S.: Adios Ken (GM): whatup dawg? P.P. A.: Hello Ken (GM): how ye be? P.P. A.: Fine, and you? Ken (GM): eh, Ive been worse. been better. Ive been super amped to play all week, and its been slow, so Ive had nothing but opportunities to just dwell on it online you see the new map? is it revealed appropriately on your side? P.P. A.: Yeah Most of it is black, you only see a sliver at the top Ken (GM): cool; I went a bit nuts in Hexographer. this is a zoomed in view of the South since we werent using the Northern 2/3rds of the map, I though it appropriate P.P. A.: Figured (good idea by the way, now there's a real incentive to explore because it piques our interest as well) Ken (GM): yus sup 'DalF? got a message from chris; he will be online in ~20 (To Gandalf G.): Totally forgot to ask last session; After recovering the ruby magic focus from Gray, what did you end up doing with it and the Speaking Stone? (From Gandalf G.): And what is that? P.P. A.: fug, I completely forgot about that (To Gandalf G.): Otherwise it could be used as a magic focus if you bonded with it, but that specific ritual escapes you at the moment. There are thaumatological pre-requisites that need to be made/steps to be done, but you havent had enough time to specifical plumb those depths Ken (GM): whatup joush? (To Gandalf G.): The Ruby stone is another matter: When you handle it, you can feel a malevolent presence. Tapping its depths brings only a sense of a deep void, and a deep terror. Most likely this was a magic focus of some kind...but the auras and senses emanating from it mark it as more of a 'leash' or a channel of power from some other source Ken (GM): good times for me give or take tons of rain, so everything is finally green around here but that has meant CONSTANT GARDENING (From Gandalf G.): Gotcha Gandalf G.: rain fucking sucks man Ken (GM): eh, its been in fits and starts. Massive clouds roll through super fast with a thunderstorm. it rains for about an hour, then its back to the usual desert-like hot and dry I wonder if Bomrek/adolf is stuck with the fam fam again? Joush M.: It's been raining pretty constantly for me too. That's less gardening then 'huh, lots of stuff overgrown' P.P. A.: Budget was $1000, right? Ken (GM): yes, a 'reward' of sorts so youve got approximate free will with it too, within reason P.P. A.: can we sell our old equipment if we decide to upgrade anything? Ken (GM): Oh! Yeah, there should definitely be a market for 99% of your stuff. With the army about and soldiers everywhere theres plenty of trade available Gandalf G.: well I'm basically a hoarder so I'm selling nothing Ken (GM): Raven syndrome Gandalf G.: what's basic medical herbs and some plague masks gonna come to? Ken (GM): hah within reason to requisition for the mission" so no cost Joush M.: Ooh, I should note that down later then. I just traded in the old armor. That said, even at full value the leather sleeves and leg guards and cap wouden't add up to much Ken (GM): poulticeices and clean bandages? First aid kit kinda stuff? P.P. A.: Being a dwarf has the advantage that everything is much cheaper because you're only half size Gandalf G.: yeah some sweet-smelling herbs to keep the miasmas at bay the usual Ken (GM): sounds fine joush; plenty of buyers looking to own a piece of history; you guys single handedly killed everything in youre way! youre famous Joush M.: Should have recovered the bullets from the dragon at least. Those things can get framed. A signed dwarf certifcate of authenticity Ken (GM): haha Youve also got the skull Fiss: WHERE ALL THE ELF WEMMIN AT? Ken (GM): maimed as it was oh shit, its fiss Gandalf G.: I will also take a spare beak mask Joush M.: A generation later someone else will use those bullets to kill another dragon. P.P. A. is definitely updating all his mail stuff to light plate, which is lighter and protects against blunt damage (To Fiss): 60-80 sounds fine; just needed a tacked down defininte from ya. Thats young enough to be wondrous and naive but old enough to be trusted huntress Ken (GM): pinged bomrek, but standing order was "im probably forcibly detained by the fam fam again." So! where last we left our heroes, they were comparing gun-dick sizes and organizing their supplies for a trek South on a secret mission Fiss: GUNWANG Joush M.: That's right. Gray was packing up a couple mules with lots of supplies. He will clean the guns they used for the firearms lessions too. Ken (GM): yus yus Gandalf was busy grabbing alchemical/medical bits n bobs bomrek and Suðri were debating whisky and beer Bomrek, showing off his fine bourbons Gandalf G.: Naturally, I'm leaving my lab. Ken (GM): kk big and bulky, all your bottling having been done in downtime Joush M.: Wizard has the best homebrew Ken (GM): hah Fiss: lol Ken (GM): Fiss; the elf provisioning herself in any particular way? or just piling on with Gray and the others, loading up the horses? Fiss: Correct. Syviis will ensure she's sharing pack weight for team provisions but other than that, most of what the party needs and has been discussing is already lined up Ken (GM): kk; and we're running with the load out you guys had from last session, give or take a few pounds of misc. things? shovels, a pick, this n that? Gandalf G.: my horse already has enough weight, the other guys can take the general provisions :P Fiss: Yep, adding snares and traps for wild game, etc, but that's about it, I think we had a pretty solid "well, we won't starve" loadout Joush M.: That's right, two shovels, a pick and some soap, if we could find it. Ken (GM): haha snares n such will only run a few pounds at most, theres a bit of free room between Gray's horsemanship and a spare pack animal or two unless Bomrek/ppa truly deck out in fullplate Hokay, so provisions -check horses for each of you +1 pack - Check Ken (GM): weird tools - Check You guys ready to strike out for fame and glory? Gandalf G.: Yu p Fiss: CAN THE POPE'S DICK FIT THROUGH A DONUT HOLE? Gray is ready. (From Fiss): this IS me without Jolt... Ken (GM): PPA, fire me off an updated pdf when you can? actually, that goes for eveyone whos majorly changing their loadout? P.P. A.: aye Ken (GM): so! whats the plan? P.P. A.: Is a visor worth going from light to medium encumberment? or I could cut some corners with the boots to even it out Gandalf G.: it really isnt tbh Ken (GM) After the meeting with the Grand Marshall and High Elder, the party has provisioned, mounted up, and is ready to strike out into the wilderness of the Southern Reaches yet again, venturing into the Forbidden Kingdom of Gorgoth. What adventure awaits? What perils?...Where do they begin? Ken (GM): [yeah, 1 move and dodge are not worth the DR to your face/eyes] P.P. A.: The keep is situated near a small stream, isn't it? Joush M.: Balancing armor vs weight is tricky. Is it still early enough to set off tonight once they are provisioned and supplied, or would it be better to start at dawn tomorrow? Ken (GM): Yep! a moat cradles the hilltop where the Keep of glardenfen resides Fiss: Can the Elf roll any survival or lore notes to recommend on a course? Ken (GM): You guys are pretty well prepared by midday. Assuming youre using the road to travel West then South, you could reasonably start out today yes please fiss! SOMEBODY better start plannign a route Gandalf G.: I vote we follow the northern border then go south Ken (GM): ;P Gandalf G.: IE basically follow the red line Suðri Skornbrekker: “We could follow this here stream to its source, for starters. We won't get lost, we will have fresh water, and if we discover that the water is not to fresh depending on what we may find upstream, then that is already useful information.” P.P. A.: *not so fresh (Oha, thunderstorm here) (If I suddenly sign off a lightning fried my PC, just a heads-up) Ken (GM): [fingers crossed ppa's power stays on] Gray nods to Suori. "Reasonbe. Staying close to water is a good way to travel." (To Gandalf G.): You do recall you were provided a copy of the map of the South, in that sealed vellum scroll/case ? Ken (GM): nice you even seem to have points in cartography and observation! Fiss: She's not a master map-maker by any means but it will certainly help flesh out the details for later Yud *s *yus Ken (GM): YUDS Fiss: Darm Skeepy! Gandalf G.: woo roll20 lagged out hardstyle I presume we're in some room within the castle Ken (GM): lol we were debating the finer points of travelling directly west along the border, following the stream that headwaters somewhere there Falkirk enters, a small canvas pack with herbal stalks protruding under one arm, and some parchments and a box under the other Fiss: That way we can blame the river should it lead us to certain doom, instead of my elf. Ken (GM): lol Falkirk: "So, we've got a map and I've collected what I need." Gray nods to Syviis, understanding the gesture and turning from the elf. He is careful not to loom over her or watch the androgynous elf too much, avoiding making her unconformable. "The water seems the better way. What do you think, Physican?" He ask Falkirk in that deep, rough voice. Ken (GM): well, there should be a watchtower being setup down there, which would be a good place to make for/rendevous with the army before heading out into the iwlderness Falkirk places a cylindrical scroll case on the table and leans on his staff Falkirk: "I suggest we remain as north as we can for as long as we can." Ken (GM): [dun dun DUUUUN] Falkirk: "Every step we wander south, our journey is a little harder. We should spend as little time there as we can." Ken (GM): right; so that fits with the plan. Trace the border West as near as possible, then plunge direct South? Joush M.: Sure. Make for the watchtower for now? Ken (GM): an easy target to reach before nightfall/camping time Suðri Skornbrekker shrugs, being fine with either plan Ken (GM): right! Joush M.: Of course, this course involves crossing a river.. or staying north and slogging though marsh? Ken (GM): well, you recall that this was the hill stream you fellows camped beside before? Joush M.: Ooh, yeah Ken (GM): not too deep, and the further to the headwaters you get, the calmer it should be. there should be a place or two to ford so everyone ready to head out then? Bomrek is ready (with mild ret-conn powers if he shows up late) Syviis Adjeon: ready! (To Fiss): Ken (GM): gandalf? PPA? Falkirk: yup (To P.P. A.): Danke muchly Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't find this landscape very picturesque, unsurprisingly. Damn elves and their magic, he thinks to himself! (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Your new plate armor seems bare to you; no engravings, no etchings. No embellishments! These humans and their smithing. It is a humorless and unemotional artless work Gray calls out to the watchtower. "Hey there! Grayhold party, bound for the south. We aim to make camp here tonight" Ken (GM): [ze map! she moves!] (To Gray): The stench of death, and something worse, permeates here Falkirk seems disturbed from absent-minded thought as he shakes his head gently and looks around. He reaches into his crusty garment and pulls out his badge. Ken (GM): [still havent boiled that cloak out, eh?] Syviis Adjeon the elf produces her shiny badge Bomrek: Bomrek proudly displays his badge, and quickly puts away his flask Ken (GM) Another two emerge from the pallisade walls; their uniforms are muddy, and they look unshaved and overworked. The two seem wary though as they come down the trail to you, and the one has a readied musket in hand as the pikeman calls to you from a distance Ken (GM): He seems excited, like a relieved worry is gone "You all here from Glardenfen? Reinforcements already?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Sorry to disappoint, but we are more of a scouting party passing through.”, Suthri answers. Gray simply nods in agreement with Suori, watching the men a moment then looking around, checking behind the group. Wary for dangers that might come up on them when they are distracted. Ken (GM): The pikeman looks crestfallen. he exchanges a look with his compatriots, and waves you into the camp "Well...allright then. Lets speak with your senior officer then. Get out of the hills now...too exposed out here" (To Gray): Perception roll? Gray: (To Gray): Nothing seems to be amiss. Aside from the stench of the dead, you hear the sounds of work in the camp. Hammers falling, steady work here and there. Men moving about at work Gray goes ahead, there's still tension to the brute and he studies the fellow Grayhold guardsmen a moment as he leads the pack animals inside. "It will be good to get the weight off them and brush them down." Ken (GM): "Aye you boys look fresh and ready though, dont you..." The pikeman regards you all for a moment, then something dawns on him "Hey! you folk are those scouts! The Heroes of the South! aint cha?" Falkirk casts around the camp as he rides, saying nothing Ken (GM): "Oh well, were safe then with you lot a'bout eh? Nothin can touch us with dragonslayers in the camp" Gray seems more at ease inside the rough camp. The fetid scent of death outside put him on edge. The massive beast guideing the pack aniamals to the stables and trusting the others to find a good place for them to sleep tonight. He inspects the pack animals once he has the saddles off, brushing them down and seeing them fed. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You note, the provision tent and supply carts nearby; there are fresh killed deer here, hanging to cure, and they seem stocked and ready. You also notice the tarped over crate on the North end. Looks like a heavy cannon in store? Syviis Adjeon considers for a moment. "Of course. Life is far more resilient than the will of mortals and immortals alike. The real evil is that which takes hold in the absence of fertility and in the presence of dark magic will work to keep its new home." Bomrek: [ In elven? I suppose?] Syviis Adjeon: Yep. Ken (GM): :P Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk knows Elf, right? :P Falkirk: Falkirk knows a lot of languages :3 Suðri Skornbrekker nods politely and glances at Falkirk Ken (GM): maaaany languages Syviis Adjeon: There ya go. :P Gray lisens to the musical lanauge without understanding, his attention on the hooves of the animals. Ken (GM): hehe Falkirk frowns and listens, before translating: Falkirk: "Aye, she says yes." Syviis Adjeon: She does gesture a lot, but I think that's a bit beyond what a few pointing and nodding sessions can do. lol Falkirk returns to the saddlebags Ken (GM): hahaha Bomrek whistles a jaunty tune to himself, sipping happily from his flask, amking to the campfire with a pot and some food for dinner Suðri Skornbrekker: “Elven must be quite the verbose language.”, the dwarf sarcastically notes towards Falkirk and his very short translation. But that answer suffices nonetheless. “That's good to hear.”, he replies to the elf. Suðri Skornbrekker looks over Bomrek's shoulder to make sure he isn't eating a horse with a hoof sticking out of his pot. Joush M.: Can I roll body lanauge to get a sense for what the men are bothered by? Ken (GM): [in fact, he has a pot of what sounds like frying onion and some potatoes, he wiggles a pot at Suðri to fetch some water] please do joush! Gray: (To Gray): Pretty common reaction youve seen in camp Bomrek: "As if I'd let my brother starve!" he jests, poking at dinner excitedly P.P. A.: oh hey, I have body language Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't get it and helps Bomrek cook Ken (GM): [Dinner is gonna be great! you think, oblivious ot the moment Ken (GM) A short time passes. Food cooks, the camp busies away. Then, with a conflagration of wild cussing, one of the less-muddied men of the camp emerges from his tent Ken (GM): "GODS DAMN AND CURSE THIS PIECE OF MIDGET SHIT GUN" Suðri Skornbrekker takes a look at the gun to verify if it's dwarven-made Ken (GM): His tirade continues "BURGES! GET OVER HERE AND FETCH ME ANOTHER OF THOSE DAMNED THINGS...." He trails off when he sees you folk Gray frowns at the man in disaproval. The savage brute tilting his head to the side and listiening to the man's rant. Ken (GM): His voice reaches a timber "AND WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU ALL SUPPOSED TO BE?" Ken (GM) Birds take flight from nearby trees at his outbursts (To Suðri Skornbrekker): the mechanisms probably full of dirt now Gray can't match the dwarf's wit, so he simply nods in agreement at that terse reply. Ken (GM): "OH LAH DEE DAH! DRAAAAGONSLAYERS" He yells, sarcastically, stalking up to you "Who the FUCK is in charge of your outfit?! Front and centre!" Gray steps before the man and towers above him. Speaking in a deep in primal growl. "If you wish to speak to the Elder, you will do so respectfully" Syviis Adjeon: The elf is amused, having seen men like this on her magical human sitcoms Gray calls over his shoulder to Falkirk. "Physician. Do you wish to speak to this man?" P.P. A.: The Fresh Prince of Greyhold Ken (GM): Best to his ability, the officer tries to look down his nose but up to the face of gray Syviis Adjeon: I'd watch it... Bomrek ladles out a bowl of fired potato mash, and digs in with a spoon Bomrek: "Sir, I'm thinking youre talking to him now. " Ken (GM): The man goes from his shade of near-crimson to a more chalk like pale white. He looks at Gray, and sees the badge of the Grayhold army on him. he gulps (To Suðri Skornbrekker): doesnt look like any damage form the fall, just dirt. But the mechanism is fouled up; full of fresh toolmarks donw by some incompetent. Theres still a bit of file tip broken off in there! Falkirk: He addresses the newcomer. "You'll have to excuse us, we're largely passing through - not too used to how things operate in the camp yet." Falkirk smiles warmly Falkirk: "How can we help?" Ken (GM) the man looks clearly relieved, and turns to break off a fast salute to Falkirk Ken (GM): "Very good sir; sorry for my outburst, sir" "Could you tell me, sir, just who you are exactly? What you and your...men are doing here?" Suðri Skornbrekker frowns at the sight of the damage done not by the dirt, but by a dilettante with no understanding of what used to be fine dwarven craftsmanship. Syviis Adjeon: Gray collects some food with a nod of thanks to Bomrek. Eating when he can. Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek thrusts food at gray as well "You need to eat before you work, big guy" Falkirk: "We're on a mission, direct commander's orders. Searching for a relic to the west, deep in beast-man territory." P.P. A.: Elves are for ____ Bomrek curses to himself in dwarven and immediately starts fiddling with the mechanism Falkirk: "I take it you're in charge of the camp? I do apologise for not seeking you out - I think we assumed word would have been sent ahead." Falkirk gives a gracious incline of the head Falkirk: "If there's anything we can do during the brief time we're here, please don't hesitate to let us know." Ken (GM): "well, we're pretty swamped here at the moment Sir. Sorry to say we didnt get a runner. I'd have almost thought you were the reinforcements we sent for not but this morning" "We had a bit of trouble with an attack. Nothing we couldn't fend off mind, put them down right hard." 'We sent for men straight away, sent my page back to the line with word and my orders for another dozen men. Here I thought you fellows were too few too soon" He relaxes a bit now, but you see the weariness draw out of him. He looks spooked, tired, and a bit afraid. The anger gone, he slumps a bit with his tale Gray looks thoughtful at that, but nods. A camp in the hinterlands, on the boarder like this, is dangerous.. and many of Grayhold's army leaders seem unused to and unready for dangerous work. Falkirk: "Well, if our previous operation is a basis to judge, by the time we're 20 miles from here, we'll have killed all the local beastmen, a few ogres and perhaps a dragon or two." "But no, we're unfortunately not the reenforcements." Ken (GM): He laughs heartily at that, a bit loudly, a bit sof the stress coming out of him "Hah, well, shite, I guess I can tell who you boys are now." He looks about your company, mentally recounting your tale "Does that make you master Falkirk then Sir? The great alchemist?" Syviis Adjeon: *is visibly impressed at the fancy titles Falkirk smiles wryly Falkirk: "I was never much of a dab hand in alchemy, it seems the stories have lost a little truth in the telling." Ken (GM): "Ah well, who else wouldja be then, Sir" He smiles. "Take some rest then here. Your party is safe in our meager walls, as they are. The men here are well trained. Good soldiers all. Nothing gonna slip past us tonight (From Syviis Adjeon): do Elves in this setting do without sleep better than the average race? If so, will offer to do Night Watch (To Syviis Adjeon): Not particularly; you rise and fall with the night as most. But its been a neasy day as well, youre still fresh for a few hours watch Falkirk: "I'm getting past my prime, so it seems." Ken (GM): "Oh! Crap, sir, where are me manners" he flusters "Im Man-at-Arms Cuthbert, Sir, At your leave." Falkirk returns the salute (To Gray): The men in camp pay you little heed as you walk the perimeter. They keep busy, casting lead shot, working out kinks in their armor. Some seem to be cleaning a green mess form theirs; a bright lime color, flashing in the twilight. It stinks horribly, that odd smell from earlier Ken (GM): "Well I dont know that you can really. We put them down right away. Ive got a pair of men on the wall there heaping the bodies for a clean burn now" "You probably saw the lot on your way in." He looks a bit uneasy as he explains. Worried? Nervous? Gray stops on his prowling to approach a man scrubbing at armor. Asking something in a deep and growling voice. "What did you fight, to be marked so? You may wish to ask the physician about it." Ken (GM): The man continues to scrub at his chestpiece with a rag, the stickly green fluid clinging like so much sap or tar. "He have a need to dirty his hands with this eh? Stick fucking mess this is" Falkirk: "I see. Make sure to burn them thoroughly." Ken (GM): Cuthbert gets a wry grin on his face at the mention of the burn"Oh aye Sir, Burges has a solution for that. Got sent down here with some of that midget-make; weird bottles of stuff. Burges found one or two of them burn nice n hot, makes cleaning up the dead real easy" Gray nods. "Some carry blight. Get help if you fall ill." He tells the man scrubbing at the fetid green mess on the armor before he finishes his prowl, returning to the camp. Ken (GM): Burges, apparently the pikeman you met at the gate, waves at the mention of his name, heading to the carrion pile with a cask of some sort, marked with dwarven runes Falkirk reaches into his cloak and produces a necked spherical flask of Alchemist's Fire (To P.P. A.): Warning! Whiteflame! (essentially something like phosphorous? or powdered high explosive? its for loading up incindiary shot Suðri Skornbrekker smirks and nods. Ken (GM): Cuthbert squints at the bright bottle in Falkirks hand "Oh no, nothing quite as fancy as that Sir. Jus' a powder that goes up like a flash. Burns damn near faster than lightning" (To Gray): The man you warned stops scrubbing at his armor and drops the rag. He quickly begins unstrapping the piece from the rest of his suit Ken (GM) With a baleful tone, a great droning howl crawls to you from the South. It wavers and bends, like nothing you've ever heard before. The men in the camp about you freeze at the noise (To Syviis Adjeon): Yes! you have terrible timing though! Gray turns south and fights the urge to howl in reply. After a moment he pulls his sword and speaks to the others. "Ready?" Falkirk: any skill I could try to determine the source of the howl? P.P. A.: What direction is it coming from? Syviis Adjeon and gives the wheel to GM Jesus Falkirk: like birdwatching skill Ken (GM): Perception from the lot of you! Gray: Bomrek cusses in his language again, and pulls his massive gun from his pack, "what in the nine hells?" Joush M.: With mods for low Night Vision (5) if it matters Bomrek: hahaha Ken (GM): Syviis points with a nocked arrow to the SouthWest, while bomrek looks about wildly in all directions Joush M.: oops, almost called it low light vision, then remebered it's night vision, then wrote bolth.. Suðri Skornbrekker runs past the tents to get a clearer view and rams his bardiche into the ground to take aim Ken (GM): Cuthbert, mutters to himself "Oh by the Gods, what in Hell is THIS now?" Falkirk holds his staff inhand squinting at the light Ken (GM): Syviis takes to the watchtower, immediately Ken (GM) the men in camp look warily, many with their weapons ready, but none of them look very brave at the noise crashing down on camp (To Gray): No, that looks like a tree? running maddly through the hills? Ken (GM): Bomrek quickly undoes the latches from the horse packs; he hefts the bundle with flakirk and makes back for the front line Gray watches the night, sharp eyes alert and the beast at lst growling, speaking to the others. "It's big. Very big.. like a running tower. or a tree that walks." Ken (GM): From the watchtower Syviss calls out in her elven tongue "Ent! Alta-Mallorn!" (To Falkirk): She said "Ent! Great Tree!" A fabled elven spirit being. A living, walking, talking tree Suðri Skornbrekker: “Ent?”, he shouts back, “THose tree golems?” Falkirk pulls out the flask from his robe again. Falkirk: "Aye. Suðri Skornbrekker lightbulb Ken (GM): lol Gray nods to the others. "Fire. Lots of it. We've got that" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Burges! The Whiteflame!” Falkirk: "Aye. That'd do it." Bomrek unrolls the musket bag, chekcing each gun quickly and muttering under his breath "I need a drink...I need a driiiink" (To Suðri Skornbrekker): nice; you hold the line, and maintain your aim on the flames approaching P.P. A.: I have no idea what the target for that roll is, but I wager an 8 means he resists the impulse Falkirk: 12 is standard Ken (GM) the crashing continues, the flame comes nearer, and then its through the brush on the trail below! A great tree shaped vaguely, with long trunks of limbs bursts through the wood P.P. A.: ah Falkirk: if its unmodified (To Falkirk): You see three pikes waving about down by the carrion pile, maybe his helmet there? P.P. A.: In Germany we have a saying that goes: „Wer schön sein will, muß leiden.“ (He who wishes to be beautiful must suffer [to obtain/maintain beauty].”) Falkirk nods, jogging towards the carrion pile P.P. A.: I suppose that can be applied to the newest haircut fashion trend among Ents, setting their hair-leaves on fire. Suðri Skornbrekker shoots the Ent as soon as the GM declares combat active P.P. A.: oh hm Suðri Skornbrekker makes an Impulsiveness roll for that Rolling 3d6 = 13 Ken (GM): cool! take your shot Sudri! (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Youve been aiming long enough youve got accuracy +time aiming, so essentially X2 acc Gray: Ken (GM): daang (From P.P. A.): nice. He'll shoot the Ent if that 13 failed the impulsiveness roll, otherwise he'll have hesitated just long enough to hear Grey's command Falkirk:7.75 Suðri Skornbrekker: (From P.P. A.): then again if Gray goes first...? Gray: (From P.P. A.): ok Joush M.: Rolling for berserk! Aww.. diden't happen this time Ken (GM): [battle raaaage] Suðri Skornbrekker loosens a bullet at the Ent Rolling 3d6 = 13 v(14+3+2*2) P.P. A.: What was a critical failure again, two sixes and a five or another six? Ken (GM): -5 for distance so that was 13 vs 16 P.P. A.: good Ken (GM): youre in the clear! Joush M.:Critical fuckup generally happens if you manage to roll 10 higher then your skill level or if you roll 17-18 17 Ken (GM): Suðri's shot rings out in the night like thunder, and slams into the great tree beast (To Syviis Adjeon): nice timing, an ent is charging the camp, chased by things Syviis Adjeon: Damn Ken (GM): @joush; thats exactly it, and muskets foul up on high rolls regardless due to their make BUT 17 dmaage to the Ent! and initiative begins! Suðri Skornbrekker: “Should have said that sooner!”, the trigger-happy dwarf yells at Grey, actually just frustrated by his own impatience. Ken (GM): Bomrek howls a battle cry, and aims his gun "Pikemen forward! protect the line" he calls! (From Syviis Adjeon): got it Ken (GM): kk readying to strike? Joush M.: Sure. Falkirk: "Burges! We need a fire wall!" Ken (GM): kk Falkirk shouts through the maelstrom of creaking wood and gunshots Ken (GM): Syviis! youre up! oh, shit Syviis Adjeon lets loose an arrow, aiming at the things just behind the Ent, knowing an arrow or two will mean nothing if it charges in Ken (GM): skornbrekker is on 9 youre direct, after Syviis Adjeon: ops k Ken (GM): my bad :P [the tool doesnt auto-sort, i blame the tool] Skornbrekker! Youve just loosed a shot and the men around you have shaken off the cobwebs, wat do? Suðri Skornbrekker then takes aim with it. Ken (GM): ah kay, 1 second rounds though, so dropping your gun and grabbing another is your turn (free action to drop, ready action to grap the gun from the pack) to syviis! Syviis Adjeon: *fires an arrow at the nearest (18hex) creature, target is 15 Joush M.: Damn, high rolls today Ken (GM): squaked it in then! It fails to dodge your shot, takes it without dodging Syviis Adjeon: * Arrow damage is half due to distance, Lightning however, follows in a flash P.P. A.: Aye, that's why I decided to split that taking aim thing into a second line Syviis Adjeon: 1 damage of imp rolling 4d 4 P.P. A.: >1 Syviis Adjeon: er... Ken (GM): lol Syviis Adjeon: That's better Ken (GM): better P.P. A.: I was about to mock elven wizardry compared to long, hard dwarevn guns Joush M.: But she can go again right away. Once you are spent you've got to lay around doing nothing. Ken (GM) and each of the other creatures snap their attention form the Ent to their fallen brethren Ken (GM): Falkirk! Falkirk hesitates for a moment, before turning to head for the walls Ken (GM): kk Bottom of the initiative; the men of the camp hustle and form up, finally moving to action! Cuthbert calls out "FORM UP YOU BRAGGARTS!" P.P. A.: Damn it, Burges! Ken (GM): The Ent thing rumbles madly forward, howling still, bleeding a flaming sap from Sudri's shot and the grey things stream past the ent, for the wall like silent wolves Bomrek! Takes a shot on the ent thing! vs 13 Ken (GM): WOO sorry, forgot SM, so thats vs 16 so thats a crit! critical hit effect aww, normal damage Joush M.: crit-ent? aww.. just normal damage Ken (GM): but! the ent doesnt dodge, oblivious to the shot, takes it centre mass boom! wood rends, and the shot hits home Gray! Gray moves to protect Falkirk from the silent-bone-wolves and the rampageing ent, shield rased to cover the man. (ready to defend, end turn) Ken (GM): kk Skornbrekker! (To P.P. A.): poke poke (To Fiss): They keep shooting the great Ent! These heathans! Ken (GM): kk Syviis! Syviis Adjeon smirks, drawing an arrow and mutters: "I've made new friends it seems!" Syviis Adjeon: * will aim for the front Bone Thing on the left, closest to Ent, Ken (GM): kk Syviis Adjeon: ffs.... Ken (GM): ? Syviis Adjeon: *fumbles with drawing arrow Ken (GM): ah! not a crit fail, so just takes your turn Syviis Adjeon: *calmly does it, but it takes the turn Ken (GM): such grace under fire lol Syviis Adjeon: lol Ken (GM): Falkirk! They fall upon you like wolves! wat do? Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk: They're not on me yet Ken (GM): Falkirk: and I've still got a bottle in my hand I want to throw my alchemist's fire there and take a single step Ken (GM): kk. so thats +4 for hitting a hex, and then -2 for distance. throwing +2! Rolling 3d6 = 13 v13 Ken (GM): yay! Falkirk: barely Ken (GM): Falkirk: so that's a 2yd radius of fire Joush M.: I was half sure that I'd end up covered in fire Falkirk: again Ken (GM): BOOSH the fireball ignites and spreads to lick hungrily Ken (GM) the Ent's scream changes tone, and it flinches Ken (GM): Bottom of the initiative! The men form up, staggering out firing lines the pikement set their weapons, ready to defend themselves Burgess calls out! "Falkirk! I have your powder here!" the musketmen by Syviis open fire on the ent Ken (GM): BOOM BOOM BOOM THE ENT EATS LEAD Ken (GM) the towering thing is raked by musketfire, and great chunks of it break away at the fusillade Ken (GM): it creaks, and groans, as parts of it fly off Ken (GM) it lumbers away, recoilling form flakirks flame and the gunblasts Falkirk: "Focus on the smaller targets!" Ken (GM) they scramble forward to the tower, one springing up to the pallisade top! Ken (GM): Bomrek! "What the hell do you mean the smaller targets?!" Swinging his gun to bear on the one on the wall BOOM vs 13 hah! match P.P. A.: noice Ken (GM): the thing takes the shot full in the torso, and explodes into a pile of bones and white flapping flesh up close, they appear to be gaunt bony men, with bristling sharp teeth and claws. like skeletons wrappen in paper skin Gray! Gray prowls forward and roars, lashing out viciously with little consideration for his own defense. It's reckless, but he's trying to keep them from reaching the wall. (Going to use All out for a double attack) Gray: Ken (GM): kk, so one swing with the sword vs 16 right? Joush M.: that probley hits, unless i've racked up more then -3 in penalities Yep! vs 16 Ken (GM): kk, it seems to be heedless of ghunfire, but tries to dodge your sword Gray is useing his new sword, a gigantic blade, finely wrought and jewled. Ken (GM): NOPE choppy choppy Gray: rolling 3d+1 3 Ken (GM): haha (that always trips us up) Your sword slams home, bites deep, and breaks the thing into so much dusty bones and flapping sking NEXT SWING. Shield? or a kick? Joush M.: Shield, I think Gray: Ken (GM): match! Joush M.: 12 vs 12 Ken (GM): HOLY SHIT IT DODGES WELL Falkirk: jesus thats a crit Ken (GM): thats a crit son Falkirk: turns your attack into a critfail Ken (GM): 3d6 please! Gray: Ken (GM): nice! you simply lose grip on your shield was that a strap in or a buckler? looks like a strapin Joush M.: Yeah, strap and all. Not a buckler Falkirk: you dropped your strapon embarrasing Ken (GM): so! it unreadies on your arm, comes loose. It dangles useless until you strap the sucker back in (ready action and a free hand required) but! on to skornbrekker! (yeah, theyre in your shot)/ line of fire P.P. A.: ok Suðri Skornbrekker shoots the leftmost one, so as it not risk hitting Grey who is struggling with the other one Ken (GM): this guy? you should step to the side; right now gray and falkirk are in the line of fire Suðri Skornbrekker does Ken (GM): nice -4 for distance to target Suðri Skornbrekker fires! Rolling 3d6 = 10 v14+2-4 P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): bam! you land a hit! those smaller muskets are 3d+1 14 Ken (GM): NICE another explosion of bone and tissue, disintegrating the thing Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): no-aim shot on something? lol Syviis Adjeon: Match for winging the closest one Ken (GM): helps to declare a target first lol Syviis Adjeon: Sorry. :P Ken (GM): np it attempts to dodge! and does! just narrowly evading your arrow! Syviis Adjeon frowns and tries to get another arrow ready Ken (GM): ooOo Syviis Adjeon: Got it at least this time Ken (GM): you sly creature you! Falkirk! (To Fiss): Which reminds me, it always provides Acc to your shot, if your enot already doing that) Falkirk gives the fleeing ent a sidelong glance before stepping up to try his hand at skeleton-killing Ken (GM): ooOooo Falkirk: 1 hex step casting Ken (GM): kk Falkirk: on that fuckboy (From Syviis Adjeon): Yus. :D much fucking win Falkirk: -1 rangepen? Ken (GM): yus Rolling 3d6 = 9 v13 boom give that man his dodge roll Ken (GM): Nope, right in the guts acid time! Falkirk projects a jet of billious yellow fluid from somewhere inside his sleeve at the creature Ken (GM): blech, always gross Rolling 1d6 = 3 corrosive damage Ken (GM): sizzle-pop! A chink of the thing burns away, your acid clinging in a glob Falkirk: and he's tagged with cyclic damage Ken (GM): it seems unfazed Ken (GM) the things, pounce up to Syviis Syviis Adjeon: Neat! Ken (GM): [skeleton shuffle] Syviis Adjeon: Apparently they didn't like me asploding them Ken (GM) they swing clawed hands at her! gaping maws open and hisssssssing P.P. A.: How long does it take to climb these ladders? Ken (GM): a lot slower than leaping them in a bound like these things are doing :P Half-sih move? Fiss! claws at you nevermind! thats a miss that one too! Syviis Adjeon: :D Ken (GM): they scrabble and swipe! Bomrek curses, and reaches for another gun Syviis Adjeon seems unphased Ken (GM): gray! P.P. A.: Miss at 10? Oha. Gray watches the leap and snarls after them, considering a moment then the beast moveing to the ladder. Ken (GM): (wild swings, after full move) P.P. A.: Oh Fair enough Joush M.: I was tempted to try and jump too.. but I don't have the skills for it. new goal! Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! you got an empty gun! wat do? Suðri Skornbrekker thus instead discards his musket and picks up another one. Ken (GM): kk moving you to the pile but! Syviis! Joush M.: move over to Gray. He will throw you up on top next turn. Ken (GM): lol Syviis Adjeon: Time for Splodie. One right in front Joush M.: Dwarf Toss! Syviis Adjeon: Hit easily Ken (GM): kk, it attempts a dodge Syviis Adjeon: Damn Ken (GM): ooooh! wiggle wiggle Syviis Adjeon: Wiggly little fuckers Ken (GM): step? dive to the ground? fly to mars? Syviis Adjeon: Can she drop the bow and Quickdraw Rapier? ...nevermind... I forgot, edited out that skill Falkirk: am I up Ken (GM): yus! svae us all o flakirku! [mashes keyboard] Falkirk: Do I have a LoS on the skeles from here? Ken (GM): the unmarked one, yes, hes on the wall Falkirk: would I still if I moved here Ken (GM): oh! and roll your second burn on the guy you already hit! Falkirk: oh yeah well he should resist first Ken (GM): yeah, pallisade is about as tall as you Falkirk: with dx Ken (GM): oh? kk he has shaken it off! Falkirk: alright I hurl another towards the other skeleton Rolling 3d6 = 14 v13 and mis yay Ken (GM): boooo it splatters the wood planks, sizzling Joush M.: Some pikemen yells "my eye! I'm not supposed to get acid in it!" Ken (GM): lol Ken (GM) The ent rolls madly in the dirt, the fire guttering a bit, but the green flame is stubborn, unnatural Ken (GM): the mencall to each other! "Down down down!" (To Fiss): the gunmen around you all dropped to a knee at the order Ken (GM) The moment she does, Cuthbert and his men open fire in another Fusillade! Ken (GM): BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM Ken (GM) your ears ring, and for a moment, the only thing cutting the thunderous echo is the rending from the ent, rolling madly on the ground Ken (GM): Bomrek! Cheers madly! "Aaaaaay! you guys CAN hit something!" (To Fiss): Somebody should really help that ent Falkirk: I'd like to roll some knowledge check (To Falkirk): Probably Elven, if not something older? it seems a bit occupied, what with the burning to death though Syviis Adjeon motions frantically toward a barrel of water Ken (GM): Cuthbert calls out incredulously "You actually want to HELP that thing?" Falkirk runs up to the tree-beast, arms splayed, shouting in elvish (From Falkirk): "I CAN SOOTHE YOUR WOUNDS IF YOU TRY TO REMAIN STILL! TELL ME HOW THIS FIRE CAME ABOUT AND PERHAPS I CAN QUENCH IT ALSO!" Ken (GM): yes! sounds like a plan for grey (To Falkirk): LOL Gray: (To Falkirk): So verbose, even in a panick Ken (GM) the dirt is heaped on the flames; here and there, the red fires are extinguished, but the odd green flames poke through, over and over... (To Falkirk): kk Gray: P.P. A.: Are we still in battle-time? Ken (GM) Gray narrowly pulls his hands away; the flames seemed to jump AT him, like a living thing! Luckily, they do not latch on, and gutter out on the gorund (From P.P. A.): ah ok Suðri Skornbrekker: “No,” Sudri shouts in response to Cuthbert, “but I'll do it anyway!” Suðri Skornbrekker sets down his musket and comes running to help, not really knowing why Falkirk: oh btw cant really see the end cos fog of war can you roll it back a little Ken (GM): lol Suðri Skornbrekker helps with shoveling dirt and backs off when he notices the aggressiveness of the flames Ken (GM): whys it so dark over there? P.P. A.: pretend that this happened while the ent was still on fire Syviis Adjeon: The elf runs up, bow down, on the look out for any more of the bone-creatures, but clearly re-leafed Ken (GM): hahah retroactive helping P.P. A.: >I'm helping! Ken (GM): elf-puns! Fiss: elf leaf pun activate! P.P. A.: but yeah, I would have done this on my turn but didn't know battle time had ended (To Falkirk): "Live well, mortal spirit." Gray looks back to the strange green light, stepping forrward, holding the shield between Falkirk and the light before it vanishes. "Damnation, what was that?" (To Falkirk): Yep, his soul/spirit leaving his body (To Falkirk): He didnt die, the spirit just stopped posessing the material form. It just escaped safely, thanks to you guys :) Falkirk: "Ents have a very different physiology to us of flesh and blood. He did not speak as a person on his deathbed, he spoke as someone in need of rest and recovery." (To Fiss): Looks like Falkirk speaks the language of your most sacred friends! He speaks to the angels of the land! Suðri Skornbrekker turns away from the group mourning the tree and towards the soldiers: “Excellent job!” he cheers them on, “You stood brave in the face of a sudden assault and rampaging monsters! The Kingdom can be proud to have such men guarding their border!” Falkirk: "Oh, no. Abominations, something about a hunt. There are a lot of questions we can ask, I must prioritise." Bomrek joins in the cheer as the men celebrate their victory, stomping the skeletal remains beneath their boots happily Falkirk: "I did learn a little of the rot, though as typical for anything as long-lived as an ent, it was cryptic and longwinded." (To Gray): perception check +4 P.P. A.: “Oh, woe is me, I am dying and my breath will soon be exhausted. But there is one last thing I must do: impart to you vital information, crucial to the task at hand. So listen well: It's—” Ken (GM): ack - dead (To Falkirk): although, in truth, it may have been bound to your bidding there. It made a barter with you, fufilled your request, then took its leave as per your agreement ;) Gray: Syviis Adjeon begins pacing around the battleground, seeing if her arrows are salvageable (To Gray): There is something definitely not right about that pile of bodies over there. You can smell goblin and ogre(such as at the farm so long ago), horse, but also human..and elf? and something else? Fiss: Kinda. But she's nothing if not environmentally friendly. Suðri Skornbrekker goes to reload and clean the muskets he and Bomrek shot Ken (GM): 50/50 chance for each one that missed,so two rolls noted ppa; good gun maintenance should not be interrupted by celebration bomrek sees what youre up to , and wuickly also gets back to work Fiss: High for Live, Low for Dead. One back Ken (GM): at 2 and a 1? thats two dead arrows :P Fiss: I just used d2's Ken (GM): hahaha oh, i see Gray frowns and approches the pile of bodies, studying them, a long stick is used to push at them.. "Hey, what's this?" Fiss: Is there a 'coin flip'? :P Ken (GM): I assumed d6's, cuz GURPS Ken (GM) it feebly tries to reach for gray, grasping at the stick, hissing like a snake Suðri Skornbrekker: “What the—” Suthri steps back. “Living corpses?!” Gray shakes his head. "They aren't corpses if they are liveing.. just very sick. I don't think we can help them. The merceful thing would be to kill them?" (From Syviis Adjeon): will hold off for now as the party seems less surprised than she is Ken (GM) Gray hefts his blade and drops it onto the things face. It disintegrates quickly (To Fiss): At your touch, the aura is very clear; Necromancy! The raw magical power of the dead! But....its not tied to a spell. (Like seeing the difference between sand and glass; identical compositions, but not the same things) (To Fiss): the flesh is filled to the brim with necromancy, but not with a spell, per se. its like seeing a tapestry growing form a tree; thats not naturally madelike that... Syviis Adjeon says: "Well, it certainly is no magician's trick or wizard's attack that set these in motion. Something bigger and more primal." Ken (GM): ELF ELF ELF ELF lol Syviis Adjeon: To those that don't speak elf: BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH PRETTY WORDS! :P Falkirk: Well the only one who does is out of earshot on a stump Syviis Adjeon: Yes :P Ken (GM): hahaha Syviis Adjeon shakes her head and helps burn them Ken (GM): they go up like they were soaked in pitch the green ichor BURSTING into visible flame WOOF Gray nods. "Your argent power would combust them. Worth knowing. Hit one in the middle it will explode and take the rest." Joush M.: Wait, that's too smart for Gray isn't it? Ken (GM): ~handwiggle~ Gray nods sagely. Splison. Ken (GM): You dont need smarts to appreciate explosions Syviis Adjeon: Splosions are universal Like bacon. And boobs. And MacGyver. Ken (GM): Imagine if they had doused the pile with a helping of that powder? ;) Holy shit lookit the time! Fiss takes points in "Demolitions: Necro-Goo Based explosives" Joush M.: Ooh yeah. It's getting late Ken (GM): lol Joush M.: LOL Yeah. Ken (GM): okey dokey, definitely 5 points each, big day, lots happened P.P. A.: aye Ken (GM): Adolph fell off the earth again, I suspect it was his work/family again, but I'll followup with him P.P. A.: It was nice as always Falkirk: ok cool good sesh P.P. A.: Especially the part with the Ent coming towards us Ken (GM): danke! I do try to provide mad entertainment :) Fiss: A pleasure as always, folks, oh, and remember Ken, Camp 3d6 is coming up... P.P. A.: Really created a sense of urgency and dread Gandalf G.: sure did Ken (GM): yes! the weekend of the 10th, fiss and I will be in the woods Gandalf G.: ents are fucking spooky Ken (GM): so next week gamin, then we miss a week P.P. A.: >fiss and I will be in the woods beware of ents Gandalf G.: oh shit yeah I might not be around next week Joush M.: That ent freaked me out. It was awesome. Also, great monsters. Those things are creepy. Ken (GM): hahah yeah "this thing has HOW MANY HITPOINTS and is still charging us?" Fiss: INNA WOODS...Will bring SKS Gandalf G.: parents moving house, want me down to help Ken (GM): good on falkirk throwing fire NEAR it Ah, shame Gandalf G.: now I'm down to my last bottle tho ;-; Ken (GM): shall we put you on wizard-autopilot? Gandalf G.: if I'm not here, sure Ken (GM): kk Gandalf G.: I'll try to make it Ken (GM): a noble endeavor Joush M.: Aww, Well hopefully we can hang out next time. Good luck man. Great session! I enjoy this game a lot. P.P. A.: Me too Ken (GM): (self-high five) thanks guys :D P.P. A.: Time for me to sleep though Ken (GM): also a noble endeavor P.P. A.: Good night, see you all (well) next week o/ Ken (GM): O/ catch you guys later o7 Gandalf G.: ciao Adolf S.: Ahoy' P.P. A.: Hi there and a belated happy birthday Gandalf G.: ayy Ken (GM): yo yo Gandalf G.: so turns out I'll be here for now Ken (GM): woo! Gandalf G.: but might have to vanish for 45 at any given moment because family we'll see how we go Ken (GM): P.P. A.: smh tbh fam Adolf S.: Ahoy' P.P. A.: Hi When I looked over my inventory to see how I could squeeze in a visor for my helmet I noticed that my helmet is padded What's worth more, a padded helmet with +1 DR, or a not-padded helmet that covers the face? Adolf S.: Which fits more into what he'd want? Gandalf G.: extra DR man Ken (GM): hmm, good question Adolf S.: Bomrek wouldn't want something like that, generally speaking. He'd go for padding. Gandalf G.: getting hit in the face usually doesnt do any more damage it'll just stun your ass Adolf S.: More comfort during movement and riding I'd imagine, less obscurity while firing, 'etc. Gandalf G.: tho acid does bonus damage to the face P.P. A.: I flavoured his helmet as a sallet so the visor can be raised and lowered freely Adolf S.: It was so fucking hot last night, I didn't get to sleep until late. Fuck the heat, man. Gandalf G.: much to my lowskill chargrin P.P. A.: I guess I'll keep the padded, visor-less helmet The padding would help to make gunshots slightly less horribly loud so that's something going for it in-character Ken (GM): yeah, and really, you never know when that 1 dr is all the difference on a lucky skull hit so; Joush/grey is unfortunatley out for roughly the whole day. He gave me a heads up though, so good on him Chris got caught up in things this morning though. He might be a late showing, but is likely just out entirely :/ so! that means youre all here! two dwarves and a wizard, with a tank and DPS on autopilot :P y'all good to jump right in? Adolf S.: Mmhmm, I sure am. Waking up more and more as I go, 'seems. P.P. A.: Aye Ken (GM): woot git some coffe in ya Ken (GM) The smell of burning flesh reeks on the air, as the undead bodies send flames leaping from their makeshift pyre. Syviss and grey tend to the heap, as the militia mills about, combing the camp for any last traces of the strange undead attack. Falkirk mulls over his findings privately, as the dwarves clean the muskets for another round of use in the future Bomrek: Did we dispose of the Ent corpse yet, or is it still sittin' there somewhere? P.P. A.: it turned into fairy dust and returned to the earth iirc Gandalf G.: the ent spirit did P.P. A.: oh Bomrek: I know at least part of it did- yeah, the soul. Gandalf G.: it left a dead end ent P.P. A.: Its corpse is just wood, isn't it? Gandalf G.: corpse thing yeah basically Ken (GM): just the soul left; the charred wooden remains are still there Bomrek: And this is a huge being, right? Big ol' bunch'a wood? Mmm. Ken (GM): though, they quickly stopped moving about after yeah, give or take its this big heap of wood, branch and trunk Suðri Skornbrekker: “I wish I could propose burning this whole land to the ground if these incidents keep up” Suðri mumbles preparing a musket, “but it is already charred and there is nothing left to burn.” “We ought to invent some kind of great alchemical fire that engulfs entire areas in a giant fireball,” he fantasises aloud. Ken (GM): Syviss shoots you a startled look at that outburst. More quizical than angry though Bomrek: Bomrek starts to finally calm as he tends to the guns, and slowly opines and theorizes about the quality of BBQ that might be cooked if they used wood from that thing. "Surely the wood must be special.. I mean, the blasted thing was moving, aye? Maybe it'll smell a bit like meat. Hum." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'd rather not eat dead tree.” Ken (GM): Again, Syviss seems...appalled at the suggestion. She quickly busies herself elsewhere, out of the dwarves earshot. P.P. A.: Horse stew with Ent salad, mmh Ken (GM): hahah you guys eat everything you kill then? Bomrek: "You say that now Suthri, but two weeks with nothing but human mush to eat and you'll be begging for some bark." he waves his hand toward Suthri lazily as if to say 'feh, town guards, how naiive'. Ken (GM): heh, so other than portioning out the corpse there, anything particular you boys want to get up to here in camp? Bomrek: Hum. What time is it? Ken (GM): evening, post-dinner suns nearly down. twilight is encroaching Gandalf G.: Do we have tents? Bomrek: Dreadful time for a battle. Bomrek does his soldierly duties, and tries to ensure the army in the camp do the same, before setting up a cannon on that elevated position incase of another attack. After that, Bed. Gandalf G.: either our own or provided P.P. A.: We have an ent now we just need a T Bomrek: I think Gray or somebody bought some with the other provisions, non? Ken (GM): puns aside, each of you should have a 1 man packed, if not your own. Yeah, gray prepped for the luxury the army could afford Suðri Skornbrekker does what is necessary to secure the parameter, but hopes they get a chance to entertain the garrison a bit. Ken (GM): well, the men of the camp are definitely much relieved after the well-won battle alongside you folks theyve warmed up quite a bit, not shunning you guys as they did when you first arrived Bomrek: Remind me, do we have a specific location we're aiming at next on this road to the ansible, or na? Falkirk sets up a tent, disappearing inside for the rest of the evening, casting a candle-lit shadow of a man hunched over a book on the walls. Bomrek: Good time to do a bit of gambling, by the sound of it. Hm. Ken (GM): ah, the call of the dice Bomrek: Bomrek's a saint in chainmail Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the wooden fortifications and frowns. Even if they didn't have to protect the soldiers from undead capable of superhuman leaps, they don't offer a great deal of protection. Bomrek: Nary a drop on his lips Suðri Skornbrekker , alas, doesn't have time to build a small castle here, but he hopes that over the next few years the border will be fortified properly. Bomrek: What's the CR for alcoholism, 12? Ken (GM): unless you changed it, yeah. base 12 for the self control roll so you dont quite feel the need for a bender here :P Bomrek: Yup, he resists his temptations then. Gambling and Drinking are two ends of a very long and complicated Dragon, for him. I was reading the logs the other day in my patrol car during some down time and kept chuckling at the build-the-wall jokes. Quite enjoyed'm. Ken (GM): lol Bomrek: Anyway, he sets up a cannon on the rampart there temporarily incase we get any more disturbances, maybe grabs a bite to eat, and tries to sleep. Early to bed, early to rise, shoot a deathclaw, right in the eyes~ Ken (GM): yes. one man in camp does persistently chip away at some old heap of stone behind the camp. He appears to be cutting away stones for heaping up the fortifications a bit amd Suthri? Suðri Skornbrekker , after eating a little, goes to help that guy a bit and chat with him, for another hour or two and eventually goes to bed as well. Ken (GM): Very good; the man seems a bit simple, but knows his way about the stones. He offers you a pick and together you work out some of the more useful bits from the old chaff. He thanks you for your help and wishes you well on your journey ahead Ken (GM) And so night falls on the camp, the sounds of battle long gone, only twilight wrapping a dark hand over the sky. Bomrek: SuthriBefriendsLenny.jpg Ken (GM): "...just look at the bunnies, Lenny" Bomrek: I disliked that book, one of Steinbecks weakest, yet his most well known. Suðri Skornbrekker says that he looks forward to seeing a more solid structure welcome the party when they eventually returns. Falkirk: would have ruined the moment to fail the guns roll Ken (GM): lol +8, target doesnt see it coming ba dum tiss Ken (GM) The sounds of the camp come alive with the dawn. The shifts change, and the clatter of rough men and hard work bring you back to the world Ken (GM): Gray is up with the sun, clearing your campfire, packing up the horses, checking all the bags. Syviss is up as well, brewing a pot of sharp smelling tea and offering a cup to any of the men nearby in camp As you all mill about, preparing for the next bit of your journey, Master-at-arms Cuthbert comes up to you. "Would any of you fellows be a good gunsmith? Ive been having trouble with some of these muskets supplied to camp and I hoped you could give some advice before you struck out" Bomrek: Bomrek walks through the camp looking for food, and quietly balks at the Elf's tea. He has a short nip from his flask and sighs deeply before goinig up on the ramparts and looking around. Assuming he doesn't see any signs of impending attack, he starts dismantling the cannon setup and packing it away. Falkirk is also up early, packing his packs and horse, seemingly eager to get moving. Bomrek: >Cuthbert "Aye, I can have a look. Did some hairbrained private fill the barrels with mud or something?" (To Bomrek): He hands you a musket of some journeyman quality; definitely simple dwarven apprenticework. The sprimglock mechanism seems jammed up and wont turn Bomrek: "Bah, Delicate is relative, lets see.." Bomrek looks it over thoroughly, tapping at the lockwork a few times. "Where did you lot get these? Looks like something two-bit smiths would sell at fairs to children in my home town." All that being said I regret not putting more points into amoury now. Remind me, what's the bonus-to-time-spent ratio? Ken (GM): "Oh well, I wouldnt know, sorry. Someplace dwarven I think? The crates werent marked in much common script, but theyre back in the tent here." [this is a relatively easy bit of work here, ten minutes of fidgeting with it should net about +4 to an armory roll] [likely these fellow have no familiarity with the devices, so they'd all be starting with penalties ;) but thats just a bit of meta-speculation] Bomrek: Bomrek goes to take a look at what the crates say, and asks for the camp's best smith if he can. Best to teach this lot while he's here rather than spend the whole day fixing some logistics manager's fuck up. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): the camp seems secure still; the pallisades clear. The simple fellow from last night is preparing some posts for building up the next section,and wishes you well Bomrek: "Ah, well look on then. We best be leaving, and I imagine this problem will come up again at this rate." he takes his time to disassemble what needs to be, and to get this thing back in working order. Thassa' pass. Bomrek nods toward Suthri "Look at this craftsmanship, I bet the worst, oldest piece of hardware we had back in the guard was better built than this- and it's Dwarven work no less. Whatever depo manager bought these things needs to learn a thing or two about weapons." Ken (GM): right; you find pretty clearly and quickly the problem. The mechanism got filled up with some bits of straw and hard thistles. jammed it like a doorstop. Checking the boxes they were shipped in, looks like some kind of re-packing job by some fool; they took evrything out of the custom wooden racks some nice dwarf made, couldnt get them back in again, and packed it all with straw and shite. again; seems like a nice logistical issue; obviously not professionally handled Suðri Skornbrekker takes a look and shakes his head. “What a mess. I can fix a couple before we embark, but this could really have been avoided.” Rolling 3d6 = 10 v11+4 Suðri Skornbrekker: “They might not be worth the effort, but they don't deserve to be treated with such careless neglect either.” Ken (GM) With some deft work, between the two of you, the guns are unjammed, Cuthbert knows what to look out for, and the case of guns is back to a semblance of order in little time. Bomrek: [Cuthbert will remember that] Ala' telltale. Ken (GM): "Thank you so much Master Bomb-wreck, Master Soothree!" His pronunciation is terrible :P "I'm sure the men will be relieved to have access to these fine long guns now with your help" [so, with that minor issue resolved; anything particular you guys want to prepare before heading off? Also, whats your plan of travel today?] [switching to the world view map] Bomrek: Hum.. Suðri Skornbrekker nudges Bomrek with a grin: “Master Bomb-wreck, eh? Hope you get to live up to the name.” Falkirk: I vote we continue west P.P. A.: At which point are we, here? ah Oh, I thought we were going east oops Ken (GM): youre west of glardenfen Syviis agrees with Falkirk; She wants west as well Bomrek: Remind me, is the red a pathway, or a border or something Ken (GM): the border of the kingdom of Gorgoth Bomrek: Nasty. Ken (GM): South is their cursed lands, and mostly uncharted except for vague descriptions Suðri Skornbrekker agrees. “If we go West and eventually south, we will be strafing lusher lands according to the map, which might make resupplying a little easier.” Ken (GM): so direct West is marshy wetland, bordering on what is mapped as sandy wastes and badlands on the far west edge Bomrek: "Aye I suppose West is the best option we have. I want to stay out of that thrice-damned desert badland if I can. I can barely tolerate those damned rolling hilly fields to the north west, I imagine I'll go mad if it's even flatter." Ken (GM): And gray pipes up "Water will also be easier to locate in the wetlands, as opposed to the wastes" Falkirk: "Aye, we stay north of the border as long as we can. No sense in spending a moment longer than we must in the south." Ken (GM): consensus! Falkirk: (brb2secs) Ken (GM): kay brb myself; 5 minutes back; gorram crazy dogs never babysit old crazy dogs for your friends :P theyre cute, but ultimately will end your sanity Gandalf G.: back Ken (GM): SO! Striking Westward Ken (GM) The broken black hills fall away into the misty south, and the wetlands meet you with rank air and bubbling gas. Clear slopes of grassy land are crisscorssed by ponds, marsh and stream, and your horses walk a meandering line through them. Small banks of fog crawl over you, and a slight wind moves them about like massive grounded clouds Ken (GM): [Who is navigating for the party? Gray leading the way for you all? Falkirk mapping otherwise?] Bomrek: Wasn't it the elf who was going to do mapping? Cartography skill or some such. Ken (GM): ah right, yes. Syviis had volunteered that Gandalf G.: I thought I was just carrying the maps not much for cartography Ken (GM): hokay, so Gray as the defacto trailblazer then? Gandalf G.: I can read, but that's about it Ken (GM): no prob Gandalf G.: seems reasonable Ken (GM): This also neatly squares those roles with the GM :P Bomrek: Bomrek hums a directionless tune and keeps his eyes up and moving when there's fog about, clearly wary of potential ambush after so many on the road to Glardenfen. He nervously keeps his hands on the latch of a box tied to his horse as we go. Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker still thinks the kingdom should just built a yuge wall all along the border and call it a day. P.P. A.: *build Bomrek: More mana-nukes pls one wasn't enough evidentally. Ken (GM) AS you have travelled so far, the land has seemed more...divided. Gray and Syviis lead you on a clear path, and more often or not so far this has been accross black barren sandy swathes of land. the rolling dunes of silt stretch south of you like low hills, and the wetland borders them in nearly a straight line. Bomrek: "Maybe we'll find a crocodile. They like watery lands like this, right? Might make for a nice change in my diet." Ken (GM) You see no green trees South. No lush grasses. No wandering deer or game. Just black sand, and occasionally, a bright red BloodRoot Bomrek: Drink-chance. Falkirk: "If you try wrestling a crocodile, it's your risk. I'm not going to be able to sew you back together afterwards." Ken (GM): so bored; might need to be very drunk to care Suðri Skornbrekker: “Are the BloodRoots related to the calamity that befell this land, or are they simply an odd plant that managed to survive in this landscape where no others could?” Bomrek: More like mildly unnerved. Forests and valleys are fine, swamp land is ehhh-tier, but a bunch of black hills with nothing? Little spooky. "That fact alone warrants it's destruction I'd say" Bomrek says, eating some hard tack from the human camp and only mildly disliking how soft it is. "Anything that can live in that-" he points a gloved finger over toward the landscape "Is something that should be exterminated." Suðri Skornbrekker: “You say that now, but I shudder to imagine what we might be forced to survive on once we do venture south.” Suðri Skornbrekker looks out onto the land and the strange roots growing there. Bomrek: "Well" Bomrek says, spewing a few crumbs onto the ground between his feet "There's always the horses" Ken (GM): Gray contemplates his mean and add "I can tell you one thing; those roots smell too much like blood for my liking" Suðri Skornbrekker: “As long as these are truly mere plants, and not the blood vessels of a giant slumbering under the sand...” Suðri winces at the thought. Ken (GM): Continuing on then? Bomrek: Mmhmm, snack time's done I'd say Ken (GM): Gray and Syviis recheck the maps, and plow ahead. Gray nudges Falkirk, reminding him to get back on his horse and follow Suðri Skornbrekker: “Doctor,” he asks Falkirk, “do vampires exist too, as we have discovered so many other abominations to, or are at least they but a legend?” Falkirk finishes checking his packs, roughly mounting his horse. Falkirk: What would the relevant roll be regarding vampires Bomrek: light teen girl romance novel knowledge skill P.P. A.: (given all the other creatures I went ahead and assumed that vampires were at least well-known folklore) (To Falkirk): Occultism, by and large tells you they might exists; old tales of blood-sucking mesmerisers haunting the night are prevalent. Spirit lore tells you something like an undying creature that feeds on the living could exist. Youve never met one though Suðri Skornbrekker likewise gets back on his horse. Falkirk: "It's a difficult one to say for sure, who can know? No reason why it couldn't be true though." Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker: “Mhm...” Suthri nods and strokes his beard. “I hope they don't; lest we might find a vampire city here where they practise agriculture and grow these bloodroots for food.” Ken (GM): Syviss looks nervous at the though of a vampire city, and quickly busies herself with the maps... Bomrek: Bomrek lists off, with droning bordem, the standard introduction to Dwarven Cannoneering in the military schools in dwarf lands, "Any problem can be solved with sufficient and overwhelming use of artillery", even vampires I'm sure, Suthri." ["Here be vampires"] Ken (GM): [big red letters over half the map of Gorgoth] [YOU GON' DIIIIIIE] Suðri Skornbrekker: “If you say so, Master Bomb-Wrecker!” The dwarf laughs heartily, his spirits renewed. Ken (GM) The day marches on, and your horses plow a trail. The mists continue, but the going is easy here. Wide low paths and small hillocks of marshy grass. The hours pass with little distraction. Just green grasses, burbling waters, and the crunch of gravel under hoof Bomrek: Bomrek raises his eyebrows slightly over a flask of alcohol he produced from his saddle bag and makes an "mmhm" sound as he drinks. Ken (GM) as evening falls in, Gray and Syviis locate a relatively dry hillside topped with scrubby trees. Up on the rocky hillside you are offered a dwindling clear view of the marsh around you, and the black dunes south. The wind picks up the sand and tosses stale grey air in your direction. One impression in clear: Gorgoth is a dead kingdom Bomrek: Good. It's different, there for it deserves nothing less. Ken (GM): "this hill is defensible, and no sign of the enemy here. Fire tonight?" Gray asks. He seems concerned for you all. with the cold of night approaching Bomrek: How cold do we estimate it'll be? Suðri Skornbrekker nods and dismounts. Ken (GM): Gray sniffs the air, looks about "Maybe rain tonight. Not a good sleep, being wet" Bomrek: Bomrek dismounts and looks around the place. "It might be smart to have our little camp on one side of this hill - the one with the least winds preferably - so as to hide our light." he looks around sternly into the badlands. "I doubt we'll get any intelligent creature stumbling upon us, but even so.." Falkirk: "Aye. Fire them." Bomrek: "Defenses should be in order, despite that." Falkirk: "No sense in catching a malign chill." then not them Ken (GM): Syviis collects firewood from the surrounding brush, and sets to it Rolling 3d6 = 12 v12 P.P. A.: er a shallow trench and a lot wall Ken (GM): Grey mulls over the cannon setup. "Worried about demon plants ambushing us in the night, dwarf?" Bomrek: Bomrek scratches his chin under his beard and stares at Syviis for a short while. "Remind me Elf, do you lot... sleep?" he pauses before the last word, and tilts his head as he says it, clearly not fully sure. Suðri Skornbrekker: “We were ambushed by a demon plant last night, you know.” Ken (GM): @Suðri; Good idea; between you and Syviis, you get the fire down out of line of sight Syviis considers Bomrek's question, nods, and excitedly babbles something in elven at him (To Falkirk): She seems to babble Bomrek: Bomrek squints confusedly at her babbling. "Right, well, somebody ought to take watch" He said that last bit before the former bit, presumably. Falkirk: "Aye. She says they sleep." Ken (GM): Gray volunteers for a watch Bomrek: Well, Bomrek retires to his tent, after saying he wouldn't mind taking the last watch. Falkirk: "I'll take the subsequent watch. I'm not much use in setting camp." (To Bomrek): Tying one on before bed then? For some sound dwarven rest? Bomrek: Mmhm. (To Bomrek): But, youre awake and just need to watch until the dawn. Roll against Soldier for me at -1 for the groggy booze, for a 10 Bomrek: (To Bomrek): And so youre quite aware when you see the silhouette of something crawling accross the brightening morning sky before dawn Bomrek: Remind me how to respond to whispers in this thing. (From Bomrek): How far? If it's reasonably far and doesn't seem to notice me, can I make a uh, perception roll to identify it? Either way, musket out but not yet up. Bomrek: Assuming yes: (To Bomrek): Finally, you lose sight of it, but all the better, it doesnt seem to have spotted your camp (To Bomrek): ROll on perception +2 for me? Bomrek: (To Bomrek): Just big Ken (GM) Dawn begins to rise, and a new day with it Bomrek: Dwarven calisthenics and a healthy breakfast. Ken (GM): Lots of picking up and moving large rocks? Bomrek: Bomrek starts throwing some tinder on the fire to get it up to snuff to cook breakfast on. "Saw the oddest thing early in the morning, a big bird flying around for a while. Suspected it to be some wizard bullshit of some kind, but it seemed to keep it's distance well enough. Don't think it noticed us." Suðri Skornbrekker wakes up, relieved that nothing happened during the night. Suðri Skornbrekker: “How big is big?” Falkirk sits propped on a pile of saddlebags, leafing through a medical tome Falkirk: "You saw a bird. Doesn't sound odd to me." Bomrek: Bomrek shrugs. "Couldn't tell, it was far. Big though. Real' big." "It's pretty odd to me, since I haven't seen any like that around here." he gestures and scans the horizon. "Not a feather in sight" (To Bomrek): Estimating, it was probably big as a horse? smaller than the dragon Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let us keep an eye in the sky then.” Ken (GM): Gray agrees, and demolishes some jerky while clearing tents Bomrek: "Aye, look for any BIG birds. Horse-sized." he says around a mouth full of dried meat and hard bread. Falkirk: "You're sure it wasn't just closer than you thought?" Falkirk chuckles softly as he bites a heel of bread Bomrek: Bomrek downs a couple shots of whiskey from a bottle and says "No chance, my sight's as good as an eagle's, even with last night's drinking." Falkirk: "That's a regular eagle, or an unusually large eagle?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I wouldn't trust anything that lives or behaves as if it lived out here.” Ken (GM): [eagles of unusual size] Bomrek: eous Falkirk: I dont believe they exist Ken (GM): heh hokay, so, you guys strike camp, and clean up. Repacking cannons, and loading up the horses Bomrek: Bomrek spends the rest of camp time finishing his food and trying to come up with a song warning of flying horses in the sky. Ken (GM): Syviis babbles excitedly with gray regarding the map, then points and gestures a bit at it "We're getting close to the badlands. We might want to turn South when we get a look at it" says gray [no objectins to striking out West then?] P.P. A.: nope Falkirk: none here Bomrek: "Sounds good to me, lets keep our guard up though." Bomrek says. Ken (GM): 8Says the dwarf armed to almost literally the teeth* Bomrek: More guns per square inch than anyone in Gorgoth Ken (GM) As the morning as cleared, you can see cracked hills of bleached grey and black South over the dunes. As the cold wind comes up from the South, Grey lift his head, sniffing. "I smell smoke...and something else" he says, ominously. "I smell death down there" Bomrek: Bomrek frowns. "This is an ugly place, isn't it? I'll be glad once we destroy these wretches." "Death?" he looks that way, then toward the elf and 'Doc. "I don't suppose any of ours are down there, are they?" Ken (GM): "Yes Bomrek, it smells like...that terrible dead smell. Those creatures we fought? Them." Falkirk frowns to the south, not replying. Bomrek: "What do we do? Is that our business? Because if not, I imagine it'd be wise for us to leave before they get wind of us." Ken (GM): Syviis burbles in elven (To Falkirk): She says "The dead are not capable of anything intelligent like making and using fire. I fear that if he smells smoke and dead, then there has been some kind of battle" Ken (GM): She makes gestures of warding, strange hand motions, and grasps her bow, checking the string Falkirk: "A battle, you say?" Falkirk nods slowly Falkirk: "Who's hunting the undead, though?" Ken (GM): "The same Suðri, they have a distinct scent" (To Falkirk): "My people have destroyed any abomination from the wastes, without fail. Nothing that rises against death can be said to be allowed to live on the green" Bomrek: "Blah blah, help Doctor I lost my twigs, I can't find them anywhere! Not even in my moss collection!" Bomrek says in Dwarvish as he prepares his musket and checks his things over once more. (To Falkirk): "I'm not sure" she says, eyes intent on the hills "but if my people are hunting here, it is a holy battle they fight" (To Falkirk): "The elder did not tell me of what our brothers have been tasked with. They are at the task of your Army" Falkirk: "We should keep moving west. No sense in dallying." Falkirk glanves south Falkirk: "Though keeping a weather eye southwards would be wise." Bomrek: "Maybe. I'm curious who the hell is doing the fighting though. Information is worth your weight in gunpowder, in war." Bomrek glances toward Syvvis and then gestures toward her "Elves are supposed to be sneaky, aye? Could send her and another to poke her head over a dune and take a peek. It's not like we can't outrun a bunch of walking corpses while we have horses, aye?" (To Falkirk): "We could end kingdoms while they sleep" Bomrek: "See? That's Yes in Elvish, I bet." he says to Falkirk. Falkirk nods Ken (GM): Gray doesnt look like he like that plan "We shouldnt split up. Dangerous to have lesser numbers, in any case" Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Bomrek: "Fine fine, we'll form a column then." Bomrek says, attempting to be reassuring. "The Doctor should probably be up near the front since he actually knows about this mad beastman stuff. Suthri and I can be a good hundred yards or so back so we won't make any noise, it's fine." he says, lazily waving a gloved hand in the air. Ken (GM): "You dont smell that bad, dwarf" Gray jests" You dont need to give my nose that much of a break" Syviis seems excited; she checks her bow again, and pulls an arrow ready, checking the edge of the arrowhead Bomrek: "The Elf seems more fond of battle than I would expect... Then again, the previous elf was like that too, wasn't he?" Bomrek speaks in Dwarvish, turning to Suthri. "Maybe they're all fucking crazy, eh?" he lets out a small laugh Ken (GM) the party turns south, crossing the black dunes carefully, Gray sniffing in the lead. Adolf S.: >Mfw I have like 350 rounds of .45 I just realized I could take those silly pictures where my shotgun breach is stuffed with .45 now Tops Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well, look around you,” Suðri answers in Dwarven. “They say us Dwarves are crazy, but we've yet to achieve such wholesale devastation!” Somehow, his eyes seem to sparkle with enthusiasm as he says this. Ken (GM) The crunch of wet gravel is quickly replaced by the soft shiff of hoof and boot on thick sand. The ground here is soft, and the trail crosses the black and grey dunes with nearly no sound Bomrek: "Elves don't have proper sense for things like trade and long-term planning like we do, I suspect. It's hard to want to scortch a place, if you think you can make profit off of it later. Our great foresight is our curse, in this way." he says back in Dwarvish. Falkirk: "I will never understand why you so vehemently seek division amongst yourselves" Falkirk chimes in, in dwarven Bomrek: "Division amongst ourselves? What do you mean, Doctor?" Falkirk: "Dwarves, elves and humans on the level of flesh? Hardly distinct." "Find me a short human with strong bones and a penchant for facial hair, and I could fool any dwarven autopsy surgeon." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I've never been to their lands, but they settle in woods, don't they? Woods that die and rot; what a waste to have to move or replace them every few decades,” he muses in Dwarven. “Us Dwarves, we carve our homes into mountains as old as the Earth, and build with stone no fire can burn and no weather can rot!” “I must object there, doctor,” he addresses Fakirk. “I have spoken to a few sculptures in my time as a mason, and they say that the proportions of our bodies are quite different.” Falkirk: "Aye, that's why it would be me doing the fooling. You'd need to make some changes here and there." "The point being, we're all corpses of roughly the same shape convinced to life by the will of the soul. No sense in obsessing over the small differences there." Falkirk glances at Grey Bomrek: "I've lived amongst the humans quite a bit in my time - there's a reason I'm a mercenary and not some combat trainer, hiring my skills out to unseasoned welps from clans without a proper military wing after all. The differences in every level are clear." Falkirk: "Of course, we're not all so similar in our makeup." Suðri Skornbrekker is very slightly disturbed at Falkirk's suggestion of cutting corpses to pieces. “If you must piece apart corpses and skeletons, please limit it to the walking ones that try to kill us.” P.P. A.: *cutting corpses to pieces and then sticking them back together Falkirk: "My theory is that if one takes an elf or a human or a dwarf as a babe and transplants them, they'd become more the race they are raised in than the one of their birth. But that is just a theory." Falkirk seems to ignore the complaints regarding bodily modification P.P. A.: I don't suppose twin studies and adoption studies have been invented yet Bomrek: "A Dwarven corpse belongs safely tucked away in a crypt or tomb, not in some parts barrel or butcher's table." Bomrek gives a small shiver at that. Ken (GM): ['science' on the whole still hasnt formed, really. Falkirk is quite revolutionairy with his hypothesis/testing/theory approach to things] Suðri Skornbrekker: “An elf would have trouble fitting into our tunnels, just as a dwarf could hardly jump from tree to tree.” Falkirk: falkirk has weird approaches to a lot of things :P P.P. A.: It would probably blow Suthri's mind if someone told him about plate tectonics Falkirk: "Brachiating is a skill like any other. Learn it long enough and even you could be at home in a canopy." Bomrek: I put a lot of thought into dwarven burial rites when I was driving my patrol car the other day. I figure it's either entombment with intention for partial preservation of the corpse and future visits, or cremation if they can't get the corpse back in time. Figured Dwarves would be big on busts, and maybe consider making a death mask or bust with their ashes mixed in with the plaster to be a pretty respectful and appealing way to do it. P.P. A. has only ever seen forests managed by humans where trees are not allowed to grow very old so he doesn't know that trees can be hundreds of years old. P.P. A.: er Bomrek: I figure throwing lye on the corpse wouldn't be out of the question. That shit's supposed to slow decomp a shit load and create a partial mumification effect, non? Suðri Skornbrekker has only ever seen forests managed by humans where trees are not allowed to grow very old so he doesn't know that trees can be hundreds of years old. Bomrek: ...wait Lye EATS corpses, doesn't it? What am I thinking of. Hum. P.P. A.: The dwarven clan I keep making up lore for in the Pathfinder campaign I'm in has a unique burial ritual When a dwarf feels that their life is drawing to an end, they start digging a tunnel somewhere deep in the mountains and then that tunnel becomes their tomb and is sealed off if they dies in it -s Bomrek: I also figured since Dwarves probably view burying dead to be sort of barbaric and shitty, and instead prefer cremation and entombment, the phrase "six feet deep" probably wouldn't be a thing. Maybe something in reference to being covered in preservative, or otherwise entombed. "Lidded" comes to mind, but certainly sounds odd in English. Spooky. P.P. A.: Occasionally these may become family tombs if a dwarf digs the tunnel straight down and then his relatives coming to mourn him fall down to their deaths as well Bomrek: Jesus, that's certainly a DF-Lemmings-Style way of it Ken (GM): well, back to the matter at hand though y'all are creeping into gorgoth, on the scent of death P.P. A.: I assume they eventually wrote laws mandating the maximum slope of one's tomb-tunnel aye-aye Ken (GM) Grey leads you guys across the dunes, closer to the hills of stone, and the ground gets rockier and more sturdy beneath your feet. Eventually, he draws you all to a halt, pointing up to a low canyon trail where a grey haze is being drawn out by the wind "Theres tracks here, a trail up way. Several horses left prints in the mud" Ken (GM): "The smell is stong here too. Mingled with the smoke, coming from ahead" Bomrek: "Do the beastfolk use horses?" Bomrek whispers. (To Falkirk): "The tracks are form elven horses. Narrow hoof, no shoes" Suðri Skornbrekker: “There are elves ahead?” Falkirk: "Elven horses." P.P. A.: (the shrug was towards Bomrek) Ken (GM): Syviis hops back on her horse and looks angry, determined Bomrek: "Well that's good news. Lets hope when we crest the hill they're fine and in good spirits." Bomrek follows along, keeping his gun at the ready all the same. Ken (GM): Syviis resists the urge to just kick her horse into a run, and follows along Grey heads up the trail, sword in hand, leading his horse. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's... hope.” Suðri is less optimistic and makes sure his musket is ready. Ken (GM) the trail leads up into a split in the rocky hills; dead grey rock seamed with white and black. As you head up the trail, it winds on itself, with spurs of rock jutting, back and forth. You all keep a careful eye out, wary of the tight space Bomrek: Bomrek hums a little soldier's tune to himself, very quietly, and runs his free hand through his beard slowly. Ken (GM) You round a bend, and Grey immediately swings up his sword arm for you all to halt; he points. Ahead seems to be some burned out buildings, and some kind of heap in the middle Ken (GM): [stupid resizing tokens] Falkirk slowly takes his staff from his saddlepacks, holding it in his right hand, taking the reigns with the left Bomrek: Bomrek dismounts his horse and starts opening his large wooden box. "Who won this fight? It's.. hard to be sure." Suðri Skornbrekker dismounts too, his musket in hand. Ken (GM): Grey sniffs the air 'The air is ripe with the dead, beware" Syviis dismounts, and makes for a higher vantage up the nearby rocky hillside Ken (GM) ahead, the details become clear; these are the smoking remains of some kind of village. A burned out hut still smoulders ahead, embers within blowing white smoke about in trails on the wind. The heap in the trail ahead looks to be horses? maybe more. Here and there are broken tents, hides and cloth ashambles Bomrek: Bomrek straps on a large, rather cumbersome leather rigging onto his chest, and starts pulling out pistols from the box and slipping them into the holsters on it. The entire affair looks very heavy. Ken (GM) The air reeks of the dead Ken (GM): Syviis crawls up the back of the hillside, looking here and there attentively. She signals down to you all; seems clear Suðri Skornbrekker nods and advances, slowly and carefully. Ken (GM): She waits on thehillside, her arrow in hand, drawn bow Bomrek: Bomrek starts walking forward as well. Ken (GM): Grey attends Bomrek: Does the village extend beyond what we can directly see here, or is this it? Because if the former, slow ingress is smarter. Falkirk follows behind, a grim look plastered across his face Ken (GM): [this is all in a small canyon, not mouch else to see elsewhere; you see trails leading through the hills in the other three directions; well worn] Ken (GM) small dying fruit trees hang limp here, blackened pitiful things hanging from their limbs. the leaves are barely green, grayed out. Dying Bomrek: "This.. is a beastman village, then?" Bomrek says quietly, stepping along. Ken (GM) the earth here is dusty, mud in the trails. Clear-ish pools of water in the rocky floor nearby Ken (GM): "Maybe" says grey "Hide tents, mud huts. Nothing so nice as a human town" Ken (GM) Grey prods the delapidated tents. Nothing moves, flies buzz and escape the offal pile Ken (GM): "Ugh, this is disgusting" he grimaces Bomrek: Do I see any dead aside from the - apparently - elves? Ken (GM) the heap of dead seems to be horses; they seem partially torn open. Ken (GM): Perception checks! All y'all! Rolling 3d6 = 10 v10 Bomrek: Rolling 3d6 = 15 v12 Bomrek: Na, sun was in my eyes~ Falkirk: heheh (To Falkirk): No flies buzz on the heap, and no maggots crawl in the open wounds. And they look neat, like they were bittten out! (From Falkirk): Can I use a knowledge check to infer from that? Ken (GM): Rolling 3d6 = 11 v12 (To Falkirk): The horses are probably tainted if insects wont feast on them, and the wounds look like something was eating them! Some kind of undead thing maybe? but where is it? Falkirk: "Stay away from the corpses!" "There's a blight here, I'm sure of it." Ken (GM): "Something is not right with that heap! The stench is coming from there!" Says gray Suðri Skornbrekker backs off, not having touched anything. Ken (GM): Syviis crackles with energy, up on the hill Falkirk heads back to his horse in a hurry Ken (GM): *WOOP WOOP WOOP Falkirk fumbles with a saddlepack and produces a long beaked mask which he puts on Bomrek: "Shit! Grey, you watch east, I'll watch west." intending to cover our bases in that regard in case of zombies spewing out of the shitty tent, or something else. Falkirk: "There are foul miasmas here, I've got masks enough for all of us." Ken (GM) Moments pass... the heap seems to shift a bit, like something moved underneath it Falkirk: which heap is this Falkirk hands over a mask, the beak lined with damp cloth and stuffed with sweet-smelling herbs Ken (GM): "Falkirk, do you have fire?!" Gray says, gesturing at the heap "I think it would do well here" Suðri Skornbrekker puts it on and turns around Bomrek: Bomrek backs up slowly "This damned mask better work, Falkirk. I don't know if I can fight in the damned thing." Suðri Skornbrekker has trouble not having the beak get in the way of the barrel, though Falkirk: "Aye, it would." "But this is my last flask. I'm not using it until I see something happen." Ken (GM): Gray nods, and watches the heap closely Falkirk: (readying action to throw it if anything spooky happens) Bomrek: "Oi, lets give it a kick" Bomrek uses his free left hand to draw one of his pistols and fires it blindly into the heap, looking for reaction. Ken (GM) More moments pass, then something gray and slimy slithers some kind of limb out of the heap. A grasping hand with black nails pulls at the air Falkirk: ALRIGHT THROWING Ken (GM): BOOM Falkirk: aww shit can I retcon that I'm closer forgot to consider distances like here Ken (GM): thats cool! but! Bomrek, roll against a 9 for me! and Falkirk, roll throwing and everyone gimme initiative! Bomrek: Rolling 3d6 = 3 v11 +/- modifiers Bomrek: Mind, that shooting was supposed to be before the thing popped out, just to rouse it basically. Falkirk: woah Bomrek: No real target. Ken (GM): woo! Bomrek, your shot blasts into the heap, slapping into the wet pile, spraying green goo up into the air Falkirk chucks his vial dead on target it snaps against the weird limb and EXPLODES into a fireball Bomrek: OH, the horse-pile. I thought we were talking about the pile to the right of falkirk there. Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): something in that pile SCREAMS but in a high trilling noise the fire quickly spreads through the heap, as if the entire thing was drenched in oil the boiling flesh burns fiercely, and it hisses and bubbles as it is consumed Falkirk steps back, face behind a literal mask for a change Bomrek: Bomrek takes a few steps to the west, trying to peek into the tent. Any spooks in here? Ken (GM): nothing else moves the fire burns furiously, but quickly the intensity falters fast, dying down on the heap. Bones stick out here and there whatever it was that stuck out an arm sticks out of the char; arms raised up, half buried in embers Bomrek: Bomrek mutters in Dwarvish, and then says "Well, that show's over. Eyes up everyone, lets not tempt fate." Ken (GM): "the stench is lessened now Falkirk; I do not smell the rot anymore" Says gray, looking about, watching for more things Falkirk: "I'm not removing this mask until I know what's going on here." Bomrek: Bomrek looks into the tent there, sticking his bayonet in before he does. Anything of note? Suðri Skornbrekker takes his bardiche and slowly explores Ken (GM): @bomrek; Dirt floor, bloodstains on the ground. looks like someone was dragged out, judging by the look of things. Clay jugs and brik a brak in here. Much like the beastmen tents youve seen before. stinky and full of junk Bomrek: Shitty beastmen. Bomrek spits into the tent and then goes down near the dead elf that looks mostly whole down there. "Doctor, is this one .. dangerous?" Ken (GM): @falkirk; the corpses crumble, like charred ash, the bones brittle. The thing that crawled out is stiffer, it has a long skull and it had very big sharp teeth Bomrek: Ayyliums Suðri Skornbrekker points his musket at the two corpses Bomrek: My ancient astronaut theories are only growing stronger Ken (GM): The elf corpse looks charred, as if struck by a very intense flame (smelting accidents look like that) Otherwise the skin has a greygreen pallor The other corpse is about the same size, but is nearly charred beyond recognition Falkirk seemingly unsatisfied, moves over to examine the mostly-whole elf (To Falkirk): Diagnosis or other check? Human to elf pyhsiology is at -1 only, for familiarity Bomrek: Bomrek tries to sneakily look back at the Elf, and when she isn't looking he pokes the corpse with his blade. Falkirk squats down and draws a knife in his other hand Bomrek: "Previous concerns? Do these look like Dwarves to you Doctor? No concern of mine what happens to their corpses" he says, as he sticks one. Rolling 3d6 = 11 v12 (To Falkirk): Yes, definitely blackrot. Nearly full of it. The rot has nearly replaced all the blood in the body. Dead since about yesterday or so? (To Falkirk): Definitely the trauma, then the rot. Based on symptoms, hes not presenting with boils. Just the black blood. He was killed, then the rot took his corpse Ken (GM): Hes got a bow in one hand, but no quiver on his back. He's wearing light leathers for armor, no pack, no jewelery. Looks like he's bene picked over once already Falkirk: "He was burned, then taken by rot." Ken (GM): his bow looks a bit burnt as well. String is gone, and its got an odd burn mark on it where his hand hold it Falkirk stands, leaning on his staff and moves to watch the burning corpse pile Bomrek: Damn. Bomrek starts paying careful attention to the ground around here, then looks frustratedly up at the Elf. "Girl, are there any tracks leading out of this place? Where do they look like they went?" (To Falkirk): "Large trail west, lots of feet in the mud, blood on the ground. Lots of tracks" Falkirk turns to the elf Falkirk: "Sounds like more than we can handle." "We learn what we can from here and then we head north. We never should have come here." Bomrek: "How many?" Bomrek says simply, looking in that direction. "Elves? Beastmen? These... walking corpses?" Ken (GM): Syviis wiggles her hand, shrugs, flashes ten fingers "A village burned? blood on the ground but no bodies? This looks like the work of slavers." says Grey "The Beastmen have done this before in the Southern Reaches." "If the elves were taken, more of them could be alive" [So what do you guys want to do?] Falkirk: I'd like to wait for the fire to burn out, examine the xenomorph then gtfo northwards Bomrek: Bomrek pauses "Slavers?" he looks around, puzzlement on his features. "Was this a military expedition? Did they blunder into a slaver camp by accident? The damned [Dwarvish word for the concept of extreme misfortune] they must have." Ken (GM): The fire has burned down quite a bit, intense but short lived. Feel free to examine Rolling 3d6 = 10 v12 Falkirk: Also I'd like to try to determine how recent it was (To Falkirk): The attack being yesterday correlates; thats about the amount of time the rot would consume the body you examined. (To Falkirk): This charred thing is humanoid; limbs are the right length, five fingers, bones look odd though. Bulkier. The skull is sloped longer than a mans, and has two short lumps up top. Horns maybe. The teeth are very new though, out of place, very pointed, and serrated on the inside (To Falkirk): Best guess? This was went through some kind of change; the evidence suggests those teeth grew very rapidly. Like it transformed or something Falkirk squats down, pulling his sleeves over his hands and drawing his knife again. He carefully pulls the creature free of the pile by the skull and begins working at detaching said skull from its neck. Bomrek: Bomrek turns to Syyvis "Elf, what say you? These are your people, aren't they?" he says, nodding his head sharply toward the most intact corpse, as he wipes that same corpses blood off his bayonet with the elf's clothing. Ken (GM): "And we might be able to help some people too" says gray, dryly "people in need" Bomrek: "Aye, people in need often feel over-generous, more than willing to part with valuables. Fine thinking, beastman" Bomrek casually jokes. "Say, Doctor, that Skull looks odd. Some sort of Elf deformation, perhaps?" Falkirk: "I'm not removing it for mounting on my wall. I've never seen anything like it." Falkirk takes the skull upon removing it, and mounts it onto his horse, among the saddlebags Falkirk: "We should head north." Ken (GM): Syviis shakes her head no, points West, speaks in elven (To Falkirk): "My people could be in danger. We should help them doctor. You are a healer! Youcould help them!" Bomrek: Common is presumably English, in effect, Yes? So what does Dwarvish and Elvish sound like, comparatively? Falkirk barks in elvish Ken (GM): [more flowey, kinda comlicated. Like hearing french/gealic mashed together Adolf S.: "Hey Falkirk, what do those small weird things humans love sound like again?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'm not sure. I do not think we should engage the enemy, but tracking them at a distance might be useful.” (From Falkirk): Syviis, we are here on a mission of utmost importance. If we find this artefact, we could end this war within a month. Every moment we spend doing anything but is a moment where a hundred other roving bands will take prisoners and kill innocents! Falkirk mounts up Bomrek: I looked up how Gaelic sounds and it reminded me of how much I hate the Irish "Bah, if there's ten of them, then two shots of grapeshot should do our jobs for us easily. Do you all forget the might of dwarven cannon so quickly?" Ken (GM): [Hmm, this might be a good place to halt then mull over the choice? let Chris/Joush chime in as themselves? Falkirk: sounds good Bomrek: If'ya want. P.P. A.: good idea I need to go to bed soon anyway, gotta get up early tomorrow Bomrek: No game next week, right? Ken (GM): right, no game next week! so thats us back on the 18th then Bomrek: Shame. I'm interested to see more elf chirades from Chris Ken (GM): [I kinda wanna break here so that Joush and Chris can chime in; I thin kthey'd love to participate in this obvious moral quandry Falkirk is stuck in here :D] Good lord, thats right, You havent seen Chris AS Syviis yet have you? 5 XP for everyone here, before I forget (and write that DOWN Adolph :P ) Bomrek: Well not in person, read the logs once or twice though. Badmouthing elves is fun P.P. A.: It is Bomrek: Oh, PPA, y'got a skype? I wanted to talk to you about musket strats the other day P.P. A.: Sure It's “P.P.A.” as well Ken (GM): okay, gotta wrangle a baby and three dogs now :/ See you guys in two weeks! P.P. A.: (also got AIM, YIM, ICQ, and Discord) Bomrek: Adios' P.P. A.: See you! And thanks for the session great maps and descriptions as always Bomrek: Mmm. What all did you spend your money and points on, if anything? Uh. There's a crapload of P.P.A's apparently P.P. A.: Location should be Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany Avatar is the same as this one, except wearing a MAGA cap As for the points, I mostly put them in INT so raise all my skills by one Bomrek: Raise all your skills by one? Y-you mean your intelligence-based ones ja? P.P. A.: er, yeah and got Combat Engineering As for the money, I didn't quite spend all of it (110 left and I haven't sold my old breastplate yet) but I mostly used it to upgrade all of my armour to light plate and my breastplate to Medium PLate Bomrek: Mmmm. I haven't gotten any cash because I decided Bomrek joining the military would be pretty contrarian. At the very minimum he would be willfully lying to them in doing so. He considers himself first and foremost a Dwarf Military man. Not in service tot he guard actively, but a part of it still all the same. P.P. A.: I had a hard time deciding but eventually decided to have him join, though only for one year (let's see how that works out) He still sees himself as more of a mason than a soldier but I figure having been in a militia being a soldier is closer to him than being a mercenary and fighting just for money anyway, see ya on Skype Hello everyone Ken (GM): watup? P.P. A.: The sun Ken (GM): YOU FOOL! NOW IT KNOWS WHERE WE ARE! QUICK, RUN FROM THE DAYSTAR! P.P. A.: Joke's on her, I'm under a roof Joush M.: In the northwest I'm safe from the sun under a thick protective layer of clouads Ken (GM): MADNESS how you guys been? P.P. A.: Can't complain And you? Joush M.: Sleepy, I've missed you all though. It's good to be back Ken (GM): my mead finally matured; Ive been getting tanked on honey-brau for two weekas ugh, toddlers she gets so bent just before going down for a nap. Joush M.: Oh yeah. Kids get into the phase where they will fuck your shit up when they are sleepy Ken (GM): she gets so DERP texted all the dude s so fingers crossed, everyone shows :/ Joush M.: Here is hopeing Ken (GM): chris is at least a known element; he's been transitioning off night work, so his clock is all messed up. AND his wife works weird shifts as a nurse P.P. A.: I pinged Adolf on Skype but no response yet Ken (GM): so really, just calling him works ditto for adolph so in the last two weeks, ive watched the expanse, 3 seasons of hell on wheels, and started the new gundam and im downloading the strain Joush M.: This week could have some intersting influences Ken (GM): grey goo scenario precluding the emergence of rootin tootin cowboy zombies. Also, vampires ITS A FISS Fiss: Zupdawgs? Ken (GM): SOME KIND OF THINGS Fiss: I LIKE THINGS! LET'S ROCK! Ken (GM): woot wherrrrrrre did gandlaf and adolph get to? gandalf confirmed with me the other day hmm, gandalf seems incoming just got online in skype FISS Ken (GM): HOW YOU DO Fiss: Good...got drunk and watched Deadpool. Fun times. :P Ken (GM): noice glad to see the camping trip drama didnt kill you Joush M.: So less 'camping trip' then 'four day drunken bender'? Fiss: little bit of both Ken (GM): saturday night sucked apparently; but I slept through it all :D Fiss: Yus. Glad not everyone had to deal with DramaBomb the Rebombining. All has been hashed out about that though, so things are cool again. Ken (GM): bunch of drama queens who cant handle their hooch Fiss: Yes..I need to be more selective on who gets my mead. I will have to name this batch: MASTER EXPLODER Which is funny, because it's about the most average batch I've made Ken (GM): zippy though Fiss: true dad er...dat Joush M.: I should make wine again. I haven't done that in years Fiss: Yep, pretty awesome return on time investment. Spend an afternoon fucking around with must, get 30L of happy juice a few weeks/months later. Ken (GM): grrr these guys, with their not being in da game hmm, so, in irony of ironies, seems the guys absent last time are here this week :P so! where were we? [speak of the devil, falkirk is incoming] [he just skyped me :P] Gandalf G.: yo looking after my dear old diabetic gran Ken (GM): ayyy, some kind of humour wiz P.P. A.: Adolf is on Skype but not responding Gandalf G.: and her blood sugar went off the meter's ability to measure it we're ok now Ken (GM): daaang P.P. A.: ow Ken (GM): thats some kind of excuse Gandalf G.: 2 doctors and 2 nurses packed into the living room Ken (GM): wheee so! where last we left our heores Gandalf G.: but yeah good now continue Ken (GM): HEORES LIKE HEROES BUT EXPOSED TO TRITIUM-118 SO DEY GLOOOW Joush M.: Aww.. I wanted to glow from organic phosphors Ken (GM) The party has skirted the border of the forbidden lands until this day, where the signs of smoke and the stench of death led them to the hilltop wreckage. Signs of violence suggest elves fell victim to some dark workings here, and the trail leads further West. (To Fiss): You had found the mounts of the elven scouting party dead here, with some weird undead crawling out of the heap. Falkirk kille dit. Signs of the trail indicate people were taken live, yesterday, marched West (To Gray): the first things you smell are blood, and the musk of beastmen. Very memorable scents. Perception/tracking for further details Syviis Adjeon is trying not to show much emotion at the whole scene, but instead focuses her gaze routinely from looking through the pyres for more clues, and to the East where the captives must have been marched from (To Fiss): The village is in ruins; teepee's and tents in disarray, burned or chopped to bits. Thick dark-wooded arrows stick out of the one standing building, their fletching bright white (From Syviis Adjeon): I'll grab a few of the intact arrows, partially for evidence, partially imagining vengeance Bomrek: "I'm of the disposition to say these Elves need some help, wizard." Bomrek says, swigging some sharp liquor and covering his nose form the stench of the flames Gray: (From Gray): Not a great roll, but should be okay if there are no penalties Bomrek: "Someone took them from this village, slavers likely. Might be a reward for their release? Or some fine loot to pick up?" Falkirk: "Aye, no doubt of it. As are all the free peoples north of this hell hole." Falkirk prods the ground with his staff Falkirk: "And we're not going to help them by chasing every little raising party we meet." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'm in favour of following them at some distance; they know the area, so we will learn about passable routes and possible settlements.” (To Gray): Definitely beastmen, and definitely some more scents much like Syviis; elves likely. No others though. No horses... theyre likely on foot Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'm not eager either, though” (To Gray): Very likely, on foot, theyre not too far away at all either. Falkirk sighs deeply, massaging his temples under his pulled-up hood Falkirk: "It seems I'm outvoted. You'd be dead by dawn if I left you to chase your phantoms alone." Syviis Adjeon: OOC: She says: "Regardless of our path, we must choose and be decisive. There are a thousand evils here. If not one, then another...Choose the path and I will follow, but CHOOSE before my bow compels me! Falkirk is still wearing the plague doctor mask btw Syviis Adjeon: *in character...out of language Ken (GM): [much less stinky in there] Suðri Skornbrekker nods., and mounts his horse. Ken (GM): Bomrek follows suit, moving his own plague mask aside to drink from his flask, muttering about 'fool elves' [so to the West with you all then, in pursuit of the trail?] Falkirk: YUP Gray nods to the doctor and rolls his sholders, limbering up then waiting a moment for the others to prepare before he starts to follow the trail, leading them and moving as quickly as conditions allow. Some savage hound.. (Yep, following the trail) Ken (GM): [alrighty then!] moving map! Falkirk: woah the map resolution is fuuuuuuucked anyone else seeing this Fiss starts singing "It's the Map" from Dora the Explorer before I can stop myself Falkirk: looks like simcity 1 oh no its back Ken (GM): lol yeah it artifacts like a bastard sometimes. its a big image, I uploaded Falkirk: we found the artefact that was easy Joush M.: I think they might be less impressed with blurry pixles then magic elfbomb Ken (GM) As the heat of noon approaches, the baking heat of the hillsides reflect it back to you. The sun seems to bake through even the gray skies of Gorgoth. Falkirk: it's hiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh noon (To Gray): Specifically, round the bend theres a hill wall ahead, with a big gaping door in it Ken (GM): [map change!] Suðri Skornbrekker briefly takes off his helmet to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Syviis Adjeon: "Then this is where they will be buried." Ken (GM) The gaping hole in the far wall of the hill is butressed with slabs of heavy stone. Heaps of rubble stand out stark in the light, as if scraped from the doorway recently. Fallen stone here and there suggests the door once was flanked by high pillars, but they have fallen to broken stumps Syviis Adjeon: Tactics roll for Syviis regarding the time/location for battle? Ken (GM): [sure!] Syviis Adjeon: Target is 10 /roll 3d6 er... Ken (GM): lol Syviis Adjeon: shit... What's the command again? Suðri Skornbrekker puts his helmet back on and shadows his eyes from the sun to take a closer look at the site, and the pillars. Ken (GM): on the left should be a d20 icon, just pop out the widget Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker wonders what might once have stood here, but there is too little left of the ruins to tell. Syviis Adjeon: Yay! (To Fiss): Its bright and clear; get out of the sun and into cover! Otherwise, approach with stealth Syviis Adjeon calms down, less reckless parts of her mind working again, and begins hunting for lookouts and adequate cover Ken (GM): [perception rolls! the lot of you then!] Syviis Adjeon: match for the elf Falkirk remains back, quietly looking around but giving little away. Gray: Bomrek: (From Gray): passes by 4, unless there is a penalty. Low Light Vision and Discriminatory Scent likely don't come in. Falkirk: oh perception Rolling 3d6 = 5 v10 nice desu Ken (GM) the body on the cart is pale, with bloody hands and face, limp and dead, bouncing along for the ride Ken (GM): [reactions? Actions?] [subtractions?] [redactions?] Suðri Skornbrekker observes quietly, but makes sure to have his musket ready and aimed. Falkirk: [frog fractions] Ken (GM): lol Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't plan to shoot and alert the enemy, though, which would be visible in his reluctant body language. Syviis Adjeon: She's still riding her Tactical mind, wanting to watch where this orc is going, possibly so we can learn where the body dump is, and partially so we can ambush the orc further from the doorway Suðri Skornbrekker glances at Syviis to make sure she doesn't cry out or anything. Ken (GM): [mildly adjusting the party based on 'hide and peek'] Bomrek cocks the hammers on his big gun, as quietly as possible Suðri Skornbrekker nods back and returns his attention to the orc. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) the Ork rubs his eyes with one hand and pushes the cart with his other, awkwardly. He takes no attention of you all, and continues on his way down the hillside to the bloodroot at the water Falkirk: "This detour is your bed. I'll allow you all to do the sleeping." me says, quietly from under his hood me says 10/10 roll20 skills Suðri Skornbrekker: “If we want to take him out, it would be better to do so quietly, and out of sight from the entrance. Let's observe and see where he goes,” the dwarf whispers. Gray speaks in that low voice. "I think I've seen enough." Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk gently sighs. His eyes invisibly roll. Ken (GM): [gray! stealth!] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Why would they pollute their own water source so?”, Suðri whispers with some disgust. Syviis Adjeon: Syviis will also stealthy/approach Ken (GM): [the rocks are tall, and provide some cover on your approach Gray: Syviis Adjeon: beat by 5 Joush M.: suecess by 2 for Gray on being a sneeky git Suðri Skornbrekker quietly and carefully gets off his horse, sticks his bardiche into the sand, and aims at the orc in case something goes awry. Ken (GM): [put yourselves within 20 yards gray and syviis. ] Fiss: oh, btw, I has no control over token Falkirk quietly dismounts, seemingly more concerned with ensuring he has a good view than preparing for an ambush. Joush M.: That good? That rock give any cover? Ken (GM): fixed! [yep that rock covers you both!] Ken (GM) The orc grunts, and seems to take his time. He hums a small tune to himself Ken (GM): [he does not seem to have noticed anything] Fiss: You can maintain an Aim while moving 1 hex, right? Ken (GM): yus Fiss: Is the Beam and fallen Stone high enough for some cover? Ken (GM): [its about 3 feet tall, so you could crouch behind it nicely. Its fallen into a boggy bit of water though. scummy] Fiss: 2nd path clear? Or too much bog? Ken (GM): yes, clearer, the stone is clear footing. Just open! you might be spotted Fiss: Well, either way, shit's about to go down. I suppose. Ken (GM): [frikkin rock] there Syviis Adjeon cocks an arrow and starts aiming, looking to her team for the start of the attack Falkirk: *nocks Ken (GM) the orc finishes defiling the pond, and he cleans himself a bit Falkirk: .-. (To Falkirk): "Stop shitting! get back to work! Slaves need blood!" Suðri Skornbrekker maintains the aim on the orc, but glances at the door briefly. (To Falkirk): "Fuck you; I shit, slaves eat shit" Ken (GM) the orc finishes up, and stands, reaffixing his pants Syviis Adjeon: The elf looks REALLY ready Ken (GM) He steps into the bushes, and snaps off some stalks of red bush, heaping them in the wheelbarrow Ken (GM): Gray leaves cover to try and close in, to try and get near enough to take out the orc quick and quite before they get seen. Risking doing so in view of the door. Ken (GM): [cool! Stealth check!] Ken (GM) the soft sand masks your feet bashing into the earth, as you pounce for the kill Gray: (To Fiss): covering gray? or shooting the orc on his way up, to fuck it up a touch? Ken (GM): Beat by 1! Syviis Adjeon waits until Gray is ready to attack, and will let loose an arrow just prior to his ambush Ken (GM): The orc remains distracted on your approach! Syviis! your long-aime dshot! Syviis Adjeon: What's the aim bonus? Gray is surprisingly quite for such a beast, closing, ready to pounce. Of course, the elf might beat him to the shot. Ken (GM): with your bow, 3 +1 for long aim, -4 for distance! so skill +0 Syviis Adjeon: Ffs.... Fail by 1 Falkirk leans on his staff watching, in the same way one might watch people walking down the street through a window Ken (GM): ffs THWIP the arrow shoots right by the orc Syviis Adjeon: No boom-power, though, as we are still Stealth mode Ken (GM): it says "Huh?" and look sdumbly at the arrow giving gray a moment to appraoch Syviis Adjeon: It was almost worth the fail for the 'derp?' Ken (GM): Gray! on the attack! run up and swing? (To Gray): poke poke Gray attacks.. you know, quitely. All Out attack to cover the distance and strike quickly. Falkirk: you can silence him with a face grapple Gray: Joush M.: Sonofbitch.. Ken (GM): son of Joush M.: Wait.. that still works, AoA determined Ken (GM): yay! the thing you just did! Damage! Gray: Ken (GM): chop chop! The blade sinks deep and hew's the orc nearly in two. he utterds a "gkkk!' as he dies quietly Fiss: aww yus Ken (GM): Bomrek takes the opprotunity to shuffle up with the bag of guns Gray frees the blade as quitely as he can and looks past the orc into the door, the beast motioning the others up to join him as he makes sure of the monster's death. Ken (GM): Syviis Adjeon: slides up along the rocks for cover, new arrow ready Ken (GM) Nothing belies your presence; no moevement from the door, no sounds (To Gray): You smell the stench of blood and shit, and beastmen all over. Orcs. and those goatlike ones? Also a sickly sweet smell. Like syrup Gray swallows a thick growl, forceing himself to be silent and looking to the elf, nodding to her as she stays silently nearby. Trusting the others to cover him. (To Gray): perception please! Gray: Fiss: BAG O GUN (To Falkirk): The shattered remains of a beautiful statue lie in the water below. Possibly elven? (From Falkirk): I'd like to try to identify it from here (To Falkirk): Definitely demonic. But odd. Shes no creature you recall right away. Shes oddly lovely. Maybe a queen of the fey? Gray looks to Falkirk, almost asking him if he's with them, but the doctor has earned not being asked questions like that. Instead, the towerign beastmen moves forward in that loaping crouch, staying stealthy and quite as he slips in the door and starts forward, expecting it to open any moment. Syviis Adjeon: The elf moves up into the doorway, ready, quiet, and glances once more at the dead in the pond Ken (GM): [STEALTH! and marching order!] Syviis Adjeon: Gray: Joush M.: Ah.. damn. Ken (GM): lol, not all is lost yet Falkirk rolls a sleeve up and plunges it into the murky depths (From Falkirk): I'm grabbing it (To Falkirk): She seems to have been grasping a long spear. The metal shines dullly under the filthy water (From Falkirk): A full sized spear or a statue sized spear? Syviis Adjeon: Though she is also curious to see what Falkirk is doing all of a sudden Falkirk: wizard stuff (From Falkirk): Oh it's a big statue? Okay, I'll take the spear. Ken (GM): [brown thing is door, left open by orc, fyi] Fiss: P.P. A.: >Defaults: DX-5 or IQ-5. Suðri Skornbrekker isn't bery good at stealth Fiss: IS GOOD AT STEALTH...SHOOT ENEMY EARS AND EYES, THEY SEE AND HEAR NOTHING! Suðri Skornbrekker sticks his bardiche into the ground and aims at the door, should anything come out of it. Joush M.: There's no witnesses if everyone that witnissed anything is dead (To Falkirk): You feel a magic in that spear. An oooold magic. Quiet and cold though. Asleep Falkirk frowns, completely distracted from the business of infiltration by his latest discovery. He turns the spear sideways, examining the shaft and point for clues as to its origins. Ken (GM): right; Syviis and Gray plunge into the darkness while bomrek and sudri cover them and falkirk wonders Ken (GM) AS you plunge into the depths the cavern spreads out around you Syviis Adjeon: Oooooooh! Is this a sniper bridge that the elf archer finds herself on? Ken (GM) He says "Huh?!" loudly Syviis Adjeon: dang Ken (GM): and then everyone rolls initiative Syviis Adjeon: -_- Ken (GM): [btw, adolph just woke up, hes on his way] Syviis Adjeon: that's with combat reflexes Gray: P.P. A.: (great) Falkirk:6.75 +/- modifiers Suðri Skornbrekker: Suðri Skornbrekker slow dorf Gray: ((That's base speed 6 and +2 for combat reflexes leader?)) Adolf S.: Ahoy. Gray: So.. 13? )) Joush M.: a 12 is fine too. Faster then anybody else Adolf S.: My shitty alarm apparently either didn't go off, or I somehow slept through it. Ken (GM): 5+6+2 combat reflexes, yes gray! (you did lead!) Falkirk: I got a +2 then Ken (GM): roll initiative! redemption through combat! P.P. A.: Shit happens Falkirk: so it's 8.75 Ken (GM): adjusted! Adolf S.: Remind me what specifically I need to roll while my brain reboots. Just a D6? P.P. A.: We watched an orc teabag a dead elf, then Gray teleported behind him and nothing personnel'd him. d6+base speed Syviis Adjeon: Mine's an 8.25 if that helps Ken (GM): d6 + basic speed +2 for gray being leader/combat reflexes Joush M.: unsheaths katana P.P. A.: Now we're entering the orcs' elf rape cave Falkirk: well P.P. A.: just like in one of my Japanese hentais Falkirk: those guys are Ken (GM): there was poop involved Gandalf G.: I'm doing my own thing you guys have fun in the rape-and-poop cave Fiss: I've seen enough Hentai to know where this is going... Adolf S.: + 5.5 + 1 for combat reflexes Ken (GM): technically, +2 for grays combat reflexes, leading the charge Gandalf G.: is it +1 for wombat refs? Ken (GM): he may have fucked up the stealth, but whatevs Gandalf G.: or +2 Ken (GM): SO Joush M.: How high is the bridge above the ground? Ken (GM): shit goes down! GRAY They spotted you!, or at least the one guy did wat do? Adolf S.: Oh man, this is a spooky looking map. Ken (GM): Bridge is up about 3-4 yards? Joush M.: Ahh.. alittle high to jump down then. Ken (GM) Blood trails lead obviously to abig wood and metal door on the wall Ken (GM): Bomrek! Bomrek: ("Kill'm all and let the all-father sort'm out") Right, I'm not sure enough of what's happening as of yet. This was a stealth op gone loud, basically? Are the enemy basically surprised to see us, or..? P.P. A.: We stealthily killed an orc outside of the hideout, and now wanted to infiltrate it silently to get across the bridge and behind the door nwe could see from the entrance What we couldn't see from the entrance was that below the bridge was teeming with orcs Ken (GM): yup, thats what happened gray just ran in all thumpy like Bomrek: Hm. So, if they see we're here, should we just go loud? Or do we still want to try to salvage the stealth aspect of this? Joush M.: Might as well start shooting. That orc is going to tell someone Fiss: I think we're done with stealth...we get one, maybe two more seconds of "huh?" Bomrek: Mmm. Well, Bomrek just moves forward then for now. Ken (GM): you also have sack o gun and such Bomrek: Is this some sort of barrier I'm seeing infront of me- Oh, neato. Ken (GM): tunnel entrance Bomrek: Oooh.. Okay uh, well I'll just move forward then. Assuming I can drag the gun bag that far, anyway. and assuming it's even in draggable configuration. Ken (GM): cest bon Bomrek: Too tired to remember french responses, rib. End turn. Ken (GM): DA ORK CRITS HIS IQ ROLL Fiss: holy fuck P.P. A.: “I have cured cancer!” Ken (GM) He bellows "CHAKKAAAAAA!!!!" and the beastmen about him rouse from their positions, alert and hooting in anger at seeing you! Ken (GM): Syviis! (To Bomrek): the orc pooped on the dead elf earlier Syviis Adjeon: Moves up, begins willing power into her arrow Joush M.: Goddamn orc genus Ken (GM) Syviis cracles with electricity Ken (GM): FALKIRK Bomrek: Thunder Struck Gandalf G.: hm Falkirk: I'd like a check of some kind to examine this spear and a concentrate manouver (To Falkirk): The Demon worshippers of Gorgoth root their worship in the reverenc eof the mighty demons of note. While you can list the dozens of greater beings, the name of whoever this is escapes you. However, there are old tales of worhisppers who revered the mighty spirits of the fey instead. They worshipped guile and the hunt. This may have been something onvolved in that. The imagery fits at least (To Falkirk): Otherwise. this is a fine spear, a bit heavy as its made of metal, and it definitely magical Suðri Skornbrekker grumbles into his beard, grabs two rifles on the ground, and advances P.P. A.: *muskets Ken (GM): gruff gruff gurss move on up! top of the round! Ken (GM) The clamour of beastmen rises to a din, as they hoot their warcrys and grab their weapons! Ken (GM): Gray! Gray heads for the path down to the tunnel, the beast looking to block it. If they can control that choke-point the guners and archers should be able to rain hell from the bridge.. he hopes, at least. "Grayhold and victory!" Ken (GM): you scramble down the wooden planks, they creak and groan, and youre on the ground with orcs and ibixians alike :D Bomrek! Bomrek: Ah, already? Forward! Also, is my bag of guns slowly deteriorating here or is that somethin' else Ken (GM): lol, its leather, designed to be a bit beat up the cavern reveals itself below you, orks and goatmen alike THE BAD GUYS Bomrek: Untermensch. Time to solve this problem, with finality. Ken (GM): The first plows forward to gray! a swing and miss! the second! also a miss! Ken (GM): wildy hewing the air with handaxes Bomrek: Can I get a description of the orc with the little- the orc who just ran at Gray. Ken (GM): The big guy who spotted gray barrels unde rthe bridge, diving for him in a wild tackle! Gray! Will you defend! P.P. A.: Gray should have stood a bit higher up that path Ken (GM): :P Gray settles that huge shield and readies to fight them off as he's charged by the foes at the base of the steps.. Gray: Joush M.: That blocks? Ken (GM): wham! the mighty orc slams into your shield! you deflect his charge! He doesnt fall on his ass One goatman runs up to the door above, barking words into the room beyond the other tucks unde rthe bridge Bomrek: Looks like one Orc's trying to escape to the north. How DARE he try to make it back to his family. Somebody kill'm. Ken (GM): Syviis! Gray gives half a step then shoves back with the shield as the smaller beastmen swarm him. Trusting the others to support him from the bridge. Syviis Adjeon: The elf takes a step and tries to pin the Orkenstein's vitals ~3 ish hexes away? 5? Ken (GM): youve got height on him so its a -2 for distance Syviis Adjeon: -2 net, target is 13 with my Heroic Archer shit Yus. Vital'ed! (unless he does somethign) Ken (GM): (dont forget, you always add ACC to a shot, so another +3) but yay! a hit! Syviis Adjeon: I did. -5 with the Vital Call, Distance, but then +3 with Accuracy Ken (GM): he all out attacked though, so no defense! Syviis Adjeon: Awwww yuss Ken (GM): ah kk SHANK bow+crackle! Syviis Adjeon: Arrow damage, impal: 2d crackle (doing half to save FT) Ken (GM): you didnt charge up, so youre only dropping 1d lightning anyways :P Syviis Adjeon: Ah, fair enough, 4 then for the first die Thought the "walk up and charge" counted Ken (GM): BUT minutiae aside, the arrow sinks into his back, strikes something important through his 1dr leather armor hes still stnading, but hes staggered roughly! sorry, charging up takes a full round; my bad I missed that brb 1 sec, bio Syviis Adjeon: Either way, that dude ain't happy Joush M.: My spleen! I'm not supposed to get arrows in it! Fiss: My spleen is allergic to arrows too. and bullets. Ken (GM): yeah, hes fucked up FALKIRK Falkirk puts the spear down atop the crumbled pillar, making a note to examine it more once this 'fighting for your life' business is done, before heading unhurried into the cave. Ken (GM): gonna nudge you down one, thats a hillside skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker advances P.P. A.: Is there time to put one of the muskets on the bridge's railing (looks like it has one) to start taking aim? Ken (GM): not enough for an aim this turn, sorry P.P. A.: all right, then that's it Ken (GM): but thats a good place to prop up gunnery! Gray! youre swarmed! Gray tries to finish the one that the elf's arrow staggered and stunned. Gray: Joush M.: Pass by 6, unless there are penalties. I should maybe have picked a target.. Ken (GM): he fails to dodge! actually, he still has no dodge! Joush M.: Or used deceptive to make the defense harder.. Yay though! Ken (GM): so no worries Gray: Ken (GM): oh fuck Gray uses a massive blade, the heavy Ogre sword swung with brutal power as he slashes hard enough to claim one of the Orc's limbs and cast the body aside with a spray of blood. No battle cry, this time Gray roars like some savage animal. Ken (GM): The orcs are agaog Bomrek! Bomrek: Ore wa, If I step one step to the south west, would I be able to get a shot on one of those orcs around Suthri? without hitting suthri. Ken (GM): yus; the walls are weird, but yes poor suthris ears Bomrek: Righto. I take that step- bah, he should be used to it by now. Builds character. - and take a shot at that orc, while yelling "Nökor nanoth nist råsh!" which is basically a mocking dwarven battle cry, assurances that the fear will stop after they're dead, basically. Wassa' penalty to hit? Ken (GM): -3 for distance only Bomrek: Alright, just a general shot to the torso then. KABOOM! Ken (GM): square in the back! Ken (GM) the musketshot rumbles in teh cavern like thunder Bomrek: No chance to dodge then? Lovely. Ken (GM): MURDURRRR P.P. A.: pls don't shoot me ;_; oh wait, that was the damage, not the roll nvm Ken (GM): LOL so much murder. the orc takes it in the back and dies Bomrek: I imagine that actual guardsmen like Bomrek would probably make fun of comparatively simple and less important militiamen, similar to how a marine might make fun of a national guardsman. Ken (GM): falkirk! (To Fiss): I had your intitiative fucked up with falkirks :P Falkirk continues to jog towards the cave Ken (GM): keeping a distance? (From Syviis Adjeon): yep. lol. AHh well Bomrek: It belongs in a museum Falkirk: nah Ken (GM): IN A MUSEUM Falkirk: just unhurried Ken (GM): Syviis! Falkirk: taking it easy Ken (GM): hurry! Falkirk: like a sunday morning Ken (GM): wait a tick the fucking beastmen on init 10 fucking init counter jesus, my bad The token gets changed when they die, and they lose init. because its tied together Ken (GM): :P so these two chucklefucks go! orky sidles around grey and chops with his axe Gray! do you defend? Gray: Joush M.: Block! Ken (GM): woot Gray turns on the one, glad to avoid being flanked by the way the others have fallen. He'd have given this one his back without the support of the ones on the bridge. Ken (GM): The wily beastman unde rthe bridge stays there, wary of gunfire (From Falkirk): gotcha Bomrek: Probably should've shot that one. Oh well. Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: Can she shoot past Gray and Mr Beasty? Ken (GM): he blocks, at a -4 oh wait! no! you have height so the shot is clear enough 3d lines Syviis Adjeon: Nice. 7ish yards equiv distance? Ken (GM): ya 5-7 yards distance penalty, so -3 Syviis Adjeon: Cool, will aim for its weapon arm, -5 in total. target 13 with the accuracy bonus Bah Ken (GM): bah! Syviis Adjeon curses as her aim falters and the arrow goes a little too wide Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! -4 for distance! Suðri Skornbrekker shoots, using one of the lighter muskets Rolling 3d6 = 12 v14-4 P.P. A.: aw Ken (GM): booo crack, boom the shot resounds, but the orc remains Ken (GM) The door at the end of the bridge slams open! An orc with a massive two handed axe charges out howling! Ken (GM): right for syviis! Gray curses, he'd hoped that door led to Elf Storage. Ken (GM): booooo Syviis Adjeon: DEAD ELF STORAGE Ken (GM) from within, you hear muted shouts for help in a foreign tongue (To Fiss): theyre elves, yelling in elvish, for help P.P. A.: There's dopors to the side, maybe these are cells (for elves) (to be raped in) Syviis Adjeon shouts excitedly something back Syviis Adjeon: "We're coming! Hold on!" Ken (GM): gray! Gray snars. "Blight!" The flanker on the bridge worries him, but he has his own troubles.. (Going to go for -2 to hit for -1 to defense deceptive strike) Gray: Ken (GM): kk WOO Joush M.: So.. that's 1 off from a crit because I did deceptive LOL Ken (GM): nice! the orc takes it like a bitch Gray: Falkirk: am I moving back in the queue I'm sure I was almost at the top Ken (GM): yeah, last round was a bit fucky Gray strikes carelessly, blade flashing, hitting wherever on the orc he can before stepping back up the steps. Ken (GM): the one group of orcs was at ten, but they didnt take their turns until after your 8.75. my bad Falkirk: oh ok fucking orcs Ken (GM): that orc goes down hard in pieces Falkirk: pushing in the queue Ken (GM): Bomrek! Bomrek: Hm. I wonder if I can hit that orc without hitting the Elf, if I angle it right. Hm, not quite. Ken (GM): -4 for los though the elf Bomrek: Any range penalty? Ken (GM): aim? yeah, -2 for distance Bomrek: Hm. Na, I'll just move forward instead, with my musket like a spear in case I need to parry something. Hm. Or no, I'll stay right here and aim at the thing incase the elf moves. Better option. Distracted. Ken (GM): kk aiming the one beastman below runs north for the door (To Falkirk): "Fend them off! Destroy the interlopers!" Ken (GM): Falkirku! Falkirk: SURPRISING ACTION! ok end turn Ken (GM): lol Syviis! Joush M.: I thought he was going to close and lock the doors.. Syviis Adjeon: Fastdraw Arrow to start: Target 15 Ken (GM): yay Syviis Adjeon: Now, fastdraw "poking mr axe-y in the vitals", target is 15 again Ken (GM): he tries a didge! its like dodgeing but fails Syviis Adjeon: Deerrroghgeee! Ken (GM): damorge Syviis Adjeon: Awww yiss Ken (GM): jesus; that goes thunk, hits a vital bit, and hes down Syviis Adjeon spits on the beastman as he falls Ken (GM): sassy skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker grabs another one of the light muskets, and takes a single step north to shoot at the fleeing enemy P.P. A.: again -4? Ken (GM): -2 total Bomrek: >arrow melee Huh. Suðri Skornbrekker curses in dwarven! Ken (GM): those poor muskets so much abuse GUHREEEEY Gray moves to the bridge, ready to block the path up onto it and foes comeing from that long hallway with the doors. The sounds are muted, sharp by the repeated tundercracks and blast of flame and smoke, but he shakes off the ringing and readies himself for what might come next. (To Bomrek): poke poke Bomrek: Sorry, family, etc. Lessy, Bomrek swings his musket out of the way as Suthri jumps to his position. He sees him miss, curses in Dwarvish, and makes a snap shot at the orc. Distance penalty? Ken (GM): -3 (the 5 to 7 yard penalty) Bomrek: Hm. What would be the penalty to shoot this one in the legs? Ken (GM): extra -2 Bomrek: an additional -3? something like that? Ah. Hm. I'll just go for the torso shot, hell, Nope, thassa' miss with the distance. Ken (GM): blech thats both barrels out, and sudri is down 3! mind yo uguys have two loaded left P.P. A.: down 2, I only fired two shots Ken (GM): The goatman squeezes through the door above, and the mad yelling continues (To Falkirk): "Rally you whelps! form up!" Ken (GM): Falkirk your go! fallllkirrrrk (To Falkirk): poke poke Fiss: [P]ay respects Ken (GM): lol Bomrek: RIB Ken (GM): oop! looks like he went offline he back? Joush M.: Doh! Gandalf G.: laptop screen died seems like its on the blink fuck Ken (GM): lulz Gandalf G.: just retarted restarted if I vanish from the internet, that's why exciting dynamic turn ended (From Gandalf G.): kk Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: ARROW'ed and will run up with Grey but stay at the entrance to help if the Goats return from the North exit. Ken (GM): kk Skornbrekker do the thing! P.P. A.: Hm How long do these small muskets take to reload Bomrek: 20 - 40 seconds is standard if I recall. Ken (GM): roughly a minute? Bomrek: Was readinn' low tech the other day on the shitter. Ken (GM): ah yeah, you guys made paper rounds Joush M.: IIRC, 20 seconds with -5 seconds with Quick Draw? Bomrek: In the case of paper rounds it reduces default time by half My musket goes from 40 seconds per barrel, to 20 seconds per barrel. P.P. A.: So that's 20 rounds or so... Ken (GM): ya P.P. A.: I kinda doubt that's worth it. Gandalf G.: 20 second loading is p impressive tbh Bomrek: Yup. I'll take that bet, personally. Especially because my musket doubles as a good ass spear. Gandalf G.: then again muskets are easy, my point of reference is rifles Bomrek: It's not bad, yeah. Keep in mind standard rounds per minute for the last time muskets were relevent was like... Gandalf G.: where you need to ram that shit like a ginger stepchild Bomrek: 3 - 4 rounds per minute, for well drilled soldiers. P.P. A.: is this space that looks broken safe to stand on? Bomrek: That's assuming you fire immediately after loading. Ken (GM): yeah, the bridge is rougly secure but good eye P.P. A.: mkay Suðri Skornbrekker treads to make sure this spot is good P.P. A.: *treads carefully Suðri Skornbrekker ends his turn. Ken (GM): kk Bottom of round, the sounds of the beastmen coalesces into a chant "HUH! HUH! HUH!" barks from many mouths behind the door Gray! Suðri Skornbrekker: “Would be nice if we could free everyone and head out in time to aim our cannons at the entrance.” Gray frowns at the chanting and looks to the far door they passed though, looking t othe elf then down the hall with it's many doors. He goes to the near door and tries to open it. Ken (GM): Theres a heavy bar that lifts from your side the door opens easily though Bomrek: "Aye I agree Suthri. Tactical retreat might be a wise decision, soon." he says around a mouth full off torn paper as he tamps down his powder. Ken (GM): inside is a bruised and beaten elf. He's clad in green and browns, and seems quite bloodied. his mouth an dhands are stained red Bomrek: >Elf Nasty Ken (GM): he recoils from the view of you, falling back against the wall, warding you away with his hands Bomrek: Oh. Ken (GM): [gray, being a big half-beastman himself] Bomrek: I just realized how not-great of an idea uh a beastman being first contact is Syviis Adjeon: :P Joush M.: Luckly, we have an elf right here Gandalf G.: fucking hell my screen is being liquid ass Fiss: beggers and prisoners of orcs can't be choosers Ken (GM): [mental image of laptop screen and several 4chan memories] Fiss: Heh Ken (GM): Bomrek! Bomrek: Oh boy. Continue reloading I suppose. Ken (GM): kk The chanting to the north thrms through, and each HUH! the sound gets louder the doors swing back open and out charge a cadre of goat dudes! led by a man(?) covered in scars and grey skin Bomrek: "Elf! We need your arrows!" Ken (GM): RAAAAAAGH is their battel cry falkirk! Gandalf G.: boom Ken (GM): boom? Gandalf G.: boom I moved Ken (GM): ah okay then1 Syviis! Fiss spins back around and starts firing Syviis Adjeon: oops Ken (GM): pew pew gunfungers! Syviis Adjeon: General hit on closest one. Ken (GM): kk NOPE lol dodged Syviis Adjeon: Damn. New arrow ready Bomrek: Got a description of the pale man further? Any weapons on'm? Is he a human? Any armor? Ken (GM): kk Ken (GM) the man is clad in a black longcoat tha tlooks to be made of leather. His skin is grey and mottled with scars everywhere. he has no hair, a grimace face, and hes brandishing a mace in both hands Ken (GM): skornbrekker (To P.P. A.): yo P.P. A.: (oops) Suðri Skornbrekker has aimed for one turn and fires at the man in the longcoat, assuming that this is the leader of the bunch (though he doesn't know him well) Ken (GM): kk P.P. A.: -2 again? Suðri Skornbrekker is using his main musket btw Ken (GM): yep -2 Bomrek: You know what I just realized. Earlier I would have actually made that shot, because I forgot to factor in a +1 Suðri Skornbrekker kicks some tail Rolling 3d6 = 10 v(14-2+2) P.P. A.: Hit? Ken (GM): look slike, let me see if dodge nope! hes fukced P.P. A.: noice Ken (GM): fuck him up Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): woooow P.P. A.: >two 1s and a 2 Ken (GM): still, though Pi++ Bomrek: 12 damage at pi++ ain't nothin' to fuck wit P.P. A.: hopefully pi++ can salvage this Bomrek: Man, maybe we should start trying to capture these important assholes rather than killin'm right away. Ken (GM): lol Suðri Skornbrekker mockingly shouts his own “Huh, huh huh!” at the mob! Ken (GM): Graaay! The elf cowers at the sight of you1 P.P. A.: I find that I'm much more eager to kill people here in GURPS because the line between life and death is so much thinner than in, say, Pathfinder Bomrek: Course. That's why GURPS is supreme. P.P. A.: Indeed Ken (GM): everyones mortal Gray calls to the man. "Free the others! Now!" Before he turns to hurry back to the bridge, to keep the gnolls from chargeing the others. Bomrek: Lets hope he speaks common. Ken (GM) the elf seems to take notice of your tonw P.P. A.: It really gives you a sense for your character's mortality, and “him or me” situations Ken (GM): Bomrek! the elves are multiplying! Bomrek: We must stop them before it's too late! Kill the elves! Alright, I drop my musket, and try to fast draw one of my pistols from my brace of pistols. Always come prepared~ Fiss: Hehe Bomrek: wew, pass by 1 Ken (GM): yay! Bomrek: Aannnnd, fire into the crowd of assholes! Ken (GM): leaves you enough to shoot! Fiss: KEEP FIRING ASSHOLES! Bomrek: 5 hex. -3 for distance? Ken (GM): -2! Bomrek: Pass by leagues Ken (GM): (look at the chart ont he back of a character sheet!) yay! murder! he was not dodging you! Bomrek: Lessy... damage is... Ken (GM): (50/50 chance he was) Bomrek: 2d pi+ Ken (GM): yay1 Bomrek: crak-boom! Ken (GM): hes still up! Gandalf G.: I'm gonna have to duck out guys sorry it's been real see you next week Bomrek: Peace be upon you, famalam. Fiss: o/ Ken (GM): hey no worries! actually my brain is melting theres a storm on its way and i have the worst migrane P.P. A.: see ya Bomrek: I've gotta go prepare for a dinner out with family anyway. Ken (GM): plus a toddler P.P. A.: Ouch Ken (GM): we shall resume next week! P.P. A.: Aye-aye Ken (GM): with the doom of the beastmen upon you! P.P. A.: At least I finally hit something Fiss: Doooooom! Ken (GM): and elves coming out of the woodwork! Bomrek: Maybe once we escape with the elves, we can sell them as slaves. Recoup our expense. Fiss: That's what happens when you don't pressure-treat the base boards Ken (GM): 4 xp for everyone! P.P. A.: Nah, we'll just tell them to retell their experiences in manga form and then sell those Bomrek: Watashi no namae wa hotdoggu dess P.P. A.: Printing press invented yet? Fiss: Elf-manga: With 38% more Legolas Yaoi than a LOTR con Bomrek: That dude though, really wonder if we ought to be trying to capture those folk. Sort of hard to do, is the issue. Joush M.: Alive's harder then dead in GURPS P.P. A.: On the other hand, it doesn't seem like they are big wigs or part of a greater scheme Just outlaws, bandits Bomrek: You'd think they'd know something though. Commanders, probably appointed by some higher structure. I've gotta go get ready. Might pop back in a bit. AFK for now. Fiss: Should be able to find evidence of a larger slave ring here if there is one. If not...then yeah. P.P. A.: That guy definitely had a personality and a story behind him from the way Ken described him, but he might not have been important in any greater scheme of things, just a local big man Fiss: Have a good one folks! P.P. A.: See you Joush M.: Take care! P.P. A.: Good evening Joush M.: Hey there Gandalf G.: ayy Ken (GM): whatup?! Joush M.: Me, barely! I'm drinking coffee though.. How are you all? Good week? Ken (GM): I'm good; got a sprained foot (again) but dealing I have the worst foot Gandalf G.: nm meng trying to get some code shit to work Ken (GM): just getting fiss in here CODE SHIT OR SHIT CODE HUE HUE HUE Gandalf G.: why dont we have both I might have fixed it, about to debug test Ken (GM): Adolph/bomrek is on NPC mode. Some weird family or work thing came up. But hes on standing orders Joush M.: Just implement random changes until it compiles. Evolutionary code ftw Ken (GM): gave me a heads up on wednesday P.P. A.: ah Gandalf G.: oh it's compiling fine it's just not doing what it's supposed to Ken (GM): but what does it DOOO Gandalf G.: explaining that would require more background than it's worth but it's a feature for a game Ken (GM): DO THE THING THE NEEDFUL DO THE NEEDFUL Joush M.: Gotcha. With games I bet it's hrader.. with my stuff, I can just do some incomprehensable documentation to pretend that it's working as intended. Ken (GM): [so much blood on the map already] Gandalf G.: I'm no coder, I just make sprites Joush M.: Oh yeah, we are makeing a mess. Gray needs to sniff those elves and see if they have been eating bloodroot Gandalf G.: but figured I should at least learn to add them Joush M.: Good for you Gandalf. Ken (GM): yeah, good on you for like, learning. And self motivating Gandalf G.: psh it's babbycode so who are we waiting on? Ken (GM): just fiss; he needs five to wake up and poop Joush M.: It's all babbycode. Ken (GM): he's been transitioning off nights for some weeks. Doing it for ten years breaks your internal clock. Joush M.: Ouch, yeah. That would do it Fiss: sorry for the delay, folks. Kiddo suddenly decided he wanted tomatoes Ken (GM): TOMATO NAO woot! then thats everyone! P.P. A.: \o/ Gandalf G.: cool Joush M.: woo! Ken (GM): Erryone got sheets and things? No outstanding questions? Joush M.: ooh, one thing Ken (GM): shoot Gray: Gandalf G.: holy shit I just figured it out Joush M.: I'd forgotten to do that before, sorry Gandalf G.: erm what what should we have done with sheets Fiss: Eat them for extra fiber P.P. A.: Made them after getting up Ken (GM): lulz VERY GOOD Gandalf G.: oh ok Gray shakes off the tinnitus from the echoing concussion of the heavy charge of powder detonating in the enclosed space and roars in return, blocking the way up to the bridge. Ken (GM): They charge through the underpass, chanting as they go HUT HUT HUT Falkirk is up! [and seems to be reconnecting?] Gandalf G. scans the room for injures as he jogs inside Gandalf G.: oh Falkirk does that too Ken (GM): lol Falkirk: everyone alright as of yet? Ken (GM): none of the party seem to have been struck, but many of the beastmen have fallen! Falkirk: okay Ken (GM): the haggard looking elves in the end of the hall are smeared with blood on their hands and faces, but dont seem to have obvious wounds Falkirk readies his staff in a fighting stance and prepares to enter the fray Falkirk: (I ready my weapon and end) Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: The Elf takes a step back and sees if she can get off an arrow down below Is the bridge providing too much cover? Ken (GM): only for the guys with red Xs; those two are under the bridge. the other two are fair game Syviis Adjeon pulls back and tries to strike the nearest vile target she can Ken (GM): no range penalty; pick your target Syviis Adjeon: Target: Vitals on the closest. Overall it will be against a 16 Ken (GM): kk Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk: boom Ken (GM): woo, he attempts to block, but hes at -2 for the side attack WOW, he managed to catch the arrow on the edge of his shield! lucky goatman Syviis Adjeon: Syviis Adjeon curses, but readies another arrow P.P. A.: There should be one loaded musket remaining, right? Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! Falkirk: brb door3 Ken (GM): kk Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hurry up you elves!”, the dwarf shouts angrily as he bends down to pick up the last loaded musket he brought. Suðri Skornbrekker then takes another step and rests it on the railing. P.P. A.: well, a first step Not aiming yet, but preparing to aim (or to shoot) the next turn Ken (GM): kk GUUUUUURAAAAAY Falkirk: and back Ken (GM): [stupid xylophone salesmen] Gray settles into place, resisting the urge to lunge into combat and instead wait, blocking the way up to the others. /o Waiting for a goat to come in reach to hit it with the sword Ken (GM): technically you can reach the closes guy wth your sword (reach two) and hes used up his block or would you rather hold the line? Joush M.: Ah! Well I'll swing then Ken (GM): kk choppa chop; target? Gray: Gray strikes down a tthe goatman while still blocking the path to the others. Ken (GM): he attempts a dodge holy luck; the goatman lives! Fiss: fucking lucky goatbitches! Ken (GM): same one too! Gray snarls. "You won't escape justice forever!" Ken (GM): the elves frantically work in the back rooms, to release their kin! lots of exhausted cheering, hugs and elation again though, the freed elf is smeared with red all over, and looks haggard Bomrek Bellows an epiphet in dwarven, about cursed mothers, and steps to aim his pistol Bomrek: the goatmen surge toward gray, up the rickety ladder Falkirk: "Hold them at the ladder, I'll see to the elves!" Ken (GM): the first, hoping to barge straight into him, shield raised Gray! hes all up in your bidgness; dodge? Block? Gray: Joush M.: Suceeded by 1! Geeze Falkirk: christ Ken (GM): fuck suppose _I_ should roll too Gray braces himself, holding that heavy shield up and takeing the blow on it. The massive beastmen pushing back. Ken (GM): right; Gray defends! the beastman is in his hex! (close combat) but failed to slam the wounded one behind him takes a chop at gray with a pick and may succeed! (hes all out attacking here, no defense!) (To Gray): poke poke Gray: Ken (GM): nice! Joush M.: That will do Ken (GM): the swing is deflected! Ken (GM) stepping form the shadows of the next room is a woman clad in strange garb; silks and fierce grim tokens of tooth and scale. She is crimson on nearly every surface of her skin, and from her brow rises a crown of horns Ken (GM): She screeches a primal warcry, black lightning crackling on her fingertips Falkirk: Does she look like an elf? Because if she's not an elf, mysterious magic women are pretty high on my plot device list. Fiss: Fuckin elves Ken (GM): No! she has a rather taller and bulkier build, red skin, horns, and yellow slitted eyes! shes not an elf, and shes not anything youve seen before! (To Falkirk): poke poke Falkirk: ok Falkirk hurries towards the jaily looking area, keeping a wary eye on the spooky magic woman who appears. Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: Syviis tries to lessen the pressure on the ramp by aiming again for some goatmen. Hitting the second one up vitals if possible Ken (GM): [assuming the now-standard vitals shot? on closest one?] Syviis Adjeon: Can she aim at the one entangled with Gray? then yes Ken (GM): he has no defense! he takes it good in the greebly bits Syviis Adjeon: Finally. :P arrow damage: That's all, need time to charge FT Ken (GM): nice man, he DIES. very suddenly Syviis Adjeon: That tents to happen er...tends Ken (GM): lol Syviis Adjeon: With arrows in your heart :P Ken (GM): IN TENTS Syviis Adjeon: FUCKING IN TENTS! Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! Suðri Skornbrekker: “What is that?”, Suthri says. His musket is aimed at one of the beastmen, but his trigger finger rests uneasy, unsure if he should not spare the shot for the red, horned not-elf-woman instead. Suðri Skornbrekker in gameplay terms, aiming Ken (GM): kk green dot! Grya! (Gray!) Gray grins fericely when the elf strikes down the feral beastman that had slashed at him. The one that had gotten so close slammed with his shield. "Away with you!" Gray: Ken (GM): woot Gray: Ken (GM): A crushing blow; You hear something important crack as you slam him dead centre hes still standing! goddam this luck goat ddue Gray might have done worse with his fangs but dosn't wish to repell or frighten the human or elf. They tend to see ripping a throat out as disquiteing. Ken (GM): luls staying in place? Joush M.: Yep. No getting past me Ken (GM): kk Ken (GM) the elves continue to free their kin; theyre all babbling together in elvish Syviis Adjeon: Anything that she can make out that's important? Or just "Holy Crap we're free!" stuff? (To Falkirk): "Quickly! free the rest! Falkirk frowns Ken (GM): Bomrek! Bomrek: "Ive got these ones lad! Focus fire on the scary bitch with the magic!" he bellows, loosing a shot into the goatmen versus a 14 blam! P.P. A.: Syviis Adjeon: Anything that she can make out that's important? Or just "Holy Crap we're free!" stuff? Bomrek: the goatman failed to select bomrek as a gun-dodge P.P. A.: “Oh no, I forgot my hankerchief made of leaves!” Bomrek: blam 7 large piercing, that one is down takes her turn she steps forward, levels her arms, and black lightning races out, barraging the bridge with black electricity! Falkirk: oh noooo Bomrek: [imagine 1980's special effects here] Falkirk: I already am Joush M.: Brace yourself, she has post-productiong painting! Bomrek: okay, -4 for distance to each of you Fiss: Bomrek: FLASH! AH-AAAAAAH! Ken (GM): So! the lightning jags and zigs all over, forcing bomrek and PPA to defend it zooms past syviis and flakirk, just barely P.P. A.: fug Dodge, I guess Ken (GM): youre both at -2 for the attack coming from behind/side you bomrek is diving to make sure Suðri Skornbrekker fucking hell, never trust and elf or their magic Rolling 3d6 = 18 v5 P.P. A.: well shit Ken (GM): OH NOES Gray: Ken (GM): versus a 9 for bomrek [grya, you didnt get hit, no need to dodge] OH FUCK the dwarves! both of them Ken (GM): what are the ODDS Suthri getting hit in the left arm! Falkirk: the lightning fuses them together to create a single human Ken (GM): and bomrek in the torso! metal armor on your arm there sudri? plate right? DR 1 only Ken (GM): KABOOM P.P. A.: er, sec Light Plate, yes oh, torse *torso Medium Plate then oh wait, arm? P.P. A.: Arm is light plate Ken (GM): nah dude, youre getting it in the arm; 9 burning past DR P.P. A.: (note to self, don't multitask) Suðri Skornbrekker screams in pain! Ken (GM): you take 4! (max limb damage) and need to roll HT to retain the arm! Rolling 3d6 = 17 v11 Ken (GM): OH FUCK MAN P.P. A.: welp, there goes that arm Fiss: fuuu Falkirk: huh Ken (GM): currently crippled! another roll at end of combat to see if its charred Falkirk: well I cant fix arms oh I can do crippled ones P.P. A.: fucking elves [or people closely associated with elves] Falkirk: so long as it's still attatched Ken (GM): falkirk CAN save it if he tries hard (healer allows for it) bomrek! FUCK Joush M.: Dwarf with a robot arm comeing up Ken (GM): two layers of metal armor only, so 11 gets through sizzle sizzle major wound; he rolls HT versus knockdown/stun he's okay! just fucked up royally Falkirk swears quietly Falkirk: "So it's like that, is it?" Ken (GM): oh! PPA , Suðri needs to roll vs knockdown/stun as well for the major wound/crippled arm P.P. A.: Hm Where is that ;_; Ken (GM): roll vs HT Falkirk: should be just v HT P.P. A.: oh ok Falkirk: unless you have modifier advantages Ken (GM): + Fit, etc. Falkirk: like fit P.P. A.:I thought I forgot some stats 3 v11 please no triple sixes P.P. A.: er Ken (GM): CRITICAL SUCCESS nice P.P. A.: nono I mistyped Suðri Skornbrekker rolls vs HT again Rolling 3d6 = 11 v11 please no triple sixes P.P. A.: I typed 3v6 instead of 3d6, heh Ken (GM): ah! good catch AND YOU STILL GET AN 11 (dont forget to add 'hard to subdue' next time ;) P.P. A.: oops, forgot about that Ken (GM): But! other than the bridge and tents are now on fire, thats her turn the beastman struggling with gray reels, and backs off the other turns and tutles as well P.P. A.: >can shit evil lightning all over the place >still get captured by some generic enemies good job Ken (GM): falkirk! bomrek is screaming, as is Suðri Falkirk: what's the range pen between me and her? Ken (GM): -4 Joush M.: I think she's less captured then the big boss. Falkirk: okay so to hit the face is -5 right? Ken (GM): yes P.P. A.: There's two elves in front of her— oh wait, she's the one in front, right? I was about to say “There's two elves in front of her, they might slow down the bullet!” Ken (GM): luls, shes north of you guys P.P. A.: Oooh Falkirk hurls back a sleeve, steadying his aim with his staff and faces the spooky bitch Falkirk: "Keep pressure on that wound, I'll see to you just as soon as I can" aim manouver with acid, mechanically speaking Ken (GM): kk Syviis! P.P. A.: I completely misread then (To P.P. A.): Yeah, the attack came down from the north, swath of lightning accross the room and bridge (From P.P. A.): I interpreted “stepping form the shadows of the next room” as “being freed from the next cell”, heh Syviis Adjeon: She spins around and begins to pump energy into her arrow / aiming at the witchy woman With a fresh arrow Ken (GM): kk, fast draw, charging up! (To Fiss): so that will be 2d/+2FP cost for next turn Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! You are at -4 to any skills rolls from your wound; wat do? Joush M.: This bitch is clearly raceist Ken (GM): hah! only dwarves get injured P.P. A.: >-4 to anything Falkirk: shock penalty is a bitch Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hnngh...” The dwarf grasps his arm, his aim definitely lost. Falkirk: how's your HP? Suðri Skornbrekker turns around to face the witch bitch, but as he reaches for his musket with his healthy arm, pain jolts through his body. Ken (GM): oh! Will roll to keep it if you want P.P. A.: Nah, it's fine Ken (GM): kk P.P. A.: 3/12 HP left Ken (GM): after 4 damage total? P.P. A.: I thought it was 9 10-1DR Falkirk: you can only take half your HP in limb damage P.P. A.: Oh, I see Falkirk: after that point the limb is crippled and the damage only serves to fuck the limb up Ken (GM): [damage maxes out at 1/3 HP in a limb/extremity. so 4] Falkirk: is it 1/3? Ken (GM): P.P. A.: I thought that it was 9 HP damage, and then some separate counter for the limb sorry, first time I took damage in GURPS :D in that case, 8/12 Falkirk: grats Joush M.: limbs are 1/2 +1, IIRC, to cripple Falkirk: alright you're fine then Ken (GM): limbs is 1/3! Falkirk: are you sure you're not thinking of extremities? Ken (GM): oh fuck youre right Suðri Skornbrekker decides that aiming at a shrieking demoness, with one arm, on a burning bridge is going to be a little too difficult to be worth the risk. Ken (GM): reading the wrong line ;p; Falkirk: hueh, it's coo Ken (GM): so, 6 damage then; hes at half HP Falkirk: let's keep the train rolling P.P. A.: is Bomrek out cold? Falkirk: he's stunned Ken (GM): nope, lying down, screaming (he dove and dodged) Ken (GM) the bridge burns dramatically around him (To P.P. A.): doing the math, one handing this thing is a-3 net between your strength and such. fyi for next round (From P.P. A.): so it'll be -3, -4 for being shocked, and then plus the usual aim bonuses? Gray shakes off the concussion from the brutal and bright lightning in the closed, dim space. "She's powerful!.. Get the elves and wounded back out of her view!" As he strikes at the beastmen ahead of him. Ken (GM): target? Gray: Ken (GM): nice macro? Joush M.: The one directly ahead of him. It's at -1 to defend Ken (GM): he's wary, and tries to block (but you wounded the shit out of him) NOPE he takes it like a bitch his luck has run out! damage! Gray: Ken (GM): noice, he goes down, nearly in two no step? Gray cast the man aside with a brutal slash from the sword and steps forward to take it's place. "Face me, Witch! Do not harm the others!" Ken (GM): ooOooo (To Falkirk): Where is ti?! Falkirk: "Sylvis, talk some sense to those damn elves. We've got no time for this." Bomrek: Bomrek stays laying down on the bridge, and moans loudly "Falkirk, I think youre gonna earn your share today. I'm Bacon" Bomrek smoke rises from the scorched metal of his breast Joush M.: Man, really should have checked the elves for bloodroot contamination before I let that one free to free the others Falkirk: "Just stay low and don't move too much. I'll have you up just as soon as we deal with this." Ken (GM) the witch cackles, madly, swilring her hands about, gathering black lightning again Falkirk: "Oh no you don't!" Ken (GM): In a lilting accent, she answers Gray's challenge "Come for ME oh scorned one! meet your mistress!" the goatman swings his pick at gray! Gray! do you defend? Gray: Ken (GM): nice Gray uses his heavy shield to defend himself, the scarred oak earning it's place today. Ken (GM): his pick lodges in your shield! and the bugger leaves it there! falkirk! (To Gray): that will take a ST check and a free hand to clear Falkirk: 15 skill and 3 aim gives me 18 base -4 for range I'd like to roll to hit as in for location Ken (GM): random shot? kk Joush M.: Nice. I've got a pickshield now. Should make it hurt more for bashing Rolling 3d6 = 13 v14 Ken (GM): woo! Rolling 3d6 = 9 location torso ok Ken (GM): The cackling ceases abruptly, as you splash her chest with acid Joush M.: Woo! Ken (GM): 1d corrosive right? +1, 1 second cycle? Falkirk: erm yeah 1d6 per second the cyclic part resistable cor Ken (GM): kk; roll on good sir! Falkirk: no defense? Ken (GM): overconfidence is a bitch; she kept doing her magic instead Falkirk: alright Rolling 1d6 = 6 BOOM Ken (GM): daaaaamn Fiss: Noice! Ken (GM) over the crackling of the bridge fire, you hear the sizzle of her flesh Ken (GM): she reels, falls screaming, her magic scattering she is prine Prone* Syviis! Syviis Adjeon doesn't take her eyes off the Witch, but shouts to the elves Syviis Adjeon: "Brothers and Sisters, time is critical if you wish to escape! What is the matter?" (To Falkirk): " P.P. A.: “This door is made of the wood of the endangered Elfoak Tree that only grows in the eastern forests!” Joush M.: Falkirk isn't just throwing acid. he's also throwing shade Ken (GM): woop woop! P.P. A.: “We must contact Greenears immediately!” Syviis Adjeon sighs and runs towards the elves, hoping to discover what is going on (To Fiss): There is a slavering on their mouths, and a madness i ntheir eyes. Youve never seen this kind of hunger before (To Fiss): yeah, it just requires concentration Suðri Skornbrekker: “Falkirk,” the dwarf yells, “shoot her?!” He doesn't feel like formulating a proper sentence and just wants an answer quickly. Suðri Skornbrekker , having seen her go down, is unsure if she is dead or merely fell over, but is still a treat Falkirk: "She'll not be bothering us for a few seconds, enough for me to fix that little singe on your arm at least. Hold still." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Work your magic, but with less lightnings please.” Suðri Skornbrekker turns himself so that Falkirk can work on his arm Ken (GM): so, just a continued aim on her then? P.P. A.: Not sure; you said the left arm was singed, right? He'd have to turn around to let Falkirk help him, or can it be expected that he walks around him? Ken (GM): it can be expected P.P. A.: ok then yeah, continued aim Ken (GM): kk Ken (GM) a dark presence looms Fiss: QUICK! ATTACK THE DARKNESS! Ken (GM) hovering above the floor like some obscene thing Falkirk: it's cthulul Ken (GM) some sort of green fleshed...thing draws near. Its hands contorting in jerky inhuman movements. It's motions alien. Fiss: Fuckin mindflayers. Suðri Skornbrekker really hopes he is hallucinating from the pain right now. Ken (GM): and it flicks a hand up at you on the bridge One of the discarded muskets flings itself though the air, hovering in front of the ...thing Joush M.: Well, fuck P.P. A.: Do bullets kill mindflayers? Ken (GM): It looks at it, as if studying the weapon Falkirk: "We should never have come here." Ken (GM): a moment later, the universe folds in on itself, and the thing is gone falkirk and Suðri ! Will roll +6 please! Suðri Skornbrekker that's what we get for trying to help elves Rolling 3d6 = 12 v12+6 Ken (GM): nice roll, Falkirk? Falkirk: hm? Ken (GM): roll vs will +6 please? Falkirk: OH Ken (GM): lol Falkirk: yeah sorry didnt see that Rolling 3d6 = 4 v17 neat Ken (GM): nice! crit success Falkirk: yup Ken (GM) it is gone, with no trace of its passage Ken (GM): Gray! Gray leaves the pick in the shield for the moment and instead strikes at the one in front of him. Gray: Joush M.: Not this time Ken (GM): booo Ken (GM) the elves frantically break into the rooms, wailing in a panic, angrier by the second (To Falkirk): "Help us! or get out of our way! (To Fiss): Perception check? Falkirk: "They can be angry once I'm not knee-deep in dying dwarves!" P.P. A.: I'd make a joke here but I don't know how to translate a word into English ;_; Ken (GM): lol :) Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hey, not a nice... argh... time to make fun of our height.” Ken (GM): hah! P.P. A.: (unrelated to the elf joke I lack the vocabulary for) Ken (GM): the witch writhes on the ground, and the beastman backs up from gray, shield up he nearly trips over the slew of fallen comradeson the ground Falkirk! Falkirk crouches down, grabbing Suori's burned arm and quetly muttering enchantments Falkirk: I'm taking 2 turns for the +1 Ken (GM): kk Syviis! The crazed elves look ready to break, wat do? Fiss: Syviis continues to try go figure out what the hell is going on "I'll help if I can, but I need to know what you're doing!" Ken (GM): Roll perception for me here? Fiss: (To Fiss): Likely, what theyre after is in the room behind you, and they mean to have it Joush M.: What do your elf eyes see? (To Fiss): this is nothing youve seen or heard of before; roll vs IQ? Syviis Adjeon: Joush M.: furious whispering? Syviis Adjeon: Beat by 2 (To Fiss): youre not sure of the specifics, but you get the gist that it would be bad for them to 'ge tthe blood' as it were Syviis Adjeon clears her throat and tightens her grip on her bow. "You would do best not to have this foul concoction. Please, calm yourselves." P.P. A.: brb Ken (GM): kk Syviis Adjeon: end Ken (GM): lol k Skornbrekker I will assume maintains position so falkirk can heal him, retaining his aim on the witch oh! falkirk! roll your second 1d of corrosion vs the witch please! almost forgot her dyking horribly dying Fiss: Dyking? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ken (GM): ::P Joush M.: It's resistable though? So she might shrug it off and just be terrebly maimed? Rolling 1d6 = 5 Ken (GM): ah yeah, she gets a HT versus? DX? Falkirk: I didnt buy the modifier to make it DX but it seems more logical to resist it with DX Ken (GM): kk, so HT Falkirk: ite Ken (GM): nope she sizzles and gasps and stops moving Gray! the beastman is wary of you! and the elves are desperate! Ken (GM): and the dwarves crispy! wat do? Gray frowns at the disruption behind him. "Yeld and live. I will not ask again" He demands of the unarmed beastman as he steps back. Joush M.: There's plenty of weapons at the beastman's feet if he has the courage to lift one, but there's little hope he will have more luck then the others. Gray ofers him a chance to surrender. Ken (GM): oOooo honorabru! (To Falkirk): "No! we must have it! you cannot know this thirst! You cursed bitch!" they howl angrily, staying back from Syviis's electrified bow Ken (GM): *clamour Bomrek, rises somewhat unsteadily he mutters about magic, elves, and witches in general The beastman considers gray's offer, and kneels to pick up a fallen axe falkirk! healu! at +!! Ken (GM): +1! Falkirk: okay okay 12IQ, -6 for crippled, +3 for talent +1 Rolling 3d6 = 13 v10 Ken (GM): booooo Falkirk continues muttering his incantation, growing somewhat frustrated Ken (GM): got any spare character points to buy up to a match? Falkirk: not worth it I'll fix it later Ken (GM): lol Falkirk: psh you've got two arms P.P. A.: Sorry, I got a call Ken (GM): no worries; falkirk just failed to heal your arm with magic P.P. A.: >Skornbrekker I will assume maintains position so falkirk can heal him, retaining his aim on the witch yeah, pretty much Ken (GM): witch died, elves going crazy syviis! P.P. A.: ding dong the witch is dead might as well stop aiming then no wait, the mindflayer might reappear (I know it won't, but Suthri doesn't, and he wants to shoot at it immediately if it does come back) so he maintains aim Syviis Adjeon: Syviis Adjeon doesn't raise her bow, but it seems to crackle and flicker with more power Ken (GM): soooo intimidating the group? bristling with energy n all? Syviis Adjeon: Yes What's the default? :P (From Syviis Adjeon): I can stun them with my arrow's power...but that still involves Ken (GM): intimidate is will based; feel free to add your magic +1 there Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: It covered his x number of eyes with his hand-like appendages like a child Syviis Adjeon: 7 on... I don't know. Will is 13 for her P.P. A.: but because he doesn't obey the laws of physics, it actually worked and we can't see him now Ken (GM): well, 8 on a 13 default+1 so match-ish the elves seem to catch your drift, and back up grim, but not pressing the issue Syviis Adjeon nods curtly. "We'll see to your hunger as soon as we can, you have my word." Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker keeps aiming in case the mindflayer comes back, he's not risking that. Suðri Skornbrekker: “How's—” he decides it's unwise to ask Falkirk how his healing is going, given that they're on a burning bridge with another dying dwarf next to them. Ken (GM): hah Suðri Skornbrekker just keeps aiming and trusts the doctor to do his best. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Bomrek, and you?” Ken (GM): gray! the beastman took up an axe, and hes down on a knee, wat do? Gray grumbles and growls as the beastmen takes the axe, nodding to him at the choice he'd made. It's almost respectful, he might have made the same. He charges forward and strikes. Ken (GM): rawr Gray: Ken (GM): daaang the beastman is chopped, as you swing thither and so he doesnt get his shield up in time Gray: Ken (GM): gwaddamn splurch Gray his hard enough that it's over fast, at least, flicking heavy drops of blood from the blade then turning in case the elven maiden requires aid with the others. Looking to the ones they've freed, scenting the air and looking at their mouths. (To Gray): definitley that sickly sweet syrup you guys found back at Glardenfen. Smells of blood and sweetness, and something more Falkirk: is combat over? Ken (GM): yes it is falkirk! a few seconds of quiet pass... trying another heal? Falkirk: First thing I'm doing, healing Bomrek for 6 Ken (GM): kk Falkirk: is he concious? Ken (GM): yes just fucked up Rolling 3d6 = 8 v15 Ken (GM): Suðri ! roll vs HT again to see how bad your arm is; permanently fucked, or no nice one falkirk, magic surges in to bomrek and hes healed Suðri Skornbrekker rolls vs HT Rolling 3d6 = 14 v11 P.P. A.: welp Gray speaks to Silyvais in that low, deep voice. "They've taken in blood and honey and deathroot. I don't know what that dose, but it's nothing good or right." Ken (GM): boooo Falkirk: how permanent is permanent? Ken (GM): magic can heal it otherwise looooong healing process Falkirk: "Aye it's a nasty burn, hold still and I'll give it another go." Falkirk rolls both sleeves up and lays on his hands, slowly walking through an incantation Falkirk: I want to take 16 seconds this time Suðri Skornbrekker: “So what's the situation? Are all the enemies dead?” Falkirk: for +4, to negate the -4 Ken (GM) the elves stay back, with gray and Syviis interposing Ken (GM): sounds good falkirk Rolling 3d6 = 11 v9 shit Ken (GM): sonofa Falkirk curses under his breath as the magic fizzles again, clearly drained from the excertions. Falkirk: "I'm gonnae have to try... try it again later. In the meantime... I can patch you up with proper supplies at the horse." Falkirk stands Falkirk: "But for now, we need to get out of here." Ken (GM): Bomrek busies himself putting out the fires (luckily the wood was relatively wet and not burning fiercely) Suðri Skornbrekker: “All right, I appreciate it Doc.” Gray looks back to Falkirk, jaw clenching a moment and wishing he could do something to help with his injured friends. There's no magic to the beast, not beyond his own inhuman abilities however. Nothing that could help someone else. "As you say, physican. Do we have time to search the place?" Ken (GM): the tents below arecatching nicely though Falkirk: "Ask the architect, I've no eye for how long this bridge will stand." Suðri Skornbrekker: “If all else fails, I might have to borrow some of Bomrek's pistols.” Suðri laughs weakly. Gray nods to Suori. "It's just an arm. You've got a spare" Rolling 3d6 = 13 v11 P.P. A.: it's just not my day Falkirk: you're telling me Ken (GM): your arm hurts, a lot, and doesnt move if you try to do anything with it Gray nods to Falkirk then before turning to the elves. "Can you guide them outside, Lady? I will search the cells and open this last room to make sure we leave noone behind." Ken (GM): under the metal armor is a smell like roasted meat. Its sickeningly appetizing Syviis Adjeon nods quickly P.P. A.: Aren't elves cannibals? Syviis Adjeon: "This way, my brothers and sisters." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I don't know, but I wouldn't risk anything. Let's just get out of here.” Ken (GM) the elves unhappily duck Gray and follow Syviis outside Syviis Adjeon: *will be on the lookout for more trouble as she exits ahead Suðri Skornbrekker feels very uncomfortable with his arm limb and lifeless as it is, but he can pity himself after they're out of the burning, smoke- and blood-filled cavern. P.P. A.: *limp (To Falkirk): You notice torchlight, and more room North. And a glimpse of some kind of statue shimmering in the light? Suðri Skornbrekker throws an angry gaze at the elves. and leans against a rock. Ken (GM): Gray finds a room full of jugs; the stench of the bloodroot is strong here. Broken jugs lay discarded, wet with red stickly sap Falkirk: "Looks like we missed a room. We should wait until the fire burns out and head back in." Gray snarls at the room but nods. He's almost expected it. he walks down the hall, looking into each cell, examineing them as he goes. The smoke dosn't seem too bad to the feral beast, but he dose work with a purpose. Ken (GM): most are empty, except for one, where a heap of fine elven bows and swords lay discarded, with quivers of arrows as well likely the scouts equipment you see six sets Gray makes a note of that in his mind, walking in and wondering why the elves diden't collect these.. perhaps out of fear that he or the others would react badly to them being armed. He collects the equipment and hauls it up, manageing the weight and bulk somewhat akwardly as he checks the rest of the place before heading out to join the others. (To Gray): Blood roots grow in the south of the large cavern, and other than the room beyond the North wall, just the bloody dead lie here now Suðri Skornbrekker does it all with the right hand, and swallows a few hearty sips, before returning to the rocks for shadow. Ken (GM): "hey, where did the fourth spare musket go?" Bomrek asks Suðri Skornbrekker pain jolts through his head. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Doctor... Did you see that too?” Falkirk looks up, face slightly red Falkirk: "Did I see what?" Falkirk slowly stands after a few minutes of catching his breath, heading towards the spear he found earlier Suðri Skornbrekker: “That... thing. It picked up the musket somehow, and then—” Suðri Skornbrekker holds his head and tries to remember, but his memories don't make sense. Suðri Skornbrekker: “It stood over the witch and then... warbled out of... space. (To Gray): You realise, witnessing the thing fold reality did nothing to you. but seems to have affected Suðri rather deeply Falkirk seems to weigh the spear and his staff in his hands, holding the spear and resting his weight on it Rolling 3d6 = 6 v11 (To Falkirk): NICE. So, with the planes, theres the world, the spirit realm, and the places beyond that. Not much is written about the beyond, but what lore that does exist if often tied up with the demons lore as well Falkirk heads back to his sitting stone, walking using the spear, seemingly satisfied with how it feels in-han (To Falkirk): Very likely what you saw was a servant of this dark place. A mind flayer; a creature of alien intelligence, father of demons, consumer of the brain and soul itslef Falkirk: "It's much more unusual than a little aetherial galvanic discharge, but at the moment I have more pressing concerns than the underlying secrets of the universe and their place in this situation." "Such as catching my breath." Falkirk sits again atop his rock Gray: "Aye. Rest, physican. Tell me if there's anything you require." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I've seen—but not felt—people throwing lighting around,” Suðri responds, and motions towards Syviis, “but that thing was about as bizarre as that shaman's ungodly blood demon.” Gray sets the weapons down where Siylvis can see them and lets her make the choice if the survivors of the elf scouts should be rearmed or not. Suðri Skornbrekker: “And then it just... Magic lightning is one thing; it's lightning, though magic in origin, and maybe weird in some way. But I cannot even tell that that thing Suðri Skornbrekker tries to channel the pain he thus remembers is there into something productive, like angrily staring at the elves. Ken (GM): Bomrek takes that hint, and starts the cleaning and reloading of everything spare, leaving Suðri his personal longarm Suðri Skornbrekker thanks him. Suðri Skornbrekker: “That's what we get for helping knife-ears, eh?” Ken (GM): Syviis Adjeon: "If you're so concerned, you can stay with the horses next time and guard them from stray dogs," Syviis mutters, mostly to herself, knowing this isn't the time to get pissed off at a wounded man Gray nods. "You've sacraficed a lot for this. Thank you for following me. I don't think I could have survived that without your fire." He offers a drink to Suori. Ken (GM): + Syviis Adjeon: Yep "Yarp" Ken (GM): lol Gray nods to the dwarf, considering a moment saying more before words fail him and he simply nods. Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk responds in elvish Falkirk: "I'll take a watch later on if needs be. Rest sounds good, at least while we wait for the fire to die." Gray dosn't understand the words, but will stand guard a moment before a thought seems to occure to him. He goes back into the dimly lit caves alone, planning to destory the blood, honey and bloodroot mix to remove the temptation for the elven captives. Ken (GM): okie dokie big clay jugs, a few gallons each. Whatcha doing with them? Joush M.: Gray will toss them into a tent fire, if one's still burning. Ken (GM): ahh, kk so you haul one out, and toss it down on the burning bits. The jug bursts accross the fire and a massive plume of fire bursts up into the air like a pitchy fireball so DX for me as that explodes up at you? Gray: Ken (GM): nice Joush M.: Dose Gray smell any sulpher or saltpeter in the smoke? Ken (GM): so you duck out of the way, and the massive plume passes by you. Singes some hair but nothing worse than that it doesnt smell like gunpowder or anything but as you do take a whiff, roll vs HT for me? Ken (GM) a massive rumbling boom and black smoke pours out of the cavew entrance Gray: Ken (GM): Fiss! your up on top of the place; the black cloud flows over you! roll HT fo rme please! Syviis Adjeon: ...damn. Vs a 10 Yus (asuming fit helps?) If not, fail by 1 Ken (GM): nice, so a match for each of you! you both get an incredible hungry urge for some of that bloody mess. but you stamp it down the elves outside sniff at the air they lick their lips and they stir form their doze they have a kind of glazed look in their eyes Falkirk: "Alright, I see what's going on here." Gray licks his lips and growls, the hunger riseing before he stamps it down and turns to destory the rest of the jugs.. these ones simply get smashed on the ground. Falkirk: "Somebody tie up the elves." Ken (GM): bomrek grins and gets a rope for mhis horse "Syviis! keep your bow on your friends!" he calls out Syviis Adjeon readies her bow, but does not raise it unless needed. Ken (GM): gray, you find the other jugs back in the room; smashing them in there? Suðri Skornbrekker: “Bomrek, mind lending me one of your pistols as a backup?” Syviis Adjeon: "My friends, the hunger will pass. Perhaps some more substantial food in the form of a meal will help." Ken (GM) the elves look unsteady, and very distraught Falkirk: yo where are the horses Falkirk speaks softly Falkirk: in elvish (From Falkirk): "You've been tainted by whatever those beasts were doing to you. I'm a physician. Please just trust us for now, I can fix you." Fiss: Eaten by velociraptors, most likely. Falkirk returns, wearing the beaked plague mask and holding out enough for the group barring the elves with one spare. (To Falkirk): the elves seem startled at your words. They calm a bit, but still look very much so medically addicted. They strain to hold themselves back Suðri Skornbrekker after putting on the mask akwardly Ken (GM): bomrek as well, cursing about the lack of a view, but thanking falkirk all the same (To Gray): the jugs smash easily, the room now slick with a pool of the cursed red ichor. The other rooms are really quite bare, aside from the North one above youve yet to explore. After the explosion, the fires are now out, but a rime of black is strewn about the room. Stick on everything Falkirk: so are the elves tied up yet? Ken (GM): the elves allow bomrek to bind their hands in one long chain they keep a steady eye on you falkirk, as he goes about the work (To Gray): Her skin is red, as well as her insides Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'm coming along.” Ken (GM): the smoke has cleared (From Falkirk): "If you're hungry, we have food. What exactly happened in that cave?" Suðri Skornbrekker glances at the witch, but it doesn't bother him. She got her due, by the looks of it. Ken (GM): brb, 1 sec P.P. A.: k Gray seems shocked by the huge northern room, looking around it, ten to the arched serpentine statues far from them in the cavernous space. Ken (GM): back; baby duties Fiss: how is babby formed? Ken (GM) Massive statues of serpents flank the far ends of this room, while a fountain carved the same, pours a spigot of clear water into a pool Falkirk: oh great more statues Ken (GM) on the one wall, a tent with fine trappings inside, including rugs and silks. On the other wall, hide tents and furs Fiss: Snaaaaaaaaaaaaake maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The statues are marginally newer, but the whole place is very very old Ken (GM) Glinting in the dim room, the statues are scaled with shiny black stone (Onyx or obsidian maybe?) and the pool holds golden treasures (From Falkirk): Did you get my whisper? I d/c'd Gray looks at the treasures, then around alert. "Bait" he says tensely. (From Falkirk): It's cool, do the guys inside first Falkirk: beb brb too Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hm, they are older than I thought, actually. Not as old at the rest, but...” (From Falkirk): "Where does the blood come from? Who's blood is it?" Ken (GM) they resemble the statuette you recovered weeks ago, from the Statue of horns. Just....very much so bigger Falkirk: split-party GMing is the worst I feel nothing but empathy Rolling 3d6 = 11 v13 diagnosis roll to figure out wtf is the deal (From Falkirk): Alright Falkirk slowly stands, heading inside to the follow the other two Falkirk: "Keep an eye on the elves, they're not likely to be in a good way for a while." Gray looks to the treasure. "Valueble, as far as it goes. I wish this place wasn't so unsettleing, This room would make a decent place to recover from our wounds." (To Falkirk): Definitley the same demon prince as before, depicted in much larger statuary Syviis Adjeon also does that Suðri Skornbrekker: “I would feel safe between these walls if the place didn't reek of smouldering death.” Suðri Skornbrekker nods to Falkirk. Ken (GM): Bomrek add "dont you feed them any of my bread! it will be wasted on them!" Joush M.: Should we call it a night? It's getting a bit late. Falkirk: "Is there any of that blood mixture left unburned?" Gandalf G.: I am moving house tommorow, I'd like to continue but I probably should agree with you. Ken (GM): ah yeah, lets wrap here for the time being then! P.P. A.: all-right Ken (GM): 4 XP you wackos. That was an intense fight! P.P. A.: Sorry for spacing out a bit near the beginning, I was distracted by some stuff going on in a chat where I had to mediate Gray admits to Falkirk. "What I smashed on the floor." Joush M.: Thanks man, it was a very good game Ken (GM): thank ! Yo uguys are hella fun to game with! P.P. A.: I'll be investing in Guns (Handguns) next session, when I get an opportunity to fluff it and yeah, thanks for the session Ken (GM): sounds good; make sure to double check your levels. If your guns (musket) is high enough you get a good default level P.P. A.: intense and ominous as always! Gandalf G.: I can put that arm back Ken (GM): I am for it :D glad to see it comes accross P.P. A.: (and great work with the map) Gandalf G.: I'll just need 24 hours to realistically give it another go P.P. A.: (the piled up corpses and lingering smoke are quite a sight) Gandalf G.: also breh what do you use for the maps? Joush M.: Is there a way to protect other people with your shield if you are next to people? Ken (GM): yeah, he should bprobably have the horrific burn dressed as well, in the meantime infection and all weeping bloody char Gandalf G.: dont worry, the leeches are coming out Ken (GM): lol @joush; you can sacrificial dodge, I know. I have the vaguest idea Martial arts has a sacrifice block as well, just cant recall off the top of my head seems doable, maybe. god forbid we make it a houserules technique Joush M.: /o Humm.. Or maybe I could just stand there and act as cover Ken (GM): be big, get in the way? Joush M.: Thank you for running the game today! I had fun.. yeah Joush M. used HUGE. It's super effective! Fiss: Have a good one folks! :D Joush M.: You too Ken (GM): I gotta baby wrangle! send me a line if you guys need anything :D P.P. A.: o/ Hello Joush M.: Hey, how's it going? P.P. A.: Got exams coming up Also my PC is crashing every half an hour today for some reason, so if I disappear, that's the cause And you? Joush M.: I'm okay. I hope you get good luck with exams, that's got to be some stress. You think the PC is a thermal problem or maybe a memory leak? Ken (GM): whatup? P.P. A.: Thermal problem would make sense because it's getting pretty warm, but when I feel the PC itself it's not actually hot Hi there Joush M.: Hey Ken. Did you have a good camping adventure? Ken (GM): camping didnt happen, but a massive server faillure at work had me tied up instead, which was fun so I didnt vacation, but I was available to take an on call issue for my boss. Just the same, Id rather have been gaming last weekend either way :yo fiss! Fiss: zup! Ken (GM): gandalf also incoming,. and bomrek at about 1~ due to work schedule shit! its gonna be a full house this week! Joush M.: Ouch, well I'm glad to see you again. I'm sorry your last weekend turned into a work related cluster. Also, yay, everybody is in! well not everybody, but everybody is comeing Ken (GM): could have been worse; If I had stayed camping, we'd have been knee deep in clay mud and covered in bugs, and my boss would have been pissed I was unavailable Gandalf G.: ayy Ken (GM): some kind of gandalf! so, hows the rest of ya? Alive and well? Gandalf G.: I'm ite P.P. A.: brb restarting manually to save some changes Gandalf G.: moving house twice in a month tho Ken (GM): sheeeeeeit; renting, right? Joush M.: Going full hermit crab there Gandalf G.: yeh moved back in with the folkd folks who are in the process of a move so busy mostly Ken (GM): ah jeez. Yeah youre living out of boxes for awhile Gandalf G.: yup we're just missing lil' hitler then? Ken (GM): yeah and he gave me the heads up his shift ends around now, so he'll jump in when he can in about an hour or so as long as you guys dont burn down the universe by then he shoul dbe good Fiss: I make no promises on the universe-burning Ken (GM): SPEAKING OF WHICH, you guys had cleared the cavern and temple, freed the slaved elves, burned ALL THE DRUGS and were now prodding suspicious gold, yes? Gandalf G.: yes and souri got disarmed Ken (GM): Falkirk had the spear, Syviis was on watch with crispy Suthri, Bomrek Grey and Falkirk were prodding P.P. A.: No, the othee way round Ken (GM): prodding/looting/being paranoid of the big shiny statue P.P. A.: Suþri was prodding, Bomrek was engaging in interracial BDSM Gray went full Nacey Regan on that cave of drugs Gandalf G.: I did have the spear tho since spears work as staffs Ken (GM): oh I see, bomrek on guard (racism suspicions) and Suthri poking with gray Gray thinks a moment, then ask Falkirk. "Magic seems extremely powerful. Is there some way for us to defend themselves from something like the witch?" Ken (GM): a little lightning-shy after last session's dwarven BBQ? Falkirk pauses and scratches his chin Falkirk: "An astute question, considering..." Falkirk pauses with a furrowed brow Falkirk: I paused twice in a row gg Falkirk cycles through multiple expressions, as he seems to decide on the best angle to approach the issue (To Fiss): when you wanna come by for mead tonight? (From Fiss): Depends on rain/weather, gotta do some work on ze bike but I suppose anytime this evening is cool Gray tries to follow the complicated reply, listening intently to the wise old man that seems to lean on his new spear. The towering brute kneels, examineing the pond and snake now that it seems the area isn't trapped. Falkirk: "Say I were to conjure a ball of flame and hurl it. While it was magic that called forth and shaped the ball, once it's on its way, it's no different to any ball of phlogiston. You'd want a shield that won't burn. For lightning, galvanic armour would do you well." Falkirk seems to be lost in his own lecture and is smiling softly Falkirk: "Those are the easy ones." "The other way a magician can attack you is to apply the magic directly on yourself. A mental assault of an attempt to seize power from your body." "For that one needs an iron will to fight back. I've read of special methods to consciously resist these applications of magic, but they are always vague and allusionary..." "Of course, as with anything, the fastest way to stop someone from being able to attack you is by being on the closed end of a cannon." Falkirk shakes his head gently, as if waking from a nap Falkirk: "Now, quite enough on the nature of the aether. We were doing... something." Suðri Skornbrekker: “So, in short: there are elements conjured through magic, but otherwise behaving as they would in nature; and magic that tries to twist the mind.” Ken (GM): [nodding intensifies] (To Fiss): Cool anytime then man, I'm just kicking about at home while erin is ata funeral all evening. Her grampa's GF died last week. Falkirk: "Not just your mind. With a moment's application I could freeze every muscle in your body and your only recourse would be to reject the magic from your being." "But aye, having a strong mind will protect you against almost anything that a good shield and armour will not." Ken (GM) each of the objects shines bright and clear, even in the dim light here Ken (GM): ... you guys still not doing anything to the pool of water and shiny gold? Falkirk: I am but just a sec finding my sheet Joush M.: I want someone else to grab it. I've still got two arms.. Ken (GM): lol Falkirk: gotta brb family being shit\ and back Joush M.: Welcome back Ken (GM) the garment comes out of the water easily. It is heavy and sodden; its a shirt of some chain links of a heavy bronzed metal, with plates of gold the size of a mans palm linked across it. It seems to be an armored shirt of some kind, but decorated with flowing geometric swirls on all the bars of golden brassy metal Falkirk: I'd like to see if I can recognise it with a relevant skill Gray reaches again into the water, takeing up other items, a septer held in a massive hand then setting it aside carefully. He's never really understood what those are fore. (To Falkirk): Very likely this is a bronze/gold metal too. The armor could be worn effectively as heavy chain armor and still be serviceable. Its a bit heavy but its strong Falkirk: "That being said, if you want to use the mail, you wouldn't be amiss. Looks solid from here." Gray nods. "Seems wrong to use that mace. It's so richly decorated." P.P. A.: what was that statue of the king called again? Ken (GM): The statue of horns (named for the battle of horns, where he slew the horned King in battle so many years ago) P.P. A.: thanks Ken (GM): np (To Falkirk): The demonic snake thing in your inventory sheet :P Yeah you have it, and it looks exactly like these statues here Gray goes to recover the rest of the items, thinking at last there won't be a trap here. Falkirk: "Aye, the little snake one. What of it?" (To Falkirk): In this dark place, you see the gleam of magic twinkling in the stauette's eyes. The aura of malevolence amplifies in the statue as you hold it out here, exposed in the temple Ken (GM): Nearly identical, excluding scale. a hooded cobra, coled upon itself, looming with glimmering red eyes Falkirk: "I'm... not sure we should stick around for much longer." Suðri Skornbrekker: “The resemblance is striking,” he muses as he returns the statuette to Falkirk. “This hall, however, is ancient indeed, and the statues are not much younger.” “Do you think that the folk we encountered found the little one in this room and—” he interrupts his line of thought at Falkirk's comment. “Something wrong?” Falkirk frowns at the small statue Falkirk: "I'm getting a wee bit of a bad feeling. Let's hurry it up." Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Ken (GM): :D P.P. A.: (What is love? Baby don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more) Suðri Skornbrekker: “If you can tie up some of the treasure in a blanket or something, I can help you carry,”, Suðri proposes to Gray. Ken (GM): so between the two of you, hauling it outside? Suðri Skornbrekker can at least shoulder a bag. P.P. A.: aye Ken (GM): doable; heaped into a wad, the trinkets are a bit heavy but you guys can manage getting it out of the temple without buch issue (To Falkirk): you as well? (To Falkirk): or dwelling in the dark place? Falkirk turns to join them, spear clacking on the hard stone Ken (GM): Gray ask the others. "I don't like turning back so soon, but should we deliver the elves and this pile of treasure to the outpost?" (To Fiss): So, they were headed South into the forbidden lands as a forward scout; they had orders to locate settlements or villages the army should be aware of beyond the border picket line P.P. A.: geez (To Fiss): That was the day before last; they were fed the syrup and each succumbed to the stuff near instantly. They were given a small cup, and if they refused, it was put to their lips. Within minutes they were begging for more Ken (GM): .em Bomrek's eyes alight as the sight of shimmering golden treasure left in the sun Syviis Adjeon writes down "Seems they too wanted to investigate the source of the ravaged town. Day before last they were captured and force-fed the syrup." Suðri Skornbrekker: “As I was musing earlier: the statues in that hall are ancient, but the mess we encountered at the Statue of Horns must have been much more recent. Do you think the folks of this place found the little statuette in the ruins and they or their witcher friends started using it for their rituals? There is no way that the cult that erected these statues survived into present times, or is there?” Falkirk nods slowly Falkirk: "the statues were one in the same, I think." "The witch ambushed them with a paralyzing black lightning...something we'll have to be sure to watch out for." Falkirk: "A Demon Prince, Apep." "And the things in the fountain were Old Gorgoth. It's all very old." Gray shurgs, the questions hard for him to consider so he turns to instead focus on something he might be able to do. nodding to the elf as he carefully, slowly reads what she's written, the massive beastman standing back from the captives and the 'young' ranger to keep from looming. "I spoke with the wizard. A shield can block some spells. For others, we can only make our minds a fortress" Falkirk: "Perhaps this is an old cult rearing its head anew. Perhaps there's more to it. I feel this is all part of one big puzzle." Bomrek: "Bloody stars and stones of the forefathers; this stuff is all plated with GOLD. We're RICH!" Bomrek has equal measures of excitement and wonder in his voice (To Fiss): He seems apologetic, bowing his head and addressing flakirk "All we know is there is a road leading South beyond the village we were ambushed in; it looked well used and could lead deeper into the cursed lands. Likely easier than foraging in the wild black" Syviis Adjeon: She continues to write notes, about the road South from the village, and asks their help with a map of the area Ken (GM) The scout helps Syviis jot down some details, indicting the road continued for some distance South, and was well used, likely a cart-path or horse-road Ken (GM): Bomrek turns to Suðri, his face severe and all business "Brother, youre sure this is all of it then? No lost baubles in the pool there?" Gray turns to the work of prepareing for travel, the brute ready to carry the weight and cleaning his sword after the battle inside. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Pretty sure that was all. It should be enough anyway, shouldn't it.” Falkirk withdraws from the conversation, apparently trusting Sylvis enough to deal with the elf situation. He bows his head in meditative rest. Syviis Adjeon: "Do you trust yourselves enough to be free'd for the hike back to the village? I have no desire to lead you like prisoners, but I understand if you wish to have temptations removed." Falkirk: "[Before we let them go, I'd at least like to try to ease their symptoms. I'll need some rest before I can, though]" Syviis Adjeon: "Perhaps rest is best advised, then. Thank you, Falkirk, let me know if you require anything, I'll do my best to help, but I'm afraid my magic might not be of much utility in this case" Ken (GM): The elves assure, they will be better with time, and Falkirks healing is welcome, but the group should not dwell here by the ruins. The plume of Bloody smoke is tempting enough, and the Elves would appreciate making headway before the end of the day Syviis Adjeon: [relaying intensifies] Ken (GM): [that sound agreeable to the party? Pack up from here, head back to the burnt out village today, letting falkirk rest a bit and dealing with things there?] Joush M.: Sounds good to me Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker starts packing his stuff on his horse since it's going to take longer than usual Falkirk: mhm Gray lends a hand to getting Suori packed up. Though he dose understand if the dwarf wants to do it himself. Ken (GM): "Absolutely Suðri! Think nothing of it Brother! You need ot be armed appropriately " :D Falkirk approaches the somewhat armless dwarf after a brief rest, clasping a glass jar of water. Small brownish wormlike creatures seem to be swimming around in it. Falkirk: "That wound is going to need desanguinating or it'll unbalance your humours. Open wound in an area full of blood."\ Suðri Skornbrekker glances at the jar briefly and averts his eyes. “I'd rather not see the worms feed on my dead body parts before I'm dead and in a coffin, but do your worst.” Falkirk: "Aye well. It's leeches while you're alive, or maggots after the fact. I take it you'll make the wise choice." Gray scents the air and prowls the camp once they are packed and ready to travel. He's hunting, watching for anything creeping up on them. Ken (GM): gnarly; Falkirk A roll against treatment (physician) and gray, Observation/perception Rolling 3d6 = 9 v12 I'm getting solid rolls yo Gray: Joush M.: vs 14 Perception. Poss. mods are +4 to scents and ignore up to -5 from darkness Ken (GM): nice, so Falkirk's treatment gets most of the char cleaned, the worst bits cleared and the whole thing properly bandaged. Falkirk finishes the bandaging with a promise he'll have the arm working by sunset tommorow Ken (GM): Gray the everwatchful assures there are no hidden sentries or ambushers. You do find there were lookout spots on the top of the hill, but no beastmen are left alive in these parts Suðri Skornbrekker thanks him for his efforts. Ken (GM): so,Suðri's arm is safe and bandaged; the work also drops 1d-1 HP returned to Suðri (whi should still be down 6HP from the attack, if I recall) P.P. A.: (or does Falkirk need to roll that?) Falkirk: I think we can just roll with it as-is Gray waits at the top of the hill a moment, watching around, hunting though the afternoon and satisfying himself there's no immidate dangers around them. Ken (GM): woo, 2hp! Falkirk: yo I gotta brb again Ken (GM): so, packing up your bits and things, Bomrek ensures all the remaining guns are cleaned and loaded before you all head out the treasures pack nicely, and he makes sure theyre nicely wrapped before loaded into saddlebags The elves, free of their bonds, re-arm themselves with what they can from the bits you recovered in the ruins. They retrieve their fallen comrade from the pit outside, and clean him before stowing his body, wrapped in a blanket from inside [looks like gandalfs pc might have died on him again :/ ] Joush M.: He's haveing a hard time of it Ken (GM): anything else you guys wanted to show onto the horses before heading back to the village? Joush M.: We checked the tents in the snake room for stuff, right? Ken (GM): ah, yeah a few baubles there as well! the priestess and one other (likely the bald scarred man who died near-instantly) each had some finer things in their tents. Theres a few large heavy rugs, finely crafted and designed. P.P. A.: We'll take these with us too, naturally unless there's any unidentified stains on them Ken (GM): as well as fine cots with down-stuffed bedding, and miscellaneous trinkets. Mostly brass personal basics, small baubles really P.P. A.: *unidentifiable Ken (GM): The priestess had a rather nice setup; everything was scented with some exotic incense, but was immaculate. She had a fine mirror, and some other vanities. Including a finewraught haribrish and a polishing brush Gray is wary of getting overburdened, but wiling to help out. He continues the adventure with a rug rolled and over a massive shoulder. At least it should make a good camping mat, if they don't mind useing it up. Ken (GM): seems shes packe dlightly, but she had a sack of fine clothes. Soft silken dresses and such things Suðri Skornbrekker half-jokingly proposes giving these to the elves Ken (GM): all told, the rug is about 30 pounds, and the various trinkets are 10, in a sack Gray lets someone else carry the trinkents and clothing, if they chose to. Ken (GM): this is the first loot he's had eyes on all game, hes looting Gray watches around them, as ever the beast alert for danger. Ken (GM): alright, so, nothing else pops from the shadows, and Bomrek finds nothing else left worth taking from the heaps the elves are good to litter carry their fallen brother ready to set out? Syviis Adjeon: yup P.P. A.: Hai Joush M.: Always ready Ken (GM): cest bon Ken (GM) The group departs, elves in tow, treasures heaped on horses. The smoldering ruins a blasted hole behind them Ken (GM): [map transition!] Joush M.: Time to put on the overworld music Adolf S.: Ayy P.P. A.: Hi there Adolf S.: What'd I miss, where are we, how's Bomrek. Ken (GM) The sun beats down in the dusty hills as you trek back to the village. The bloody streaks on the trail dried to a crust black. The going is limited to the speed of the hiking elves, but they keep respectable pace, even with a dead body carried between the four of them P.P. A.: Bomrek is happy because we have loot now many shinies also rugs Adolf S.: How many shinies. Ken (GM): much golden loots, so very wowo Adolf S.: How's Suthri's arm still misplaced? Gray moves ahead and scents the air like some kind of animal as he watches for danger. The beast carrying a rug as he stays in the lead. Occsionaly looking back to the others, checking on the elves. Joush M.: He's got a spair P.P. A.: yeah, but now it's been sucked dry by leeches The doc says this is a good thing Adolf S.: How's he been handling that? And how long has it been since his arm got fucked? P.P. A.: Only a few hours at this point Adolf S.: How's Suthri doin' considerin' that P.P. A.: He borrowed one of Bomrek's pistols for now, hope that's OK He's taking it in stride, although it's awkward Adolf S.: They're shit pistols, he doesn't mind. Alright. So... High spirits? Low Spirits? Middle-spirits? As far as general group atmosphere is right now Ken (GM): im sure bomrek is quite satisfied with the pounds of golden relics from the pool Suðri Skornbrekker hopes the doc will fix it and that it won't just be leeches again Bomrek: Did we rescue the slaves? How're they? Syviis Adjeon: The Elf scouting party is decimated, but the survivors are planning on coming back to the village with us, then we'll part ways. Bomrek: Bomrek gets a pocket full of the smaller bits of golden loot, assuming we've yet to divvy it up, and idly toys with it with his free hand as he rides, humming contentedly and doing the occasional slow, calm, whistled tune. Gray isn't happy a friend was hurt and he has little better idea how to defend them from magic then he did before, but otherwise he's fine. He's paitent with the elves. They represent a delay and a distraction from their mission, but he doesn't seem to mind. Ken (GM): so i'd say the partys at like 7/10? gove or take Bomrek: Gandalf G.: ok give me a sec to ketchup (To Bomrek): The baulbes you find yourself ogling are small bowls inlaid with precious stones (jade? turqouise? ruby?) as well as several small ornate knives, a few odd measuring tools you dont recognize the purpose of, and some small things with geometric designs that remind you of brain teaser puzzles (star and cube shaped baubles of precious metal Ken (GM) the trip back to the village only takes marginally more time than before. You return to the heaps of burned out tents, arrow-struck huts, and the charred mass of horses consumed by alchemical fire Bomrek: Did we ever find out who's camp this was exactly? The beastmen's, or the Elves? Falkirk takes a moment to silently mourn the loss of his last bottle of fire Ken (GM): this was some small beastman village; the residents were gone when the elves had come to investigate it themselves Ken (GM) After a few moments mourning their brethren, they see the char-pile of burned horses; they seem aghast at the charnal pile Gandalf G.: shiiiit gonna have to split /again/ I'll be back in like 40 mins Ken (GM): kk Bomrek: Bomrek's eyes glance over the Elves and their actions, and moves his hand once more to cup the treasures he has on his person, still looking content despite what he's seeing. (To Fiss): "What the fuck happened to our horses?!" Ken (GM) they seem quite irate about the horses Bomrek: Bomrek moves his horse a tad closer to Suthri and says in Dwarven [Aye, good spoils today... Should make for a good recompense for all this.. How's the arm?] (("We were going to eat these, why the hell didn't you put them in the fridge??! Now they're spoiled!")) Syviis Adjeon clears her throat. "The horses.., we're not sure." Bomrek: Is that in common or Elvish. Syviis Adjeon: *elvish Bomrek: Mmm. Suðri Skornbrekker: [Dwarven] “I'd prefer feeling pain to not feeling my arm at all, to be honest. Falkirk said he would have another go at fixing it later, let's hope for the best...” Ken (GM): Their leader seems quite angry about the horses, and addresses Syviis in a curt and angry tone (To Fiss): "We will do without the healers touch; as our horses have been Syviis Adjeon sighs and nods, waving them off with [inert elvish good traveling phrase] Syviis Adjeon: *insert Suðri Skornbrekker watches her gestures. Suðri Skornbrekker: “You want to cook the horses? They don't look edible any more, really.” Suðri Skornbrekker chuckles. Ken (GM): you people and your horse-cooking you make your steed nervous as hell Fiss: Gotta recover all those Negative Horse Points somehow! Ken (GM): so! Burning out the plague then? Ken (GM) plenty of good wood to burn a massive heap, but its disconcerting the amount of rot you find searching the area Bomrek: Back, got called away there, fug >Bomrek got hit pretty bad Gray frowns to the earth here. "The corruption is intense. This is a dispoiled place." Bomrek: Remind me, some sort of lightning bolt thing, right? P.P. A.: Yeah, it hit the two of us I forgot where it hit you but you were knocked off your feet and IIRC lost more HP than Suðri did Falkirk quickly patched you up though Bomrek: Bomrek shrugs in the Dwarvish way, and says "I can't exactly say it's nothing I haven't dealt with before, but I'm feeling alright." in Dwarvish. Ken (GM): yeah you took a torso hit, shrugged of the HT roll for a major wound Falkirk hit you for 8 Hp right after so milling about? setting up for the night? It will take a few good hours work to burn a pyre, and This place is defensible enough, considering Bomrek: Tents n' such I 'spose. Bomrek certainly won't be sleeping in any disgusting beastman tent. Ken (GM): 8 versus "camping"? Bomrek: Bomrek resists the temptation to drink, even though it'd probablyhelp him sleep through the remaining pain from the battle. He sets up his tent and sorts out his treasures onto a mat, humming to himself and letting the others mess about with their Elvish tradition. Ken (GM): ahhh Gray considers that an accecptable idea, but looks to the others. When they settle in he helps, unpacking the horses and brushing them down as other horses burn on the pyre. Ken (GM): allrighty then, camping time :) Bomrek: Bomrek's spirits are rather lifted despite the situation, and he happily hums to himself. He also spends his time trying to assist Suthri as needed, offerin' him drink as well. "Ought to help blight the pain some" Suðri Skornbrekker gladly accepts the offer. “Now that's a burning feeling in my throat that I don't mind.”„ Bomrek: I'm not a religious man, but you woulnd't know it if you watched me build a computer "Thank god" every couple minutes, usually. (To Fiss): Wootski (From Fiss): I'll bring a spare HD so we can hopefully transfer stuff back n forth too (To Fiss): Youre fuggin awesome :d Suðri Skornbrekker takes a good whiff of the open bottle to drown out the smell of burnt, desecrated horse. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Thank you, Grey.” Ken (GM): alcohol is good for that :) Bomrek: Dwarven gas mask - two open whiskey bottles strapped to your face. Ken (GM): hahah oh! and falkirk is sure youre all wearing a plague mask while the pyre burns, just to be sure you each have one, he insists so! Night falls, and camp is made Gray is gonna watch tonight, Anyone wanna split the shift with him? Syviis Adjeon: The Elf volunteers Ken (GM): alrighty, its a long shift, but youll both end up with some sleep so! night falls like a drunk dwarf off a horse but.. sometime into the dark eve... Joush M.: Remeber, if it looks like everything is soft focus it's a dream sequence Ken (GM) The night sky is alight with stars; the blackness is pierced with a billion twinkling lights. As the quiet warm earth cools below you, the soft breeze pulls dust this way in thet. Embers from the campfire alight here and there, sheltering the party from the cool of the dark Ken (GM): As Gray and Syviis transfer the watch, she is awoken and Gray reports nothing of consequence passing the hours but Suddenly from the darkness steps a figure; no sound betrays her stride, and no vision btrays her movement. It is as if she has stepped from the darkness of the night itself Ken (GM): She is an elf, clad in fine wraught chain links and scales of shimmering silver. Head to toe in the armor cloak, her gauntlet hands are open at her sides in a gesture of diplomacy "Good evening travellers; what do you think you are doing here?" P.P. A.: Are the rest of us asleep? Bomrek: Bomrek's probably asleep in a pile of gold cups and ash trays and shit, does he wake up to this? Syviis Adjeon lowers her sword Ken (GM): Her eyebrow perks up at that, and a sly grin hits her face "Oh, under the high Syviis Adjeon raises an eyebrow and bows her head slightly. "It is not without its duties, of course, but I find satisfaction in my work." Ken (GM): She frowns at your words "Oh bother; your one of those Word-sworn arent you? trapped in the high speech amongst the low peoples?" Syviis Adjeon shrugs "A simple promise to my family. May I ask who you are, or are you simply passing through the night?" Gandalf G.: and back Gray frowns. How much depends on how much the elf woman used elven to say that last part about low people. Gandalf G.: am I asleep atm? Bomrek: ^ Ken (GM): [yus, you and the dwarves so far] Gandalf G.: ok Gray suddenly turns, watching the dark and scenting the air. Like an animal. The attractive woman in shineing silver is distracting. Distracting means trap. Ken (GM): [oh, shes speaking in common throughout. Only Syviis is stuck on Elvish] (To Gray): Perceptin! Fiss: Someone once told me "wang" meant Elf in chinese. They may have been full of shit, but I still smirk whenever I hear it Bomrek: A man sleeps better on a bed made of gold bars than one of downy feathers. I feel like that would be a Dwarven proverb about the good-ness of wealth over comfort. Ken (GM): HAH Gandalf G.: so named because with an elf you can never tell Fiss: This is true. Gray: (To Gray): You see no movement in the dark, hear no noises betraying ambush, but one thing you notice; she stinks of brimstone. its probably subtle on the air but it just pours out of her Ken (GM): She plunges on with the conversation, despite Gray's immediate sniffing of the air, and sudden looking about "Well you've no worry from me highborn. I'm just a traveller out here tonight, corssing paths with you and your troupe." She smiles again, baring teeth in the dim light of the fire Gray turns to the elf. Watching her, sniffing the air and speaking a moment. "You smell like a daemon." A more clever man might have thought of another way to say that. (To Fiss): You notice a stink of smoke an dbrimstone on the air, but you didnt notice until he said anything out loud Ken (GM): She looks at you with that perpetual smirk "A daemon? Really? I dont know what to think of that, coming from a half dog like you. Something twig your nose tonight shaggy?" Gray ask in that deep, rough voice of his. "I'd like to know why." Bomrek: (("L-L-Like, Zoinks scoob, something's fishy about this lady")) Gandalf G.: ((ruh roh)) Syviis Adjeon takes a step forward. "I'd also like to know why. Perhaps an exchange of words instead of insults, though." (To Bomrek): Roll on IQ to wake? The noises are a bit out of the ordinary from a normal watch change Bomrek: Yup Suðri Skornbrekker turns in his sleep Rolling 3d6 = 12 v12 Suðri Skornbrekker rouses from his sleep, unusual as he tends to be a deep sleeper. Ken (GM): [its roughly 2 in the morning, fyi] Syviis Adjeon: *er...late snack/tea? Bomrek: Bomrek rouses from his slumber, grabs one of his pistols, and hazily climbs out of his tent. "Oy, what is this [Particularly strong dwarven curse word]?" and looks around. Suðri Skornbrekker gets up and reaches for the gun he borrowed from Bomrek, just in case. Ken (GM): "Oh dear, I dont have the time to sit down and make nice tonight. I simply must continue on my way. Theres dark things about, and i must get out of their way" Falkirk slowly sits up, rubs his eyes and claps his hands together Rolling 3d6 = 16 v12 nothing happens Ken (GM): "After all, the important part is out of the way. Introductions have been made" Syviis Adjeon shows a calm face to the waking party, then turns to her. "What dark things are afoot? P.P. A.: Falkirk: Falkirk swears under his beard and claps harder Falkirk lies back down Ken (GM): She winks and bows in a flourish "Why, only the Lords of Night" and she steps back into the darkness (To Gray): She disappears; literally off your radar after a few steps into the dark. he scent trails off and her footsteps vanish too. Bomrek: "What the fuck is this shit?" Bomrek says with an even, but still sleepy anger. He fires a round into the dark where she was. Suðri Skornbrekker: “...did she do anything?” (To Fiss): The name isnt spoken often, when it is, it refers to the mages who waged the last war for the Elven part of the alliance. Knowledge check for more! Suðri Skornbrekker: “Careful with that, Bomrek.” Gray scents the air, walking ahead to where the woman was, kneeling down and studying where she went. "Frighted me. A rare talent. She casually displayed enough power to vanish in full view." Ken (GM): BOOM Suðri Skornbrekker: “You might hit something other than a elf.” P.P. A.: +n Ken (GM): The gunshot rings off throughout the hills, louder than thunder Gray shakes off the echoing concussion and blinks away the flare from the burning powder afterimage. Ken (GM): The sound of some falling stones in the hillside is all that rings back Bomrek: Bomrek is unusually angry, and it shows on his features. "Was that another gods damned wizard? Why the hell didn't you say something?" he looks toward the Elf and half man. Falkirk sits up suddenly red in the face and cursing through multiple tongues Falkirk: "Keep your LIGHT-DAMNED gunshots to the daytime!" Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (From Syviis Adjeon): lol (To Fiss): MAAAAAN FUCK I DUNNO SHES A FUCKING DRAGON MAN, GODDAMN WHO KNOWS?!?! Suðri Skornbrekker narrows his eyes and clutches the pistol, looking around attentively. Falkirk: "And if not for magic, master dwarf, you'd be a smouldering corpse by now. I'm going back to sleep." Syviis Adjeon sighs and slides her sword away, though begins scanning the woods and hills. "The Lords of Night...I haven't heard that spoken aloud for a long time. Too long...I remember only slim fragments." Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker: “...I'd like to say that I don't feel like sleeping any more and want to keep watch, but I'm damn tired I'll admit.” He looks over to Grey and Syvii: “If she shows up again please wake us up.” Gray nods to SUori, then looks to Syviss. he doesn't understand what she said, but after a moment thinks to ask. "What is a Lord of the Night?" Bomrek: "Bah" Bomrek waves a hand in the Doctor's direction dismissively. "Next time some one walks on us, shoot first and look for answers later" (To Falkirk): "Lords of the Night" rings a bell to your sleep addled mind. You seem to recall theyre some kind of elven cult? the details are murky Syviis Adjeon: Writes down / speaks as she does P.P. A.: remember how Suðri taked about vampire cities a few sessions ago :DDDD Ken (GM): you cant be THAT excited by the prospect of becoming an undead thrall, can you? Bomrek: >Suthri talked about vampire cities W-what? Ken (GM): you missed that session I think. P.P. A.: It was a couple of sessions ago when we were trudging through the marsh There was bloodrot growing everywhere and we talked about whether the liquid they ooze was actual blood or just sap that looked, smelled, and tasted like blood Gray nods to Sylivvs. "I'll get some rest then. Morning will be on us soon enough." The wicked beast tells her, nodding down to the slender elf before he goes to get some sleep himself. P.P. A.: Then Suðri joked about vampires practising agriculture and farming bloodrot for food Bomrek: How progressive of them. Bomrek's pissed because this is a war zone, and now with loot in the mix, shit is serious. Got more to lose than just our lives, Gold's on the line Ken (GM): hah! how dwarven of him :/ Bomrek: Plus, prior to this we hadn't really been ambushed for a long time. These recent events prove that the beastment still patrol this area, and areas in general, and they're not just holed up in keeps. P.P. A.: Your life is temporary, gold is eternal Syviis Adjeon decides to find a slightly more clever place to keep watch from vs just in the middle of camp, should surprise be necessary Syviis Adjeon: TL;DR; She'll put some branches on herself. Roll for Camo? :P Bomrek: Your gold will shine long after your eyes have dimmed and turned to chalk. Bomrek's book of proverbs Ken (GM): okay then so back to sleep, while Syviis watches the rest of the night? Joush M.: Bomrek's all about a proper saying for any occison Syviis Adjeon: yus Falkirk: I dont give a fuck what anyone else does I'm sleeping Ken (GM): lol Joush M.: Gray's going to try and get some rest. Falkirk: demons bring it the fuck on Syviis Adjeon: NIGHT ELF! Ken (GM): gotta get that sweet FP back alright so, the evening continues the great blanket of night wrapped about the world you find her embrace cold and lonely; as dawn breaks, nothing else sinister pops from the shadows there was an iffy moment when you farted, but after that you were a lot less startled P.P. A.: watch out, someone is throwing a giant fireball at us from beyond the mountains! Ken (GM): MY GOD ITS HUGE! ITS ALL ACCROSS THE SKY TO THE EAST EPIC LEVEL WIZARDS Syviis Adjeon yawns and stretches, then dive-dodges with acrobatics to avoid the fireball Syviis Adjeon: Gray is well used to lonely nights, riseing to prepare for the day with his thought still on the strange woman in the night. He prepares his armor and checks on the horses while the elf prepares something to drink. Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek: Bomrek wakes up, and before leaving his tent properly, secures his treasures in his pack. He walks about the camp with his helmet on, but no other armor besides his night clothes, and a pistol tucked in his belt. Syviis Adjeon: meh. Coffee. Not awesome coffee. ELVBUCKS Falkirk rises slowly, stretches and sits in his bedroll reading until food is ready Ken (GM): alright, my toddler is being a toddler. This should be a good place to end for the week. Bomrek: Roger roger' Syviis Adjeon: o/ Falkirk: fair P.P. A.: Sure Falkirk: time to watch RLM Ken (GM): You guys lootted, escorted slaves and met a spoopy elf. Good show Joush M.: SOunds good. Nice session this week Ken (GM): 4 points each! Fiss: Spoooopy P.P. A.: Time to study a bit more before bedtime Bomrek: Woo So, I went camping a week or two or three ago, and it was awesome. With the /k/ board from 4chan. Shot a bunch'a guns, saw a scary mountain lion circling our camp during hte night, took a bunch of night hikes. A+ time. P.P. A.: I hope none of you had assault muskets Ken (GM): oh god, you met 4chan in real life and survived Bomrek: I shot an AR for the first time, fun stuff. Falkirk: shotguns with assault clips Bomrek: Yeah, they were all great, weirdly enough. Fiss: Nice Bomrek: People who are combat vets, pretty legitimately stone cold killer types, Fiss: I need to clean and take my new pew-pew to the range Bomrek: talking about Anime and Star wars lore Ken (GM): I cooool Bomrek: it was p. tops Fiss: Maybe next week Joush M.: That's messed up. Good for you man P.P. A.: The future belongs to anime nazism Bomrek: ^ Ken (GM): HAHAH wtf well, IM gonna rack a mead with Fiss here when he gets his butt up to my place Bomrek: nice Ken (GM): I dunno about you guys, but imma drink ALL THE BEE JUICE Bomrek: I drank for the first time meaningfully up there, some A+ polish vodka P.P. A.: I've met two internet people IRL so far Fiss: I married one. So far so good. Haven't been murdered yet! Falkirk: I've met a lot of internet people Bomrek: Sleep with a knife under the pillow, just in case Gandalf G.: they ok, most of them turned out to be fucking nutjobs longterm tho P.P. A.: German Bernd from a Krautchan Minecraft server, American Iraq vet friend of mine when he was touring Europe and stopped by in a nearby city Bomrek: Yeah? Mmm. All my /k/ folks seem really really cool and intelligent folks. One chick's apparently a doctor or some shit, weirdly enough Ken (GM): thats what they WANT you to think Fiss: Most of the /k/omrades I've talked to and met are rad. Ken (GM): wife the doctor Bomrek: She's asian, what would Papa Hitler-kun think if I did that? P.P. A.: Japanese are honourary Aryans so that should be ok Bomrek: I think she's Chinese. p. sure Chinese. Doesn't really look Korean, def. doesn't look Jap' Same name as my Grandmother, too, which is sort of weird. P.P. A.: Do you have very thin, slanted eyes perchance and yellow-ish skin Bomrek: N-No, I d-don't think so Ken (GM): crazy! go study, I see you fuckers next week! P.P. A.: See y'all Gandalf G.: ayy Joush M.: Hey Gandalf. Good weekend? P.P. A.: Hi all Gandalf G.: yo erm weekend going quiet cooked, looks like the oven is packing in took an hour and a half to cook some burgers and chips so late meal, just finished it Ken (GM): whatup dawgs? Joush M.: Not a whole lot. Sorry to hear about the oven, Gandalf. Those are always a huge pain inthe ass to fix Ken (GM): ARE YOU GUYS READY TO ROCK?! LIKE A TODDLER WHO REALLY SHOULD HAVE NAPPED BUT DIDNT? YEAAAAAAHHHH Gandalf G.: mhm Joush M.: Yeah! Wait, what? Gandalf G.: nah breh np we're moving house in like 2 weeks so it's the next fuckboy's problem P.P. A.: >new tenant is Hitler Ken (GM): whoa; that took a tangent fiss is on his way online and holy cow, all of you are here :D Gandalf; after you tucked out last session! -the party went back to the burned out village -the elves were horrified at the desecrated horses; they decided to push on North on foot Ken (GM): -you guys burned the rot out with a pyre; everyone wore the plague masks you required -a spoopy elf lady showed up and made talks with the party Joush M.: Evil vampire deamon lady. She was mysterous and scary Gandalf G.: spooky scary was she wearing a sheet with eye holes P.P. A.: Vampire elf The evil, demon, and lady are implied in the “elf” Ken (GM): lol zero elf trust around here Gandalf G.: around elves... Suðri Skornbrekker would find some strange beauty in this place if he didn't find himself surrounded by trashed encampments and burnt corpses, or what little remains of them Ken (GM): oh, youre not a completely burnt out corpse yet, Suðri Gandalf G. packs up his horse, muttering under his beard. "We've spent too much time on this detour. Let's waste no more." Gandalf G.: FUCK P.P. A.: ;_; Falkirk: that but with this name ree ree I say (To Falkirk): probably should tell that to the healer :D Syviis Adjeon: The Elf works her way around the camp, helping pack up where she can Falkirk rubs his shoulder and turns to the one-armed dwarf (From Syviis Adjeon): the speech-thing is a 10 pt vow, though, so I'll have to hold off unless you think we can maybe drop it to 5?? not sure Suðri Skornbrekker: “Couldn't tell; I slept pretty deep.” The dwarf looks at the arm. “Well, it's still attached, at least.” Gray is more used to the elven women now, remembering another elf and another crippled arm that Falkirk was able to assist with. The dark brute rubbing down the horses and settling pack on them once they are fed, watered and readied. Falkirk: "No pain is good." Falkirk mutters something about trepanning (To Fiss): Hmm, yeah, in practice its mostly just been about -5. Spend the 5 to call it even, and you should be fine Falkirk: It was an 8 damage wound, right? 2 healed already iirc Suðri Skornbrekker: “No pain, no gain; and I'd rather gain my arm back, so feel free to do whatever you deem necessary.” (From Syviis Adjeon): earn it through RP :P Falkirk: okay so let me just work out my target Ken (GM): -6 on the roll for healing crippled limb. Take a bunch of extra time to bring it back up? Falkirk: yup 16 seconds for +4 Ken (GM): using any focus'? Syviis Adjeon watches the healing magic intently - unable to assist but wanting to at least be there for moral support Falkirk: 12+3+4-6 13 Rolling 3d6 = 12 v19 wait that was v13 but yeah focus? oh you mean the ones I found Falkirk: nah Ken (GM): righto Ken (GM) Falkirk bends his brow in focus, channeling his healing light into Suðri's charred arm. The suffusing glow runs deep through his limb, illuminating it sharply in the dim morning. When the glow fades, the dwarven arm is whole and new again; pink tender flesh unbroken by any scar Ken (GM): Suðri! youre not broken anymore! Falkirk: "Aye, that'll do it. Drink plenty of water, don't overstrain it." Falkirk turns to continue packing his horse Syviis Adjeon: the elf exclaims happily in her native tongue. (To Bomrek): You alive today?? Gray smiles. "Good work, physican." He say to the doctor, pleases to see the dwarf restored. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Thank you doctor!” Falkirk grunts in acknowledgement, but gives about as much care to it as a man who just fixed a garden fence Falkirk: "We need to get back to the job at hand. We should be on the road by now." Suðri Skornbrekker flexes his biceps and nods, happy to see that his muscles haven't shriveled up in the meantime. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye.” Syviis Adjeon: Packs up and gets ready, double-time, glad that they're done with the detour, and wanting to make up for lost time and lost patience. Gray scouts around the area one last time, trying to see if he an find any trace or hint of the strange woman from last night. Again he wonders about the lords of the night. Ken (GM): [whats the travel plan now? Back up and around West before headed South? Or taking the road down direct?] Joush M.: The road's temping. Falkirk: We've wasted enough time yo, direct route. Ken (GM): [swapping to the overland map] Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): so, you guys are the red X; the scouts confirmed on your map that the road continues for some distance south, clear out of the hills P.P. A.: I'm for south as well We've cleared the way back with this, unless there are other slaver caves in the area so it's safer to plunge deeper into the uncharted lands Fiss: :D Joush M. feels willign and ready to risk the dangers of following the road. The scouts had no reason he could think to lie. P.P. A.: safer than when we had a cave full of beastmen, witches, and minicthulhus between us and the kingdom :D Suðri Skornbrekker returns Bomrek's pistol and is glad to be able to hold his musket again Ken (GM): SO! South then :D A daring plan Falkirk spurs his horse on at a decent rate southwards, taking the front of the line for a change. Ken (GM): between all your horses, the load of gold isnt too much more, broken up between the packages of food and water. Gray is scouting still a tthe head of the pack? Joush M.: Yep! Ken (GM): kk, and otherwise youre all in alert, one hand on your weapons, the other on the reigns, mode? Gray: Joush M.: Damn.. hopefully danger has no ceremstances that would give -1 Ken (GM): hah alrighty Ken (GM) your group strikes camp, packs up, and heads South on the wagon road. The ruts dig deep furrows in the clay, but find firm stone footings here and there. The way is clear, and the ground roughly smooth and even along the line through the hoills Ken (GM): *hills Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) As you plunge into the forbidden kingdom of gorgoth, the sweaty heat of the day builds. The jagged stone walls crumble down into packed grey earth and lightly rolling heaps. The rut in the earth draws a line over the horizon, rising and falling as the hills break away around you Falkirk: "plunge" "sweaty" "forbidden" are you using a 50 shades word generator :3 Ken (GM) by midmorning, the rutted path is enveloped by misty shrouds. The way ahead is clear enough, but even in the open smooth barren hillsides you feel shut in by the mists. The heat of day continues to build, and the stench of the land rises up to meet you. Ken (GM): Gray watches ahead, the beast prowling and occsionally scenting the air as they work deeper into the dead and cruel lands. He wishes for live trees to offer shade, but shakes off the disconofrt and gets back to work. Ken (GM): turgid wastes lol Fiss: lol Ken (GM) By late morning, you find yourselves at the edge of a great wood. It's black branches stretch away to the East and West into the mists, while the cartpath cuts stright into the black oaks. No leaves cling to the branches. The gray-black earth below the stretching limbs is like graveyard soil. Here and there you see the rubbery mass of a bloodroot, the red smear unmistakable even from a distance Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk: "I'm no military man, but this strikes me as the perfect stretch of road for an ambush." Suðri Skornbrekker might think that forests and trees are for elves, but this lifeless landscape with its shadowy trees does dampen his mood. Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk replies in part "Not all of them have trees to hide behind." Syviis Adjeon: "Anything that requires trees to hide behind is the least of our worries, I suspect. Ken (GM): [plunging on then along the road?] Gray is willing to advance, if the others don't need a rest. Falkirk: "We should keep moving. This is not a task we can delay, and we can ride for a while longer yet." Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Ken (GM): very good Ken (GM) Very far in the distance, you hear the sharp caw of crows. Falkirk: "I don't like this place one bit." Gray lifts his head and growls softly a moment, then shakes it off, blaming it on nerves. "Agreed." Before he gets back to the work of hunting for danger or ambush as the group travels, moveing at that long legged, loaping gait. Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker: “I wonder what the underground looks like. Maybe just layers upon layers of ash and dust.” Falkirk slows down to look at the water (To Falkirk): Your knowledge of alchemy considered; that is not really water flowing there, but some kind of caustic earthen mudslide. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's hope it does not erupt on us.” The dwarf looks into the distance to see if there are any peaks in sight, but aside from the black skeletons creeping forth from the impenetrable mist, he cannot see much. “If this was any other place, we could probably expect some dwarves trying to make use of the magma, but I shudder to think what might dwell near—or in—the crater in a place like this.” Falkirk: "Perhaps one day, when this corruption has been pushed back..." Gray ask the others. "This was a fine land once, wasn't it?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “You generally do not build stone bridges in the middle of nowhere. There is nothing left here to speculate, on, but maybe we are treading on an ancient trade route, or passed the buried rubble of what was once prosperous village.” Syviis Adjeon: Gray reads that and considers it, lips moveing a touch as he studies her handwriteing then looking up to her. "There's some beauty in most, but not all are places a person would settle, given a choice. The Felmarsh is poor land with no magic involved." Ken (GM): hmm, lamenting the dead lands of gorgoth Ken (GM) Accross the bridge the forest sprawls on. Here and there, the bloodroot has taken hold. The crimson limbs hooked like a vice to fallen trees, rocky outcroppings, blackened husks of tree trunks; anything it can hold. The bulbous plants are almost cheerfully plump and grow in weedy obliviousness ot the landscape. Falkirk: "I've learned to associate that plant with imminent danger..." Ken (GM) and it seems not as if they were cleared from the road. But more as if they were...harvested Falkirk: okay so just to be sure it was bloodroot that they were feeding the elves, right/ ? Ken (GM): yus Falkirk: alright Gray scowls more at that. "More for the obscean wine they make?" His mouth waters a touch at the memory of the scent. It's easy to ignore but the sticky-sweet and copper scent of the bloodroot 'wine' sticks with him. Also, he might have gotten a contact high unwisely burning it in a cave. Falkirk: "Aye... and considering the effect it had on those elves... I don't like what I'm seeing one measure." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Rather that than vampires farming and feeding on these things.” Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard Ken (GM): waiting to see if Syviis Nods lol Ken (GM) the black road rolls on... Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) Ahead, through the woods, you see a break in the black trunks. The flutter of many large birds hopping this way and that, flying up and down from the trees and ground. A kind of camp is ahead, aside of the road. You see the hot glow of a cookfire, and a low stone hut of some kind (To Gray): The stench of the blood wine is on the air, hanging in the mist like a cloud. Falkirk nods slowly. "Some kind of processing settlement maybe?" Gray: "Like.. A brewery? Maybe. That would make sense. It has to come from somewhere." Ken (GM) He doesnt seem to notice you as he works in the camp Falkirk: Human? (To Gray): Crows seem to be flocking here; large black ragged birds. Otherwise, the woods are misty and unoccupied Falkirk scans the area, looking for signs of anyone else Falkirk: need a roll? Gray speaks soflty in that rough voice. "The crows come here. Attracted by the bloodroot fog that hangs over the place?" Ken (GM): Go ahead with perception, anyone who wants to Gray: Rolling 3d6 = 12 v12 Rolling 3d6 = 10 v10 Syviis Adjeon: (From Syviis Adjeon): The birds strike her as odd...will keep an eye out for them...and elsewhere in the trees Ken (GM) You can each see the hut, a well off and to the side, a heap of bloodroot piled by the hut, and the man working away at the fire Falkirk: brb yo Bomrek: "Im reasonably sure we could take him from here lads" pipes up the dwarf "He doesnt see us and I have a reasonably clear shot" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hmm, yeah. Might be better if one or us snuck around the encampment though, to see if there are any more around.” Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker raises his hand. “I'll come along.” Bomrek: "Ugh, elven pacifism. Delightful" Bomrek checks his rifle, then sidles up to a treee "to provide cover fire " he winks Suðri Skornbrekker: “Weapons ready, of course—brandished too?” Syviis Adjeon: Gray nods to Suori, smileing a touch at the newly healed arm the dwarf rased. He shakes his head. "We hardly need to hold them up to scare one civilian." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Do you speak the language spoken around here?”, the dwarf asks the half-beastman. Gray shurgs. "I speak Grayhold. And growl. This might be a short conversation." Ken (GM): Falkrik frowns at that (im ) and volunteers to accompany for the ...talks? with gray and Suðri in front, I'm sure Gray advances on the small settlement, shakeing his head at the fedited and heavy scent of brewing bloodroot in the air as he approches the horned man. Ken (GM): [changing views just to fug qith ya Suðri Skornbrekker holds his rifle in both hands, but with the barrel pointing sidewards rather than forward, and walks a few steps behind Gray. Fiss: Oh, Ken, you have such delightful bloodspam :P Ken (GM): hahah Falkirk: ok back woah the fuck did I miss P.P. A.: we fought all the beastmen and then everyone died Ken (GM) bomrek and Syviis steadily aim on the camp, wary for foreign movement. Gray leads Suðri and Falkirk to the odd man, hoping for answers, or at least, not a fight Falkirk: ok we're not in combat Gray is leaving the most beautiful member of the party and Syviis behind as he goes closer to the strange man's camp. Fiss: Haha :P Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hello there,” Suðri greets the man with a slightly threatening, but not still a merry voice as he takes one hand off his musket to raise it for a greeting. “Apologies for interrupting your labour there.” (To Fiss): danger will robinson! Gray compliments! Ken (GM) the faint caws of the birds above, echoing away into the air Syviis Adjeon: In Elvish: Ken (GM) He looks between you three, and settles his gaze on Gray. " Ken (GM): יאָוווע קומען פֿאַר די בלוט?" Falkirk nods slowly, expecting this. P.P. A.: oy vey Falkirk: is that fucking hebrew Ken (GM) strange words flow from his maw Falkirk: have we found a wild jew (From Falkirk): Old Gorgoth? (To Falkirk): Yes, tinged with something like a thick accent. simplified, not a lot of nuance to it Suðri Skornbrekker: “No, really?” (From Falkirk): "What is it you're making there, friend?" (To Falkirk): "youre joking, yes? it is the nectar for the masters" Falkirk nods and responds in part once more. (To Falkirk): Who are you people? Where is your master? Falkirk: "I don't think diplomacy is working." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well, it was an interesting change of pace while it lasted.” Fiss: The ELF has probably seen better breweries. :P Suðri Skornbrekker un-readies it. Syviis Adjeon: (From Fiss): woot (From Syviis Adjeon): no, just shoring up with the team, thought we were walking toward the cook, but I'm cool leaving him be Ken (GM): [so, riding past this guy then?] P.P. A.: yea Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): lol Falkirk: mhm Ken (GM): righto Joush M.: Gray will walk his horse past. he's watching out for danger and wondering who the masters are Ken (GM) As you kick your horses back to trot, the dusty swirls mix with the mist. The cook, bewildered, watches you go from his camp Ken (GM): [my god, a non-combat encounter!] Joush M.: Oh! I'm sorry. I can go back and make it combat if you want Fiss: Mega Mecha-Jesus-Ghandi would be pleased. Joush M.: Mebbie some grappleing. Power slam that guy into his own brewing vat Fiss: come on and Ken (GM): right then, on through the woods along the road? Fiss: innawoods! Ken (GM): hah Joush M.: Sounds great Suðri Skornbrekker turns to Syviis: “Since you folks are all about plants and such—do you have any stories about that nasty bloodrot? Any old wisdom or tales?” Syviis Adjeon: Fiss: Spooky elf-kno? Falkirk takes out the plague masks, sorting through them and checking for damage, replacing the herbs Fiss: She sighs and shakes her head. Suðri Skornbrekker shrugs. “All right.” Ken (GM): Gray; survival roll for scavenging water? Gray: Joush M.: That's vs 13 for woodland. Hopefuly no penality to this use? Fiss: : "This is beyond the natural order of the land. I suspect the strangeness of this plant is why the Elders decided to finally send scouts and assist with the other efforts to learn the secrets of this cursed country* Ken (GM): gray: you poke about in the treeline, and find some standing water in a pool; testing it, it seems fine. probably fresh rainwater, safe for horses Gray calls over the horses and drinks a bit of it himself, but won't encourage the others to. The water is fit for beast, but humans might become sick. Gray: Ken (GM): lol Suðri Skornbrekker reads the note and nods. “It's a grisly sight. While I prefer mountains over forests any day, I too would rather see this place healed and lush with green.” (From Fiss): woo! Ken (GM): Bomrek sets about making a cold meal, and after grimacing through dried meat, resigns to washing it down with some scotch Gray watches for danger as the animals and people rest, not joining the conversation. (To Gray): The mists are clearing, but the sights have not improved; the woods are still thick here, sight obscured. You have noticed few sounds of game in the area, seen little along the road. But here and there now, above, you see the forms of black birds flying. Ken (GM): "I'll be as sappy as possible to make it through gorgoth, wizard. Whisky fortifies the gut and bones." Bomrek swigs, while making eye contact Falkirk: "Aye, whiskey is a good choice. Puts fire in you. The air here is cold and dry." Falkirk swears quietly in what might very well be the infernal tongue. Falkirk: "This is not a good time for delays." Gray says nothing of the older man with them but worries getting caught in the weather might be bad for Falkirk's health. Looking to the physican a moment and nodding. "We can make up the lost time when the storm clears." Joush M.: Any chance we can see somewhere we could take shelter? Or is it barren forest all around us? Fiss: *beat Survival Woodlands by 5 Joush M.: a hollow under a tree might be okay Fiss: er...6 Joush M.: That's a damn fine roll. Good work Ken (GM): hahah holy nice Ken (GM) Syviis, thinking quickly, scans the countryside for help. Nearby in the woods, she locates a hollow in the woods where deadfall has created a kind of cavern. A tarp and some lashed rope could create a lean-to out of the rain that could even shelter a fire... Syviis Adjeon: TARP ELF! Ken (GM): [taking the elf plan?] Syviis Adjeon: : "It's our only meaningful shelter unless we risk pressing forward Falkirk: elf plan sounds good Ken (GM): Bomrek rushes his horse to the spot, immediately throwing tarp and rope at the problem, cussing the hwole while Fiss: And this is where the elf plan gets half the party murdered... AROUND ELVES, NEVER RELAX Suðri Skornbrekker nods, quickly packs up, and offers to help with securing the shelter. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) As the crackle of lightning and crash of thunder looms, you all work studiously to create a safe shelter. Within the hour, as the first cold fat wet drops strike your skin, the shelter is secure. the horses lashed nearby out of the wind, and your selves warmed by a fire Ken (GM): as the wall of water rushes forward, you see a dark veil of the weather, enveloping the midday sky like a crawling nightfall Ken (GM) The forward edge of the storm rolls over you, all screaming noise and icy water. Soon, the wind comes howling about, tossing muddy rain sideways. Had you been caught on the road, this would have been a blinding gale Ken (GM): Bomrek curses softly, and lights his pipe. "Time enough for a scotch, I think Falkirk produces a large tome on surgical technique, reading it scowling by the fireside Suðri Skornbrekker: “At least it's cooling down a little.” With nothing else to do, Suðri is sipping water and carving another cannon ball or two Rolling 3d6 = 6 v14 Ken (GM): Bomrek scoffs at the water, and pours Suðri a whiskey Suðri Skornbrekker won't say no to that Ken (GM): nice crafting roll P.P. A.: They're very pretty cannon balls Either that, or he crafts a little figurine from a smaller rock while he's at it, whichever is more appropriate for the roll Ken (GM): a VERY nice cannonball :P P.P. A.: :P Ken (GM) some time passes... Ken (GM): [idling yourselves?] Suðri Skornbrekker laughs, and does so. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): I love it Syviis Adjeon: My arrows suck...but I keep working. Cold hands P.P. A.: git gud Gray stands there and waits out the storm. Eager to get back on the road, he also enjoys these moments of quite companionship. Ken (GM): Bomrek wiles away the time unsteadily. His guns have been thrice checked and are safe and dry. He tosses back whiskey, and ends up starting to hum out the tune to a dirge. Alow rumbling song that rises up here and there with a toast Ken (GM) A few hours later, the rain trickles away suddenly to a drizzle. The clouds, rushing on the wind, break free and bright afternoon sun breaks through. You find yourselves in a chilly wind, but the storm seems to have passed Suðri Skornbrekker: “Ah, damn it. We should have collected some of the rainwater.” Gray frowns. Even he would have suffered in weather like that, and it makes him worry for his companions. The dark haired brute looking to the others and nodding. "The lightning started a fire?" Ken (GM): [GM is cool with you guys refilling the waterjug with rainwater to pass some time :P] Syviis Adjeon: "Seems a bit quick for a lightning strike" she writes P.P. A.: (So we can say some party members did, Suðri just didn't notice because he was carving mean faces into his cannon balls) Joush M.: Sounds good, fresh water! That won't make people sick Fiss: And that's when the Rain Demons attacked... Ken (GM) the glow in the sky that far off doesnt seem like a forest fire; it seems a bit too tall and a bit too far away Falkirk: "Whatever it is, I don't like it. Last we chased a glow on the horizon it was a bound elemental and it almost killed us all. Fiss: Gray nods. "I'll restrain my curosity. In any case, we should try to make up some of the time we lost." Falkirk: "[We had a shaman with us at the time who... Eh, it's not worth the explaining. Horizon glows are not good is the point to take from it.]" Ken (GM): [striking camp, making South again?] Falkirk: yup Syviis Adjeon: Gray moves ahead, expecting to see a river swollen by the sudden rain. His belly tightens at the though of a washed out bridge.. Ken (GM): Ahead, the treeline breaks, and you see the river; a rush of brown-black water, churning against the banks. Spray flies up over the banks here and there, the crash of flowing water loud, even over the wind Gray pauses and motions for the others to join him, then speaks soflty in his rough voice. "Someone's here. The bridge is our only option though.. It's going to be hard to cross the river, otherwise." Falkirk: "They're in the tower, aye?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “We will be wholly exposed while crossing the bridge.” “If they are like the man earlier, they might not be hostile—but I wouldn't bet on it. If they are stationed here, they might be guards or soldiers.” Falkirk nods slowly Falkirk: "I have a plan." He pauses a moment for effect before continuing Ken (GM): [lel] Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk: "We start a fire on this side of the river, these trees should burn fairly easily. Guards will come out to fight the fire and stop it spreading." "At the very least, it'll thin their numbers and distract them from the bridge." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Won't the wood be wet from the rain right now?” Falkirk: "Once we're safely across, I should be able to destroy the bridge." Suðri Skornbrekker: “...we do want to return again some time, you know.” Falkirk: "Aye, perhaps it will. You can get most things to burn with a little effort." "When we return, the river won't be a torrent with any luck." Gray looks to the wet wood, wondering if it might burn then asking in that deep voice. "Should we creep close and see if we can spot the guards first?" Falkirk: "Aye, if you can give us numbers it'll help." Ken (GM): stealth ninja beastman time? Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): buddy cop hilarity? Fiss: Worked awesome last time the Beastman and Elf went first. :P Gray nods. "You first. I'll follow." He says in that rough voice, trying to creep stealthy closer to the tower and brazier. Ken (GM): coolis; stealth from the both of ya? creeping up the woods toward the tower, cover in the brush? Joush M.: Oh god, it's all full of bees! It's just a giant apiary! Syviis Adjeon: Camo roll? Ken (GM): ooh, cool, please Syviis Adjeon: Or too open? Okay, will do both Gray: Syviis Adjeon: Joush M.: So.. Some of that camo could be nice. I mean, yeah. Syviis Adjeon: Beat Cammo by 3, Stealth by 6 Aint gonna complain about them rolls, Ken (GM): Syviis smears both herself and grey with the clay mud from the rain; the muted colors blend in with the surroundings nicely together, you leave the party and horses back in the trees, and head up through the thick underbrush Falkirk: "Does this mean we should call you Brown?" Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): Grey seems to step rather heavily as he moves, but youre confident the two of you arent obvious to see at all; the rush of the wind and river helps to hide your noises well too Gray makes more noise then he'd like. Stealth is more a sideline for the beast then a true talent of the giant man. Ken (GM): Once you reach a stones throw form the tower, you peek about and check the surroundings; the brazier is burning fiercely, and the tower stands resolute. The building is carved from old stones, hewn from the local rock, capped with a fresh shingled roof. The door is closed, you see no movement form with the building...but you do see light. within the high windows, you see reflections of a strange light. Violet, or maybe pink? it seems unnatural, not a color youve seen before except in wild flowers....or internal flesh. The thought strikes odd jangling wildly in your mind Syviis Adjeon: "Why is it always purple magic?" Falkirk: octareen Fiss: Hehe (To Fiss): You feel a magical tingle; theres an aura here, nearby Gray stares a moment and focuses on the building, unable to understand the elf's words the lupine beast instead considers the building a moment.. then motions closer. Syviis Adjeon: Though she does not look very happy at the near text-book approach, the elf turns to Gray and produces her note-pad: "We: Surprise attack if the door opens. Our team can cross quietly. If those in tower want to fight, we will have the upper hand Also: Tactics? :P (To Fiss): Theres some kind of magical aura, and a weird light inside. Theres nobody out on watch. Be careful! youre missing something Falkirk: and I'm back hopefully (To Gray): Something is nagging your senses. but youre not completely sure. something is wrong here, but you dont know what (To Gray): Perception roll? Gray: (To Fiss): Perception roll? Syviis Adjeon: (To Fiss): worth a try, ususally if you blow something up it breaks Syviis Adjeon stands and gets a clear shot on the 'fire', closes her eyes, the lets loose with a sparking thrum of electricity Syviis Adjeon: to hit: And damage if it hits plus arrow Ken (GM): You concentrate, building up magic lightning and loosing it into the brazier the arrow strikes true, hammering into the bowl of fire; the jolt of power slams into it as well, coursing over the aura of the thing lighting crackels about the flames, and the flames burst out in all directions form the thing, extinguishing it in a ferocious fashin Fiss: Suðri Skornbrekker sets up his musket, ready to shoot at anything that comes out of the tower (To Fiss): The tingle is gone, whatever it was, you blew it up good Fiss: to re-arrow herself Ken (GM): Joush M.: "Candygram!" Fiss: "Candygram!" would be a great quirk-level disadvantage / signature Ken (GM): wtf lol swinging open the door? Joush M.: So.. combat next tiem? I want to continue but it's a little late for us Ken (GM): oh shit! right; actually, yes! lets pause here, at the cusp of revealing whatever the hell is in there! Fiss: A ROOM... WITH A Joush M.: I love your game though, it was fun today. I liked the tension of talking to the crazy old guy with bloodwine Ken (GM): OH GO NOT THAT P.P. A.: Indeed, pretty nice Ken (GM): hokay! 4 xp each Fiss: Yus, lots of fun despite no head-smashy, always a good time. :D Ken (GM): I gotta catch up with Adolph/bomrek; hes been signed in but missing all day :/ Falkirk: mhm was good sorry again, was kinda distracted with family but yeah, enjoyed it Ken (GM): oh, we all know the curse of distracting family :F P.P. A.: Bye all! Falkirk: ciao Ken (GM): Ayyy watup dawg P.P. A.: wassap Ken (GM): not much, just touching up the map before the game P.P. A. is studying semi-frantically for an exam on Monday, but is carefully confident he'll do ok Ken (GM): fyi, Adolph isnt online. For whatever reason he still appears online/in game P.P. A.: oh, weird Ken (GM): Whats the course? P.P. A.: Logistics Ken (GM): military? P.P. A.: Nah, civil Ken (GM): ah fun! bureaucracy 101? P.P. A.: Involves basically everyhting from how much matter/how many discrete units cna be transported in x time on all sorts of transportation systems, over how long a forklift or truck takes to come to a halt, to quality management and whatnot Definitely the most volume out of any course I've had so far, with plenty of maths and plenty of knowledge Gandalf G.: ayy P.P. A.: Hi there Ken (GM): oh good god, thats just minutiae 501 ugh Gandalf G.: what's cracking, crackers? Ken (GM): think i gotta call chris, 1 sec Gandalf G.: ite Ken (GM): adolf is out; he gave me a heads up tho. work again. (im rping his pc more than he is) Joush M.: Aww, that's too bad P.P. A.: One of the professors on that course also trolls the students by mixing measurements in the exam, so you need to realise that and convert them first Ken (GM): yeah hes super fun, he just has a crap schedule/job apparently P.P. A.: (like km/h to m/s) Ken (GM): he covers for a lot of folks oh what a 'fun' professor P.P. A.: Are there any days when adolf is more often available than Saturdayß *? Ken (GM): maaaaybe? Ill bug him for that, but really, its either saturdays or sundays :/ P.P. A.: you crazy Americans and having to work on Sundays Ken (GM): hahah yeah, mor elike Adolph and his provate security gig then again, he gets to carry a gun and look tough all day Joush M.: All day every day, covering for flakes? Fiss: zupdawgs? Ken (GM): apparent;ly HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS YOU GAIN POSITIVE HORS EPOINTS Fiss: AWWWW YISSS HORSEY GOODNESS Gandalf G.: oh its a birthday? cool P.P. A.: Oh, happy birthday! Fiss: Domo domo, 37...I think that's like...5088 hamster years. Joush M.: Happy orbital period anniversary. You have unlocked a new ability slot and a 5% damage bonus vs teenagers Fiss: GEEETOFFMAHLAWN! Ken (GM): SO gang is all here! Gandalf G.: yerp Ken (GM): Errbody got character sheets? Fiss: yyyees Gandalf G.: had to transfer it across to my current machine but aye Joush M.: Yep Ken (GM): Ah! did the wizard get a laptop upgrade? Gandalf G.: I was gonna spend some points but forgot I'll do it later nah I set up my big PC which has spent 12 months in a box on account of being fucking massive Ken (GM): ah cool; Chris (the GODCHILD) grandfathered me his old board/tower the other weekend. Its like ive been gaming in molasses and just got free. so fast P.P. A.: I was planning on upgrading mine after the exams. Well, at least get a new graphics card and check up on the PSU got a GTX 650 still, now that the GTX 1060 is out I should get with the times Gandalf G.: mhm I'm on a 770, runs everything I need it to it was pretty swish when I bought it Fiss: Even though it got grandfathered kinda fast, that CPU, RAM and board should be pretty free of bottlenecks for a while. It's a great system, just not compatable with any of the new i7's P.P. A.: I never really ran into problems with the 650 since I mostly play older games, but with Bannerlord and Kingdom Come Deliverance on the horizon... is 3.50 GHz and 8 GB RAM still good nowadays? Joush M.: Always nice to upgrade. Though.. yeah, a 770 is still quite fine. A 650 is about time to upgrade.. Ooh, yeah, 3.5 and 8 GB ram is fine P.P. A.: Good, good Ken (GM): [oh god what tangent have i begun?!] Ken (GM) Ahead, a looming guardhouse on the bridge crossing the deluge; a strange brazier of magical fire has been extinguished, but what eldritch magic lies within the squat keep itself? Ken (GM): [Gray and Syviis had scouted ahead, and were on the cusp of investigating the guardhouse. The rest of you were up the road aways, watching intently with guns on the arm. Yes?] P.P. A.: As we always do Fiss: Yus P.P. A.: well except Falkirk, he's probably pondering evil things as he always does Ken (GM): haha, casually glancing through the necronomicon, not paying any attention Gray stands beside the door of the guardhouse, blade and shield ready as the grim giant trust the elven woman to watch for danger from her place. He spairs a glance to the illusion fire, now gone after the impact of Syviis's arrow. Gandalf G.: pondering misleading selling practises Joush M.: He's just over there, gropeing his seeing stones, sexting deamons. Gandalf G.: thw tower just moved oh god its alive Joush M.: Suðri Skornbrekker slowly moves his horse forward, though not enough to leave the relative cover of the barren branches. He saw the flame extinguish and senses that something is wrong—and if something bursts out of that tower, he wants to be able to engage it. P.P. A.: a/s/p? [p is for plane] Gandalf G.: looking for a dude to come and charge crystals with me (From Gandalf G.): It's not gay its magic Ken (GM): Syviis, ready? Bomrek has swigged some whisky and cocked his gun hammers Syviis Adjeon: Readies herself, fresh arrow cocked and aiming at the tower's entrance Ken (GM): kk Gray, I believe you had the honors Suðri Skornbrekker is also aiming at the tower entrance, feels forry for his horse in advance P.P. A.: *sorry Gray waits a moment longer to see if anyone will come to them before reaching out to open the doorway, calling inside in a booming a rough voice. "Come out. We would speak with you." "!" Ken (GM) From within the structure, over the howling rush of the wind, you hear a deep ruddy female voice Ken (GM): "What mortals disturb my watch? ....Who daressss disturb my ssslumber?" Gray is suprised to hear words he understands, considering a moment how to reply before he gives the name he's known as. "Gray, scorned of the Milita of Grayhold. We aim to pass by and have no reason to fight you. You watch over a bridge we will use. I would know if you are our foe before we pass." Fiss: Diplomatic +1! Ken (GM): "ALL WHO TRESSPASS HERE ARE MY FOES!" The voice screeches, loud even through the door and over the wind. Perception check, Gray and Syviis! Gray: Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: “normies get off my bridge reeeee” Syviis Adjeon: er v 13 Ken (GM): Luckily, you both are warned by your senses before the immediate danger resolves! The door bulges, and crackling cinders appear accross it in spiderwebs of power; Gray smells the burning wood the moment it starts to bulge. Syviis' magic alerts her as a great deal of power is called together As the door explodes outward, you may both react! Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): kk,. Gray? Gray holds his shield up and braces himself, stepping back if he has to in order to escape the blast and calling out. "Come then! We will deiced this in combat!" Ken (GM): Initiative! everyone! Suðri Skornbrekker: Gandalf G.:Ken (GM) Gray's shield at the ready turns and deflects shards of the door as it explodes accross the roadway Gandalf G.: plus and minus modifiers Syviis Adjeon: Gandalf G.: thats just speed and a d6 Syviis Adjeon: Initiative: 8.25 Ken (GM): bomrek is Gray: Joush M.: 6 basic speed, 2 combat reflexes? Ken (GM): just 1 from CR; this was straight up ambush/surprise so 11? Joush M.: Yep! Ken (GM): k, oddly enough, skorbrekker has the better DX than gray, so he tiebreakers the top slot hokay! To Suðri ! Suðri Skornbrekker realises shit is going down, figures that the enemy didn't blow themselves up but it's mor emagic shenanigans Ken (GM): lol P.P. A.: How far does my hrose move? Ken (GM): 5 with load, I believe Suðri Skornbrekker rides closer to the action! Ken (GM): [these horses are gonna get PTSD]] Joush M.: could go to 10 next round with Enhanced Move, but then you are in Horse Overdrive Ken (GM): Gray! youre up! P.P. A.: then I can charge the tower like Don Quixote charges windmills Fiss: The horses will only get PTSD if they try firing an AR-15 Joush M.: Gray will Wait to grab anything that comes out of the tower Fiss: Or if they get criticism on Tumblr Ken (GM): with a sword and shield in hand? Joush M.: He can drop the sword to grapple one handed if it comes up, right? Ken (GM): ah, I suppose so, good point; Very well! A wait action Joush M.: Or there's a pretty brutal trick if the opposing force is SM 0 or less.. Ken (GM): Falkirku! FUCKING MAGIC N SHIT YO Gandalf G.: att ayy Falkirk hops off his horse Falkirk: and that's the turn Ken (GM): lulz "I aint no dragoon; I aint got time for this shit" P.P. A.: One day after a bunch of beastmen and a witch were killed in the slaver shooting, I traveled to Dwarfland to better understand the firepower of dwarven-style weapons and, hopefully, explain their appeal to ale lovers. Ken (GM): Bomrek! Cusses takes aim "DAMN ALL YOU MAGIC FUCKS"[strink of dwarven epiphets Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: Moving up for a direct line to fire (assuming the fire isn't still active) or not reaching her Ken (GM): hah, nah thats cool Ken (GM) the smoke billows in a plume, and is whisked away by the wind. Slithering out of the hut is a massive snake-bodies woman. She has 8 arms and each holds a wicked looking brassy weapon; scickles, swords, maces and hooked hammers. He wild hair flows in the wind as she comes out of the building cackling Joush M.: Damn. Drop the wait action rather then carry it out? Grappleing that is a Bad Idea Falkirk: caaaant~ that's the fun part of a wait action Ken (GM): Very good Gray, you decide not to grapple the giant bitch Falkirk: aww P.P. A.: >sickles [...] and [...] hammers Falkirk: communist snakes P.P. A.: This is truly Elf Chernobyl Fiss: In Soviet Russia, snake whack you! Ken (GM): so! Suðri ! youre up Suðri Skornbrekker dismounts his horse P.P. A.: ride check to see if I can do it and not waste my whole turn? Ken (GM): the horse wishes so too Gray looks up to the foe, the towering daemon or mutant serpent woman making his plan to grab the spellcaster fall apart. "What are you?!" Ken (GM): ride check to do it with your hands full of gun Rolling 3d6 = 10 v11 P.P. A.: wew Ken (GM): you swing over your leg and land on both feet! Gray! P.P. A.: The question remains: is she hot? Ken (GM): [lirk, so hawt] Joush M.: I think they are exothermic Fiss: Snake chicks are always hot...at least according to /d/ P.P. A.: I liked monster girls before MGQ and that manga made it cool Fiss: Mah ninja... Ken (GM): Gray! do the thing FYI, it is +1 SM to hit her, due to shape/size Gray strikes at the towering malarith with his sword, snarling.. Falkirk: the second I saw the word snake I knew where this was going Gray: Falkirk: oy vey Gray: Gray tries to hurry a blow past the flashing steel of her defenses, but fails, driven back. Ken (GM): boo! by 1 (why is it always 1?) Ken (GM) She grins at grey and his flourish, her snake-tongue flicking out in his direction. Her eyes widen and she smiles more Ken (GM): Falkirk! Falkirk stars jogging towards the altercation, already starting to wheeze Ken (GM): hahah Bomrek! will take his shot, -6 distance, +5 long aim, +2 size, -1 alcohol so vs 15 to "vitals" shot! (he sees she has a scaly hide but this should work, maybe FUCK lol Falkirk: that's a misfire woopwoop Joush M.: Don't explode, mister dwarf! Ken (GM): hes at +1 for his heavy black powder loads too.;.. Falkirk: "so while you were gone, your gun exploded and you died" Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't turn around as his eyes are fixated on the enemy, but he hears the misfire. “That didn't sound healthy.” Ken (GM): Misfire! Ken (GM) Bomrek's gun has a disappointing "phuttt" noise, and belches a cloud of ineffectual smoke Ken (GM): [dwarven cussing intensifies] Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: She'll power up her arrow and loose it at the snake's Vitals, hoping to at least wound/slow it enough for her party to get into the mix. With aiming and all the modifiers, target is a solid 17... Ken (GM): yay! Syviis Adjeon: Do snik move away in time? Ken (GM): snik tries dodge and fails! Falkirk: snake snake!? SNAAAAAAAAAKE Ken (GM): SNAAAAAAAAAKE Syviis Adjeon: Arrow Damage: Burning/Lightning Damage: Damn... still Ken (GM) the arrow looses and flies true, but explodes as it strikes her scaly hide! Syviis Adjeon: curses out loud and draws a fresh arrow if she can Ken (GM): [arrow faile dto penetrate DR! burning damage hits the skin and burned her a bit tho! DR4 mang, so 6 burning wounds after alls said n done turn :D P.P. A.: oh boy Ken (GM) Distracted from gray by the burning arrow, she turn her attention to the elf, and rushes her! Ken (GM): Fiss, many pointy things coming at you! She slithers up and swings several arms simultaneously; care to dodge at -3? Syviis Adjeon: I'd like to see if I can acrobatically + dive-dodge Joush M.: Might want to retreat too Ken (GM): diving = retreat; roll vs acrobatics for +2/-2! Syviis Adjeon: Acrobatics v 11 Ken (GM): yay! Syviis Adjeon: So with the dive-dodge, Dodge is 9 Woo! Ken (GM): yay! pick a hex, and youre prone, but not impaled 4 time sover !" Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! Falkirk: wow rude Syviis Adjeon: No... :P P.P. A.: Hm, what would the distance modifier here be Ken (GM): 9 yds, so -4 +2 SM sorry, +1 SM not 2, but +1 :P P.P. A.: so 14-4+1... not good Ken (GM): aiiiiim Suðri Skornbrekker curses in Dwarven and rams his bardiche into the ground, resting his musket on it to aim at the enemy Ken (GM): aim! Gray! Gray steps up behind the towering snakewoman. "I'm your opponenet!" He snarls, driveing at her to distract her from the elf and others. Ken (GM): Valiant! Gray: Joush M.: Defend. Unless she dosn't see it comeing Falkirk: "Seems a little redundant considering everyone's gunning for her at once, no?" Ken (GM): Its aher side hex, so she attempts an awkward sword parry at -2 vs 11 booo 14 vs 11, your swing hits home Ken (GM): [ignore the 10] Gray: Ken (GM): year! 5 gets though, becomes 7 wounds! Ken (GM) she truns her sword too late, and grey's sword bites deep, and she screeches in pain Ken (GM): Falkirk! Falkirk: what's the range pen from here Ken (GM): -5! Falkirk: hm I'll make an AOO using my half movement speed, moving there and hurl some acid her way determined Ken (GM): ah, kk Falkirk: any relevant modifiers to the situation? Ken (GM): her SM+1, so net youre at -2? and shes defending from a side hex Rolling 3d6 = 13 v13 phew Ken (GM): She attempts a dodge at 8 bam, shes splashed with acid accross her scaly hide! Falkirk shouts in an arcane tongue as he launches a jet of sickly yellow bile downrange Ken (GM) she screeches even angrier than before! Falkirk: it's 1DR to every 5 damage so maybe on the cyclic follow up we can get rid of that pesky DR Ken (GM): yay! Bomrek aims his next shot, encouraging his horse forward a step Syviis! you is prone Syviis Adjeon: scrambles to kneeling, bow at the ready but unable to get a shot off without completely screwing heself over Ken (GM): righto [this tool needs better icons for prone/kneeling postures :P] facing her though right fiiss? Falkirk: really does Fiss: The boot was what I was thinking. :P yes Falkirk: I use castle and shield for prone and kneeling respectively Ken (GM): She turns, hatred in her eyes, her weapons a flurry Fiss! She swings several weapons at you! Pick comes at ya, wat do? Syviis Adjeon: Attempting another acrobatic maneuver Match Ken (GM): haha Syviis Adjeon: Dodging (any +/- for Kneeling?) Ken (GM): -2 for kneeling ya so dodge +0! Syviis Adjeon: ok, so straight vs 9 target Ken (GM): bam! Syviis Adjeon: AWWW TISS *yess *yiss Ken (GM): sickle now! Syviis Adjeon: Mmm can she dodge again or is she boned? :P Ken (GM): you can dodge repeatedly, youre just in the sucky -2 position right now Syviis Adjeon: neewwwp Ken (GM): a slash on the torso! 8 cutting! Syviis Adjeon: 2dr, 6 get though Ken (GM): 9 wounds! Syviis Adjeon: bleah Ken (GM): likely a major! Roll HT vs stun/knockdown Syviis Adjeon: target is 10 with Fit Ken (GM): yay! she cut to the bone accross your chest, but your still alive and up! and then the mace comes at you! Syviis Adjeon: o_o Ken (GM): how you gonna defend? P.P. A.: screw these rolls Syviis Adjeon: Parry? :P Falkirk: "Pressure! Keep pressure on it" Falkirk jogs with a little more vigour Joush M.: I'm out of reach for a sacrafice block, I think Unless you want to be generous about that Ken (GM): kay, call it 9? considering all penalties/posture Syviis Adjeon: I'mma just going to roll it Ken (GM): ooooh Syviis Adjeon: newwwop Ken (GM): THUNK thats 6 more wounds after DR HT vs unconscious! Syviis Adjeon: o_o well, she's in neg HP regardless Nope. Out Ken (GM): slump Syviis Adjeon falls, an angry look in her eyes just before they close Ken (GM): sickle on gray! fails! pick! match! Defense? Gray: Falkirk: fuck Joush M.: COME ON! Ken (GM): oooh, thats not good. 17 crit fails she gets a crit his effect normal damage only? boo P.P. A.: Normal Damage Crit strikes again Falkirk: no its yay its very yay P.P. A.: this time it's on our side Ken (GM): 10 impaling to the torso! Gray: DR 6 for 4 pen, IMP x2 vs Torso, 8 damage to Torso, HP down to 12, not a major wound Ken (GM): yay! just a max shock penalty (-4) she lets go of the pick and lets it hang in you P.P. A.: >down to 12 Ken (GM): and the mace comes at ya P.P. A.: Geez, how much max HP do you have Ken (GM): 12/20 right now Joush M.: 20 on a good day Ken (GM): mace will also hit! defense? Gray: Ken (GM): ooooooh Joush M.: GFUGHAAAH P.P. A.: ...and today is not a good day Ken (GM): whump; thats mail, so 3 dr vs crushing? Joush M.: 4. The chain gives DR 2 + 2 Gray's DR Ken (GM): ah, kk so 4 more wounds, all said 8/20 hp yaaaaaay Falkirk: just shy of reeling Ken (GM) bomrek attempts to steady his horse Ken (GM): and does very well! Ken (GM) the unattended horses plunge into the barren woods, in several direcitons Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker fires immediately, aiming at the chest of the monster. Suðri Skornbrekker: 14 skill -4 distance +1 size +2 aim +1 bracing Rolling 3d6 = 14 Ken (GM): yay! dodge vs 10 P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): she eats it inthe gut! Suðri Skornbrekker: P.P. A.: pi++ Ken (GM): fuuuuuck Ken (GM) The lead shot cracks like thunder and slams into her gut with force enough to throw a chunk out of her hide! Exposed flesh sprays off in all directions Ken (GM): she slumps, drops her weapons, surprised at the blow. She looks at the wound with incredulity and she melts into black and red ichor, boiling away like some strange potted brew Suðri Skornbrekker: “Eat that, you wretched bitch!” Suðri Skornbrekker is furious, having seen the monster wreak havoc on two of his comrades, and not having pulled the trigger until it was too late to stop her rampage. Falkirk: "Aye, that'll do it. How's the elf looking?" Suðri Skornbrekker starts running towards them as soon as combat time is over Ken (GM): bomrek cusses, and starts rampaging after horses, into the woods Gray shakes off the impact and staggers to the elf, kneeling to examine the wounded woman. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Get back here, damn horse!”, Suthri shouts angrily into the woods as he tears his bardiche from the ground and heads for Grey and Syviis, who are more important than the dumb animal. Gray steps around the sick pool of melting malairth that stains the cursed ground red, his own wounds ignored, even though he's going to be healing from this for hours. Falkirk: combat time over? Ken (GM): yes! wat do falkirk? Joush M.: Assumeing the pick and mace weren't silver, that is Falkirk jogs over and crouches next to the elf, assessing the damages Suðri Skornbrekker: “Can we carry her away from whatever that filth is?” Syviis Adjeon: -4hp Rolling 3d6 = 16 v13 to notice anything not immediately obvious [diagnosis] welp P.P. A.: Falkirk: “You might be hurt.” (To Gray): Not silver, in fact some odd brassy-bronze like make, similar to your ogre blade Falkirk: "Let's get her patched up then. How are you doing, Beastie?" Falkirk places a hand on each of her shoulders and begins a quiet incantation Falkirk: 4 seconds for +@ +2 Rolling 3d6 = 11 v15 oh and erm 2FP to heal 4HP Ken (GM): yaaay Ken (GM) Healing light flows into the wounds; the gash closes its edges, and Syviis' battered form stirs awake Syviis Adjeon: "Thank you..." she whispers in common, then closes her eyes and breathes quietly, trying to marshal her strength. (To Fiss): dramatic enough timing for ya? Falkirk gives her a firm pat on the shoulder. (From Fiss): Figures this is a good enough time to buy off the 10 pts. :P I have 8 now, so assuming 12 ish I'll do it this session (To Fiss): (From Gray): even worse then that.. HP 20 gives healing rate *2, so it's 2HP an hour Falkirk leans on his spear and stands. Falkirk: "Now for the interesting part." Ken (GM): [the pick should still be stuck in him, until he pries it loose fyi] Gray pauses and grips the pick, pulling it free. It deals more damage that way, but the doctor is busy. He snarls in animal pain, then tosses the pick aside and goes back to what he was doing. Ken (GM): yarp how brutal (To Falkirk): The slime is strikingly similar to the bloodroot ichor...or the plague ichor. Behaves slightly different. Thicker, maybe ectoplasmic elements? All signs point towards her being a summons of some kind. A called demon, bound to this place somehow Falkirk holds the vial to the light, shaking it and carefully examining the contents, apparently completely devoid of awareness of the surrounding world all of a sudden. Ken (GM): [dwarven cussing from bomrek echoes from the woods] ["get back here you undercooked steak!"] Falkirk: "Well what Ken (GM) the tower is roughly bare inside; the floor a brilliant golden hue, etched with shining purple runes that sparkle with power P.P. A.: >clock Joush M.: Maybe we don't go rest in the evil summoning circle Ken (GM): cloak I think Joush M.: Yeah, sorry! P.P. A.: :P Ken (GM): :P Suðri Skornbrekker pulls his head back out. Suðri Skornbrekker: “We should leave this to Falkirk,” he says, shoulders his weapon, and heads after Bomrek. Ken (GM): lol so! the dwarves round up the horses; Bomrek explains with a slight hiccup that he was worried the gold would wander off "Falkirk get the elf fixed up then?" Gray looks into the tower a moment and nods. "She barely fit inside there.. is this some eldrich path she took to reach us?" Ken (GM): What you guys do now? Youre pretty beat up, and Syviis is critically mashed Falkirk: "What we just fought, mister beast, was a summoned demon." Suðri Skornbrekker: “She's breathing again and you can't see her broken ribs sticking out any more; that's a big step up already.” (To Fiss): Dwarf smack talk! "Never should have brought her"? (From Fiss): yeah, she'll remember that. :P Falkirk leaves the door open, steps backwards and rolls up his sleeves Ken (GM): lol "steps back" ten yards Gray then speaks to Suori. "I think we find shelter. Get rest, recover.. she fights well and was unlucky. I would prefer she was not in combat too.. but.. That's her choice. I could not compleat this mission without hazarding the health of people that seem fragile to me." He moves back, carrying th elf back too. Falkirk: I didnt specify how many steps :D Joush M.: "Get back. I'm gonna do some MAGIC" P.P. A.: (oh, he say saying that to Bomrek) (tell me when the dwarves get our horses back and rejoin with the group) (From Falkirk): Just gonna hork some acid through the door and take cover Ken (GM): hahahah Falkirk brings a hand above his head and begins reciting a slow incantation Falkirk: gonna need to roll to hit? Ken (GM): no, but gimme 3d6 blind, please Falkirk: blind? Ken (GM): 'for effect' (To Falkirk): You feel the magic in the air is gone, completely discharged (To Fiss): You feel the magic in the air is gone, completely discharged Falkirk: "Not as dramatic as I might have liked, but I suppose this was the best result." Fiss: Gray nods to the elderly wizard respectfully. The blood wet beastman looking around. "Where can we hold up until our companion is ready to travel again?" He glances to the building. It's unattractive, but it's also the only he can remeber seeing for a while.. "We could just camp here. Close to water, these twisted trees might yeld enough deadfall for a fire." Ken (GM): [fixer upper, needs a new door] Falkirk: "I don't see us finding anywhere else with a roof for a while. If we must rest, this is a good place." P.P. A.: So the “tower” only has one floor? Joush M.: high celings then. We should go inside and look up, see if it used to have more floors/stairs to reach them P.P. A.: Would also be sueful to know if there are any windows higher up Gray nods to Falkirk and turns to walk to the tower, careful with Syviis, setting her gently inside and out of the rain to rest while he looks around the tower supiciously. He dosn't trust the place. Ken (GM): Single floor, just the bare sotne and high 15~ foot walls, vaulted ceiling with wood and shingles [also, its not raining anymore, but very courteous of ya] Falkirk: "So, what's the consensus? We're setting up camp?" Ken (GM): and yes, high windows up by the ceiling, but barred. Drafty but 'secure' Gray nods. "At least until the archer's ready to travel again. I'll scout the area and collect firewoood." Ken (GM): Bomrek : "Where do we shove these infernal horse-steaks then? tied up back in the trees?" Falkirk: "Aye, but keep them close. We don't know how much unfriendly traffic this road gets." Ken (GM): alllrighty so the room is roughly cut and bare, but room y enough for all of you. Firewood nearby is in easy supply; gray, whewre would you put a fire? Horses round back, tied to a nearby tree. Syviis, bedresting? Falkirk - plans? Suðri Skornbrekker: “Bomrek, help me set set up some rudimentary defenses.” Syviis Adjeon: continues to rest, on the very cusp of not-being-able-to-do-anything-else. Falkirk: I'll just do the doctor gig Suðri Skornbrekker wants to pile up some wood and dirt to make a simple, waist-high wall around the area Ken (GM): Bomrek considers rigging the bridge to explode P.P. A.: (like so, except avoiding the puddle of yuck) Gray goes and scouts around for supplies. He will build a fire inside the door, but not in the way. Ken (GM): "That seems mighty conspicuous though" Says bomrek, scratching his beard and swigging a bit more "Maybe we just build up right in front of the door with a defensible heap o timbers?" Joush M.: Like there? It won't make it that much warmer inside but should let them dry out and heat up some food while they drink booze. Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Yeah, that works too. Ken (GM): [yeah a small manageable fire will do wonders, even without a door] Suðri Skornbrekker goes to gather and if necessary chop some wood. Rolling 3d6 = 11 v12 Ken (GM): nice! between the two dwarves, a small 'Pallisade wall' gets built with fallen timber and some earthworks so, youre all roughly safe, huddled out of the cold wind in the tower. The wind whistles pas tth ehigh walls, but youre secure with your fire and pallisade resting here for awhile then? Overnight? Falkirk makes sure to keep the elf close to the warm flame, she's had enough sanguine humours spilled for the melancholic winds to steal any more Syviis Adjeon: Syviis is literally at the mercy of the party, she can't really complain until she regains a HP or two They can pack-mule her if they want, lol Ken (GM): very good Syviis Adjeon: And she's proud enough not to complain if they do. Gray stands guard, letting Falkirk see to tending to the wounded. Ken (GM): Falkirk, you wanna treat her with physician care? or maybe more magic? Falkirk: yeah roll it? Rolling 3d6 = 9 v12 Joush M.: Gray wants to stay here until she's ready to fight and travel. This place seems too dangerous to go ahead when they are down a person. He could be talked out of the plan though Ken (GM): right! so success on first aid/physician is 1d-2 HP restored at least [or was that magic and more? :P] helps to declare as/before rolling Falkirk: that was just physician Ken (GM): ah, kk Falkirk: I figured it was implied Ken (GM): so 1d-2! Falkirk: oh I didnt see the magic part you said 3 ayy Ken (GM): ayyy thats staggered/walking at least! Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker is maintaining the firearms and humming dwarven songs to himself when Gray approaches him. He reaches out to accept it, but withdraws his hand. “Nah, you deserve it more.” (To Falkirk): So, after some time spent in the building; casual inspection of the runes etc. The magic circle was a binding/summoning circle. The demon was bound here, tied to the brazier outside as part of a larger protection/warding. You dont have a direct interaction with the triggers but it was likely part of the fire outside revealing beastmen/not beastmen or something similar. All speculaiton without the auras. Ken (GM): Bomrek cleans and checks his gun, muttering angry all the while Falkirk sits cross-legged after tending to the elf, examining the runes remaining in the floor with a frown. Ken (GM): he struggles with it for some time before prying out a jammed lead shot Gray takes a long drink, then considers a moment, reaching down to run a hand across his midsection. He thumps the wound, groaning a bit, then nodding. "Bone's are back in place and knitting. Hurts worst when they move, now it's just a matter of time." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Pretty convenient.” Ken (GM): after a bit, bomrek has tossed an empty whisky bottle beside the firepit. He belches loudly and settles against the wall, snoring almost instantly Syviis Adjeon sighs. "It was foolish of me not to maintain the advantage of range. I am glad more of her weapons didn't strike you, though, Gray." Ken (GM): Falkirk: "The beastie seems to mostly fix himself, I wouldn't worry." Gray nods to the elven archer. "We make mistakes. We learn from them. You fought well and bravely, but yes.. more distance next time. The monsters in this place are terreibly fast." Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk looks up from the floor-runes and thinks for a moment Fiss: is "foolish optimism" an advantage? :P Or disadvantage? Falkirk: "Aye, I'd expect so. Bound demons serve as excellent sentries. My working theory is that in this case we triggered it, likely through the sconce out yonder" He gestures towards the door. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Same with the tower here, newer, built recently Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the sconce and strokes his beard, having mustered the tower already. Suðri Skornbrekker: “This has all been set up pretty recently. The rulers of this place might have anticipated scouts like us, or perhaps a larger invasion, and shored up their defenses.” Suðri Skornbrekker furrows his brows. “Let's hope we do not encounter any larger forces.” Ken (GM): [allrighty, so, you guys hole up for the while, letting Syviis rest] Joush M.: Sounds good to me Ken (GM) A howling rises up from the darkness around you Fiss: sussurseueueue Ken (GM): The noise immediately will wake any of you, its a cacophany Bomrek is bleary and angry, and very disoriented Suðri Skornbrekker: “Bomrek!” Suðri shakes him awake from his daze, “Guns! Cannons! How many do we have inside here?” Ken (GM): Bomrek hiccoughs, then retches against the wall, the smell of sick pungent in the cold air Falkirk: yare yare daze Ken (GM): "Oh Shite" he says, groggily Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): You can taste the whisky in the air, off him Falkirk slowly wakes and stands, turning to Grey (To Fiss): HT vs HP recovery please? Falkirk pauses Falkirk: "Aside from vomit." Syviis Adjeon: (To Fiss): boooo Suðri Skornbrekker feels anger at disgust at Bomrek's miserable state, especially when thw teo other heavy hitters of the group are injured. Gray: (To Gray): The wind is full of dust, ash, faint brimstone from the west. Nothing different. You dont smell anyone upwind of you. But the sound is coming from all around, there should be P.P. A.: We would have brought some if not all muskets inside beforehand Ken (GM): Bomrek mutters blearily in dswarven P.P. A.: would probably have been Bomrek's decision whether we'd also have brought a cannon Ken (GM): ["Its safe right? I though we would have time for a good drink..."] Gray growls. "No new scents. Illiusions. To make it seem they are there or to hide the scent." Rolling 3d6 = 4 v13 (To Falkirk): You IMMEDIATELY notice the sounds are illusiory. Its like hearing the same sound effect played over and over; the illusionist is a hcak, and just spamming 'scary noise #4" over and over Suðri Skornbrekker continues aiming into the dark, Gray's comment not having reassured him at all. Falkirk: "Are you sure you smell new?" Ken (GM): Bomrek does seem to have a bag, and he staggers to it; he upturns it, and spills out his personal effects and some of the golden idols you took fro mthe ruins [SHIT wrong bag!] Gray shakes his head. "I only smell what the wind carries to me. I'd have to go out there to hunt." (To Falkirk): Yes, to sudri's question. Especially if they built it with personal power. Part and parcel to enchanting magic traps Falkirk: "Most likely they would, aye. These sounds, however, are illusory." Gray thumps a hand on his ribs, feeling if the wicked blows he suffered have healed. It's a way to tell how much time as passed, after all.. also, import to know if he's ready for battle or not. Falkirk: "Here's my theory: whoever set up this rune lives nearby. Noticed the sentry got silenced and hopped on their horse to come right here. Now they're trying to intimidate us into running." "I suggest we go hunting." Ken (GM): [Yes and yes, its the middle of the night, about 12 hours have passed, youre up to full again Gray] (To Gray): Perception! Falkirk squats down and lays a hand on the elf, murmering Ken (GM): Bomrek salutes awkwardly, and grabs his gun, bracing himself against the back wall "YESSIR" he belches Falkirk: 4 seconds, 4FP Suðri Skornbrekker looks at both of them with some concern, hoping that he'll get his bearings soon enough to man the barricades—and not shoot the others in the back by firing blindly into the night (again). Rolling 3d6 = 10 v4 that was 14\ Ken (GM): right, I though 4 was a bit low Falkirk: have 8HP thank me later (To Falkirk): COme dawn, no penalties on the reset, but good roll :) Ken (GM): lol Gray: Joush M.: ANd Bomrek can always shoot someone from the door if he has to. We can get rid of the darkness penality by lighting the target on fire Suðri Skornbrekker looks at Gray and Falkirk and nods with determination burning in his eyes. This is more his element: a walled home to protect, threats to chase away—much more like a town militia than venturing deep in enemy lands to shoot abominations. Falkirk: dont need to worry about the darkness penalty Falkirk claps his hands together and quickly strings an enchantment togethert Gray holds his shield ready but calls to the man in a deep, booming voice. "I have no quarrel with you. This is your land. I seek only to pass though" Falkirk: A tiny whisp of light emerges from between aformentioned hands and gently floats around the room, bringing the light levels up to those of a sunny day Falkirk follows Gray to the door, the light moving seemingly of its own accord towards the river Falkirk: let me see how fast it moves Ken (GM): kk Falkirk: 1m/s or yard, whichever we're using Ken (GM): yep Joush M.: Use yards! It makes you 10% faster! Falkirk: and it's a 10yd radius it makes you 40% less comprehensible Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't have his finger on the trigger yet (From Falkirk): "Ground so holy that it's your job to go round making sure nobody gets any good sleep? You talk like a pumped-up self-important child who's stumbled across his daddy's spell book. How about you take that feathered joke and fly back to your master, eh?" Falkirk: "Keep those weapons ready, he's not going to like that " Falkirk mutters Gray calls back to the man. "You don't have to die tonight. Go home." Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) He call sout, in common, "Tonight, you live, tomorrow, I cannot guarantee it" Falkirk: "Running away. That's what I expected." Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) Trailers of fire follow it, but it is up and away, South, fast as the wind (To Fiss): Man, is anyone gonna notice you speaking not-elven now? Falkirk hooks the flask back to his belt and sighs Joush M.: I feel like someone seeing a person in power armor for the first time.. "I hope you aren't plot important, because I REALLY want your stuff.." Ken (GM): lol Fiss: lol Falkirk: "Whoever's on watch tonight, I suggest you keep both eyes open." Fiss: "Damn, are you on the movie poster? No? Awesome...I got dibs." Ken (GM): man yo uguys are either jaded as hell or just dont feel like being intimidated, do you? Gray nods. "Aye. I don't trust his promise." Falkirk: I was trying to bait him into attacking because horse is too mobile to chase Gray is a monster himself, and still thinks himself the most frightning thing out in the night tonight. The beast was power. He's impressed, but not afraid Suðri Skornbrekker: “I can stay awake for another hour, but I need some shuteye afterwards. Doubt my fellow dwarf will be lucid enough for the second shift, though.” He says to Gray and Falkirk Gray is perhaps unwise. That would be a quite reasonble charge, the power the man displlayed, casualy, rivaled that of the strange elven woman that smelled of sulphur. "Was that a night lord?" (To Fiss): Elven knowlege time! Syviis Adjeon: (To Gray): Brimsotne and ...Suðri Skornbrekker sits back and leans against the tower, taking a swipg of whatever bottle is nearest. He shakes his head. “I don't like that more and more people are now aware of our presence here.” P.P. A.: *-p Gray leans down, dipping fingers into the ruts and scenting the air again. His expression thoughtful then riseing, starting back to the building, he rubs the soil between his fingers and reluctantly decieds the horse was, in all likelyhood, a deamon. Syviis Adjeon: "The Lords of the Night could be anything." she explains softly. "They were branded heretics by the elders, and while I have no doubt they are still elf in their heart, what transformations or allies they have grown to have in the years past are unknown." Falkirk snores loudly in response Ken (GM): Bomrek sits against the wall of the guardhouse, wide eyes and bleary "What the nine hells was that noise?!" Joush M.: Syviis spoke common? Suðri Skornbrekker: “Giant hell-horse, winged blakc as the night, and spitting fire,” Suðri notes calmly. P.P. A.: *winged, black as the night Ken (GM): Bomrek "Did the elf just talk normal? Or am I still drunk?" Syviis Adjeon: :P Ken (GM): lo l Syviis Adjeon blushes under her camo and paint Ken (GM): Bomrek "Wait, giant winged horse? LIke, big black flying thing?" He looks guilty "Shit, I think I saw that thing a few days ago, back in the swamp. I was on watch when it passed us by" Suðri Skornbrekker: “By the beard of Urist, I didn't even realise.” Gray seems suprised, only now seeming to realize it. "Thank you. It's good to hear your voice.. and the information's useful." He says, thoughtful. He wonders a moment as he stands there.. then shakeing his head, thinking about it. "That's right.. I wonder how long we've been watched." Syviis Adjeon: "I simply...realized...this is not the time for foolish traditions. You are my allies...my vows can be put aside while our lives are in danger. Falkirk: bought off the disad then? huehueh Fiss: yus :P may as well Ken (GM): "why the fuck is she bothering with this? not important right now" I thin kthe conversation went Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): MIla Jovovich! MULTIPASS Head-canon now cemented Gray nods to the elf, the dark haired brute standing by the door, looking out into the night and chuckleing softly at Suori's wit. Syviis Adjeon: "I also considered that possibility. I doubt my family will be to heartbroken." (To Fiss): Hell of a vocabulary for Broken COmmon :P (From Syviis Adjeon): also buying that up/off. :P (From Syviis Adjeon): doesn't make sense not too Ken (GM): allllrighty; good time to break here. some of you need to sleep then STUDY :P 4 XP each! and buy up/off the things youve been planning. Im sure you guys are around the 12 or 15 XP mark next week, the morning rises and you guys do what cha gotta facing off against a literal Fiss: Yay! HORRIBLE NIGHTMARE VISIONS! That's called , Dibb. Falkirk: ayy Ken (GM): Im gonna follow up with Adolph; hes missed a lot of sessions, Im gonna see if Sunday would work better for him, or if this is all just a serioes of bad coincidences of scheduling P.P. A. has 34 unspent XP Ken (GM): jesus FUCK 34? Joush M.: I have 12! I'm planning some things. I will run them past you.. Great session, everyone. First time faceing mortailty for Gray and Silyvis P.P. A.: geez, I need to actually do somehting with these Ken (GM): no SHIT P.P. A.: Didn't spend any since we left the fort Joush M.: Gray shall teach him the ways of BEATING ASS P.P. A.: mainly because I don't really know on what, although I suppose I could put some more into all the weapon skills Joush M.: Acutely, unless he wants to learn Broadsword gray likely can't teach him anything Or tracking, I guess. Talk to Falkirk, get some Forbidden Lore? Gray: COuld be useful to have a second person to roll that Ken (GM): man, yeah, bring your main stuff up? Like guns and riding, etc? 34 points is just boggling yo Joush M.: Thank you for running tonight Ken, it was a good session like always Ken (GM): Wilkomen! I try to have fun and make fun :D also, P.P. A.: *„Gern geschehen“ or „keine Ursache“ :P Ken (GM): :P right, we have a real german in here P.P. A.: >next week, the morning rises and you guys do what cha gotta facing off against a literal Nightmare would be neat to have one session where we#re beset by truly grotesque horrors Ken (GM): P.P. A.: half of the party is mauled in a one-sided battle, toehr flees to some surreal area then it's revealed that it was all a dream/nightmare Ken (GM): Did that once in another game fiss was in it (I think, at the time) they were dealing with Nazi superscience, alternate dimensions, and the old ones just one long tiring session wher ethey all died horribly then woke up and everyone went as intended P.P. A.: hah Ken (GM): kind of a dick move, but I think they got the point and had fun with it at least but! I G2G and you need sleep and studying. see you two next week! P.P. A.: See ya! Ken (GM): woop woop! P.P. A.: o/ Adolf S.: ayy Ken (GM): my god, he lives good to see ya mang Adolf S.: I have 9 character points I gotta' assign. Ken (GM): please do! Adolf S.: Lets see.. I believe I out of the last... 4? 5? sessions, I've only been here properly for about two. Ken (GM): yeaaaah; but on the upside, you succumbed to your alcoholism last session and drank WAY too much :D Effectively incapacitating yourself for the evening Adolf S.: Oh boy, the log looks a tad complicated. Anybody have an explanation as to what happened? Woo Did I do it in a place that has chairs, a roof, and glass windows? Generally three things that indicate a nice area, those features. P.P. A.: A roof, at least Windows, but without glass Adolf S.: How's the other dwarf's Arm/ P.P. A.: Healed again, thanks to magic Adolf S.: bless it Ken (GM): yeah, go falkirk, heliedood Adolf S.: Man, I'm dehydrated as fuck. Going to slame back a couple bottles of water. Ken (GM): yo joush! did ya see the message I sent not 5 minutes ago ? :P youre good to spend points as you asked P.P. A.: I'm gonna put 4 points into Guns (Musket) to raise it to 15 Adolf S.: Message? Was it in skype? Ken (GM): I meant that to joush not you adolph hah Adolf S.: Ah. P.P. A.: and 1 point into Riding for 12 Adolf S.: Ayy, so what's the situation exacty? Joush M.: Ahh, got it! I spent the other 2 on Animal Handlign (Equine) for Maximum Horse Maintance P.P. A.: and 1 into Armoury (Small Arms) Ken (GM): MAXIMUM HORSE P.P. A.: (and Melee Weapon, and Architecture) Joush M.: After encountering a watctower guarding a bridge over the river we fought a many-armed snakedwoman deamon that hurt Gray and mauled Sylivais, whom is recovered mostly thanks to magic now but they paused for the night in the tower to rest and recover In the night they were visited by a bald scarred man on a winged, fire-breathing horse with razor sharp hooves. He said little, but took their measure after lureing them outside with illuisions Gandalf G.: ayy so I'm supposed to be looking after the neighbor's kids but they're not in so idk Ken (GM): woo, complications! Gandalf G.: might have to dash, but it'll be a 'brb but slightly distracted' type deak Joush M.: Well, if you haven't singed a recepit for them it's not your fault Adolf S.: Took their measure? Hm. Joush M.: Always observe the children chain of cusoidty. It's like seized cocaine Adolf S.: Is he buying us all new suits? Joush M.: That would be amazeing. he's the Night Lord of Tailoring (To Bomrek): You got pretty tnaked after the elf mauling. Put away whisky like water. You had a gun misfire, but cleared it, and kinda had a bit of guilt on not putting the thing down before it nearly took out the elf. bit of a bender, but well timed failed self control roll Gandalf G.: yeah I called him a bellend and he got mad and flew off Adolf S.: Did he happen to be a small Italian man with a mustache? Ken (GM): nah, he mostly resembled the guy yo uput down in the ruined temple, with all the scars and plae skin? Joush M.: OOh yeah. that's right Adolf S.: Giuseppe, lord of the beastmen, licensed tailor Mmm. I hated that guy. Kill'm all. I'm eating pizza for breakfast. Damn good pizza. The spice is pretty much tooth paste, right? Who needs teeth brushing. Ken (GM): im just trying to track down fiss atm; he may be a no show today :( Adolf S.: oh, why? Ken (GM): dunno, he might just be asleep? but i cant reach him. Ive got his character sheet tho, so the game can continue. Just odd he's AFK Adolf S.: Hum. Joush M.: Here's hoping he is just late Ken (GM): Gandalf G.: that';; be them brb Ken (GM): SO! As Joush was so helpful to point out, you guys have been travelling South on the cartpath out of the ruined village, into the Forbidden Kingdom. The dead forest has loomed about you, full of bloodroot plants and little else. the end of your second day now punctuated with the meeting of a sorcerous individual riding a literal Everyone got their sheets updated to satisfaction? Adolf S.: New computer, installing GCS at the moment. So, we're not in combat actively right now, right? Gandalf G.: ok I got 10 mins P.P. A.: aye Ken (GM): nope not in combat; the forboding individual has flown off and left you al lin the chill of night by the river Syviis is healed up, Bomrek is tanked drunk, and the rest of you are in 99% condition. Adolf S.: How scary was the interaction with the flying horseman. P.P. A.: We're getting used to this kind of thing although the giant winged demon horse breathing fire was rather intimidating Gandalf G.: I was too tired to be scared told him to fuck off Adolf S.: GM, was I too drunk to properly perceive and understand the sight? If so, Bomrek's going to waddle very unsteadily back to his bedroll, and do a controlled-fall into it. Gray feels less bravado as the night goes on and his mind slowly runs over what's happend, looking out at the pool of deamon blood and ichor on the ground. "The second time we faced a person that's come to examine us and weigh us and left. I'd think they may have left us in peace after seeing we only seek to pass though.. but they might be coming back, with allies and weapons." P.P. A.: You threw up at a wall so Suðri just told you to stay behind and man the barricades as soon as you could see straight again not sure if you even came out to see it Ken (GM): actually, Bomrek, you recognized him; a few days ago when you were on watch and saw the flying thing on the horizon? That was this flying thing P.P. A.: oh right, forgot that part Gandalf G. remains stubbornly asleep Gandalf G.: oh ok Falkirk: again that but this Adolf S.: "Allies.. Weapons.. Cannon ought to fix that.. kill anything short of a dragon... Dragon too', if y'got enough.." Oh, did I express that already, last game? Ken (GM): yus "oh shit, THATS what that was" P.P. A.: Oh, also: Syviis speaks our tongue now Adolf S.: Goody. "Gods damned.. flying horse. Thought it was a particula... particularly fat b-..bird" He lets out a small, strained laugh, and then coughs heavily and leans against the wall. He turns to Suori and half smiles and chuckles, and half grimaces at his general state. He says in Dwarvish "Does it taste like horse, or like chicken?" Oh? How's she do that? Ken (GM): Syviis had it as a vow not to speak common; after her near death experience, she decided her parents would forgive her the transgression for the sake of practicality [fiss bought off the vow with points] Gray nods. "Aye, nobody has fought us yet, friend.. Still, watch Falkirk. A clever foe might understand he's vital to the group and think him the most vulnerable of the group, without armor or weapons." Gray: .. "Fought us and survived, that is." Ken (GM) Night drapes the forest around you like a blanket; smothering darkness in all directions, everything muffled except the sound of the river nearby. Your enemies are gone, for now, but how long will you be safe here in these dark lands? Falkirk: ok I gotta split breb Joush M.: Good luck! Ken (GM): lol so, any major actions from you lot? or just changing the watch and getting rest? Gray spends his time on watch collecting and examiming the Malarith weapons. Adolf S.: Mmm.. So those weapons there, they were there this whole time, during the encounter we just had? Those are from some uh... Bridge demon who asked us for a toll, was it? (To Gray): The various violent implements from the demon woman are truly wicked things; simple tools of death. Little ornamentation covers their brassy-golden metal. The maces and picks are simple geometric heads, the sickles curve like threshing tools, and the swords have straight edges and a squared off tip. They also seem very well kept, but extreemely old make P.P. A.: they fell into the puss puddle of plague though, so we didn't loot them (To Gray): handling them in any special way re: the ichor? (To Bomrek): Roll HT+1 for me, versus your drunkeness? you took good precautions to recover Adolf S.: Assuming Bomrek's awake: "This place could be rightly described as a shit hole. Elders save me" and if not, he probably mutters one out of every 5 words of that. Nope. Ken (GM): You are still worse for wear, running at a -1 penalty to everything. The stench of whiskey seems to be coming out of your skin, and youve got a visible green/gray tinge Suðri Skornbrekker finds the air not to fresh what with the faint strench of the water, but it's breatheable. Adolf S.: Man, something's up with my GCS. Think I have the other version, rather than the one I had previously. Oh well. Ken (GM) Syviis and Falkrik also wake, and set about breaking camp and partaking of road-gruel. Adolf S.: Oh. My goddamn character sheet can't even be read by this version of GCA. Shit. P.P. A.: [insert smug frog holding a custom excel sheet] Adolf S.: Sounds about right. I'll sort this out eventually. Ken (GM): ya'll nuts. CGA4 4 lyfe [so! whats the next plan for your toupe?] Adolf S.: Bomrek walks out of the structure blearily, and cringes at the light, but looks relieved to be out of that room at least. "If I write a book about my exploits, I think I'll title this chapter "Puke Bucket on the Sewage River." Joush M.: GCA always seemed less well supported then GCS. P.P. A.: Crashing this demon horse with no survivors Adolf S.: Doctor Falkirk, I'm PPA. Gray nods to Bomrek. "Let's move onto the next chapter then. Everyone prepared to travel?" Adolf S.: Why would you stab a man before throwing him off a bridge? Joush M.: For You. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye.” Suðri starts loading the weapons and other equipment back on the horses. “How are you doing, Syviis?” he calls back at the tower. Adolf S.: How long ago exactly did the Elf gain speech? P.P. A.: Yesterday afternoon or so When she regained consciousness Ken (GM) Syviis is moving a bit gingerly, and mostly seems a bit frustrated with the bloody slash mark in her clothing. "I am healed Suðri, thanks to Falkirk. His magic is most helpful" Suðri Skornbrekker: “It is indeed. I'm still grateful that he gave me a hand!” Bomrek: Bomrek jolts, and turns his head to stare at the Elf with thin, incredulous eyes. "I forgot you could talk, damn." Gray nods to the pair, glad to see the pair moveing well and giveing a thankful look to Falkirk. The vunerbilty of the older man worries him, but there's nothing he can do about it short of makes sure the others remeber to watch for him. Bomrek: Need'a get Falkirk a mobility scooter. Ken (GM) Falkirk scoffs at the concern, but otherwise simply busies himself with the packing of his horse Bomrek: Anyway, Bomrek collects his things, re-counts his loot to ensure accuracy, and stores it away safely on his horse. Ken (GM): so, packed nad prepared for the day, whaere ar eyo uhappy few headed now? recalling of course, the threat from the scarred sorcerer [switching to big mapview Bomrek: Which threat from which scarred asshole. The latest? What'd he say? Gray refuses to be scared away from their mission by the threats of the spellcaster. He will cross the river and proceeded. Bomrek: Bomrek takes this time to carve a symbol into the wooden doorframe of the building before we set off, a boar with billowy smoke coming out of it's mouth. The fact that it can be made out at all is testimate to his efforts in making it. Incidentally, I'm still on the local screen thingy. P.P. A.: me too Ken (GM): lol :P Bomrek: There we go. Ken (GM): fixed Bomrek: uh oh white background, only the map set pieces are visible. Ken (GM): oh? try refeshing? the map image is unfortunately a bit big [I may end up cropping it again this week] Adolf S.: Lets see if it fixed... Joush M.: There we go.. I've got the right map now. It's time to risk more south-bound and down, following the cart path. It seems to be going more or less in the direction of the tower Adolf S.: Yup, fixed it. South bound and down, loaded up n' truckin' Huh, yeah, the map's benig really weird.. time to re-refresh. Ken (GM): righto; South along the road, make the best time possible Adolf S.: Aannnddd doing that made it into the white screen again. I'll take what I can get I 'spose. Ken (GM): lol Adolf S.: Yeah, road travel sounds pretty wise, all things considered. Ken (GM): as long as you can still see chat Adolf S.: Where ont he map is our destination, anyway? Too blurry to make out features unfortunately. P.P. A.: you can adjust the scale of the map with the slider in the top right btw Gray: It's the place people are pinging Adolf S.: Adjusting the scale turned it white again. Damn. Right'o. Road seems best, yup. Ken (GM) The horse hooves clatter against the ancient timbers of the bridge as you step accross the river. The road is swept under the creaking black branches of the dead forest, and you are swept back into the cool dim mistly light of early morning. As the ruddy glow of dawn resolves, the sky brightens to an off white cloudy sky above. Chill air makes mist of your breath, and your horses steam snoutfulls as they trod along the muddy cartpath. Here and there, an ancient road reveals itself underfoot, wayward paving stones worn to blank nubs Adolf S.: Does it appear as if it's often used by horse and cart n' such? Gray frowns, looking around at the dead forest and path. He can't help but think this was once a well-matained road, and a liveing forest. Ken (GM): the massive rainfall the other day seems to have washed out much of any trail here; your tracks are the only ones so far, North or South Adolf S.: "When we win this war, we should turn this forest into tooth picks and barrel staves" Bomrek says, a little on edge as he looks around the dense forest, fearful of further ambush. Ken (GM) The bloodroot continues here as well, you notice though, it has been chopped away from the path of the road and back from the edges. Not recently though. Old dead rotting plants have left their old stumps here Gandalf G.: ayy back sorta I've got like 7 kids to look after here christ in a handbasket Adolf S.: "Hum... Looks maintained. Ish." Bomrek looks around toward the edge of his vision. "I don't count it as a good sign. Any trade route of the beastmen is one I'd rather bombard from a distance with artillery cannon." (From Gandalf G.): They're in the garden, good enough for me (To Gray): Smells like a big unwashed cow, tinged with the stink of a predator Suðri Skornbrekker: “Him whom we encountered? I'd expect him to fly instead, though.” Bomrek: "Doubt it, did he come this direction even?" Gray shakes his head. "Bovine. Blood. Sweat.. Maybe a minotuar. Just one set. Maybe out hunting." Bomrek: "Good, easier to take down. They aren't especially smart or stealthy, are they?" he says as he undoes some of the straps holding his rifle to the horse, hoping to make it easier to draw if need be. Gray nods. "Maybe." He isn't convinced, starting to prowl again, watching the tracks, keeping alert. "A lone minotuar isn't likely to attack us." Bomrek: "Aye, aye.. but if he sees us from afar and escapes, we'll have more to deal with than just one lone beast." Ken (GM): pressing on then? Joush M.: Sure. Do the tracks follow the trail? Bomrek: Yup, -^ what he said Ken (GM): Yes, they seem to continue on along the roadway ahead, clear in the mud, staining the stones here and there. Bomrek: "Well, looks like this one will be easy to track. Eyes up, be ready to shoot if we spot it close enough" he says the last bit turning to Suthri and the Elf. Ken (GM) Syviis checks her bow and snatches an arrow, on ehand on the reins now Suðri Skornbrekker: “Mhm, fair enough. In these wicked lands however, you had better be prepared to shoot at any time no matter what.” Gandalf G.: (turns out the kid I've been calling 'lad' is a girl) Joush M.: Put a pink bow on her head P.P. A.: >misgendering #triggered Falkirk looks around, leaning on his staff Ken (GM): #triggered# Falkirk: "Keep your senses peeled. I don't like this one bit." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Keep an eye in the sky as well and pray nothing burrows underneath us and bursts forth from the stained soil.” Falkirk: how dark is it? Bomrek: "We are at war, comrade. If it spots us and tells it's friends in the next valley, and we have a war band of 40 goblins hot on our heels, I would regret sparing it." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Yesterday's brewer was not hostile. Indiscriminately killing strangers might rile up local tribes who would otherwise mind their own business.” Bomrek: Not very, Falkirk. Supposed to be day. Ish. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Not that I am taking a stand for minotaurs and other abominations.” Ken (GM): @falk: overcast and misty, so daytime, but occulded in the distance Falkirk: no excuse to use my light spell then rip Gray nods in agreement for the conversation, running a hand along his dark hair and horns. Bomrek: "Bah, we'll rile them up soon enough later when we've got the king's men marching through. There are only two outcomes to this, a dead minotaur if we happen to see it, or a war band closing in on our position." Ken (GM): Further South then? Bomrek: Aye Lookin' for minotaurs. Bomrek's going to mount the horns to the front of his horse. texas cadillac style Gray prowls ahead, often scenting the air, alert for danger. Watching the tracks, then the forest around them. Adolf S.: Bomrek "Kill the women and children first" Zirilkeskal Ken (GM) the green envelops you as much as the mist. Browned ferns, hoary mosses and thin grasses punch up through the wet here, and your trek is now running through a fetid yet green space. And with it comes the occasional sounds of life about you; the corak of a toad, the splash of water, the occasional flit of wings as a bird flutters through the trees (To Gray): The trail is thinner here where the stones leave a dry path, but the scent of the minotaur is still strong here, youre close behind it likely Bomrek: Is the map updated to reflect this location? Either way sounds like a rather nice place. Relatively. Suðri Skornbrekker laughs. “Our roads would be tunnels. Who knows, maybe some of our kind yet dwell beneath the surface, not even having noticed the calamity above them!” Joush M.: Deep Roads filled with Darkspawn. Now there's a trigger warning Bomrek: "Aye, perhaps we'll dig a fire pit to eat one of these beasts of burden" he pats his horse fondly on the neck "and tunnel right into a cousin's reading room. I certainly wouldn't mind finding a proper Dwarven barber, and perhaps a bath." Are the minotaur tracks still clearly here, n' such? Joush M.: They aren't as clear on stone as they were on mud, but Gray's following the scent Bomrek: Bomrek hums a tune to himself softly, and pulls out his musket, and holds it in the crook of his shoulder scurely as he rides. The tune is "The King is Dead", a traditional dwarven folk song, for those of you who know Dwarven culture. Ken (GM) Before the morning is spent, you come out of a thatch of wood to a wide clear part of the marsh; the mists are cleared here, mostly, revealing a hillock of dry earth rising up form the marsh. Atop it, the crumbling stones of some dead building lay here, atop it like bones form the earth. Bloodroot clutches to them, and accross the lane, a large tent stands. Mounded nearby is a heap of clean white bleached bones, topped with a massive horned skull with a sword driven through it. here and there, the moldering remains of ruined tents and huts lie in the muck, decomposing Bomrek: "I was never very good at hunting. It's more than just being a good shot. Hunting people on the other hand, I was rather good at.. and this target sort of counts as "people". he says softly. Does the sword look worn at all, like one would expect if it were out here for more than a little while? Or does it look freshly, er, driven. Gandalf G.: the ground if shifting Bomrek: Yeha, the game's set in California Gandalf G.: and bushes are bursting from the ground Bomrek: or Japan. Gandalf G.: what sorcery is this Ken (GM): lol [sorry, finishing touches] Bomrek: The tent that's still up, dos it look beastman make? Suðri Skornbrekker halts his horse and takes a closer look at the ruins. Ken (GM): The big tent is hide-sewn, much like the other beastmen ones youve seen. Long poles of wood wrapped with fur and skin (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Old buildings, well made, interlocking stones, but crumbling with age and weathering. Probably from before the old war Bomrek: Bomrek slowly dismounts off his horse, to stand sort of near our half beastman friend. Gray watches the scene, stareing to it thoughtfully and studying the bones, the blade.. then prowling closer, scenting the air like some kind of beast. "Nothing good's happend here. Be ready." Ken (GM): Syviis dismounts as well, bow out and ready Suðri Skornbrekker becomes wistful and strikes his beard, wondering what this place might have looked like long ago, before Gray's comment draws him back to the present. P.P. A.: *strokes Suðri Skornbrekker grabs hold of his musket in case anything shows up. Bomrek: Indiana Skornbrekker over here. (To Gray): Perception check? Gray snaps to Syviis "Stay back. Guard Falkirk" The command harsher then he intends, the beast worried. Gray: Suðri Skornbrekker has his weapon ready and directs his horse to stand closer to the Doctor's Bomrek: Bomrek raises an eyebrow and half turns his head back to Falkirk. "What, is the old man made of gold and no one thought to tell me?" Joush M.: Low Light (5) and Discrimintory Scent (+4 to scent based) as possble modifers (To Gray): The scent is still strong here, he's nearby. Nobody else though in particular. The fires not lit near the tent, and theres no other signs of movement Falkirk: "You needn't worry for my safety, I've more craft at my disposal than meets the eye." Gray moves carefully up, planning to get near the low wall by the road and get a better view of things. Ken (GM): STEALTH SNEAK SNEAK SNEAK Bomrek: Bomrek whispers to the Elf "Keep an eye to the tree and brushline, Elf. I'll keep my barrels toward the tent flap." Gray: Bomrek: Bomrek aims toward the tent flap, intending to look-then-shoot at anyone who comes out. Can't recall the exact rolls for that, however. Eesh. Gray is surprisingly quite for such a large man. Prowling closer like some predatory beast as he scents the air and moves forward. Hunting and stalking. (To Gray): You creep oover to the hillside, and peer over the wall; there is a minotaur! Out of sight behind the tent, cleaning and dressing a deer carcass (To Bomrek): taking a shot? Bomrek: Tango sighted, engaging. Do I get any sort of aim dealy for aiming previously, or does that not apply to this action? Gray holds his hands up in a gesture of peace. "I don't wish to fight" Joush M.: Then of course, BANG Bomrek: Hell, do beastmen even fucking speak Common? Ken (GM): yeah, aim +1 for long aim so far Bomrek: Like, would we assume this one could, even? Joush M.: Well, one of them dose Ken (GM): the demon did, and so did the scarred man Bomrek: Anyway, center mass I guess is default- yeah but those weren't some podunk hunter like this one likely is. What's the range penalty? Gray is beastmen lite. Just one calorie. Not beast enough. Falkirk: they tend to prefer old gorgoth though Bomrek: Gluton free version. Nasty. (To Bomrek): -5 for distance, +1 SM, + Acc on gun,. +1 Bomrek: -5 / +6, +1 effective.. Pass by... 10. Huh. Well, if you count the bonuses for that. If not, pass by 9. Ken (GM): BOOM Bomrek: Kra-kBOOM Ken (GM) the shot rings clear in the marsh, and corws take flight from the trees around you. The Minotaur is taken completely by surprise Ken (GM): damage? Bomrek: 3d+1 pi++ so, 15. Cool, this reminds me of those scenes in anime where it slows down some, and everyone is still for a couple blinks. Crows flyin' away n' all. Cue the sad music as the minotaur's child sees from behind cover and cries, or two siblings see this, and one has to restrain the other. Gray frowns at that, scowling and looking to Bomrek as smoke drifts away from the dwarf's gun. He looks around the clearing, alert, ready if their actions summon more foes. Bomrek: Bomrek lowers his gun a few inches, and looks about. "Well, that's one problem solved. For now." He takes a few steps forward, assuming nothing interrupts him turn-wise. Ken (GM): Syviis stalks up, bow out, scanning the misty treeline Suðri Skornbrekker stays by the horses for a few minutes until the coast is clear, and has his musket at the ready Bomrek: Looking at the Minotaur, does he look dead? Is he breathing still? Or concious? Ken (GM) puffs of thin breath come up from the minotaur's mouth. He might still be breathing Bomrek: If he looks either dead or incapacitated from afar, Bomrek will walk along, around that pile of shit on the ground, aiming at the tent flap incase any friends of his jump out. 'bout here. Gray walks to the minotuar, looking around the ruined camp and alert for dangers as he goes. Keeping an eye on Bomrek. "Reload." He suggest. Joush M.: Heading over to the minotuar, in any case. Ken (GM) Nothing jumps out form the tent; only a heaped pile of furs and blankets inside. The minotaur's ragged breathing is clear as you draw closer Bomrek: "Bah, I've one more round, and tactical superiority requires some aggression on my part." Suðri Skornbrekker walks closer to the ruins, both to take a better look at them, and to be able to use them as cover if need be (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Agin, these are a mystery to you. Interlocking stone faces of well carved bricks, but strange shapes. Geometric cuts, like fine quarried bricks. Pity theyre so ruined Ken (GM) Syviis claims the high ground, continuing to scan for danger Falkirk: erm where is the- oh I see it Gray growls. "Any conversation would have been easier without haveing shot him first." He observes, cross about that. Falkirk: "Now we've two choices. If you think we can restrain the beastie, I could revive it." Falkirk sighs Falkirk: "Or we can leave him for nature to take its course." Suðri Skornbrekker tries to remember the shapes of the bricks he sees before him, so that when peacetime arrives, he may try and recreate the craftsmanship of these ancient builders. Bomrek: "I find a solvo of musket fire to be a good opener in any potential business dealing" Bomrek says with a serious tone, but jokingly seemingly, as he creeps forward (To Falkirk): The breathign is wet and raspy, even from here you can tell the thing is dying badly P.P. A.: no paper/parchment or pens ;_; Bomrek: "Restrain? Well. We have rope. We also have blades, if you want to... disarticulate the beast." Borrow some from the Elf, she won't mind. Suðri Skornbrekker: “He might not be too cooperative after suddenly having a hole blown through his chest.” (To Falkirk): If youre going to do any impromptu surgery or first aid, immediately would be the timeframe. Otherwise magic alone could save it Gray looks to Falkirk. "I'll consider your wisdom in the matter, if you wish to repair him enough to talk. If needed, I'll bind him with rope or end him mercefully. We've no need for barbarism" (To Bomrek): From here you see the heap of bones is mostly human-like shapes and sizes; on top is a fresher minotaur skull, with a long brassy sword plowed through the massive bony brow Gray: "We have no need for captives. If we revive him we may as well let him go after the questions." Suðri Skornbrekker keeps an eye on the surroundings, behind him and in the direction of the horses as well. Bomrek: "Oh, the idea is we put a round through his heart or skull afterward. No reason to make him suffer unduly..." Bomrek stares down at the bones infront of him. "I'm sure it's much more than this thing's victims, they're clearly men from the North... As well as a Minotaur." "Letting him go isn't wise. He saw you.. he might have seen us. We don't look like Gorgoth natives. He'll report us as a warband, and we'll be hunted as such." Falkirk: ok back Bomrek: Bomrek stares into the tent. Sure there aren't any baddies? Falkirk: ok brb Bomrek: Children. One word commentary, but fitting. Falkirk: alright so am I healing this fuckboy or not Ken (GM) The tent is empty except for a sleeping pile, some tools and jug with red stains on it's edges Falkirk: I could try bringing him up to barely-stable shit brb Bomrek: Well, go up and check his wounds, at least Falkirk: reeee Bomrek: Bomrek picks up a small piece of bone and chucks it at the minotaur's head, to see if it's still conscious. Is it? Ken (GM): he flinches when struck, tries to lift his axe, and fails to Bomrek: "Well, I'm no Doctor, but I'm pretty sure he's alive. 'Ey Monster, you speak Common?" he says toward it. Ken (GM): [im gonna assume control of poor gandalf here, he seems to be having a bad way of it] Gray walks over to the Minotaur and examines a moment, then looks to the bleached bones. The talk angers him and for a moment he touches his sword, considering what to do, then nods to Falkirk. Reaching down to take the minotuar's ax and carry it out of reach. "Do your work on him physican, if you will. He might report us to some warband, Bomrek, but that's a risk we take." Bomrek: Aye. Have him check the minotaur, see if he's staying on his ass or not, etc. Ken (GM) Falkirk leans down, examines the minotaurs wounds. "He's salvageable, for the moment. Gotta do this fast" Ken (GM): Bomrek: Bomrek takes some time to reload, and voice his concerns. "I don't like it, we'll have goblins on the backs of war beetles from the depths of hell on us by nightfall." Suðri Skornbrekker leaves his post and approaches the rest of the party. Bomrek: Bomrek aims his gun at the beasts head. "I'm no kin or comrade of yours, monster. I think you've lost too much blood, you must be confusing me with your cousin, aye?" Ken (GM) "Youre all...traitors...sick men....sick kings...all of you" Bomrek: "I'm not the one on his back, bleedin' m'life blood out onto some wretched earth in the middle of this terrible place, beastie'." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Traitors to whom?” Suðri Skornbrekker asks as he approaches and overhears some words, pushing Bomrek's barrel out of the way Bomrek: "I'm going to turn you into a rug, 'give'ya as a gift to m'father when I get back. Or maybe I'll let you go, if you improve your mood some." Ken (GM): "theyre vicious...take my wife...kill my clan....all for the blood...all for the dark lords....all for the damn PRINCES" he spits the last word Ken (GM) "They rule lhere now.....take the blood....take the people....raising an army..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Vampires?” Bomrek: Bomrek rests his musket gently on his shoulder. "Now this, this sounds like useful information. Doctor, he's not dying right now, is he?" Gray nods. "We oppose them and seek to keep their rule from spreading to other people. Other famlies.. Please, Falkirk. His wounds are our fault, and he's no foe of ours." Bomrek: "Aye, but only a little." Ken (GM): Bomrek: "Might want to move back, Suthri. Train your gun on him also might be wise." Ken (GM): woo! Ken (GM) as you step back, covering the minotaur with your guns, Falkirk rushes white light from his magic into the beast. His wound stitches, and the hole closes with bright new pink flesh Bomrek: "If he tears the doctor's throat out, I'll be regretful, Gray." Ken (GM) the beast remains on the ground, but turns his head to find gray Bomrek: "Is he still awake? See if he speaks better Common after getting his wound healed some." Ken (GM) "I am too old to be doing this anymore..." he says, wistful even. "May I stand, o dwarves? Do I have your leave?" Bomrek: (He's only two weeks from retirement, god damnit) "I'd rather you sit, minotaur." Suðri Skornbrekker steps up to Bomrek and pushes down his barrel. Bomrek: He's coming in for a hug, watch out! Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'll make sure my bearded buddy shan't shoot you again unless you charge us with an axe.” Ken (GM) he sits up, turns about, faces you all. He touches his wound gingerly, and seems appreciateive of the work. he nods to falkirk, an odd little salute Suðri Skornbrekker: “We've been raided by the creatures of this land even beyond the border, and have encountered little but ambushes here, so please understand our warlike wariness.” Ken (GM) He nods his head at your words "Yes, these are the savage lands, you would find only the most craven of sentries and outliers here" Bomrek: Bomrek motions towards the bone pile with his gun. "What's this then?" Ken (GM) "they left me after, as an example. To the tribes here in the marsh, I was to be the display. They one who could tell the tale." (To Falkirk): You crit rolle don a healing roll for the minotaur! you spent no FP and he healed up to consciousness. Theyre talking to him Gray nods to the Minotaur. "that's a terrible fate. We think these same lords of the night seek to reach into the North. To take Grayhold. Do you know anything that could help to stop them?" Bomrek: "Your information will likely be key to their destruction, Minotaur. I imagine that eventually we will set their battered corpses alight and free this land." Ken (GM) "The Lords came after the war, usurped the chieftans, the clansmen. They claimed this land as their empire, paid no price to the Great Spirits. They are sorcereres, and worse....No offence"he nods ot falkirk Ken (GM): "I can only hope that someone puts the sword back to them, those blood traitors." Gray nods, thoughtful at those words and rubbing a hand across his dark horns. The beastman lost in thought. "Another conquence of the Ambisail of Sprirts?" Joush M.: I'm misspelling that.. but.. I bet Gray would say it wrong Ken (GM): [Ansible of SPirits] lol Suðri Skornbrekker: “Or the bullet,” Suthri adds. He pauses, and asks hesitantly: “We might have had the doubtful pleasure. A creature of the night, seeping from the darkness and blending into it again; and a man with pulsing red veins, riding a great, fire-breathing steed?” Bomrek: Bomrek looks around at the camp, and the destroyed stuff, and considers this land's goods and production. Warring with savages, you don't get much spoils. Ken (GM) the minotaur doesnt seem to recognize your description of the elf, but the mention of the sorcerer brings a startled look to his face "You met with the runemaster?! And lived? How are you not scorched flesh and hewn bone?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Last night—he threatened, or merely taunted us, and flew away.” Suðri Skornbrekker lifts his musket. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Had this pointed at him though. You've seen what wonders these can work, hopefully they will have the same effect on these folks.” “What can you tell us about the runemaster?” Gray winces at the terreble injury, nodding to the minotuar. "I won't understmate him" He promises. The warning painful to deliver, but valueable. Knowing just how powerful the vicious flames of the ruinemaster can be. Ken (GM): [especially to the guy vulnerable only to flame...] Bomrek: Bomrek cringes at the injury. "I am no fan of flame...hm." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We'll give that mount plenty of pain to feast on.” Suðri grasps his musket, anger in his eyes, but also a hint of insecurity. Ken (GM) "Though, I imagine those things of yours will put a few kinks in his plans" he says, eyeing Bomrek's rifle "Put me on my ass in a moment" Bomrek: Bomrek mutters to himself "We need more grape shot for the cannon... and more cannon." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Are there any fortifications in this area that don't lie in ruin?” Ken (GM) "ever since the Lords started raising their damned army, theyve been taking from the clans round here. Generations of us put to shackle and sent East. All for the glory of their kings, I'm sure, but you wont want to get caught in a cage by them, I'm sure" Bomrek: Traveling off road sounds difficult, oh boy. Gray: "To the.. east? To the old city? Is that where they gather to strike at Grayhold?" He ask, frowning deeply and nodding. The information seems important, but in a moment he nods again in thanks. "You may have saved our expidition. I thank you for the information." (To Gandalf G.): You want to use him to help out the map situaiton? Gray assumes, perhaps too quickly, the war host of the Night Lords gathers in old Gorgoth. He has no intention to test this theory by being captured by slavers, however. Bomrek: "Thank you for the information, Minotaur. We will see to it that those bastards pay, in time." Gray is pleases at the clever idea, not haveing thought to attempt to map the local area that way. Ken (GM): [extra areas have been revealed on the overworld map!] Bomrek: Neato Just like playing civ 5. We went to an ancient ruin, got a map, and now we have a very detailed lay out of... a desert. Gray nods to the older minotuar. "Is there anything I can offer you? We have some spare food. Whisky. A few Golroth blades and gold" Bomrek: Bomrek's eyes narrow a little bit in annoyance at the mention of the word whiskey, and then his brows arc up at the mention of the word Gold. Suðri Skornbrekker puts his hand on Bomrek's shoulder. Bomrek: "Aye, whiskey, give him whiskey. That should be fine." Bomrek pulls out a thin bottle of whiskey, mostly untouched, and tosses it softly into the Minotaur's lap. Gray gestures around them. "We are in odd times, in an odd place. I am Gray, and I thank you for what you've done for us." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Do you need help burying your fallen?”, Suðri asks after mulling it over, wondering if they can really spare the time for that; but ultimately deciding that they should be able to get it done quickly, shallow as the graves would be.” Gray wants for a moment to ask the minotuar a thousand questions. So curious about the culture that his blood connects him to before he shakes his head and reminds himself of the mission. "We should move on" Bomrek: Bomrek nods, surprised. "I would think your kind would do that, the humans do, and you're.." Bomrek looks around the landscape, and the camp, and leaves the rest unsaid. Burying = shitty, entombment = supreme, cremation = a happy middle ground, for my take on Dwarves anyway. Ken (GM) Falkirk takes his cue to saddle back up, ready to leave immediately. Syviis finally unnocks her bow, and returns to her steed as well Bomrek: Bomrek mounts up, happy to get away from this mess. Suðri Skornbrekker finds it gross to leave the dead rotting under the sun, where any stray animal could gnaw at their bones; from the earth one comes, and to the earth one shall return. He doesn't voice his mild disgust though, and leaves the man be. Ken (GM): 'man' how equitable of you! Gray returns to the path. Falkirk would chose when they should leave it to avoid the slaver town. P.P. A.: well, a (human) man ain't a dwarf Gray expects to be cremated. Not intentionaly, it's just one of the few things that would acutely kill him. Bomrek: Mmhmm. Ken (GM): lol P.P. A.: it's a male biped and less gay than an elf; not as civilised as a human, but better than nothing Bomrek: Aye, to the map. Lets see what the subhuman beast revealed. Joush M.: That was intersting. The ruined land is more complicated then I thought it would be Ken (GM) You return to your steeds, and as you leave, the minotaur bows low to your party, sweeping his old grey horns nearly to the ground P.P. A.: I mostly wonder what the food chain looks like and if all herbivores here feed on bloodroot Gray mimics the gesture, showing respect. Joush M.: There's other stuff growing here, just not well Bomrek: Plus, isn't the bloodroot relatively new? God, the map is so blury- oh thank god it finally un-blured. Nice. P.P. A. looks at the map the minotaur drew. Suðri Skornbrekker: ^ Ken (GM): [so a good portion of the Eastern country is revealed now. The slaver town, the town of Shiverash, the Dark RIvers you already crossed, the Tar pits. all bordered by some forest to the South or North] Bomrek: Bomrek finds these savages pretty, well, savage. Leaving their dead to rot like refuse on the surface disgusts him, but it's marginally better than it being buried in shit-dirt. Visiting ancestors n' all that. Remind me, what are we after, the red tower? Ken (GM): [as well, the ruddy glow on the horizon is a genuine volcano, or 'fire pit' as described by the beast] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hmm... do we make our way farther south as we intended, past the slaver camp, or do we return and report on the enemy's acitvities?” Bomrek: Oooh, volcano. Joush M.: The tower south of the volcano is our goal Bomrek: Ah, so we're headed to the tower to the south west? Mmm./ Can we retcon that we got some idea, some vague idea at least, of just how populated this slaver camp is? 10, 20 guys, we might be able to handle with good cannon usage and tactics Ken (GM): "Our mission is to recover the Anisble, in the tower. As much as this map will be valuable, we have our task" Syviis chimes in Bomrek: 100 or more, nope Suðri Skornbrekker: “It'd be good to have a messenger pigeon with us, but it might just get swallowed by a giant flying horse along the way.” Gray considers. "If the dark lords unlock the power of the elven artifact we will need to get the Anisble before we return.. You are right, Syviis." Bomrek: Bomrek narrows his eyes a little, without anger in them, just confusion. "Shit, I thought I halucinated you talking. Who taught you how to Speak, Elf? Has the Doctor been giving you lessons while I sleep?" Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Gray: "We should go west now. Into the forest, then south before we reach the foothills of the volcano. If I understand the map well enough." Suðri Skornbrekker: At least we'll be out of the way of their troop movement, he thinks. Not that this would be worth much, with the runemaster on their heels. Ken (GM): she laughs at that "Ive always known how, , Ive just gotten back into the habit is all" Bomrek: "I agree. I have never worked with the magma forges of my homeland, but smelling distant earth-fire might make me feel better." Hey, the Runemaster is really fucking high up. It's hard to see much from up there. We might be good, especially if he expects us to mostly take roads. Gray isn't too bothered by that, being a sanguine individual to start, and always expecting beautiful women to be confusing and mysterious, obedient only to their own whims. Bomrek: Ayy, so how many people did the minotaur say the slaver camp held? Gray wonders, after a moment, if his expression revealed much of that. He rubs a hand across his horns and banishes such thoughts. Ken (GM): "Quite a few" falkirk confirms"He described it as a few dozen slavers, their underlings, and their hounds. Not a meager force at all, well not worth the effort to deal with" Bomrek: Shame. Alright, into the forest to the west we go, nearer the volcano thant he slaver camp. Ken (GM): [so West then, off the roads to the clearer land, then South again, with the forest between you and the slavers?] Gray nods to Bomrek. "I'd have liked to shatter the slavers and free the people as well, but we must focus on our mission." Joush M.: That's the plan, yeah. I don't know how long it will last Bomrek: Bomrek looks a tad surprised "Oh, right, yes, free the slaves. I was thinking there might be some gold or information to obtain. That being said an army of freed slaves also sounds appealing." Ken (GM): lol, morality, whats that who needs to be liberating the trodden few when theres GOLD P.P. A.: All this talk of slavers makes me want to play Skyrim again Gray: "It would give them something else to think of, rather then chaseing us, to have the clans free and fighting them." He agrees. Of course, he's always had trouble understanding beaitful people. Horsia for example always seemed a mystery.. He wonders, a moment, how that lovely young man is doing, far away from here as they travel though the dark mire. P.P. A.: so I can fight generic bandits using the worst combat system of any “RPG” and then spend many hours trying to get mods to run that barely make it playable Bomrek: Pssh, they're probably Elves or beastmen. Beastmen aren't people, Elves are people but not really. Now Dwarves or Humans, that'd get Bomrek's attention. P.P. A.: elves are “people” Joush M.: And these would be 3/5ths of a people in any case. Bomrek: 100 people, aproximately 60 morality units. 100 "people"* Ken (GM): hah, well, this seems as good a place as any to finish up for the day :P 4 xp for the each of ya Bomrek: Woo Ken (GM): and I think I need to update the map to be a bit more trim so it takes less time to load on here :/ Bomrek: Lets see, that makes 13 points. I ought'a spend these. Joush M.: It's a great map. I love all the work you've put into this game. Ken (GM): yus, please do, and when youre sheets updated, send me a copy? Joush M.: Thank you for the great session. Oh! Yeah, I'll get you my updated sheet soon Ken (GM): thanks joush :D Hexographer, and the onboard stuff here in roll20 is all it is P.P. A.: sure Bomrek: Aye Ken (GM): right, Im off! have a good week guys! P.P. A.: See you! Gray: You too! Bomrek: See'ya Gray: Hopefully more people wll be able to make it next week. They all missed out on the minotuar torture this time Bomrek: Bombarding the slaver camp from afar sounds like a good idea, depending on the lay of the land. P.P. A.: It's a needless distraction though Bomrek: If it's mostly flat, or sloped in the direction of the camp without too much forest or dense foliage around us, we'd be in a good position. P.P. A.: we'd also have to kill EVER hostile or they notify the army +Y Bomrek: Agreed, I suppose. Sending the elf, the beastman, and uh... maybe the medic with them to come into the town from the sotuh, while we bombard the town from the north, would be neat Two cannon available, one with grape shot to fire at'm if they decide to charge us, and the other with standard shot to bombard the town. P.P. A.: we'd probably kill some slaves too Bomrek: Tell'm to go in after 10 minutes of bombardment, or after our cannon shots cease, while they probably mount defenses on the north side. Pssh, who cares. Joush M.: I kind of want to attack the slaver camp just to kill slavers and free slaves. I don't know if it's a solid tactical choice though P.P. A.: well I mean, the owners won't be able to sue for property damage when they're dead but still Bomrek: Kill every hostile? Mm, good point. Joush M.: We could set up outside the camp and try to lure them out into a kill zone. We've got a LOT of ranged firepower P.P. A.: We should only do that on a second expedition Bomrek: Yeah, well, the cannon shot is mostly to open up their defenses well and rouse them, the grape shot would do the majority of the work, and that wouldn't really kill slaves, likely as not. P.P. A.: or on our way back from the woer if it's REALLY opportune Bomrek: Since they'd not likely be on the front line or anywhere near the battle. Probably some sort of holding facility / area in the center. P.P. A.: *tower hm, true Bomrek: Yup, the killzone idea is what I'm thinking,b ut we'd need a secondary stealthy force at the south and east in order to block off messagers, as well as make their way into the town to attack them interanlly. P.P. A.: we don't have enough people for that Bomrek: Same time, we bombard any with grape shot if they decide to come out too terribly far,- yeah not really. If we can get large casualties with the grape shot, we might though. P.P. A.: Maybe we can find those elf slaves we freed again and arm them if they join us, but neither Bomrek nor Suthri would agree with that idea Bomrek: Gray's a pretty effective tank and close range combatant, the elf is an effective high damage attacker, stealth user, and decent general DPS P.P. A.: Again, this plan would only really work when we're on our way back Bomrek: If we really angle it well, we could probably achieve somethin'. P.P. A.: so that in the case of failure, we cna just tgfo Bomrek: Well, we wouldn't have much of a means to arm them. P.P. A.: and we don't have to worry about the army coming after us because we'll be beyond the border again by the time they arrive Bomrek: We could have them get cudgles and the weapons from the place we rescued them from, P.P. A.: There were some weapons in the prison, and we have a batch of muskets Bomrek: and then attack the slavers from afar, and then send the slaves in as a wave with Bomrek and suthri behind them providing accurate range fire All this after bombardment + grape shot volleys, of course. Hell, perhaps a little bombardment DURING the charge, to keep enemy heads down. Joush M.: On the other hand, the slaves might be pretty useless if they are already blood-root addics Bomrek: Split the slaves into two main groups, and fire down the clear area between'm. P.P. A.: behold our army of scrawny junkies Bomrek: Hey, it works. Joush M.: The last slaves we met were in love with bloodroot juce and they'd been captured for like, three days Bomrek: That's basically the talliban Hell, that's basically like, 75 percent of the warlords in Africa er, warlord's army's* P.P. A.: Yemen too Bomrek: Even better P.P. A.: >grow khat instead of food Bomrek: we motivate them with bloodroot juice. P.P. A.: >chew khat all day >somehow beat back Saudi coalition forces and even attack Saudi territory Bomrek: How many survived, anyway? like, 10? Not the best fighting force. We could send them in with the stealthers if we were inclined to do any of this at all. I wonder what I ought'a invest points into. Hm. P.P. A.: I have 30 points to spend Bomrek: Jesus. What's your char sheet lookin' like right now? What's it geared toward? Joush M.: You could pick up some stealth. That could be a nice option.. camofloge and steath, get you to do some SNIPER shit P.P. A.: Pretty balanced. 15 points in pewpew, ~14 in secondary weapon skills, ~12 in various flavour skills Bomrek: Maybe, but my gun's really good for this setting, and even it would be very iffy in that usage. P.P. A.: Are there any advantages worth buying? Bomrek: A bunch, I'd imagine. What's your advantage list as of now? P.P. A.: Just Darkvision, Charisma, Fearlessness, Rapid Healing, Hard to Kill, and Hard to Subdue Combat Reflexes might be good, or anyt— oh, is there anything that speeds up reloading? Bomrek: You have rapid healing? Uh, lets see... Joush M.: Quick Draw (Ammo) Combat Reflexes is great. Get it if you can Bomrek: Yeah, combat reflexes is p. useful, definitely. Joush M.: +1 to all defenses for 15 P.P. A.: 15 points, I could afford it easily >+1 to Fast-Draw skill Joush M.: Fit could be good. We run into disease pretty often P.P. A.: would this apply to Quick Draw or is that a different skill? Joush M.: Oh, same skill Just me derping on the name P.P. A.: neat would synergise with that pretty well then Fit for 5 points would work too there's a better version for 15 points but then I'd have nothing else left Bomrek: Enhanced defenses is p. good lookin'. P.P. A.: So... Combat Reflexes, Fast Draw (Ammo)... that leaves 13 points I could put 4 each into the musket and cannon skills maybe oh, forgot about fit I'll lave it at that for now and save the rest for when somehting comes up thanks guys and see you next week (or on Skype) Bomrek: Adios' Adolf S.: ayy Ken (GM): fuck fuck fuck im here Did I miss everyone else? P.P. A.: No Adolf and I were the only ones here Adolf S.: Yup P.P. A.: Nobody else came, so we thought it was cancelled or something Ken (GM): ah! Adolf S.: Weird coincidence Ken (GM): well, joush PM'd me he couldnt come and so far, i hadnt sent a wakeup call to fiss sorry bout that; got distracted at home with the wife, missed th etime any word form gandalf? Adolf S.: None. P.P. A.: Didn't hear anything Ken (GM): hmm, well, im skype/pming him now he says hes incoming, 20 minutes! :) i shall poke the fiss and hes coming now! Adolf S.: woo Ken (GM): huzzah, salvaged my foolishness :D Adolf S.: Wow,t hat was fast. Fiss: Zupdawgs! Sorry boot that! Ken (GM): hey no worries, I just got on myself fiss BUT how ya all doin? pointsw finally spent yet? Fiss: Yus. I bought off Syviis' language barrier stuff. All is well Adolf S.: Doin' alright. Ish. Got this weird ass cold that kept me from work on Friday. Leaving this State in two weeks, about a month sooner than I expected. So thassa' surprise. Ken (GM): oh my Adolf S.: Went to go clean my mossberg 930 last night, and found that I'd misplaced my hex tools somewhere, so I couldn't remove the barrel band. The thing hasn't been cleaned in like, 4 or 5 months. S'about time. P.P. A.: Also got a cold myself Didn't mind the delay though, my headache has weakened while waiting Ken (GM): shame to hear; you spend any of your thirty banked points? P.P. A.: aye lemme upload the updated sheet Adolf S.: 30? Jeez. Have you spent'm all at this point? P.P. A.: still got a handful left Ken (GM): whats the short of the buy ups? Just improving skills here n there? P.P. A.: Improved some skills, added fast draw for ammo so I can actually reload, added the Fit advantage since we tend to wade through diseased corpses and radioactive puss oh, and Combat Reflexes Ken (GM): ah, all good choices. so chris; tell us of the forbidden hole that is orlando Fiss: Ugh.. Unless you're born and bred there...don't go during the summer. Holy fuck. Never again. Adolf S.: Hot, eh? Fiss: I seriously had a better time doing the motorcycle trip through the heat-wave a few summers ago, because at least THEN I was smart enough to have hydration-pack and didn't have to cart around the wife n kid Gandalf G.: auu ayy even Fiss: I probably could have handled it myhself, but watching the two of them almost suffering heat stroke kinda removed most of the "doing fun stuff" options P.P. A.: Is it a dry or a humid heat? Fiss: Humid as fuck P.P. A.: that's the worst kind Gandalf G.: idk P.P. A.: I try not to leave the house unless absolutely necessary during those days Gandalf G.: orlando was ok in pirates of the caribbean Fiss: Dry heat I can handle, but yeah, I think it's better if you're used to it. It wasn't necessarily much hotter than here in Canada-land, just a lot less wind and more humidity Adolf S.: Germany has humid days? P.P. A.: Plenty here at the Rhine Ken (GM): the stifling opressive heat of hundreds of miles of gator filled swampland, plus obesity wheeeeeee Fiss: Yeah, Pirates was OK, lol Yay! Ken (GM): so, the gangs all here (Joush is out, he let me know. Sorry again I was late) Ken (GM) The map has been expanded with the minotaurs advice; slavers reside nearby, and the blighted lands of Gorgoth lie to the East. We find the party at the roadside, planning their next foray to the Tower, South Adolf S.: I think last time we decided that we ought'a stealth aroun to the west through the trees, probably to that grassland there, and then south through that until we can hit a road. Gandalf G.: I Adolf S.: Perhaps using the road jsut to get our bearings before diving back into the stealthier option. Gandalf G.: forgot where we're going I know it's for the McGuffin but where is it on the map again Ken (GM): South by Southwest, apparently directly south of the volcano Gandalf G.: alright stealth and trees sounds raisinable Adolf S.: The Slaver camp is presumably really well populated, and extremely hostile, so' Syviis Adjeon: the elf agrees with nodding. Gandalf G.: psh who's ever heard of an impolite slaver Ken (GM): Gandalf G.: always happy to welcome you into their home you'll never want to leave Adolf S.: Reminds me of the jokes they do on the cool ass jungle boat ride at disneyland. Joke about a head hunter / head shrinker, two for one deal, always comes out a head, etc. Gandalf G.: I've got tour guide humour ouch anyway yeah I agree both ooc and ic west sounds good rn Ken (GM): kk Ken (GM) The cool mists swirl about you as Gray leads the party West, offroad, into the marshy woodlands. Skirting the reported slavers camp, you are quickly plunged into misty darkness, as the mossy trees hang with old-mans-beard and other veiled decrepit things. Crows caw sharply in the heights of the trees, and the much below is slimy and treacherously footed Adolf S.: Bomrek's happy to be way up ontop of a horse rather than beard-deep in that shit. Ken (GM) Gray presses on, scenting the air, marking a path for your horses. Here, where the bog has taken over the rotting wood, you see the green of at least stunted grasses and crawling mosses. Less dead, more dying. Syviis Adjeon: watches the horse carefully, cooing encouragement into the animal's ears Falkirk mutters about brimstone Adolf S.: Is Bomrek too familiar with Volcanos from Dwarven culture n' such? Falkirk refills his canteen, scanning the horizon Ken (GM): [Volcanoes are a rarer thing. Deep in the Earth lies the magma veins. Here on the surface, there should not be a volcano so prominently out of mountains. Its a very unnatural occurrence Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't trust the water, but he trusts Grey Falkirk: "We'll need plenty of water. This land is choleric and sickly. The air is vile" He says, voice muffled through the long beak of the plague mask. Ken (GM) Gray wrinkles his snout in disgust "Its all I can smell here, brimstone and vileness. The water is clean though,drink up" Bomrek: Bomrek stares at the Volcano for a long few moments, before refreshing his canteen and ensuring his horse gets it's drink. He holds the reins in his hands and lightly pats the horses neck as it drinks, but his eyes are solely focused on the volcano. A look of unsure concern lies in his eyes. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Itmight even be an imporvement were the volcano to erupt and bury this whole wretched land under fire, soot, and pumice. ...but after we are gone, please.” Bomrek: "This is wrong. This land makes so little sense." he turns toward the south. "We should make haste, and try to stay away from that. It could be... some sort of place of significance to the beastmen." he says unsurely. Falkirk: "It's been said that the hot, choleric air will drive a man to insanity with time. Nothing cools a temprament like cool water." Falkirk nods sagely at his own words Suðri Skornbrekker: “Does the air here drive one insane, or is it already insane for anyone to come here?” Falkirk turns his head, face a literal mask Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'd rather not be doubly insane, so I agree that we should make haste,” he says with a hearty laugh. Bomrek: Bomrek stares toward the Volcano and the lands before it. Are there any structures or signs of intelligent presence at all, from this far away? Falkirk: "We're no different to the land, both have temperaments and vitality." Falkirk scuffs the ground underfoot Falkirk: "This land is sickly." "Perhaps the insanity is merely a pox that spreads through these miasmas." (To Bomrek): You scan the horizon; broken spires of stone jut out here and there, beyond the gray hills, but nothing man(or beast) made in sight. The plumes of smoke roll down the volcano-side in wavering gusts of cold wind. Where they move to reveal the land is a blasted waste near the peak and sickly gray grasses nearby Bomrek: "Healing? No, not a land this wretched. Burn it down, burn it all down and cordon it off for a few generations, and then we can take a peek inside. There is no good here that I've found." Suðri Skornbrekker has finished refilling his canteens, stretches, and climbs back onto his horse after it has had some to drink as well, and a mouth full of dusty grass. (To Bomrek): Youve been hung over this entire morning, and its starting to burn away. Can you roll HT for me please? Bomrek: Nope. (To Bomrek): Care to resist? or just give in? Bomrek: "Better a dead man than a live bandit. Old saying. It's a matter of fact, more thana nything..": Suðri Skornbrekker that would need to be a pretty high wall, he thinks to himself Bomrek: (To Bomrek): IRON WILL; the dwarf will weather his drunken penance Bomrek: "Aye, a wall would work. Beastmen have no mind for stone work, any tunnel they try to dig would just collapse." Ken (GM): right! so, moving on into the South... Ken (GM) Gray Turns his trail South (and after some consideration, decides on donning the doctor's mask he was given, "to help stifle the stenches here"). The sandy hills of dead grass roll away, the dead forest to your left, the wastes to your right Bomrek: stuck in the middle with you~ Ken (GM) As you plunge into the soft earth here, the trail is easier; thick dusty sand gives way to hard packed earth below, an dyour horses find easy footing here. The grasses are dead and grey, but rustle in the cool wind, a soft rustle as you ride. Soon, the hills roll up and down, up and down, up and down, until you break the horizon, and see ahead, the marsh Bomrek: Is the green representative of a road? Falkirk: it's a snake Fiss: Ken (GM): :P Ken (GM) the countryside drops off into a wide green bog; hillocks of hard land jut up from it like a million islands of trail, but to the misty horizon you see nothing but the bog ahead. it rolls straight East into the edge of the wood, the crumbling earth giving way straight to the water below Falkirk: Is it mask time? Bomrek: Hm. Am I right in assuming that this will be very hard ground to travel? Might be wise to head south east through the forest if that's the case. Falkirk: we might run into an ogre Bomrek: Yeah, but we only have so much food, and we have zero intel of that area. At the minimum we ought'a take a peek and see if there are roads. If there are, maybe we go through the bog. If there aren't, eh, we might be good to travel. good to travel through* Suðri Skornbrekker feels a little uneasy heading through the marsh, both mobility and visibility significantly impeded. Falkirk: "Would it be faster to detour round, or to power through?" "Comfort is a minor concern, expediency is everything." Ken (GM) gray grimaces, looks at the scarlwed maps, and the horizon again Bomrek: "To detour around, surely, but there could be enemy patrols, or just locals if we go around.. Still, I'd say it's worth it." Falkirk nods slowly Falkirk: "Then I propose we take the most direct approach. Let's not forget what we're doing out here. This could end the war before the next harvest." Bomrek: "Hm. I suppose I shouldn't begrudge a safe route. Aye, lets go through the bog then." Ken (GM): [very good, to the wet path then!] Gandalf G.: oh shit the horse is stuck again, get out and push Bomrek: Stop, you're flooding it! Ken (GM) "Not the worst we could have hoped for " he says in a somewhat happier tone Gandalf G.: can we ride across the bog or is it horse-leading turf Bomrek: "Lets hope this place doesn't have alligators, I was never very good at hunting them back home" Ken (GM): [seems to be okay to ride the horses; gray is feeling out a path on foot, but the horses are okay to follow in a line Gandalf G. scans the misty surrounds with an invisible scowl Bomrek: "Quite good, actually. Too soft at first, but proper seasoning and cooking works wonders." Gandalf G.: oh ok Falkirk: "Is their meat red or white, I wonder?" Bomrek: "Rather white, if you let it bleed a bit." Bomrek says, somewhat less on edge, thinking back to delicious meals of the past,. Falkirk: "As I'd expect from a place as warm and damp as this. Let us not endulge too freely." Ken (GM) as night falls, Gray leadts your horses to the larges jut of stone possible, so at least the horses will not be standing in water overnight. The little island isnt soft at all, nothing but gravel and gray stone, but it's dry (From Falkirk): Is it? Bomrek: Bomrek comments on the quality of the land, his back hasn't felt this good for months. Damn the grass and soft dirt, this is true natural bounty. (To Falkirk): Definitely unnatural; from some dark nether realm somewhere. The way it thrives in dead earth, on any surface, it must be drawing sustenence from somewhere other than the natural plant cycle Falkirk breathes vader-y through his mask as he glances down at the root, scratching his neck under the mask (From Syviis Adjeon): nah, all is cool, just listening to the party do it's thing (To Fiss): Oh! I see. ehy, dont feel excluded though. Falkirk stares, mask unblinking and does not reply Suðri Skornbrekker: “We should look into it and study the plant, if it even is a plant, in detail—after we have returned and repelled the armies rallying at Gorgoth, who seem to be a more immediate threat if I do say so.” Syviis Adjeon: One thing that concerns me is the source of these roots...I can't help but imagine they are directed or hedged by mortal...or at least...aware hands. Ken (GM) the plant bleeds a runny red fluid, not too unlike blood itself. The veiny limb gushes until it seems to shink, and as the red spills into the water about you, the rubbery appendage deflates visibly (To Falkirk): Perception roll for me? (To Falkirk): The little spur of dry land this is on has a ring of grasses about the edge, at the water, but directly around the bloodroot is dead. Like a halo of blight originating at the roots. Its as if the plant is sustaining itself on the surrounding plants...but theres no off-shoots into their roots physically. Falkirk nods slowly as he produces a large glass flask from his saddlebags, and inserts the plant bottom-first, before corking his large, living 'sample' (From Syviis Adjeon): not sure how often to suggest Spooky Elf Knowledge, so let me know if you ever need me to try to come up with a tale or song. Falkirk continues the sentence, but it quickly falls into mumbling (To Fiss): Oh hey, whenever you feel man. You dont have anything specific about the bloodroot, but let me know when inspiration strikes! Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard in ponderance, and asks: “Are there any animals that subsist only on blood?” He pauses, then answers his own question: “Gnats, I suppose.” Suðri Skornbrekker: “When we get back, we ought to trap a few of them in a glass with naught but the... sap of this bloodroot to drink. If they survive, it might well be real blood.” Falkirk: "Ticks..." Bomrek: "Gnats, mosquito bugs, lawyers, bats.." he lists them off on his fingers, Suðri Skornbrekker nods Falkirk: ./me gestured towards his saddlebacks oh ok thanks "Leeches." Suðri Skornbrekker: “If you can spare one or two, we could try this en route to the tower even. ...how do you usually feed them, if there are no patients around requiring them?” Falkirk snaps up from examining his new pet plant, seemingly back in the room Falkirk: "Erm... Leeches don't require much blood at all." Bomrek: at this point Falkirk opens up his robe to reveal 20 leaches attached to his torso, himself skin and bones. "I find my ways" Falkirk: "They're small creatures, live for a very long time on very little blood." P.P. A.: kek Falkirk: ahaha shit Fiss: lol Suðri Skornbrekker: “I see.” Ken (GM): ugh :P Falkirk: "If it's been a very long time, I can drop a frog or a rat in the jar, just to top up." Fiss: That's 32 negative leech points. Ken (GM): [afaik the leeches in your jar were fed on sudri some days ago when you dressed his arm. theyre pretty happy at the moment] Falkirk: "Generally, keeping them hungry is what I want. The more they drink and the less blood is inside them already, the better." Syviis Adjeon: I am all for keeping them hungry. Let's slay our foes before medical attention is required. I think we can stop giving them a sporting chance. Falkirk: "Aye, well..." Falkirk trails off, apparently bored of the conversation, and focuses back to his flask Bomrek: "Aye, shoot first, loot the bodies later." Bomrek focuses a little attention to his flask, just a tiny nip, and then beds down for the night. I-It i-is night, r-right? Syviis Adjeon: We must think of the leeches, after all, we don't want them to become addicted to addled blood. Suðri Skornbrekker notices Bomrek Ken (GM): [yes, night is falling, hence, making camp on the spur of rack] Suðri Skornbrekker: “While we're under the open sky and so the stench might evaporate, I'd prefer if you were useful if we were attacked again rather than emptying your stomach.” Ken (GM): hah! Falkirk: no chill Ken (GM): savage Suðri Skornbrekker had to sleep in that smelly tower, never again Fiss: Bomrek: "Bah, this is nothing but a goodnight nip. I've drank more than this in church during communion." "I'll be straight as a musket shot, no problems." (To Bomrek): Your body feels no urge to tie one on tonight at all, thank god. Still a bit stretched out from last night Falkirk mutters something about muskets and gravity under his breath Bomrek: Bomrek's a tough sort when it comes to Alcohol, requires a lot to really knock him down. Ken (GM): [and man, did he drink a lot last night!] (To Bomrek): You did tie one on, drank like, a 40 oz by yourself over dinner. The urge was high Suðri Skornbrekker splits the duty with Grey presumably Ken (GM): [gm rolls menacing overnight dice] Ken (GM) You notice, however, they seem to have made a meal of a nearby bloodroot plant . The bloody stump sits prouf from their island, a ragged stump Ken (GM): Each of the horses are smeared with the red wine stain of bloodrout, about their hooves and muzzles Syviis Adjeon: I suppose it would have happened eventually, we should take care to watch their temperments Bomrek: Bomrek looks at the horses, and his face shows controlled anger. "Well, there goes our emergency food. No way am I eating these now." Ken (GM): Bomrek: I was thinking about that earlier, but thought "Naa, they won't eat it, dumb horses haha" but nope, they did Falkirk is up quickly, packed and ready to go as soon as possible Falkirk: "Perhaps not a bad thing. If these horses go belly up, I want at least one autopsy." Bomrek: Remind me, what do we as a group know the bloodroot does to people who consume it acts as some sort of addictive drug? Falkirk: well, they were feeding something to the elves that was but I think it was bloodroot mixed with shit Bomrek: "It'll pain me to have to shoot a horse, but I suppose if we must." Falkirk: whatever the dude with the cauldron was making on its own we dont know Syviis Adjeon: I had hoped the leeches would give us some clues before we had to resort to seeing the horses react to it. Ken (GM): [as well, you passed that old beastman tribal who was making stuff back in the woods. He had the root boiling off in a pot too] Falkirk: yo fiss minor request Fiss: yo Falkirk: could you use speech marks cos it's kinda hard to tell what's ic and what's ooc Ken (GM): lol Fiss: Will do Falkirk: ty breh appreciate it Bomrek: Bomrek plans for the upcoming race war against the Elves as we pack up. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): hahaha you guys are too much sometimes :) Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek: I wonder what Dwarven communion would be, since they do ancestor worship. Falkirk makes sure to check his new sample in the morning Bomrek: Maybe drinking some sort of moderate hallucinogen mixed with shit loads of alcohol. to talk to their loved ones while fucked out of their minds. Fiss: Neo Norse-supremacists (To Falkirk): You find the sample of bloodvine healthy and plump, but the nearby jar of leeches seems quite still. The little things are pale and hardly moving, clinging t othe far side of their jar, away from the roots (To Falkirk): you also notice a kind of grimy pallor to the pack itself. Dusty, smelly. almost dank Bomrek: Many nights since achieving that kind of quality takes time. Fiss: Falkirk experimentally plucks a leech from the jar, presenting the back of his left hand for it to feed Suðri Skornbrekker: “Urist smelleth like an elf, and his beard is woven from foliage.” [picture of a dwarf with pointy ears and flowers in his beard] P.P. A.: ^not IC obv Ken (GM) the leech slithers about, and then does bite down. Slowly, color returns to the thing, but it remains smaller, limp, stunted Falkirk: "I sure hope nobody is going to need a leeching for the next week." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We'll find other ways to bleed I'm sure.” Syviis Adjeon: "That's never the problem, is it?" (From Falkirk): welp (To Fiss): perception! something tingly going on with that leech Syviis Adjeon: >_< Falkirk: nice crit :D Suðri Skornbrekker watches, and does not like what he sees. Syviis Adjeon: "Awww, it's so cute!" Ken (GM) Falkirk and Syviis exchange an odd look, as the leech continues to swell and grow fro mfeeding on the vine. Neither seems to know whats goign on, but both seem preturbed by it Bomrek: Syviis fails her roll to resist hugging dangerous bugs, I guess Suðri Skornbrekker: “Now I know something I wish I hadn't known until we had left this wretched land already.” Falkirk does not intervene Bomrek: "I doubt it's wise to use that particular leech again, by the way." Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Bomrek: "Er, on people, anyway" Fiss: Ken (GM) the leech drinks from the bloodroot until it has swelled up to the size of a small banana. It then detaches itself, dribbling the bloody juice from its sucker mouth. Falkirk: "Well, isn't that something..?" Bomrek: "What about this is unusual exactly, Doctor?" Bomrek ain't no medic, are these things supposed to get this big Falkirk points to the root Falkirk: "That is a plant." Falkirk points to the corpulent leech Falkirk: "That is a blood-sucking beast." Falkirk turns to bomrek Falkirk: "That plant is full of blood, for a start." Suðri Skornbrekker: “That is one question answered, and many new ones born.” Suðri Skornbrekker furrows his brows. (To Fiss): you have like, zero luck with knowledge checks.. (From Syviis Adjeon): all part of the game. :P Falkirk stands slowly, packing away his equipment and samples, loading the root at the rearmost part of the saddles and the leeches towards the horses' neck. The turgid specimin is moved to its own jar. Falkirk: "We've got a long journey and no time for curiosities. We're ready to continue?" Bomrek: "Aye, we are. Hopefully once we reach the tower, we can bombard this land with old Elf magics and be done with these horrors." Suðri Skornbrekker: “The sooner we're done here, the better.” Ken (GM) The morning has risen cool and misty form the waters. The horses saddle up fine, their behavior not out of the ordinary...yet. Gray nuzzles with his a moment, seems to take a regard of it, a heart to heart, then he sets out south again, scenting the swirling air, plunging kne deep in the warm pools. Falkirk: "If your horse goes down and it's not coming up, I want help taking it to the nearest solid ground as quickly as we can, aye?" "Every second passed is an observation lost to time." brb Bomrek: "Lets hope it's the lightest one that goes down, then." Ken (GM) The cliffs rise up to stone walls, with cascading waterfalls spilling over them to the bog below. The cascade shimmers in the light, spilling stark contrasting rainbows of color off the cliffs Ken (GM): above them is the more awesome sight Syviis Adjeon whispers something in elvish under her breath Bomrek: Turns? Hovering? Literally, or do you mean that figuratively in some manner Ah, nope, floating, gotcha. Ken (GM): Bomrek: Hm. This should be destroyed. Remind me again, how much Magic has Bomrek seen in his homeland, anything akin tot his? P.P. A.: more like Ken (GM) lush green forest crests the hills. Wild jungle and greenery spilling over the tops of the cliffs. mists and smoke rise op there, in the distance on the edge Ken (GM): this is probably the most magical thing bomrek has ever seen, aside from the demons youve been fighting Bomrek: That was one weird ass video, PPA Suðri Skornbrekker usually doesn't like magic, but seeing such a massive structure suspended in mid-air needing to be chained to the ground lest it flies away, has him deeply impressed. Bomrek: Bomrek is also awestruck, though he certainly doesn't look happy about what he's seeing. "How the hell is that thing still flying?" (From Syviis Adjeon): .... yes...yes it is.... Syviis Adjeon: "Magic...or the largest, angriest hornet's nest ever." Falkirk attempts to whistle, but through the mask it comes out more as a raspberry Ken (GM): [lol] Falkirk: "Now is impressive. Let's see dwarves build one of those." Bomrek: "Why would we want to? No good comes from being that high up in the air, Falkirk." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Challenge accepted!” Ken (GM): [inconsistent dwarves] Bomrek: "Say, perhaps we could break the chains holding it down, and just sail it back home.. surely there would be money to be made there." Falkirk glances at the elf (To Fiss): Ancient elven knowledge doesnt specifically describe a floating tower chained over the magical blasted wasteland... Syviis Adjeon shakes her head. "I'm afraid this is not in the stories I know of... but If not, then we'll see evidence of its work powering this place at the very least." Bomrek: Dwarves truly are the greatest race, we'll reach the moon with our rockets, eventually. While the elves are still in their shitty forests "man, look at this cool stick I found yesterday, wow" P.P. A.: “put that down, that stick is sacred!” (To Fiss): Drop me a hiddden elf lore roll? Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk nods slowly (From Falkirk): IQ plus talent? (To Falkirk): yep (From Falkirk): *15 (To Falkirk): This is nuclear-level power Ken (GM): [why does everyone want to crash the flying tower of doom?] Fiss: [who wouldn't?] Falkirk has a perturbed look on his face Bomrek: Who are the lords of night again. "More Dwarf?" Bomrek asks, turning to look at Suthri, expecting some professional opinion on that idea Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard as he inspects the tower, trying to make out who could have built it. (To Bomrek): The lords of night were the spoopy mages who did the bad things in the last war. Syviis tells that they were a kind of dark cult, but theyre a forbidden subject back home. The dark spooky vamipre elf chick you guys met says she serves them. The minotaur last week told you they 'rule here' as princes of the barbarian hordes (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The construction looks blocky and angular from here. Metal spurs, and odd protruding formations on the construction. all very unnatural...and oddly familiar. Reminiscient of old dwarven designs, but still foreign. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): much like that old temple ruin; nearly dwarven work...but not the same... Bomrek: Does it look to be Dwarf make, GM-kun? Suðri Skornbrekker squints and crosses his arms. Suðri Skornbrekker: “It reminds me of the temple with the snake statues...” Falkirk: "Old, then. Very old." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It could well be Dwarven, but... Who knows, perhaps a long-lost Dwarven culture.” Ken (GM): [architecture confirmation via GM/Sudri :P] Suðri Skornbrekker ponders for a while, but eventually gives up. No way to find out except by examining it more closely. Bomrek: "Well, lets get ready to honor our distant relatives then, Suthri." Bomrek says, checking his firearms and prepping them. Suðri Skornbrekker would love to be able to float that tower back to Glardenfen Keep. Syviis Adjeon: "It's impressive...just...seems distinctly out of place from anything I thought we'd see on this..." "Then again... I suppose we really had no idea what to expect." Ken (GM): [its like...5 or 10 times the size of glardenfen] Allrighty! so, this looks like a good place to halt for the week (also, its now 4!) so, take 4 XP, sorry again I was late starting us off Fiss: domo domo! Ken (GM): but huzzah! you have reached the tower where the fabled Ansible of Spirits lies! Falkirk: oh ok cool spooky shit Ken (GM): I aim to spook P.P. A.: Hopefully we can find the lever that makes the tower fly into space Falkirk: tower falls out of the sky Bomrek: And the lever that drops nukes, so we can nuke these beastmen out of existence. Falkirk: wrong lever, kronk Bomrek: They're different, TOO different, that means they need to be exterminated. Falkirk: that film was a fucking trip okay let's all agree in advance if we find a way to hijack and control this tower it's our new mobile base of operations agreed? P.P. A.: yes. Bomrek: Sounds like it'll be expensive to power. Magic don't come from nothin', y'know. Don't grow on trees. Falkirk: nah it grows in roots P.P. A.: “give us fuel or we will run out of it right on top of your city/castle” Bomrek: Unless we kidnap magically inclined people, force feed them blood root drugs and speed, and just use them for magic until they wither and die. Hm. Four additional points. What to do with these... Ayy, any of you know of any shadowrun games currently looking for players? I've been wanting to try my hand at shadowrun for fucking ever, but I've always been unlucky and unable to find one going at the times I had available Oh, also, note: I'm moving states in uh... aproximately 10-ish days. Ish. Falkirk: you checked the gayfinder? Bomrek: I did, but only just recently. Falkirk: keep an eye on it post a lfg if you want but it's probably pointless GM's market, they dont need to go looking Bomrek: LFG? where's that Falkirk: looking for group mmo term Bomrek: Right, but is that some uh, roll20 thing, or something else? P.P. A.: that feel when no Pendragon campaign Falkirk: yeah roll20 has a catalogue too but it's kinda lame P.P. A.: Anyway, see y'all Bomrek: adios Falkirk: ciaobella P.P. A.: Hiya Joush M.: Hey there Did I miss something? Am I on the wrong time? P.P. A.: No idea Adolf said over a week ago that he couldn't make it last Saturday (which fell flat anyway, though), nor today but last I heard today was going to happen P.P. A. just came back from France 20 minutes ago Joush M.: How was France? P.P. A.: Very nice We were in Brittany, in the north-west. Beautiful coastlines with many nestled bays and little beaches, and a great abundance of cosy villages Joush M.: Now that sounds really nice. Were you on vacation? Good morning Ken P.P. A.: Yeah, for a week with my parents Hello Ken Ken (GM): hey! Sorry fo rbeign tardy, toddler naptime Joush M.: Well that's a good excuse, as far as they go. Totally my next GURPS character. P.P. A.: d'aw Ken (GM): my god, its full of cute pinging gandalf and bomrek but! I am here on timeish so yay! sorry about the abrupt failure to game last week wife dropped a houseparty on my lap thursday night ish Ken (GM): so I spent the day wrangling the toddler while she cooked Rhubarb into a million things P.P. A.: No problem, after 10 hours of car ride the I wouldn't have been looking forward to hurrying to my crappy old laptop first thing [15.08.2016 22:47:49] Excitable Labrador: I'm going to be at a /k/ meet up in the Nevada desert for next game, and proobbbaabbbllly unavailable for the game after that as well. ^from Bomrek, sent on Monday Ken (GM): ah, fun, so bomrek is on NPC mode madman is going to nevada in august P.P. A.: *the Monday last week Ken (GM): 35 degrees C or more P.P. A.: er Gandalf G.: ayy Joush M.: At least it's a dry heat? P.P. A.: no wait, this week's Monday Gandalf G.: I'm gonna have to split for food soon but I'm here for now Ken (GM): well thats all of us then :D as log as fis sis alive is fiss Jolt-in'? Gandalf G.: we're down an austrian again family shit? Fiss: JoooolllT! Joush M.: Well last as long as you can Gandalf. Hold out without food. Roll HT to avoid FP loss. Gandalf G.: hueh Ken (GM): hue Gandalf G.: I'm with family atm otherwise I'd just go eat like a block of cheese and be satisfied with the convenience Ken (GM): just like my wife a nice double smoked cheddar and a few crackers, she calls that dinner Gandalf G.: double smoked cheddar man I'd kick the wife out and keep the cheese Joush M.: I can't do cheese as a meal. It's just not enough. Ken (GM): so! Where last we left our mad adventuring crew, they had stumbled through the mists of the shallows into daylight, and the mighty visage of a massive flying fortress chained to the horizon. It was midmorning, and you guys were mildly concerned a tthe horses having made a meal of some bloodroot. Bomrek had recovered himself from his bender, and Sudri had given him the "look of shame of his forefathers" Syviis was speaking common again, but only enough to spook everyone with stories of the lords of night Joush M.: made a meal of bloodroot..' I miss ONE WEEK, and the horses are evil now Ken (GM): well, it was raw. Not the blood wine, but just a raw root they havent killen anyone yet... Fiss: 3Spooky5meElfstories P.P. A.: We also discovered that the blood-like sap of the bloodroot is, in fact, blood after the doc put a leech on one Ken (GM): Ah yeah, it went to TOWN Gray frowns at the grand fortress in the distance, watching the massive chains that bind it to the earth as he scents the air like some wild beast. His hand rest at the pomnel of the grand blade at his waist and he scowls a moment longer before turning to the others. Studying the others. The beast trying to tell if they are ready to travel and continue the approch to their goal. "Is it the power of the absail of spirirts that keeps it aloft?" Ken (GM): [Ansible* but thats gotta be an RP mis-quoting] Gray nods to her. "Let's hope it isn't. We intend to take that artifact from inside. All the same, let's be ready to run when we remove it from it's seat in case the stone suddenly remembers it wishes to be one with the earth." Syviis Adjeon: Is there anything...other than the MAGICAL FLOATYNESS that indicates it might be from another plane? Symbols, styles, stone, etc? Suðri Skornbrekker: “Of course, it would be even better if we could move the Ainsible along with the entire tower.” Suðri has a gleeful smirk on his face as he strokes his beard. Ken (GM): [Sudri has scoped it out from here; the architecture actually looked oddly dwarven. Much like the ruins of the temple you found] Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Syviis Adjeon: Gandalf G.: (back again sry, life being distracting) Joush M.: Welcome back! Suðri Skornbrekker: “Should we tie up the horses somewhere near and try to scale the chains, then?” Syviis Adjeon: Syviis begins to use her ElfEyes(tm) to look for access methods. Do we have to climb up the chains or is there perhaps suspicious portal-having buildings nearby? Suðri Skornbrekker has a rope in his inventory, could use that Ken (GM): The massive structure is still some ways off on the horizon; the shallow bog youre in continues to a series of cliffs ahead, where waterfalls cascade into the pool with mity shrouds. Youre some hours away from the thing still, and its up the clifside, yet too Syviis Adjeon voices her thoughts: "As much fun scaling the chains might be, there must be a more reasonable entrance method. We should be on the look out as we approach." Gray: "Yes, that sounds good Suori, Syviis. We will make a camp near the tower and find a way to climb somehow. For now, let's move." (To Gray): You notice two things on the approach; the water here is growing warmer, blooms of slimy green plants and kelp under the surface. As well, the distinct scent of sulfur tinged with ammonia. Like bird spoor. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I would be surprised if there weren't things. Fortunately, should they prove hostile, it is much harder to dodge a bullet or a polearm's tip in a tunnel than in the open field.” “Maybe we will find more ancient ruins inside, too,” this he muses aloud. Gray scents the air again and pauses, more alert. "Warm water. Guano?.. Humm.. Yes. No reason to look for more trouble then we already have." Falkirk: "Let's hope they don't have bullets or polearms then..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “None of their scouting parties in the north did, nor the garrison of Glardenfen. I doubt they'd equip the dwellers of a remote cave better than those. ...unless they are guarding something, which they well might, or unless they are dwarves.” Suðri Skornbrekker only one way to find out! :D Fiss: So long as the caves/holes don't look like this: Falkirk: "Such as a monolithic floating fortress? Aye. If the beasts have stolen guns, I feel we're like to see them here." Gray dismounts and leads his horse, still searching for a way up the cliffs with an eye on the caves that perice the stone. He prowls restlessly ahead, alert for danger. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye, that's what I meant. Looking at the fortress though, I wonder how much protection it actually needs on the ground.” (To Falkirk): You notice, as the mists pass, that you get a magical tingle from them. Like passing near high power lines. Or being covered in static electricity (To Fiss): As they pass over you, the feeling is coming from them. Like theyre charged with it. PER/Thaumatology for more details? Syviis Adjeon: (From Syviis Adjeon): beat perception by 3 Syviis Adjeon: +1 if it's lightning/weather magic damn, sorry, talking out loud, lol (To Fiss): Definitely the clouds of mist themselves. You focus a bit on the lines of magic, oon the tune of things, and theyre crawling along like great big slugs of magic. Almost elementals. Like big stupid blobs of it. Kinda like seeing jellyfish in the open ocen? Syviis Adjeon: The elf's eyes widen as realization hits her Gray then nods. "More pragmaticly.. our weapons will be tempted to misfire in the damp. Careful of your powder." (To Fiss): Elf-knowledge here; You know elementals by themselves aren't genuinely hostile. They feed on magical energy, but they consume it in much more broad-term ways. They few you have encountered in your life were likely small spritley things. And they tended to be much more alert and animalistic. These things; theyre like comparing dogs and slugs. Still alive, just...on a different order of magnitude Gray frowns. "I'll try not to provoke the mist or walk though it." Fiss: Anyone know "Summon Elemental Border Collie?" :P Ken (GM): [hah! you'd be the first to learn it :P] [so plunging in further to the cliffs? Syviis Adjeon: yep Ken (GM): hokey dokey then Joush M.: Yep! Onward and forward. Hopefully not into monster mist Fiss: Just pet it as you go by. :) Ken (GM) what do you do? Fiss: Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker is not very eager to get involved in a fight here, given how unlikely either side is to be their ally. Ken (GM): Luckily the hillocks of earth around you break line of sight very well, so your approach to the battle goes easily unnoticed; as you all collectively huddle up and stalk forward, the sounds grow clearer. Somone(or several someones) are in a fight for their lives with something that hisses and spits like a mighty angry beast... [moving the map] Ken (GM) some sort of man, clad in red leathers and weilding a large jagged two handed sword, seems to be fending off the attack of several white skeletal creatures! Gandalf G.: back Ken (GM) and behind it all, another of the cloudy beings seems half-perched on a large red bloodroot plant; its lower half disappearing into the billowy red limbs...much like the demon tree you fought at the Statue of Horns... Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): [shit, fighting the token here (From Syviis Adjeon): probably not, it does create a bit of a tell-tale crackle of power. Syviis Adjeon nods to Suori "A wise plan..." Ken (GM): [wizard?] Suðri Skornbrekker a spellsword or something, though he's unfamiliar with the term Ken (GM): [ah! :P kk] Gandalf G.: he's fighting them Falkirk: are these the same skeleton dudes who we've been fighting P.P. A.: Aren't the elementals fighting the skeletals, as is the guy with the swords? Falkirk: who were dicks to treebeard Ken (GM): [these look much like the things that chased down the burning ent, back a week ago] Syviis Adjeon: Yeah do they look familiar? Falkirk frowns behind his mask Falkirk: "Focus down those corpses, I feel this man is not our enemy!" Ken (GM) Nearby, the two ghouls circle and test the limits of the big blue cloudy man. it seems ponderous, but massive. They circle, flanking him, and it cannot keep it's 'eyes' on both together Ken (GM): Initiative? Suðri Skornbrekker grumbles: “I'm wary of everyone here, but given the experience we've hat with these skelethings...” Falkirk:10.75 Syviis Adjeon: 9.25 Suðri Skornbrekker: Gray: Ken (GM): +6.5 for bomrek Fiss: Let's hope we keep these low dice for the rolls coming up Joush M.: Yay, I'm not last! Ken (GM): :P Falkirk: considering my speed score I seem to so surprisingly well in initiative Ken (GM): Falkirk: do Ken (GM): allrighty, so , the Savage man again faces his adversaries, sword up in defence, screaming a challenge at them Falkirk: I need to get some buff spells Ken (GM): Falkirk, wat do? Falkirk: 17y of range what's the pen Ken (GM): [also, FYI, the green ground is a few inche sof standing/flowing water on clay/gravel earth. the redbrown is 'dry' ground. Falkirk: I see it Ken (GM): -6 for the 15-20 yard range Falkirk: is that slow terrain? (From Syviis Adjeon): sorry to bug you: Can't control my Pog. (To Fiss): Should be fixed? Falkirk makes a wild arcane gesture, clapping his hands together and incanting. A slurry of hissing yellow vitriol is projected forth. Rolling 3d6 = 8 v11 all out determined attack at the topmost fuckboy assuming no further modifiers (From Syviis Adjeon): fixed, all is well! Ken (GM): The cascade of acid flings forward, and splatters it's back, utterly surprising it! It hisses in surprise! Rolling 1d6 = 3 corrosive damage Ken (GM): nasty! The yellow spray sears off a patch of his back, scorching his flesh away, exposing bone and spilling black insides into the water at his feet. The insides crawl and writhe The big blue man-thing takes the opportunity to strike! It steps forward and slams into the wounded ghoul! There is a flash of lightning and sparks crackle in the air! The ghoul is hammered by the arms and a massive jolt rocks the creature as it it struck backwards the ghoul remains on it's toes, but fresh scorch marks smoulder on it's hide Ken (GM): The big blue creature seems to dim somewhat after the blow, as if it had expended energy to do so. The other circling ghoul takes it's opportunity to strike! It leaps forward! onto the massive creature! and clings like some horrifying undead spider beast! You see it's claw-hands sink finger deep in the blue amorphous hide of the thing; and an utterly human-like scream of pain wails away from inside! Bomrek! Ken (GM): He has aimed, and chooses his target; the clinging ghoul thing! Falkirk: dont miss Ken (GM): distance/aim cancel out, skill is 18, targeting vitals for a -3 and final roll vs 15! Boom! It doesnt even see it coming, and Bomrek tears into it with his boom-stick 7 PI++, rips into the thing. turns into 10 damage in the unliving flesh Ken (GM): the thing is still alive! but it is missing chunks of itself! Syviis Adjeon: Any problem with this tree in my way? Ken (GM): nope, branches are out of your way Falkirk: "Why won't these things just stay Syviis Adjeon steps around the tree and looses a sparking arrow at the nearest ghoul Syviis Adjeon: hits easily, random hit location Ken (GM): roll it! :D Syviis Adjeon: In the Nines! Ken (GM): da torso! Syviis Adjeon: Damage? Ken (GM): thunk, crackle! Your lightning arrow strikes true. Damage! Syviis Adjeon: Doing a 2d electrical + Arrow'ed Ken (GM): daaaamn Syviis Adjeon: AND If it's not dead... Stunning Ken (GM): the arrow nearly goes through it, and then it bursts into true flame igniting from the internal fire Syviis Adjeon: Has to roll health or be stunned as the follow up that I've NEVER remembered to use Joush M.: Ha! Yeah, sometimes it's hard to remeber that stuff Syviis Adjeon: awww yiss Ken (GM): BOOSH Syviis Adjeon nods satisfied, and draws another arrow Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) They scramble accross the wet mud throwing clods of it up behind them, charging for the elf Joush M.: Damn, that got their attention Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker swings his aim to this ghoul here, and fires a shot Ken (GM): kk P.P. A.: What's the modifiers for distance/aim? Ken (GM): Acc +! for time aiming distance is -4 for 10 yards P.P. A.: we've been aiming before we entered battle time, so Ken (GM): sorry, ACC+1 P.P. A.: oh ok Rolling 3d6 = 13 v14 (15+2+1-4=14) P.P. A.: wew Ken (GM): yay! he attempts to dodge and ducks! Suðri Skornbrekker curses in Dwarven Ken (GM): just weaving as the shot comes for him! Gray! Gray also Readies Broadsword End turn! Ken (GM): kk Falkirk: "Mindless is the word. Though I think I have a means to slowing them down..." Ken (GM): The scarred man swings round to you, seems surprised to see you all, but lifts his sword in an exhaulted yell! He scrambles for the blue lightning-man and the ghhoul Falkirk! Falkirk steps forward and switches his stance. Wide footing, hands splayed, body low and sleeves rolled. Falkirk: (move and end turn) Ken (GM): kk The blue one and ghoul struggle; It's arms are big but clumsy, and the ghoul scrambles along it, claws sinking in. You see crackles of swirling energy seem from the wounds like mistly blood. The cries of pain grow louder and more high pitched, and the blue one takes a knee Bomrek! "Theyre coming right for us! Hold the line!" He lines up another shot, and it whizzes overhead Falkirk! 14 versus the things torso Ken (GM): yeah! Falkirk winces from the boom, but does not otherwise flinch Ken (GM): It already dodged Sudri , so it cannot dodge against Bomrek as well! [im surprised tinnitis isnt already onset with you all] Joush M.: Isn't someone going to answer that phone? Ken (GM): a whopping 18 wounds, the thing explodes as its struck Joush M.: Whap Ken (GM): shards fly in all directions as the fat slug crushes it through dead center Syviiis! Syviis Adjeon gathers a fresh pull of power onto her next arrow and lets it fly at the closest ghoul Syviis Adjeon: Target is 17 Ken (GM): just barely line of sight, but yeah It fails to duck your arrow :P this is the clumsy one Syviis Adjeon: Location: Ken (GM): the groin! (aka the torso on these things Syviis Adjeon: Electrical then Arrow like before for damage Then stun if it's still up Ken (GM): the arrow sinks in, then the burning flash of electricit ignites him. These things are made of ether! Syviis Adjeon: Noice Ken (GM): Skornbrekker1 Joush M.: Sweet, We get bored after this we can crack one open and get high Syviis Adjeon: Joush M.: Nothing so depraved as a man in the depths of an ether binge. P.P. A.: hm Reloading would take too long Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker this probably takes up the whole turn Ken (GM): Hack and slash time! The things! I believe this one triggers gray (To Fiss): Ah nah, thats fine man. It still costs FP though for each level? Gray: (From Syviis Adjeon): yep... so far she's 4 down. Another arrow and she'll be at half, she's rationing it best she can Joush M.: Gray diden't have a Wait or anything Ken (GM): Didnt you say you were readying a blow? Joush M.: Readying the sword Ken (GM): oh! like, drawing and such Joush M.: Ready to use, you know. In hand, all that Ken (GM): sorry, I thought you meant readying to with the swords kk so! they scramble up to there one tries a charge/tackle on Gray and may succeed! Dodge or block? Gray: Ken (GM): it slams into you, but you hold it's scrabbling claws and toothy maw behind your slab of oak! The other does the same to Falkirk! and also may hit! Dodge? Gray roars his disapproval back at the ghoul as it claws at the shield.. (Parry instead? Especaly if it's unarmed) Ken (GM): [it was a slam tack; cant parry a hundred pounds of ghoul] Gray: Syviis Adjeon: Joush M.: Hit! Of course, he's slamming into gray. This may go badly for him Ken (GM): lol, no this second guy is slamming into falkirk guys falkirk needs to defend Joush M.: Oh!.. Can't sacrafice dodge Falkirk's out of reach Sorry. Also, damn Falkirk: dw I got this fam Ken (GM): lol Falkirk: erm ok Syviis Adjeon: Wizplosions! Falkirk: I'll retreat for +3 Rolling 3d6 = 10 v9 Ken (GM): boooooo Falkirk: aw christ shoulda burned that FP Ken (GM): it flies at you full tilt, and follows you to the ground! Roll DX! Rolling 3d6 = 5 v10 ayy Ken (GM): yay! you are a stumbly tangle of falkirk and ghoul, in a grapple with death itself! 3 crushing as it plows into you (To Gray): The thing you blocked is in your hex, FYI, part of the slam I just realized Falkirk grunts through the beak of his mask, digging in his feet and holding his ground as best he can. He mutters quietly. Ken (GM): Graaaay! Gray throws aside the ghoul on his shield and moves to help Falkirk, snarling and growling. "Off him!" (Aimed shot to Right Arm, All Out Attack (Strong) to get rid of the move and attack penality) Ken (GM): fun! Gray: Joush M.: Hit! He got any defense in him? Ken (GM): it attempts a grapple dodge! and fails! chop chop! Gray: Joush M.: 15 CUT damage Ken (GM): hahaha Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): that limb just EXPLODES into shards of bone and goes flop flop it screams and hisses clinging to falkirk with the other arm as it can Gray slashes the arm from the sholder with a brutal blow when the ghoul lifts the limb, towering above the boney beast and snarling. The other limb's next, if it dosn't let go of the wizard. Joush M.: End Turn! No defense until next turn Ken (GM): The tribal warrior swings his greatsword at the ghoul grappling the blue-man and hews the thing! Snicker Snack! The big blue is still seeping misty energy Falkirk! Ken (GM): You is grappled! wat do? Falkirk: what penalties would I be looking at to disregard my close encounter and cast on another one Ken (GM): like, shoot out of the grapple? Your innate attack is technically a 'handgun' so only the bulk, which is 0 so, disregarding ghouls to shoot other ghouls? Falkirk: yeah what about moving ST contest? grapple rules are fiddly Ken (GM): yeah, grapple/ST check to move a hex would be easier to break free first. and it IS down an arm now Falkirk: final question can I all-out an affliction since it's technically a concentrate manouver and not an attack Ken (GM): drop defences for a +! to your roll? sure! Falkirk: alright Ken (GM): +1 i mean (im always making that typo) Falkirk reaches a hand around his bony embracer, trusting the beast to keep him from getting savaged. He shouts an incantation and throws an aggressive gesture at the next-nearest ghoul. Falkirk: Casting my stun Ken (GM): ah! Falkirk: it's a quick competion will v ht minus the range for me Ken (GM): kk Falkirk: so I'm at 9 10 including all-out Ken (GM): vs 10 here! roll it! Rolling 3d6 = 12 v10 welp Ken (GM): fucking RNG hates you today man Falkirk: aye Ken (GM): Big blue continues to weep blue stuff, and seems to be 'deflating' a touch Syviis Adjeon swears dramatically in elvish as she hears the physician's spell fail due to Tooth and Claw distracting him Ken (GM): Bomrek! Charges in with his gun bayonet on the ghouluie! Joush M.: And those who have failed to praise RNGeus shall not have his blessing Ken (GM): vs 13 for the thing's vitals bam! it tries a grapple dodge and CRITS lol Joush M.: Bomrek picking on that ghou. He's mostly 'armless Ken (GM): means a crit fail for bomrek, rollin on the fuckup table Falkirk: oh no that's not a 9 10 or 11 that's bed bad, even Syviis Adjeon: Yeah... Ken (GM): he slips on the hillside, and flails; he is imbalanced, has a -2 to defenses, and can do NOTHING else until next turn could have been worse Syviiis! Syviis Adjeon goes for the eyes, wishing she could slow time and make two arrows do her bidding...she's seen other elves do that...and is now jealous. Syviis Adjeon: Aiming for the one sneaking up behind Grey Vitals hit, target with mods is a flat 17 Falkirk: 1 point from a crit rip Syviis Adjeon: same damage profile if it hits Yeah, a Vitals Crit would be nice. :P CRIT FAIL DODGE! Ken (GM): sorry, was it left of tree or right of tree ghoul? Syviis Adjeon: Left Ken (GM): kk Syviis Adjeon: closest one Ken (GM): NOPE you HIT Syviis Adjeon: OK, 2d electrical, then Vitals Ken (GM): [she's got a horseshoe somewhere] Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): WOOF BOOSH Syviis Adjeon: And reloading Ken (GM): these things are flammable! Syviis Adjeon: Arrow ready Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! Bardishe time? Suðri Skornbrekker 's eyes dart around, before settling on the thing grappling the doc. Saving your healer first is always a good idea, and he trusts Grey to handle the other one storming at them. Ken (GM): lol nice Suðri Skornbrekker , thus, takes his bardiche and thrusts at the Ghoul latching on to Falkirk—slashing seems too risky. P.P. A.: Any penalties? Ken (GM): nah youre good; I'd go for the torso though :P Suðri Skornbrekker does so, and also goes for an all-out attack at +4. That damn ghoul has plagued them long enough. Rolling 3d6 = 11 v14+4 P.P. A.: I'm half-asleep after the long ride, does it get a dodge chance or not Ken (GM): it tries, but has penalties! and fucks it up! you hit! thrust damage time 5 Ken (GM): sexy! the blow hits it square and it crumples into parts! P.P. A.: Good riddance to that pest! Ken (GM): The last one flies at Syviis, claws out, mouth a clutch of jagged teeth! It tries to snap it's bite onto her! Dodge? Syviis Adjeon: Dodge Fail. Syviis Adjeon braces herself, bow out as the thing leaps on her Ken (GM): It descends maw first, biting her at the neck! and did hit! (dont know why I didnt roll that yet) Syviis Adjeon: Not my Neckmeats! Ken (GM): Joush M.: My neck! I'm not supposed to get fangs in it! Ken (GM): 1 piercing damage! AND IT LATCHED ON IT SINKS IN AND THEN LOCKS TIGHT HISSING THROUGH THE BUBBLING BLOOD Graaaaay Syviis Adjeon: Ouch... Joush M.: Grappleing with Jaws vs Brawl 13, AoA determined for +4, -3 for Neck target, Final SL 14 Gray: (From Syviis Adjeon): making kiddo a sammach, brb, keep typing shouldn't take long Gray snarls like something inhuman and savage, sharp fangs wet and gleaming and white as he turns on the ghoul and slams his own teeth down on it's neck, muscles flexing to grapple it and drag it away from Syviis. Gray: Ken (GM): OH MY GOD THATS AWESOME you bite down and just break its neck it crumples into broken bones and town flesh torn* GODDAMN thats was HARDCORE Falkirk: fuck Gray drags the crumbleing body off of Syviis, stepping backward and crunching down harder, then twisting his head, snapping the bones in the ghoul's throat then at last letting it drop from his mouth. Ken (GM): Gray wonders how they see him in that moment. More savage, perhaps, then the undead creature's they had fought. The scorned panting like some beast. Suðri Skornbrekker: “That must taste awful.” Falkirk: "Aye.. well..." "One way to deal with it I suppose." Falkirk brushes his clothes off, waving away the offered hand Falkirk: "I am somewhat more hardy than you may suspect." Falkirk begins gently incanting and applying pressure to his wounds Falkirk: healing, 16 seconds for the +4 I bought self-heal way back at chargen healing 4hp Ken (GM): kk Gray nods to Falkirk, understanding the rebruke and not wanting to insult the man.. though.. he's worried, about the risk he took. He turns to the strange, scarred man and his golems, leaveing the sword aside he lifts and empty, open hand to wave in welcome. Rolling 3d6 = 12 v19 Ken (GM): Bomrek brandishes his spear tipped gun toward the man and his magical companion "Oi, look at this lads." and he points with the gun Falkirk: The wounds knit together at the touch of magic fingers. "Is anyone else injured?" Fiss smiles and gets back to her feet, holding her hand to her neck to make sure it doesn't get worse. "My thanks, good Grey. I'm alive thanks to your quick work" Fiss: damn. Syviis Adjeon: There Better lol Gray blushes faintly, then turns and nods to the elven woman. "You are welcome. We are all alive because you struck down several ghouls before they could close" P.P. A.: that feel when no electric jello golem gf Syviis Adjeon: Gray seems suprised at the transformation, at the magic fadeing to reveal the woman. he remebers the cries of pain and frowns, wishing they'd been able to do more to protect the pair. Trio. Falkirk: oh shit that wild man Syviis Adjeon gasps audibly, genuinely surprised at the transformation. Falkirk: thats not the guy who was making the blood wine is it Falkirk frowns at the pair Ken (GM): Syviis' call seems to snap them out of their reverie, and they turn together. Her hands draped in blue wispy energy, his sword raised. "STAY BACK" he barks, in accented comon Syviis Adjeon nods quickly. "We shall." Falkirk: "I expect I'll be healing their wounds also. This magic doesn't grow from trees, you know." Syviis Adjeon smiles to Falkirk (To Falkirk): Rough accent, like a man acccustomed to speaking old Gorgoth. The S and K give it away Syviis Adjeon: Artifcat! P.P. A.: :3 Falkirk coughs and switches his tongue to match what is their native one, barking roughly (From Falkirk): "We are travellers and mean no harm. I see you are being hounded by the dead, so I feel we are on the same page somewhat." Ken (GM) they look at each other, and he responds, in the rough tongue (To Falkirk): Honor and glory to you; thank you for your help. You fight with swiftness and great power. Your mage is a great and terrible foe, as is your [terrifying wolf warrior] Ken (GM): [oh yeah, im BLEEDING lol :P] Syviis Adjeon: tis only a scratch! Falkirk: hey yo I asked Syviis Adjeon: :P Falkirk: if you'll dont want to get healed thats your call Gray turns to Syviis, looking to her throat and frowning. He knows little of first aid, being a person that dosn't really require it, but steps in and offers a clean bandage. Syviis Adjeon: 1HP, I say keep your FT :P er..FP but gratefully, clearly having no problem baring her neck to the beastly man...allies are a strong reason not to fear. Syviis Adjeon: Does Syviis catch any of the conversation going south? If so, she'll get ready too (From Falkirk): "Power without direction is savagery. We are here with the intent to drive this evil from the land. You fought with them also, so we have this much in common, but shouting across a bog is no way for two allies to meet. Let us share in food and drink and share out stories, yes?" (To Falkirk): Your offer is wise and trustworthy. We shall feast together and share the blood. Agreed Falkirk pauses at their response Ken (GM): [Gray, Syviis, someone rolling First aid here?] Falkirk mutters quietly to the group Falkirk: "Do not let your guards down." Syviis Adjeon: Gray can if he has it, if not, then it's just a superficial bandage Gray: Joush M.: That fails by.. uhh.. lots Syviis Adjeon nods to Falkirk "Wouldn't dream of it" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I wouldn't have done that save at your counsel anyway.” “What's the gist of it though, who are they?” Ken (GM) gray cinches the bandage, and scrapes it across the wound. The bleeding stops...barely Falkirk: "Unsure. Bloodwine addicts." Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk: "While they could be valuable allies, don't discount this coming to violence." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'll keep my eyes and barrel out for enemies, and will be swift to turn it to anyone who suddenly becomes one, then.” Falkirk approaches, using his spear to navigate the boggy footing Syviis Adjeon: "I think I'll stick to my dry lembas bread..." she mutters in elvish Ken (GM) The red tatoos on his arms and chest flash bright red, swirls of color tracing jagged script on his skin Fiss: "Hi Grey, I'm Dad" *gray wow Ken (GM) He offers the skin to Falkirk, raising an eyebrow (To Falkirk): You can feel a distinct magic power emanating from the draught Ken (GM): The woman speaks soft syllibant words, and gestures to Syviis, wiping the red from her mouth (To Fiss): "The power we wield is much as yours. Just much stronger. We draw the power itself from the blood, yes, but it is ours. It is not bloodwine. It is pure" Syviis Adjeon smiles and nods. "Worry not Gray, I think what they're trying to tell us is this is not the contaminated wine we saw before. " Syviis Adjeon: (From Syviis Adjeon): "Very curious! Pardon our initial reaction, we've seen so many corrupted souls on our journey. We worried you were into the blood wine yourselves. " Falkirk clears a space on the ground, sitting cross-legged and watching the two drink (To Falkirk): The elven woman speak s to syviis "The power we wield is much as yours. Just much stronger. We draw the power itself from the blood, yes, but it is ours. It is not bloodwine. It is pure" and she responds "Very curious! Pardon our initial reaction, we've seen so many corrupted souls on our journey. We worried you were into the blood wine yourselves. " Fiss: "And this is how our entire party turned into blood-mages!" - the end. :P P.P. A.: except for the dorves :V Gray offers Falkirk something to drink while the older man rest on the ground. His own wineskin filled with ale from the party's rations. Fiss: BLOOD DORVES! P.P. A.: well they ate the horses, and thereby indirectly ingested the blood so they too, I suppose Ken (GM): The man sits, joins you next to the woman. "We travel, we fight, we are scorned. We met in gray wastes, found each other. The Deugar try to slave us, the Aven try to slave us, the Dead try to kill us. We live, they die" Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): "I am H'Rhuuk" he says, drawing out hte name with a kind of coughing growl. "My woman, she is Alliise" He name, much more soft, definitely elven Gray nods to the strange man and speaks in that deep, rough voice. "You must be powerful to survive here, free. I am Gray, H'Ruuk. This is Falkirk, the Physican, and Syviis, whom serves the Elven Elder. We serve Grayhold, here on a mission to recover something. If you joined us, there could be a place for you. Somewhere without slavers and the restless dead." Ken (GM): At the name Grayhold, both of them lean over and spit into the earth, automatically even. He turns back to you his gaze level "No. We do not serve the Gray Hold. We are free" She speaks "Thank you Gray. We are safe, strong." Gray: "Free to choose if you wish to join a worthy cause, just as we are. But.. I understand." He nods to them and dosn't press the matter more. Ken (GM): H'Ruuk looks to falkirk, asks "You go up? There?" He points to the cliffs, and the flying tower (From Falkirk): Do they have any meaning? Ken (GM): He looks at it a moment, his gaze far away "Bad place. Aven there, many. All Aven. Powerful. Be smart. Stay hid" Gray wonders what Aven are, his expression firm. He expected to find dangers in the tower, guardians.. but this warning reminds him of that. His gaze turning to the tower a moment. Falkirk: "Aven?" (To Falkirk): You try and follow them, but its like gibberish. the tattos seem to leap and whirl on themselves, but the patters seem to be spelling words or phrases? (To Fiss): Far up on the heights, you do see black shapes high and away. Birds? or Aven? Falkirk: "Tell me of the bloodroot. This blood is clean, have you found unclean root growing before?" Ken (GM): "The blood, it grows here. Growing long before me, before you, before all of us. Grows from the land, but grows best from Men. Beast. The dead. Feed it good, it feed you back." He points to the massive tower of arcane swirls and vines "That fed well. Lives off the mists. We come here, feed, fill up, move on. More grow North in the hot land. More East in the wood. " Gray mistrust the blood-root, the blood of the land, but doesn't disagree with the man as they stand there in the dark. Ken (GM): "The dark ones, the 'Lords of Night' (he says with a scornful smirk) they make the blood rot. They brew the Blood Wine. Twist it. Make the drink rot you out, fill your head with nothing but the wine, nothing but the hot burn. Nothing but the hunger for wine. They make you weak, hold the wine over your head, say 'come get more'. Slaves" Falkirk perks up Ken (GM): "Ah, you see it. You know the true" he grins, wide and red Falkirk: "They make the blood... rot. An interesting choice of word. How much do you know of the process?" Gray focuses. That information's new. "Rot you out.. black corruption? A rot inside?" Syviis Adjeon: "What more can you tell us of these Lords of Night?" Suðri Skornbrekker sees that they're still talking peacefully, so he gets over himself, ties his share of the horses to a nearby tree, and joins them Fiss: Better than coming back with the hearses! Ken (GM): "They made the Rot. Gave it to the ones who wouldnt drink the Wine. Kill you slow, black spots, cant breathe." He shrugs gestures to Alliise She continues, but struggles with the description "The rot, the black. They made it with their power. Stick it in man. The rot in the blood, you make the wine." Falkirk looks skyward, taking all this in Syviis Adjeon: "Can you tell us of their lands, or their home? Do they roam like you do or come from a certain place?" Suðri Skornbrekker listens in for now, having missed most of the conversation but gleaming from what little he heard so far that this is about the bloodrot, and possibly the Lords of the Night Ken (GM): "They live i ntheir Keep, far away from here. They roam, come by, get army, not been back since 5 moons ago." He gestures vaguely East of here, toward the inner of Gorgoth Syviis Adjeon: "We are working on a map of the land...may I show it to you? Maybe you can fill in some of our blank areas." Ken (GM): "They leave that" he points to the tower" to the Deugar and Aven. A gift. A Keep to rule from. But we not slaves of them." Gray: "Deugar are beastmen?" Ken (GM): He shakes his head "No, Beastmen are strong; Deugar are bad, dark, weak. Wizards" He draws out the last word with a lot of distaste. she spits to the side again "They Dwarves. Black as night. Crazy. angry. Mad. Not right. Not smart. But they many. They everywhere, under ground" Suðri Skornbrekker perks up at the mention of Dwarves. Ken (GM): He looks at Sudri, Bomrek. "You two, you strong. Smart. Not Deugar" He smiles Gray nods at that. "Not deugar. They are from the strongholds in the North. Wise and mighty." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Heh.” The dwarf smiles back at the man, flattered also by Gray's words. Syviis Adjeon: "Not to mention they don't like magic," she laughs. Suðri Skornbrekker: “These Deugar, did they build those temples with snakes in them, and this tower?” Ken (GM): He raises his eyebrows at that. And reaches to the ground, drawing a symbol there, of a hooded cobra, coled on itself. *coiled Gray nods. "A pool with that above it." Falkirk: I've still got that cool snake thing right Suðri Skornbrekker: “Yes, those!” Ken (GM): [yeah, should be around falkirk] Falkirk rummages and produces the snake orb thing, comparing it to the drawing Suðri Skornbrekker: “We have seen one of these in our lands along with a great evil bloodroot plant; and again in an old ruin not far north of here.” Ken (GM): When Falkirk brandishes the Snake idol, coiled in shining metal with ruby eyes, the pair leap up from their seats, yelling in shock, gibbering and making warding gestures (To Falkirk): Old gorgoth "My soul is my own, he will not keep it" (To Falkirk): Also, they seem to be performing crude pantomimes of the wardings of Ghent. A simple thaumatological procedure where you draw a circle of power, and draw it about yourself. Fundamental magics that Gray nods, the question seeming wise. He looks to the reaction they have to that wicked thing and wonders if they should cover it. Ken (GM): [Oh shit! look at the time!] Suðri Skornbrekker missed an opportunity to express his utter disgust at dwarves practising magic, but he and Bomrek will surely have plenty of time to get angry at this together. P.P. A.: I wouldn't mind coming to an end soon since I'm half-dead from the 9 hour car ride Ken (GM): [ you guys mind if we save it here for the week? I didnt realize we went so late already] Joush M.: Ooh yeah, it's gotten late! Great game though, I love the way things are rarely as they seem and learning more about the world Falkirk: thats fine I gotta piss P.P. A.: yea Joush M.: Also, I got to BITE A GUY TO DEATH Ken (GM): which was AWESOME Fiss: Hell yes. :P (To Fiss): Im gonna rack mah mead:D Fiss: EEEEEEEEEEVIL! Ken (GM): Fiss: Mind if I throw a point into First Aid so I'm not useless in healing? Or should I get more training first? Ken (GM): do so! that would probably be a good idea :P Fiss: Heh, cool Joush M.: Ooh! I should try to get a point of first aid too. Or Fashon Design, for more cute bows P.P. A.: well then, good night! Fiss: Definitely more cute bows :P Joush M.: Goodnight everyone. Thank you for the game Fiss: Later folks! Ken (GM): night guys! Yo Joush M.: Hiya. Good week? P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): Eh, bretty good half frantic, all resolved, half lackadasial. Cant complain P.P. A.: Uneventful, besides saving a carrier pigeon that got lost yesterday Ken (GM): I.T. is often like that you saved a carrier pigeon? Do tell Joush M.: Nice to hear it. A 150% week sounds about right. Ah! Poor pigeon? How'd that happen? P.P. A.: There was a pigeon that started to walk around in our driveway a few days ago, and stayed there. My mother noticed that it wore rings, so we figured it was a carrier pigeon She put out some food but it was too dumb to eat, preferring to pick at pebbles, bits of wood, and foliage rather than at healthy oats I took a few close-ups with my camera to get the telephone number written on its rings, and thus called the owner Ken (GM): neat P.P. A.: who lived quite some distance away and didn't seem very eager to come pick it up so we caught it outselves and brought it to a nearby pigeon breeder, who will nurse it back to health now Joush M.: When it's healthy will it be released to return to it's old roost with a FUCK YOU note? P.P. A.: basically, yeah Joush M.: It's a homeing insult. I like it Ken (GM): fiss is awake-ish. Just got him out of bed just prodding gandalf now seems Adolph is moving cross country(!) and will be MIA for a few weeks here. he got a hold of me thins morning P.P. A.: >Houthis took a military base in Saudi Arabia ayy lmao Joush M.: I hope his cross country adventure goes well. Ken (GM): ditto; at a minimum, so we dont lose a player. At most, so you know, he has a home Joush M.: How did they manage to do that, PPA? Aren't they mostly a Yemen thing? P.P. A.: The Saudis are just that bad at fighting >start bombing your improverished neighbour, struggling with civil war, dwindling water supplies, famine, and widespread drug addiction >get invaded back good job Joush M.: Geeze, I guess there is really no amount of money that can fix that P.P. A.: I've seen a few videos the Houthis uploaded, where Saudi troops and vehicles fall over each other trying to flee from attacks. Lack of discipline and preparedness I guess Joush M.: Maybe the UN will find some exemption to mercenary convention for states that have lots and lots of money and are really bad at fighting Ken (GM): ayyy fiss! P.P. A.: They also have top-of-the-line Western equipment, but even the best German Leopard II tanks and American rifles aren't much use when the side wielding some leftover AK-47s is just more determined and ferocious Fiss: I liiiiiive..... barely but I is alive P.P. A.: hi Joush M.: Hey Fiss Ken (GM): some kind of all nighter? and mista G! Gandalf G.: ayy sorry, food was late Ken (GM): ah, understandable fiss was UNCONSCIOUS, so youve got him beat :P Gandalf G.: heh Fiss: it's true I'm still working on the whole "awake" thing. Joush M.: It's the classic group.. Old Man, Monster, Dward De Jour, and This Week's Guest Star? I'm kidding, Sylvis is awesome and we have had, sometimes, two dwarves at once Ken (GM): hah the starts have yet to align, other than to set fire to the dwarves but, that IS all of us this week Joush M. is left with more questions then answers, frowning at the bloodroot and reaching down to touch the living, blood filled vine. "Like a giant's vein. Like the ground itself is alive here and flayed open... And the Rot is a creation of the Lords of the Night." Ken (GM): Currently , the locals have been spooked as Falkirk brandishes a statuette of a demonic entity. They pray in fevered voices and avoid the things gaze, hopping about maddened Joush M. watches the reaction with a frown, looking at the serpent statue. Falkirk: "Is there something I don't know about this statuette that I should?" Ken (GM): "BE RID OF IT" he manages, between fiercely rasped prayers and intonations, his hands waving madly Suðri Skornbrekker: “I think you should put it away for now.” Suðri feels that this conversation isn't going to get anywhere while these two are frightened out of their minds. Falkirk frowns and slowly puts the idol back in his pack Falkirk: "I'm not getting rid of it, this item could be key to solving the riddles of these lands." "But, I see no sense in keeping it on display." Ken (GM) As soon as the idol disappears into Falkirks pack, the two immediately cease their ranting. They tremble slightly, as if jacked up on adrenaline and a need to fight or flee. Ken (GM): "That is EVIL" he says in a most grave tone "Darkest black. Blood red night! We cannot bear to see it!" "The Lords of Night see us. They look through us. Your souls, GONE!" He waves his hands again, in swirling patterns of warding P.P. A.: I propose we put the snake statuette on a yellow blanket and write “Don't tread on me” below it, it'd work wonders Falkirk: hahaha Syviis Adjeon: lol Suðri Skornbrekker: “...so the Lords of Night can see through these statues? They are their eyes and ears...?” Gray drags a hand though his hair and frowns as he listens. There's an edge of truth to what they say, but he wonders how much of it is superstitious worry. The savage beast scenting the air, looking around them then up to the fortress anchored above. Ken (GM): "Why do you have it?" He asks, fury and fear in his eyes" Why the evil? Dark things come for it! Darkness rides fast for it!" Falkirk: "Aye. That'll be why." "Dark things have answers. Killing dark things does good." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We have come to these dark lands to shine light upon them. That statue could have led us to the darkness we seek to understand and defeat.” Falkirk nods Falkirk: "More eloquence than it's worth, but he's got the right of it." Suðri Skornbrekker shakes his head; Grey seems to have the same worries as he. Suðri Skornbrekker: “It seems this thing has not led us to the darkness, but the darkness to us.” Suðri Skornbrekker pauses for a moment, wondering whether he should bring up the giant snake statues in those ruins; but they are far away right now, so he might as well: “In the north, in the rocky lands, we found old ruins with statues like these, bug much bigger.” He stretches his arms to illustrate the size, futile as it is with his dwarven proportions. “They were old though, and wild beastmen and slavers lived in those ruins.” Syviis Adjeon: "I suspect several eyes have been upon us since we walked past the border...but having a pair so close does raise some concerns..." Falkirk: "Superstition and nonsense. I'd be aware if someone were looking through it. I'm sure these..." He gestures "Locals are simply concerned about the design." "While understandable, hardly reliable sources. No offense intended of course." Ken (GM): He nods "The Lords rule with their statues. Idols great and small. In villages. In camps. Red eyes watching all. You find old ruins with" he shudders"....it, you break it. Smash the thing. " (To Falkirk): focusing your senses, you inspect it. While otherwise mundane, you do get a sense of the thing being capable of channelling a vessel? If one was tuned to the thing with a greater idol, one could presumably use it as a focus to scry. It is not actively "powered up" though, and magic like that would be tangible to you (To Falkirk): Tangentially; you feel your root sample in it's jar, actively flailing about! seems to be reacting to something Ken (GM) The thing is a pulsing, throbbing, glowing red mass in t he small glass jar. It struggles inside, stretching the container to its limits. It writhes in time with the mighty arcane root above you, swaying with the limbs in their odd display (To Gray): You can see, the wounds left on the pair have healed! small thin scars criscross their skin where the bloodstains sit, but only small whirls of red writing lie there now. Ken (GM): [ the massive bloodroot plant swaying around? Its taller than Gray, like, a tree almost] Falkirk: oh huh must have missed that Gray frowns at the pair a moment, studying them with those lupine eyes then asking. "Your magic heals you, then? A rare and useful gift in this place." Ken (GM): "Blood is life" He says, more of an intonation than a statement of fact "Go in peace, with blood and fire. We will leave, head South. Make for the untainted lands. Maybe the elf lands" He takes the elven woman's hand, and smiles gravely Syviis Adjeon offers her Map-In-Progress to the elf to see if she might be interested in filling in some of the blanks Gray: "I wish you luck and safe travels. If you know of the land.. We could use the help." He nods in agreement, glad Syviis thought of something so pratical. The wanderers might have seen much of Goroth Falkirk seems more interested in his root than the farewell. "Aye, safe travels." (To Falkirk): It slithers back and forth, like a snake or a slug, rubbing through the container, looking for the release. It's glowwing with an internal ruby light, much like the larger plant. And it is...definitely alive. You feel a magical aura Suðri Skornbrekker: “Farewell, and be safe. Perhaps we'll meet again in greener lands.” Ken (GM) The two salute, with a pair of arms raised in front of their faces, like an X. They bow slightly, and head off, SouthEast, through the swirling mists and out of sight quickly through the trailing fog Bomrek: "Good riddance to dark wizards and blood magic" Bomrek spits, and goes about checking his guns and horse Gray bows to them respectfully before watching them go a moment, then turning to scent the air, to hunt around them for danger again. He spairs a momentary glance to Syviis, to her throat. Falkirk: is it getting hot in here or is it just me Ken (GM): ಠ_ಠ Syviis Adjeon: "I have no love for magic that mixes with blood...too many dark stories start with such a combination, even in elf lands. But it is good to see people using it to live in peace. I wonder how the twisting and upheaval of these lands would have changed any of us..." (From Syviis Adjeon): "I'm worried about the elf..." in a land literally infected with blood-rot everywhere. :P (To Fiss): OF COURSE! THE ELF! Suðri Skornbrekker: “It is too twisted and terrible to be a mere plant, but we have yet to see proof that it is of an evil nature.” Syviis Adjeon: "This encounter certainly has raised a few interesting questions. It may be that this blood root and blood rot is less a blight and more something that has been abused by those who seek power. The land itself may be innocent in this." Falkirk: "Aye, well. Whatever it is, we'll get to the bottom of it." Bomrek: "You forgetting the demon plant then Brother?" Bomrek chuckles "Seemed pretty evil incarnate to me" Suðri Skornbrekker: “...aye, point taken.” Gray nods. "Maybe that's what happens when one of those great flowers is corrupted by the Rot" Bomrek: "I've half a mind to take a ahtchet to this great bloody thing" He chuckles to himself, noticing the pun Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek: Bomrek points his gun up it's length "Too big and .... weird" Fiss: THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID... Gray shakes his head. "We've far greater prey to hunt. To the chains with us." (To Gray): The scents are muddled and weak here, when not outright sulfrous or acrid. The mud stinks of moss and green, and the bloodroot has it's bloody scent. You also smell the stench of death, but it is a musty old scent. Suðri Skornbrekker holds his musket tight, his eyes drawn more often to the ruins than to the sky, whence he expects more immediate danger. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The ruins are well cut blocks of fine stone, where they have not crumbled in disrepair. Once they would have been mighty polished things. They are now shredded from the constant rot of green and water. Classic ancient design; this resembles an entrance to The Ways: undeground travel lines for dwarves Suðri Skornbrekker seems eager to get inside, less because he seeks safety and rather because he feels the itch of curiosity Suðri Skornbrekker: “All right,” he answers Grey, and aims ahead of the lumbering beastman at the door, occasionally looking up and skywards. Bomrek: Bomrek ties his horses to the tree, and gets a good vantage point with his gun, aiming on the door. Syviis Adjeon: OOC: I assume the ride to the chain has given the Elf time to rest for her fatigue points? Bomrek: Once ready and sighted, he waves at Gray "Go get 'em big guy" [an hour's ride or so over rocky and muddy terrain. Not the best way to recouperate :/ ] Gray is willing to wait and allow people to catch their breath but dosn't seem to realize the others might be tired. Ken (GM): [fiss, does Syviis need to rest right away? Take a breather for magic?] Syviis Adjeon: If the rest of the party is rocking and ready to go, she'll press on...she DOES have untapped reserves. I was just curious how much she has naturally to work with But she is visibly tired, so if someone brings it up, she won't object to an hour of rest Ken (GM): hah, late lunch? Syviis Adjeon: lol pretty much try gunpowder..seems a bit smarter to burn it instead of myself..." Bomrek: Bomrek shrugs, pulls some gravelley looking old dried bread from his bag, and munches slowly, one hand on the gun, looking about warily Ken (GM) The looming wall of stone remains. The shroud of afternoon sun cloaking it in half shadow Syviis Adjeon: oops... I mean... (To Syviis Adjeon): You can feel the tingle of magic here. after a few minutes, the air seems charged with it, like background noise. It seems to be emanating from the door Falkirk looks up, eying the door Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk: "Aye. I feel it too. Tread lightly." Falkirk stands, refreshed. (From Syviis Adjeon): one quick Survival / Nature-person question... those waterfalls seem a bit suspicious. Any chance they are man/person/monster made? (To Falkirk): Poke poke Falkirk frowns at the gatway Falkirk: "Aye, I could take a look." Fiss: [ frowns and nods intensify ] (To Falkirk): The magic circle seems to be a simple "lock and key" mechanism. Some kind of triggered release tied to the door. Its likely a giant magic padlock Falkirk leans forward, frown on his face (To Gray): Scenting about and keeping an eye out, you see on the big stone door, there is an obvious handprint. Small enough to be the elven womains. Stained in mud maybe? Gray comes closer to the big stone door, studying something on the surface. His massive hand hovers over it a moment, measuring the hand-print he spotted by comparison, then frowning. "A small handprint. Perhaps the night lord's. She may be inside and unwelcomeing of a visitor." (To Gray): I just secret-rolled against your tracking. Why would she leave such a pristine muddy handprint on the door? It doesnt seem like a natural 'trail' at all. And theres no sign of her passage out front. the ground is clean Falkirk mutters behind his beard (To Syviis Adjeon): Chain seems to come out of the bottom of the mountain, down to the top of the cliffs somewhere. And the cliffs stretch off in both EAst/west out of sight. Falkirk: "Aye well.It's magical. The door opens by itself if you have the key..." Gray nods. "We don't have a key. Any thoughts?" Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) The handprint is nearly identical to the Elf's; but after a moment, you only have a dirty hand and a still-closed door Fiss: (To Syviis Adjeon): The door is radiating magic, and you feel the cold depths of it. A kind of malice. A hate. Cold and resolute. Syviis Adjeon: "I wish I could say I was a master of it...but I'm not. I am willing to try, though." Gray frowns, pauseing and resisting the urge to stop Syviis from touching the door. He stands by, wishing there was more he could do. "The dwarves could open the door, but it won't be much of a door after and it would use much of our powder." Falkirk: "Stand and be judged. Weigh your soul and breach the depths of hate if you are worthy..." Falkirk hesitates with a word for a moment Falkirk: "Ashtur will see your strength." (From Syviis Adjeon): she'll keep her hand on the door, trying to work her feelings and mind against the door. Instead of letting the resolute hate fill her mind, she'll try to fight it with calm certainty, with inner strength, so to speak (To Syviis Adjeon): Youre met with an equal force.Its like pushing against a block of stone with your hand. It meets you with equal measure. Youre beginning to feel its a personal kind of feeling. Suðri Skornbrekker: “There might be a tomb lying beyond there; that phrase is an old prayer of the Dwarves to those who have left this world.” (From Syviis Adjeon): seeing that it will push back, she tries instead to fight it on her terms...inviting it inward, using herself as a proving grounds. Suðri Skornbrekker: “‘Ashtur’ sounds like ‘Betrayer’. It could mean these dark dwarves that the two wild ones told us about, seeing how they seem to have betrayed our kind in just about every way.” Suðri Skornbrekker says this with some audible digust. (To Falkirk): Demonic lore check! Rolling 3d6 = 11 v11 Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (To Falkirk): The name Ashtur refers to "the prince of hate and pure breeds" The demonic lord of racism and fury. Not much else you specifically recall off the top of your head (To Falkirk): Infernal for "go from here, [forbidden/accursed] one" Syviis Adjeon: Does this language seem familiar? / known? Falkirk nods slowly (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The runes on the floor are written in dwarven, definitely. Its got weird runes as well in a script you dont know. The door spoke in a different language too. The phrasing of the old prayer is very strange. The original is a 'weighing' of worth. Proving your lineage and trusting in your forefathers. This is...les sthan that Falkirk frowns deeper still Falkirk: "It doesn't like either of your blood." ok imma brb Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let me dry. This is all of Dwarven make, so maybe it takes a Dwarf to open it.” (To Suðri Skornbrekker): In your mind, you hear, right over your shoulder "Welcome home....brother" in the most cold and hateful voice youve ever felt. Like ice in your ear Falkirk mutters about dwarves Syviis Adjeon: (To Suðri Skornbrekker): and it was spoken in clear dwarven Suðri Skornbrekker: “...Falkirk,” he asks over his shoulder, “did you just perceive any magic presence?” Ken (GM) Within, the darkness is pierced by orange flames. flaming symbols in the floor are cut through the stones themselves, lighting the black stone within with harsh edges and steep shadows. A riased dias in the floor steps up with short rises on five sides. And in the back of the hall, two statues of black marble hold up bowls of embers lighting their bearded visages and snarling faces full of sharp teeth Falkirk: "Nothing more than the lock and whatever's inside." Gray calls into the great gallery with the flame lit darkness. The towering beast stepping forward. "We don't come looking for a fight. What is this place?" Ask the savage brute, stareing a moment at the firey ruins then around the room. The shadows could hold much. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well, that's concerning then.” He turns to Bomrek, and calls him over. “Come on in, the Betrayers are waiting for us to show them what proper Dwarves are made of!” Syviis Adjeon: (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Again, this is clear dwarven architechture. The pillars holding the butressed ceiling, the carved floor. The door design. all of it. Ken (GM) A voice rolls through the hall, from no specific direction "I was wondering how long it would take you to open that door" Her bubbling laughter rattles like dry bones scraping against one another. The elven demon woman, no doubt Suðri Skornbrekker: “You would think we should be glad to see such Dwarwen craftsmanship, and recognisable indeed as our kind's—but to find it in a land this twisted makes it all wrong.” Suðri Skornbrekker sure hopes the cannons are still loaded and can be unpacked quickly Syviis Adjeon: "She seems happy..." "Clearly, a jovial soul." Ken (GM): [ I think Grya was carying one? last I checked] Gray speaks in that feral voice. "I remain resolved to finish my mission.. I don't know what conclusion you've made, Ma'am" He speaks respectfully to the deominic elf that lingers in the deep shadows of the strange court or tomb Suðri Skornbrekker: “I am usually at odds with Elven taste,” he replies, “but you folk should really plant some greenery in these parts, greenery that doesn't bleed.” Syviis Adjeon: "Since we are in your Syviis Adjeon laughs (To Gray): Perception! Falkirk stands holding his spear in place, eyes internally rolling at the melodramatic sorceress Syviis Adjeon: "Life that is bleeding out...that needs healing." Gray: Syviis Adjeon: "Life...that is scared of the very soil and enslaved by the very blood gushing as it tries to clot the wounds of old..." Ken (GM) "What was unleashed so many human lifetimes ago is alive and WELL, and the thing that needs healing is the broken scattered barbarians at the edge of it!" Her voice raises in pitch "and WE shall bring that into fruition!" Joush M.: Night Vision 5 and Discrimintory Smell as possble mods (To Gray): You cant see her, but youre sure her scent is coming from dead ahead of you. The draft in the room is straight. she should be standing just in front of the altar, but theres nothing there but shadows... Falkirk: "Deflection and hiding and dramatics. Have you any true substance or are you trying to bore us into going home?" (To Gray): You should be standing right on top of her! Ken (GM) the shadows jump and slither, and coalesce into the form of the silver-armored elven woman, pale skin and all Falkirk: "About damned time." Suðri Skornbrekker immediately takes aim, though he does not fire... yet Ken (GM): Bomrek does the same Ken (GM) "After all" she looks Gray up and down, smirking "Youre all so POWERFUL. How could we resist?" Falkirk: "Aye well. I can't speak for the others, but wiping out every abomination south of the road seems like a good start." "Including blood-sucking amateur magicians such as yourself." Ken (GM) she glares at Falkirk, but says nothing. The smirk remains Suðri Skornbrekker: “My apologies; us northern barbarians are unfamiliar with your culture of hospitality, and might have misunderstood some of your welcoming gestures.” Gray ask the woman. "We?.. I would understand what you mean." He seems surprised by the smirk, by the woman's comment nearly makes him blush and certainly unsettles his balance, stepping back so he looms less over her. He stands ready, but tries to be nonthreatening. "We don't know this land. I don't know who you are. I would understand, if you would tell us." Fiss: Ken (GM) "We would see you join our ranks. Pledge allegiance, and become lords. Mortal instruments of unfathomable powers. Gods...among mortals" Falkirk: "What do you know of The Rot?" Gray shakes his head. "I'm sorry, Ma'am, but I am already under contract." He refuses politely, Falkirk: "There is a cure. All poxes have a cure, and you appear well despite being so surrounded." Gray frowns. He wonders a moment if Falkirk would join the woman for this cure. It would be the physican's choice, but he would hate to see the man on the other side of the field. Suðri Skornbrekker: “A most tempting offer, milady. I would love to be lord, living in a grand castle and watching over its town, beyond whose spires my peasants' pastures stretch. Alas, you do not seem to have a lot of towns to give away, nor castles, and to be lord over a land of blood and dust is not so inspiring a position.” Falkirk lets go of the spear, stuck in the wood and advances Falkirk: "You are one of the night lords, are you not? One of the sources of the rot. What is it that keeps you alive where others fall to it?" Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) he rvoice drops, melodramatically "We are of course...not alive" Syviis Adjeon: "Funny, how just a moment ago you were speaking of so much life..." Ken (GM) She looks at gray, somewhat flustered at the words. Her amusement lost for a moment, the mask falling away. Falkirk: "The only cure... is death? Syviis Adjeon laughs out loud at her outburst. Syviis Adjeon: "And tell us...what greatness do you speak of?" Ken (GM) She shrieks unintelligibly and a sound like rending steel fills the air Ken (GM): INITIATIVE! Syviis Adjeon: awwshitson Falkirk: can I forfeit initiative Gray: Syviis Adjeon: +2 for Combat Reflexes rite? Ken (GM): give yourselves the +2, ja Syviis Adjeon: ffff I mean...I MEANT TO DO THAT...TACTICAL WAITING! (8.25) Joush M.: Elves, so fast they are paralized by indesision before anyone else can even start to move Syviis Adjeon: lol Falkirk:9.75 Ken (GM): bomrek 8.5 (To P.P. A.): poke Ken (GM): ppa? sudri? poke poke P.P. A.: sorry, was afk Ken (GM): lol Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): but theres a Joush M. gets out the dwarf cocaine to speed him up. Ken (GM): LOL okay! Gray reacts first! She has screamed, and her armor is writhing against her! The scales are slithering around, like theyre alive! Wat do? Syviis Adjeon: Cocaine of +3 Initiative. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Step to the side!” P.P. A.: ayyy Ken (GM): [gotta love the -4 for 'someone in my damn way!'] P.P. A.: I forgot I have Combat Reflexes too now Gray sidesteps and gives a powerful shove, an attempt to knock her back and down. "Yeild!" He commands. P.P. A.: so I'm actually at 12 Falkirk: I hope she yelids Ken (GM): roll to hit gray! Brawling! Gray: Ken (GM): Her arm lashes out in a practices form! and totally fucks up the parry Joush M.: mebbie pratice that more Ken (GM): JFC roll double thrust for me? 2d+4 for the shove? Gray: roll 2d6+4 Ken (GM): lulz Gray: P.P. A.: can GURPS mechanics kill your character if he hits his unarmoured head on the pavement or a lamp post unluckily? Ken (GM) A snarl of rage escapes her mouth. Her fangs glisten like steel and her eyes glimmer metallic Joush M.: End Turn! P.P. A.: I can take a single step while maintaining my aim, right Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! You have Aim + on her. Yes, you may adjust by steps without worry Suðri Skornbrekker takes a single step so he doesn't hit Falkirk, and fires—an all-out attack aimed at the head of the wicked woman! P.P. A.: I've been aiming for some time, how much is that in turns? (Also distance?) Ken (GM): youve got a long aim, so thats gonna be ACC+1, and the distance is 7 yards, so -3 [also, made a handout, thats her art] P.P. A.: has a certain eastern touch hm, what's the penalty for aiming at certain body parts again? Joush M.: Damn, that's nice outfit Ken (GM): P.P. A.: >-5 ok, scratch that I'll leave the precise sniping to the other dwarf Rolling 3d6 = 6 v(15+1+2-4+4) P.P. A.: should have aimed at the head after all oh well Ken (GM): lol so a 6 on 18! critical hit! does she critically dodge? NOOOOO roll 3d6 for your crit hit effect! P.P. A.: Time for bonus effect: normal damage Suðri Skornbrekker: P.P. A.: >8 – If any damage penetrates DR, it inflicts double normal shock (to a maximum penalty of -8). If the injury is to a limb or extremity, that body part is crippled as well. This is only a “funny-bone” injury: crippling P.P. A.: wears off in (16 - HT) seconds, minimum two seconds, unless the injury was enough to cripple the body part anyway. >undead who can turn into fog >injury P.P. A.: Oh well, time to roll damage Ken (GM): woo! double pain Suðri Skornbrekker: P.P. A.: Let's hope that she can actually feel pain—and that if she cannot, it's because she's dead for good now Ken (GM) Her robe is shredded, but below, the silver scales wrap her form, unbroken Ken (GM): HER turn P.P. A.: fug :D Ken (GM): She screams in a wordless cry, fangs out, claws extending fro mher hands in a silvery scale. Her exposed head and limbs wriggling with silver scales until she is wrapped in a shell she lunges for Sudri claws out, barreling for him in a screaming tackle Gray isn't suprised by much, but the shocking, inhuman speed of the elven vampire leaves him amazed. Ken (GM): easily hits, as sudri gave up his defenses ;) P.P. A.: fug :D Ken (GM): She latches on arms around his neck, claws sinking deep P.P. A.: also I realsied I made a huge mistake, +4 is for melee, ranged all-out is just +1 Ken (GM): ah well Joush M.: Ahh.. well you'd have hit anyway Ken (GM): ;) P.P. A.: Does that count as slashing? My beard gives me +1 DR against that! Ken (GM): lol, yes! Syviis Adjeon: DWARFBEARD! Falkirk: dem dorfs Syviis Adjeon: 90% as strong as Dwarven Bread. P.P. A.: I should have stuffed some garlic in my beard Joush M.: that's why they use the bread to shape and carve their beards. At least, i assume so because of the crumb density Falkirk: garlic beard an unfortunate typo turned hair style Ken (GM): technically, the hit does no damage, shes just latching on for a grapple, etc. but! shes done that Ken (GM) like skittering silver roaches Ken (GM): Falkirk! Falkirk falls to one knee and takes no action Falkirk: craaaaaawling iiiiiiiiin my skiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin Joush M.: I'm so useing my talking is a free action to yell at you Fiss: Ken (GM): lol Bomrek! Turns, and curses, about hte close combat. but fires at her anyways Suðri Skornbrekker has faith in his fellow dwarf Ken (GM): aiming for her skull vs 16 boom! she has no defense, and takes it full on! P.P. A.: noice Ken (GM): 11 damage EXPLODES into her head; more scales shower off her in a spray! like a living swarm of metal, they shield her from the worst of the blow. She still needs to roll vs stunning at -10 P.P. A.: Did she have scales on her head too? oh, I see Joush M.: Yeah, they grew across her whole body Falkirk: undead Ken (GM): Falkirk: are like onions Joush M.: I think we are dealing with some very cool ablative DR Ken (GM): oh look, shes stunned :P having her bell rung n all she lets go of Sudri's neck and that knocks her on her ass Suðri Skornbrekker almost pierced her heart, she was right over him, and after she saw him from up close, she's literally stunned Ken (GM): Syviis! P.P. A.: *all over him Suðri Skornbrekker: “Thank you!” Syviis Adjeon whips around and fires her arrow true at the woman's vitals Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): [ take a step to the side, around falkirk Syviis Adjeon: Easily hits if she can't defend Ken (GM): true Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): 11 beats your target of ~13? Syviis Adjeon: Arrow damage: was shit but 2 piercing to the vitals is still 2 piercing to the vitals...and... ELEMENTAL ZAP...: Ken (GM): the arrow flies true, but again the metal scales shimmer and swim into the path. and the lightning follows true Ken (GM) she SPASMS AND WRITHES IN SCREMAING PAIN Joush M.: going with pi arrows rather then IMP huh? Because fuck armor right? Syviis Adjeon: And must roll HT vs stunning Ken (GM) Smoke pours form her flesh between the scales Ken (GM): Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): she is so fuckin stunned Syviis Adjeon smoothly pulls and knocks another arrow, ready to continue in a heartbeat Ken (GM): Gray! She has exploded past you, taking two shots point blank from rifles, and is a smoking ruin from Syviis' arrow. Wat do? (To Fiss): Your arrow did nothing to the Ablatative DR. But the lightning which bypasses metal armor? Treated it as 1DR and scorched her silly Gray charges her, reaching down to try and get a hold on her. (Move and attack to grab? So.. SL 9 for max) "Falkirk! We need you!" He calls to the stunned man, planning to drag the vampire out into the daylight and away from her scales. Gray: Joush M.: Well screw you, dice Gray can't get a grip on the slippery scales, not when running up like that. P.P. A.: How is grabbing calculated? Joush M.: Wreaseling or DX Or Judo Ken (GM): assuming he's doing a slam/grab, it doesnt get capped at 9, and takes no -4 P.P. A.: Ah, thanks Joush M.: Hey! That's great. Uh.. 15 still fails though. I mean, it's great to know for the future Ken (GM): lol just out of your brawling but! Skornbrekker!, she lies at your feet, smoking Syviis Adjeon: Vampire Elf chicks...So hot right now... Suðri Skornbrekker tries to grapple too; by the time he draws his sidearm, the scales will have slithered back over her anyway. Rolling 3d6 = 13 v12 P.P. A.: fug Ken (GM): fug the slithering scales just dont leave much to grab onto HER she...tries to recover from stun yay! Ken (GM): she stops screaming, but her turn is over! Falkirk! Falkirk stares at the ground, as if studying it for answers. Falkirk: end turn~ Ken (GM): kk Bomrek takes a step and unleashes the other barrel DEMON! aiming for her vitals, so vs 11 OH fug. Just a torso hit then Ken (GM): DOES SHE DODGE fucking no Syviis Adjeon: much doge, so wow Ken (GM): 7 damage slams into her scales. asmall shower of silver...and her skin is exposed on her belly! the charred white flesh marred with lightning burns of red and black! Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): he's a -4 from there Syviis Adjeon knows she can't aim as precisely around her team mate, instead chooses to focus a massive dose of power into a shot around him Ken (GM): ruh roh Syviis Adjeon: Target: 16 AWWW YIS Ken (GM): yay! an attempt at a floor-dodge Syviis Adjeon: do she do things? Ken (GM): Syviis Adjeon: fuz Ken (GM): fails! by like 1 Syviis Adjeon: aw yis Arrow: Lightning: Ken (GM): OOOOH Syviis Adjeon: fuck yes Ken (GM) smoke rises form the ash, and silver clatters to the floor. The hall falls silent Ken (GM): Bomrek call sout "Dibs, on at least a fifth of those!" Gray looks around, considering a moment. "That may be the end of this. Stand ready though.. and careful, of the scales." Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk remains steadfast in his kneel Suðri Skornbrekker: “Thank you everyone, truth be told I was prepared to die there.” Suðri Skornbrekker walks outside to quickly reload his musket. Syviis Adjeon: Falkirk says nothing and does not move for a minute or so, before fumbling with his robes. He puts on the beaked mask and slowly stands, retrieving his spear from the wood of the door. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): wat Gray shakes his head to Suori. "You can die when we've finished our delivery" He says in that rough voice, before turning his attention to Falkirk. He watches the man as he dons the mask again, then inclines his head and turns back to the room. The beast stalks it, searching it now. "Stay ready. She might come back" Ken (GM): Bomrek begins inspecting and cataloging the coin armor Suðri Skornbrekker: “I say we scoop up the scales and put them in a sturdy bag, that way they can't home in on her should she come back.” Ken (GM): he holds them up to the light, magic fire glinting off the silver metal Suðri Skornbrekker looks skywards, worried that the noise of their battle might have stirred the harpie things Syviis Adjeon: Nobody wants to find out they just got Harpies. Suðri Skornbrekker quickly walks to the horses Falkirk: is that a door at the back? Joush M.: or altar.. Ken (GM): yes! a door! Ken (GM) ahole in the far wall leads deeper into the darkness, the rough dirt floor a stark contrast to the well shaped hall you stand in. The door is flanked by two large black statues of dwarves holding aloft burning braziers. Their sharp toothed mouths are a rictus grin and snarl Syviis Adjeon: good call on the horses Ken (GM) the horses have not yet wandered off. They are collected easily Suðri Skornbrekker: “I was thinking we should barricade ourselves inside this hole before advancing further into the structure, but it seems our doctor has already regained his vitality.” P.P. A.: *inside this hall Ken (GM): seems like a good place to cut the day too; its 4:30 Joush M.: Sounds good. Poor Falkirk. Falkirk: Aiiight do we get phat boss xp? Ken (GM): yeah, you guys exploded the first person to have plague-answers, and otherwise she told him to just die to get out of it :P well, you guys certainly earned your 5 for the session :D Syviis Adjeon: awwyus Joush M.: Thanks for the game man. Good story and very cool vampire.. Yeah.. Gray pissed her off P.P. A.: 1 more than usual, wohoo Ken (GM): 5xp you shmucks! spend it on THINGS and STUFF Fiss: Love fantasy ablative armour good stuff P.P. A.: I love how thrilling battles in GURPS are much more intense and threatening than say Pathfinder Joush M.: I'll find something to buy! Promise. I've got 13 now.. Falkirk: they can be dull but yeah, these have all been snappy Joush M.: OOh yeah. In pathfinder I never feel like I'm in danger at full HP P.P. A.: >giant dragon breathes fire on you Ken (GM): here, its like "oh god, this could kill me" P.P. A.: >oh well, that's 50 of my 100 HP gone I guess Joush M.: in GURPS, one bad roll and you could be full Luke Skywalker/The Kingslayer/Captian Hook Ken (GM): and here its like "50 damage? Im at -45!" Fiss: Ken, you cool if I up Syviis' FP by one? P.P. A.: It also affects the roleplaying Ken (GM): I still cant believe I dropped a 17 on her parry of fucking 14 Joush M.: "They got old lefty! somebody put that on ice!" Ken (GM): you do you fiss! FP sounds good P.P. A.: You're more trigger-happy and less willing to take risks by humouring a (potential) enemy, because you don't want your character to die which does a pretty good job putting you in his shoes because he'd want to die even less Joush M.: Gray's tactics sucked today. A shove! But.. yeah, he had more questions for her and hestates when there's a pretty person involved Falkirk: there are a lot of advantages and skills though that reward playing like a doof they're super fun luck and daredevil jump to mind rerolling those potentially fatal hits Joush M.: Luck is great Fiss: Alright, heading out. o/ later folks. Please be nice when the elf passes out and can't explode things with lightning! P.P. A.: See you o/ Ken (GM): lulz 0/ Joush M.: See ya next week! Take care)) Falkirk: ciao Ken (GM): yeah, have a good week guys :) P.P. A.: Suðri realises that there are, in fact, good elfs good elves who AREN'T dead elves that that is: elves who kill worse elves :^) Joush M.: Give her a dwarf seal of approval so other dwarves know she's a good one? P.P. A.: she can grow an honourary beard see ya Joush M.: See ya Ken (GM): yo! PPA! whaddap P.P. A.: Succumbing to Mount & Blade addiction. And how goes it with you? Ken (GM): good, give or take. Wife is now on maternity leave. Baby is due any day now P.P. A.: Oha Do you already know if it's going to be a boy or a girl? Ken (GM): Boy. Got the name picked out. Everything is ready to go. Just waiting on labor naw... P.P. A.: Great Ken (GM): aaand it looks like gandalf had to flake out; got to moving a household of stuff all day, hes crashing now :/ better than him falling asleep online I suppose P.P. A.: I've been in here for some time already in case we did start early, but that didn't happen I guess Ken (GM): yeah, i was tweaking maps, poking folks. hey, speak of the devil Joush M.: Hey there! Sorry. I missed the message about starting early Ken (GM): no worries mang Joush M.: Oh, and congralations on house hunting with a pregenat wife. That's going to be super fun and not at all stressful Ken (GM): amen she gets fixated on the nice ones, a lot but our capital is all tied up in the house we're still selling, so shes excited, but we have literally NOTHING we can do till it sells Joush M.: It's really hard not to think a lot about the future under those ceremstances. You could make an offer contengent on selling your old place, but there are a lot of buyers that won't go for that. It's more common in england then here. Fiss: I'm here, but being Dad-Slave making sammaches for kiddo, just give me a bit to respond. Ken (GM): SAMMITCHES! yeah, house hunting with no conditional offers, so far has been weird. We're essentially just browsing the market until we can use our cash, then pouncing on whatever fits our needs Joush M.: Good luck! Jokeing aside I hope you have a good time Ken (GM): we should. The realator is great but, anywho, Gandalf is out. He let me know justa bit ago. anyone else hear from Adolf or is he still AFK with his move? Joush M.: I haven't heard from him. P.P. A.: me neither Ken (GM): augh, lame. And he's not answering on Skype either. not been on in a while either so! that leaves you three! Who all seem to be here. So theres that :D Ken (GM) Falkirk studies the coin, and holds it up to the light. A bright rune on one face smolders in red light, much like fire. "It's definitely magic, and definitely demonic at that. Baest to keep it secured away for now. I'll need to check against my tomes." Suðri Skornbrekker: “This is a good, defensible position,” the dwarf notes, stretching his back as he ties together a bag full of magic silver scales. “I say before we advance any deeper into this place, we should fortify this hall—block the gates except for a small gap, no bigger than a horse is broad; set up barricades behind it, and do the same on the other side.” “It would be bad if we ran into enemies ahead, and from outside flooded in these bird-people we were told of.” Ken (GM) "Could make do felling these pillars at the door too. Theyre old, but we could tip one against the doors" Bomrek adds, testing the stone with his tool. It's old but solid. Granite likely Syviis Adjeon: The elf wisely decides to leave the engineering to the dwarves. Suðri Skornbrekker will try to topple it in such a way that breaks as little as possible, or leaves it reparable Ken (GM): [right, definitely ognna need an engineering check there] civil or combat works, whichever youve got higher atm Joush M.: Sorry about that, had to reset Gray nods and works to help Suori with that. Following his instructions and lending his strenth to the task. Ken (GM): nice; so between the two dwarves, massive beastman, and some rope, you should be able to anchor the line and tip the top part of the pillar off, straight at the door. even if it crumbles, you'll still end up with a nice heap to work with. Gray hauls away at the line as commanded and holds as commanded, tremendous muscles flexing as stone grinds on stone and Suori plays foreman to the complicated task to attempt to perserve the fine stonework of the Fallen dwarves in the Old Kingdom. Ken (GM): with a creak and groan of shifting earth, the pillar topples directly as planned. The closest door is pinned shut, and the second has enough room to squeeze through, but not much more (and definitely a defensible gap) Ken (GM) "You should all kow" he says, without looking up "those runes on the floor are harmless. Magical torches. illusiory fire. Nothing to worry about" Suðri Skornbrekker: “That's a relief.” Good to know he didn't just trap the party in a hall full of demon-summoning circles! Suðri Skornbrekker asks Grey to help him carry in a bit of dirt so they can can pile up two waist-high barricades P.P. A.: ideally somewhere here: Gray dose as asked, hauling several bags of heavy dirt there. Old ration sacks filled with sandy loam piled facing the enteryway. "Bags of sand for defense? I'm not sure I'd trust them, but better then nothing." Suðri Skornbrekker: “They go a good enough job absorbing arrows and gunshots.” Ken (GM) "More of a heap, really Gray, just gotta make it hard to charge at us in here" Bomrek says, almost happily, heaping earth about Ken (GM): [so, after an hour or so's work, youve got the front door nearly shut, and quite safely closed off. ] Gray is handy with a shovel and willing to work, though he often looks to the beaitful elf with the bow at the back of the room. Hopeing she dosn't venture too far into the shadows and darkeness, and dosn't have any trouble as she stands watch over the Dugar tunnel. He finishes the work without complaint. Ken (GM): Syviis! Perception check! Syviis Adjeon: Awww yisss Like...beat by...8? I SEE ALL Joush M.: Goddamn, what do your elf eyes see? Syviis Adjeon: WHAT DO MY ELF EYES SEEEE Ken (GM) as the work carries on, The horses are sniffing the walls and puttering about, and seem to be quite interested in Falkirk's saddlebags.... Syviis Adjeon: lol Suðri Skornbrekker: “Thanks, that should do. Now if something comes crawling out of the interior, we simply jump to the other side of these barricades.” Ken (GM): wat DO syviis? P.P. A.: oh, I meant they'd be placed a bit father inside like around where Falkirk is Gray checks to make sure the horses can't get at the physican's samples of bloodroot and dark magic. P.P. A.: between the pillars and the large thing in the middle, circa Ken (GM): [noted! Sudri] P.P. A.: thx Ken (GM): but Syviis! what do (From Syviis Adjeon): Does she get any fatigue back while guarding or is it still too much of a stressfull situation to rest like that? (To Fiss): Yeah, you got a bit of rest there, at least an hour? Joush M.: Come to think of it, man dose Falkirk carry a lot of things that should have a skull and crossbones on them. P.P. A.: If you're known to carry a bunch of that stuff, people will keep their hands off it anyway though Syviis Adjeon: "It seems strange that the horses are suddenly so interested in the saddle bags now. I wonder if whatever addiction or power in the blood has finally taken hold now? Or if this is amplified by something in this place...?" Gray speaks softly. "It's like they smell sugar and apples.. I'd thought I was the only one that was hungry at the scent of blood." He takes Falkirk saddlebags and a bit of line, trying to tie it up out of reach of the horses, beyond where they could get it like he expects bears to try and steal it. Ken (GM): [the pillars have a bit of metal decoration up high [a flame motif? or are those jagged bolts of lightning?] A line can be tied up above their reach on the pillars Joush M.: Falkirk in battle mode? Ken (GM): hah! likely :D Fiss: Nice! Syviis Adjeon nods as well Syviis Adjeon: "We didn't come all this way just to silence overconfident vampires" Gray takes a musket as well after inspecting it. He could fire it, but more likely will hand it off to Suori if trouble comes. The Cheap weapon is good enough, assumeing it dosn't misfire. Fiss: Need to speak to the Kolt or Gloc clans of dwarves. I hear they have assault-muskets that can fire over 5000 led balls per minute! Ken (GM) Bomrek checks the horses, and shoves a wooden crate at gray "forgetting this?" The dwarven runes on the cannon glaring red in paint. P.P. A.: :D Gray considers a moment, then nods and takes up the Wall Gun, the massive flinlock weapon carried rather then the musket. Slung over a huge sholder like an oversized gun. Ken (GM): nice having STRONK about to heft those things :D Suðri Skornbrekker acknowledges this and goes over the motions to set it up in his mind, in case they need it. P.P. A.: indeed it is Joush M.: Speaking of that, I was considering Lifting ST as an advance. If that would be okay? Gray looks into the shadowy darkness, then nods to the others and takes the lead, scenting the air like an animal. Ken (GM): oh! yeah, lifting ST is fine. so, the three of you down into the dark? Leaving behind extraneous packs, but hefting spare guns/shot? Syviis Adjeon: Elf follows a few steps behind, arrow ready but not aiming at anything particular Joush M.: Yep, sounds good to me. Suðri Skornbrekker or on his shoulder in the same hand as the cheaper musket, either works Ken (GM): hah, armed for bear; noted dwarf-man Syviis Adjeon: +4 vs bears Gray has his shield hanging by it's gauge across his back, gun in his left hand and resting across the sholder. He advances slowly, staying in the lead and alert for dangers in the deep darkness. Ken (GM): [i recall the dwarves are darkvision. as is grey(?) what about syviis light?] Syviis Adjeon: Lemme double check, I think I haz low light vision one sec Ken (GM): ah yeah, and gray only has nightvision. You guys will need at least a small torch] Joush M.: Gray has Low Light 5, but not dark vision Syviis Adjeon: Nothing on mine, so yeah, will have to grab a torch wasn't sure if there was something in the racial template, but guess not Ken (GM): y'all gonna need a torch :P Suðri Skornbrekker walks ahead a bit and turns around when he notices that the long-legged losers need a light source to see Ken (GM): hah! Ken (GM) Your trio delve into the deeps. The torch held high, the musty air stirs slightly, flakes of ages past and motes of night flickering in the shadows. The tunnel heads down into the cold earth, and your footsteps are muffled in the earth below your feet Ken (GM): [map change!] Gray prowls into the deep dark after Suori, watching for danger. He also breathes in the cold, still scents of the place. "Little moves here." (To Gray): The place smells of a musty tomb. Stone and earth. Mold. not much else Suðri Skornbrekker turns straight ahead after having inspected the floor, walls, and ceiling thoroughly, and sees the torch. Suðri Skornbrekker: “If Falkirk was here, he could discern if that is some kind of magic, ever-burning torch,” he says in a hushed voice; “if not. there must be someone here...” Gray walks forward slowly, carefully. "Magic, like when we found the Malarith? I can't imagine anyone has been here to tend a fire.. Nothing to do but advance." Ken (GM): [fucking about with the auras here, thats the edge of your illumination :P ] (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Poke poke Ken (GM): Yo sudri! hulooooo P.P. A.: argh, sorry Suðri Skornbrekker slows down and stops. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Careful.” He edges a bit closer. “Something isn't right. There is a kind of web that blocks the torchlight.” “A web, or... I don't know, mold?” Gray pauses and nods. The bestial Scorned gazeing into the darkness. He tries to see what Suori sees, holding the torchlight ahead of them. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) you edge forward, until the torchlight reveals the border of a cloud of thick silvery webbing. It spins off strands in all directions, coating the hallway Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker is considering just that. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Yea... although I'd feel better if two of us laid in wait with muskets or arrows aimed at whatever might lie behind. Given the kind of land we're in, the spider to have made this web might be about as large as us, or bigger.” “We could also set up the cannon if we want to play it absolutely safe.” Syviis Adjeon: Gray nods and advances ahead, giveing Syviis and Suori time to prepare their weapons as he walks to the web and touches it with the flame of the torch. Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker lays the cheaper musket beside him, and braces his other musket on his bardiche Ken (GM): Gray! Wat do? Gray takes a step back from the flame and watches warily as the webs are consumed. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): haha, right gray! roll HT for me! Ken (GM) As the flames explode down the hall in a rush, the air is sucked from the tunnel in a whoosh, further feeding the flames ahead in a backdraft Gray: (To Gray): No damage, but youre lucky you described backign away :P Syviis Adjeon: Gray seems pleased at the concern, treated as a valued companion. Syviis Adjeon: "Regardlss...we should be mindful of the air here. I doubt it's very fresh to begin with...if we begin to feel faint, we should retreat" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Ah, that's good to know. Perhaps we should always take a spare waterskin with us, in case you ever catch fire.” Syviis Adjeon: "A good idea..." Ken (GM): [1 sec, brb. putting kid to nap] Syviis Adjeon: "For anyone, really...I suspect I'm not fireproof either." Suðri Skornbrekker chuckles. “Ah, I'm not so worried about the air here. 'tis a Dwarven strucure after all, we usually make sure our tunnels are well-ventilated. Although something could have clogged up the airshafts, of course.” Ken (GM): [k back] Gray chuckles softly at that and nods. "Always good to know. Lupine Scorned fear fire as much as any other man.. Humm.. The flame drew in new air from outside. Is the rest of this tunnel sealed?" (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Based on the fire's behavior? Air tunnel/vents are working nicely. Air is safe Gray advances down the hall as the ashes from the burned webs drift on the air, allowing Suori to come ahead and watch for trouble with his dwarven eyes. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Seems to be fine, though.” Ken (GM): [so you three delve ahead?] P.P. A.: Slowly and carefully Syviis Adjeon: Yus WE ATTACK THE DARKNESS Gray ask Suori. "A duguar?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I've never seen one before myself. This state though...” Suðri Skornbrekker yikes Suðri Skornbrekker: “That's no dwarf however you look at it.” (To Gray): The staue looks familiar. You have met scorned before with horns of the same like. And you have seen similar on the beastmen you have fought. (From Gray): Any chance Gray can smell blood on the statue? Suðri Skornbrekker is relieved to see a wall to the south, so danger can only lurk in one direction. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): you notice, on that smooth round wall, there seems to be a flatter section to it. Right near the rune. Too flat to be part of the architecture. A hidden door perhaps? Suðri Skornbrekker 's eyes linger on the wall. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hold on...” Syviis Adjeon holds on Suðri Skornbrekker: “See that part of the wall? It doesn't match the curvature of the rest.” Suðri Skornbrekker steps around the rune and takes a closer look at it, looking for a handle, a secret lever, or anything of the sort. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): In dwarven, it says "Present your [authority]" Gray starts when the rune speaks to them, the beast waiting, watching it then looking around as he scents the air like an animal and looks for danger again. "What did it say?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “It said ‘Present your [authority]’.” Ken (GM): certainly somethin glost in translation (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The word it used is often used in conjunction with others in a more refined definition. Like a descriptor. Not so much a noun. An old grammar perhaps? Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's hope we do not need to fight that guy to prove it,” he points at the statue and laughs, however with a hint of nervousness. “...‘authority’ isn't the right translation though.” Suðri Skornbrekker again ponders. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I have trouble explaining this, but the word used can also be an attribute, rather than a thing.” Syviis Adjeon takes a closer look at the statue, grabbing a scrap of cloth and seeing if she can dab it in the 'blood sheen' on it Suðri Skornbrekker: “...well.” Ken (GM) the torch is high up on the wall. A sconce holds it out from the stone. The metal rod it sits on it brassy and gleams in the low light. It has barbed details, and fearsome flaming designs embossed in the surface P.P. A.: Ah, high up? (To Fiss): The blood comes off the statue to the rag. It doesnt smell, but is sticky, like sap, or syrup. the cleaned bit is soon covered again by the gleaming red Ken (GM): yeah, up above your heads. Gray could reach it, but a man or dwarf would need a ladder/step up (From Syviis Adjeon): also...THE ELF IS FUCKING WITH BLOOD MAGIC! WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG!?! (From Syviis Adjeon): Syviis is strangely relieved by this, but saves the scrap of bloody cloth for later just in case (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The torch is certail=nly dwarven, but off. The typical tooling and embossments are all present, just hideously infernal. Flames, burned out skull visages, hooks and barbs, and grasping claws. Like art deco hell Ken (GM) To the right, a large block of granite protrudes from the floor like a rotten tooth. Atop it, a blood stained altar sits, full of broken bones, a skull, and other gristly offerings Syviis Adjeon: "We really must bring the decor sensibilities of the North to bear here..." Gray scowls at the alter and the massive space. The strange runes and great table. "A dark Temple? This place is not a holy place" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye... Is it wise to advance without our magician? So far it's quiet enough, but I don't want to step on a magic circle and accidentally get dragged to the netherworld.” Gray follows Suori. He dosn't touch the runes or alter. Gray: "They physican should see all this." Suðri Skornbrekker as he looks around, more than worry about whatever demonic powers might have been evoked here, is angry that such fine Dwarven craftsmanship would find itself employed by forces to obviously evil—and tasteless, at that.” P.P. A.: *so Ken (GM) A body is revealed as the scrabbling bugs retreat. Newly dead and bloodied. Dwarven? beastman? the features are all...gone. Eaten away (To Gray): You smell death here. Sulfurous. rank. And mold. Tons of it Gray scents the air. "The room smells of death and decay. The air is fedited with rot.. mold. They haven't been dead long." P.P. A.: Did we bring the doc's masks? Gray flexes his wrist, looking around a moment. "Fresh death. Someone's been back here recently." Ken (GM): [yep, you all should still have one of the doctors beak masks] Suðri Skornbrekker puts on his beak mask Syviis Adjeon: "With the talk of vampires around, I'm reluctantly glad this poor fellow is picked clean." Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't like to hear that, but it's not exactly surprising. “They can't have taken the passage we took, covered in spider webs as it was. So that means there is another entrance...” Suðri Skornbrekker: “Or many; there are probably a lot of tunnels branching off of this area.” Syviis Adjeon: "This seems a strange place for such a hub of activity..." "Perhaps some of the magics that feed the floating fortress' ability to stay airborne require regular sacrifice at these alters. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): This statue holds aloft a sword, but most of the other features are muddled. Except the obvious horns... Suðri Skornbrekker wonders if the two different weapons have some relevance to the ‘authority’ thing. Gray: "Unfamilair creatures. Unplesant things." He says as he looks into the room, then shakes his head. Unable to think of any reason to go inside he turns to the rest of the room. "Let's go see this statue then." Ken (GM) To the right, more rubble from a collapsed entranceway, the door shattered. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Roll INT for me? Gray walks to the portcullis, gazeing into the dark. "Humm.." (From Suðri Skornbrekker): well, that was my and Suðri's initial thought, but they didn't have anything like that on them. He intended to have the doctor present the snake statue once they would come back to show him the place. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): a very sound theory to test! Gray: "It's a working area.. dwarven statues and tools. A smith's space?" He ask as he gazes into the dark, then to the heavy portcullis. "We might be able to open it." Ken (GM) You see the hall stretch out to the next portcullis. Flanking the door are two statues of dwarves, holding low braziers of glowing coals. beyond that, a dim glow of red light illuminates a room cluttered with things. You see the edge of blades, tools, slabs of stone. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Curious as I am to see what lies behind, it might be better to keep the portcullis shut for now. If it's just a single room that's fine, but if it branches off into other halls and tunnels, we are just opening more weak spots.” “It does look like a kind of smithy, though.” Suðri Skornbrekker looks up to the torch. Suðri Skornbrekker: [to Grey] “Could you try picking up that one too?” Ken (GM) the whirring of old gears, long neglected, squeal to life as they spin behind the wall Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker feels a shiver run down his spine. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's hope the mechanism is just rusty and broken, and that there isn't a lever in the other room that someone activated to stop the gate from being raised.” Ken (GM) a kind of...hissing? Rattling? Syviis Adjeon: "I worry that if these are so disused that they may not be the way we wish to...go...." stops talking as she hears the sound, looking around quickly Fiss: SNAAAAKE MAAAAAAAAAAN Suðri Skornbrekker readies his musket. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Cannon?” Ken (GM) the things mill about, the heap growing larger, but not venturing further into the lighted room Syviis Adjeon: "What ancient workings here are traps...and what ones are simply utility left to decay?" Suðri Skornbrekker is aiming at them all this time btw (To Fiss): Survival check Suðri Skornbrekker: “Shit!” Syviis Adjeon: (To Fiss): Something ELSE is coming Suðri Skornbrekker: “Can you carry the cannon?” he asks Gray, otherwise he would disable it by taking out the load or something Syviis Adjeon gasps Syviis Adjeon: "Hold fast!" Suðri Skornbrekker fug, what if they fled from something Syviis Adjeon: "They were running...not heading to the others to attack..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I didn't want to consider that possibility.” Suðri Skornbrekker grabs the cannon and aims it at the doorway from which they burst. Syviis Adjeon: Syviis Adjeon sighs. "Seems like it was the right thing to do at the time..." P.P. A.: What does she look like? Ken (GM) DUN DUN DUUUUNNNNN P.P. A.: As in, does she still have her scaly armour? Or just clothes, or something? Gray replies, incongruously polite. "I apologize for that You did lose your temper" Ken (GM): and HERE is where I gotta leave you guys on a cliffhanger this week! Syviis Adjeon: Heh Joush M.: Luaghs! It was a good session! I'm sorry the others missed it P.P. A.: My next line is probably going to be “Twice!” followed by him firing the cannon straight away Also this session was fantastic! Fiss: Well, you know, getting blowed up DOES generally leave you feeling under the weather. :P Joush M.: Those damn scarb-mice freak me out P.P. A.: We didn't even get very far, nor did we encounter anything too grisly (until the end) but it was thick with atmosphere! Joush M.: I wonder if she inhabited that fucked up body in the mold room Fiss: Agreed. Very cool session, especially considering how constrained it was P.P. A.: Delving deeper and deeper into the darkness, worrying about the unseen corners from which enemies might creep up on us, all without our healer in tow to interpet magic things Fiss: We all get the other party member's XP, right? :P Ken (GM): hahah P.P. A.: By the way, my first impulse when we came across the rune thing was for Suðri to turn around and sneakily pull out the old dwarven coin he nabbed when we liberated the fort Fiss: Or at least their negative horse points. Ken (GM): im glad you liked it! Torchlight exploration always leaves nice dreadful atmosphere. 4 xp for the each of ya P.P. A.: and to hold it against the wall, since coins usually have an image of the ruler minted on them, so that might equate “authority” of some kind Fiss: wewt P.P. A.: but it's probably the snake statue that activates it Joush M.: Thank you very much. Man, this was tense. The atmosphere was quite opressive. P.P. A.: Yeah, it was great Fiss: Will probably wait until next session to change anything...might buy up my HT to 10 finally. She's pretty tough for a stereotypical elf. P.P. A.: Thanks very much, I thoroughly enjoyed it Fiss: Joush M.: HT under 10? That poor fragil elf Fiss: Heh, yep. Ken (GM): jeez, yeah, HT 9 wtf well, if it goes up, thas a fee FP too, for your magic EXPLOSION powers Fiss: YUS Also, I double checked, she's at 11 FP right now assuming an hour of rest. 1 per ten min Ken (GM): Joush M. almost lost fur P.P. A.: so Fiss: Hahaha Joush M.: Ha! Fiss: Yes. P.P. A.: is there any reason I shouldn't open the netx session by firing the cannon at her Fiss: SHOOTIE SHOOTIE BOOM BOOM ELF Joush M.: Well, you'd likely miss? I mean, the range is long and all P.P. A.: Hm, that's a reason alright on the other hand, right now it's nicely aimed at her, and she hasn't turned into fog yet Fiss: Alternatively, she may be receptive to not-being-exploded-again. Joush M.: Aim for 3 seconds and let her charge us. Close range, you could aim for her pinky toe and take her out with a foot injury Ken (GM): stall with talkey talkey, make with the boom boom? Fiss: We'll see...she seems a bit angry at me specifically.... Might override the whole "Won't get 'splode again" P.P. A.: Suðri fired the first shot though :DDD Ken (GM): oh, and if youre wondering where some of the art/avatars went, I had to make room in my roll20 library for dungeon tiles art Fiss: True dat. :P Anyway, Ken, thanks for the session, good luck House Hunting. Buy something down south so we may game more. :D Joush M.: Thanks for the game Ken! Good luck house hunting today. You do a lot of work on this and I apprucate it P.P. A.: Aye, find a nice one Ken (GM): hah. likely it will be up in charleswood or NW on crowchild :P thanks guys :D Fiss: Bah, well, that just means I have an excuse to take Toothless out more anyway, so no prob P.P. A.: Although, given that you're American, I'll probably make fun of it for being made of cardboard anyway P.P. A. says, smugly sitting behind thick stone walls Fiss: Don't Americans build their houses out of Bacon and copies of the Bible / Declaration of Independance? Ken (GM): One day, i will live on an Irish Island, with nothing but a stone cottage and a fireplace...and ADSL internet Fiss: :P P.P. A.: Also make sure there's no lead in it Even the minimum allowed lead can wreak havoc upon children, lowering their IQ by like 4 points *lead blood levels Joush M.: Good morning everyone. How's it going? P.P. A.: Hiya Ken (GM): wut wut Joush M.: Good week? Fiss: PEGASI! PEGASI! Ken (GM): OH GOD THEY LAID EGGS P.P. A.: Adolf still going to be absent? Ken (GM): Ya; he says he's out for the next while, but doesnt mind being NPC'd about poor guy is just getting his life rearranged :/ P.P. A.: ah :( Ken (GM): yeah poor guy. life gets complicated sometimes Fiss: Yeah. Whoever said life aint nothin but bitches n money was wrong. YOU LIED TO ME, GANGSTA RAP! WHY DID YOU LIE!? Joush M.: Ah, poor guy. That kinda sucks. I hope he lands on his feet. Ken (GM): I am just poking gandalf in Sykpe, seeing if hes up Joush M.: My life barely holds any bitches or money. It's like I'm not in a rap video at all Fiss: I know, right? Ken (GM): dont mind me, just minor adjusting the map everyone ready to get into MORTAAAAAAL COMBAAAAAAT with the spoopy vamp? P.P. A.: >mortal is it really mortal combat if one side of the combatants is immortal Joush M.: I'm ready. Hopefully Gandalf can catch up with us... Well, it's mortal for us. Joush M. settles ahead of them, left hand holding a torch as his right draws the massive sword of bronze colored metal, the well balanced weapon resting in his hand as the savage Scorned hears the well oiled sound of the gunlock drawn to full cock behind him and catches the faint ozone sharpness and clean waxed string of the elf getting ready. He feels the oppressive weight of the stone around them, of the deep darkness, but he isn't afraid as he faces the pale, exotic vampire. Joush M.: Damn it.. let's pretend I remebered to switch to Gray for that Suðri Skornbrekker: “Mortal as we are, and clinging to life as mortals do,” Suðri excuses the party, “we had more to lose by giving you the chance to strike first, so I took the offensive.” Ken (GM): lol; sorry, im a touch distracted for a sec. looks like Gandalf switched to Discord from skype? Im just seeing if I can ping him now Suðri Skornbrekker: “Inconsiderate as it might have been: seeing how you are alive... ish and in one piece, we did minimise long-term harm, didn't we?” “I must point out that Grey here merely tried to restrain you; and the elf and the other dwarf just rushed to my defense, so I'm the one you should be mad at for firing the first shot.” Ken (GM) The elven woman looks furious; her face is a rictus of rage, long fangs glinting in the pale light, bared in hate. Her clawed hands glint with a metallic sheen, ending in knife-like bladed fingertips. She crouches in the doorway, her pale white skin visible in the dim torchlight only due to the stark white of it all. She is wrapped in dark robes, but seems unarmored "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH IT HURTS TO BE BURNED ALIVE?" Syviis Adjeon: "One should choose their words and actions with a bit more care to avoid such a fate, then." Suðri Skornbrekker: “...no. I did admit to being inconsiderate; in our defence, we didn't know to what extent you were able to feel pain.” “It seemed as though you were about to inflict similar hurt on us, however.” Suðri Skornbrekker wants to wait until she either gets closer, or tries to dissolve into fog or somesuch. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Case in point, milady!” Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't purposely taunt her. Syviis Adjeon: "That's quite enough of threats. If you wish any form of peace, you'd better humble yourself before we return to violence." Suðri Skornbrekker stares at her intently—tunnel vision, in the face of a threat of unknown prowess—and is surprised to see her attempt to regain her composure, or to make an effort to pretend, at least. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Given that they were your defence against our attacks, and quite potent at that, you will understand that we're reluctant to make you invulnerable again; but is there something else you need them for?” *" Suðri Skornbrekker: “A purpose beyond making is easier for you to strike us with impunity, I mean.” P.P. A.: *it Gray nods. "Taken as a prize in war. You would try to relcaim them the same way.. I would offer instead that you bargian for them. There is considerble information we need. How do you cure the Rot?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Would you agree to an arrangement wherein we hold the coins hostage until we are done here, and then leave them behind for you before we depart from this land? I cannot speak for my bearded companion, but I intended to keep them only to prevent you from using them against us again.” He looks at Gray, surprised by his wise suggestion, and nods in agreement. P.P. A.: *to keep them only as necessary to keep you from using them against us. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) She smirks "The Rot? How trivial. You seek a cure for it?" She composes herself, regarding you all weapons drawn "It's a disease, brought into this world by the Horned King. It spreads as he wills, and he wills it upon his enemies" Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) "well...maybe not Nature" she says, amused by some inside joke (To Fiss): Matches what you know from the histories; The capital of the Kingdom is on the map (generally), But the Horned king was killed in the final battle of Horns, so who is she talking about? Syviis Adjeon: "From what I've been told, the Horned King perished in the battles long ago...is it the same king, or someone new that took up his mantle?" Syviis Adjeon smiles at that. "I suppose you were correct...our ideas of mortality seem to be a bit...misguided in these lands." Syviis Adjeon: Syviis Adjeon hops down from the statue, bow and arrow slack Syviis Adjeon: "Such information, I think, would be worth the coins. what say you, comrades?" Ken (GM) She grimaces, a look of disgust on her face "The coins are worth nothing in part Dwarf, they are all returned or our bargain is moot. Discuss it amongst yourselves how you wish to proceed" Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker rises from his cannon, but doesn't walk from it, and turns to the other two: “Can you think of a way to give her the coins now, but to delay her access to them?” he says quietly, so that their enemy would have difficulties overhearing them. Suðri Skornbrekker: “A solid chest to which we have the key, or something like that...” Gray shurgs. "We can beat her with her coins, and we agreed to give her them. I would simply return them and trust her reason to keep her from testing us again.. she knows we will not return the coins a second time" Suðri Skornbrekker: “She definitely wants revenge on us no doubt, but you have a point too.” Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Suðri Skornbrekker: He announces to the vampire: “very well; come with us, you will have them back in full.” Suðri Skornbrekker looks over his shoulder into the dark of the supposes smithy. It would make sense to explore these parts now that a fully armed vampire is less likely to spring from the darkness, but her patience seems worn thin enough already, so they should just get over it. P.P. A.: *over with it Ken (GM) She keeps a distance back though Syviis Adjeon: "And obtaining this key...?" Syviis Adjeon nods, eager to put their newfound direction to the task Syviis Adjeon: "More than satisfied. I hope we can choose words instead of lightning more often." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Yea; let's go.” Suðri picks up his weapons and leads the way. “I would like to apologise for the pain we've caused you.” Ken (GM) She walks along with you, the narrow tunnel only allowing her to step as far as the tunnel wall. Eventually she replies to gray "I paid is blood Gray, as we all have. In exchange I received so much more...and so much less" Ken (GM): [moving ze map Suðri Skornbrekker goes ahead so Bomrek doesn't shoot her immediately Ken (GM): [ a noble and rational thought] Gray walks with the others, alert for dangers and waiting to make sure the exchange goes as planned. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I will go ahead and tell them not to be rash,” he says to the other three, and paces ahead to meet with Bomerk and the doctor Ken (GM) Ahead the entranceway is awash in red light from the burning runes in the floor; Gandalf is deep in study of them, checking a journal, making notes, and muttering to himself as always Suðri Skornbrekker: “You two,” he shouts, “we brought a guest. Bomrek, don't shoot.” Suðri Skornbrekker does his bets to convince Bomrek that it is only just and fair to return her coins, that he can have a larger share of the rest of their loot if he wants, and that if she double-crosses them at a later point and gets blown up again, they will keep the coins for good. Bomrek: "Suðri, if you werent a dwarf, I'd shoot you where you stand" Bomrek says, gun cocked and ready "But you make a good point about how I'm getting a bigger share of your loot" "'Sonly fair, after all, that you'd trade your coin in. Like any sane dwarf" Gray nods in agreement with the dwarven man's words as he holds out the bag heavy with enchanted coin. Suðri Skornbrekker: The feelings he expresses are mixed: a hesitant threat, uttered with remorse. Ken (GM) her form darkens as if the light was drawing away, but the shadow form remains standing before you Syviis Adjeon: Gray walks close. Makeing sure the shadow dosn't pause near the older man, and holds the sword tight.. then again, there's an easeing of tenison as it keeps going. Bomrek: "Goddamn magical bullshit" Suðri Skornbrekker says nothing as the shadow makes its way out of the ruins. He waits until she's gone for good, and voices his thoughts to his party: “From the words of the minotaur, it seemed that the vampire lords were all part of a hierarchy, but that doesn't seem to be the case.” Suðri Skornbrekker: “For all of her boasting when we encountered earlier, she did not seem all that content with her state either.” P.P. A.: +her Syviis Adjeon: "It would be nice to imagine that not all our enemies are allied into one front... let's hope that's the case." Gray: "She said she works for herself only. A dangerous thing.. I imagine you are right. She seemed unhappy." He puts away the sword at last, careful motions as he sets the fine blade away then nods with determination. "We need to find the Dugar key. Otherwise we would be free-climbing to that citadel, at the mercy of the Avians." .."If she wasn't lying to us." He adds thoughtfully. Falkirk: "Aha! thats it!" calls out the old wizard, clamping his book closed with a flourish "We need a key!" Gray speaks to Falkirk, voice respectful. "She spoke of a Key among the Dugar, and a Seal deeper in the ruin demanded our Authoirty. The Key is to allow passage to the Keep above." Falkirk: "Makes sense, makes sense..." He trails off, wandering in the room a bit "These wards. Theyre all tightly woven like neat little knots. But they all have a glaring spot left in them. Keys!" "We just need the right key to open them....wait, who said you needed a key? The vampire?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Ah, right,” he remembers the rune, “Falkirk, we need to borrow your snake statue.” Suðri Skornbrekker chuckles, and takes the statue off from him. “I'll be fine, probably,” he assures Grey. Gray: "Mold. Statues of Scorned. A seal that spoke with a magic voice. If we find anything of value, you will receve a fair share." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well, we found magic shit, rusted mechanisms, mangled corpses, and horrible spider-rat-lizards.” “Didn't they come here, by the way?” Suðri Skornbrekker nods. (To Fiss): NODDIN GINTENSIFIES Syviis Adjeon: "It couldn't hurt to investigate and explore now that we have a moment" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye.” Gray nods in agreement then turns to head deeper into the ruin again. "Let's get to it. Despite my distaste we should explore the mold room as well. The vampire came from there. There might be information there." Ken (GM): [alrighty, Bomrek and Falkirk have the antechamber guarded. Moving us back to the keep] [so, you three have the mundane torch, and the magical one. Same loadout as before?] Suðri Skornbrekker still has two muskets and his bardiche on it Joush M.: Gray has his sword and shield stowed and gun and torch equipped, at the moment Ken (GM): [So Gray is hefting the wall gun?] Syviis Adjeon follows within the light as before, arrow ready, curiosity guiding her a bit eagerly, though Ken (GM): [ah, gotcha] (To Gray): You see there is a trail here, where someone tread straight East-west through the mushrooms and spores Ken (GM) The trail continues, due East, into more of the same; waist high mushroom caps grow here, bleeding black ichor from where they have been stepped upon Syviis Adjeon: "Is it strange that I am glad to see fungus reins in some areas, instead of just the blood root?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “In a land as strange as this... not really.” Ken (GM): [man, I'm itchy just describing this] Ken (GM) the trail ends at a massive stone door set in the wall. Inches thick, it sits agape, wide enough for the elf to have pushed through. Black veins are torn here, as if she pushed throgh the mass to escape the hall behind the door Suðri Skornbrekker: “Though you can probably tell by yourself, Dwarven caverns are usually much cleaner and more proper than this.” P.P. A.: #NotAllDwarves Suðri Skornbrekker tries not to breathe too much, even with the mask on (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The stench is terrible, but muted from the mask. The herbs and flowers make it more like terrible soup is under your nose. Which might be worse... Syviis Adjeon holds tight to her face-scarf, breathing carefully and shallowly to avoid sucking in spores Ken (GM): [pressing through to the door?] Gray walks closer to the door. "She came though here. Do we continue our seach?" He ask.. reluctant. Part of him would prefer to simply leave it aside, but curiositly compells him to walk to that stone door and work it open. Syviis Adjeon: "This may be simply a back-way, but we could be sure and rest easier." Ken (GM): [pressing through to the door?] Joush M.: Yep (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You notice the hidden vents, tucked behind the ornate ceiling btressing. Very typical design, but there nonetheless Syviis Adjeon: "This explains why she came from this direction upon reforming..." Gray nods and considers a moment, then turns away, looking around the room. "I hope every casket here isn't a Vampire's refugee.. but.. I do not wish to distrube the peace of this place." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I wonder if all vampires come back from their grave like that, and what it is that brings them back. Can they be killed for good if their resting place is destroyed? I wouldn't want to try it with this one though; it's too gorgeous.” Gray nods. "She protects her name. Perhaps afraid of the power it might give someone over her." (To Syviis Adjeon): You feel a distinct magical presence here after passing the threshold. Its as if the air itself is alive with magic, swirling about unseen Suðri Skornbrekker squints a little as he looks over the other coffins, and some worry returns to him. Are they the Deurgar's? More vampires? Syviis Adjeon: "There is definitely magic in here...alive and moving...I wonder what eyes if any are watching us? Perhaps these tombs are not so unguarded." Suðri Skornbrekker: “These coffins stand out. I hope they don't host more vampires, or that the Deurgar can return from the dead as she can.” Gray considers that, then shurgs. "I would not know. Falkirk did speak of Wards.. We shall seal the door as we go. Leave this place in peace, but fit to trap anyone that might try to escape it." Suðri Skornbrekker: “The names sound a bit like Dwarven, but also not, so my bet is on the Deurgar. If we expect to fight them, maybe we should seal this room, so that if they do return here after we slay them, they are trapped here.” Suðri Skornbrekker is pleased that Gray had the same thought as him. Syviis Adjeon: "Sealing the room may not prevent much, but I like the idea better than damaging anything here and evoking wrath outright." Suðri Skornbrekker: “You'd evoke my wrath, for one,” Suðri half-jokes. Syviis Adjeon nods, not at all disagreeing. Syviis Adjeon: "I'm sure we'll perform many dark deeds in the name of the light, but I for one am happy not to need to desecrate anyone's final rest." Syviis Adjeon smirks Syviis Adjeon: "As...restless...as it might be." Ken (GM): [so heading straight back, through the mold room?] Syviis Adjeon: Joush M.: Yep! Going to close and seal the door as we go. Suori can make a plan for that, Gray will do the heavy lifting? Ken (GM): sounds good; investigating the fdoorway, it seems the stone latch is still intact, and the door handles should clasp shut properly once you close the door. A very nicely crafted lock, all stone. Syviis Adjeon shrugs. "I can still breathe...as offputting as the smell is, it's not a concern." Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker: “This place might not be inviting, but we're inside already, so...” Ken (GM) You three step through the doorway, and quickly close and latch the door. The handles click into place with a THUNK, and stay closed securely. You quickly press to the ossuary around the corner (To Suðri Skornbrekker): It kinda of sounds dwarven, but really complicated. You get the gist of "who are you" but theres a lot more to it Ken (GM): wat do!? Syviis Adjeon blinks in surprise, then raises a hand in a friendly gesture. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) He screams in alarm, drops the corpse, pulling a long hammer from his hip! Ken (GM): INITIATIVE! Gray: Syviis Adjeon: Gray: (6 speed and Combat Reflexes is +2?) Suðri Skornbrekker: Syviis Adjeon: 11.25 Ken (GM): Combat Reflexes only giving a +1 here, youre not leading a charge/attack :P Joush M.: Ahh, gotcha Syviis Adjeon: 10.25 then :P Ken (GM): Gray reacts first to the shout and motion! Gray charges, determined to stop the alarm from being rased much. (Attempting a Charge attack) Gray: Joush M.: Doh! Ken (GM): [ so moving in and then hitting him with what? A kick, the torch? a tackle?] Joush M.: Just a Slam Ken (GM): ah, k. just bowling him over? Joush M.: Attempting to.. Failed the Brawl roll to hit Ken (GM): ah! I see Syviis! Gray charges in, but fails to bash the guy! wat doo Syviis Adjeon: Do I have a clear shot past the mushrooms? Ken (GM): gray and sudri both interpose :/ Gray should have thought this though before attempting a charge on slick stone, the beast acting on impluse. Syviis Adjeon: OK, will move forward so I'm not completely risking shooting everyone That OK? Ken (GM): lol fast drawing an arrow? Syviis Adjeon: yep :P i do Ken (GM): woo him! on a 9 he bellows wordlessly and baseball swings for gray's face Joush M.: Oh god damn Ken (GM): gray! defend! Gray roll 3d6 to dodge vs 9 Gray: P.P. A.: actually, drawing his bardiche would have required him to drop his muskets and to pull it from his back, while he was holding his muskets already Joush M.: me shakes head sadly P.P. A.: so it'd have made more sense to just take one of those unless you say that reading the bardiche is why he went last also rip grey Ken (GM): oh dude 9 crushing to the face Joush M.: No major wound, but still, ouch Syviis Adjeon: Dayum Gray spits out blood, nose cracked, maybe broken and blood running down his face as the beastial scorned snarls down at the dark dwarf Joush M.: that's.. 7 after DR? Ken (GM): ya, just your mask there, right? Joush M.: Ooh, so.. DR should be 6 not 2. Gives 3 damage Ken (GM): ah right, you rejiggered the DR. nice helmet Joush M.: Wait, doh.. coif. So.. DR is -2 vs CR Ken (GM): so thats 3 wounding after DR, and a roll vs stun/knockdown, at -8(3 for damage, 5 for headshot) Joush M.: Sorry. I normally don't take this long Ken (GM): lo how often do we face-smash ya Gray: Ken (GM): yeah, youre down and stunned :P [making you orange btw, realized I can do that P.P. A.: So if I aim at a certain body part and I miss by the penalty of targeting that body part, does the attack miss entirely, or does it just hit something else? also what is this dorf wearing in terms of armor Ken (GM) The Deurgar bashes Gray in his face, knocking him silly. The torch and musket go flying from his hands as hefalls in a heap Fiss: What's the dwarf wearing... ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ken (GM): 1. the hit tables have rules for miss by 1, mostly face-> torso, etc. 2. he's wearing some leather over simple clothes, nothing to extravagent Looks like DR only on the torso/legs P.P. A.: ah, good (To Gray): So you took 5 damage, yes? after alls said n done? P.P. A.: one sec can#t decide whether to strike the arm for -2 (12) or to just attack the torso eh, I'll go for the arm; no risk, no fun Syviis can just fry him anyway (From Gray): Yep! That sounds right. Though -5 to head-stun is for Major Wounds 3 Rolling 3d6 = 11 v14-2 (To Gray): Ah! yes, good catch. Shorthand notes made it seem like all the time. Fiss: I'mma gonna need your copy pastas. That's a handy way of doing it. Ken (GM): ditto :P P.P. A.: nah Ken (GM): so! the deurgar fails to defend at all (he all out attacked) P.P. A.: I typed something, copied it, deleted it and rewrote it Ken (GM): so you hit for 1d+5 cutting! P.P. A.: and then accidentally pasted the old thing again :V Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): daaang his arm comes off! P.P. A.: that was the plan! Joush M.: Went full Kill Bill on him! Fiss: Disarm'ed! :D Ken (GM): he screams, flails mostly in anger Gray! your turn passes, then you can roll vs stunning at the end! HT please! Gray: Suðri Skornbrekker would feel bad about mutilating a fellow dwarf, if said dwarf hadn't dragged an even more mutilated corpse around. Ken (GM): you shake othe cobwebs off! youre on your back, but aware of the bloody wond to yer face Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: Aims for the dwarves other hand, hoping to ensure no more attacking, am I still shooting through my friends to do so? Joush M.: Pick up his arm and slap him with it. Tell him to get a hold of himself. Ken (GM): nah, hes laying down -4 for a hand, -3 for darkness, -1 for distance Syviis Adjeon: Take a step to negate distance, then attacking Ken (GM): and stepping up makes that -4 for a hand, -2 for darkness, -1 for distance Syviis Adjeon: Target: 14 P.P. A.: darkness with the torch r— o ok whoa trips check 'em Ken (GM): bam! the arrow strikes through the hand, to the hammer with a PING damage! Syviis Adjeon: Regular arrow'd damage: and 1 point of Electricity ...Literally! Ken (GM): lol Syviis Adjeon: But that means he'll have to roll vs stun... hence why I bothered. :P Ken (GM): yep! many rolls his hand mangles he succeeds vs major wound/knockstun Ken (GM): and fails hard vs electrostun Syviis Adjeon: Electro-stim ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ken (GM): he collapses in spasms on his turn. he twitches Skornbrekka! Suðri Skornbrekker ends his turn with that. Suðri Skornbrekker: “If he cries out again, we silence him,” he says coldly. (To Gray): A quick scan of the room and hall; there are no other shapes or shadows looming. And aside from the blood in the air, you only smell him Joush M.: Two posture changes with a step and a normal action Ken (GM): lol k Syviis! Joush M.: End turn. "I'll heal" He assures Suori Suðri Skornbrekker: “That's good. He hit you pretty hard.” Syviis Adjeon draws another arrow and aims on the dwarf, waiting to see what he does. Syviis Adjeon: quweek draw Ken (GM): on his turn, the dwarf continues to twitch, stunned from syviis' magical attack skornbrekka! Suðri Skornbrekker done with his turn Ken (GM): at the end of the turn,( at 0) the floor covered in mold catches fire where the torch fell P.P. A.: so basically reading an action, if that is a thing in GURPS Ken (GM): Gray! (To P.P. A.): Evaluate; its essentially aiming, for melee, and can go up to a +4 bonus after consecutive turns Gray winces and picks up the gun. "We should fall back to the main hall and the others. Leave the room to burn.. But take the captive back with us." Ken (GM): [gun received] (From P.P. A.): He's aiming a stabbing attack a the throat then. Not that it'll matter next turn. Ken (GM): gotcha Gray steps away from the fire, so he stands over the fallen dwarf Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: Can I grab the torch? Or kick it to the side and pick it up out of the fire Ken (GM): might be easier to grab by hand, roll DX? Syviis Adjeon: Sure, target 12 fffs Ken (GM): hah! you do get the torch, but it is sticky with mold and as you turn it over, that ignites keep it or drop it? Syviis Adjeon: -_- dropping Joush M.: "So we burned down the ruin.." Gray dosn't look forward to explaining this to Falkirk. Syviis Adjeon: Will drop it on bare stone, and try to grab a cloth or something to smother it next round Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well, it'll purge the corpses and the mold...” Fiss: FIRE: Solves more problems than Math ever could! Ken (GM): it lands in the mold! the dwarf ceases his twitchin, and comes too, bleary, disarmed, and unhanded skornbrekka! Syviis Adjeon: -_- "I set fire to ONE sacred ruin, and suddenly I'm labeled as a Firebug!" Ken (GM): [gray was the one who dropped a torch...] Suðri Skornbrekker picks up the musket that Gray dropped, and looks over his back to the spreading fire. He'll make it out of here next turn, unles she has to pick up the dwarf too. P.P. A.: actually retcon he had to set down the musket to draw his bardiche so he... leaves hta to Syviis Suðri Skornbrekker: “Pick up my muskets, Syviis!” Joush M.: Gray's got the BFG, so that's good. Ken (GM): lol right, so your guns there P.P. A.: if they are there, cna I recton and go to pick them up myself assuming I cna walk around the fire Ken (GM): ja, np P.P. A.: all right Ken (GM): kabing, you right by the fire, gun in hand Suðri Skornbrekker runs back past the flames to save his guns Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker makes sure they aren't aimed at anything important, what with this heat Ken (GM): the fire spreads, onto syviis and sudri, and the floor Gray! Syviis Adjeon: o_o P.P. A.: I'm wearing full plate tho, I doubt it burns that hot that it immediately set the padding on fire Gray swears as the fire spreads across the mold to where the others stand. "No stopping it now.. hurry, Suori! We've got to go" Joush M.: Going to move here, pick up Syvvis. should still have 3 move left with the extra encumberance, so move to the door? Ken (GM): assuming she lets ya, yeah Syviis Adjeon: Yep Ken (GM): about there? Joush M.: Yeah, otherwise I'd have to make a damn grapple check.. Yep! Well, she should be in Gray's space because of CC/carried, but that works Ken (GM): right loving embrace Joush M.: Well, one step more away from the dwarf fire Ken (GM): syviis! youve been YOINKed to safety Syviis Adjeon: :P Ken (GM): ze dwarf, he screams in fear crawls bloody stumps along the floor skorn! Joush M.: Wise choice, new friend! Suðri Skornbrekker dashes through the fire, holding his firearms high Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker assures the Dwarf in Dwarven: “[No fear! We'll get you out!]” P.P. A.: I mean we might still kill him anyway, but he won't be burned alive, at least Ken (GM) the fire builds in the moldy air, crawling as if alive! Ken (GM): AND EXPLODES THE AIR IN ABACKDRAFT You may dive and dodge for the door! a success means being 1 yard further form the blast! Fiss: And that, kids, is why you clean out your fridge and pantry more than once a decade! P.P. A.: against what? Dex? Ken (GM): against dodge! Gray: Suðri Skornbrekker leaps towards the door Rolling 3d6 = 12 v8 Ken (GM): [facepalm] Joush M.: The +3 from Dodge and Drop saves the day? Syviis Adjeon: I assume Syviis is too busy being carried to do anything acrobatically? :P Ken (GM): youre being carried by Gray, so really youre his encumbrence Fiss: IN SOVIET RUSSIA, DOGE CARRIES YOU! Ken (GM): lulz woo Syviis Adjeon: that's the number of bonus XP we get, right? :D P.P. A.: :DDDDD Joush M.: That's so many dice. Suori's going to fly out of the hallway like a shot out of a cannonball Ken (GM): no, but point of origin isnt too close sudri ends up with 3 damage hitting accross a lot of DR, so he's just scorched P.P. A.: ah, phew Ken (GM): the derugar on the floor takes more, is on fire, screaming the rest of you are fine I rolled shit Syviis Adjeon: Yay for shit! P.P. A.: poor guy Ken (GM) choking black smoke rolls accross the ceiling Ken (GM): you guys saving him in the next few moments? Gray releases Syiviss gently and helps her to her feet as he rises, turning his attention to Suori to make sure he's okay. The other dwarf.. well, he dosn't immidatly think of the terrebly wounded captive. P.P. A.: I'll try Syviis Adjeon: Yeah, letting him burn to death is slightly higher on the "dick move" list than messing with tombs anyway Ken (GM): cool! he's trying feebly to crawl out the room. he's literally engulfed in sticky mold flame Suðri Skornbrekker tosses his muskets onto Grey hoping he'll catch them, and desperately tries to drag the other dwarf out of the room Ken (GM): whaddya do? Gray catches them. Ken (GM): cool, he's dragged free and on fire screaming sorry, he stops screaming Joush M.: Anybody want to try and put him out? Ken (GM): but is still on fire Syviis Adjeon: "Stop, Drop, Roll!" she shouts at the dwarf Ken (GM): lol DX roll vs patting out the flames? Syviis Adjeon: All of us? I do if I can Rolling 3d6 = 12 v12 Ken (GM): lol, nice. between the two of you, you smother the flames. He's charred and bleeding freely. Someone wanna intervene and save his life with first aid? Syviis Adjeon: I'll try , but my FA is for elf, so I'm at negatives I believe Ken (GM): lol Gray suggest in that deep voice. "Better to take him back to Falkirk" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye, if that doesn't make the bleeding worse.” Ken (GM): [he will likely not last the minutes of journey] P.P. A.: whoa, I don't have a First Aid skill Gray attempts to toruinate the wound at the dwarf's missing arm. Tighting a lenth of rope around it.. P.P. A.: gotta fix that between sessions, that should be essential Syviis Adjeon: (-4 right?) P.P. A.: lemme see what the default is Ken (GM): [good use of the dorf-points getting FirstAid, ya] Joush M.: No first aid. He might do more harm then good P.P. A.: IQ-4, huh That's... eight. What's the penalty for failing? Gray: Ken (GM): hah! bam Joush M.: Holy shit! I almost did it! Any bonus from.. anything? Ken (GM): (at least +! for the description)you cinch off the wound, and the bleeding stops Rolling 3d6 = 16 v8 P.P. A.: shieeeet Ken (GM): sudri steps on his neck lol Syviis Adjeon: -_- P.P. A.: I'm laughing so hard right now poor dwarf Ken (GM): so, the beastman stops the bleeding, while the dorf helps him choke on his own blood while the elf just looks on in disbelief Gray picks up the maybe still alive dwarf to carry back to a real physican. "It's harder then Falkirk makes it look." Ken (GM): [wah waaahhhhh] ON THAT NOTE Gray glances into the crimson flames and oily black smoke that fills the room of bones and death. "I diden't think it was that flammable. Was it wet with oil?" Ken (GM): thats a good place to throw 5 xp at you guys.. Joush M.: Yay! Suðri Skornbrekker grabs whatever Gray was carrying, probably some muskets, and follows P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): skedoodling intensifies Syviis Adjeon: Just out of curiosity...are Dwarves similar enough phsyiology for a -2 or are they alien enough to elves for the full -4 or -5? Ken (GM): elves are weird so Ill call it -3 defaulting Syviis Adjeon: Humans and elves can do First aid to each other with -2, so that sounds about right. DAMN Ken (GM): you got in there and were all "wheres his friggin aura?" Syviis Adjeon: I would have made the FA roll :P Oh P.P. A.: I like how we resolved things with the vampiress peacefully, despite how easily this could have erupted into another battle, with her mood being less that favourable Fiss: OK, switching to OOC lol yes Ken (GM): and then BLEW UP A ROOM P.P. A.: Remains to be seen whether she'll return, but I have my doubts Joush M.: "Just got to sprinkle some sulfur on the wound to crystallize the blood and stop the bleeding" Fiss: "DARK VAMPIRE MASTER-ELF WITH SPOOKY ARMOUR..." Easy shit. FIRE.... Ken (GM): hahaha Fiss: lol Ken (GM): friggin MADNESS P.P. A.: Well, without spooky armour this time :P Fiss: Ken, upping my HT to 10 Ken (GM): kk Fiss: I AM NOW AVERAGE! Ken (GM): more humanlike levels of not-suck Joush M.: Thanks for the game man, that was great P.P. A.: also the fire becoming a sudden and much more dangerous enemy than the other actual enemies convinced me utterly of how great GURPS is Fiss: Heh, yep Ken (GM): always a pleasure look up "grian silo explosions" P.P. A.: wlel, and of our GM's ability to create dramatic effects suddenly :P Ken (GM): same concept P.P. A.: thanks for he session P.P. A. will do Joush M.: Goddamn, I'm suprised we survived if it was like a grain silo. That's scary shit! It's like a fuel-air bomb Ken (GM): that and decomposing mthane gasses, but a wet environment so Fiss: Makes me wonder how much fun a firestorm in Nausicca of the Valley of Wind would have been... Ken (GM): 0_o P.P. A.: oh dear Ken (GM): kerblewie Fiss: Yep. Ken (GM): oh! fiss! my mead almost done Fiss: Nice! Mmmmmm Ken (GM): gonna rack it to bottles again soon I hope it tastes okay Fiss: Cool, let me know I'll bring over gear Ken (GM): kk Fiss: Oh, Ken, one last game thing Joush M.: Humm.. mead Ken (GM): I might let it sit till october, busy weekend s coming up Fiss: Bow: I have enough to bump it from 17 to 18, but not sure what your rules are on upper limits. P.P. A.: I was actually multitasking all this time because my Pathfinder group had a game scheduled this evening and couldn't move it Ken (GM): Attribute+5! P.P. A.: but it was a giant battle with something like two dozen actors, between PCs, NPC allies, and enemies Fiss: K, I'll save up for more DX then, since it's right at that limit P.P. A.: so it was only my turn every half an hour or so, and didn't distract too much from this session Fiss: Ken (GM): hahah Fiss: Hehe Ken (GM): you llucky player you P.P. A.: This campaign is more interesting though! and the mechanics too Fiss: I was just discussing that on Imgur. P.P. A.: Coming from something as dumb and simple as Pathfinder, being able to target and chop off a limb is mindblowing (although I'e done it before in one of our earrly sessions) Fiss: guy tried GURPS as his first campain: Was a shitshow because of the leanring curve, but everyone had a blast Joush M.: Ha, yeah, first games are always a giant mess Ken (GM): linkage? Fiss: I'll have to find it but yeah, recommended they try some D&D for their next try. They asked: "are there easier systems than GURPS?" and everyone's just like: LOL YES Ken (GM): hahah Fiss: lots of GURPS love out there...but nobody pretends it's the simplest noob-friendly one Ken (GM): there are but not easier fucking feats gurps is like fine cooking; you suck until youre good, then its easy but you suck until youre good Fiss: Heheh Yep. P.P. A.: I find that levelling up your character in GURPS is actually much more convenient than in PF Fiss: Oh, can I throw another point into Fatigue? 15 is easier to calculate around 14 P.P. A.: Creating your GURPS character is very complex and takes quite some time, but once you're set, spending points on various things is pretty straightforward Ken (GM): sure fiss, if ya got the 3 points [says the guy who did his sheet in excel sheets] Fiss: Done. 1 point to spare for future P.P. A.: :P Fiss: Want me to send updated sheet? Ken (GM): please! email me a pdf :D P.P. A.: I'll send mine some time before (or at the beginning of, if I forget again) the next session Ken (GM): I'm gonna go mow mah lawn Fiss: Will do, I think it's been about 30-40 points since I sent last, lol Have fun! Later folks! I'm out P.P. A.: Amusingly, the Pathfinder session today ended on the same note as our last session here Fiss: :P Fiss: Damn, trying to get that fancy inline roll thing happening o/ P.P. A.: \o On my ancient aptop since my PC went back to turning off constantly, so theremight be some lag Fiss: It's all good. good thing that was a test roll and not in-game :P Fiss: Yeah lol I'm still trying to figure out that nice inline chat roll thing where it shows the target and then the roll Nice n clean Handy too considering a full attack action for my elf is like 4 rolls. Joush M.: Good morning everyone. How's it going? Fiss: Finer than frog's hair P.P. A.: My PC is terminally ill, but I myself am well and you? Joush M.: I'm doing okay. Long, long fucking week, but that's okay. Glad it's the weekend now Ken (GM): I AM alive P.P. A.: How do we know you're not a lich? Ken (GM): YOU DONT; thats half tyhe fun Joush M.: Glad to hear you are alive. How are you feeling? Ken (GM): eh, not bad. Had a golf tournament with work yesterday. got hom ein the wee hours without issue, but apparently have a headcold now for some reason just poking gandalf here huh good bad news. Gandalf is running a bar now, full time job droppe din his lap which means his now-time is dead :P zero free saturday evenings, his time so yay! but BOOOO Fiss: YABOO Joush M.: I'm glad he's got full time work. That sucks though. Is there a better time for him? P.P. A.: :)|( Ken (GM): not from what he tells me atm; bar work is busy weekends :( good to hear from him at least. (unlike a certain mr Horsa) Joush M.: I hear that. It's too bad to lose him but I hear you about that. I hope he does well, I've enjoyed playing with him .. GURPS combat .webm P.P. A.: Aye, best of luck to him Hopefully Adolf comes back some time soon, it's almost getting lonely Ken (GM): yeah, he moved cross-country, so likely he's just in that weird zone of no-internet, working hard etc. devils advocate; you guys good with continuing with GrimWyrd for now? when 3/5 of the party disconnects for a length of time... makes me nervous P.P. A.: I'm enjoying it Fiss: Aye aye, capitan Joush M.: I'd like to. I feel like the party balance is a little off. Gray's.. not a thinker, so it leaves us without Falkirk to analayze things On the other hand, I am haveing fun and I'd love to keep going Fiss: It would be nice if we could grab a proper mage or two back into the party Ken (GM): says the magic elf Fiss: the missus would love to play I'm sure, but she'd only be available 50% of the time at best Bah...elf magic is like saying water is damp. :P P.P. A.: A friend of mine is into GURPS, and from what I've seen from him in another campaign, he could probably do Falkirk pretty well. Could ask him if he can and wants to join, if you're open to it Ken (GM): can he handle the time slot, on the regular? P.P. A.: I'd have to ask Ken (GM): kay, if he can get him in touch with me. roll20 or such P.P. A.: He's a retired vet and might take up civil engineering, so neither now nor in the near future is he occupied with a job, so his schedule ought to be flexible though though he also tours around the country a lot; we'll have to see Ken (GM): huh, neat. P.P. A.: I'll relay him to you later Ken (GM): well! where we last left off! You three had bartered with the elven woman, exchanged info for coins, and now know there is a key to the keep above you somewhere down in these depths you explored a tomb, encountered a Derugar, and got in an explosive fight with him Rolling 1d100 = 11 Seems about right Ken (GM): You had absconded with him to safety, and so far, his battered form is still breathing, despite your best efforts so; whats the plan? Joush M. is carrying a viciously battered derugar, arm roughly severed by the blow from a razor glave and bound now with coard soaked with blood. The toruqnuite holding in lifeblood, perhaps long enough for the dwarf to answer questions. He will take the Fallen dwarf back to Falkirk and Bomrick in the atrium of the grand complex, glad to be free from the stygan darkness a while. Joush M.: OOps.. yeah, Gray dose that. Forgot to switch Ken (GM): lulz so, scooby-doo back to the healer then? P.P. A.: Carrying him to the one party member who can maybe make him less kill, then extract some information from him if he isn't too traumatised yup Ken (GM) The sound of roaring flame licking at the keep around you muffles as you run back to the antechamber; the smoke from the conflagration disappears into vents in the ceiling, and the air clears in a few long steps from the hall. The Deurgar is burned, bleeding, but secure in the group's hands (To Syviis Adjeon): Your magic senses get to tingling; something in the air has woken up with the fire, and you can feel it sweeping through the corridors around you as you head back up the hall. Large masses of...something...sweeping through the corridors, pushing away the smoke? Its odd. It feels like the elementals you met in the bog outside Gray dosn't hold back about the Rot. He tells Falkirk that according to the elven witch that the only cure is in the hands of the lord of Goroth. (To Syviis Adjeon): Again, the feeling of those mindless air beasts pushes past you. Something big and invisible to your other senses is reacting to the fire down there Suðri Skornbrekker 's attention is immediately jerked back to the sounds from within. His eyes peeled, and making sure that they align with the aim of his cannon. Syviis Adjeon: "I keep feeling the air itself is alive here....does anyone else feel as if we are being watched by more than just the ghosts of spores?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “...that would be good. It would block off the tomb; and whatever they used that room for, dragging bloody corpses into it, is better prevented.” Suðri Skornbrekker turns to Syviis, a little surprised. “When we stood in front of the gate, a voice was talking to me, bidding us... welcome. We're definitely being watched.” Gray: (To Gray): The air here is crystal clear, swirling with nothing more than the party around you. Clean, immaculate here Ken (GM) Bomrek, grim, begins reciting in dwarven something dark and forboding over falkirk's work (To Suðri Skornbrekker): He's intoning a prayer to the allfather, to guide this dark dwarf to his kin. Seems he thinks the fellow might not make it Ken (GM) "Oh would the two of you not be so melodramatic when i'm working!?" Falkirk moans Ken (GM): Joush M.: Falkirk is slightly distracted.. Ken (GM) Just as falkirk speaks, there is a flash of bright crimson light from the Deurgar! Fiss: oooh shit P.P. A.: I accidentally the deugar +r Suðri Skornbrekker is fortunate to have turned around sluggishly, the blood and gore mostly hitting hsi back and his side, rather than his face. Suðri Skornbrekker: “...what...?” he asks in disbelief Ken (GM) The gore pile is a tangled mass of unrecognizable features. Nothing of the dwarf remains but for a twitching finger, or a tooth, all red ruby chunks (To Gray): Exactly like th eblood demon's form Ken (GM) Bomrek curses darkly, and dashes for his pack and big gun Suðri Skornbrekker: “Doc. What.” he asks Falkirk in as few words as possible. Ken (GM) and a long tentacle pushes out of it's side Fiss: tentacoool! P.P. A.: Slowly, or quickly? Ken (GM): Joush M.: I choose you, fucking sword! Ken (GM): [swor dof fuck] Gray steps up with a growl to slash at the thing. "Unnateral beast!" Syviis Adjeon: Stabbity Stabbity, Stabbity Stabbity! (To Gray): You feel your sword connect inside with something...fragile? like you hit glass? much unlike other things of flesh youve struck Ken (GM) falkirk finally moves from his seat. he leans forward, a nd plunges a hand into the heap of gore Suðri Skornbrekker: “Yes.” Suðri Skornbrekker 's eyes opened wide when he saw the doctor plunge his hand into the doubly-dead demon dwarf, but his worries that the doc gas gone in sane are alleviated by his apparently intentional discovery. (From Syviis Adjeon): yus Syviis Adjeon: (To Syviis Adjeon): The great spirits of the world, the powerful beings who have crossed from other veils, they live in bodies fashioned of the world around them. Elementals make bodies of stone, water, even fire. Their hearts are pure focused points of their beings, and many tales spoke of their "hearts of stone". Gray: "Could the crystal be some manner of key? Is that horror what the vampire refered to?" Falkirk turns the stone in his hands, looking at it fro different angles, brushing off stray bits of meat from it's surface. "No, this item's auras dont...quite...match what we should be looking for. Funny, it reminds me of the blood demon a bit" he says, an absent smirk on his face Gray: "Horrors born of blood and death.. You don't know anymore about it?" He ask, growling at the questions without answer. he wonders if he's asking the right ones. Syviis Adjeon nods. "According to the tales I know, this is likely the heart...like a focused point of elemental power that great spirits and beings use to anchor themselves to this world. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): A voice? Calling a name? It is faint, reverberating. "Krall?" it sounds like? Suðri Skornbrekker: “A death elemental?” Suðri scoffs, his sarcasm masking the chills running down his spine. Gray calls to the doctor, unnessarily. "Wash up before you study." Then turns to join Suori. "We've drawn attention. The other Fallen Dwarves will come for us." Suðri Skornbrekker: “That... might be for the better. They know these tunnels better than we do; if they come to us, they lose that advantage.” Suðri Skornbrekker picks his musket, not willing to fire the cannon unless a whole host of dwarfes starts pouring out of the dark. “Let's hope not all of them explode int Death Elementals,” he jokes grimly. Gray: "A fresh horror to consider. We will have to be ready for that." He agrees with Suori, though the blood-drenched beastman smiles faintly as he stands there beside the door.. calling down the hallway, powerful voice echoing from the stone. "We are the Grayhold Milita! We challange you!" Suðri Skornbrekker turns around to see whom he actually yelled that at, and his eyes fall on the idle Falkirk. “Falkirk?” (To Suðri Skornbrekker): It sounds nearly dwarven. Something like "[friend ][foe ][?] Ken (GM) Syviis calls to Falkirk in elven...but he neither moves nor lifts his head. The gem twinkles Suðri Skornbrekker: “He's asking if we're friend or foe...” Suðri Skornbrekker cups his hands and shouts back in Dwarven: Suðri Skornbrekker: “We want to the fortress. Friend or foe—your choice!” Syviis Adjeon looks between the tunnel and Falkirk, then begins to move back to the physician, clearly concerned at the machinations he's working on. (To Syviis Adjeon): The man has nothin gin his eyes. Swirls of black float on the surface of them, like black pools of water stirred by a dark hand. He stares at the tome as if enraptured. His jaw is slack. His grim on the gemstone is tight and whit eknuckled Gray growls at the intense, painful sound, settleing in beside the hall. "Closeing the portcullis to hold us out?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I seriously hope that's not the damned statue coming to life.” Ken (GM) THUD...THUD.....THUD... Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker LOUDLY SWEARS IN DWARVEN (To Syviis Adjeon): His eys look up to you for a moment. He blinks once. Then collapses, unconscious. The red stone falls from his hand, and the light winks out Ken (GM) BOOM Gray: "Falkirk!.. Damn.. Is he alright?" He worries for his friend, more then for the horror that seems to draw ever closer with every crashing footfall. Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker recalls th height and built of the statue, aiming the cannon in such a way that it would hit either the head the centre of gravity of the thing once it comes up, unless the legs were big enough t be an easy target. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) AND THEN AN EXPLOSION OF NOISE AS SCREECHING STONE AND METAL RENDS THE AIR, AND THE HAMMERING THUD OF THE THING RUNS ALONG THE TUNNEL P.P. A.: Initiative, I take it. Ken (GM): initiative! Syviis Adjeon: +1 for combat ref? Ken (GM): yus! Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): no surprise on youse guys! Syviis Adjeon:9.5 10 Gray: Joush M.: Doh! Well, it's +7 Ken (GM): 8.5 for bomrek; syviis and Gray got decimals on basic speed? Syviis Adjeon: She's 5.5 basic speed now...yay HT! 9.5 total Ken (GM): right, thta breaks your tie ooooh it ends up at the top! P.P. A.: Good, then it can get a bit closer before I blow it up The size modifier on that thing must be tremendous Joush M.: Nope, I spent to round up to 6 Syviis Adjeon: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ken (GM): which reminds me! The dwarves have SM-1 from dwarfism! and Gray is +1 as well! Joush M.: Is it Dwarfism, or just Race? Ken (GM): so you will note, Ill take a to hit penalty against Sudri and Bomrek, and a +1 bonus against whacking Gray Gray is relatively easy to hit, given his massive size. Ken (GM): yus he is Joush M.: Dwarves also buy armor at .5 or .62 (depending on Low Tech Companion 2 or Basic Set rules) cost and weight. P.P. A.: my urn order thing is broken, it only shows the giant and Bomrek Ken (GM) The thing clamours into view; the statue from the South of the great hall has come to life! red glows in it's eyes behind it's helmet slits. It bears it's jagged edged axe and it's bloody armor gleams in the red magic light Ken (GM): kk 1sec P.P. A.: is it actually carrying a shield? Gray speaks to Suori. "I owe you. You were right." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Alas.” Ken (GM) it barrles down the tunnel, striking sparks where it's metal limbs brush the stone walls! It is charging ahead recklessly to the fray! Ken (GM): Skornbrekka1 it is size +4 for reference Suðri Skornbrekker bellows: “YOU WANT LOUD AND SCARY I'LL GIVE YOU LOUD AND SCARY” in Dwarven, and he fires his cannon! P.P. A.: Aiming at its head... which should be -4, +4 for size, -? for distance, and +? for aiming? He's been aiming for some time and already in such a way that it would aim high, based on how tall he remembered the statue to be I don't know the stats of the cannon, though Ken (GM): face is a -5, size is +4 acc on that gun should be...2 so net+1! ah! distance is 8 so another -4, net -3! Suðri Skornbrekker: uh P.P. A.: ^ Hm hm Is there something that's close to the head but incurs less of a penalty Joush M.: You could try for a limb shot at -2 Takeing out a leg might end the thing's threat and let us pound it while it crawls around. P.P. A.: Yeah, I'll aim for the leg instead I did say,somewhere up there, that Suðri was recalling its size, and would have aimed at around where the head or the leg would be based on how meaty a target they would be and evidently the leg here is big enough to be more easily hittable thna the head soo Ken (GM): kk, turns into a shot against gunner(cannon) +0 then! Rolling 3d6 = 11 v14 P.P. A.: phew that would have hit the head too, but too risky Ken (GM): Boom! you swivel the massive gun at his leg as he clambers up! he jukes, and his knee bursts into a spray! P.P. A.: how long is the reload time on that cannon? Ken (GM): awhile, damage however is 7dpi++ Joush M.: 40 seconds, IIRC Rolling 7d6 = 29 Ken (GM): JESUS the leg EXPLODES parts of it spray in all directions! and it stumbles! Gray drips with blood, lit by the brilliant muzzle flare of the heavy, tripod-mounted gun as the massive beast bares down on them, the statue staggering forward and stumbleing. "Fall, damn you.." He growls. Ken (GM): it trips forward! caught up by its momentum and the hit to the leg! Suðri Skornbrekker watches with a maddened grin, fuelled by excitement and dread, as the shot connects and the leg crumbles, taking the colossus with it to the ground. Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon rises and re-arms herself, then turns from Falkirk to face the new challenge, praying he'll be safe until this is sorted. (To Fiss): he is limp on the floor :X Ken (GM): gray! Suðri Skornbrekker: “Bomrek, another!” he calls out as soon as the din of the cannon firing and the mountain of metal hitting the ground has rung out. Fiss: Damn good job, dwarv-guns! P.P. A.: Firearms are much more fun than magic Gray aims at the Right Arm of the animinated statue with the musket he holds braced on his shield. Joush M.: End Turn! Yeah, great shot PPA Ken (GM): Bomrek! The dwarf cusses about big metal beasties, and scambles to setup the other big gun back to IT! Ken (GM) The massive thing picks itself up, the metal leg nearly ruined, but it gets it's leg underneath itself, and slowly begins to get up Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! P.P. A.: Begins to get up as in it can't immediately move again next turn? Joush M.: looks like it made 2 posture changes. I'd expect it to move next turn Ken (GM): it's at the position "kneeling" right now. It can move again next turn P.P. A.: Hm Ken (GM): prone -> kneel Joush M.: Ooh, yeah P.P. A.: it moved 6 hexes or so on the first turn I'm 8 or so away sooo Suðri Skornbrekker quickly grabs his main musket and braces it against the cannon, aiming at the giant. He had hoped it would stay down for longer, what with only having one leg to stand on now. P.P. A.: Is it going to hop on one leg or hobble on a stump? Suðri Skornbrekker ends his turn with that, btw Ken (GM): Syviis, a giant metla thing is coming atcha! P.P. A.: :V Syviis Adjeon: Gray needs a harpoon. Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: dragging itself with its not-broken knee and supporting its weight with the stump of the other leg would work,I suppose Ken (GM): Gray! You have aimed a turn on the thing1 7 yards is a -3 fyi Gray fires, trying to take the right arm. -3 Distance, +4 Size, +1 Acc, -2 target (R. Arm) for 0 total modifers vs SL 12 Gray: Ken (GM): Boom, the shot strikes true against it's steely hide! Gray: Ken (GM): augh! Joush M.: Somebody did a bad job of loading that one Ken (GM): the shot leaves a dent in the skin, barely punching into the arm! Ken (GM) dwarven cursing in the distance from bomrek, about the care of guns Ken (GM): Bomrek! Suðri Skornbrekker: “It's getting back up, hope you have that cannon ready soon!” Ken (GM): hauls on the other gun, swiveling it on it's casing, pulling a thte mechanisms "i dont have aline on it!" he bellows IT SCREAMS Suðri Skornbrekker: “Wait until it comes closer...” Ken (GM): it braces it's shield arm on the wall, and pulls itself forward goddamn this unweildy POG there, hauled itself up 3 hexes, shield arm is holding itself up against the wall measure length from just in front of it's helm there Skornbrekka! P.P. A.: so now the distance penalty should be... -2? Ken (GM): -3 P.P. A.: hm -3 for distance, +2 accuracy, +4 size... so +3, -5 would be against 13... any bonuses or penalties I'm forgetting? oh, +1 from bracing, right? Ken (GM): no darkness issues, thanks to the lighting in here P.P. A.: since he's bracing against the cannon Ken (GM): ah yeah, +1 bracing Suðri Skornbrekker decides to fire a shot at the head, however unsure if there's even anyting vital to hit in there. Suðri Skornbrekker: [83d6]]v14 Rolling 3d6 = 7 v14 Ken (GM): well, it is a big metal monstrosity, but it's red glowing eyes are the only vulnerable looking target there the shot flies true! [3d6] and the thing fails to dodge! It does try to move it's head out the way, but takes the shot to the face! 18 pi++ damage! Ken (GM): awesome! the helmet-clad skull rings like a gong! ooooooh Joush M.: It's almost like he loaded his own gun more carefully then the one he gave me Ken (GM): haha P.P. A.: nah, you just took one of the cheap ones issued to the army this one's his personal one Gray can't help but think that's pretty fucking awesome, even as his head rings from the concussion of repeated gunfire in a closed space. "That's why you don't fuck with Suori of the northern holds, Monster." Ken (GM): Syviis! its still up! screaming! Syviis Adjeon takes a long pull of her bow and lets loose with a pulse of bright lightning covering the arrow, hoping if the tiny metal point cannot pierce the metal, the energy will have better luck. Syviis Adjeon: Arrow to hit: [3d6]v15 3d6 er... Joush M.: took you a bit but you got there. Just shooting whatever presents itself? Ken (GM): that was just torso shot, ya? Syviis Adjeon: Yep Could have gone for the face,, should have, but oh well. :P Heet? Arrow damage: -_- Syviis Adjeon: lightin Ken (GM): ah! but! it gets a dodge! Syviis Adjeon: yes Ken (GM): hahah, nope just as bad as last time so! Syviis Adjeon: (To Syviis Adjeon): Hitting magic elemental gems with electrical magical blasts? :P Gray wonders how well lightning will damage metal as he stands dazed from the brillant bolt that flew from Syviis's elegent bow.. then the gems the thing was bleeding explode. He lifts his shield to shelter from the flying crimson dust and blast. Ken (GM): Ken (GM) chunks of metal fly in all directions! showering you with molten shards of hot steel! Ken (GM): Gray! better dodge! or block! Syviis Adjeon: oh shit fam P.P. A.: last session: enenmies were a vampire and a dwarf, most dangerous encounter was an accidental fire this session: enemies are a giant metal golem and probably more dwarces, most dangerous encounter is flying scrap Gray: P.P. A.: *shrapnel Ken (GM): woo! Gray really got lucky there Ken (GM): A chunk of metal slams into the shield for 2 impaling damage Sudri! Dodge! Joush M.: Better not get decaptated by a bit of metal now. That would just be embrassing. Rolling 3d6 = 9 v8 P.P. A.: reeeee Ken (GM): you are hit in the groin! 4 impaling to the dick area! Syviis Adjeon: o____o P.P. A.: There wasn't a codpiece on the equipment list Ken (GM): fiss! dodge! P.P. A.: do the breastplate or the leggings shield tha area? Syviis Adjeon: ....shrapnel is hitting 15 hexes away?? Ken (GM): just bareley fiss, ya, and I rolled a 6 Syviis Adjeon: Cool, okay Acrobatic dodge attempt + diving Suðri Skornbrekker 's face distorts and he exclaims a Dwarven swear, his voice of a slightly higher pitch than usual Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): ppa, you have at least cloth armor on underneath right? Syviis Adjeon: Match acrobatics dodge: Eh... nope, even with bonuses I think Gray has on a senseble chain halbrik that covers the whole of the torso and groin. And lots of sympthy for a poor dwarf. P.P. A.: ooooh wait I forgot that I have combat reflexes now! that's +1 to dodge, right? Ken (GM): dodge 8 +2 acro+3 dive ya? Syviis Adjeon: Oh, then yeah! Ken (GM): yay! Joush M.: Yep, Combat Reflexes gives +1 to all defenses P.P. A.: :D Syviis Adjeon: + Combat Reflexes, hell yeah! P.P. A.: argh nevermind Syviis Adjeon: (though that might already be factored into the character sheet) P.P. A.: I didn't factor in Encumberance which putsme at 7 dodge so 7+1 is still just 8 ;_; Ken (GM): and finally bomrek P.P. A.: Fiss: I'm using a custom Excel sheet Ken (GM): a piece goes whizzing just past him Fiss: Ahh, cool, then definitely factor that +1 in Sorry for blowing up the party.... o_o P.P. A.: done Gray pulls the fragment of hot metal from his shield and tosses it aside, the unadorned rectangle of wood with an iron boss unharmed by the impact and the towering brute's chainmail rustile under his leather surcoat as he turns. "Well fought, I'm glad nobody was closer.. Suori! Are you hurt badly?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “The damage isn't lethal, but... ugh...” Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker drags himself up and braces himself against the cannon, one of his hands covering his manlihood Ken (GM): First aid I hope! P.P. A.: Is the Doc still out cold? Ken (GM): like a rock P.P. A.: fug Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A. fotgot to take that between sessions Ken (GM): Bomrek knows how to fix a dwarf! Gray nods and winces, comeing over to check the injury and looking to Falkirk before looking around. Despite his luck with the dark dwarf, he knows little of how to heal others and tends to simply trust his own unnateral vitailty to heal himself. Syviis Adjeon: Ahh, even better P.P. A.: If we're not immediately rushed by dorfs, I'll put some points into it after this session Ken (GM): kk so vs 10 boooo P.P. A.: ... Ken (GM): he pulls out the chunk without killing you, and packs the wound with gauze. Splashes it with whiskey P.P. A.: >bring down a giant metal golem and blow open his face >get hit in the balls and fondled by an incompetent drunkard dorf Bomrek: "Just for that, im not sharing this" He pockets his whiskey Suðri Skornbrekker: “Arrghhh... well, thanks.” Gray nods to the others, then turns back to the hall to watch for danger, seeing if more will try that and looking to the crimson gems. "Strange they burst like that. What the hell are they?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Please reload the cannon, I'll reload the muskets. They've got another one of them down there.” Bomrek: "Bah! its only a flesh wound. youll heal in a few days., More bruises than anything!" Bomrek Sets about checking the guns, and repacking the cannon Gray: Joush M.: or he will reload the musket. Bromrek has the cannon. Bomrek: Suðri Skornbrekker does get after he indulges a bit in self-pity a bit more whilst reloading his muskets. Ken (GM): so! What next :D P.P. A.: -a bit Syviis Adjeon: "I'll see to Falkirk again" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Grey, give me yours, I'll reload it too,” and inspect it for damage from being dropped so carelessly, but he won't hold it against the beastman. (To Gray): Falkirk is cold to the touch. Slack jawed, staring. His eyes are still swirling with black energies. He is unresponsive Suðri Skornbrekker is going to buy a big, obsece codpiece if they ever make it back to Greyhold in one piece (To Fiss): wat dooooo? (From Syviis Adjeon): this is pretty much beyond her magical expertise, but she'll try to reach out to the powers and auras, focusing on them, mediating if needed, trying to read more / break through. If nothing works, she has a plan B, but this is more likely. Gray: "The dark magic of this place seems to have overwhelmed him. Filled him, even.. I trust him to be strong enough, but I wish I could ask Falkirk what to do about someone in Falkirk's condtion." Suðri Skornbrekker: “He was playing with that crystal, wasn't he?” (To Fiss): Drop me meditation to start Syviis Adjeon: (To Fiss): not a great start: theres swirls of energies here, but they seem quite likely focuse don the magical stone he was fucking about with Gray will pack the crystal and coin in salt, risking touching them to keep the Dark Magic well insulated from who it might harm, then turns his attention back to Falkirk. (To Fiss): Roll vs will + talent [14] Syviis Adjeon: (To Fiss): The stone is charged with power, deep wells of it. When you touch it, the source of it all makes itself known; a Malevolent presence. You see him in a clear visage in your mind. A pale elven face, scarred countlessly on his skin. No eyes, only carved runes and bloody chasms. He is exerting his will here. This is HIS power Falkirk toyed with (From Syviis Adjeon): Syviis will first try to see if she can ebb some of her own power into it. Can she conciously pull out her own Power-Stone? Syviis Adjeon: IE, trying to syphon off a point or two into the raging water, letting the current carry it away er... oops Ken (GM): lol Joush M.: Damn, I've got to go. I think I'll be gone at least an hour! sorry, Great game as always Ken, thank you very much Ken (GM): no worries! see ya next week at least! take 4 xp and run! P.P. A.: Regardin GM whispers: when I ylel somehting in Dwarven (like to the Deurgar), should I write it out here in the chat, or should I just emote that I'm yelling somehting Dwarven, and whisper the actual speech to the GM? aye, t'was fun (To Fiss): Your powerstone is just a charged block of power; the rune carved ruby is a focus, or a fetish. The scarred wizard is certainly exerting his will in the world through it like a coduit. Ken (GM): feel free to keep things wrapped up in dwarven, and let the GM know/relevant parties know what ya said in whispers P.P. A.: I look forward to next week's dwarf zerg rush Okay Fiss: Should we end it for today? P.P. A.: uh Fiss: Ken, I can send you some back and forth just so the whispering isn't holding anyone Ken (GM): yeah, should be a good place to hold up theres gonna be a bit of invisible wizardry, i think take your 4 xp, the both of ya :P P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): Fiss: Coolio P.P. A.: Yes :DDDDD Ken (GM): buy* P.P. A.: Well then, see you next week. And I'll send the guy I mentioned your way Ken. Bye Fiss: o/ Ken (GM): 0/ Fiss: Ken, I'll drop you a line before next session to hash out some ideas. Gotta run for now myself anyway, kiddo and senie need a cough-med run I think Ken (GM): hah, k. feel better yo yo dawg P.P. A.: Hello Ken (GM): waddap? P.P. A.: College starting again on Monday, bye NEET vacation Ken (GM): whoo; the madness begins? P.P. A.: aye Did you find a good house? Ken (GM): nah, just out of our price range but! baby is due soon, so theres another thing to worry about there P.P. A.: At least it'll be a few years before the baby can start complaining about how it wants a larger room Ken (GM): lol true P.P. A.: On a game-related note: I'm uploading a more recent version of my character sheet, with points in First Aid (finally!), and I'm buying off my Impulsiveness disadvantage. It hasn't really come up but it doesn't really fit how I'm playing the dorf, so I might as well get rid of it That ok? Ken (GM): sounds good! I like the idea of you rounding off the corners like that; Gray did something similar with his Disad's he found he wasnt playing much Ive had fun so far mashing together a character with Jared He's not 100% ready to go yet, but he's near enough he's gonna sit in today hey, speak of the devil P.P. A.: Aye, he's told me all about it Hi Doc DrExplosion: I'm just about ready to go with it, actually Rules question about that flamethrower attack, though: Does a Cone have the same 1/2 damage range? Just wondering how that'd interact with the Dissipation P.P. A.: updated character sheet Ken (GM): dissipation overrrides, so you just divide damage by distance, give or take I still cant believe PPA does his sheet in excel you dont do anything too advanced; why not use the GCS? Fiss: Yo! P.P. A.: Well, I'd have to get used to something else and the work I put into the Excel sheet would have been for naught Ken (GM): som ekind of fiss-like material! P.P. A.: Hi Fiss Ken (GM): and a joush! Fiss: Yo dawgs P.P. A.: \o Joush M.: Hey everybody. How's it going? Good morning Fiss: Doing a live interview about book stuff in the background. :P Ken (GM): hahah; oh dear Joush M.: Good for you Ken (GM): Hah! your eon youtube! Fiss: I ammm Ken (GM): :D Fiss: i'm the creep in the blue stripey shirt Joush M.: You look fine. Not at all creepy Fiss: Dang, need to creep more P.P. A.: you could roll dice IRL and then move your camera to show us the result, foregoing the roll20 dice function, and confusing all the other viewers Joush M.: It's all in the inside I guess. You look like everyone else, just like a serial killer DrExplosion: @Ken- Just emailed my character sheet Ken (GM): I see that now DOCTOR EXPLOSION DrExplosion: Also hello other people, I'm trying to join your game P.P. A.: Gee, I've never seen you here before Ken (GM): lol P.P. A.: Welcome stranger whom I brought here Fiss: 'ello stranger! Joush M.: It's great to have another player join, Ken runs a great game Ken (GM): Stranger: I've heard good things And I've always wanted to play GURPS, this will be my first time P-please be gentle Fiss: be gentle sempai! Ken (GM): luckily there is no rolling for anal circumference here Joush M.: It's much easier then it sounds if you've gotten though Character Creation. That part is kind of drinking from a firehose Ken (GM): that is a perfect analogy for it 0_o P.P. A.: Last time: Falkirk touched one evil object to many +o Ken (GM): hah, yeah, he seems to have succumbed to the darkness Syviis is coming to the conclusion he may be lost to ~DARK POWERS~. Other than that, you guys dealt with a weird demon thingy (quite brutally) and dispatched that steel golem...thing Gray leaves his sword beside and tries to check on Falkirk, attempting to at least make him comfortable. He ask Syviis in a tight, worried voice. "There's nothing we can do to help him right now, save waiting to see if this ends?" His worry isn't just for the man he considers a friend, lost now to a nightmare. Suori could use his medical talents. Ken (GM): [oh yeah, and the explosion his the dwarf in the dick. That was a thing :P] [gotta love hit-location rolls] Joush M.: poor Area 11 P.P. A.: my codpiece will be gloriously gross and extravagant when we make it back to civilisation Suðri Skornbrekker stands at the cannon uneasily. As much as he wants to check up on the doctor, there are still untold numbers of fallen Dwarves and another dormant steel golem lurking in the dark; and there is not much he could do anyway. (To Fiss): Sorry we didnt get to the in depth of the Falkirk issues last week :P my bad. Long story short, hes quite dangerously being swarmed by dark energy youre sure is being directed intelligently. Your Thaumatological skill is not as refined as Falkirks, but the conclusion is the same; he is swamped with the power and interfering coul dbe worse than letting be Ken (GM): ah makeshift crotch -area armor? (From Syviis Adjeon): IE, cut off the source of the power (To Fiss): The backlash could do one of any number of things, and youre not sure it could be stopped by only that. Its a possibility, but...kinda drastic Bomrek ever nonplussed balks at the idea anyone would waste so much coin building more than one of those guardian statues... but looks down the tunnel fretfully, pipe in hand Syviis Adjeon: (To Stranger): FYI, Bomrek is one of the players (Adolph) but he's been mired in a cross-country move recently and is just on NPC-mode for the time being Gray spairs a worried look at the stone, the box with salt sitting nearby to hold it and the beastial man riseing, prowling as he wipes down the blade of his sword with a rag and watches the shadows. "One statue won't stop Suori the Dragonslayer" Ken (GM): [The remains of the Derugar body are a mulched mess; his armor and belongings are unrecognizable in the pulpy mess of the ...death elemental(?). Not a suitable source of armor for the dwarf's 11 slot] [Skimming Bomre's character sheet; he might be able to fashion something servicable form a shoovel-head, If you like. It would be roughly the right shape to start with, at least] P.P. A.: I have a shovel too; we do use them a lot, maybe we should just see if we can loot something in the near future Ken (GM): Joush M.: Well, it's your Area 11 Ken (GM): rpgs are weird Fiss: RIGHT IN THE ELEVENS! Suðri Skornbrekker: Impatience getting the better of the dwarf, after looking over his shoulder to make sure he isn't tearing her out of a trance, he calls over to Syviis: “And? What is doctor's condition?” Syviis Adjeon: "Not well...he's tapped into a stream of power...far larger and alien to anything I'm familiar with outside of the largest stormfronts." Gray wears a dark and unadorned surcoat over chainmail armor, the armor rustles softly with his movements. The surcoat, and the halbrik it covers, reaches his upper thighs and provides reasonable protection for his own area 11. "We will insulate him from the stone and give him time. It's all we can do for now.. Someone will stay with him while the rest of us explore the ruin?" P.P. A.: show-off :D Gray nods to Suori "I'm tempted to do that too, but we don't know if that would be safe for him. We can't undo that if it turns out to be unwise." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We should let him rest, then—but tie him up, in case something possesses him.” Ken (GM) The darkness returns the dwarf's gaze; in the depths....nothing stirs P.P. A.: I look the darkness deep in the eyes until something stirs inside the darkness's heart Ken (GM): [between the two of you, falkirk gets his hands bound 'comfortably' behind his back, and his feet lashed too. Bomrek volunteers to hold vigil, but only promises to 'make sure he's still breathing' Syviis Adjeon: Gray reluctantly leaves Falkirk in the care of the older dwarf, returning to Suori. "Ready for another trip into the dark?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Before we go in there again, let's try and lure them out here, where we have a better shot.” (From Syviis Adjeon): I will have to leave around 2:30 to get Senie to work, but if you're still gaming by the time I'm back ~ 3:30 I can rejoin (To Fiss): KK Syviis Adjeon: "Agreed. Better to smash it now than to let it wake up at some inopportune time anyway." Ken (GM): [very good, back to the depths!] Gray takes the lead, back into the depths. Protective of the others. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's take one of the cannons with us then, and leave the other one here if they chase us out.” Gray nods, stowing his shield and lifting the heavy gun to carry it over his left sholder. Bomrek: em/ nods along with the dwarven login "Take the loaded one, ill repack this other beastie" Ken (GM): Gray walks back into the great hall with the magic seal, then starts closer to the dark statue he remebers at the far end of the hall. Hopefuly it's still there.. Gray: (To Gray): You smell smoke, certainly, but much less than you would have thought. As well, a fresh scent here, blood, unfamiliar, near the seal to the south P.P. A.: Is the footing tall enough to hind the secret doorway, or can we look over the top? *hide (To Gray): There is blood mingled in with the odd red from the statue. Different blood. A handprint mingled in with it? Small, dwarven or Derugar? Suðri Skornbrekker: “So they came through here... I'm curious if there is another route through the portculis we opened, though.” Syviis Adjeon: "It seems this anchor is more of it's own castle and keep than a simple ground base... Heavens...what have we stumbled upon?" Syviis Adjeon smiles and nods. "Never was there any doubt, good Skombrekker..." Gray: "Before that.. let's go kill the statue at the north end of the hall." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's go north, first. We can see this door from across the room while we're demolishing the other state.” Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard Syviis Adjeon: "I can make short work of it if it reacts to my lightning the way the other did." Syviis Adjeon remembers to STAY BACK a bit this time (To Fiss): On the slab where the statue stood, an outline near the foot print, like someone spilled large flakes of red crystal... Gray agrees silently with Suori, his reasoning sound. Ken (GM): [so whats the plan for dispatching the statue?] Suðri Skornbrekker: “It's not coming to life yet,” he notes, meanwhile setting up the cannon, “so I'll be taking my time aiming for the head straight away.” Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) The imposing statue looms; the dark recesses of the helmet obscuring the face, the barbed sword held aloft, the wicked armor stained red with something too alike to blood Syviis Adjeon: "Remember the explosion from before. Ready yourselves near cover!" Suðri Skornbrekker nods, his legs twitching once at the memory. Syviis Adjeon: Gray nods and pauses, then goes to stand in the shadow of a pillar. "I was going to check it's mask to see if it hides those bloody stones." Syviis Adjeon: "Gray, I would say check now..." Ken (GM): [Sudri, drop Gunner, cannon, at +4 and a long aim (which should be another +4 or so?) Syviis Adjeon: "They may be part of the key to this place." "Did you see the red ruby dust near the Southern door?" Ken (GM): [when you shoot, I mean] P.P. A.: 14+4+4-5 for targeting the head, so that's 17 total Ken (GM): [augh, brb, toddle rpotty] Fiss: Toodlepooty Suðri Skornbrekker: “It might just be a statue, but I'd rather not run any risks here.” He shrugs, talking while aiming the cannon. “...usually I would feel bad about demolishing such fine craft, but who knows what elven lord of the night it depicts.” He grimaces disgust. Gray nods in agreement to Syviis. "I'll let him shoot it for safety before I check." Syviis Adjeon lets out a little chuckle as the shot goes off. "Shoot it for safety...A dwarven maxim if I've ever heard one..." P.P. A.: What's the damage roll? (Unless the statue blocks or dodges, which would be baad) Ken (GM): [back!] P.P. A.: (wb) Joush M.: Welcome back Waiting to see if Suori breached the statue's AT field Suðri Skornbrekker , as the smoke disperses, sees that there are no red crystals pouring out of this statue, and feels a pang in his heart. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) The interior of the statue hid a kind of hollow, within, strange gears and cogs sit, carved of brass and shining metals, as well as inset with odd runes... Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker hefts himself up to take a better look at the cuts of the statue. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Certainly crafted by dwarven hands; a combination of articulated joints, timed clock gears, and some kind of magical power. Suðri Skornbrekker climbs back down and picks up some of the scrap that the impact produced. (To Fiss): Certainly a foreign magic to what elves produce, but the internal workings look like theyre following simple magic circle rules, at least. (To Fiss): The room is still. Black stains on the ceiling...and a faint tingle of magic, like before with the air. Seems those elementals have been hard at work containing the smoke. Suðri Skornbrekker nods, and gets to it immediately. (To Fiss): Probably; seems there are no real holes or vents. Just, things sweeping the air? Its a tall ceiling at least... P.P. A.: We fired... two today? I think we carved a few more than that, but I'm not sure (From Syviis Adjeon): Would I be able to work on an advantage to allow her to use a point of FT to create a little spark / light at the end of her arrow? Basically a lantern? Say 1 FT per minute kind of thing? (To Fiss): Certainly a fine use of the power. Likely it would be a spark and fizzle a bit. Nuisance effect (noisy) (From Syviis Adjeon): sounds good. Will chat about it later Ken (GM): [so, after about a minute, Suðri is gun-packed. To the portcullis or the secret door?] Suðri Skornbrekker looks around and moves the cannon so that it can fire either at the secret passage, or at the portcullis. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Now that we're here already...” Suðri Skornbrekker feigns reluctance, when his eyes are full of curiosity. Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker quickly follows the other two (To Suðri Skornbrekker): "[display][authority]" Gray pauses and listens without understanding, gazeing at the seal and statue, the beast ready as he watches the far end of the hall.. looking back to the other side, makeing sure their retreat is ready. (To Fiss): You feel the tingle from a few feet away; lots of power being held here Suðri Skornbrekker quickly puts the statue down in the middle of the circle,and hastily withdraws his hand, taking a step back as well. (From Suðri Skornbrekker): “Authority enough for you?” Ken (GM) The circle flares, and dissipates. A creak of iron ans steel on stone, and the protcullis blocking your way retracts into the ceiling Syviis Adjeon: "I suspect this keep is staffed more by the elemental spirits we saw roaming the land, and less of the deep-dwarves. It may explain how fresh air is so accessible here." Suðri Skornbrekker: “You're underestimating Dwarven ventilation shafts.” Gray: "I suppose that makes sense." He admits, stepping forward, advancing into the grand forge. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) A glowing crucible of molten stone sits against the North wall, churning as if alive, the surface a riot of red power. But you feel no heat from even as close as you are... Syviis Adjeon: Gray looks to the strange curcible before his attention turns to the rest of the room. The anvles in their circles of power and the massive blade on a stone table. "This place.. Strange. What is that thing to the south end of the room? A capsan?" P.P. A.: His outer dwarf is still aching a little. Ken (GM) The odd object looks like a miller's wheel, but manacles lie clamped to the cross arm, empty. The worn furrow sits empty of anything resembling grain (To Fiss): Big juju magic in here, from the North wall. A swirl of it like a big cloud of power. Muffling. Likely protecting from the heat of the molten stone. Ken (GM) Nearby to the grinder, a large turn-wheel...with a skeletal occupant Syviis Adjeon: "My friends, I suggest we do not disturb the northern wall...whatever is holding that heat back is strong enough to be a force of nature all unto itself." Ken (GM) the body is loooong dead, but the bones remain, covered with veins of red crystals, twined about it like coral...or bloodroot Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'll trust you on that.” Suðri Skornbrekker takes a closer look at the weapon on the anvil however, although his eyes dart back and forth between that and the exit. (From Syviis Adjeon): she'll walk close enough to touch the circles, but stand outside of them, and try to meditate to get a sense of their purpose and detail (To Fiss): Theres something still alive in it too. Something...aware of your presence? (From Syviis Adjeon): she mentally offers a polite hello (To Fiss): IT stirs... Suðri Skornbrekker looks up Syviis Adjeon: "I...may have done something foolish..." P.P. A.: the room being the room I'm looking into, I take it Ken (GM) a voice booms over the small room, echoing loudly, the words unintelligible Syviis Adjeon: Gray stops with what he's been doing, turning his attention to Syviis, nodding to the lovely young elf.. then stareing at the flameing element. "I hope it's friendly." Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't reach for his musket but mumbles unfriendly things under his breath about elves and magic. Suðri Skornbrekker: Confident as he may be in dwarven weaponry, he doesn't see a point in trying to shoot a thing made of fire and magma. Syviis Adjeon walks to take center in front of the elemental's "eyes" and tries to reach out mentally again to wish it peace (To Fiss): PRISON Ken (GM) The room, previously comfortably warm, now seems to grow hotter Suðri Skornbrekker: “I suggest we pick up our statue and try that other door we saw.” (From Syviis Adjeon): "Do the dark dwarves hold you here?" Suðri Skornbrekker pushes that bucket(?) with tools out of the way to Syviis can dart straight for the exit, if need be. (To Fiss): HATE DWARVES Ken (GM) A plume of fire erupts in the middle of the room, like a ball of hate itself Ken (GM): right beside Suðri (From Syviis Adjeon): "Show me lock. Show me chains. We will break!" Syviis Adjeon turns to Gray and Suori "He wants us to break him out. I can try my lightning...I don't know if it will work, but..." (To Fiss): BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURN (To Fiss): Ken (GM) The room draws hotter, and in a moment, flashes quit ehot indeed Ken (GM): HT ROLLS PLEASE Gray: Ken (GM): :O P.P. A.: fug Syviis Adjeon: 7 with Fit Suðri Skornbrekker steels himself against the wave of heat Rolling 3d6 = 9 v11 Syviis Adjeon: fuuuck Joush M.: So.. 18 vs 13 Syviis Adjeon: 7 v 10 P.P. A.: Note for Doc: Gray is also weak to fire Joush M.: Sorry, must have hit the macro twice Syviis Adjeon: er...8v11 (From Syviis Adjeon): P.P. A.: I know I shouldn't point this out, but wouldn't the muskets fire too? Gray attempts to retreat from the room.. hopefully before he passes out. Ken (GM): HT FOR THE MUSKETS Stranger: fug :DDDD P.P. A.: :DDDD Stranger: (this is actually part of why I wanted a flamethrower power) (To Gray): Youre suffocating! P.P. A.: (besides, what's the HT of a musket) Ken (GM): ROLL! Joush M.: The black powder should have a flash point of 430 degrees or so. We'd have worse to worry about.. Rolling 3d6 = 7 (carrying two muskets) Ken (GM): nothing happens luckily! P.P. A.: wew Suðri Skornbrekker runs after him Joush M.: oops! nevermind.. ah, try to stand? Or move? (To Gray): Take 1 FP dmaage and Try HT again? (From Syviis Adjeon): Ken (GM) the thing screams again...and might be laughing gleefully too in it's gravel tones Gray: Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) gray coughs up blood, but sucks in a deep agonizing breath Ken (GM): [dragging gray free of the room?] Syviis Adjeon: yus Ken (GM) CLUNK (To Gray): Youre breathing poorly, and tasting blood everywhere. You need first aid Gray moves slowly and toches his throat, coughing up a little more blood. He nods in agreement to Suori, water sounds like a decent idea and he walks with the others. "Back to the entry hall" He growls out painfully from a burned throat. "I could use some help.. Thank you." Suðri Skornbrekker: “One moment.” The dwarf runs over to pick the statue back up, being a bit annoyed at this point that they had to come here carrying all this crap. He tries his best to support Grey while still holding the statue and some weapons Syviis Adjeon: "I will make this up to you, dear Gray. I should not have tried to speak to the wild things here...it seems even the elementals are under a blanket of bloodlust and foolishness..." Ken (GM): PERCEPTION FROM ALL PLEASE Gray: Syviis Adjeon: 12 on 13 Rolling 3d6 = 11 v12 P.P. A.: I see dwarves down south Ken (GM) You stumble into the room, Gray's bulk between you. As Suðri makes for his cannon and bits, you hear the two dark forms in the South shout in a alrm! Derugar! Ken (GM): INITIATIVE! Syviis Adjeon: YES wait... Suðri Skornbrekker: Gray shakes his head to Syviis. "I will heal.. Thank you.." He's happy at the kind words, but then it's time to fight. Syviis Adjeon: 11.5 Gray: Gray is going slow.. makes sense. Ken (GM): The one armed with a crossbow shouts something in not!Dwarven, and looses an arrow down the hall! it streaks towards you, sparks midflight into red light, and EXPLODES in your midst! P.P. A.: that's got to be a hefty distance penal— Ken (GM): if anyone wants to dive away from the burst, thats an extra -2 for your pre-turn stun but, its some kind of burst of light and such P.P. A.: the alternative is not diving and eating it, right? Ken (GM): P.P. A.: would we have to spend the next turn getting up if we dive now? Ken (GM): P.P. A.: hm well, they're far away enough Joush M.: I'll try the dive and drop Gray: Ken (GM): FUG Joush M.: me is not haveing a great day Rolling 3d6 = 10 v8-2 P.P. A.: 10 v 6, it was worth a try Ken (GM): double fug Sacrifical dodge not gonna help Suðri Skornbrekker sure hopes Bomrek heard the yells and things exploding Syviis Adjeon: K, Acrobatic Dodge, but not diving dammit one sec Ken (GM): lulz Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: 2d6 more Syviis Adjeon: fail acro dodge: Ken (GM): yay! another -2! P.P. A.: I say we ignore the 6 and take the 2 from the first roll :D Syviis Adjeon: So yeah...would have missed but she got cocky. :P lol Ken (GM) the burst goes off in your midst, and as you all dive for cover, you all seem to be splattered with...red dust? Stranger: I'm new to GURPS but this seems bad Fiss: Yeah. :P Suðri Skornbrekker REALLY wishes Falkirk was with them right now Fiss: Failing dodges is generally a bad thing. Ken (GM): so youve all dove for cover, failed, and landed prone, covered in sparkling red shimmer gray landed directly on top of it all gray, roll me 3d6 for location? Gray: Joush M.: That's.. foot Ken (GM): foot! Left foot! 2 crushing to the foot as you land bad. Thank fod for DR or you might have broken an ankle on that tumble! Syviis starts your turns! Fiss: "You've picked a hell of a bad time to fight me! Stand down!" Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): you stumble back up to a knee, but the red sticks to everything! Skornbrekker Suðri Skornbrekker gets back up, and extends his hand to help Grey up as well Ken (GM): kay to a knee for yo uas well Gray gets back up, the beast acheing and battered and covered in red. Gray: Ken (GM): keeping a lid on the hate? Gray holds the rage in.. so far. Ken (GM): kk P.P. A.: I'm more worried about the red dust than Urist Musket-McLightningvictim. Ken (GM): The crossbow dwarf draws out a new arrow, with a crackling yellow gleaming head. Syviis! wat do? Syviis Adjeon: Try to shoot it! How far away is this bitch 32? Ken (GM): ya, -8 penalty roll perception for me? Syviis Adjeon: K Beat by 2 (From Syviis Adjeon): yeah, was thinking that too Syviis Adjeon: Okay Ken (GM): [so fiss, wat do? Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: oh, I see thanks Syviis for not electrocuting us all by accident Syviis Adjeon: *target: 12 Ken (GM): woo! P.P. A.: \o/ Syviis Adjeon: FUCK I KNEW I should have aimed for the arm... :P Ken (GM): he seems surprised at the rapid response, and tries an awkward dodge P.P. A.: 12 at -8? What's your skill in archery? Syviis Adjeon: 17 P.P. A.: oha Ken (GM): 'heroic archer' as well Syviis Adjeon: + 3 accuracy to "Heroic Archer" Ken (GM): so like, bonuses from the wazoo area P.P. A.: they're worth it, evidently Ken (GM): The Derugar fails to dodge! The arrow sinks deep! Syviis Adjeon: Joush M.: Right in the wazoo Syviis Adjeon: Damn, not awesome, but not minimum Random hit location? :P P.P. A.: e-lev-en! e-lev-en! Stranger: What hit location number is the wazoo? Syviis Adjeon: 11 Ken (GM): (you gotta declare that before rolling!) the arrow punches into his leather in his chest Syviis Adjeon: lol OK :P P.P. A.: >leather armour he fell for the meme (unless it's lamellar) Ken (GM): boiled leather chest piece, looks poorly made P.P. A.: ah, boiled leather is sturdy enough Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! you have a knee and the enemy! Syviis Adjeon: probably soaks in most of the damage, though :/ P.P. A.: Would standing up fully take up my whole action? Ken (GM): nope, part of a step if you'd like, youre ata knee right now P.P. A.: hm Ken (GM): charge? Suðri Skornbrekker decides to... push the cannon so it no longer aims right at Grey, but southwards. Ken (GM): cool! You heave and the thing rolls. It is also spattered with red dust Suðri Skornbrekker noticed the cackling in the distance and doesn't want the cannon to spontaneously fire, much less at Grey. Ken (GM): the armored dwarf marches forward, roaring in his voice gray! Fiss: ohshitboiwaddup (To Fiss): See you in a bit? (From Fiss): gaming more important than car-retention. :P Ken (GM): [it is big and weighs many pounds, you can aim next turn!] (To Fiss): Noted Ken (GM): [its at least pointed south now] Gray rises to his feet and walks forward, leaveing a trail of red dust as he roars in return P.P. A.: (By the way, if a cannon ignited by itself, would the roll be untrained default for gunner, since nobody is firing it?) Ken (GM): Roll HT fo rme Gray? Gray: Ken (GM): Gray roars, coughing blood the whole time, spraying from his maw (To Gray): You are not healing! Fire damage to the breathing! P.P. A.: Pattern: Blue! or red, in this case Syviis Adjeon: Joush M.: me isn't exactly confortble right now, but pain that would stop most is an old friend to the wicked beast. He dosn't regenerate from flame. It could be days recovering from the burns, or longer. He will have to recover from this human-slow. Ken (GM): The crossbow dwarf yells something out , seeing the arrow in his chest, and turns for the open door! he ducks into the darkness there. His compatriot looks over his shoulder, and turns back to you, resigned Fiss! Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: FAILS...will take a moment to walk up, drawing arrow Ken (GM): ? vs a 15? Syviis Adjeon: Oops DOES I ACCIDENTALLY Ken (GM): -7 distance penalty now, FYI Syviis Adjeon: Step and fire Same deal, no power 13 to hit Joush M.: Random location or chest? (To Stranger): Fiss bought heroic archer, essentially gunslinger for bows. He he always gets a bonus to hit, has a bunch of lesser penaltiees with a few skill, lots of fun bow stuff. Very legolas Syviis Adjeon: Let's see if the dice want to have fun. :P Ken (GM): he fails to duck your whistling shot Syviis Adjeon: OK, location? P.P. A.: Oh, I didn't know you could declare that you want to hit a random body part at no penalty Syviis Adjeon: Do you roll or do I? Or...? Ken (GM): You do fiss! Syviis Adjeon: Chest? I can't remember...I may be thinking Rules for 3rd Ed I think that's a leg, is it not? (To P.P. A.): Yeha, you can just declare the blow 'lands where it may" at a-0 penalty. could hit the hand, or the face, or the torso P.P. A.: Ah, I see Syviis Adjeon: Ahh, perfect description Ken (GM): left leg! Syviis Adjeon: Damage! Well, average Joush M.: It's not always an advatage. In this case, Syviis loses her x2 to IMP damage for a torso hit. Syviis Adjeon: Can't complain Ken (GM): thunk! You hear it slam home punching through more leather! he cries out! Syviis Adjeon: Woo! Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: Oh the other hand, the torso seems heavily armoured Joush M.: Limbs take x1 from IMP, after all. Still hurts, -2 next turn if he's not running HPT P.P. A.: How far can I push the cannon, if at all? Ken (GM): its on a flat block, and the floor is okay here, = to your move Suðri Skornbrekker pushes the cannon five feet ahead Ken (GM): [5 P.P. A.: ah yeah, sorry Ken (GM): the sound of wood and metal scratching against the floor roll 3d6 for me? Rolling 3d6 = 15 [!] P.P. A.: in before sparks fly a-at least I got trips Ken (GM) the block of wood and metal housing the cannon scrapes along the floor; a spark shoots out AND THE RED DUST IGNITES Fiss: Awwshitson (To Suðri Skornbrekker): HT roll! Fiss: Gentlemen, it's be an honour playing with you lol Rolling 3d6 = 11 v11 HT P.P. A.: WEW Syviis Adjeon: noice! Ken (GM) choking red smoke erupts in a plume over sudri, and you hear him coughing loudly form inside the cloud Ken (GM): The hammerdwarf advances still, laughing...and limping Gray! Gray steps forward and pulls Suori back out of the clouad, then challenges the hammerdwarf. Joush M.: Move here, pull Suori here? Ken (GM): yep, but youre gonna have to plunge into the red smoke to do it! P.P. A.: hah, good thing he can't breathe anyway! Gray risk the red smoke Gray: Ken (GM): HT! oooh Joush M.: Oh come on! P.P. A.: situational bonus for caughing up blood just as he enters the smoke, pls Fiss: ffs, the dice are catching up on us today... Ken (GM) he flounders trying to suck in a breath Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: Gray should have held his breath. In retrospect, that would seem to be a better idea. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): Skornbrekker you are in choking painful thick red smoke! Roll HT fo rme! Rolling 3d6 = 17 v11 Ken (GM): [no such things fiss! this is gurps! Joush M.: You could sprint an extra 1 move next turn P.P. A.: ffs Ken (GM): lol FUCK Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): Sudri is choking as well! P.P. A.: can I at least stumble backwards while choking Ken (GM): take 1 FP damage! you flail and choke! roll DX+1! Rolling 3d6 = 10 v13 Ken (GM): you manage to choke backwards, falling to the floor out of the cloud, kicking wildly The derugar screams a challenge, picking up speed, aimed at Syviis grya Gray, even! You are choking! roll HT! Gray: P.P. A.: if I knew he could suddenly move this fast I wouldn't have bothered moving the cannon and killing us all Ken (GM): huzzah! you suck in a breath of bloody air! Gray manages to breath and shakes his head to clear it, then charges the hammerdwarf. he wouden't want Syviis to get into close combat with the armored dwarf. Ken (GM): woo, dashing into her way Joush M.: That move okay? I think she's still got a clear shot with a step Ken (GM): ya, LOS is maintained Syviis! (To Fiss): You can see from here, clad in leather boots gloves and pants. Plate on his arms and chest, and a pot helm on top, carved like a toothy maw Ken (GM): aiming for? [-4 distance btw] Joush M.: Close enough you might risk a vitals (-3) shot Syviis Adjeon: How's his neck look? P.P. A.: beardy, presumably Syviis Adjeon: AIM FOR THE BEARD! Ken (GM): beardy Syviis Adjeon: -9 total, aiming for Neck/Beard at target: 11 FUCK YES Ken (GM): year! he fails to dodge! damage! Syviis Adjeon: I'm OK with that Stranger: rip P.P. A.: who's laughing now at being unable to breathe Stranger: me Ken (GM): me Syviis Adjeon: Oh hell yes P.P. A.: >girly giggle Ken (GM) the arrow plunges into his bristly beard and hits home, a wet THWACK in the air P.P. A.: way to ruin the mood Ken (GM) he gurgles Ken (GM): Fiss: Unfortunately...DWARVEN BEARD DR IS 5 :P Ken (GM): but is still up! skornbrekker! youre choking still! its in your mouth! Roll HT! Rolling 3d6 = 12 v11 P.P. A.: I'm buying HT after this session Ken (GM): Youre still coughing and retching at the red; take 1 FP dmage Joush M.: Fuckking dark dwarves shooting cheeto dust at us Dangerously Cheesy P.P. A.: we have walked into the lair of Glenn Beck and his rogue delegates Ken (GM): The Hammerdwarf runs to gray, and swings his mace in a mad arc! and its wide! Grya! (Gray, even, if I could type) Gray attempts to Ready Sword with Fast Draw Gray: Gray slashes at the dwarf's right arm with the same motion Gray: Joush M.: He does get to defend, of course Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): he has no response Suðri Skornbrekker remembers whistling, he misses it Ken (GM): the blade cuts deep into plate metal theres a rending of steel, and lots of blood but the mangled blade comes free and the arm is a mess he slumps from the blow Syviis! Gray spits a mouthful of blood from his fanged mouth and snarls, standing with the sword in hand and covered in crimson dust. His gaze on the fallen dwarf, then looking past to where the other fled. Stranger: Is his damage seriously 3d6+2 Joush M.: It's a SM +1 Broadsword in the hands of a man with ST 18 Ken (GM): its the EXTREEME Stranger: Gray must be a big guy P.P. A.: Ken (GM): HUGE GUTS RIP AND TEAR Syviis' turn tho Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: should have linked Forces instead, Blood and Guts takes too long to wind up Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: also missed a “for you” prompt Syviis Adjeon: Fails, but pulls one out and runs toward the door Stranger: Yeah but you gave a better setup for the Huge Guts combo Ken (GM): takes a ready fiss, all you get is a step! Syviis Adjeon: OK Ken (GM): :P so eager! Syviis Adjeon: ELF SMASH! Rolling 3d6 = 14 v11 P.P. A.: REEEEE Gray is, Baneposting aside, a massive figure. Thick across the sholders and heavily muscled and massively armored in small links of fine wire, the sword in his hand a bronzy blade of Gorth make, too large for most humans to use. Ken (GM): the dwarf is dying. He takes another FP of damage Joush M.: Going to have to give Suori CPR Suðri Skornbrekker: down to 9 FP Ken (GM): The hammerdwarf twitches, and groans on the floor, clutches his ruined arm P.P. A. reads up on FP rules because he's never encountered that before (From P.P. A.): ok, thanks Gray makes sure the hammerdwarf won't rise, looking to Suori then to Syviis. "Aid him, please." The words painful from a burned throat. "I'll stand guard." Joush M.: Gray's default for first aid is.. pretty terreble. Syviis Adjeon: First aaaaaids! Ken (GM): cool! He seems to be choking on a red dust in his mouth, roll your best FA, but at -2 to clear the aitr passage Syviis Adjeon: Target is 10 (To Gray): He seems to be bleeding out, and tryin gto slowly crawl away Ken (GM) You scoop out a handful of red crystals from his mouth, they crumble in your hand. Suðri Sucks in a life-giving breath (To Gray): He's mewling in his foreign tongue, quietly, meekly, like a beaten animal Gray takes a lenth of rope and leans over the wounded dwarf, reaching out to the arm. Binding above the wound a torunquite to slow or stop the bleeding. It's not a plesant process, to stop blood that way, but might save the dark dwarf's life. Ken (GM): First aid+1! Suðri Skornbrekker breathes, his dilated pupils contracting again as his state of panic quickly wears off. Gray: (To Fiss): You feel a tingling sensation, wherever the red dust lies on your skin... Syviis Adjeon: (To Fiss): The dust isnt wiping away. as you push at it...its sticking to your skin...and wriggling under it! Ken (GM): Yes! Gray tries to get the dust off himself and remebers the painful ache in his throat and the blood on his tonuge. He still could use medical attention, but there's little avalable with Falkirk out of comission. He ignores his own wounds and pain the best he can. (To Fiss): Roll HT+1! Syviis Adjeon: (To Gray): All you can smell is blood....but not yours. As if the dust was...like the bloodroot? (To Fiss): All of the above, think 90's anti drug PSA cocaine hit Gray: "A man might wish for a bath and balm to drink.." He studies the fallen hammerdwarf, then starts to strip away armor. Syviis Adjeon looks very...conflicted. Syviis Adjeon: "Foul power...I'll burn that dust off my own skin next time...." Ken (GM) you notice, where she was splashed with the powder...theres none on her skin, at all Suðri Skornbrekker: “What's wrong?” he asks, his voice not quite back to form yet. Ken (GM) just her clothes, and armor P.P. A.: >looking at an elf's skin pls, I'm no horny human Ken (GM): lel Suðri Skornbrekker does notice, tho Ken (GM): like, her face, her hands, etc Gray studies Syviis, then her skin.. tilting his head to the side and remebering how swiftly it's effected Elves in the past. "Easy. We will make sure you aren't exposed to more. Just think of something else." Syviis Adjeon: "Agreed." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Oh, so... you absorbed it through your skin?” Suðri Skornbrekker is a little confused, many things on his mind, while his brain is still refilling its oxygen supply. Joush M.: Any decent armor able to take from hammer dwarf? Syviis Adjeon: "It seems the incideous addictions of this land do not need one to wait to choose to succumb to them...they are much more active in the participation than ale or pipeweed." (From Syviis Adjeon): how long would it take for her to strip off her armour, light a spark to destroy the rest of the dust, then don it again? Suðri Skornbrekker feels his throat. The thought of being addicted to something other than alcohol seems like racial heresy. (To Fiss): Not long, but youre getting...janky. Roll DX for me Syviis Adjeon: (From Syviis Adjeon): when the crystals ignited, it seemed more to be a problem of the smoke than the flame? (From Syviis Adjeon): so, assuming proper prep, should be able to burn off the crystals.... if she can make the HT roll not to gasp (To Fiss): Dont be right near it? (From Syviis Adjeon): depends...is it getting all over her? :P (From Syviis Adjeon): regardless, will do her best...won't get rid of it all I'm sure, but hopefully she'll be able to use her power next time without blowing up Ken (GM): it weighs about a pound, but is sturdy and shaped well. it has a belt and provides DR5 in the groin P.P. A.: given that it would be very gamey to say “oh, I suddenly feel a magnitude heavier. Here, please keep these bullets for me to balance the additional weight” can we say that his encumbrance remains the same until he gets a chance to dump the excess ammunition i.e. the next time they're at their horses Joush M.: Syviis Adjeon takes a few minutes to strip down out of her armour and gear, piling it into a heap on the floor. Any modesty she may have been worried to protect is gone in the angry high of the crystals coursing through her bloodstream. Then, when ready, she holds her breath and, snaps her fingers on the edge of her arrow. Ken (GM): yes, much the same joush. Gray watches Syvvis sa moment, then looking away from her and giveing her what privicy the area offers to strip down and get rid of the dust that clings to her clothing. Ken (GM): fiss! good news! you snap your fingers to sumon your power Syviis Adjeon: Do i asplode! ? Ken (GM): roll 3d6 Syviis Adjeon: (From Syviis Adjeon): I'd better roll will on that one Syviis Adjeon: Curiosity - 12 er,,, 'yeah (From Syviis Adjeon): will still be focused on burning away the offending crystals...her mission IS still important...but now is no longer worried about Ken (GM) There is a crackle of thunder, distant, far off...then much closer. Syviis stands, with a bolt of caged lightning in her hand, crackling up and down a length about a yard long (To Fiss): The high is gone, and all the power is expended! Ken (GM): Roll HT-8 Fiss! Syviis Adjeon: (To Stranger): Give or take; they havent had much in hand to compare but thats roughly the rate ja. Suðri Skornbrekker checks if she is still breathi— Ken (GM): [breath-ception] P.P. A.: Do I need to roll First Aid to remember to put her laying sideways or can I do that without a roll? I'm afraid of another critical failure. ;_; Ken (GM): lol nope, thats good memory on your part Fiss: When in doubt, PINKY OUT! But yeah, Recovery Position is good to know Ken (GM): [also stop crit failing everything] Gray nods to Suori, relaxing and breathing out. He looks to their equipment, her armor, and the elf. Too much to carry in one trip. "Should we move her back to the entry hall or stand guard here?" P.P. A.: 5+6+6., Suthri steps on her throat Fiss: lol Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker thinks. Fiss: If you kill me I'll come back as a Healer...but one inspired by Dr House MD. P.P. A.: that was a joke :D Joush M.: Full points for Fiss though, for a moment though she was like the guy on heavy metal album cover. Ken (GM): and this seems liek a good place to wrap for the day; Derugar defeated and untold phenominal cosmic power tapped into! Gray: Fiss: He may jam tubes up your dicks :D Any session that includes Heavy Metal Album covers gets 5 stars in my book Ken (GM): DR.Explosions! Whadja think? P.P. A.: GURPS: every roll is scary Fiss: Let's just hope the elf lives. :P Doc: That was pretty intense Joush M.: Thanks for the game! The elf had better live, that was fucking metal Fiss: CRIT FAIL A UTHEREAL SOUND! P.P. A.: I love how intense everything is in GURPS Fiss: Yeah, even with high skills, there's always a challenge. I think those were the longest ranged shots she's done so far P.P. A.: failed rolls actually have consequences, even if the threat seems minor Ken (GM): yeah, I pushed a bit today, but you guys are knockin gon the door of fate here... Joush M.: Gray got pretty battered, but it feels fair. Fiss: Yeah, no complaints. :P This is all part of the fun And we're cocky fuckers anyway P.P. A.: not really, he just bore the brunt of the other two characters' fuckups Joush M.: Next time: Get some of those damn mask from Falkirk P.P. A.: >Syviis says hello to angry lava demon >Grey burns his throat Fiss: "Hello angry lava demoOOOHMYFUCKINGGODSTOPBURNINGMYPEEPS!" P.P. A.: >Suthri pushes a cannon and ignites the dust Joush M.: "LET ME OUT. IT WILL BE AWESOME AND LAVA WILL BE EVERYWHERE. EVERYONE LIKES LAVA" P.P. A.: >Grey tries to save him and chokes Fiss: Well, it's true, everyone DOES like Lava. Only once, though... Joush M. laughs Fiss: Hehe Joush M.: Yeahh.. that's a good point PPA Gray did play with the mystery wheel though. He tempted fate Fiss: Well...who else is going to tempt fate if not us? :P Joush M.: Apparently it's attached to the dice roller. That messed him up P.P. A.: remember how he moved the wheel and there was the sound of stuff falling out somewhere? Ken (GM): god the RNG today.. P.P. A.: clearly all the good dice fell out with that Ken (GM): there were a TON of badly times fails... Joush M.: Ooh yeah. Good for Gray to remeber to be humble. Did we get delicious points for today? Ken (GM): ah! yes, 4 for everyone 1tasty tasty points P.P. A.: in the vein of “what doesn't kill me makes me tougher”, these plus 6 more will go into HT Joush M.: More HT sounds pretty good Ken (GM): Joush M.: I'll let you escape man, thanks again for the game, it's great P.P. A.: Indeed, I really look forward to every session Fiss: Better run and see how the kid & dawg are doing. Thanks again Ken, and fellow insane folks! Always a blast! Ken, I'll bug you about that power-idea thing later Ken (GM): yeah, wife is like, 6 days late on this baby here. Im attached to her at the hip until she goes into labor Fiss: BEBBIE Ken (GM): BBAY Fiss: HOW IS BABBY FORMED? P.P. A.: GURPs is one thing, but it can't substitute a GM with good attention to detail and a knack for tension Doc: Congrats btw, hope everything goes well P.P. A.: aye Ken (GM): danke! from the both of ya Joush M.: Congralations! Good luck man! Ken (GM): Doc, let me know anything extra re: your character. We can hash out your introducitons ometime this week maybe as well. Let me know a good time for ya Doc: But yeah I think I'm going to enjoy this game, I kept commenting to PPA on the side P.P. A.: Good luck with the baby! May it be born with a lot of HT Ken (GM): Doc: Didn't want to interrupt the actual chat too much as a spectator Joush M.: I'd be happy to have you join in. Can't wait to see your character Doc: I've basically got him ready to go except needing to figure out a surname P.P. A.: speaking of comments on the side [23:56] P.P.A.: I'll just pretend that Syviis had the foresight to burn her stuff a bit farther away from the cannon than it looks on the map [23:56] P.P.A.: I'm not risking another roll this session Ken (GM): ze cannon is fine no 'splosions P.P. A.: whew P.P. A. didn't dare to point it out in this chat :DDD Ken (GM): gtg tho; DOC hit me up later for finalizations, as per above! Doc: Will do o/ P.P. A.: Bye Joush Joush M.:Bye! 5.25 Doc:Roderick rolls 2 Impaling (imp) damage. (Rapier Thrust) Roderick rolls 5 Impaling (imp) damage. (Rapier Thrust) Ken (GM): BEEP BEEP watup doc? Doc: Yo, I was just afk Today is a coffee day Ken (GM): Amen man; toddler is up with the sun, newborn is up ALL DAY ERRDAY Doc: Congrats btw, everyone healthy? Ken (GM): yup; second one is always easier, and the wife is grateful for it. he just eats CONSTANTLY so shes up alot Doc: I look forward to having kids but I'm gonna miss sleeping Ken (GM): it is no lie; you will relish the days. so! can you see the map and everything? token control is good on your end? Doc: Yep I gave up on programming character macros because I have no idea which ones I'll actually need Ken (GM): ahaha true. Ask PPA tho, hes got useful simple ones for dice Doc: I'll figure it out as I go Ken (GM): coolies; mostly its just as easy to open the dice roller on the die and set it to 3d6; youll roll that like, 99% of the time SO Roderick looks around for any signs of what may have caused this Ken (GM): Perception! Roderick: Ken (GM): noice Doc: wew Base perception is 13 Ken (GM) You also notice movement inside the tomb, a figure stepping into shadowed view. Tall, feminine, and unarmed. You hear her footsteps on the stone CLICK CLACK as she moves Ken (GM): WAT DO?! Roderick keeps some distance and calls out to the figure Roderick: "Show yourself." Ken (GM) She has a smirk on ruby red lips, and she looks at you with something between amusement and glee. Her smile shows shiny white teeth Doc: What skill would it be to identify her species? Or do I even need a roll Ken (GM): offhand, youve heard of the Scorned who live in the Southern Raeaches. Not quite beastial figures like the Beastmen Horde, they are the descendants of the humans whose heritage was with the old kingdom of Gorgoth Ages ago, when the first war ended, the Kingdom of Greyhold expunged anyone tainted by their curse. They live here, outside the Kingdom, apart from the Horde South as well She looks to be one of them Roderick: "My name is Roderick. I have come to investigate legends, but have instead found a fresh trail of blood." Roderick suspects the obvious, but will not bare steel at a lady based on mere suspicion Doc: I'm figuring him to be all-out defense, ready to dodge Ken (GM) Again, she seems amused at your answer, and laughs deeply "I am flattered, 'Oh Roderick' that my deeds are already struck to stone. I had feared you woul dbe as dull as the last Man to cross my path" She speaks in a lilt, odd stresses in her tone, almost like she isnt used to speaking. Her word choices are odd too Ken (GM): roll IQ for me? Roderick: "I suppose, then, that you are responsible for this carnage? Do you offer any justification?" Ken (GM) Her smile curls up higher and she steps forward into the doorway. She strokes her armored arms and chestpieces "Oh the simplest and most true justice there is. He deserved it. Desecration requires a sanctification, after all, does it not?" Ken (GM): [she is speaking further and further in riddles, but she seems to be making a weird sense. She's making obvious roundabout ways to not speak in the simple first person here. And shes twisting your own references a lot too. She seeps smart...and tricky [brb, baby poop :S] Fiss: Zupdawgs Doc: yo Fiss: Ken, quick aside regarding buildin thangs: Impact Driver = worth it to avoid stripping screws for framing VS regular drill/driver? Because I seriously want to murder the discount shit-bits I have. P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): back! Fiss! Impact drills are great for framing, they drive the screws home soundly and are perfect for non-finesse work. Can recommend Roderick: "What manner of desecration warrants sort of... purification?" (From Doc): anything else? (To Roderick): The tales of the Fey often involved mortals being led off to their doom, or granted twisted boons from the Princes of the Forest. Tread carefully. shes either a mad witch, or maybe even a fey Joush M.: [No problem, it's good reading. It's great to be back in the game] Roderick: "Then perhaps you can answer my questions, so that I may avoid repeating his transgressions." P.P. A.: [just caught up] (To Doc): Fact-checks exactly Roderick: "I seek information regarding the Ansible of Spirits. The Runesmith Warn Olnfolk is said to have had a hand in creating the device." Roderick [mild concern] Joush M.: She seems like a nice lady. Roderick's going on his first match.com date? Ken (GM): wat doooo Roderick glances around to see if there were any other doors he missed P.P. A.: “I killed this guy for desecrating this tomb” “come and plunder it with me!” (To Doc): True dat; she seems to deal in big absolutes... Ken (GM): your SF roll should be against 14, for rod Roderick: Ken (GM): Bam; She is certainly working on a line of docorum youre not intimate with, BUT its roughly in line with the orders of royalty. If she's bequeathing you aboon, you are obligated to take it as one of noble heritage. But there is wiggle room. Like making conditions, or offering concessions anything you wanna tack on to her terms and conditions? Ken (GM) In the coming dark, the eerie silence that follows is broken only by a small sound, The Womans voice "The Pact is Sealed" Doc: rip Ken (GM): WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES Syviis Adjeon: YAY DOOM! Ken (GM): Gray Sudri and Syviis had reeled from the fight with the Derugar. Syviis had been invaded with the magical red dust, and a swirl of power had escaped from her, with dark prophecy on her lips Gray: In another time and place Gray watches over Syviis, hopeing she will recover soon from the overwhelming storm of magic power that had filled the elven woman after being exposed to the powder from the Dark Dwarves. He drinks water slowly, trying to sooth his burned throat and watching for danger with the young dwarf beside him. Ken (GM): Only moments after her Storm-charged visions of the future, the room is again shuddered with the power of a coming storm, and the magical pedastel on the floor explodes with power! In a flash of lightning, a man appears, standing beside a horse. He is holding a silver sword in his hand... WAT DOOOO Syviis Adjeon: [I assume I am still relatively out of it?] Doc: I assume the same Ken (GM): Youre tired but awake at the thunderclap with a start (To Fiss): Feels like magic; weird juju tho. The power of THE STORM was here Gray stands tense but ready, then nods at Syviis's words. "Glad to see you've recovered." His voice releaved, then calling to Roderick. "I am Gray of the Milita of Grayhold. This is Suori, of the northen Dwarven Kingdom, and Suori, whom serves the Elven grand elder. Who are you?" (To Doc): in the last weeks, as you set out, their tale of reclaiming the ruins of Glardenfen, as an outpost against the horde of beastmen is quite a tale. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Lower your sword, stranger! Who are you and where did you come from?” Suðri Skornbrekker is not hostile but reasonable cautious Roderick: "Well met. Your reputations precede you. I am Roderick of... well, of nowhere, now." Roderick visibly un-relaxes as he says this, but does not seem hostile Gray: "What brings you here, Roderick? Where did you come from to arrive by the portal? We seek the ambisil of sprirts, on behest of the Milita and Elven Elders" Gray lowers that massive, bronze-like Scorned sword, the brute standing beside the other two and watching the man without threat now. Blood and magic powder and scorn marks decorate his surcoat. Gray: (sorn/scorched) Suðri Skornbrekker maintains his aim, but shifts it sideways so that he may fire past the man and into any enemy who might come through the door again. Roderick: "I seek it as well, to destroy the same foe. But I do so on my own initiative, at no one's behest." Syviis Adjeon: "Quite an initiative...I assume not simply for adventure's sake?" Gray: "We come to take it, not destory it." He admits. "But it will be in safer hands." Suðri Skornbrekker: “And you managed to stay alive in these lands, all alone?” Though Suðri is still wary of the man, Roderick's explanation is more probable still than that he is some enemy in disguise. “If you want to stay alive, I would suggest stepping out of the way a little, somewhere between those pillars. There is a nest of enemies behind you.” Roderick glances behind himself and then moves out of the way, guiding his horse with him Roderick: "I suppose it's luck or fate that spared me the fate of the rest of my family and brought me here unharmed." Syviis Adjeon: Gray offers his water to Syviis as he watches Roderick still, the brute listening now as the others converise and looking around. He scents the air like an animal and keeps alert for threats that might approch them. Roderick: "I... don't know precisely where 'here' is. I was investigating the tomb of Warn Olnfolk when I came across a woman with powerful magic. She told me to take this sword, and I found myself here after I did so." Suðri Skornbrekker: “A woman—gaunt, elven, clad in silver scales, and rather grandiose?” (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Warn Olnfolk was a renowned dwarven smith. Fell in battle in the last age. His tomb is a kind of regular stop for dwarves to visit, as he was interred where he he fell in battle in the Southern reaches Gray: "You are under the floating fortress that holds the ansible.. Far from where you were, I think. " He takes the water back and puts it away, voice rough from his burned throat. "You are near your goal now.. the woman sent you here to achive it, I assume. A powerful wizard" Suðri Skornbrekker takes one hand off his musket to stroke his beard—he furrows his brow, apparently in thought. (From Syviis Adjeon): Armour n stuff: Dustless? Or still dusty after the flames? Roderick notices how beaten up they are Suðri Skornbrekker: “This might very well be their culture around here.” Roderick: "Are you wounded? I'm no physician, but I have some bandages." Suðri Skornbrekker turns to his allies, and asks in a hushed voice: “Should we trust him? The elf said that this portal would lead to the tower...” (To Fiss): Armor is impeccable. Tingles of magic make you suspect th elightning did it Gray nods to Roderick, looking to Suori and Sylviss. "I'll endure. It's.. well, they may wish to avail themselves to your help. My skills are limited." He considers Suori's words, then nods. "He seems.. Honest. I don't smell any lies on him, or blood." (To Fiss): You notice the fine sword he is carrying. it is certainly of elven design! Silver clad and wrought with work of the old spirits! Thats some kind of heirloom sword, certainly older than even the elder! Syviis Adjeon: Doc: oh wait is she naked Ken (GM): P.P. A.: >no “is she hot” Doc: that was the next question Syviis Adjeon: [OOC: Syviis IS attractive, but definitely doesn't fulfill the buxom wood-nymph image...she was in her armour-underlayers but yeah, basically her skivvies.] Syviis Adjeon smiles a bit, then feels doubly embarased. "My apologies for my appearance...my armour was...giving me trouble earlier." Syviis Adjeon: [back to English] Ken (GM): [he be evil! he speaks elven!] Syviis Adjeon: [you know who ELSE spoke Elven? ELF-HITLER!] Roderick: "The intrusion was mine, it is I who should be asking for your forgiveness." Roderick turns to Suðri Syviis Adjeon: Roderick: "Much was strange. The flayed corpse, the woman, this sword." P.P. A.: (is he replying in dorf or in human?) Doc: Human, so the others can hear P.P. A.: ah Ken (GM): Gray: "There will be more strangeness still. One of the Duguar escaped out the south passage of this room. They will prepare defenses and spread the alert, I expect we will not find it easy going as we search for the Portal Key we need." P.P. A.: >want to reply including “par for the course” >remember it's a golfing temr and so it'd be really out of character Roderick nods and steps closer, holding out the sword to hand it to Suðri (To Doc): It looks old, cetainly much older than you. Its a fine, long, curved thing with a simple handle, and the design has beaten in silver vines and leaves. It handles mutch like an edged rapier, balanced as such, just without the basket hilt. Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard, apparently not satisfied, and nods to Roderick. “I see, thanks.” Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker seems wary still, but not to the point that he would redirect his firearm away from pointing at the door. Gray: "Will you join us, Roderick? We seek much the same thing, but we would take the artifact to safe hands rather then destory it." Ken (GM): You all notice, at this point, the strong scent of spiced roast; Sage, rosemary and other savory smells (To Roderick): Yep. you smell it too. it seems to be coming from you? How odd :D Roderick: "Ah, you misunderstand. I wish to retrieve or use the Ansible, not destroy it." Roderick sniffs the air as well Gray: "Use? For what?" Suðri Skornbrekker is getting hungry. Roderick: "To destroy the enemies of Greyhold..." he pauses and changes trains of thought "Sorry, this smell must be a side effect of the magic which brought me here." Fiss: [Suddenly... A GORDON RAMSAY APPEARS! Everyone roll initiative!] Ken (GM): [ORAORAORAORA youre already daead!] Suðri Skornbrekker: “That sounds stupid, but these lands are strange enough that I'll believe you.” Roderick roll 3d6 vs Diagnosis? Syviis Adjeon: "I fear you may have traveled safely to danger, Sir Roderick, this entire lair seems a gauntlet of various trials." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Here is the situation: the magic spot on which you appeared, we were told, is also the entrance to the fortress that holds the Ansible—though I am no longer sure if that is true, assuming you are not lying to us either.” Syviis Adjeon: "It may also be that different keys open this gate to different places..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It is the only lead we have though. They key to activate it is held by the inhabitants of this place, grim, twisted Dwarves.” Gray nods as Suori levels with the man: They are making this up as they go along and really don't know what the portal will do, assumeing they could find the key. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Right now, the only way they can come at us is throught that door.”# Ken (GM): [marked in green on the map] Roderick turns Roderick: "I see" Gray: "The path to the north leads to a lava forge." Suðri Skornbrekker: “With an angry magma spirit. Don't go there.” Syviis Adjeon looks sour at the mention of it Ken (GM): [pulling the cannon off the map, Gray has it strapped] Gray starts to the south, walking to the door where the dugar escaped. Doc: Does anyone actually need First Aid? Syviis Adjeon: [despite looking tired, the elf is intact and seems healthy] Ken (GM) more of the magical torches sit on the walls, and flre to life in your presence. Syviis Adjeon: "Shame this place is such a battleground...the magic is rather homely and comfortable..." Ken (GM) in the far end of the room, a steel door is latched closed. an intricate lock is built in next to the handle Suðri Skornbrekker: “...speaking of magic,” Suðri replies, the mention of it irritating him, “why did you pass out before? Did your own magic turn against you?” (From Doc): Can I use the new sword without penalty or should I leave it with my horse for now? With my armor, it'd push me up another level of encumbrance. Gray nods in agreement as he looks into the strange room. Stepping into the room carefully as his massive boots leave prints in the ground as he starts slowly to the door with the complex lock. "The horse will be alright here, I think. Or we could take it back to the others." (From Doc): woo Suðri Skornbrekker: “Mhm.” At the mention of the magic dust, Suðri gets out the mask and puts it on. (To Gray): You smell a ripe aroma coming up from the depths here; this door is loose enough to allow free flowing air. The stench of many unwashed bodies, and filth comes up from below Gray sniffs near the door and growls. "Dugar, I think. Living quarters. Filth and sweat and oil and rust." He warns the others, letting Suori set up and examineing the door with it's lock. (To Gray): Simply enough, its a lock. Looks to take a key about the width of a human finger. Gray test the door to see if it will open. "Did the dwarf back there have a key? Suðri Skornbrekker: “Maybe there is another rune.” Suðri Skornbrekker had picked the snake statue back up and brought it with him, it sits beside him. Ken (GM): [no visible runes on this door, just a very obvious lock and handle] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Grey, may I have some water? My waterskin is on my horse.” Syviis Adjeon: Any visible traps? Ken (GM): Roll it FIss! see what ya find ;) Syviis Adjeon: Match Suðri Skornbrekker takes off the mask to drink a bit, quenching some of the thirst the hot air in the forge and the near-suffocation had left him with. (To Syviis Adjeon): Seems to just be a locked door; you dont see any other mechanisms attached to the hinges or lock. Very nicely made, but you can see most of the expose dmechanism from the kyhole Gray watches Roderick a moment, studying the man and trying to get a feeling for him. Not sure yet he can trust him. (To Fiss): In fact, you might be able to get through this without a key. A small hooked tool might be able to unlatch the lock from this side Suðri Skornbrekker rests his musket against the furniture and, his bardiche in one hand, approaches the door to take a look himself. (From Syviis Adjeon): Possible I have needles/threads in my kit for arrow-work? (To Fiss): Could work, if you wanna try jamming it in there (To Fiss): DX roll Syviis Adjeon: "Yes...we could shoot it...if this doesn't work, which it may very well not..." [tries to work the hook inside to trigger it] nope..fail by 2... will try again if time permits Ken (GM) Scrape scrape, thunk, a feasible plan, but the lock doesnt budge after a minute or two of struggle Suðri Skornbrekker: “We've still got the tools I used for carving the cannonballs; could try those as well.” Gray will likely be gone at least twenty seconds or so, given the distance and the need to search the body. (To Gray): The body is slick with blood, but digging through his puches yeilds nothing. A small wad of some kind of grey mush in a leather wrapper, and nothing else. Certainly a soldier on patrol with his lunch? Roderick: "Bavieca may be able to simply kick the door down." Gray growls in frustration and nods, turning to head back. In a real pinch.. well, they do have plenty of powder. Fill the lock, a bit of fuse.. Ken (GM): [all feasible plans] Syviis Adjeon decides to save her dexterity and let the brute force attacks have a try, moving out of the way and prepping an arrow Suðri Skornbrekker: “They know we're here anyway. We could get the tools and try to chisel it open, or blow it up; doesn't really matter.” Roderick nods Roderick: "That sounds like a safer idea than trying to get a horse to kick something besides oneself." Gray loops rope around a bit of fallen stone, trying to find a bit around 500 pounds and rigging two loops for handles on each side. "Suori, Roderick, other side. I'll take this one. Swing it into the door on three?" Ken (GM): [tru dat; Gray, wanna try ST for me?] Suðri Skornbrekker nods and gets ready Gray: Ken (GM): hahahah Suðri Skornbrekker not too worried about not aiming at the door, ramming a 500-pount rock into their faces will do the job as well Ken (GM): fucks sake, right Suðri Skornbrekker puts on his beaked mask P.P. A.: ST from us too? Ken (GM) With a slab of rock, between the three of you, you make short work of the door. One solid swing and the handle crumples, punching the door into the room beyond. A spiral staircase looms downward into darkness Ken (GM): [I forgot about extreeme ST and teamwork. The door stood no chance Gray massive muscles ripple and flex as he takes the weight on the ropes and gets the ram swinging, mrumering a work song to himself to get into rythem, deep voice rough and warm. He grins wickedly, fangs visble a moment, then nods to the other and muscles the ram out of the way, recovering the rope, coiling it and putting it away. "Thank you. I'll lead the way?" Fiss: TEAMWORK, FUCK YEAH! Doc: Is anyone carrying torches? >tfw human P.P. A.: >he can't see in the dark lmao, humans everyone Doc: p-pls no bully Ken (GM): [there should be two ornate looking enchanted ones in this room at least] Syviis Adjeon: [Ken! Sparky-thing I was talking about earlier...PMing you details] (To Fiss): I'd say keep it 2 points, but sounds good. All directions torch? equivelant to a lamp? Suðri Skornbrekker follows after him, though his hands are full. Ken (GM): [kk, marching in as gray, sudri, then rod syviis? bow in the back?] Joush M.: Sounds good to me Doc: That works for me Syviis Adjeon: Elf in the back, shooting down / through the party she has the stats for it Doc: wew Ken (GM): [rightyo] Joush M.: What's Roderick look like? Oh, and either deliver Roderick's horse to the front room and other horse, or hobble it so it won't wander into the lava room and get ate (To Doc): hes trained to stay if you tell him, but might get a bit wandery if 'stuff' shows up Ken (GM): yeah, clanky but duelly. Fine segmented brigandine plates over his torso and limbs, boots and gloves. Nice pot helmet Roderick would rather leave his horse with the other horses (From Syviis Adjeon): Yep, sounds good, 2 pts, Torch power Ken (GM): [so, short aside to wander over, put the horse into the motorpool?] Joush M.: Yep, just so I don't have to worry about the horse, then down into the dark! Ken (GM): [right; simple enough, Doc I believe you recall Bomrek and Falkirk, the others of the Greyhold expedition? Falkirk is still magically asleep, and bomrek is bristly about 'another magical jackass come from the depths of the All Father knows where".] [takes about five minutes to calm Bomrek down about the new guy, but he does seem impressed with the show of wealth; finely armored folks showing up with well-equippe dhorses? Elf-blades on display? Must mean we're blessed for more gold to hsow up] to be Ken (GM): [Bomrek will mention though, that youre all mean as rats to have made him put up with all this magical nonsense on the day he decides to quit drinking] Suðri Skornbrekker dumps some of the additional ammunition he was carrying into his saddlebags so he's at his encumberance limit again instead of going over it by a few grams Ken (GM): [noted! any other bookeeping you guys wanna shimmy through here? or just Hi/BYE - into the depths!] Gray thanked Bomrek for quitting drink today. The beast makeing introductions and promiseing Bomrek they will be careful. He checks on Falkirk before they go, the beast clearly worried about the comatose mage. Ken (GM): [falkirk remains gravely cold and inert] Suðri Skornbrekker also drinks a bit, though out of sight from Bomrek Syviis Adjeon: Into the deep unknowns! Ken (GM): lol Despite the exhausting ordeal of MAGIC COCAINE you are only down what you have intentionally spent earlier. No damage from the craziness of the storm so! (From Doc): wew Ken (GM) the stairs continue down, as well (From P.P. A.): oy vey Suðri Skornbrekker: “Work will make you free,” he translatres, and nods. “Well, they've got the right mindset.” Suðri Skornbrekker has never been to Auschwitz and doesn't get the Nazi reference either Ken (GM): [wakka wakka] Gray frowns at the door and considers a moment. "Force this one, or deeper into the dark? This would put foes at our back if we pass it." Fiss: I did nazi that coming. Suðri Skornbrekker inspects the door for any handles or mechanisms that might open it. Ken (GM): [a handle and lock, just as before. the handle is unlocked though] Gray seems ready to kick the door open. It's possble he diden't notice it's unlocked. (To Doc): Youll need an open hand to throw the flames. Syviis Adjeon whispers back: "Considering most intruders are high off of blood syrup, I'm not surprised." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We've already killed two of them, though.” Gray steps forward, looking to the mist and the strange serpiant pillars as he holds that flaming brand in a scarred hand, walking forward and whispering to the others. "Who is that speaking? Someone sounds afraid." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We should step inside so we can spread out a bit.” Ken (GM) Meanwhile, the voices continue. One seeming gibbering with anger and fear, the others laughing heartily. There are many voices Syviis Adjeon: "Perhaps they simply don't believe we are here." P.P. A.: Can Suðri make out any words? (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The babbling is fast and frantic, something like [monsters] or [intruders] pops up a bit, but its garbled. Perhaps the sentry from before? Suðri Skornbrekker whispers: “They're talking about us, probably.” P.P. A.: are these rocks? Gray nods and tightens his jaw, looking to the others. "The one that's afraid.. the one that saw us?" HE ask, moveing forward slowly. The beast is far from stealthy, but he tries as he looks into the tunnel and to the pool of water. Ken (GM): [yep big rocks on the floor. about as big as Gray.] Suðri Skornbrekker otherwise he uses his bardiche P.P. A.: *to come out Ken (GM): [you seem undiscovered for now. You guys gonna hdie in the rocks?] Roderick puts his cloak back on and also hides behind a rock Syviis Adjeon: The elf Stealths over to a rock Ken (GM) IT barks out in a dark tongue, and the laughter trails away. Heavy clanking footsteps blod out on the stone floor, and the gutteral voice shouts some sharp short orders Suðri Skornbrekker: “I don't think they spotted us. ...maybe there is another intruder here.” Ken (GM): [peeking through the grate beyond, to the North, there is a pool with a slow rushing waterfall. Bloodroot grows in the water, and a crumbling stair leads futher Ken (GM) the conversation ceases Gray: "The beast have some commander. Ordering them to get to work and hunt us, I imagine.. or.. some beast attacking. I don't care for this, we could challange them." P.P. A.: tbh, I kind of expected this when Ken whispered me “something like [monsters] or [intruders]” Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's lay in wait. We need to wait and see whether it's them we'll be fighting, or if whatever attacked them is coming for us next.” Ken (GM): [] Roderick: [Quietly] "We could use the noise as cover to move closer" Suðri Skornbrekker: “We could rush in and help them so they give up the key voluntarily, but I wouldn't risk it.” Doc: Is that another rock right there? Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the room. Ken (GM): [yep, dats a rock] Suðri Skornbrekker whispers to Grey: “That contraption... Did we not see something of the sort before somewhere?” Joush M.: Going to try and move here, I think.. far ahead Ken (GM): [cool, if Gray wants to try, theres no muffling noise. Stealth him!] [same for Rod!] Suðri Skornbrekker: “At the fort, I think? We destroyed it.” Suðri Skornbrekker points at the two pillars with the energy wall between them Ken (GM): [good eye; that gate of veiled mist is much like the one you saw at Glardenfen!] Doc: So wait, there isn't any noise covering their movement? Gray: P.P. A.: >grey didn't respond ;_; Gray nods to Suori. He hestates to go to the pillars at the middle of the room, but at the dwarven man's direction he nods, keeping an eye on them as he goes. Roderick: Ken (GM) to the north, a looming violet Bloodroot sways mystically, illuminating a lab of some kind. a figure works studiously at the counter. Jugs of bloodwine around him, stains on the floor P.P. A.: lookie-lookie Suthri can't see it, but is that thing in front of the guy the same death elemental that arose from the Deurgar's mangled body? Ken (GM) the dark dwarves seem uneasy, and the Ogre is grimacing, sniffing at the air Ken (GM): [they dont seem to have noticed rod from that distance Gray winces. Roderick's delicious scent stands out far more then blood and magic and seared skin on him, the ogre might notice it any time.. he motions the others forward, trying to communcate by gesture that he's spotted 8 likely hostiles, 7 on the far side of the room, one to the north. Gray: Ken (GM): Gray might at least get across "assholes, over yonder" P.P. A.: unfortunately, Grey onls has 6 fingers Suðri Skornbrekker understoods, picks up his shit, and follows Grey P.P. A.: *understands Sealth roll? Ken (GM): STALTH Fiss: I'm naming my next character Stalth. Gray braces himself for the chance they could be made and have to fight at any time. Ken (GM): [Draws his sword?] P.P. A.: what's the default for that skill? Ken (GM): DX! P.P. A.: minus? Ken (GM): lol roll versus a 6 PPA Rolling 3d6 = 7 v6 Ken (GM): Bravo! Doc: fug Ken (GM) The dwarf is silent as a fart P.P. A.: that roll seems pretty fitting Gray takes the blade in hand and considers, whispering to Suori. "I'll try to take the alchemist down before he can do damage. You can watch from here?" Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker nods Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker takes a step forward once Grey goes, and props up his musket on his bardiche, taking aim in the direction of the camp Ken (GM): [gotcha] Suðri Skornbrekker can't see everything that's going on through the pillar and statue, but he sees enough to get an idea of what is happening Ken (GM): [gray gonna creep up on this guy? or are we talking 'mad rush signalling craziness'? Gray will try and creep up on the guy, but knows the others will have to be ready.. this could go bad fast. Gray: Doc: d*ng son Ken (GM): clinching it Syviis Adjeon moves up to the nearest pillar, using it as a home-base to cover / attack as needed Gray: Ken (GM): Cool! Stealth fiss! Syviis Adjeon: Gray: Syviis Adjeon: match Ken (GM) Gray reaches out and apprehends the robed figure. His grip clamps down on the mans neck like iron, and nary a squeak escapes. He flails, uselessly Syviis Adjeon: [Epic Deathhug!] Gray holds the man, trying to keep him from makeing noise and holds him while he suffocates, planning to take the man more or less alive.. but to hold him like this until he stops struggleing.. Gray: Doc: ouch Ken (GM): lol Syviis Adjeon: [dam son] Ken (GM): Oh look, the giant strangles the man he falls limp, unconscious, the blood to his brain gone Gray lowers the man to the ground and binds his arms, glanceing back to the others and nodding. If there's anything he knows from working with Falkirk it's that alchemist are Very Dangerous and should be taken down first. (To Gray): You notice his visage is heavily scarred, in odd patterns, and he is certainly a human man Gray studies the scarred man a moment and looks quitely to the dugar. He checks the others to make sure they are ready and in postion, then risk trying to creep closer. Joush M.: To the wall, then down along it closer to the duagar? Ken (GM): kk, stealth! Gray: Ken (GM): more like, 8 vs 10 stealth? or do you choke out the quiet too? P.P. A.: Gray strangles the sound Joush M.: Oops! Ah.. Well, I'd like to let that roll stand but it is vs 9 for stealth, yeah P.P. A.: the sound falls silent Doc: rip Quiet Syviis Adjeon: I also attack the Quiet. Ken (GM) gray slips between a woodpile and a bubbling cauldron, ripe with the scent of bloodwine. Ken (GM): Gray, roll HT Joush M.: I expect Suori to do an astounding amount of damage to the silence soon Gray: (To Gray): You resist the alluring scent of the bloodwine; the stench by the pot is heady Suðri Skornbrekker still can't tell if the ogre is the Derugars' cruel leader, or their enemy. Syviis Adjeon: for steelth v14 Ken (GM): syviis notices the est of the cavern with the flayer P.P. A.: fug :D Ken (GM): [circled the pillar bases in red] Syviis Adjeon: Syviis Adjeon tries to Gesture to anyone watching her Syviis Adjeon: Joush M.: We are really bad at gesture Ken (GM): (To Roderick): you gonna scoot up too? Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't understand these Elven dance routines, but understands that she's pointing in a direction and that she is excited about something there. Doc: (°,,,°) Suðri Skornbrekker deducts, from the situation they are in, that it is probably a bad thing she discovered. Ken (GM): (Roderick isn't very sneaky but he doesn't want to be left behind P.P. A.: can you move 1 hex at a time without stealthing, if you go veeery slowly? Ken (GM): essentially Suðri Skornbrekker carefully picks up his weapons and veeery slowly tip-toes around the pillar Ken (GM): ducking from cover to cover is the hard part. Moving slowly wihout getting seen though? Roderick: Ken (GM): kk P.P. A.: I assume I don't need to roll since I just walked around a pillar that was already covering me mostly slowly, too Ken (GM) Rod shuffles up slowly, as out of sight as posisble, and reaches the back of the portal tower (To Roderick): you can TASTE the magic coming off that thing Gray will try to arrange a distraction if Roderick's in danger of being spotted, takeing a stone from the ground and holding it in his hand. Ken (GM): yeah, wood wall looks like, built up for provacy; no gate P.P. A.: Ah, Suthri can't see the mindflayer then (To Syviis Adjeon): The flayer seems intent on a floating stone, som inches from his face. His tentacles caress the swirling magic around the small sphere. The derugar beside him sits, eating a haunch of meat, Suðri Skornbrekker looks around, and frowns; crude wooden walls in a Dwarven fort? Pah, these are mere barbarians desecrating the work of miners and masons who, assuming they don't walk undead, would be turning in their graves to see what scum inhabits their halls these days. Ken (GM): \em The derugar seem to have been allowed by the ogre to proceed. they have stripped their comrade (his neck lies limp) and they are moving to...stake him over their fire on a spit Ken (GM) the other dark dwarves seem preoccupied with helping cook their compatriot Joush M.: So.. let's not eat any captured rations here Ken (GM) The Ogre however, notices the noise, and stands up to investigate gray's noise Doc: So I can't walk through this space, can I? (To Fiss): Double ACC (From Syviis Adjeon): yeah, she's aiming at the mindflayer...but also trying to do so visually, emptying her mind, focusing, so no "attack intent" is coming off of her Ken (GM) the Ogre continues P.P. A.: I wish I had a magic artifact to stick into the mist (To Doc): Magically speaking, you innately know theres a ton of power in that thing. also, that looks like a hole in reality, type mist there. Ken (GM): Gray! Syviis! Stealth! Syviis Adjeon: (To Fiss): Nods. All dependant on Gray's stealth check right now Ken (GM): Graaaaaay STEEAAAAALTH Gray: Joush M.: Goddamn! I'm amazeing Ken (GM): cool, beat by one The Ogre steps around the corner, and Gray has the drop on him. It seems ot be squinting in the darkness P.P. A.: >he can't see in the dark Ken (GM): He is utterly surprised P.P. A.: lmao ogres everyone Gray will attempt a All Out Attack (Strong) targeting the ogre's neck Ken (GM): :D snicker snack Syviis Adjeon lets loose at the same moment, all out attack, entirely focused on her shot Ken (GM): size mod +2 FYI Syviis Adjeon: [do Gray's stuff first, I'm shitting my pants here] Gray: Ken (GM): NOICE damorge! Ken (GM) the ogre doesnt even see it coming Gray: Ken (GM): :O Fiss: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH! P.P. A.: NOICE well, one above average the roll but that's still a lot of damage Ken (GM): (From Fiss): quick thing: Heroic Archer + 2 X ACC or just 2X ACC? (To Fiss): Yes it do Joush M.: Yep, CUT vs Neck is x2 Ken (GM): gray! DX for that! Gray: (From Fiss): 14 it is... Ken (GM): niiiice Gray swings the blade, massive muscles flexing in his powerful body and driveing the blade in hard, blood falling from that shineing blade and grabbing the body. Trying to drag the body into the shadows and keep the head from rolling out where it will be seen. Ken (GM): so! fiss! Doc: Didn't Gray roll terribly last session Fiss: [change of plans...rolling for general hit, but dumping a full charge into it] Doc: And now he's killing it Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: He rolled satan trips when it came to not inhaling a massive fiery heat wave which he is weak to Syviis Adjeon: BEAT BY 10 Syviis Adjeon is absolutely silent except for the sudden flash of lightning following an arrow let loose almost too fast to be seen. Ken (GM): holy balls Syviis Adjeon: [critical effect roll?] Joush M.: Goddamn Ken (GM): no, unfortunately. Not a crit unless its a 6 or less :( BUT ThunkKRAKOOM Syviis Adjeon: [that's OK...Just checking :P] Ken (GM): a very surprised flayer gets hit with LIGHTNING Syviis Adjeon: Arrow Damage: Doc: noice Ken (GM): noice Syviis Adjeon: LIGHTIN TIEM Ken (GM): dood Doc: n o i c e Ken (GM): DOOD okay, so Syviis Adjeon: [Doood] P.P. A.: n o i c Ken (GM): theres a crack of thunder, the lightning strikes true, and the flayer EXPLODES P.P. A.: e Gray memorizes what is said next. He's pretty sure it's how Dugar say "FUCK!?" Ken (GM): SO 6D explosion. Ken (GM) the dark dwarves are surprised P.P. A.: I have a clear line of sight to the crossbowdorf, right? Ken (GM): yep! P.P. A.: let me check what the range penalty was again Ken (GM): 14 is -5 but long aim is 2 X your guns ACC so! Suðri Skornbrekker shoots the crossbow-derugar in the back when the explosion strikes, he wants to contribute to the massed noise and death. P.P. A.: oh, what armour is he wearing on the back? 18 P.P. A.: err Syviis Adjeon: [DOOOD] P.P. A.: >2*4 should be 2*2 Ken (GM): so 8 on 16 then? P.P. A.: 15-5+2*2+bonus for bracing so 14+bracing, forgot if that was 1 or 2 Ken (GM):so a success; ROLL DAMAGE MAN :d 18 Ken (GM): HAHAHAHAH jesus The dwarf slumps as a fist size hole appears in his chest Fiss: MAGICAL HOLE TIME! Roderick hears the noise and rushes out of his hiding spot towards the enemy Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker 's morale is at a peak, having seen his two allies effortlessly dispatch two enemies within a few seconds, and having done likewise Ken (GM): Rod first though! k, leaping from the shadows (I forgot, move 3 with encumberance) Doc: Should be Move 4, he's only at Light Ken (GM): "initiative time!" Suðri Skornbrekker shouts something at the Derugar in Dwarven once the echoes of the explosion and the musket shot have faded. (From Suðri Skornbrekker): “Surrender or die!” Gray: Ken (GM): bah, youre surprising them, no need to roll Joush M.: Ah! Fiss: 10.5 for the elf Suðri Skornbrekker: (From Fiss): moving machines to downstairs, Simeon needs Sammaches, but I'm still in it Gray hopes the ogre wasn't the nicest guy around here and trying to keep the Dugar in line. Ken (GM): ah! shit! its 430 Ken (GM) UNITL NEXT WEEK! Ken (GM): Child is up from nap, wife needs help, flailing P.P. A.: It's pretty neat to end on a cliffhanger where it's a cliffhanger for the other side, rather than for us Ken (GM): hahaha true P.P. A.: where they are hanging off the cliff, so to say Joush M.: Ah! Yeah, okay. I can see that. Thank you very much for the game Ken! Good luck and have a great time. Oh! And good luck on the job hunt P.P. A.: oh, I forgot Congratulations! Heard your genes rolled up a new character Ken (GM): ah yeah, baby born the other week, got laid off thursday weird month for me P.P. A.: ah, shit Ken (GM): yeah, my thoughts too but hey, we might have an offer on the house tonight! Just got the call this hour Fiss: Damn their meaty treats! Woo! Ken (GM): so again, weird werid week Gray: That's so wild, so much change! Doc: I just made an offer on a house and had it accepted last week, too Ken (GM): yeah I know. But Ive got leads on jobs so far, im not worried, mostly just disappointed with the previous management. oh grats doc! Doc: That's a relief. It'd really suck to have no leads at a time like this. Fiss: Indeedy, always good to have a bit of stability Got an interview on Monday myself Woo! Temporary tiny-retirement possibly over! Ken (GM): huzzah! everything is coming up semi-milhouse! okay, time to fenegle dinner for excited inlaws 4 XP for the lot of you! P.P. A.: \o See you next week, good luck with the job hunt and thanks for the session, fun as always Doc: o/ Ken (GM): \o/ praise it! Doc: I had a good first time, looking forward to the rest Ken (GM): \[+]/ P.P. A.: See y'all Ken (GM): AHOI HOI P.P. A.: \o Joush M.: Hey everyone. How's it going? Ken (GM): Not bad; just poking the fiss which sounds like a euphamism now that I type it out Joush M.: But a euphamism for what? So many disturbing questions Ken (GM): so many left unanswered; TIME TO ROLL FOR SAN LOSS Joush M.: MY BRAIN MEATS Ken (GM): right in the squiggly skwooch Y'all get up to much this week? Joush M.: The sublime frustration of haveing responsbilty for something without control at work. Played some Civ 6. So many barbarians. P.P. A.: just the usual, mostly Joush M.: Arabia kept trying to mess with me and meanwhile I've got barbarians everywhere breaking stuff. Ken (GM): nice; i have also succumbed to the civ6 flu. Culture vic as rome/prince, then lady cgreece religious/prince. Trying my hand at king Babylon now. WARCARTS HO! P.P. A.: I'm contenting myself with Europa Universalis IV until Civ6 gets discounted in the next Steam sale Ken (GM): I got 8 warriors to the face from arabia out of the gate, fended them off with superoir carts, and now have the south of a cliff-locked penninsula to myself, thank god. Turtlemode activate! gotta tech up and wreck em what about Doc? up to much? chris is being awoken. Had to call his wif eon the home line. He's likely played too much civ as well, sleeping it off Joush M.: I bet you are right. It's hard to stop once you get going. I started on a content with Arabia and Kongo. They started an early war with me, just as I got Iron Working as Rome. Ken (GM): oh man, centurions ho! I was lucky in my first game to have a roughly isolated map, so settler spamming out to 6 cities right away worked, kinda. America forward settled me, and the denunciation spiral began Doc: Oh so I guess Roll20 decided not to alert me when people posted messages here P.P. A.: we're still waiting for Fiss, otherwise I would have pinged you on Discord Doc: I was just hanging out with this tab open thinking it'd ping me @ken just doing paperwork on this house Ken (GM): yaaay house papers. IKTFB alos, roll20 does that to me too; no pings for me sometimes. Just not allways, just sometimes. Annoying as hell something to do with window focus/chrome/sound settigns, im sure omg this soup Joush M.: Good or bad soup? Ken (GM): roast pork loin, fried with onions and carrots. Diced potatos, lentils, and some barley on top. served with brown bread hnnnng Joush M.: Now that sounds nice. The best soup I've had lately was just white beans, salsa verde and grilled chicken topped with lime and celinatro. Fucking diet cilantro? However it's spelled Ken (GM): tite bro. Im a sucker for dark meat/winter soups. Doc: tfw not even remotely picky about food Joush M.: Sooner or later I know I'm going to snap and make a hardy stew and a loaf of bread with butter Well nothing wrong with that Doc. Not everyone cares that much Ken (GM): i'm a self-professed food nerd. Dude, I homebrewed mead and drank it Doc: I'm going to do that, actually I'm a booze nerd P.P. A.: a classmate of mine in 6th grade or so did that once then he went to the hospital Ken (GM): lulz Doc: I'm also going to start keeping bees when I get my farm Ken (GM): tap the hive, right in the pot, straight to thecarboy. mmmmm booze bees Doc: So mead is a good use for the like 200 lbs of honey every year One colony produces about 50 lbs a year and I'll have 20 acres Ken (GM) Racks of crystal clear jugs line the walls here. Golden and amber booze of the finest quality, stored for the ages. It is of the finest quality Doc: kek I may even try making my own whiskey tbh but that's going to be tough Ken (GM): ooh, yeah, gotta source good barrels for one Doc: And I'm waaay too picky about whiskey I'll probably just think it tastes like ass and then never want to do it again Ken (GM): and even then, those suck like 80% of your cost for heirlooms/scratch built proper oak Doc: Whiskey isn't really something you do as a hobby Joush M.: Ooh, I diden't know that. I've only made hard cider, something that is pretty hobbiest friendly Well, and wine Ken (GM): gotta love the jugwine source some local fruit, stew it out, rack it away. wait Doc: But after a few years I should probably be able to figure out how to actually make good mead And that's got a good hipster niche so I could actually market it Ken (GM): stupid simple, I discovered. Honey +water. roughly a cup of spice to 20 lbs joos. Rack it and forget about it for 6 weeks. Rerack, and dont siphon up any dregs. DOne Joush M.: Well in the event of the end of the world as we know it Ken's got his post-apoclyptic job picked out Doc: The other thing I'll want to learn is goat cheese Ken (GM): oh lawd, homemade cheese now we're in food nerd/farmer territory Doc: I'm buying 20 acres for a homestead, m8 Ken (GM): hmm, im gonna give chris the benefiet of the doubt and say he'll be online soon, but we should get rolling bones at least here Syviis in NPC mode, but otherwise ITS INITIATIVE TIME BITCHES Joush M.: Sounds good. P.P. A.: Didn't we already roll initiative last time? Gray: Doc: We didn't roll initiative because they were surprised, I thought Gray: Oops, that's 1d6. Also, glad I got that roll out of the way P.P. A.: I mean afterwards not sure though Suðri Skornbrekker: Doc: I don't think so because I don't actually know how to roll initiative I would probably know how to if we had done it Gray: P.P. A.: 1d6+Basic Speed Ken (GM): and everyone is gonna get +2 for combat reflexes PC's leading the charge Roderick: Ken (GM): and 11.25 for fiss (From Doc): Also I remembered that my rapier has the Equipment Bond perk for another +1 to skill with it specifically, would the magic one be eligible for taking that perk again for it? (To Doc): certainly; the odd blade seems at home in your hands as if it's always been there. ;) (To Doc): Oh! A second weapon bond! i thought you meant just transferring it Ken (GM): right, so 3 straight in? Doc: He's only lightly encumbered, so his speed is 4 Ken (GM): 4, right, encumerence is light Syviis! Syviis Adjeon nocks another arrow and draws a bead on the dwarf to the south Syviis Adjeon: Skornbrekka! Suðri Skornbrekker puts down his musket and picks up the lighter one he also brought with him. Ken (GM): kk Suðri Skornbrekker waits for the day Dwarven engineers can figure out a way to reload these more quickly. Ken (GM): hah Gray! [please roll intimidate for me, for your surprise round display of ferociousness!] Gray: Ken (GM): nice; the Derugar tremble at the sound, the armored/mace guy actually topples to the ground in surprise! Gray roars in savage challange and readies his shield, the brute looking to the six dugar, stepping forward. Joush M.: Sword and shield readied, not berserk, ready to go Ken (GM) the derugar tremble and try to rally Ken (GM): ho! And they actually recover, on the whole! Shouts of alarm and pointing (fearful pointing, trembling even) But! to the top of initiative! Rod! Roderick briefly notes the enemy to his right, but focuses instead on the group in front of him Doc: Taking a step and aiming at that guy Ken (GM): which guy? Doc: actually yeah, that guy Ken (GM): kk [mumble mumble, icons, mumble] SYVIIS Ken (GM) Crackles of energy collect around her as she looses another arrow, screaming with thunder, at the armored dwarf Joush M.: Not going to hit Rod now, are you? Don't make him explode Ken (GM): VS a 12 woo! does he dodge(with stun at -2?) hell no! Ken (GM): he takes it in the torso! Roderick wtf Ken (GM): jesus how average Ken (GM) the arrow screams through the air, [just behind Rod!], striking home in the armored dwarf's chest. Theres a crackle of thunder! Ken (GM): the dwarf is still standing! and roars in pain! [tough bugger didnt fall!] wasnt stunned from the affliction either Skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker props his bardiche back up and sets his musket upon it, and aims it at the only Derugar he has a line of sight on, the one with the double hammers. P.P. A.: oh wait I can aim at the armoured one too He's lying prone, right? Ken (GM): armored is currently flustered and on his ass, yes. might be a good target next round tho Suðri Skornbrekker aims at the steel-clad enemy, figuring that Grey will have less trouble with the lightly armoured once Ken (GM): kk Speaking of which; GRAY Gray considers his options and charges forward to try and catch a few off guard, boots grinding forward. Joush M.: Going to try and charge though this guy. Gray: Joush M.: He can dodge. Parry is likely a bad idea. It's like 360 pound 'weapon' so pretty much anything would break and offer no defense. Ken (GM): ahh k; checking for a -2 stun, -2 from behind, dodge +drop, so net -1 nope! he tries to drop out of the way, but too slow! [note to everyone; aside from the armored guy to the south, and the one Sudri is currently aiming on, they all look to be in in thin layers of leather armor only] Gray: Joush M.: He deals slam back. HP* 3 (speed this turn) / 100 in dice. Gray got the shield DB as a bonus Ken (GM): a solid crack of crushing damage, and he falls (as he tried to dodge) his response is 1d-3, for being stationary meat so nothing, to the shield Joush M.: End turn then. Yay! Ken (GM): [slams rule :P] THEm! Ken (GM) to the south, the armored dwarf shambles out of line of sight, cursing loudly in their infernal tongue! Ken (GM): the other dwarves scramble as Gray charged into their midst! Ken (GM) They all turn, readying knives, spears, and hammers on gray!, the one he struck scrambles forward, back turned to the beast! The armored one (sudri is aiming on) clambers back to his feet, his heavy mace unreadied still! Ken (GM): Rod! Roderick steps in and shoots a cone of flame from his hand Ken (GM): all out attack for two hexes move, ? Doc: all-out attack for +1, aim for +3, range is -2? Ken (GM): -3 (the worse of the 5 to 7 yard gap) so net is +1 all said Roderick: Doc: so he's off by one, but it's still a 10 meter cone Ken (GM): ooh! scatter 1, roll me 1d6! Roderick: Ken (GM): hah, line is along one hex to the left :P not bad Doc: Cone is 5 meters wide at the end P.P. A.: pls don't toast grey o ok good Doc: whew Roderick: Doc: And then divide that by the width of the cone wherever each target gets hit Ken (GM) Flames leap from Rod, cutting a swathe down the line of dwarves! Caught by surprise, none of them dodged from it's path! Doc: wew B 434 says 10 points of basic damage lights them on fire, 3 points lights them partially on fire Suðri Skornbrekker grumble. Another magic user, this time with fire instead of lightning—what could go wrong? Ken (GM): right, so , less damage for those further away from Rod (emanation) armored guy seems to take the worst of it to the armor, but all the soft bits catch on fire [fuck me, doing complicate dmath] Doc: I'm sorry Ken (GM): For a cone, divide damage by the cone’s width in yards at the target’s distance from the apex lulz okay so 10 damage Ken (GM): all over armored guy divided by 2 on the spear guy and by 3 on the other dudes actually simple, once I map it out Doc: "This does 1d-1 burning damage per second and is very distracting (-3 to DX, except when rolling to put out the fire)" ^on the 10 damage guy Ken (GM): yeah, FIRE fun! Doc: His armor might protect him from burning to death tho, idk Ken (GM): not a great day to be a dark dwarf Doc: If they can't actually take damage from being on fire they don't notice it Ken (GM): oh, oh they will notice :P So! on to syviis! She nocks an arrow, and aims down South "I have us covered on him! take out the rest!" Doc: "This does 1d-4 burning damage per second and is distracting (-2 to DX, unless the damage simply cannot harm the target)" ^for the other guys Ken (GM): cool; updatingmy notes then :), thanks rod [makes BURNING PEOPLE NOTES] Skornbrekker, youre up! Your target is ON FIRE P.P. A.: hmm, distance modifier? Ken (GM): -5 my man ah christ, size modifiers P.P. A.: hm, acc of the light rifles? Ken (GM): note to everyone! derugar are SM-1 (just like the two dwarves in your party! Acc2, they were cheap P.P. A.: so it'd be 15-5-1+2+bracing... P.P. A. squints. He's not yet happy with his aim, and decides to wait a turn longer to make sure the shot hits. P.P. A.: er Suðri Skornbrekker squints. He's not yet happy with his aim, and decides to wait a turn longer to make sure the shot hits. P.P. A.: 12 or so just isn't good enough Ken (GM): kk patience! not a flaw Gray! your enemies are all on fire! (in some manner or another) Gray steps forward to slash the one before him with that bronzy sword, the brute towering above the dark dwarf. Gray: Ken (GM): daaaaamn Joush M.: So.. 15, due to size penalty, then he can defend 15 if he fails the defend Ken (GM): damn, the one with his back to you, on the ground, right? Doc: rip Gray: Ah, yes Ken (GM): he ded Ken (GM) The blade swings true, cuts deep, and severs the wounded thing in twain! It gurgles and the things armor continues to smolder Ken (GM): so ded Gray dosn't make the burning dwarf suffer, at least. There's some mercy to be found in the brutal slash of that gigantic sword, far too large for a normal human. Ken (GM): berser-style-mercy Berzerk hey! its a fiss! Fiss: Sorry for the late entrance my peeps Joush M.: Hey! Glad you could make it. Stay up way too late playing Civ? That was the bet Fiss: Pretty much lol Ken (GM): just in time for the madness Fiss: Assisted by Mr Jack Daniels too Ken (GM) the dwarves cry out in alarm at the beast, and converge. Several however, are on fire! Ken (GM): they roll about on the ground, screaming, putting out the flames P.P. A.: We'll have much to boast, the dwarfs we turn to toast. Fiss: lol Ken (GM) the three lit on fire roll about, extinguishing their fires but proning themselves Ken (GM): the others converge on their attackers [gm fighting the icons here :P Knife dwarf rushes Rod! and rod has nothing to worry about! Crossbow guy backs up, and snaps a shot at grey! Ken (GM): Grey! dodge? Doc: Actually I hate to shoot myself in the foot but the guys who are only slightly on fire only need to use a Ready maneuver to pat the flames out (To Fiss): You trained most of your attacks on the armored guy who was down by the 'Flayer. He went to ground, but youve been aiming on him, waiting for him to pop up. His metal armor is no defense against lightning! Gray: Ken (GM): [they certainly took the +4 for rolling about in a panic!] Joush M.: Block by one. Thankfully had the shield ready Ken (GM): yay shield! (seriously sword and board is scary) thunk, into the wooden slab for 4 IMP Gray lets the bold thunk into the heavy shield, the brute grinning fericly, seeming to enjoy the savage fight. Ken (GM): and fiss! the armored axe wield ing dwarf pops out of cover to dash behind a pillar! do you take a shot? Syviis Adjeon: Absolutely. Range is...lemme check Ken (GM): distance -5, his speed, an extra -1 it will be a random hit location Syviis Adjeon: Assuming my full aim bonus? Ken (GM): ja oh! also, -1 for his size [dorfs is small] Joush M.: Tricksy dwarves with their smallness Ken (GM): [fuckin gotta remember that] Syviis Adjeon: 16 target to hit thanks to acc DO HE DODGE? Ken (GM): NOPE 3d6 for location? Syviis Adjeon: Arrowed: Doc: elf-aim OP pls nerf Syviis Adjeon: Oh, ok Hit Loc: Arrow'ed damage: Joush M.: l leg? Syviis Adjeon: 3d6 lightnin oops there, 9 Syviis Adjeon: 5 arrow'ed 9 lightanan Ken (GM): wheeee Syviis Adjeon: And I'm officially on the threshhold of "any more FT and I'm taking negitives Ken (GM): you crack him in the leg, which smolders and collapses under him. he falls, screaming P.P. A.: RIP Ken (GM): which is choked off by the convulsions as he's stunned as well Syviis Adjeon is winded as a shock of power flies through the air, but determined as she reaches into her shirt and pulls out a small, glowing necklace, clutching it for a moment. Ken (GM): [MUH EFF PEES] Rod! You have aflamed your enemies, and are accoste dby knifey mc dwarf Joush M.: Gotta plug the elf into a charger after this Ken (GM): its along bowie like thing Roderick steps back and attempts to stab this fellow in the chest Fiss: ooc: Elf has a bit of a backup, but yeah...LOTS of power drain last 2 sessions. Roderick: Ken (GM): dorf is surprised, as his all out attack last turn /should have worked/, you hit! damorge? Roderick: Doc: unless this fancy magic sword does more damage also should I roll d6 to see if I hit vitals? Ken (GM): SQUICK (you discover it does do more damage, in fact) [and no, no vitals rolls. you can aim for it at -3, no need for RANDOM dorf fortress levels of insanity yet] Gray is glad to not have random OH GOD MY TENDONS hits P.P. A.: the severed part sails off in an arc! Ken (GM): Your rapier barbs out with thorny protrusions as it sinks into the dwarf! Fiss: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ken (GM): [also known as +2 damage] so thats 4 past DR, IMP, so 8 wounds (To Doc): As the blade sinks into the flesh, you feel a tingle of magic crawl up the length of your arm. You feel...euphoria. waves of good vibes roll up from the violence at you. It passes as the blade is pulled free Ken (GM): Syviis moved her initative, so (To Doc): You can roll versus PER+ magic talent to interpret, if you like P.P. A.: +1 for two turns of aiming, +1 for bracing? Ken (GM): yus yus, but dorf rolled about on the ground, so -2 for posture P.P. A.: fug 11 P.P. A.: aw Roderick: (To GM) (To Doc): That was magical in nature. The sword seems to have...rewarded you for your actions? The odd aura seems almost aware of your investigation. The magic in this blade is sophisticated (From Syviis Adjeon): I'm cool (To Fiss): whiskey and Civ last night then? Fiss: Fiss, Gray...the keys are like right next to eachother. :P (To Fiss): Ahhhh. hows he doin then? Gray steps forward and gives a look to the crossbow dwarf, then slashes down at one of the fallen, no longer on fire dwarves that had been prepareing to cook one of their fellows. Gray: Ken (GM): it tries vainly to roll out of the way (dodge -2) (From Syviis Adjeon): he good. Telus is doing a wage freeze for 2 years due to the economy, so I aint missing much that's for sure. We bullshitted game theory and politics and watched Steven Universe...fun time, actually. Gray stands there in the firelight as blood falls in heavy drops from the massive sword. Joush M.: End turn! Syviis Adjeon tries not to be absolutely impressed by that epic scene, rolls a crit fail, tries not to fan-elf-girl instead Ken (GM): hah Ken (GM) crossbow dwarf scrambles at his belt for another bolt Ken (GM): knifedorf clutches his chest, and holds up his knife, gasping at his wounds. Black blood dribbles form his mouth Syviis! P.P. A.: Did the others bleed black also? Syviis Adjeon realizes she's blocked by the architecture of the place, runs forward, quick-drawing an arrow for next round. Syviis Adjeon: CRIT SUCCESS IN ARROW-GRABBING Ken (GM): [no PPA! they bleed red] P.P. A.: woo, cursed sword Ken (GM): YEAH Syviis Adjeon: lol Ken (GM): [fyi fiss, theres a perk 'nuisance rolls' you could take, re: your bow stuff. its in Martial arts] Fiss: nice, will do, I has points for it, and that seems in character Ken (GM): [ill find a page reference, but it cuts out the rolls for stuff you have at like, 14+, and assumes a normal success unless under extreeme duress] anywho, draw arrow, move to yonder? Fiss: kewl yep, move and draw Ken (GM): ROD! murder time? P.P. A.: would be a nice change of pace Roderick steps closer and stabs at the dwarf again Roderick: Ken (GM): boooooo Ken (GM) the lunge falls short and the dwarf thanks the dark gods luck Ken (GM): Skorn! Suðri Skornbrekker sees his target still standing as the thunder of his musket rings out. He mutters a curse and puts down the spent firearm, instead, grabbing his bardiche with both hands. Ken (GM): 'both hands' ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Fiss: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ken (GM): Graaaaay! P.P. A.: if everyone survives for three or four more turns maybe he can kill another thing too ;_; Gray steps to the last hammerdwarf, turning the sword and strikeing with the flat at the right arm to try and disarm him without killing. "You have lost! Surrender!" Gray: Joush M.: I can't remeber how big a penalty doing Crush with the flat of a sword is Ken (GM): well, I'd call it at least okay beating by 4 he really fails to dodge swing cr to the arm plz [it deserved it, im sure. hes a cannibal] Gray: Ken (GM): CRUNCH Ken (GM) The dwarf screams as his arm goes limp, pulverized Ken (GM): oooooh, thats a failed HT roll Ken (GM) Bowdorf rachets on the bowstring, trying to reload as quickly as possible. The arrowhead is a bright ruby red Ken (GM): Hammerdorf bellows and stands tall, his body smoking from the flames! knifey lurches toward Rod, drunkenly swinging wild (To Roderick): Defending time! dodge? parry? Roderick: Roderick steps back and parries Ken (GM): nice Gray is impressed a moment by the graceful defense of the fencer, then his gaze falls on the crimson arrowhead the crossbow-dwarf loads.. can't have that going off. Ken (GM): Syviis! Fiss: Which one is the crossbow dwarff Ken (GM): over by the tent. the one with a crossbow Fiss: Does she have a shot or is the fire in the way? Ken (GM): LOS is true! you may fire! -5 total for size and distance Fiss: Heet! Ken (GM): yes it is! The dorf tries to duck, and takes the arrow true Fiss: Arrow'ed Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): ouch! Syviis Adjeon: 4 d lighting Ken (GM): insult to injury you mean BOOM the arrow lands and then the dorf is scorched, falling over in a heap a mishap! Roderick flinches at the sound Ken (GM): Joush M.: Holy Fuck! Syviis Adjeon: o_o Ken (GM) The fireball is intense, but not lasting; the edges of it barely singe Gray [0 damage] leaving a ringing in the air Ken (GM): SHRAPNEL THO Doc: sheeeeit Ken (GM): GRAY DODGE TIME Suðri Skornbrekker sees the crossbowdwarf explode into a fireball, and he feels satisfied; though he wonders if it was his ammunition that caused this. Gray: Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): oh dear P.P. A.: The severed part sails off in an arc? Ken (GM): right into gray's.. groin P.P. A.: AREA 11 AGAIN seems to be a sharpnel magnet Joush M.: DR 6 don't fail me now! Ken (GM): nice Joush M.: Well, 6 vs all but CR, where it's 4 Ken (GM): cutting ya good P.P. A.: >the most damage our enemies this encounter dealt was from getting blown up Ken (GM): an incidental chunk hits the hammer dorf Gray grunts slightly in suprise at the slap of sharp, hot metal strikeing his armor. The halbrik takeing the impact well and the sound more from suprise then pain as dwarf sharpnel gives him a nut check. Ken (GM): another sails past rod and the knifeguy TIME TO DODGE FISS Syviis Adjeon: Nooope Ken (GM): the groin! P.P. A.: >one of the dwarves survives Ken (GM): 3 cutting to the hoohaw area Syviis Adjeon: 2dr = 1 Hoohaw damage P.P. A.: >from this, and our battle with the iron golem, they judge that the best strategy against us us suicide bombings Ken (GM): chrissake and guy on the ground no damage! Joush M.: I'm really glad I wasn't at range zero when that went off Ken (GM) Pieces of the exploding dorf flie in all directions. Shards of arrowheads and pieces of wooden crossbow lobbed in all direction Ken (GM): Rod, its ya turn Syviis Adjeon: Roderick: Gray wonders just what kind of hellish power the storm witch can draw on to explode two men in a single battle, scattering bits of a mind flayer and dwarf across the landscape. Roderick: Doc: unless he defends Ken (GM): nope, he drunken lurches to the side, and then eats it (To Doc): The same powerful feeling lurches up your arm into your head..this time MUCH more intense. Roll HT for me Roderick: (To GM) (From Roderick): I'm gonna use my Luck on this one Roderick: (To GM) Roderick: (To GM) (To Doc): Warm feelings of happiness and...contentment? flow from the sword into you Ken (GM) the barbed blade plunges deep again, and the dorf falls dead before he hits the ground. Black spills form his mouth...and from his wounds. Red mingles with it in the firelight Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! one still stands to face you! (the other wimpers on the floor) Suðri Skornbrekker runs towards the action Ken (GM): HUPHUPHUP Graaaay P.P. A.: move is rounded to the nearest, right? if it's a fraction because of encumberance Ken (GM): round down P.P. A.: o Ken (GM): o7 hammerguy didnt get the messgae that he's lost; remind huim Gray Gray moves and attacks Gray: Joush M.: No dice! Ken (GM): The dwarf howls and wheels with his mighty weapon! Oh my! Block? dodge? Gray: Ken (GM): Sorry, Gray (whom I am swinging at) Joush M.: Oh come on! Ken (GM): oh my! P.P. A.: the dice are fickle mistressess -s Ken (GM): 14 crushing tot he torso Joush M.: Well someone's rolling well today Gray takes 10 Gray: Ken (GM): yay! not a major wound! (justa TERRIBLE one Joush M.: Oh! I thought it was 1/2 HP, not greater then 1/2. My mistake Ken (GM) the dorf reasses his life choices Ken (GM): Syviis! Suðri Skornbrekker couldn't see the attack Syviis Adjeon: Does the elf see an opening anywhere on the Dorf's armour? Neck? ear? Face? Ken (GM): face and neck are open otherwise arms are chain not plate legs are chain hes smouldered everywhere too, burned a lot in that fire Syviis Adjeon: Fair enough, aiming for neck, with 2d lightning - target is 13 with an All Out Attack Ken (GM): kk Syviis Adjeon: Awwwyiss Ken (GM): clinched it he fails to dodge in heavy armor! Syviis Adjeon: arrowdamage: Ken (GM): neck shank! Syviis Adjeon: lightnin Doc: wew Ken (GM): DOOD HAX Syviis Adjeon looses yet another arrow, but this time the power comes from within. Even as she knows her aim is true, sweat is on her skin and she falls to a knee afterwards. Ken (GM): Roderick! Syviis Adjeon: (To Doc): Excitement comes leaping up your arm. Hungry, like a hound scenting blood. Gray flicks his wrist to cast off heavy drops of crimson blood from the sword. His gaze cast around for more targets there amid the smoke of burned flesh and fallen dwarves. "Anyone hurt? Any more foes come to challenge us? Suori, what is that misty Portal doing? Ken (GM): [a heroic effort from the elf THUNDERBITCH] Joush M.: Oops! I'll have to put that after Suori and Rod have gone Doc: >Thunderbitch I like it Fiss: What do you think "Syviis" means in elf? :P [not actually sure, but why not?] Ken (GM): still a whimpering wounded dorf over here Doc: oh, didn't notice that one (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Your DORF senses are tingling. The construction in here...its old and ruined, but the way the stones in the North room are packed in, there should be another room behind it (To Suðri Skornbrekker): It is in there with a big eldritch plant thing, sure, but the walls dont lie. Ken (GM): noted! skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker stops for a moment, his attention, apparently having been caught by something else. It can wait, though—he rushes to his allies first, though his eyes seem to flicker to his left once in a while. Ken (GM): gray! Gray flicks his wrist to cast off heavy drops of crimson blood from the sword. His gaze cast around for more targets there amid the smoke of burned flesh and fallen dwarves. "Anyone hurt? Any more foes come to challenge us? Suori, what is that misty Portal doing? Ken (GM): gotcha Syviis? Suðri Skornbrekker: “Nothing, right now. Anyone remember how we disabled the last one?” Ken (GM): [falkirk did magic fuckery to it] Fiss: (From Syviis Adjeon): will keep the arrowhead for inspection later Ken (GM) From accross the room, the wincing dorf lets out a different kind of noise...a sharp bark of laughter! Swirling up from his limp body is a red dust! Ken (GM): Rod! Roderick steps closer and tries to light it on fire Ken (GM): nice Fiss: Fire: Solves more problems than Math ever did! Roderick: Doc: targeting the hex, not necessarily the dorf Ken (GM): bam, right on target Roderick: Ken (GM) The plume of flame gushes forth, and when it strikes the red glittering dust WHABOOM the whole cavern again explodes with noise and fire Joush M.: Not 11 again! Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) the fireball rolls up the ceiling, and you see sparks of red lightning crawl along the walls as it dissipates. The charred skeleton of the derugar is all that remains after Roderick: Gray is dazed for a heartbeat by the fury of the explosion that tears though the dark cavern, the stunning concussion of the explosion in the confined space before he gives Roderick a look.. hopefully that was the red refined magical powder, not the duelist eleashing such an elderich blast. Ken (GM): oh dear Doc: So that's a failure anyway, but did he take any penalties from this fight being especially gruesome? Joush M.: You did see TWO people blown into kibble Ken (GM): call it a -1 for weirdness factor Doc: So that's a failure by 4? Ken (GM): yep Roderick: Joush M.: Normally you wanna roll low in GURPS Ken (GM) Rod turns about the room, sword up, looking for more foes. after a moment of calm, he slumps, looks over at you all and says "Oh my" and falls flat on his back Doc: 10/10 Suðri Skornbrekker: “Shit, is he injured? Grey, what about you?” Doc: tfw post-combat shakes Suðri Skornbrekker looks over his shoulder. Gray: "He channled a remarkable amount of power to blast that last one.. His heart beats. He draws breath. I think he will survive." Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Good, good. He proved very effective, too bad I can't congratulate him like that.” Doc: Y-yeah, let's go with that. He's just tired, he didn't get spook'd (From Syviis Adjeon): will be seeing if the summoning circle is "charging up" or otherwise activating as they talk...any increasing or decreasing "magic feeling"? Gray sits up Roderick and makes sure the human can easily breath, that his armor doesn't bind. He chuckles. "They never had a chance. We caught them off guard and held the momentum the whole time. Slyviss was a goddess of the hunt set loose among them." (To Syviis Adjeon): The circle is like the others. It's stained with bloodwine here and there, but inactive at the moment. The grey veil is 'on' but doesnt seem to go anywhere. Casual examination says its not open right now. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye; I hate to admit it, but it will be some time till our craftsmen can manufacture muskets that fire as quickly as your bow,” he praises her. Syviis Adjeon smiles at the compliment, but seems otherwise focused on the magical machinery in front of her. "Looks like whatever they were doing is not complete...at least, I hope not." (To Doc): Youre out, fainted, in a warm blackness. Everything just fell away. The only thing you recall is how nice it felt, that loving touch on your hand. your sword arm gets so tired, after all Suðri Skornbrekker cleans and reloads both of his firearms, taking care but also not wasting any time Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's look around first to see if there are any stragglers hiding anywehere.” (From Doc): Forgot the encounter or just what happened while fainted? (To Doc): just the faint Roderick: "Y-yeah." Roderick nods and rises to his feet, unharmed but shaken Gray: "Recover yourself a moment" He gestures to Syviis. "Me and Suori will secure the area." Suðri Skornbrekker finishes reloading, leaves one of the muskets behind the pillar next to Syviis (so the alchemist guy can't grab it immediately), and takes the other and his bardiche with him. Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker lifts up his musket (To Doc): No words, only feelings. Strong ones. An affirmative and happy yes Gray moves closer, looking to the wasted corpse. "I would grant you mercy. What hellish sprirt animates you?" He seems ready to kill the bound body. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Are you still alive? Or are you using that corpse to speak to us?” Suðri Skornbrekker kicks the alchemist once, unable to hold back his anger. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Cannibal Dwarves, shit like this—this whole land is mad! Vile! Damned!” Suðri Skornbrekker draws his saber and grabs the alchemist by the collar, lifting him up and staring him the eye, teeth bared. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Talk! What were you doing here, scum?” Gray admits. "I don't know what a portal key looks like, of course." He turns from the table, then sighs at the man's muffled, tonugeless cackleing. "We will get little from him. More questions then answers. Always." (To Roderick): The striking image of a scorpion comes to mind. youre reminded of the fable of the scorpion and the fox... it just comes ot mind all of a sudden Syviis Adjeon frowns. "Remind him his lifespan will depend on how long he stays useful to us, just in case he hasn't already figured that out." Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) The scarred man nods, and composes himself, folding his hands together in front of himself, an obvious placating gesture. He bows slightly to you Suðri Skornbrekker: “...well, he seems to know what's good for him.” Suðri Skornbrekker looks over to the table. Syviis Adjeon: Gray nods and looks for a pen or stylus at the table, walking over and putting it in the man's hand. "Put him down Suori. Let him write in the dust for us to read." Ken (GM): [there is paper, rough, and charcoal Syviis Adjeon from her silent period Syviis Adjeon: :P Suðri Skornbrekker drops him down—with a bit of force, but not quiet enough for it to be “throwing” him down. P.P. A.: *quite Ken (GM) He recovers easily enough. He seats himself, crosslegged, and takes the paper and charcoal with another bow (From Doc): any History rolls or anything like that to know anything about this sword or the "Verdant Kingdom?" Servant continues with the same text below, in dwarven runes Syviis Adjeon: (To Doc): this particular sword, however, doesnt strike you immediately as anything from any specific one. Roll history? Servant "I can think clearly now. I am no longer bound to him. I am free" Roderick: (To GM) (From Doc): Unless this is Greyhold history, which I kinda doubt (To Doc): You do recall; theres a few older tomes, steeped with creation myth and old legend. Some bits of allegory jive with magical teachings. This World and The Other, the Veil between, the Darkness beyond. Those tales also spoke of the Old Ones...and their Children. One of those old tales referred to the Fey (possibly) and in that tale, if memory serves, the children rose up against their progenitors, severing them from all the worlds, casting them to the Darkness beyond. They spoke of weapons: A sword, a spear, and a crown... Servant shudders at the name you give it "Yes; he had claws in my mind. Hooks deep in me. He is no longer there. Did you slay him then?" Gray: "She did." He admits, gestureing to the elf that gleams with sweat and meditates. there on the marble. Suðri Skornbrekker proudly looks over to Syviis, a little smile beneath his beard. P.P. A.: that feel when they slew a mind-flayer and an orc, and he just shot a drof in the back ;_; Servant smiles as well. He bends to write "she has lifted a burden. Please thank her for me" Joush M.: Suori's gotten a lot of glory of his own. P.P. A.: dragons, huge steel golems? phh Gray speaks to the lovely elven woman. "He thanks you and says you've killed the one that had enslaved his mind. He's coperateing, for now." Fiss: Not only that, but the ONLY reason she wasn't one-shotted after firing was because Gray took out the ogre. :P Servant: [dont forget rod on crowd control] Joush M.: And again, we all saw the vital need for location 11 armor Servant flips to a new page, laying the other aside. P.P. A.: the angier the better Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker nods demonstratively, to show that he understands what he wants to express. Gray: "We are familair with that. You brewed it from this vine, fed on death.. you refined it into red crystals? Ones that explode violently?" (To Doc): and on top, a warm feeling. Like when you hold close your love Gray: "What is it? Why does it effect mages like that?" He ask, then looks to Suori. He dosn't imagine the young dwarf knows any better , of course. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Interesting...” His opinion of the Derugar would improve upon hearing this, were they not cannibals serving orcs and mind-flayers. Not much that could redeem such things. Syviis Adjeon: Syviis Adjeon nods, believing it Suðri Skornbrekker: “I can believe that. They seem to be dabbling in a lot of things they should not.” Syviis Adjeon stands, wincing and walking over to them Syviis Adjeon: "Is there a vein they are mining? Or is it prevalent within all the rock here?" Gray: "The barrier between worlds is thin here. Maybe the magic leaks in the cracks." He says, guessing a touch and feeling out of his depth. He frowns when Syiis winces and watches her with worry to make sure her wounds are not bad, catching the scent of blood off her, but not much. Servant nods, excitedly, pointing to the floor "Down below, the mines are beneath us. The portal lead to a slave prison and the vein of ore" Syviis Adjeon: "I hate to pile quest upon quest...especially after our disastrous attack on another slave camp...but this may be something we'll need to deal with as well." Gray: "I would free them if we can. I'd certainly rather the Dugar did not have ather-crystals" Suðri Skornbrekker figures this is what happens to slaves who have out-lived their usefulness. Syviis Adjeon: "Also...we've seen the power the dust has in destruction...it may be a key to defeating the Keep above." Suðri Skornbrekker: “...let's not mess with it carelessly, though.” Gray is a patient beast. He does nothing to hurry Roderick's reply. Roderick: "Honestly, I do not know if I am well. I've been... asking questions, and the sword has been answering." Suðri Skornbrekker raises an eyebrow. Gray: "You don't smell like a madman. If you say your blade's spirit speaks to you, I do believe you." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'm not sure if I do, but I won't discount it either. What does it tell you?” Syviis Adjeon: "The elvish masters who made that blade are certainly capable of such magical feats...I would not be surprised to learn it has a voice." Joush M.: "Invest in low cap mutual funds, and wait until people are asleep then kill them all and take their stuff. It's a Blade of Frugality" Roderick shakes his head "No words, only sensations." He points to the corpse at his feet. "These wounds bled black, and the sword enjoyed inflicting them. As did I." Fiss: Elvish blade of +3 Retirement Savings Suðri Skornbrekker: “Does it and do you thirst for more?” Roderick: "I've never faced these creatures before, but the others bleed red. And I am no savage, the sword sent that warmth up my arm. Gray: "Sounds as if they used something bloodthirsty to craft a cruel weapon. It's not wrong to exult in victory, just.. be the blade's master. Don't allow it to master you.. You may have a deamon bound in steel. Use it carefully." Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't know anything about that. Syviis Adjeon: "While not particularly bloodhungry, there are foes which the elves and their tools may consider righteous to slay and remove from the natural world...certainly, this describes most of the vile monsters we've seen on this quest." Roderick: "You're certain this sword is of elven make?" Gray assures Roderick. "She would know better then I would" in a tone that hopefully offers come confort after his grim speculation. Syviis Adjeon: Admittedly...one clan's morality may not extend everywhere... and we've already met the Lords of Night and seen their twisted take on Elf sensibilities... (To Fiss): verdant kingdom! Alarm bells (To Fiss): thats an old name, big juju. Thats one of the true names of the Fey's court! Servant relaxes, hugging himself, content to sit, a smile on his face (To Fiss): as in, well, you knew rumors about it being true, and the mysteries are deep. Shit. Where did he get that sword? (To Fiss): not much to go on, lore wise. Might have just been some scorned woman. Roderick: "She spoke of grand destinies. I have reason to doubt her intentions." Syviis Adjeon: Roderick nods thoughtfully Servant: [revealing the rest of the map for Gray; nothing pops up out of the tents. Lots of corpses] Roderick: "I suppose there's only one way to know. I fear disaster, but disaster has already befallen me. The only way open to me is forward." Servant: [oh! dirty buggers, look at the time. 430 alreaddy. and I have a costume party to get ready for!] Gray finishes his search of the chamber and work collecting weapons and equipment, pileing it nearby. "Do we risk the portal?" He ask the others bluntly, looking at the mist.. (To Roderick): You notice, your helmet is uncomfortable on your ears. And your belt is binding up funny on your ass Fiss: Aww yiss, thanks again Ken, sorry I was AFK for a bit, glad I joined up though! P.P. A.: Fun as always Fiss: Exploding Deep Dwarves is always a good time Servant: woot; I aim to please :D Joush M.: DWARFSPLOSIONS! Fiss: DWARVES: Directed by Michael Bay Servant: errybody, take 5 points! for awesomeness/time and such Suðri Skornbrekker will suggest to investigate that thing he noticed, instead Ken (GM): rather, GM is dispensing XP P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): and now I get to dress p like a ghostbuster! Doc: I'd like to spend 5 points on increasing my self-control number for Post-Combat Shakes and 1 point to improve Innate Attack Ken (GM): those sound like a good use of points! Doc does so Ken (GM): any other immediate ones form Y'all? P.P. A.: can't think of anything right now Fiss: Will do the Annoyance Roll thing, let me know what it's called I'll add it to the sheet Doc: oh wait, 5 points removes the shakes completely Joush M.: I've got an idea, I'll write it up and send it to you this week Ken (GM): sounds good! email me any major chnages guys :D and see ya in a week! Fiss: o/ P.P. A.: See you! Joush M.: Have fun at the party! Ken (GM): beep boop P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): holy shit where'd this collection of weirdos come from? Fiss: From the Internets of course Joush M. waves to the freak show Ken (GM): SWEET JESUS Fiss: Jesus has bread flesh and wine blood...of course He's sweet. Joush M.: Makes him sound like a really weird pudding Fiss: Mmmmmmm, Holy Pudding... Ken (GM): SOME KIND OF DELICIOUS SACRELIDGE Fiss: Mmmm, Sacrelicious... Ken (GM): SO I just got done with 3 year old birthday party number two; electric boogaloo I need a whiskey and a nap Fiss: I has whiskey And a blackjack Ken (GM): negative ten horse points Joush! Gray spending points on the spoopy magics, yes? Joush M.: Yes! That's the plan I'll make them off now and we can work them into the story at your convience? Ken (GM): yus yus, certainly. Joush M.: Three year old birthday party, that's exausting. At least with younger kids they don't really care about the special day Ken (GM): True, just ALL THE FAMILY for major meal it was intense anyone else spending major purchases? Doc: I'm buying off Post-Combat shakes and that's about it Did you get the email I sent? (To Roderick): You also seem to have a tail stuffed in your pants uncomfortably. A donkeys, as well Suðri Skornbrekker was about to delve inside, but steps back to take a look at Roderick. Roderick: Roderick seethes quietly, taking deep breaths before giving a curt "No." Suðri Skornbrekker: “...were you hit by anything during the battle, or is it the sword?” Roderick: "Probably the sword." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Might want to get rid of it, just saying.” Roderick looks over at the shimmering wall of magic he took cover behind Roderick: "Uness it's the magic of that portal." *Unless Syviis Adjeon looks tired, but also angry...possibly because she didn't pay NEARLY enough attention in Elf Magic Class to be able to figure out half of this crap... Roderick: Gray: "Could be some manner of curse. You.. haven't insulted any Fairy queens?" He ask. The question asked delecatelly. Then he nods to Roderick. "We won't be able to guess, I think, and the ears do you no harm. We can find a solution to this question later? Shall we check the passage that Suori has discovered?" (To Fiss): Ancient elevn lore, no roll, says this is likely a 'mark of the fey'. Theyre tricksters at heart. Marking their property Roderick: Suðri Skornbrekker looks uneasy and grips his bardiche, in case there's worse to come. The one thing he knows about magic is that it is fickle and dangerous; and even assuming Roderick is on their side, there's no telling what this witchcraft is doing to him. Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (To Fiss): The roll tells you its a certainty, and likely he's been struck with an Ass' features to teach him humility. Shakespearian wit, they have Syviis Adjeon smiles slightly at the ears. "I suspect that any fae who have given you power are not as distant or unwatching as you might otherwise suppose..." Doc: Does he have two sets of ears or did his ears transform Ken (GM): his ears have transformed Ken (GM) Sudri hefts the final stones out of place, and the makeshift heap falls apart; beyond, a dark tunnel looms. Quiet and still, dust settling everywhere (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The room is certainly dwarven, but unfinished work. Early stages of basic architecture,. none of the finished details. Certainly fine craftsmanship tho. Syviis Adjeon ponders briefly if she should stay with Servant and rest. "Should I hold the cavern?" Syviis Adjeon: Her curiosity is obviously there, but as is a deep fatigue. Suðri Skornbrekker: “That would be appreciated in case someone comes up the stairs of through the portal.” Syviis Adjeon nods and goes back to resting cross-legged and watching Ken (GM): [kk, syviis on watchguard duty, three of you investergating] Syviis Adjeon: Going to spend some time writing/talking to Servant asking about the events that led him to this place. Roderick moves closer to investigate the runes and see if he can decipher them Roderick: (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Dwarven runs "Sons of the Allfather, key to the Lock of surity, Wardens of the seal. Here lies power, incarnate" (To Roderick): The runes read something like "Sons ...Allfather, key to the Lock, Wardings. Seal. . ABSOLUTE POWER" Gray: "Some manner of trap?" He ask, just a touch disspointed. The curious part of him had wanted to pull the lever and see what happens. The towering brute looking out at the strange road. "They worked hard at this, for an unfinished area." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Power incarnate does not sound alluring to you.” He laughs and pats Roderick on the back. “Good, so the sword hasn't driven you mad yet.” P.P. A.: *? instead of a . after that first line Roderick: (To Fiss): Whats the line of conversation with Servant? Roderick: "Perhaps the alchemist we captured might know more." Roderick follows Gray (To Fiss): Servant seems troubled by your questions. He has a pained expression cross his face, and he holds his head in one hand before scribbling roughly "i cannot recall" with a worried look at you. A drop of blood appears at the corner of one eye... Gray: "They love blood here, don't they?" Ask the beast as he walks forward. Trying to finish their exploration.. after all, they've left Sylviss behind them. His boots thump softly on the beaitful floor. Ken (GM) gray's feet hover a few inches above the floor here, as he steps accross the roadway. (To Fiss): Perception check! Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (From Syviis Adjeon): despite knowing this...hoping it is this simple but doubting it even as the words leave her lips, she says... "You can be your own Master now if you'd like!" Gray finds the experince strange, but not unplesant in itself. walking ahead to get to the next 'stop' on the roadway. (To Fiss): His strike is not strong, but there is a malice to it! He slam sinto his own face, and once you struggle to him, his arm seems to move of it's own volition, scaring the poor man! it's as if it's posessed! (To Doc): Very similar design. Likely from the same craft, actually. A picturesque example of classic dwarven craft for it's time, maybe the last age? Later? [based on your archaology, etc] (From Syviis Adjeon): will continue to try to help him fight it. "Someone doesn't want you to be free, but you can choose! Let me help! Maybe we can break this spell if we work together!" *note: she really has little idea how...but is REALLY hoping she can muster up his will saves, lol Ken (GM) You all hear from the room beyond, Syvii's voice raised in concern! "...you can choose! Let me help! Maybe we can break this spell ..." She seems to be struggling with servant! P.P. A.: quick, what was that dorf smith's name again Roderick turns and runs towards the voices (To Doc): Perception + magic talent? Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) Roderick: (To GM) (To Doc): The thought leaps to mind "Why doesnt he have a tongue?" Ken (GM) Servant looks at Syviis with pleading eyes, wide open and staring Gray: "The scars and runes might bind him to this dark place. Be prepared.. he may Change, like the ones made into monsters of blood and bone and too many teeth." (To Doc): Inside his mouth, up against the plate of his skull....is something foreign. Green. Tumescent....pulsing with magic. Swirling patterns of energy. Doc: fug, brb pizza at the door Ken (GM) Servant open his mouth, and doc reaches in with his hand an his knife, and looks horrified! Fiss: Suddenly...RANCID MILK AND BEES COME POURING FROM HIS MAW! Joush M.: This is why I'm not a dentist! Ken (GM): [youve been in too many of my games...] Doc: Back with pizza (To Doc): Mouth magic parasit ething, wat do?! Ken (GM): DX! Roderick: Doc: aww yee Ken (GM): FUCK YEAR Fiss: AWWW YUSSS Ken (GM) A swift motion, and Rod rips the thing free. A small tinge of green something on the blade, and wriggling mass in his other hand. The thing is a violent shade of purple, and looks like some kind of tentacled mass. A beaked maw on one end gnashes with barbed pincers P.P. A.: >Roderick succeeds and also pulls a tooth with cavities while he's at it Ken (GM) Servant immediately calms, relieved (To Doc): SUBMIT TO MY WILL OR PERISH Roderick points his hand away from the rest of the group and incinerates the thing Roderick: Gray nods in instant and firm approval at the choice to burn that horror to ash. Doc: nah fuck that Ken (GM): BOOF Doc: I'mma use luck Roderick: Ken (GM) the thing is enveloped in flame and catches, as if made of lamp oil Joush M.: Rod rolls the worst D&D character ever? Doc: lel Roderick: "It was trying to speak to me, and I've run out of patience for such things today." Gray: "This place constantly finds new ways to be horroble. Do we brave the Portal now? Or should we risk the stairs?" The towering beast ask. "We still don't have our Key." Suðri Skornbrekker smirks. Ken (GM): [dont forge tthe tunnel down, at the end of the roadway, thats a possibilty too ;P ] Roderick: "What exactly is this Key you're searching for?" Syviis Adjeon: "If they were using the portals here to mine the red dust, we may be closer to the keys than we think. But...what it is? We have no idea." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I was hoping that he would know once we find it; or have someone tell us.” Gray: "We've heard from a source that may not be reliable that a key found here will allow us to teleport up to the flying fortress where the ansbil of spirits waits." Gray nods. "Ah, the tunnel past the weightless road. It could lead us deeper as well." Roderick: "Perhaps the statue's mace? If it was the sword which brought me here..." Gray: "And whatever is beyond that vault door, with the lever" "Do you know any more you might share? If your ordeal hasn't left you too exasusted to write." He frees the Servent's arms now that the man is calm, but keeps an eye on him. Servant seems exhausted, but does take up the charcoal once his arms are freed...he scribbles unintelligibly tho. He looks at his writing, and seems anguised, confused Suðri Skornbrekker: “I will take a look at the statue. Maybe the mace can talk too, and your weapon and mine can be friends.” Suðri Skornbrekker notices the Servant and tries in vain to decipher his writing. Syviis Adjeon: "It's okay, friend. Give your words time...I'm sure they will return in one form or another." Servant the scribbles are like a childs mauling of paper and stone. nothing discernable Roderick: "Perhaps someone else should grip the sword first, to be sure I'm not simply going mad" Roderick nods, too polite to say out loud that Gray would be harmed much less by transformations like Roderick's Doc: he actually left the sword over by the corpse it made Servant: [oddly enough, you did see him drop it, but the sword is at his side on the scabbard atm] [how odd] Doc: fugg :DDDDD Servant The sword comes freely. Shimmering silver leaves in the light. Green tooling still fine but simple. Light and well balanced, but a toy in gray's grip (To Fiss): Ancient elven lore roll? Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (To Gray): You feel absolutely nothing from the sword. You do, however, smell some strong tinge of a plant sap. Sickly sweet. a tinge of danger to it. Cant pin it down. Survival woods roll? P.P. A.: [flashback to another Skornbrekker in another universe communicating with some fishmen using a small chalkboard and chalk] Gray: (To Syviis Adjeon): Hmmmmm something something....fey trickery? P.P. A.: fish-people (From Gray): Failed by 2, darn it. Servant: [OWO] (To Gray): Cant put your nose to it, but its definitely coming from the sword P.P. A.: [I didn't have Tongues yet, but Comprehend Languages; so my character understood them, but they didn't understand him. The scribbling on a chalkboard thing worked pretty well though.] Ken (GM): lol, that was GM talk, just realized I was still on 'servant'] Doc: the fishmen scene was fun Fiss: It's all good, we figured Servant didn't just regen'ed his tongue and started chatting. :P Though that would certainly be helpful... Ken (GM): [no such luck, he seems to have pitifully resigned himself to being a tongeless dope] [so; what do, y'all?] Gray lifts the blade and scents the air like some animal, studying it before the wicked brute turns the blade in his hand to offer the hilt to Roderick. "It says nothing to me, but smells of a forest far away. Some half remembered sap.. Dangerous, maybe." Gray: "Let's go examine that tunnel. The portal and steps will wait." Suðri Skornbrekker rises back to his feed and turns to face the passage they had to retreat from so suddenly. P.P. A.: *feet Roderick looks at the sword in confusion and returns it to its... scabbard? Syviis Adjeon: "I'm going to investigate some of the alchemical things here, and keep an eye on Ser..." Roderick muses over the possibility of using both swords at the same time P.P. A.: and a third one in his mouth Fiss: BOOMERANG SWORD! Doc: he's ambidextrous so it's not actually a terrible idea And people historically did that with rapiers Ken (GM): chop chop, watchin mothafuckas drop Gray: "We can wait for you a moment, Syviis." He is uneasy leaveing her here alone with the strange man, but shakes it off after a moment. Roderick: "Do you know much about alchemy?" Syviis Adjeon: "No, but it seems our enemies in this land are masters of it, and I'd better be familiar enough with the symbols and implements." "I promise I won't touch anything..." "We should probably stay together, though..." "What should we do?" Roderick: "I've studied a fair bit. Perhaps I should help." Syviis Adjeon: Gray: "Let's take a half hour. Recover our breath, study the room. Eat." Roderick looks at the dwarf and beast "You two seem more than capable of handling any close skirmishes." Roderick: "I doubt I would be much assistance in those corridors, if you want to explore a bit more nearby." Gray nods to Rderick. "A fair point, Suori and myself can scout ahead.. but there are things beyond our ability to handle. We would not have prevailed here alone." He gestures to the room around them, the death and the exploded bits of mindflayer. Syviis Adjeon: "We should stay together regardless...it's clear this land preys on people who do not go prepared." Ken (GM): [you wanted to inventory the room/spoils of war too, right?] Doc: I do now Ken (GM): [hah, of course; theres a bunch of dead derugar, an alchemists lab to pick apart, corpses to prod] Syviis Adjeon prods carefully Joush M.: Sounds good. Gray will explore the room and inventory while Syivvis and Rod check the lab Gray's also going to take a drink of whisky and eat some food as they explore, and encourage the others to drink a bit of water. Doc: what's the recovery rate of FP? Fiss: 1 per 10 min Of "rest" Joush M.: 1 per 10 min rest, or 2 if you have Fit Fiss: Oooh, shit son... Forgot about Fit Suðri Skornbrekker sits down for a moment and looks around, wondering how he can make himself useful. He decides to tag along with Gray to poke stuf P.P. A.: f Suðri Skornbrekker will also wind up at the south of the room and notice the suspicious rock there, past where the mindflayer was (To Gray): Roll will for me? Roderick wipes off and sheathes his dagger as well Gray: (From Gray): Sucesses by 3. Or less, if there's a penalty Suðri Skornbrekker: rolling 3d6v12 3 Rolling 3d6 = 13 v12 P.P. A.: one sec, need to fix my PC whose cursor is bugging out again Roderick helps the elf investigate the alchemical stuff P.P. A.: back but yeah, fail by 1 Fiss helps the Roderick teach her stuff and not poke the acidic doom things. Syviis Adjeon: er... oopps (To Gray): There is something....off about the stone. Like...the texture doesnt make sanse. and it smells odd. Syviis Adjeon: "If we begin to damage the magic circles, can they be made inert...or will they blow up in our faces? Ken (GM): [the circles dont seem powered up; they would simply be broken/ruined] Roderick breaks one of the circles Gray: "That stone's wrong." He says to Suori, looking at it with the torchlight and frowning as he scents the air. "Is it a stone at all?" He ask, picking up something from the ground and throwing it at the odd rock. Roderick: "It should be fine." Syviis Adjeon grins and nods in Elvish Doc: >nods in Elvish Suðri Skornbrekker halts his motion to turn around, and looks puzzled: “What do you mean?” (From Suðri Skornbrekker): does he catche on that something was off and he was put under a spell, or is it still having an aftereffect to the effect of “whoa this came out of nowhere”? Syviis Adjeon looks over (To Suðri Skornbrekker): like an illusion dropped in front of you Roderick: "You sense it too, then." Suðri Skornbrekker blinks. “Oh, that little...” Doc: how tall is everyone btw Fiss: [elf is pretty small compared to humans, but taller than dwarf. 5-foot ish?] Doc: Rod's 6'2" so I'm guessing he probably can't look over Gray's shoulder Ken (GM): [gray is like, 8 foot something [ah, 7'2", 330] SM+1 baby Joush M.: Gray's very large, yeah. 7'2" in bare feet. Boots likely put him around 7'3" (To Roderick): Thaumatology! Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): A simple yet powerful circle; used to perpetuate an illusion over the thing, likely. Not a ward or blasting rune. No outward protrusions of magic here Fiss: "I think we are going to have a very fruitless quest if we aren't willing to take things that are potentially keys...but this IS very powerful, whatever it is..." Syviis Adjeon: - said the elf Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard Roderick: "Unlike the last magical object, this one has no obvious corpses nearby." Suðri Skornbrekker: “They were all eaten by the ork, I wager,” the Dwarf jokes. Roderick: "It seems to me that the circle was to cause the illusion. I don't believe that it holds any traps." Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (From Syviis Adjeon): she's right on the cusp of just grabbing it herself, but resists Roderick: "Whatever this is, we should probably take it. As you say, we won't have much success if we run away from every magic item we see..." Syviis Adjeon: "I'll take it if you wish...I seem to be able to push back if it decides to be unfriendly...at least so far." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It fooled me with its illusion already, so I'll pass.” (To Fiss): Roll WILL Ken (GM) Syviis shivers Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (From Syviis Adjeon): beat by 2 (To Fiss): You compose yourself. This is THE KEY. With it, you can gain access to the various portals. You know there are 5 active. They draw on THE POWER and each is accessible. You have a clear vision in your mind of the portal rooms. This one, the main entrance, the great hall another [redacted] and the tower above (To Fiss): You are fine. nothing is amiss Gray frowns in worry and nods to her at the words, only relaxing a touch. "If you are sure.. It's lucky we found it here, I'd never have thought to look had Souri not explored this area so well. Suðri Skornbrekker: “But then I was put under some kind of spell by this thing. The nerve—to keep me from exploring!” Syviis Adjeon turns to Gray and nods. "It's part of a larger well of magic power...it could lead us to other portals, and others who hold keys themselves. This may be the map as well as the key...a wise thing to hide." (To Fiss): the sword and THE KEY are not innately connected, no Syviis Adjeon: "I didn't feel anything connected to your blade...but I wouldn't consider that a bad thing. The power is decidedly not from the fae or elves who built your sword...it's far darker, more...utilitarian and mirthless (To Fiss): Falkirk is awash in this very same depthless pool of power. You know this to be truth Suðri Skornbrekker: “The other passage was sealed off, so there's nothing going to fall into our back from there. We might as well.” Syviis Adjeon: "I believe this is the power Falkirk touched...and got swept away by...I feel I can almost sense an echo of him somewhere through this key..." Gray nods, clearly unhappy with the thought that the young woman is exposed to the dark Key's influence. He walks with her back in the direction of the portal. "How does it work?" (To Fiss): Those you wish to move between the portals, put them into the border of THE CIRCLE. Will THE POWER to move you. You will be transposed Syviis Adjeon walks over to the portal, waiting for the others Syviis Adjeon: "Where do we wish to go?" "We did discuss the mines below...but that was when we thought one key was used for one portal...not this master-key." Gray: "I'd still like to free those enslaved to the mine. It's a side trip from our true goal., but a worthy one." Suðri Skornbrekker nods, and quickly fetches the other musket he hid (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Servant lies still on the floor, nearby Suðri Skornbrekker checks up on Servant Syviis Adjeon: "We have no idea what this will do or look like to the foes on the other end...let's get every advantage ready." (To Suðri Skornbrekker): A pool of crimson sits under his head. His hands are plunged into his skull, thumbs dug into the eye sockets, all the way to the joint. He is dead Roderick: "I'd like to see what's inside that vault, as well." Suðri Skornbrekker quickly paces back to the group, wordlessly, his expression fell. Syviis Adjeon: "I'm alright...I am just being cautious so I don't let overconfidence be my undoing...Falkirk is...was...is still much more adept than me." Gray nods. "You all did everything you could. He died free, as well as anyone can hope to in this place." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let's go in there and kill these sons of a bastard,” the Dwarf growls, seeking catharsis and clutching his weaponry. Syviis Adjeon turns to the portal. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): [Gray braces himself for what will come next, nodding to Syviis. (To Fiss): kk Ken (GM) With DETERMINATION you all step into the circle. Syviis does something with the magic, and you feel a PULL. Not in the pit of your stomach, but in the pit of....yourself. Your YOU. The feeling is odd, and it yanks you back, down what feels like a dark tunnel of the world, and then thrusts you forward with the same force, into another place. You find yourselves, in the Mines. Syviis Adjeon: Yay! We didn't teleport into a wall! [or did we?] [screen is black] Ken (GM) Details solidify; the smell of water, the sound of metal on stone ringing. Shouts of anger, pain, alarm! Joush M.: That was a possbility? Goddamn elves! Ken (GM) Heat at your backs, fresh cool air ahead. Cloying stench of sweat, blood, pain P.P. A.: can I buy perfume with the scent of pain anywhere? >the chain has perspective your maps are rad as fuck Ken (GM) A massive chain reaches up into the ceiling of the cavern, a strange spiked weight floating in midair, above a pool of lava. Red runes of power glow on it's surface Joush M.: They really are great. Ken (GM) Beyond that, a steel clad...thing...stands at attention, and seems surprised at your presence! Ken (GM): INITATIVE! Suðri Skornbrekker: Syviis Adjeon: [+2 for Combat Ref? or 1?] P.P. A.: oops, forgot CR again Ken (GM): 1, no charge leading; only those with it are getting the bonus right now Roderick: Syviis Adjeon: Gray: rolling 1d+7 1 Doc: Also how long was that rest period? Syviis Adjeon: [30 min at least, 50 in total I think?] Ken (GM): [lets call it an hour of post combat dithering between th etwo sesisons of play] Joush M.: Makes sense. We had a lot to do Ken (GM): [lots of RP, and plenty of non-strenuous rest] Doc: wew, alright then Syviis Adjeon: [will remind/trust the GM to let the elf know if any of these weird magical dealings adjust her Fatigue level, but will assume they don't] Ken (GM): shit, rod and syv are tied Syviis Adjeon: 12 dx Doc: 11 for Rod Ken (GM): kk, her first then Syviis! youre up! The thing seems to have noticed you, but the derugar behind him has not room is lit nicely from magic fire torches above you, it seems, so no darkness issues Syviis Adjeon glances around and takes her turn to push the Keystone into her pockets and ready her bow/aiming silently, trusting the others to talk if stealth is about to fade Syviis Adjeon: [aiming on the metal-dude OK with you?] Ken (GM): kk Rod! Doc: The beastman at the millstone hasn't noticed us yet, right? Ken (GM): [he seems to be caught up in the milling; hes a pitiful sort with chians on his arms leading to the thing] Roderick aims a hand at the millstone, but notices the chains on the beastman and mutters "Damn" under his breath as he draws his (non-magic) sword instead (To Doc): A pang of dark jealousy seeps into you Ken (GM): Gray! [sorry, math,] skornbrekker! Fiss: [Not a bad thing, really...it just means you can prioritize your targets based on innocence VS distance! ] Doc: That was going to be a fun explosion tho :c Suðri Skornbrekker lifts his musket but at the same time takes a quick look over his shoulder, just in case P.P. A.: does he notice knifeman Gray drops the torch and steps forward, then sets down the wall-gun faceing the metal man. The heavy weapon on it's tripod. Ken (GM): [yus] Gray: (Set the wall gun there) Syviis Adjeon: [*literally bringing out the Big Guns here] P.P. A.: is the altar with the bones waist-high or so? Ken (GM): [yeah, alter is about that high] same as th eplinth of stone youre standing on Suðri Skornbrekker spins around and starts aiming at knifeguy, ending his turn Ken (GM): [lol, oh fuck, thats a statue] P.P. A.: oh lol in that case nvm Doc: Underrated advantages of tabletop RPGs: get to use the word "plinth" Suðri Skornbrekker puts down his musket and starts aiming the cannon at metalman Syviis Adjeon: [Holy shit...Knife-Guy...I just realized what you were talking about, lol] Ken (GM) a Metal-formed statue of barbed steel, dripping with red fluid, bearing two large knives and a wicked grin. It looks somewhat dwarven, but emaciated and insane, poised to strike Ken (GM): IT goes Syviis Adjeon: [Does "IT" want to be our friends? Let's find out!] Ken (GM) The metal thing raises a hand to it's helm...and raises a visor from a Derugar face! He looks confused at seeing you all, but quickly realizes whats going on! He shouts wordlessly! Ken (GM): The derugar behind him turns to look at the noise Syviis! Syviis Adjeon shouts back: "Lay down your arms! We seek liberation, not your blood, but will have both if necessary!" P.P. A.: so it's a Derugar exoskeleton/mech? Syviis Adjeon: [step forward, keeping aim on ExoDerugar] Ken (GM): [something like, seems to be a big suit of some kind of armor] Rod! Doc: Can you move through a teammate's hex in GURPS? Ken (GM): [yep] Syviis Adjeon: [yep] Roderick moves to stand in front of the dwarf, though not his musket Ken (GM): [lulz, cover your ears] Skornbrekka! Doc: >ears TRIGGERED Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: Oh, he's this close one turn of aiming may be sufficient then (aiming with the cannon) distance penalty would be what, -2? Syviis Adjeon: [PEW PEW] Ken (GM): -4 P.P. A.: hm Suðri Skornbrekker mumbles, audible to the others. “Come here, come here...” Ken (GM): Gray! Aiming that beast of a gun? or just unleashing hell? Gray will Aim this turn Joush M.: Sorry about that, takeing care of something distracting! P.P. A.: actually the gun is what Suthri is aiming Ken (GM): [you two getting cuddly on the weapons now?] P.P. A.: he put down the musket and went for the gun when Gray set it down, but more accuracy won't hurt what's Grey's skill in that btw Ken (GM): [Grey gonna twist the igniter or assist aiming?] Joush M.: Ah! I'll assit, I think Ken (GM): kk [dwarf and beastman nudge gun ever so slightly with each other] THEM Joush M.: Sorry again. Had to wrangle a dog. Back now Ken (GM) the beastman looks up, scars on his face, some fresh cuts blleding Ken (GM): Syviis gonna murder-interrupt? Syviis Adjeon curses and switches her aim to the running Derugar, loosing an arrow Ken (GM): -5 distance penalty, -1 for his small stature Syviis Adjeon: [14 to hit] Ffs Syviis Adjeon whispers a curse as the arrow flies into the space a taller foe's head would have been Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): kk Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): booourns Syviis Adjeon: did (To Fiss): ah, kk] Ken (GM): [omg, someone using evaluate] P.P. A.: encounter music Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! Fiss: [jams out to Megaman] Ken (GM): [-3 distance penalty, +2 SM] (To Suðri Skornbrekker): poke poke Rolling 3d6 = 17 v14-3+2+the cannon's accuracy+Grey's aid P.P. A.: > Ken (GM): maaaaath Joush M.: Whelp, that's a MALF Syviis Adjeon: [Dang...seems the dice are rebounding from last session's good rolls] Ken (GM): oh fun times! P.P. A.: wat nu Ken (GM): P.P. A. is glad it didn't blow up on them Ken (GM): [cussing intensifies] GRAY! Gray rises to his feet and moves forward. Clearing the fireing lines and getting on the other side from Roderick. Joush M.: Going to move there, that okay? Ken (GM): kk Joush M.: Should we keep going or let you go? Don't want to keep you too late or get you in trouble with the wif Ken (GM) The Armored Dorf raised an arm at the cannon, but lumbers forward now, bashing hands against his chest in a display of might; there is a loud clank Ken (GM): [oh shit, right, 4pm] [UNITL NEXT WEEK] [BECAUSE THINGS] Joush M.: Mecha dwarf's going to get FUCKED UP Epescally if that suit has (Electrical) as a drawback Fiss: Dwarven-Tony-Stark Joush M.: IN A CAVE, OUT OF SCRAPS! P.P. A.: I also still have a loaded 4d6+2 musket ready Ken (GM): [OR explosive!] Joush M.: Fuuccck Ken (GM): I did mention the cloud of red dust, right? Doc: Yeah Joush M.: Cover your area 11 everyone Fiss: Yeah...I'm kinda more worried about all the red dust here Doc: Roderick is mad that the beastman is there because that was going to be fun to explode Ken (GM): Doc: Are there any visible gaps in the armor? Ken (GM): SOUNDS LIKE A QUESTION FOR NEXT WEEK but in the interim, 4xp for y'all woop woop Doc: woo P.P. A.: \o/ Fiss: Does the rage of her miss and DETERMINATION allow Syviis to grow 1 DX point stronger? Gray: ((Thanks for running man! it is a great game)) P.P. A.: Indeed it is Fiss: Yus. It's a lot of fun, and Roll20 is proving to be ass-kicking. Might just get the pro licence so I can have the mobile option Ken (GM): mothafuck, you have neough points for a point of DX? jesus Fiss: 20 on the dot yep Ken (GM): doo eet P.P. A.: I have over 20 as well Doc: I have 6 Ken (GM): right, im gonna move furniture. Update ya sheets and email me a new copy! ya point hording fucks! Doc: I could level up my Innate Attack skill again or I could make his flames burn hotter P.P. A.: I'd like to increase my encumbrance a bit since the angry Area 11 plate limited even more how much I can carry See ya o/ Fiss: Done. Bow skill is now at 18. :P Sending new copy soon P.P. A.: >18 geez Doc: I could theoretically ease up on the Bad Temper but he hasn't gotten any less irritable He's having a very bad day also dang, 18 is ridiculous Fiss: Yeah, sometimes it's fun keeping the disadvantages for character reasons and 18...yep...but Dem Range Penalties. :) Doc: Yeah, and the bow doesn't give a very big Accuracy bonus Fiss: Seriously lucked out on the shot across the room to kill the Mind Flayer. Doc: My max range is 10 and my skill is 12 With an accuracy of 3 That Mind Flayer shot was incredible Fiss: Yeah, seriously epic shit. Literally cheered out loud, scared the shit out of my dog, lol Anyway, awesome gaming with you as always too, see you next week most likely! Doc: o/ Ken (GM): whatup? Doc: Not much, still getting ready to close on this house Ken (GM): cool; good deal? Doc: Appraisal came back, it's worth $15k more than I'm paying for it Ken (GM): woot Joush M.: That isn't bad. Good luck, it's a hard thing to do. How are you doing Ken? Ken (GM): headcold, still jobless, but the wife bought herself a computer(finally) so I can purge my chrome of all her pinterest and hotmail so I got that going for me, which is nice just jabbin fiss here P.P. A.: Oh, an hour earl— ahh fug Ken (GM): hahah P.P. A.: I forgot that we switched back to Winter time here Ken (GM): european daylight savings! muahahah it strikes again Fiss: REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Ken (GM): Reee> not >REEEE! Syviis Adjeon bristles with a new litheness and purpose, her body and eye seemingly in more harmony than ever, emboldened on this righteous, but dark mission Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): DEXU UPPU Fiss: So Ken, I learned the difference between a Motormaster 10 dollar router bit, and a 30 dollar Home Depot bit. The home depot one likes to stay in one piece when you use it on plywood. Ken (GM): HAHAH oh wow. Did you hit a knot? Or was it just not treated/tempered steel? Fiss: The blade itself was fine. But it's a Flush-Trimmer, so it has that nice little ball-bearing on the end, right? The ball-bearing decided to escape when it had the chance. Ken (GM): jeebus Fiss: Yeah. I was not pleased. Skittered off to Godknowswhere at least it wasn't at my face or the house or something Fiss sees on the news that someone was killed by a Motormaster bearing 2 days from now Ken (GM): hah "the apparent 12 body massacre can trace its origins to a single poorly designed ball bearing; where it originated from this newscaster can only speculate. but may God have mercy on the poor soul responsible" Fiss: Only with whiskey Anyway...yeah...got a new one. Working great so far. :P Joush M.: Heh Ken (GM): so you all ready to drop IN MEDIA RES BACK INTO THE ACTION?! Syviis Adjeon suddenly sounds like Macho Man Randy Savage: "OOOH YEAHHHHH"! Joush M.: Let's do this chums! Ken (GM): BROTHER LOATZOR IS READY TO ROCK Ken (GM) The Mines of Madness; the dwelling of the crazed Derugar and the insidious Mindflayers! The party has seen dark horrors and terrible machinations to reach this place, this fight, and now their mettle shall be TESTED! (From Doc): yep P.P. A.: aye Suðri Skornbrekker is overcome by anger rather than fear as the cannon flops and flops to the ground, the enemy smugly striding forward. Ken (GM): Last turn! The Mechanical monstrosity marched forth! Swinging free from his arms are a pair of morningstar headed flails! The chains dangle from the armor, glowing with the red arcane dust! The beastman slave cowers, bound to the mill wheel, pulling himself as far back as possible on the short chains Syviis, youre up! Syviis Adjeon: One last try for the dude running away Doc: oh fugg, he has flails I can't parry those Syviis Adjeon: All-out attack + 1, -5 for distance, target is going to be 16 with 2 points of lightnin P.P. A.: how far did flaildude walk last time? Ken (GM): aw YEAR Syviis Adjeon: Damn...should have went for vitals, lol Doc: ffffffffffff why do I have to be worried about the beastman Ken (GM): [he moved 3 PPA] P.P. A.: hm, I see, thanks Ken (GM): FISS damorge time; he aint dodging an arrow to the back Syviis Adjeon: NOICE Ken (GM): THUNK CRACKLE The Derugar takes the arrow deep, and the lightning seizes him in its grip! he falls flat on his face, still Syviis Adjeon slides her eyes to the battle-dwarf, though is still recovering from her shot, ready to load and fire when she has a chance Ken (GM): Roderick! The metal thing plods twaord you! Doc: Did I see any weak points in the armor? I asked last time and you left it on a cliffhanger Suðri Skornbrekker suggests´: “Fall back, or grab the gun!” and points at the spare musket on the floor. Ken (GM): yes! There are gaps, where piston arms and straps are seen! you can target them for an extra -6 Doc: How about eyes? Ken (GM): the faceplate is a big solid piece, with a red faceted glass visor piece. -6 for that as well and remember, its a big SM+2 guy P.P. A.: for you Doc: So -6+2? Ken (GM): yus Doc: What does SM+2 do to reach? (also which hexes is he actually in, all six of those?) Joush M.: SHort answer, +1 Ken (GM): [ah, sorry, awkward token [if i make him a token, he snaps in place on the centre of one hex. If I make him a drawing, I put him wherever, but he loses his initiative place. fixing that, 1 sec :P] [better?] Doc: I think so. Is he supposed to be taking up three hexes? Ken (GM): yes he is :D Doc: I don't actually remember how SM works Ken (GM): he is teh big Doc: Okay, in that case I can tell which ones are his Ken (GM): Size modifier is simple; hes big, so you get a bonus to strike at him equal to his size modifier. in this case, 2 otherwise, hes roughly human shaped and proportioned, so the same usual modifiers apply to striking the same places. you just add both modifiers to your rolls, size and location BUT WAT DOOOO Joush M.: You also need to be able to reach any area you target. Gotta go full Attack on Titan if it's much bigger then you Roderick readies a stop thrust with his rapier Ken (GM): crazy sauce, but I like it [gm readies page on stop hits] SKORNBREKKA! Doc: +1 to thrust damage for every two yards he moves otherwise just waiting to attack Suðri Skornbrekker grabs his heavy musket and his bardiche, and starts aiming at the big guy with the mask made of metal. P.P. A.: well this can probably be estimated in-character: how long is the reach of those flails? He might take a step back or to the side if the chains are pretty long Ken (GM): 1-2. theyre long Suðri Skornbrekker grabs his musket and bardiche and takes a step back, setting up to aim. Ken (GM): hehehe nice GRAY! Gray moves up beside Roderick. Not wanting to innterupt the man's plan to strike at the figure if it comes in reach. Ken (GM): [rightp] THEM P.P. A.: can he move slightly to the side so he's not in the line of fire Ken (GM) the beastman whelp cowers, and from around the corner, you hear brays of fear from more beastmen voices! Ken (GM): Syviis! [ppa, Sudri is also up on a dias, and the big guy is SM+2, gray wont block any shots] P.P. A.: oh, okay Syviis Adjeon: Aiming for the dude's eyes, no electricity, hoping NOT to blow up everyone. Ken (GM): oOOoo Syviis Adjeon: All out again, target roll (I believe) is going to be 13 THWIP! Ken (GM): woo! he lurches to the side! Syviis Adjeon: Dang. Reloadin Ken (GM): and does NOT dodge Syviis Adjeon: Oh Yay! Ken (GM): yeah a 12 is not a success for this guy Syviis Adjeon: 5 to the EYEEES! Pi er....Imp Ken (GM) The arrow flies true, and strikes the ruby red faceplate; the arrow sinks into the crystal, spider cracks in all directions! Ken (GM): the faceplate remains! [didnt shatter] Syviis Adjeon: Ahh well, that's gotta be some visibility issues Ken (GM) The armored foe reels, but recovers! Ken (GM): Roderick! Doc: Attacking a gap on the arm would be -6, you said? Or are some visible on the legs as well? Ken (GM): yeah, for the lesser DR. SO -2 arm, +2 SM, -6 Gap, net -6 same with the legs theres knee, groin, armpit, elbow and neck joints Roderick steps closer and slashes at the thing's knee Roderick: Doc: YOOOOOO Ken (GM): yoooo he attempts to parry! augh nope Ken (GM): Ignore the 15, an 8 is still just a fail for him! Ken (GM) The armored foe tries to swing down his flail to stop the blade, but clumsily misses! Ken (GM): rod, damage to knee joint! Roderick: Ken (GM): DOOd Ken (GM) the knee buckles Ken (GM): BUT HE DOES NOT FALL [this is cray cray] Skornbrekker! His leg is fucked and he cant see! wat DOOO P.P. A.: Distance modifier from here? Ken (GM): -2, the ususal for 5 yards Doc: shoot him in the face P.P. A.: Hm... I started aiming last turn so that'd be... yeah, gonna do just that Doc: actually wait I guess the face and the head are different points in GURPS P.P. A.: both would be -5 right Doc: I dunno, I was just saying "shoot him in the face" because that's a motivational phrase to me Ken (GM): the 'head' is both the [face] and [skull] hit locations P.P. A.: ah Last turn I picked up the weapons and started aimin,g, do I have to aim for another turn to get my musket's ACC? Ken (GM): this particualr guy also has [visor] -6, which currently has an arrow sticking out of it yeah you readied the musket/bardiche combo, so this turn is Aim for any bonuses. You can still take the shot if you like, but no ACC to the shot until next round Suðri Skornbrekker smirks, and steadies his aim. “Just stay like that...” he mumbles to himself. Ken (GM): gotcha GRAY! P.P. A.: would have been 15-2-6+2 this turn, gonna wait for 15-2-6+2+2+1 next turn Ken (GM): mathematical! P.P. A.: though maybe he'll aim for the face overall rather than the faceplate, 14 rather than 13 er 13 rather than 12 Ken (GM): GRRRRRRRay time! Gray moves up to try and keep the pressure off Roderick when the monster stubbonly refuses to fall with the injured leg. He strikes the right leg armor gaps with an All Out Attack (Determined) for +4, -6 for Gap and Size, -2 for Deceptive Attac. Gray: Syviis Adjeon: Daaayum! Gray: (AH! I think that missed by 1)) Joush M.: It's what I get for Deceptive)) Ken (GM): ay yeah, 13 vs 12 I will give you the missed by 1 tho, for a hit on the leg HE GETS TO TRY TO PARRY [much like a strike at vitals hitting the torso :P] THAT IS NOT A PARRY Ken (GM): fawk Gray slams the balde into armor plate rather then a gap. The bronzy sword swung with brutal power. Ken (GM): [DR10 for anyone playing the home game] Doc: fug :DDDD Ken (GM): THEM Ken (GM) The beastmen cower! Braying pitiful barking cries of defiance and hate at you all! Ken (GM): [lots of noise going on here] Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: So...no stealth needed? :) Step and another arrow to the eye...does she DARE try to pop a bit of lightning in? No she doesn't...yet. Same target, 13 Doc: dam gurl Ken (GM): woo! it attempts to dodge, again fuckin...nope Syviis Adjeon: Going for the other side of the face plate's "eye" if I can... :P Ken (GM): HT on the visor Syviis Adjeon: May as well make him blind Ken (GM): Doc: draw a smiley face Ken (GM): hah, nope, not this time Syviis Adjeon: lol Ken (GM) The faceplate shatters, and red dust bursts out of the suit in a spray. Inside, you hear a scream of rage and pain! Red light beams from the jagged hole left in the helmet! Syviis Adjeon: I like this "Not keeling over from fatigue point loss" thing...I'm just going to aim for the eyes from now on. :P Ken (GM): Roderick! Roderick goes for the eyes Roderick: Ken (GM): woo! Syviis Adjeon: Niice! Roderick: Ken (GM) The blow sinks true, and punches into the helmet; the foe not realizing it was even coming! (To Doc): Your sword surges with elation and excitement at you Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! Suðri Skornbrekker: “FI— ...aw.” Suðri Skornbrekker also makes sure his mask is up Ken (GM): kk; paranoia abounds Gray! Gray steps forward and tries to free the slave bound to the mill. Wanting to let the captive get away from the red dust and the line of fire. Ken (GM): [his chains are heavy pig iron, but crudely hooked in place on the mill] Ken (GM) the other beastmen stoop around the corner, some carrying picks or shovels, others small hammers. They see the felled taskmaster, and the freed beastman. Alltogether they bray in a challenging cry! Ken (GM): Syviis? Syviis Adjeon looks onward to Gray, trusting him to let her know if cover fire is required. She readies another arrow calmly, scanning the cavern for new foes. Ken (GM): Rod! Roderick steps back from the dust and watches carefully Ken (GM): cool; it swirls menacingly around the felled armored foe Skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker does not trust these unwashed beastmen, and is wary of their reaction; but he does not want to agitate them by pointing his barrel at them either. He remains on guard, and prepares to swing his aim slightly to the side, away from the iron man(let) to the freed slaves, if need be. Ken (GM): noted Gray! Doc: >iron manlet stealing this name for myself Gray advances deeper into the room, looking around and scenting the air. Red dust swirls around him. (To Gray): Over the noise, you hear something on the other side of the steel doors North. Derugar voices? Shouting? Ken (GM) Round the corner, a short burbling waterfall turns a small waterwheel, and a well sits aside bucket empty. Old chained corpses sit here as well, bloodroot fed upon their remains, the vines intertwined with the dessicated bones and trailing flaps of flesh Ken (GM): Rod! Roderick moves to the side for a better view Ken (GM): [lol, sight lines, poor Sudri] Sudri! Suðri Skornbrekker eases up a little when he sees the obvious joy of the beastmen, and the eagerness with which they rid themselves of their chains. Though he remains wary of them, he is more curious to see what else is in the room, and so he grabs his weapons and moves closer to the centre. Ken (GM): Graaay? Ken (GM) And to the North, the latch on the door turns with a squeak of metal Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon rushes to cover and ready Syviis Adjeon: *cover Gray that is Ken (GM): kk Rod! Roderick begins moving towards the door, avoiding the dust surrounding the contraption in front of him Ken (GM): right Skornbrekker! P.P. A.: is that lever of the thing the slave was tied to about wasit-high? dwarf-waist-high Ken (GM): more like shoulder high to a man. The quern stone itself you could cover behind stand behind it and brace on it P.P. A.: good Joush M.: Like the start of Conan. That beastman slave is going to be mad buff Ken (GM): hahah Suðri Skornbrekker: Thanks to Gray alerting the party to the activity behind the door, Suthri is quick to notice the budging handle. He paces forward to seek cover behind the quern stone, and to brace his musket on it. Ken (GM): wootski (To Gray): poke poke Gray moves up a bit more and stands behind a piallr, watching the door. "Get ready" He suggest to the others. Ken (GM): THEM Ken (GM) The door swings in! Behind it, a pair of derugar with spears peer about the room, barbed tipped weapons up! P.P. A.: >a shooty-tooty on the one at the back fug Ken (GM) Behind them, another dorf takes aim with a wide barreled gun of some kind! The mouth of the thing shaped like a dragons maw Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: She's going to reward the bravery of the first one in front. :P Fires into vitals Ken (GM): lol k Syviis Adjeon: Does she have a clear shot? Ken (GM): The pillars would block the torso for a -2, but the vitals -3 overrides that and they seem to be covering the guy in back Syviis Adjeon: Will get to him next, :P All out for the +1, total target for a Vital hit will be 15 Will hit if he doesn't Ninja *back to 2 pts lightning Ken (GM): noice; kk he tries a dodge! yes! ducks the arrow! Syviis Adjeon: Lucky! Doc: these are some dodgy mofos Ken (GM): Seems he was ready for it! Ken (GM) the arrow slams into some poor wall behind the dorfs, showring sparks in all directions Ken (GM): Roderick! Syviis Adjeon: Guess this means there's no red mist in the hall...at least not yet. :P Ken (GM): :D Roderick closes some distance Ken (GM): kk, out of line of sight Doc: that's all I got Ken (GM): :D Skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker aims his musket in the direction of the dwarves—he spies the one behind them holding a firearm, and focuses his aim on that one. Ken (GM): kk P.P. A.: and that's it Ken (GM): Gray! Gray moves up behind the door. Joush M.: That good? Ken (GM): fine with me; theres a half inch of steel between you and them :D THEM Ken (GM) He yells a comman in their tongue, and fires his wide mouthed gonne into the room with a PHUNT Ken (GM): a fat canister tumbles in, with a burning whick P.P. A.: >grenade launcher Joush M.: Dibs! Ken (GM) The beastmen hear the noise and see the canister land. Doc: This motherfucker is about to get the explosion I wanted Ken (GM) They scream and scrable as fast as their chains allow Joush M.: Not area 11! Fiss: IN THE ELEVENS! Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis Adjeon: Is there chance she can hit a wick? What's the side penalty? *size Ken (GM): lol well, I'd say a -10, its about as wide as a finger P.P. A.: >Syviis successfully hits the wick >tight a lightning arrow *with a Doc: :DDDD Syviis Adjeon: lol yeah... Okay, she'll try for it. Syviis Adjeon whips around and looses an arrow at the burning string, hoping to snuff it out with a plain arrow. Syviis Adjeon: Target is...lessee... 11 with All Out Ken (GM): yay! 55% Syviis Adjeon: Unless she gets a step Then 12 Ken (GM): step is valid with an all out Syviis Adjeon: YES FUCK YES :D Ken (GM): woo P.P. A.: NOICE Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): hahah nice Syviis Adjeon: No lightning, as mentioned, lol Doc: I was gonna hope Suðri could grab it and throw it into the water Syviis Adjeon: Yeah...throwing and GURPS are, in my experience...not much fun. :P Ken (GM) Syviis reacts, and snaps a shot dead center on the bomb. The arrow sinks deep on the wick, and the sizzling stops. The canister rocking back and forth from the blow Ken (GM): Roderick! P.P. A.: he was gonna grab his stuff and get as far away from it as quickly as possible assuming the wick was already pretty short Roderick continues closing the distance Ken (GM): hugging the wall? Doc: yeah Ken (GM): kk Skornbrekker! Syviis Adjeon: [Oh, sure, when a Dwarf hugs a wall, it's fine...when I hug a tree, I get called an Elf!] Doc: Roderick isn't a filthy subhuman tho Syviis Adjeon: :D Joush M.: Syviis is just oversenstive about things. Elves are all like that Suðri Skornbrekker: Suthri's eyes were pinned on the canister, and he was ready to jump up and seek cover—until Syvii's excellent aim made that unnecessary. “Nice shot,” he thanks her, and now with even more determination aims at the dwarf who fired it. Ken (GM): *DETERMINATION currently -6 distance, and just realized I needed to move the minis P.P. A.: they're also -1 size, right? Ken (GM): ja shortstuffs Gray lacks any explosives, so he calls back. "We should give them their bomb back. Roderick could set it aflame" He Waits, ready to attack any dugar that risk comeing into reach. Fiss: P.P. A.:so 11 on the next turn, hmm Ken (GM): Gray, any actions, or just coordinated shouts? Joush M.: Wait: Trigger on Dugar in Reach to attack Ken (GM): kk chop chop, watching muthafuckas drop P.P. A.: each turn of aiming beyond the initial one adds +1, right? Ken (GM): ya, up to the original ACC. so max +2 for you THEM Ken (GM) the beastmen continue to panick and scramble away from the bomb Joush M.: Even their swords are short Ken (GM): lulz "Its a GLADIUS, GAWSH" /napoleon dynamite voice Syviis! Syviis Adjeon sees the Beastmen still backing away...while she hopes that it is innocent fear, she wonders what delayed trickery could be held within the device and decides to dispose of it. Syviis Adjeon: Joush M.: Aww, not going to toss it up to Gray? Syviis Adjeon: *Actually... Doc: I have a flamethrower Syviis Adjeon picks it up and spins around, ready to throw it as needed, but a plan forms in her mind Ken (GM): kk :D I like plans plans can be neat Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): Rod! Roderick just has to keep moving Ken (GM): huff huff huff runnign running running Skornbrekker! he keeps runing through your line of sight! P.P. A.: reeeee Gray holds postion and keeps waiting. The dark and twisted dwarves need to pass him to reach his friends and they are moveing up, so he can afford to wait.. not to mention Suori and Syliviss are prepareing to greet them properly. P.P. A.:end turn, target is now 12 Ken (GM): kk, aim from skornbrekker, wait to kill from gray P.P. A.: too bad for them the door opens outward Ken (GM) The Derugar continue their battle cry, weapons brandished, points forward, hate in their eyes and voices P.P. A.: otherwise they could just close it now Ken (GM) the beastmen, you can hear, yelping in fear lie beaten dogs P.P. A.: >beast“““men””” Ken (GM): Syviis, you have the bomb in hand, and initiative Syviis Adjeon runs back up to the fray, keeping cover Syviis Adjeon: *bomb in her arrow-hand Joush M.: Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb P.P. A.: is she going to go full Link? Doc: >bomb arrows Fiss: She has the skills to make them,. just not in mid-combat Hence why she decided on lightning. :P Ken (GM): hoo boy Rod! Running? or STUFF? Joush M.: Could Wait to Flame on the bomb if the Elf gets it in the end zone Doc: Do I need to have my hand empty to aim or simply to fire? Ken (GM): good wuestion; I will say yeah, it does need to be free. so no cloak in hand for you :P you can drop it for nothing, luckily Roderick drops his cloak and aims his left hand Ken (GM): kk brb, poopy baby Fiss: Pooooop P.P. A.: That's an Odious Habit, but it will buy off this disadvantage once it's accumulated enough XP +personal Doc: I marked the hex I'm aiming at with a blue X Ken (GM): back! ah, k, cool beans rod Skornbrekker, you have aimed a ton! wat do? Joush M.: Welcome back Suðri Skornbrekker is tired of waiting and finally fires his shot , an all-out attack aimed at the Derugar at the back. (+1 or +2 from long aim?) 14 Ken (GM): wootski P.P. A.: good thing that was an all-out attack Ken (GM): he JUST fails to dodge it too! Suðri Skornbrekker 's bullet smacks into the target! Rolling 4d6 = 19 +2 P.P. A.: > Ken (GM): ghahahahah P.P. A.: that's just excessive Ken (GM): right in the squiggly skwoosh Fiss: :D Doc: RIP squiggly Ken (GM): Gray! There is a shot, then the sound of someone dropping ten pounds of spaghetti on the floor Doc: "Y-you too" Gray: "Come and die, fools!" He challanges the dugar on the other side of the door. Blade held ready, glanceing back to the others. No reason to charge in. "Or stand there and get taken down" Gray will keep Waiting and being ready to attack at the door to keep the Dugar from closeing in. Ken (GM): well, wuess what happens? Emboldened by their dying comrade, they charge blindly forward! they get Here, when your wait triggers Syviis Adjeon: Gray strikes at Whatever Target Presents Itself P.P. A.: >pull the trigger Gray: P.P. A.: >they get triggered >they trigger Gray Syviis Adjeon: [Gray: DON'T ASSUME MY GENDER! ] Ken (GM): oh god OH GOD Joush M.: Foot? Ken (GM): foot LULZ Fiss: I think you mean "What foot?" Ken (GM) The blow drops quick, and the derugar's leg begins spraying red, everywhere! Ken (GM): The one beside him falters, and holds back behind the door! Gray cuts low to avoid the dwarven man's guard and catches him in the foot, red spraying and the towering beastmen looming over the fallen one. Ken (GM): Woo! Syviis? Syviis Adjeon: She'll try a pot-shot at the one trying to run. "stowing" a grenade is a semi-free action, right?" Ken (GM): you wanna drop it at your feet? Thats free Syviis Adjeon: She's not QUITE brave enough to drop it...mmm.... Will sprint to behind the other pillar Ken (GM): scooty scoot Rod! Fire +aimed? Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): [assuming youve dropped to a knee, sure fiss ;P] Syviis Adjeon: Doc: The one in front is footless and bleeding, then? Ken (GM): yus Joush M.: Roderick steps closer and opens fire Ken (GM): so, aiming on a space (+4) and aimed (+3) is skill +7 to catch them in the correct area Roderick: Ken (GM): hahahah OHWOW nope +1 nope for dodge, even with diving on both of them Ken (GM): they roast, screaming Syviis Adjeon: Doc: they should both be completely on fire Ken (GM) The keen wail of a voice consumed by boiling air fills the cavern. The derugar fall, smoldering, some of their flesh openly aflame Joush M.: "Well I understand Family comes first, but if you could kill a few FBI agents on the way out you'd be doing me a big favor" Ken (GM) the room beyond smoulders. Disgusting smells emenate from it, but the fire dyes quick fedding on stone. Joush M.: Out of combat? Or still in? Syviis Adjeon: "I'll cover the hall, though I suspect nobody will be brave enough to enter this room for a while." Roderick sighs with a slight grin as the flames die down Gray: "Well fought." He says to the others with a fierce grin, the savage brute inclining his head to them. Roderick looks back at the elf Ken (GM): [out of combat rounds] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Good job, Roderick. You're a capable fighter indeed.” Roderick: "That was amazing marksmanship." Roderick nods and smiles at Suðri. "Thank you. I was worried my training would not be enough." Syviis Adjeon: "I could easily say the same thing to you. That was impressive." "I can see why you held back until the red dust was clear." Gray: "The speed she killed the fuse with was remarkable." He says to Roderick, nodding to Syviss. He's never seen anyone shoot that fast. The towering brute walking back to check on the beastmen. He plans to check the south end of the rooms next. Suðri Skornbrekker is going to train his marksmanship—being one-upped so tremendously by an elf, intolerable! Ken (GM): hah (From Syviis Adjeon): - when she has a moment to recenter herself, any magical auras coming from the crystals to the right? Or is it more of a raw material? (To Fiss): Certainly magical. Focusing on them is like looking into a fire, raw power trapped behind the facets Ken (GM) The beastmen cower, but when Gray points to the chain, they each foist theirs to him. The chains are riveted, bolted permanently on. The wear on their furry skin is horrible, the scars old Syviis Adjeon: Gray take a hammer and piton from his climbing gear and uses it as a punch to knock out rivits. It involves drawing the chains down to work and trying to keep the beastmen calm as he works. Joush M.: Any skill roll? Sadly, I'm not sure Gray would be at all familair with how to knock out a rivit Suðri Skornbrekker looks around the room, inspecting in particular the pillars and the door (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The southern bit of the cavern is older, a fissure in the stone, it stretches up into darkness. The chain leads up there too, immeasurably high. The pool of lava should be boiling this room, but it is not Gray methodiclly breaks the shackles off the beastmen's wrist, then draws back and bows his head to them. The brute leaves them there, freed from the bonds, and goes to check the south side of the room. Joush M.: Everyone else should have time to do stuff when Gray's doing 6 sets Suðri Skornbrekker is dwarfing around, standing and pondering pillars, and staring up and down the walls and ceiling. Ken (GM): hah yeah rod, syviis? Syviis Adjeon: Syviis is staying close to the "entrance", maintaining cover, but she'll also check out the water-wheel and other mechanicals the best she can Suðri Skornbrekker approaches Syviis: “See that pool of magma over there? ...do you think there is another of those monsters dwelling in it? It should be hot, but I barely feel any heat from it.” Syviis Adjeon: "Certainly possible...mmm, let's check it out." Ken (GM): :D Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker: “Don't wake it up like last time! We could just keep our distance, you know.” (To Syviis Adjeon): You feel power here. Theres some powerful juju at work. Very well aligned though. Straight from the heart of the earth up into the darkness above. Youd barely know it was working until you got close P.P. A.: Does this thing mean anything? Ken (GM): [that is a rock] P.P. A.: oh ok Syviis Adjeon: (To Syviis Adjeon): The metal perimiter is a kind of 'circle' of sorts, but very sophisticated, magically speaking. Its a tight tight knot of power, focused onthe massive spiked ball hanging from the chain. The Geometric patterns on the ball remind you of elven elemtal bindings, but more forced patterns. Less elegant. Brutal even (To Roderick): You feel power here. Theres some powerful juju at work. Very well aligned though. Straight from the heart of the earth up into the darkness above. Youd barely know it was working until you got close Syviis Adjeon carefully follows the lines of power, making sure to stay on this side of the heat, magic and possible elemental monsters below and above Syviis Adjeon: "The lords of this place have dug in deep...in more than one way. This is every bit a stronghold of magic as well as stone and metal." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Magic can be dug up from the depths of the earth?” Gray looks, distrubed, at the grim thing that hangs over the pool of lava and mences with spikes. "What is it for?" Syviis Adjeon: "As sure as lightning from the sky, rage from an ocean's tide, or growth from a fertile plain...yes...the belly of the Earth has more than just chaos and flame." Syviis Adjeon sighs Syviis Adjeon: "I'm afraid...All I can see is the flow and the movement and lines...I see the magic, but I cannot read it like others can." Gray: "It's alright. Damn, I miss Falkirk. He would have known what this is and could have spoken with the captives." Syviis Adjeon nods quickly. Syviis Adjeon: "Maybe when we wrestle this power away from those who abuse it, we can restore the good doctor." Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard and wonders what to make of it, but removes himself from the fiery pit before anything pops out of it. P.P. A.: >the good doctor Ken (GM): [you guys wanna take a stab at thaumaotlogy? you do have it trained right?] Gray goes to check the well and bloodvine. "We should finish up here and go deeper soon. Someone examine that armored behemoth?" Fiss: [Protomen are the fucking shit. I hope they tour soon...] Roderick: (To Roderick): Well, theres certainly an efficient system going on here. The heat and other ambient energies are being transformed into two things; strength in the chain, and attractive force, holding it in place. This is an anchor, capable of holding down a mountain Ken (GM) The face of the machine was destroyed, and inside, rods blade shattered a large crystal in the head. Pieces of it are jamme din the workings Roderick: "Unless I'm mistaken, this is... an anchor." Suðri Skornbrekker hears this and comes by Suðri Skornbrekker: “The anchor of the floating fortress, perhaps?” Syviis Adjeon blinks and rushes back over to the ball Syviis Adjeon: "That's brilliant!" "I mean...it's still terrible...but... Gray: "That's.. humm." He says, looking to the huge ball then nodding in agreement with Suori's idea. It seems logical to him. Roderick nods "Unless this is a volcano and they're trying to keep the lid from flying off." Syviis Adjeon: "How many chains linked the fortress to the ground?" Ken (GM): [from your view on the ground, half a dozen or so? When you first entered from below, there were a few pointed off in other directions, and one straight down into the clifftop] (From Syviis Adjeon): hitting around 4pm just in case you need to know, I'm good to game forever, lol Gray: "I'd think the damage would be worse here. The lava might overflow" Syviis Adjeon: "Agreed...though it is certainly good to know the points of weakness.." (To Fiss): No worries. Erin is on errands, and doina is 'napping' Ken (GM) The Beastmen, free, have now turned to the upper rooms. Their digging tools in hand, they are bashing at the lock on the East door, yelling to other beastmen voices inside Fiss: [Advantage: "I watched every Studio Ghibli movie ever 99 times" +1 vs castles in the sky..] Suðri Skornbrekker picks his musket back up along the way Suðri Skornbrekker: [to Grey] “What are they doing?” Fiss smiles kindly at Gray "Seems you're quite the ambassador for Beastman Rights and Freedoms." Syviis Adjeon: *elf Elf mode Ken (GM): heh Ken (GM) The cheering raises to one word, repeated over and over "SKORNA! SKORNA! SKORNA!" (To GM): Literally translated, 'Half breed' Gray: "It's what they call us.. Me. The Beastmen word for the half blooded. For Scorned." He explains to Syviis as he blushes a touch under Gray fur. Examineing the wide-mouthed gun the dwarf with grenades had carried. Syviis Adjeon: "Seems they aren't using it unkindly, at least. Do you think they will be alright? Should we ferry them up to the surface on the Magic Circle?" Gray: "I think so. We should at least escort them past the others.. Our dwarven friend will likely react badly to a pack of beastmen otherwise." Ken (GM): [bomrek would mourn his inability to RoF 33!] Suðri Skornbrekker laughs. “Aye, that'd turn ugly.” P.P. A.: >be Bomrek >stay behind >your comrades bring a vampire you just killed and tell you to give her back her treasure >your comrades bring a giant metal golem and shoot it down >your comrades bring some noble guy who seems rather out of place Joush M.: Damn.. yeah, he's going to want to kill someone just on general principles P.P. A.: >your comrades bring a herd of dirty beastman slaves Ken (GM): >fire. He just...makes it appear, with his anger Gray points to the other door, near Roderick. "Should we check though there?" Syviis Adjeon: "Unless the captives start screaming and running, I think it wise." Ken (GM) this door is unlocked, and opens easily. Beyond, more of the same. Barracks/prison area, soiled through, and smelling of beastmen and pain Syviis Adjeon: "It seems each chamber is very segmented. This one holds a handfull of purposes, then it is encased in rock to ensure nobody who gets to one can get further without a Key. I'm thinking the Lords of this keep are very much into that human game...Chess...or the equivalents." Gray: "Hellish place.. let's escort the ones we have found from here, up to the surface, then come back to check past that strange door with it's flame-embossed brass." Suðri Skornbrekker nods, and goes ahead to pick the other musket bakc up Gray: "Ah, fuck." Suori's motion reminds him they've got to unsquib a cannon. He wonders if they have a worm. Suðri Skornbrekker glares at the cannon, wondering whether they should take care of it now or later, but in its current state, it can't be used against them either Syviis Adjeon: Gray takes up bomb and cannon to examine later, checking to see if the dugar carried more equipment for it then going with the others. "Let's get them up into the sun." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'll go ahead and forewarn our comrade.” Suðri Skornbrekker will also pick up the snake idol he left hidden in that one room. Ken (GM): Syviis gonna take the lead with the moving people with magics? Syviis Adjeon: Correct. Enough room for the beastmen and one or two of us I hope? If not, will do 2 trips Ken (GM): assuming evryone squeezes together, you can all go in one trip. Gray doesn't mind squeazeing, but others might be uneasy about getting crammed in tight with beastmen in the elevator. Ken (GM): hah its only for a moment, but yeah, i can see that Syviis Adjeon: Roderick: Ken (GM): ruh roh what just failed by 2? Syviis Adjeon: ALL OF THE FAILS! Roderick is visibly uncomfortable being crammed next to the filthy beasts, eventually lashing out and storming away from the group in disgust, to breathe some "clean" air Doc: Bad Temper and Dislikes: Dirty things Ken (GM): hahah, ah, riiiight Suðri Skornbrekker honestly can't blame him, he's lucky to have that mask which barely helps Ken (GM): perfect storm of "You guys go ahead, Ill go next group" Doc: he tried Gray looks with disapproval to Roderick, but nods at the man's choice to wait. Ken (GM): okay then, lets pick up here next week. Ferrying off beastman prisoners past an ornery racist dorf shoul dbe fun :D 4 xp for the lot of ya! Fiss: UNDERGROUND RAILROAD...Beastman/Dwarf Edition! Ken (GM): haha literally Joush M.: Thanks man, great game as always. Man, I'm glad the elf got the lucky shot on that fuse Fiss: Ken, will drop 1 point on the "Always Loaded" perk as we discussed. :P Doc: I lucked out hardcore on those rapier attacks Ken (GM): kk; a certianly heroic thing to spend points on Fiss: That was an epic end to the Mechadwarf Ken (GM): holy shit did you ever doc Fiss: Good tag-team. Doc: I was shocked that I hit the leg vs 7 isn't exactly good odds Ken (GM): and yet, you rolle dit! Gray is the worst podiatrist ever. Doc: Gonna spend two points on my Innate Attack skill, then save the other two P.P. A.: Taking it down without any gunpoder weapons was pretty surprising and impressive Doc: dem elf arrows tho P.P. A.: y elves op pls nerf Fiss: Elfnerf Nerfelf That flame-thrower, though... Dayum fun Ken (GM): Fiss: :D Ken (GM): JFC that flamethrower Joush M.: That was some serious fucking flameing Doc: Roderick was going to drop his aim and just stab the guy who had both feet Fiss: Next shotgun I buy, I'm naming it AoFLoL Doc: But he was angry he didn't get to make ironman explode Fiss: Apparently, Gimmli Stark did not inherit all of Tony's surface-suit building knowledge. Joush M.: It might be good it got wrecked. Suori would need to burn a bunch of skill points to get Battle Suit (TL 4) Fiss: lol yeah...maybe after some downtime, though...Mecha Dwarf would be an awesome character P.P. A.: I have 30+ to spare :DDD not touching that magic bamboozle though, however much trustworthy mechanics it does incorporate Ken (GM): Joush M.: Mount two wall guns on it on sholders. Glave-fist P.P. A.: >visor opens up Fiss: You know what's mechanical? A gun. P.P. A.: >Suðri shoots someone directly from the cockpit Fiss: That shoots SWORDS. Doc: should spend some of those points tb honest famalam Ken (GM): he just wants to buy critical hits ALL the critical hits P.P. A.: I'll definitely up my boomstick skill, but I'm at a bit of a loss what else I could buy Ken (GM): basic stats come to mind Fiss: Mmm,Enhanced Dodge is 15 per point... Doc: High Pain Tolerance? Fitness? P.P. A.: STR would be good to increase encumberance and melee damage, but DX would improve more skills Ken (GM): straight HT is usually better than Fit etc. Fiss: Get a nice flat +2 to every dodge you make. Or Parries are 10 pts a +1 Ken (GM): anywho, time for me to kid-wrnagle Fiss: o/ P.P. A.: See you, and thanks for the session Ken (GM): email me any updated sheet you guys Make! Doc: o/ Joush M.: Take care Ken, see ya! P.P. A.: I like how lively the NPCs are \o Ken (GM): \0/ zupdawgs? P.P. A.: Updated sheet: Ken (GM): Fiss: eta 10 rod: ETA sometime soon, but on his way P.P. A.: >today the game starts an hour later than last time, bakc to the original time REEE Ken (GM): hahahah DST strikes again Joush M.: Hey man, how are you doing? P.P. A.: I see Adolf was removed from the player list, is he out for good? Ken (GM): yeah, dead to the world/me for a few months. Felt like its genuinely time to cut from the list :/ sad to need to to it tho P.P. A.: We exchange messages every... well, once or twice a week? He's working on a Water World inspired campaign and we've been talking about that a little Ken (GM): weird. He must not like me then Joush M.: Or he landed in that shame sprial, where you are too embrassed to say anything because you haven't said anything in too long P.P. A.: He responds very irregularly (again, maybe twice per week) so maybe you just didn't catch him? Ken (GM): mm ya, Ive seen that too no PM's, no emails, no skypes. Kinda hard to miss them if they dont appear mang P.P. A.: oh Ken (GM): well, horsa did the same thing. Just started flaking he has his reasons, I can only speculate, the game is running smoothly otherwise P.P. A.: In the thread you recruited me from I joined another campaign using some Japanese system We did the first session— and then there was silence and then nothing Ken (GM): yeesh the GM died out/ ? P.P. A.: It didn't even go badly, but we were left hanging by the GM after some of our characters were introduced, and right before any plot was going to start yeah; he was still around on Discord in another server, but didn't say what happened or why he gave up in it Ken (GM): people are weird Joush M.: It happens, most games I have been in don't last very long. I'm really glad when they do work. P.P. A.: at least the good thing is that if they die, they die pretty early so you don't have time to get too invested in it [20:04] Doc: On my way home btw [20:04] Doc: Got delayed by a wreck, ETA 30 minutes Fiss: o/ Ken (GM): Ah yeah, he gave me a heads up on that. Traffic is the least insidious reason to be late unlike fiss, who is the #1 most insidious reason to be late ;) Joush M.: Hiya Fiss Fiss: Yes...DAMN YOU SLEEEEEP! Ken (GM): horrible neccesary things P.P. A.: [20:08] Doc: GM can play Rod for a bit if you need to (I'm fine with waiting though) oh hey, Adolf is on [20:07:58] Excitable Labrador: >left the campaign [20:07:59] Excitable Labrador: not my doing [20:08:11] P.P.A.: Aye, we're on right now P.P. A.: [20:08:24] P.P.A.: Ken said he couldn't reach you for weeks now, you didn't respond to his messages on any medium [20:08:35] P.P.A.: so he assumed you gave up on it and thus finally removed you from the list [20:08:59] Excitable Labrador: What was he sending them on? Huh. Tell'm I was traveling cross country. Ken (GM): what the deuce mang how do you miss roll20 messages as well as emails and skype pings send him that Joush M.: I guess it's easy to miss things while being a gypsy Ken (GM): if he feels like joining P.P. A.: [20:10:40] Excitable Labrador: I'm looking on skype and I don't see any message from him. [20:10:46] Excitable Labrador: Does he know I'm "Excitable Labrador" ? [20:12:14] Excitable Labrador: Can't right now, about to head off for some temp work. Be back later to discuss. [20:12:21] P.P.A.: o ok Ken (GM): hahah P.P. A.: :s Ken (GM): right, well, glad to know HE LIVES P.P. A.: His Skype is: “transparentcatnom”, screenname: Excitable Labrador anyway, no idea what's going on with him otherwise Ken (GM): hey well, thank you for being the intermediary on that. :D [gm changes notes so PC is no longer dead] P.P. A.: >we don't come back to a dead dorf who drunk himself into eternal sleep phew Ken (GM): hah, Bomrek got so bored he just drank everything you guys brought thats like...a few liters of whiskey, plus beer kegs? Joush M.: Ha.. oh wew Fiss: Sounds like a fun night :D Ken (GM): So whats everyone else been up to this week? Fiss, hows the shed? Joush M.: When we were picking up supplies we decied a few gallons of beer and a more then medicnal amount of whisky was the way to go. Fiss: Good. Except for my ladder being swiped lol Ken (GM): who streals a ladder? Joush M.: Oh, I'm doing alright. I was down with a cold most of the week. Looking forward to getting into a friday night game Ken (GM): damn all seasonal colds Joush M.: Fiss: Re: who steals a ladder: Portable, moderately costly useful item left unattended I really should have locked it up. Tool theft has happened to one or two of my neighbors too. At least whoever it was didn't fuck with my car/bike Ken (GM): ooh, shiny joush Fiss: noice Joush M.: Sorry about that Fiss. Yeah, it could have been worse. That is some elborate gauntlet Fiss: yep, pissed, but can't complain too hard I guess And of course the missus found a new ladder on sale + discounts + holyshit how did she find it so cheep Sooo managed to get the end gables done Ken (GM): "upgrades" Fiss: Now it's roof, doors and trim and I'll be done Joush M.: Nice. Comeing right along P.P. A.: I'm envious, I only ever build stuff in Minecraft that feel when no pseudo Cape-Dutch hovel IRL Joush M.: I'd hardly have guessed your previous experince is virutal Ken (GM): Fiss is a country boy at heart Joush M.: Knows just the right way to punch down a tree and get some wood? Ken (GM): Ive seen him do it! takes a few "jack and Jolt"s to get him to tha tpoint, but it happens Fiss: Guilty as charged, lol Seriously, though, I'm pretty proud...this is only the 2nd time I've worked with framing lumber P.P. A.: looks pretty convincing Fiss: Yep. I fake it real good. Rustic barn-shed for my supersport motorcycle, lol Ken (GM): hahah "Urban camoflage" Doc: Yo, sorry I'm late Ken (GM): you just missed all the erotica, nothing new Fiss: Oh Jesus, I was just about to type: "What's up, Doc?" Ken (GM): hahHh FYI, snorting coffee out your nose, not recommended Fiss: lol Doc: rip I'm a landowner now btw Ken (GM): hows the house? on fire yet? Doc: It's very houselike P.P. A.: objection Fiss: Huhuhuhuh...Homeowner P.P. A.: you're American, so it's probably made out of cardboard and papermaché which is not very houselike Ken (GM): says the guy living in a two thousand year old neighborhood Joush M.: Congralations Doc Doc: The big part is the 20 acres that came with it tbh Fiss: Awww yis P.P. A.: >town used to be a Roman campsite >still has one or two Roman street names feels good man Doc: comfy as fvck Ken (GM): SO! Where last we left our heroes... EVERYONE SPENT POINTS OH GOD HOW DO I REBALANCE THIS MESS P.P. A.: ah, correction, it was a fort (first of wood, later of stone) I put some points into ST because my inventory/encumberanc emanagement was getting sloppy Doc: I'm pretty sure most of Europe was a Roman campsite at some point Ken (GM) The mines are alive with the excited sounds of beastmen slaves, clamouring for a plac eon the teleporter circle. Their captors slain, the stench of blood in the air, and burning on top of it too. A pallor of gruesome barbacue, but justice as well Doc: Fuckers built a wall every time they stopped for the night P.P. A.: it was extremely min-maxed before and adding the Aera 11 plate made me unable to carry more than one bullet without going from one stage of encumberance to another Ken (GM): Suthri STRONK So, currently, youre all in a mine with a bakers dozen beastmen who havent bathed in weeks, and they want out, and you guys wanted to let them out Suðri Skornbrekker is wearing his mask to drwon out the stench of the beastmen—whom he might feel some degree of pity for, but would really prefer to be far, far away from him. Ken (GM): [So whats the plan then? Syviis, where you gonna pull the beastmen to?] Suðri Skornbrekker is going to speed ahead to forewarn Bomrek of the impending stampede Syviis Adjeon: The plan was to escort them out, am I wrong? So basically, teleport to the entrance, and make sure our dear friend doesn't panic? :) Joush M.: Sounds good to me Ken (GM): [ah, so right back to the main entrance room you guys came into? at the cliffs?] Syviis Adjeon: Unless Gray or one of us can decypher their speech hoping for a more direct action Ken (GM): [yeah, good point, taking them anywhere else might be worse] Syviis Adjeon: If they WANT to come with us to the Sky Castle and be cannon fodder for us...I'd prefer for them to offer willingly. :P Ken (GM): hahahah [moments like this make me miss Falkirk] Suðri Skornbrekker would object to that Syviis Adjeon: As would the elf...but she's also hopeful that the brave fools in her party aren't the only ones objecting to the insanity in this land. :P Syviis Adjeon nods and reaches into her belt to action the 'Key'. "Ready when you are." Ken (GM): [alright then, so all the beastmen, plus you guys, does fit i nthe circle] Syviis Adjeon: lol Ken (GM): [So unless Rod insists, he doesnt need to be left behind] Roderick tried to fit into the circle but it was just too icky Gray: "We will be back as swiftly as we can" The brute tells Roderick, looking around a moment. The human should be safe there alone, but he's a touch uneasy about leaveing the man. Ken (GM): [righto] [jumping then Syviis?] Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) in less than an instant, you arrive in the main hall Ken (GM): Rod, roll will for me! Ken (GM) In the entrance hall, the earthen bulwarks are still flanking the circle, but Falkirk and Bomrek are nowhere to be seen... Roderick: P.P. A.: Oh, we teleported right to the entrance ha— wait, is that all of our horses dead? Ken (GM) The beastmen yip in alarm as your senses return! near the grand doors, a mound of flesh made up of your fallen horses! (To Roderick): When the circle activates, reality bends around the people in the circle. The sight of it...unnerves you. but you quickly regain yourself, only needing to blink away the image of a mound of dead flesh. (To Gray): There is also another smell, older, roll PER for me? Suðri Skornbrekker looks over to Gray: “Blight... So that wild man did not say the truth, and most of the bloodroot is corrupted, even in the wild?” Gray: (To Gray): The scent is remembered from weeks ago; when you battled with the undead creatures on the first day of your expedition, those chasing the Ent out of the wilds... Those ghouls that burn up and explode. Their scent is here too Ken (GM) Your gear seems to be untouched, heaped by the pillar wher eyou unburdened the horses with it Gray: "I don't know.. I smell something like that horror that tried to crawl from the dead Dugar..I smell ghouls, too." He says, towering body tense as he looks around for their missing companions, studying the ground, the blood.. then looking to Rod's horse. "At least one escaped.. but where are our companions?" Suðri Skornbrekker notices the movement of the beastmen and, trusting their instincts, aims his musket at the heap. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) the beastmen seem...hungry. Some are drooling, sniffing the blood scent in the air (To Syviis Adjeon): Your wizard senses are tingling about something Syviis Adjeon walks closer to the pile, still cautious Suðri Skornbrekker: “Bomrek definitely is not around, otherwise he could claim the horses as his to eat.” Syviis Adjeon whispers "I would not...normally presume that this is bait...but..." Syviis Adjeon: Gray thinks hard a long moment, then nods. He motions the beastmen off the dias, not stopping them from getting closer to the fallen horses but watching them a moment. "Syviis, we shouden't leave Roderick in the mines long. Not in this place. Could you recover him once I've got the beastmen off the dias?" He ask.. then goes to check the pile. (From Syviis Adjeon): per is 13 plus...I guess maybe 1 for my tallent? (To Syviis Adjeon): Yus yus Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (To Syviis Adjeon): Someone, other than you or Rod, did a big magic here. In person. Recently Syviis Adjeon nods, clearly unnerved by the auras and magic lingering in the air. (To Roderick): Noted; when you look back, nothing is amiss. Juts a moment of horrifying imagery. You seem fine otherwise (To Gray): The flesh heap seems.... untouched. the ghoulscent isnt coming from here. Just a horrible pile of dead meat, it seems. Their brains burst from the inside out... Ken (GM) the Beastmen are nervous, and speaking to each other in short yipping low voices. They inch closer to the big door, edging around the heap of horse meat Gray: "Syviis.. could you collect Roderick quickly? I think we could have ghouls here, somewhere." The horror show of dead horses leaves him with more questions then answers. The brute starting back where he'd left Falkirk.. trying to pick up the man's trail. Suðri Skornbrekker comes along. Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker: “As much as I hate these trips.” Ken (GM): Gray! Roll Will for me! Ken (GM) The circle enfold, and the world stretches Gray: (To Gray): The moment passes with the next heartbeat Ken (GM) The beastmen panick! Suðri Skornbrekker: “Come quickly, something went wrong.” Gray swallows hard at the vicious distortion of the teleportaton. Watching it was a Bad Idea, and he hopes the sick, heavy feeling will pass quickly. Turning to the beastmen he tries to sooth them, to keep them from hurting themselves or eachother. Joush M.: Uh.. Gesture or Leadership maybe? P.P. A.: w-what is that icon Ken (GM): leadership, but describe what youre doing, there is a language barrier :) Gray: Ken (GM): holy damn Doc: noice Fiss: Fuck yeah. First 4 we've seen in a LONG time. Ken (GM) Grya takes command, stepping quickly into place as the biggest and most powerful thing in the room, playing off the beastmen's instincts, snapping them to attention in an instant. A firm hand, a simple look, they calm. The only wounds, superficial. The only fear, gone Joush M.: Darn, I sort of expected that to not work Raven: speaks, perched upon your shoulder "Very well done Gray. They needed a leader, now more than ever" [Syviis returning with Rod and Sudri right away?] Fiss: P.P. A.: Suðri isn't going to linker either *linger Syviis Adjeon resists the urge to draw an arrow...just barely, seeing the others are not panicing Suðri Skornbrekker: “Who are you?” he asks incredulously. Raven "Do you wish to see these wretched creatures depart, Gray?" it asks Gray: "Do you know where Falkirk and Bomrick went?" His first concern is for his companions, not for the strangeness of talking to a bird that seems to have appered from the shadows on his sholder. The towering brute offering quite a stable perch. "Wretched creatures?.. The beastmen? I would see they have at least basic tools and some of our supplies before they go. It's a harsh land, here, even if they were born to it." Syviis Adjeon wonders who the 'wretched creatures' are here...the beastmen seem the least wretched by far Raven: She laughs, and shakes her head Roderick glances around in confusion and a some disgust at the smell, panicking until he sees his own horse is unharmed Ken (GM): Rod's horse trots back into the room, straight to him Gray: "I find the portal unsettling as well. It's a horror, to watch work" "But do you know where the others went? I have to find them." Raven: "There is a reason for that, and for many other things gray. The portal is not worldly maic, but you are a worldly beast. all of you are" "The others...I am not sure, but considering the state the room was left in, I would say the Mindflayer's work was done here" Roderick pets his horse on the nose, glad to see that it's been spared. The strange talking bird's words make sense to him. Gray: "Blight" He swears again with quite passion, looking to the horse's cracked open skulls. "We have to find our friends. Quickly." Suðri Skornbrekker: “But we killed it!” Raven: "Yes, I saw, Syviis shot a fine arrow and immolated that creature quite well" "But that wasnt the only one here, I presume. Likely, that was it's whelp" Syviis Adjeon: Raven takes a moment, stretches her wings, and turns to the beastmen. She speaks in their tongue, barking and rattling, her voice harshly still melodic Roderick: "How long have you been watching us?" Ken (GM) The beastmen look afraid, and bow deeply when spoken to by the Raven. They move quickly out the door, each taking a small handful of the horseflesh as they pass, moving as quick as they can Fiss: Raven: "Some time Master Roderick. long enough to know you all well enough. I have been with Gray since long before even he knew who I was" Gray watches, worried.. he bows his head to them. "Good luck and safe jounry" He tells them, then nods to Roderick's question. "Who are you? Where did you come from, Raven?.. How do you know me?" Syviis Adjeon: (To Syviis Adjeon): Your wizard senses are tingling. Thats no ordinary raven (duh) but...from that description, thats an elemental spirit. Or an elven spirit guide. or something... Suðri Skornbrekker: “Is that something Scorned have? Some sort of animal spirit that watches over them...?” Suðri Skornbrekker has heard of vaguely similar concepts in other cultures. Gray: "Totem sprirts are.. a thing.. I've heard of." He admits, then swallows, The beast expression thoughtful as he stands there with far away look. "If that is true.. it.. I am inclined to trust the Raven, Suori. It seems right to me" Raven: "All things of this world have power, Suðri Skornbrekker. many do not seek it out. Many do not understand it. " Gray: "Can you help me find Falkirk and Bomrick? That would go a long way to showing us all you are a friend, Raven." Raven: "Your Allfather, the Faðir öllu, is one such Spirit" Suðri Skornbrekker perks up Raven: "Yes Gray, of course I will help you. I could do nothing less. Syviis will be the most help, I am sure. She has the Key. And I believe she too can sense the power that was used here" Syviis Adjeon nods. Raven: "The Circles; are there other gates we have not yet visited? Does the Key tell you this? Gray turns his gaze hopefully to Syviis, nodding to her quickly and jogging closer. "You can?" Then he shuts up as the raven speaks from her perch on his shoulder. Syviis Adjeon: "It does...but I am..." "I am cautious about letting it show me too much. It is like dealing with an ocean of power and I know only of how to sip it through a straw. I dare not do more until I am ready." Gray: "I.. Ah, yes. I don't want you lost or hurt trying to do this." He says swiftly. The beast kneeling near where he last saw Falkirk. Getting the scent, trying to follow the trail.. though he's afraid it will simply lead to the teleportation dias. (To Gray): The scent is thick here, ghoulflesh. And another odd smell, like fish left out to turn. (To Gray): the Trail of scent crosses the room to where Bomrek was camping out with his gun. There is blood here too. Dwarven blood Gray rest a hand on the cold stone and lowers his head nearly to the ground, breathing deep then growling.. he follows trails and tracks, invisble hints at what's happend here. He stares at some blood, then moves. "Bomrek fought here. Ghouls, I think. He was bleeding, but not enough to kill a tough bastard like him.. " (To Syviis Adjeon): Roll Will +1 fo rme Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (From Syviis Adjeon): target is 14 or better, not too bad with the +1 Ken (GM): (To Roderick): Roll Will +1 fo rme! Suðri Skornbrekker wishes he could shoot magic Roderick: (To GM) Gray won't point out to Suori that he's the only one that hasn't been caught by magic in this strange, dark land. Clearly the dwarf's turn is next. (To Syviis Adjeon): The 'flayer was able to stop you from reaching the portal with the Key, but his defences crumbled. They were weakened, somehow Raven: "Your friends are very brave...and very lucky Gray." Roderick: "I think so..." Gray: "I hate asking them to accecpt such risk.. Thank you, Roderick. I don't know what you did but it seems to have helped" Suðri Skornbrekker too breathes a sigh of relief. Syviis Adjeon: "I know where they are...and I know what we're up against now." Syviis Adjeon swallows back a bit of fear. Syviis Adjeon: "And ... It knows we are coming for it." Suðri Skornbrekker twitches for a moment, but then he slams the butt of his musket onto the floor [but doesn't damage it in the process]. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Then it also knows that its days are counted, and that we will bring death.” Gray takes a deep breath, then nods. "We can't leave them at that horror's mercy. We should go now, if you are ready." Gray: "Raven.. thank you for your sage advice" He says to the bird at his sholder. Syviis Adjeon: "We should attack now...or bring as much hell with us as we can. But honestly, I can't think of anything more furious than we all are." Roderick: "If it burns, I can kill it." Suðri Skornbrekker: “And if it does not, we will set it on fire.” Raven: "The mindflayer will attempt to destroy you. It is a thing of elemental evil, alien to your world. Fire is a very good choice for combatting it" Gray: "Our cannon's jammed, Suori needs more ammuntion from our supplies" He says with a nod, checking the bomb he picked up and holding it up where Roderick can see it. "I throw, you burn?" He offers. Suðri Skornbrekker will be using whatever tools are available and wocking it back and forth a little to try and unlodge the cannonball, and afterwards make sure the barrel isn't damaged. Roderick: "If that doesn't kill it, it will at least be a hell of a start." Gray helps Suori. Wanting to move as fast as they can Raven: Armory roll! Syviis Adjeon moves to the circle, pulling out her necklace and thumbing it as she meditates on it. P.P. A.: >don't actually have Armoury (Cannon), just Small Army and Body Armour fu g What's the default? Raven: ohh, P.P. A.: >Defaults: IQ-5 or Engineer (same) Raven: -4 from each other tho 8 Ken (GM): sorry, GM Saying this not raven :P P.P. A.: oy vey Suðri Skornbrekker looks around if they have another cannonball left, not sure if they did; they have that finer shot though, pretty sure they didn't use that yet Ken (GM): crrently loaded with grapeshot, If I recall Joush M.: That will do just fine P.P. A.: aye, perfect Roderick: "Where did you even get these?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “We could choose what to bring along on our journey. As it was, we chose wisely.” Gray: "Grayhold MIlita depot they established in the ruins at edge of Old Gorath, after we drove out the monsters occupying it." He explains, nodding to Roderick. Ken (GM): [thinking rod should have brought a cannon?] Right, well, the four of you going to set out for murder times then?] Suðri Skornbrekker is ready for murder time indeed Joush M.: Murder time is go Ken (GM): Syviis, Murdertime enabler? Syviis Adjeon: All aboard the Illithid Murder-Circle-Bus! Roderick makes sure his horse is a reasonably safe distance away from the teleportation circle Ken (GM): [shoves horse outside] Roderick: "Hopefully this should be safe, if we're about to kill what did this." Ken (GM): Gray nods to Roderick. There's little he can think to do to help keep the animal safe. Ken (GM): [On Syviis' mark? Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): BAWOOP Suðri Skornbrekker for once does not give a flying fuck about the masonry in this room or the oconstruction of the vault Joush M.: I bet this is initative time Ken (GM) The Mindflayer is a towering behemoth of green and purple flesh. His mouth ends in a swirld of writhing tentacles, as does his lower body where legs should be, are instead sucker tipped probiscus and more tentacles. Doc: oh boy, arcane machinery, I bet that goes well with fire >green and purple P.P. A.: thanks doc Ken (GM): From accross the room, a womans voice shouts! "Master! They are here! Look out! Joush M.: Don't complain Doc, the last place we were in was an explodium mine Ken (GM): INITATIVE TIME P.P. A.: hopefully he didn't give any daily dose to our m8s Syviis Adjeon: +1 for the usual "we are ready to murder?" 6.25 P.P. A.: er Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: not v Ken (GM): lulz Gray: P.P. A.: and not 3d6 either :DD Roderick: 11.25 Doc: rip Ken (GM): Skornbrekker leaps to murdertime! P.P. A.: hm, lemme think Distance here is... -2? to the mindflayer Ken (GM): js Jus P.P. A.: so if I dropped everything except one of my muskets, I could fire this turn without aiming? at just -2? Ken (GM): ya random hit location "snapshot" 14 Ken (GM): dood P.P. A.: Noice the issued muskets were 3d6 damage, or 3d6+2? Ken (GM) The behemoth turns...and attempts to dodge Ken (GM): Ken (GM) The bullet flies true, and then veers off! slamming against a bubble of now-visible...something. Pieces of shimmery substance fly off in all directions Ken (GM): You hit, roll damage, he has DR of some sort Suðri Skornbrekker: P.P. A.: :| Ken (GM): Should be 3d6+1 for Bomreks madman loads P.P. A.: oh Ken (GM): so 7 P.P. A.: 7 then ;_; Ken (GM): whoo lad Joush M.: Next time maybe rolling low will be a good thing Ken (GM): ;) GRAAAAAAY (To P.P. A.): You hit him; theres a wall of force of some hind around him. You tangibly broke a bunch off Gray steps forward and throws the bomb. "Now, Roderick!" P.P. A.: man, I love this party and this setting Gray: P.P. A.: >tp into a mindflayer's home Ken (GM): Aiming for "at his feet"? P.P. A.: >immediately shoot at it with a musket and toss a bomb in its face Joush M.: Yep, trying to land it in his hex Ken (GM): kk, lands square :D Joush M.: You are right PPA.. we should have said "Marry Christmas!" and gift wrapped the bomb Ken (GM) The brassy metal canister lobs right into place, at the 'flayers feet Ken (GM): Syviis! Fiss: NOW I HAVE A MACHINE GUN. HO HO HO Ken (GM): ruh roh Syviis Adjeon: Despite her obvious fear and hatred of mindflayers...Syviis shoots the mage who warned her "Master" instead. Ken (GM): :O Syviis Adjeon: Left upper corner? *corner...in a circular room :P Ken (GM): yep; -4 for distance to her Shes in flowy blue robes, blonde, humanlike. Holding a staff in one hand and glowy mist in the other Syviis Adjeon: Add another -3 for Vitals, All Out for +1, target to roll is 15. Ken (GM): jesus Syviis Adjeon: AWW YUIS Ken (GM): yahtzee Syviis Adjeon: That's going into her 3 of a kind score Ken (GM): may be a dodge here P.P. A.: trips, too Ken (GM): noooope shes no ninja THWIP-URK Syviis Adjeon: 2 points O lightnin like I default to: Joush M.: Trips twice in a row. THE SECOND SEAL IS BROKEN Syviis Adjeon: 3 impailing to vitals, + 6 Snappy Shiny Boom Ken (GM) When the thunderclap follows, she screams, and bursts into flames, from the inside out Joush M.: Syiviss makeing sure she's the prettiest still Syviis Adjeon calmly pulls another arrow from her shoulder quiver Syviis Adjeon: [SYVIIS IS THE PRETTIEST THERE IS... Ken (GM) The behemoth shudders Syviis Adjeon: Oh oh... Doc: fugg Ken (GM) The thing is at the desk one moment, then behind you the next Syviis Adjeon: P.P. A.: pshhh.......... Ken (GM): Ken (GM) as a massive tentacle slips over her, drawing her close Doc: how does a sacrificial dodge work? Fiss: Badly. lol Ken (GM): well, you roll dodge +3 (and -2 as you havent acted quite yet) and shove her ou tof the way Doc: And I get hit instead? Ken (GM): if you beat by three, neither of you are if you succeed, just you are Doc: Too late to try that? Ken (GM): nah, go full force mang Fiss: Let the elf get eaten. She's had a good run, lol Doc: BOI Fiss: *secretly not wanting to be eaten Or...do I? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ken (GM): [Oh come on, its just ya brains] Roderick: Ken (GM): dood P.P. A.: no elf getting tentacle'd Ken (GM) Syviis is shoved to the ground, nearby Doc: HE BOUT TA DO IT Raven: "Watch out! The Flayer will feast on your brains!" She screams from Gray's shoulder Rod! Joush M.: Hopefully Rod's styleish facial hair will protect him! P.P. A.: only dwarves' facial hair gives you practical bonuses in this campaign Doc: What are the modifiers for using my flamethrower attack at this range, or what do I have to do to get out Raven: oh well, grappling out is your wrestling-type skill versus his or Flamethrower him with wanton abandon, no penalties just point it away from ourslef? 12 Raven: heh; it did NOT see that coming Doc: No target location since I don't think I can actually do that Raven: fun thing about all out move and attacks; the flayer gets it dead center DAMAGE ROLL PLX Roderick: P.P. A.: that feel when special effects Raven It screams, and drops him Raven: Rod, DX/acrobatics vs the fall? Roderick: Raven: noice, you land on your feet Ken (GM): lol, all that was GM, not raven (gotta watch that) Doc: Can I still take a step back and quick draw or is that a whole turn? Ken (GM) the flayer drops rod, reeling, it's skin cinders, a black crust on rubbery flesh Ken (GM): Roll QD, take yer step Roderick: Ken (GM) Rod's ancient blade leaps to his hand; the steel rings like a note struck in the air, perfectly in tune with the screeching of your burning foes Ken (GM): Ken (GM) the woman wizard screams, rolling on the floor aflame Ken (GM): Ken (GM) she smothers herself in a blanket from the bed (To Roderick): Your sword is singing in your grip, excited, like a chorus of angels thrumming up your bones Suðri Skornbrekker drops the musket he's holding and spins around (while taking a step). He picks up the other one he discarded, and without standing up heaves it onto the cannon, and fires it blindly at the Illithid. P.P. A.: I attempted this motion IRL, it takes about a second and a half should this be two, turns, or one Joush M.: Sounds like an adventure there. Ken (GM): the fuck, so, dropping the gun, swinging round, and scooping up another roll DX Rolling 3d6 = 6 v12 Ken (GM): nice, you go through the motions, and land in position; roll musket -5 (for bulk, but+1 for bracing P.P. A.: I'll go for an all-out attack as well while I'm at it, tentacles be damned 13 P.P. A.: fuck Ken (GM): gasp Joush M.: Malf? Ken (GM): size modifier P.P. A.: at least he can now drop that musket and aim the cannon next turn ;_; ... Doc: tfw I can't use my luck for you P.P. A.: Size modifier is... +1 or +2? Ken (GM): +2 P.P. A.: :DDDDDDDDDDDDD Ken (GM): the mini, I made him huge [how do I alsways frogt size modifiers/] anywho, that lands roll 3d for hit location! Suðri Skornbrekker 's shot connects, hitting the monster's area Rolling 3d6 = 13 ! Ken (GM): 'leg'! Damage! 18 Ken (GM): fug :DDD Ken (GM) the Flayer's shield shatters, pieces fly in all directions, dissolving into ectoplasm as they fly this way and that, evaporating in the fire, splattering you all P.P. A.: >roll for hit location for the shrapnel Ken (GM) the tentacle just about pops from the blow Ken (GM): Gray, top that Gray: P.P. A.: he mad Ken (GM): ohhhhhh boooooy the room i son fire, and Gray just 'zerked Doc: "top that" "k" Ken (GM): all out move and attack? Gray isn't very happy his friends have been attacked. He's haveing a bad day. So he won't bother with the shield.. chargeing the burning, battered mind flyaer with a savage roar. (All Out Attack (strong) on the mind flayer, targeting neck) Ken (GM): noice Gray: Ken (GM): :DDD Ken (GM) Gray lets out a roar 9like, not a yell, but a roar) and charges Gray: (That math is for basic, in this case, it would be a hit at 13 (-5 neck, +2 size) and +8 damage for strong) Ken (GM) the sword swings perfectly in a line through the things body, the head neatly severed Gray: ((so 14 CUT to NECK, if the flayer fails to defend)) "FUCKING DIE" He snarls at the monster, swinging the heavy blade with two hands and roaring. Doc: got dayum Ken (GM): yeah, its headless, goddamn Doc: Do mindflayers need their heads P.P. A.: do mindflayers need their heads, skin, tentacles, and magic barriers? (and, after Syvii's turn, assistant?) Ken (GM): Syviis, the things head lands at your feet, wat do as well Ken (GM) the burning blast from roderick has ignited a fine carpet and a pool of bubbling...something in the corner of the room. Syviis Adjeon: Well, I think first course of action is to get up to my feets, unless the head looks like it needs an arrow in it immediately. Ken (GM): I will say this; the tentacles are writhing Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): kk Ken (GM) the Mindflayer's body slams to the ground, twitching and rolling limply. The fire around it burns Ken (GM): (To Roderick): The sword in your hand turns almost instantly from elation to rage. Roll Will Roderick: (To GM) Ken (GM): (From Roderick): I try to, at least Ken (GM) the woman in the side of the room gasps in pain, throwing off the blanket. Her body is a smoking ruined bloody mess Joush M.: Poor Rod, man, that sword gives him troubles P.P. A.: She was hot, and then she was very hot, but she is not hot any more. Ken (GM): she gasps "Im FREE!" Skornbrekker, wat do? Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker puts down his musket and picks up his bardiche. His eyes dart back and forth between Rod, the woman, and the writhing mess of tentacles. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Roderick! Wake up!” Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't know what or whom to attack so he does nothing other tna switching weapons Ken (GM): '[and the FIRE] P.P. A.: oh right :D Ken (GM): gray! Doc: How flammable is the room P.P. A.: I just noticed that sarcophagus in that magic circle on the left has Chinese characters on it Gray strikes at the flayer's body, slashing away the beast's arm, or tentcle.. an appendage, in any case, is slashed aside. Gray: Joush M.: All Out (strong), so.. yep, should tear it off. Roll Rage to snap out of it and avoid switching targets to the mage woman when the flayer is dead? Ken (GM) chunks of the writhing body fly away, into the fire. green blood sprays. Ken (GM): sounds good, giver Gray: Ken (GM): yaaay Ken (GM) gray is heaving with rage, and sprayed with green ichor but has calmed some Joush M.: should we let you go? Put out fires next week? make the mage prove she's not on the other side, and see if Rod's going to be sword-possiessed? Ken (GM): im good if you all are P.P. A.: one hell of a cliffhanger tho Doc: I'm good to keep going But if you need to end then this is fine P.P. A.: same, would really like to see what happens to Rod though Joush M.: Humm, I could so a few more miniuts, though I'm lowish on time Ken (GM): ah fuckit then CLIFFHANGER TIME TUNE IN NEXT WEEK; WILL ROD REGAIN CONTROL TO ESCAPE THE FIRE? WHO IS THIS BURNED WOMAN, ENTHRALLED TO THE FLAYER? JUST WHERE ARE BOMREK AND FALKIRK? Fiss: 20 points to griffindoooroooooor Joush M.: Thank you! I love this game. It was brutal today P.P. A.: we couldn't afford to waste a turn, and we didn't Ken (GM): SPECIFICALLY, 5 points to the each of you P.P. A.: very tense session today, I likeed it Doc: same Ken (GM): :D Glad to know I always wonder, but then hey, you guys BLOW IT ALL UP Doc: I lucked out like six times in a row P.P. A.: >that second shot that was only just barely successful thanks to the size modifier Ken (GM): hah yeah seriously remind me to rememeber size modifiers P.P. A.: Ken (GM): Gray, top that Doc: "top that" "k" and then he raged and cut off the monster's head Ken (GM): fucking....jesus yeah im hopin g the stargate game runs this well P.P. A.: read about it in the gamefinder, good luck with it Doc: Stargate, like SG-1? Ken (GM): Stargate 1888; victorian science theater Doc: neat Ken (GM): fiss plyed it a bit with me the other year. this is a refinement.of that playtest Doc: Think I'll spend three of those points and bank the other two Bring Innate Attack up to 13 and Fast Draw up to 12 Ken (GM): kk, good choices right, time to make sandwiches and such here. You al lhave a good week :D Doc: Take care P.P. A.: bye Ken (GM): BOOP A DOOP I love the Discord GURPS group. Buncha fuckin crazies, and one of the admins writes for Pyramid :D Fiss: Woo! Ken (GM): buncha nice people there. Ive been slapping together superscience guns with em this morning :D hows the fiss? hey hey! P.P. A.: \o Joush M.: Hey everyone Ken (GM): \0/ Doc: o/ Fiss: Watched Doctor Strange yesterday. ONLY movie I've ever regretted going to see in 3D. Will be going back. :D P.P. A.: Adolf said “Also, will try very hard to make it, but idunno if I can :/. will try though.” 6 hours ago Ken (GM): ah yeah, hes been off sykpe all week. Fiss: If only to trip balls Ken (GM): didnt take the roll20 invite either fis,s you nee dno assitance in ball tripping Fiss: No Joush M.: That's high praise, Fiss. Fiss: But it's nice when I don't have to do all the work And I'm not really into drugs, so Ken (GM): coughCAFFINEcough Fiss: Caffeine isn't a drug... IT IS THE LIFEBLOOD! Ken (GM) guiltily also partakes Fiss: Aliens are potentially going to be blown away by the number of symbiotic substances, creatures and habits humans rely on. P.P. A. only drinks black tea sometimes Ken (GM): ugh, europeans :P Fiss: Or...maybe we're the light-weights of the universe. "What? You can function on ONLY a cup of tea and 3 hours sleep???" "How is that possible! You have MILLIONS of symbiotic lifeforms in your gut! What about them? You're a bad host! Eat more!" Ken (GM): lol hahahah "Whaddya mean you only have ten pounds of macrobiotic material. What are they FEEDING you on that planet of yours?" Fiss imagines Alien Perogies Ken (GM): We need mel brooks on this, right now hes the only one capable of capturing the essence of this insanity Fiss: Nah, let him work on Spaceballs 2: The search for more Money. Ken (GM): hahah alright, alright, Evryone alive then? recouperated from last weeks AWESOMENESS?! Joush M.: Yes, I live again P.P. A.: pew pew what is the floor made out of, by the way Fiss: Tasteful interlocking ceramic hybrid tile from Home Depot Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes; The blazing corpse of the mindflayer lies beheaded and maimed on the floor. His lab is a shambles of black curling smoke pouring out of the burning rug and pool of unknown red fluids. Roderick stands poised to destroy it's severed head, green light and an unknown voice on his lips. He roils in anger at the death of the thing, perhaps for not being the one to strike the blow? Ken (GM): [floor seems to be carved stone, but the toolwork is imacculate] [almost....MAGICAL?] P.P. A.: good, so it won't burn down (To Roderick): You can still see and hear everything normally, but your arm is fighting you for control. That happy angry feeling is trying to wrench your sword into the flayer's head Suðri Skornbrekker shame about the carpet though, it looked valuable. Ken (GM): [99% sure sudri is just wearing that thing constantly now] Suðri Skornbrekker cautiously steps closer [I assime we're out of combat time] Ken (GM): [safe assumption] Syviis Adjeon is certain the party can hold Rod in peace / check what is happening, so she'll stalk over, arrow lowered but ready, to the wizard to cover her. (To Roderick): STRIKE LOW THE BEAST; THE DEFEAT OF IT SHOULD BE OURS! Suðri Skornbrekker mumbles something rude in Dwarven about magic and magic artifacts under his breath Suðri Skornbrekker: “Become a gun then, sword; don't blame others!” He yells at it, doubtful if that will help. If Roderich tries to attack Gray or him, he is prepared. (To Roderick): yes please; you exert your will back into your won arm, trying to wrest control back into solely your own! Syviis Adjeon looks a bit unsettled, but holds point. "I should have remembered their blasted mind link...I didn't think.." Roderick: Ken (GM) She gurgles a bit, but manages to speak "...the vault..." and points to the door inthe SouthWest wall of the room Ken (GM): (To Roderick): You push back, hard, and force the presence from yourself. Your body is your own, your will your own! Ken (GM) Rod struggles against, something, and the light in his visage subsides. When he opens his eyes, they are his won again Ken (GM): *own Syviis Adjeon nods quickly, then attempts first aid to see if anything at all is possible to save the poor slave. Syviis Adjeon: "If I can, I will relieve you of your pain. I am sorry..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Have you come to your senses again?” Gray provides Syviis with his makeshift first aid kit and assist as well as he can. The massive brute allows her to take the lead. Ken (GM): fiss: first aid! Syviis Adjeon: Memers M.: >signed into the wrong account Oh man Suðri Skornbrekker relaxes a bit. “So it was mad at not getting to strike down the mindflayer—what did it try to get you to do? Does it grow stronger with killing enemies?” Ken (GM): lulz Doc: didn't that arrow hit the vitals? P.P. A.: \o/ Memers M.: Going to rejoin on my proper one, brb. Fiss: Probably ;_; Adolf S.: There we go. Roderick: "I'm not sure. All I know is that it likes it, and it resents my restraint." Joush M.: Welcome back Adolf. Great to see you again Adolf S.: Ahoy Joush, PPA, Fiss, Ken. I went on some adventures, fun times. Suðri Skornbrekker: “And I resent it and its lack of restraint. I suggest you throw it in that burning cauldron over there before its gets worse.” (From Syviis Adjeon): Another thing Syviis will hope to learn in her hopefully old age... she leans close "I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do. I can end it quickly if you wish, and give message to your kin. Or I can try...and you may live a bit longer in pain." Ken (GM) the burning cauldron smoulders back. (To Fiss): She looks at you with a kind of fearful panic "I want to live!" she manages, with blood on her lips Syviis Adjeon: Syviis Adjeon turns back to the mage and nods. Syviis Adjeon: "I will do everything I can." Doc: Any indication of what's in the cauldron? Syviis Adjeon: "If anyone sees any healing magic...this is the time to let me know... P.P. A.: in b4 it's a “potion of Transform Sentient Weapon Into Mecha” potency increaes with temperature Roderick disregards the cauldron, saying "I doubt it would help" as he drops the sword and turns to the wounded mage. He's no doctor, but he can certainly try to help. Ken (GM): [so fiss, surgery?] Syviis Adjeon: [Does it default to anything?] Ken (GM): hahahah oh dear Syviis Adjeon: :P Gray shakes his head, the brute tighting his jaw and frustrated at his helplessness. "There's little I could do." He rises to his feet, allowing Roderick to help the woman as he looks around the room. Walking to the door. Ken (GM): "Defaults: First Aid-12, Physician-5, Physiology-8, or Veterinary-5" Syviis Adjeon: o_o Doc: I have Esoteric Medicine because low-tech Joush M.: So.. Veterianry?" Doc: Also Diagnosis if that matters Syviis Adjeon: [Diagnosis is generally what to tell is wrong, and HAS to be rolled first. But With the elf there..she knows what damage the arrow has done, so she can point it out.] Roderick: Ken (GM) The arrow has sunk deep in her gut, right through a crux oforgans and veins. Moving the arrow at all, she bleeds heavily. pressure is the only thing keeping her alive at the moment Ken (GM): [anyone wanna dig in on that?] Roderick shakes his head sadly as he looks at the wound. He can try, but it would take a miracle to save her. Syviis Adjeon: "Mage...do you have any healing potions? Salves? Anything here to help?" Suðri Skornbrekker walks over to Gray Roderick: "I have a few healing potions in my saddlebags. I don't have many, but if you want to try teleporting, I'll do what I can to keep her alive." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Should we wait until they are finished, or should we go inside by ourselves?” he asks the beastman, having picked up, his guns and now cleaning and reloading them. Ken (GM): [ooh right, you packed those away day one, but left em on Bavieca] P.P. A.: muh encumberance (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You notice from here, the mindflayer has a gun half-disassembled and rebuilt on his workbench Gray: "I don't want to leave them behind, but I don't want to risk any delay when the others are in danger. Let's go though the door and see what lies beyond." Ken (GM) The door towers up, above the head of even the Fallen 'Flayer. The stone doors carved with intricate abstract patterns Suðri Skornbrekker: “I agree...” Suðri's voice trails off as something on the nearby table catches his attention. He walks up and picks something up—part of a musket. (From P.P. A.): I figured, I remember the mindflayer picked up a gun when we encountered it int he slaver's den (From P.P. A.): Suðri will inspect it more closely when they get back and ponder the consequences—did he pass on the knowledge?—then Gray picks up the grenade they diden't get a chance to set off before the mind flayer teleported. Walking over to open the door next, leaning into the finely carved door. Ken (GM): [noted] Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) the door swings freely, and firigd air pours out. Mist pools at your feet as the air mingles Roderick: "She may have killed one of us. It's unfortunate, but you did what you had to." Syviis Adjeon: "I'll make peace with this later, don't worry. I am still ready to fight." Doc: Can I do anything with Esoteric Medicine? (I didn't realize Physician would actually be available) Gray steps into the room filled with sarcogi, looking around as mist curls around his powerful body, the Scorned brute looking to the pluseing black tubes as strange shadows dance across his rough features. He scents the air. Hunting Bomrick's scent. (To Gray): Bomreks unique blend of alcohol and gunpowder is there in the chill air. As is falkirk's unwashed robes. They should be in the North corner somewhere (To Fiss): HAH Ken (GM): [so does someone wanna roll First aid -12? Joush M.: make sure to get out every bit of fabric and hope the arrowhead is intact too) Syviis Adjeon: [I'm going to risk it. Need to Crit, of course. No iffs ands or buts...but will try.] Doc: Rod needs to roll a 2 Joush M.: Good luck! Syviis Adjeon: Yeah, I need to roll a 1 Nope... Rolling 3d6 = 10 Syviis Adjeon: I rolled a 1...with 0...lol Doc: ebin Ken (GM) the two of you try, the wound is deep, and she just wont stop bleeding! Syviis Adjeon: "Tell me of your kin, mage...Talk to us. Who were you before the evil took you?" Ken (GM) after a few moments, she shudders, and lies still P.P. A.: rib I told you about evles man psychopaths the lot of them, especially the ones who throw around magic (To Gray): It starts moving Roderick: Syviis Adjeon uses a portion of her precious canteen to wash her hands, then stands up, bow and arrow ready. -10 to see if she has any tears...she's ready to fight it out. Syviis Adjeon: "Onward." Roderick puts a hand on her shoulder to reassure her. "I know of no surgeon who could have saved her. Only magic would have helped." P.P. A.: rib falkirk remember when he fixed Syvii's ribcage torn open, that was cool Gray makes a sound of hatetrid mixed with disguist and swings a hand to try and knock something from inside the sargophi Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker , in the absence of any obvious tells, does as Gray does and just opens the nearest coffin. (To Gray): the thing is latched on, wrapped its limbs about Bomrek's face. It goes REEEEEE Suðri Skornbrekker steps back and draws his Falchion Ken (GM): [GOOD GOD HES ARMED] P.P. A.: actually nvm if he steps back he can just use his bardiche Ken (GM) a pale arm lifts from the stone sarcophagus, long nails like claws its fingers. Pale clear flesh pulsing with black veins (To Bomrek): All you can taste is...disgusting Suðri Skornbrekker turns around at the mention of his comrade, relieved that the mess in the coffin before him is not what is left of the mercenary. Ken (GM): [lulz 'I didnt kill bomrek! awesome' P.P. A.: well, the thing he killed was sucking on a dwarf that was already in a pretty bad state so at worst he would have ended his suffering Suðri Skornbrekker: “If that thing in there moves, probably better shoot it!” he tells Syviis as he runs past her. Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker takes a look at Bomrek to see what state he is in. hoping he is in a better shape than that other coffin'd dorf. Joush M.: Oh god, he's hidious! Ugly and reeking of gin! Doc: That's a relief Adolf S.: Can't put on my bomrek name: Bomrek looks up at you all, and looks extra surly. "What in the nine hells.." he rubs his hand hard against his face. "What.. where am I-" he stops talking, and jerks up into a sitting position, looking around at you all hard. Does he see the saddle bags with you all? And is everybody present and accounted for, no stragglers from our team? P.P. A.: we left the saddlebags behind when we went here Falkirk isn't immediately visible since he's in that other coffin (To Adolf S.): You shoul dhave control again Gray tries to remove any squids from Falkirk's face. Bomrek: He takes a few steps toward the door, shaky at first, and then stops, and looks back at you. "Did you lot kill that monster that attacked me?" [Insert description of monster I as a player have not seen yet. 15 feet tall, I think it was said?] Suðri Skornbrekker smiles, relieved that Bomrek is still the same old guy. He beats his chestplate and boasts: “Roasted, shot, and beheaded. And don't worry, the loot is still there.” Or so he hopes. Bomrek: "What in the world did I go on this damned adventure for if you lot' let my gold get stolen, eh?" he gestures around at you, not really able to get properly angry considering the circumstances, but still feeling like he should, clearly. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Falkirk though...” He worriedly walks around the coffin to see what Gray is doing. (To Gray): Falkirk is lying still, unmolested, no squids or tubes. he is however slate gray, blue lips. He's breathing, barely Bomrek: Also GM do I have my weapons or did they get dropped? Certainly I still have my brace of pistols at the least, if not, ja? Gray touches Falkirk's throat and frowns. "He's barely breathing." Ken (GM): [youre still wearing your armor, belts, everything. Looking about in a panick, your big double barrel monstrosity is tucked in the corner of the room Suðri Skornbrekker turns around to the two healy people and beckons them to come over. Bomrek: Bomrek walks over, a little lumbering-y since he's still a bit out of it, and looks at Falkirk for a long few seconds, before turning away and going to grab his double rifle. Doc: New guy is tall dark and handsome, wearing brigandine and using a cloak and rapier Bomrek: I recall somebody mentioned something about good quality gear / rich-lookin'. What's the deal with that/ Ken (GM): [oh yes, he looks polished and clean. Well appointed armor. Well crafted] Doc: He looks rich, his sword is really fancy Bomrek: And Bomrek is aware that this guy apparently tried to be king of England but got teleported here instead, then? Doc: Like $6000 fancy Ken (GM): [hah, aware, yes, that Rod was once a noble, certainly. That point was salient] Fiss: Like, 4999 on sale fancy. Doc: I Gray wears a tremendous amount of relatively inexpensive and comparatively outdated mail armor and has an inhuman, lupine cast to monsterous features. In comparison, Roderick's quite handsom, though he's no Horsia. The huge Scorned lifts Falkirk carefully and gently from the coffin. Bomrek: Is Roderick magical at all, or is he just a good swordsman? Doc: He shoots fire P.P. A.: not sure if you told us about the “again” part Ken (GM) Falkirk comes free from the sarcophagous, he is cold and unmoving. Doc: Yeah I don't think he's discussed the details of why he's not a nobleman anymore Gray: "He was hurt before this. Injured by his contact with that dark power here. This can't have helped.. can anyone think of how to help him?" Ken (GM): [so far, the fabled blade was a bit more important. the noble bit hadnt come up much] Bomrek: Does Bomrek even know his name? Has there been much conversation at all? Ken (GM): [it was handwaved a bit, yeah, but Bomrek knows hes not a demon out to kill everyone, he knows his name is rod] Bomrek: Bomrek walks over to Roderick, eyes on Falkirk, but talking side-long to the swordsman. "You picked a fine time to get magicked away to the far corners of the earth, aye [Dwarven word of light-camaraderie here]" (To Bomrek): The flask is chilled, the whiskey ice cold. Problem is, you cant taste anything Suðri Skornbrekker looks over his shoulder into the other room. “...I doubt trying random magic things and potions from here would do much good. Curses.” Bomrek: A very hard, angry look crossed Bomrek's face, and he Glares down at his flask. Roderick: "It has been... an ordeal." Bomrek: "Oh, funny, who replaced me Whiskey with water?" and looks around. "This is no time for jokes." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Wake up, Falkirk!” Bomrek: [Wake me up inside] Ken (GM) Falkirks limp form doesnt move. [cant wake up] P.P. A.: I called his name but I can't save him from the dark. Bomrek: [SAAAVE MEEE] Roderick moves closer and attempts to Diagnose Roderick: Doc: (however close I have to be to get a good look) Gray nods grimly, wrapping Falkirk in his cloak and carrying the dying wizard from the icy room. He makes the man as confortble as he can there in the distrubing lab. Joush M.: over here by the table? (To Roderick): diagnosis says "Unnatural torpor" Signs of life indicate hes in an niduced comatose state. His pupils are responsive to light as you open the eyes, but pulse is barely there as is breathing. And his body temp is impossibly low. Theres a thick necromantic tingle on him though, from your wizard senses. Leaves a taste of chalk in your mouth Bomrek: Bomrek idles in a room a few moments, staring at the crypt you 'lot pulled him out of, before walking into the main room and giving hard stares to all the magic-looking shit. Gray grinds his teeth, then after setting the spellcaster down he nods. "I'll go tear open the other coffins. There may be another survivor." He says grimly, expecting to find nothing but horrors in that eerie room lit by the pluseing tubes. Ken (GM): [theres a bunch. Table with weird crystals an red dust in bowls, plus a disassembled musket. Table covered in weird runes and vials. Table covered in papers, weird tools and a glowing pool of green] Suðri Skornbrekker: “When we were in that slaver's den, a mindflayer appeared, picked up one of our muskets, and... disappeared.” Ken (GM): [somthing that looks like a still with weird creatures in tanks right beside] [Big blue crystal covered in more runes, glowing and hovering] [burning cauldron of red stuff] [two big pools of clear water with blue light coming out of it] [dead woman in a pool of her own blood] [bed[ Suðri Skornbrekker: “It must have been this one, and he's been tinkering with that musket since. I hope he didn't pass on any of that knowledge to the derugar or anyone else yet.” Ken (GM): [you recall, the derugar fired a grenade at you, from a musket] Bomrek: Bomrek looks it over. What's different about it? Etched in ritual signs, I assume? Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard and tries to remember the shape of the grenade launcher they used. (To Gray): The cold storage is full of horrifying things, but nothing that puts up much of a fight. Coffin after coffin with a sickly looking pale dwarven body, a squid thing latched to its face. Each of them has the stench of a ghoul, but none of the lithe mad spirit the ones you fought, did. They struggle vainly Rolling 3d6 = 11 v12 Bomrek: "What the.. They took a shite design and made it even more shite. Look at this, these barbarians just shove their magical stones in and gunk up the works." he slaps his hand against the receiver lightly in disgust. Gray stalks though the room about his grim work, preventing whatever this house of horrors was attempting without bothering to understand why the ilithid uses captives in these strange coffins with those replusive squid. Bomrek: (To Bomrek): Years ago, ages ago, there was a clan of dwarves rumored to have been cast out of the houses. Struck from teh records, their lineage line thrown into the pits. They were forbidden, for transgressions to taboo to speak of. This...may be the remains of that clan Bomrek: (B:"Are you thinking what I'm thinking Suthri?" S:"Yes I think so!" B:"We can sell this for profit!" S:"We can understand their design!") (the last two bits meant to be said at the same time) Doc: Profit and science - two great tastes that taste great together Bomrek: How do I PM in roll20 again. Er, whisper (From Bomrek): test P.P. A.: type /w person (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The grenade launcher/grenade you found. The fact that these are dwarves, in the south/forbidden lands. The fact that this is apparently a dwarven keep in those lands. Its all adding up Gray has a lot of coffins to open before he returns to the others. "Any change?" He ask, gaze going to the fallen physican. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Bomrek, do you remember that clan... er... the name eludes me. Cast out from all the forts and caves, a blemish putried even in the deep's darkness?” P.P. A.: -e Syviis Adjeon: "I can see if the Key can bring him back, but I fear it's less a beacon and more of a tap to the power the physician is lost in." Bomrek: "Aye, aye.. what was their name.." Bomrek puts a gloved finger up to his chin. "Catfish-something, aye? But yes, I recall." He continues the rest in Dwarvish "This could be the remains of them, or perhaps descendants? This is important news, we should tell some one back in the mountainhome when we can." Raven Chirrps "You are wise to avoid tampering with it's power, Syviis" Bomrek: What the hell is that. A magical talking bird? Raven sits perched on the cannon. It looks at bomrek from a long black beak Bomrek: Has Bomrek ran into this thing before Is this something he's seen already. P.P. A.: “Oh right, that's Gray's... something. Dunno. It's friendly.” Suðri Skornbrekker: “Oh right, that's Gray's... something. Dunno. It's friendly.” Syviis Adjeon: "I wish I knew if he was still...conscious. Perhaps he could lead himself back to us. But I will trust what my friends say...do we try to bring him back or do we hope more answers are ahead? Bomrek: Bomrek uses his free hand to pull one of his pistols from the brace of them on his chest, and aims at the bird, all in quick military-trained fashion. "Oi!" Well. That's assuming Bomrek's not seen this before. If he has, then ignore that. Raven: [nah, thats pretty much what we expected. Hasnt met he ryet] Gray nods, dragging a hand though his hair and agreeing with Syviis. "You can't save a man from drowning by drowning yourself.. I.. Wish there was something more I could do. The raven is with me" He agrees with Suori, nodding to Bomrick as he stands there a moment, wipeing blood and gore from his blade, then speaking to Bomrek. "It's on our side, and a spirit. Don't waste the shot" Bomrek: "What the blazes is that!" Bomrek says, pointing his pistol at the bird. Raven looks unpreturbed by the gun "Well met, Bomrek. I hope you are well" Suðri Skornbrekker: “It might be creepy, but it is friendly. He helped us track you two down.” Bomrek: "Get fucked you flying rat." he turns toward Gray and backs up. "What devil's-work is this?" Gray: "I don't know." He admits freely, the towering beast shrugging. "Magic, I belive. "He holds out a hand to the raven, letting it land on his arm. "You've seen plenty of magic here, why is this worse?" Bomrek: "We were lucky when that moon-worshipper took his devil away from us, and you bring another in? Birds do NOT talk, I've ate enough to know" "Because it can talk." he says stubbornly, lowering his pistol so it's not pointed at you. "Anything that can talk, can lie. Anything that can lie, can get us killed." Suðri Skornbrekker: “So far it only got that guy killed,” he points at the mindflayer's sorry corpse. “Roderick's sword talks too, by the way, but that one is crazy.” Gray nods thoughtfully. "So doubt and question it. It would be foolish for us to trust a new ally blindly in a place like this.But no need to shoot it now." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Anyway...” he walks over to Falkirk's body, more concerned now with the fate of their comrade. Syviis Adjeon: "And sometimes talking saves lives." "Would you prefer I go back to writing things down?" Bomrek: "Aye, maybe so miss Elf." he takes a few steps toward her while storing away his pistol in his braces, and pulling out his flask. "I dont' suppose you're the one who replaced my whiske with water, are 'ye?" Raven: [hah, zing] Roderick looks from Falkirk to Suðri. "He's in bad shape, and may be fading. I can sense foul magic at work on him, but I don't know what I could do to stop it. The last person I tried to save turned out... well.." He looks at the bloody mage on the ground. Syviis Adjeon: "We must choose. Falkirk has saved us all in turn...we either push on or...I am willing to try what I can for the man. It is the least I can do, and he may be useful in the magical traps and unknowns ahead." "Time...is also against us, though. What say you, friends?" Suðri Skornbrekker face darkens. “His mind had been lost to magic from some time; I doubt this experience did him well.” Syviis Adjeon: "This is my biggest fear as well. That who we get back may not be the one we lost." Bomrek: Why are we on a time limit again? Syviis Adjeon: "Because the longer we wait, the weaker he becomes. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Ere he drifts away from us for good, let us try whatever we can. His expertise in magic is of great value, and... well, I would hate to lose him.” Bomrek: Said that ooc by the way. Was makin' sure we weren't going to have to Indiana Jones our way out of a collapsing temple. Syviis Adjeon: [oops, well, there ya go. :P] Gray: "I don't think you should risk yourself for this." He says gently to Syviis. "Anything powerful enough to take Falkirk would be powerful. Dangerous. We will do what we can for him but he did know the risk and chose to face them." He says in that deep, rough voice, reluctantly shakeing his head P.P. A.: OOC he's probably not going to make it seeing how his player is gone and this is a good time to kill him off for good but our characters still have hope! Doc: Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment Ken (GM): ;) Syviis Adjeon looks like she's about to protest, but stops herself. "Then we must hope we can return with time to spare when the whole of this land is not at our throats..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “His damn perchant for touching damned things.” P.P. A.: *penchant Gray: "He bravely ran risked and faced horrors we couden't understand." He says with a nod to Suori. Ken (GM): [thjis is starting to sound like a round robin sermon] Suðri Skornbrekker hangs his shoulders. He is unhappy—but had already grappled with the thought that Falkirk might be lost to them when he would not wake up from his magic coma. Now, however, he is only slipping further away, and with him any hope of his recovery. Syviis Adjeon: "Have hope," Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Roderick: "I fear we'll be at it a while. There's no shortage of evil here." Suðri Skornbrekker: “If we keep slaying mindflayers at this rate, yea.” Syviis Adjeon: Gray nods. "We won't save him standing here in sarrow. Search the room. Let's see if there is anything we can learn or use here." Bomrek: "Even if he's lost, this is no place for mourning." Bomrek says, gripping the table and looking down at it. "Tears are for the pub, the field is for stoicism.. That sounds better in Dwarvish, but it's still true enough in Common." Gray: "Aye, Bomrek. We've work to do." Syviis Adjeon: "Let's give this lair one last search. Maybe we can find clues or tools for our next battle." Syviis Adjeon swallows back disgust. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye.” The dwarf regains his posture, and picks up his many weapons. “Speaking of slaying evil—we did a lot of that, Bomrek.” “Those bastards were cast out for good reason. We were fighting more of them earlier—they were being lorded by an orc, and ate their own kind. One of them struck down, and they simply stripped and cooked him. Disgusting traitors, the lot of them.” Syviis Adjeon: "And slay anything still...living...in those coffins. The Illithids do not like creatures of the world." Bomrek: "Oh? And how did they f- An ORC? Lording over Dwarves?" he looks more surprised than anything. Syviis Adjeon: "Perhaps, at least, we can make Falkirk comfortable on the bed here." Gray: "I've seen to that, Syviis." He says of killing the things in the coffins. He puts Falkirk's still, cold form in the mage's bed. Ken (GM): [whump: what are we gonna do on the bed, Syviis-kun?] Bomrek: Bomrek narrows an eye and looks at Syviis. "What do you mean they do not breed like creatures of this world?" Syviis Adjeon: :3 Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well, not any more. Gray made short work of it, and we slaughtered the lot of them—and another mindflayer too.” (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Gray massacred the lot of them. Each one is now a stone bin full of gibs Suðri Skornbrekker wordlessly goes to open the nearest coffin, prepared to make short work of the brood inside. P.P. A.: oh (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Gray beat ya to it P.P. A.: retcon didn't know Gray already did Gray searches the lab. (To Gray): tons of magical bullshit. Occasionally stuff you recognize. Small bowls of golden dust, silver shards, other precious small stones and metals. Roderick looks around at notes and experiments (To Gray): the big burning pot was bloodwine, but is burning lower now. Into something sludgey and black Suðri Skornbrekker: “They also mine some magic red powder in the caves here which they use for their contraptions. ...well, mined. Freed all their slaves we did, and killed their masters.” (To Roderick): Its all written in some odd language, but the formulae are consistent at least. the flayer was a tinkerer of magic, and thats universally understood. His work was...weird but understandable Bomrek: Bomrek raises a skeptical eyebrow "And why's that?" (To Roderick): Tinkering with the gun look slike some kind of dust-powered weapon. The specifics are illegible. The one table is an alchemists basics, most reagents precious metals, heavy metals, and other pure pure extractions Gray: "These tanks hold horrors.. Spawn, seeds of those flayers?" He points to the blue tanks. (To Roderick): the still is...bloodwine? The vats with creatures...who knows. (To Roderick): the big blue thing to the right has power in it, but not actively. It might be some sort of storage device. theres runes of scribing. Maybe some kind of arcane library? Ken (GM): [the big blue tanks are pools in the floor. About six feet deep? level with the floor at least] Bomrek: Bomrek walks over and takes a cautious peek down into them. Do I see anything? Suðri Skornbrekker notices something Suðri Skornbrekker: “There are three sets of tableware here...” Bomrek: (I'm imagining an exclamation point over your head like in metal gear) Ken (GM) Little tadpole things, dark skinned, swimming about. Scores of them Bomrek: I just noticed there are lab-looking tanks labeled "creatures". Are there creatures floating alive in the tanks still? Bomrek hops back "Oi, looks like they breed the squid things in here." Ken (GM) A large sack-shaped thing with eyestalks protruding from all sides, and a spider shaped thing, with no head, and a scorpionlike whiptail Bomrek: "Elf, come here and zap them with your magic arrow" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Good idea.” Syviis Adjeon: [do she need to roll?] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Her arrows now make things explode with her arrows, too,” he notes to the dwarf, “I hope our gunsmiths make that possible soon.” P.P. A.: er -with her arrows Ken (GM): [nah youre good fiss] Ken (GM) With a sharp lightning crack, Syviis drops the power of the storm into the pools of water. Theres a splash, and then floating to the top come scores of little cooked fishlike bodies. They stink Ken (GM): [two shots for two pools tho] Syviis Adjeon: k Gray: "I think I prefered our foes mindless beast. These ones think far too much" Gray looks to the tables of bloodwine, alchemy and gunsmithing experments with a frown. Bomrek: Bomrek walks over to the tubes. He shoulders his rifle and takes aim at the most humanoid looking one. "These too then I suppose, aye?" and puts a shot in it's head. Does it pull a resident evil and jump out at me, or is it dead? Suðri Skornbrekker lets Bomrek do the shooting, poor guy hasn't exercised his trigger finger in a while Gray: "Don't stand too close when it breaks" He suggest. Bomrek: Well, assuming nothing special happens, Bomrek puts another shot into the head of the next, and then pulls his two pistols and puts two rounds into the scorpion looking thing. Ken (GM): hahaha sorry was afk a sec toddlers Ken (GM) Bomrek's shot slams through the delicate crystal tube. The lead plows through the thing in the tube, and it slumps into a useless pile of meat in the sloshing lefotvers Joush M.: Welcome back Bomrek: Whoa P.P. A.: \o/ Bomrek: I think somebody just shot a pistol not too far from me IRL brb Suðri Skornbrekker holds his ears, ringing from the shots and the shattering of glass. Bomrek: Sounded like my neighbor's 25 ACP. Weird. Hope he didn't have to put his dog down or something. Bomrek laughs. "Chunk'o lead solves most problems, aye." Gray shakes the concussion off and looks around a moment. "Anything else we could do here?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “What's this?” Suðri Skornbrekker walks over to what looks like a chest in the middle of a magic circle, but keeps a certain distance. P.P. A.: it also has Chinese writing on it but he can't read Chinese alas Syviis Adjeon: [Any luck from the elf's powarz?] Ken (GM) the box is a slab of metal, seemingly cut to shape. Strange unknown writing is etched onto it, along with odd geometric designs. It sits on the floor inside a circle painted in dried blood...with something green mized in as well. More magic runes in the weird language appear here Syviis Adjeon: "I suggest feeding it to the lava monsters below...but that's not a professional recommendation." Ken (GM): [thaumatolgy from rod or syviis?the runes here are moonrunes, and the configuration is odd] Syviis Adjeon: [she needs to be trained in Thaum, so far it's all been hippy elf-feels.] Suðri Skornbrekker: “We should inspect everything here thoroughly. There are three cups/mugs on the table, three chairs—someone might come here and seek revenge for the two we killed.” Ken (GM): [hippy elf feels like looser pants might save everyone from the hips] Gray walks closer, nodding as he stuides it and thinking to ask the Raven. "Do you know anything about this?" Ken (GM): Raven: she turns her head, looking at the box. "I know nothing of this. I do not read their language, but I can assure, anything they would keep locked in a forged metal box might be best left lost. Possibly in a deep pit" WAARK Syviis Adjeon nods, content about her earlier 'lava' recommendation Suðri Skornbrekker: “Fine with me.” Raven the flaming pot of bloodwine seems to have finally guttered out. The remains are ill smelling black tarry...porridge Bomrek: "We could try shooting the box. Doubt it'll withstand a round from my double-barrel, and it might make us a hole to peek inside without touching it." (To Fiss): Oh, you know it Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (To Fiss): The chest seems sketchy as fuck, but the thing I was describing is actually the big blue device in the top right Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Syviis Adjeon: "Same for the devices it was working with..." Suðri Skornbrekker still trying to figure out what he is looking at P.P. A.: [dm pls describe] Bomrek: "Aye, aye, I'll do it." Bomrek walks over and sorts through it. If there are any notes and paperwork, he takes those, as well as anything that looks like it's related to the musket's R&D. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): getting within arms reach, you feel a tingle from it Raven the big bluegreen thing is some strange arcane device; a kind of squat tower of odd protruding rods of metal, carved of weird greenblack stone. Atop it is a ball of blue glass, floating just baove the peak of the tower Suðri Skornbrekker: “I felt something. It is active, but whether it's doing anything...” Gray: "Far beyond my understanding, I'm afraid" (To Roderick): You alive? Bomrek: Bomrek walks up behind Suthri, stuffing papers into his pack. "What am I looking at here exactly, Suthri?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “The same thing I'm looking at. A magical thing of some sort.” Suðri Skornbrekker shrugs Raven: [fuckin wizard shit] Bomrek: ^ P.P. A.: p.much Raven: [did rod afk on us?] Suðri Skornbrekker nods, and turns his back on the strange, magic device. He gathers up, once again, his armaments; takes a last worried look at Falkirk; and steps on the portal. Syviis Adjeon: [next campaign I'm going to play a wizard who is sick of wizarding shit] Fiss gathers her things, and her emotions, and heads to the portal (To Fiss): Syviis Adjeon: Not fiss...fiss is sad. P.P. A.: “I cast a curse on all the wizards of the land that makes them forget what all their wizard shit does so they will know how that feels” Raven: [hahah] (From Syviis Adjeon): yes...actually, I was thinking about WoAus myself, lol Bomrek: (The LSD in Ken's drink is finally kicking in) Raven: [assuming rod died at his desk here] P.P. A.: I messaged him on Discord, no response yet Syviis Adjeon: "Remind me, when this is over, to find tutelage with a wizard who is sick of this dung as well." Ken (GM): "Rod shambles over, disgusted at the whole affair, and the mess bomrek made on the floor" Roderick: "Those wretched beastmen were foul enough with out us butchering meat on the floor..." Gray: "I'll try to remeber that" He offers, nodding to Syviis. "To the enteryway?" (To Fiss): Thats your cue to fuck with the dwarf with wizard shit Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek: Bomrek's just looking around, with a face that telegraphs a general "what in the fuck is going on" sort of feeling Ken (GM): [because syviis is doing magic shite] Suðri Skornbrekker closes his eyes and hopes this is over soon, he hates this method of travel. Gray: "Hopefully it works as it's supposed to. I'll never get used to these things" He says of the rune-marked dias. Ken (GM): [syviis doing the thing?] Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) And then you are standing in the entranceway to the keep, the stench of horsemeat on the air Bomrek: Bomrek sniffs the air a few times. "Smells like summertime." Gray: "Damnation.. we can't leave Falkirk here. It's not safe" He says, frownign deeply. Suðri Skornbrekker: “We should carry him and our stuff deeper into the fort, into an area we have cleared out already.” (To Bomrek): and your stuff P.P. A.: there was that room between the hall and he staircase with the ruined furniture Ken (GM): [right, the old guardroom] Bomrek: Bomrek shoulders his Rifle and looks around, before walking over to his gear, rooting through his bags to make sure everything is there. Gray checks Falkirks things. He hates to, but he studies them a moment, searching for a better medical kit. Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): [ there is a pack of surgeons tools and devices. As well as a jar with bloodroot squirming away in it :P] [as well his spear is sitting there, resting amongst the heap of bags Rod seems quite interested with the spear, when he sees it, and he plucks it from the pile Roderick: "Where did you get this?" He says, a touch of wonder on his voice Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard trying to remember. “Was it the slavers' den?” Roderick: "Was it a temple? An old one?" he asks Suðri Skornbrekker: “It was; like this one, of ancient Dwarven make; though there stood serpent statues.” Gray nods in agreement. "I think so. I could not say for sure." Roderick: Rod continues to stare at the spear in wonder. He draws his old magic blade and holds it up, side by side, the resemblance is uncanny Same beaten metal work, same swirling patterns. Where the sword has leaves, the spear thorns, and vines, in a faint thin pattern "I dont think that it was always dedicated to the dark ones. Its likely older than them..." Gray studies the patterns with a thoughtful frown. "More Fae work? What other mysteries have we overlooked?" Syviis Adjeon: "I agree. There are many influences from lighter magics and times here. As much as I speak of my anger for this land, it is done not out of hatred, but sorrow for the beauty being fed upon" Roderick Tucks the spear into the crook of his arm "Please, I must take this with us. " Suðri Skornbrekker: “Given your sword's own mind, Roderick, could the spear have whisked away Falkirk's so—” He pauses and makes a confused face. “Wait, when did you pick your sword back up?” Roderick: Rod looks down at the blade in his hand, and back to the dwarf 'We...have an understanding of sorts" Suðri Skornbrekker holds his head/helmet and sighs. “So just leaving it behind won't work, eh?” Roderick: "I'm afraid I have a higher purpose" He says with a smirk [hmm, right, so 4 already. Damn. Seems like a good enough plot point to leave on for the moment.] Gray growls in frustration and nods, standing there beside and looking to the sword and spear. "So many mysteries in this blighted land.." Joush M.: Thanks for the story man, it was fun Roderick: PPA, can you check on Doc for me? Make sure hes alive? P.P. A.: gonna try and call him, in case he got CIA'd Ken (GM): hah P.P. A.: thanks for the session though Ken (GM): I mean, i laugh but Adolph nearly got shot today tooo np guys, always glad ot host P.P. A.: He was? Bomrek: Na, just what sounded like my neighbor's pocket pistol being shot twice in the span of 20 minutes. P.P. A.: oh that Ken (GM): I bet it was squirrels Fiss: Slowest...zombie...attack....ever. Ken (GM): big, goddamn squirrels Bomrek: I wouldn't trust 25 ACP against big squirrels. Joush M.: .25 ACP: All of the liability of a full sized round, all of the power of cold loaded .22LR Ken (GM): [I am trying not to worry that doc wandered off like the guy did in last nights game. Though, in his defense, at least that guy told me 'this aint the game for me'] P.P. A.: (nah, that's not his style) Ken (GM): joush can attest, it was a fucking exposition dump :( P.P. A.: (maybe he fell asleep, that happened during another campaign once) Ken (GM): [hah, nooooo] P.P. A.: (but had nothing to do with the campaign and more with his sleep schedule) well, when he gets back I'll tell him what else happened Ken (GM): whhyyyyy is that so common I can empathize? yeah, cool, Ill send him a roll20 note too. "the sword was rather cordial, and has some good points. You have subscribed to its newsletter" so, we gonna get a Bomrek on the regular again? P.P. A.: I sure hope so, I want our dynamic dwarf duo back Ken (GM): "whats this wizard shit" "I dunno" DAKKA DAKKA DAKKA DAKKA Joush M.: Hard to Dwarf Fortress with just one dwarf. I think that guy was just on the fence about being able to play at all and decied he couden't take it Ken, not your fault Fiss: Dwarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfs Ken (GM): Man, he seemed kinda sketch too. During sesion 0 and the like? Fiss: Oh, any XP this round? Or are you saving for the Ultimate Endtimes? Ken (GM): yus, take your 4, I hauled your asses out of bed/into the internet for times, and they were merry Bomrek: >last night's game huh, what happened? Ken (GM): oh, seperate group. Stargate 1888 also on roll20, but Joush is the only cross-player He's a little french girl this time around SHE GOT A KNOIFE Joush M.: I'm playing the anti-Gray Bomrek: >stargate 1888 Hook me up fam Joush M.: Small, friendly, capable of complicated math Fiss: lol Bomrek: Any room in that game? Joush M.: Well, we did have a guy flake Bomrek: My first thought for character just now was the pith-helmet wearing hunter from Jumanji Ken (GM): so, a victorian big game hunter, with a giant gun, and a pithy accent Bomrek: Sounds a lot like Bomrek, kind of. Might not go with that though. Ken (GM): hah, better question, can you make 8-12pm, friday nights onthe regular? Bomrek: Anyway I've got a game of overwatch to catch with some amigos, I'll be back in... some number of hours. Yup, oughta be able to. Fiss: o/ lotsofun folks! Ken (GM): well, fuck, hit me up fam, we'll see what we can do for ya. Good to have you back o7 Fiss: Ken: Doing up Magical Talent to 2. You cool? Ken (GM): ooer! yeah! [FINALLY] [JUST [JUST DO IT Bomrek: If you've got a link, throw it at me in Skype. Also if there's any info you need to tell me regarding the game, send it there in large chunks rather than many individual messages, since it'll mess up my game. Ken (GM): [YOU FUCK] Bomrek: Alright, adios amigos' Fiss: Later, folks! P.P. A.: Bye all o/ Joush M.: Take care! I'll see ya all around. My improvemen plants for gray are up in the air, but I'll figure something out. Maybe another point of IQ while keeping Will and Per static Ken (GM): FEAR ME MORTAL I AM YOUR DOOM Doc: I almost forgot today was Saturday Ken (GM): ha thanksgiving throw you off? (From Doc): Got it Ken (GM): FISS LIVES Fiss: It's true. :P Ken (GM): woop woop just missing a bomrek looks like P.P. A.: Hullo Ken (GM): Joush M.: Hey everyone. I hope you all had a good week P.P. A.: [13:22:01] Excitable Labrador: Ayyo, I might be late for today's game. Not sure. (that was some 6–7 hours ago) hi Ken (GM): UGH lordy Fiss: Hey, not too shabby of a week, yourself? Ken (GM): I had an interview! (still no call back, but an interview, the same) Joush M.: Had a little holday stuff, managed to survive it. That's great to hear Ken Fiss: Have you ever done much Customer Service Manager/Rep babysitting Ken? If so I'll relay a posting at the new Dayjob to you Ken (GM): ooh, could do. They need a team lead/cat wrnagler? Fiss: They're basically the folk that act as customer babysitters. I think we're done hiring dispatchy people but they are still hunting for CSR's P.P. A.: To ask if they tried turning it off and on again? Fiss: More like "WAAA! Your company is making us mad! Fix it!" or, you call them up and say "What the hell, why isn't your product ready to ship? You know we'll charge you extra, right?" So yeah, just babysitting accounts. :P Only real requirement is 2+ years of customer service. I'd apply for it if I didn't prefer the hours of dispatch. Ken (GM): oh dude, yeah I can handle that. email me dets. So we're all alive then? Doc, you caught up with the happening during your laptop nap? Doc: Yep, caught up last time Ken (GM): wootski; in line with your image of things? Any major retcons we need to cover? Doc: Nah, it all works out well enough Ken (GM): awesome Fiss: Woo, switching to elf-mode, also, e-mail sent with deets. Syviis Adjeon: [ELF MODE ACTIVATED] Roderick nods and opens his saddlebags to withdraw a potion case. "It won't truly be safe, but safer than to leave him alone." (To P.P. A.): you alive too? Roderick holds up the small metal case. "I have four healing potions. I don't think they'll do anything for Falkirk, but it could save a life to have them with us." (To P.P. A.): lol, k Gray has a pack, yes. Doc: tfw literally no backpack to carry my own potions Suðri Skornbrekker RIP Ken (GM): [Bomrek did get the horses unburdened before they were rendered into ghoul-meat] [hence the pile of Bags in the room with ye all P.P. A.: [yeah, I know] [we still have to carry our stuff ourselves now though] [:(] Bomrek continues to recount his gold heap Roderick: "I trust you to keep these safe, if you care to carry them." Gray doesn't mind the extra weight, putting the potion case in the leather pack and closing the flap before he settles Falkirk's weight and goes to try and find that guardroom they'd left. Joush M.: "Certanly. What are they?" Fiss: Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): lulz [theres a guardroom in the great hall there. You guys bashed the door down the stairs, but shoul dbe able to re-jam it shut. and the other door is easily close-able and relatches as well. Good place for him [we shoving hjm in there with your other valuables?] Syviis Adjeon nods elvishly Ken (GM): [gotcha, bags and friends in the hole, lock the door] youguys gonna do anything about the squib'd cannon? [just checking off a list of things you guys have going] Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the cannon. “Well, now is as good a time as any... Bomrek, do you want a go at it before we accidentally break it?” Bomrek: Bomrek takes another good look at the gun "You boys right buggered this one up, dinnya?" Gray: "I'd think some wet got into the powder. Don't know properly, of course." Bomrek: [curse this non-alphabetized sheet] right, taking about an hour to dig in on it? Joush M.: an hour would give us time to make the horse and Falkirk cozy Bomrek: righto, thats at least +3 then "ITS FUCKED" Bomrek hammers away at the ruined cannonball, and does dislodge it, but the mouth of the thing is a curled mess of toolmarks and welded metal "I'll need a proper reforging to be servicable again. Best we can hope is sticking it up somethings arse and pulling the trigger" Roderick: Gray nods. "We've got a spare.. there's a reason I grabbed extra guns when we were at the fortress" Rolling 3d6 = 8 v14 (Masonry) Bomrek: "Aye, reason enoughto always have a spare. Shotgun load should deal with damn near anything but another of those infernal statues." [ayy nice looking stone there] (To Fiss): You bought up magic talent right? Ken (GM): [anything else I'm forgetting? or off to the teleport circle with Syviis?] Gray is ready to go to the circle Doc: Are there enough first aid kits or do I need to grab mine P.P. A.: >first aid kids we once tried first aid by stepping on the patient's throat Joush M.: Should bring yours, yeah Roderick also pulls his first-aid kit out of his saddlebags, if anyone else will carry it Doc: tfw no backpack Syviis Adjeon hands Roderick a small utility pouch she was using to carry the Key and other loose items Syviis Adjeon: "It's not much, but it should fit a potion or two, and can tie to your armour easily" Suðri Skornbrekker has 1.5 lbs of space left in his backpack Ken (GM): Gray nods to Syviis. "A good thought. I was just going to offer a blanket and some cord" Doc: The first aid kit is 2 lbs Ken (GM): hahah Syviis Adjeon: "I can carry a First Aid kit, as well." Ken (GM): friggin logistics P.P. A.: if I move my gun-cleaning kit to my inventory, which I might as well seeing how I forgot I didn't have it on me when I used it down in the dungeon, I have 2 lbs free Ken (GM): brilliant Suðri Skornbrekker offers to cram a potion inot his backpack, where his rope and blanket would protect it from impact Doc: It's actually just bandages and ointments P.P. A.: that works too Gray settles his equipment, not seeming to mind the extra weight and bulk of Roderick's potion case. Doc: Gray has the actual potions, which are in a metal case to prevent crushing Syviis Adjeon readies the Key Syviis Adjeon: "Shall we?" Suðri Skornbrekker puts that in his backpack Bomrek: [all set to beboop?] Syviis Adjeon: [3...2...1...let's jam] P.P. A.: scotty, beam us up or down Ken (GM): [BAH DAT DA NAH NAH NAH NAH NAHHHHHHHH bebop intensifies] Doc: Ken (GM) Syvis invookes the power of the KEY, and the world turns inside out. You vault through solid stone, your view opaque, then blinding light pierces your eyes as the setting sun throws red beams of hate through the air. Then darkness again, intense blackness, as you pass up through...something P.P. A.: oh, we are in the fort already? I thought we wanted to investigate the door in the slave mines Ken (GM) behind you, a machine of terrible energies each of you cna feel, and the mages can feal in earnest. Hovering there, in the center, a mound of flesh and eyes, piercing your reality with a dark intent (To Syviis Adjeon): This is where you ended up, if not where you tried to go Syviis Adjeon slides away the Key after a moment of confusion. Syviis Adjeon: "We were brought here...this felt different than my doing." Gray stands bathed in the light of the fadeing day, amber eyed narrowing as he shakes off the light, stomiach acheing a moment at the transion.. then gaze drawn to the gigantic, mind-bending power, stareing at the eyes and lifting the shield. "What is that?" Doc: oh btw how long have we rested I haven't recovered any FP in like a month Syviis Adjeon: [we had at least an hour] IT speaks Syviis Adjeon: [fp = 1 per 10 min unless you have fit, then 2 per 10] IT IT: YOU HAVE COME THEN, TO END IT Gray shakes his head hard. The horror should not speak. It should not be at all, but the hidious thing still speaks. The grim beast revealing fangs as he snarls. "We are here to end it" He agrees. No pretense or lies. Suðri Skornbrekker: “You do not have a mouth, how is it that you talk?” Bomrek is already turning and aiming the cannon (To Fiss): Roll vs 12 Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (To Roderick): Seems the sword doesnt like...IT IT SPEAKS. YES! FLESH! UNLEASH THE FURY! Gray: "What are you? Why?" Says that savage brute. Bomrek: "Uh, why is the horrible wizard shit asking to be shot?" Syviis Adjeon frowns. Syviis Adjeon: "Answer my friend. Why all this pain and suffering? What could you possibly desire from us destroying you?" IT: SCREAMS. DO IT! SHATTER THIS VESSEL! RELEASE YOUR RAGE! YOUR FURY! Syviis Adjeon turns to the others, eyebrow raised Suðri Skornbrekker: “We just want to go home and save some poor souls along the way, really” Suðri Skornbrekker looks around the room to see if there are any doors, chutes, staircases leading up or down Gray: "Runes and chains of argent magic surround it. They aren't marks of it's power.. it's a prisoner's shackles. This thing is not the master here." Suðri Skornbrekker lowers his aim, hearing this, and strokes his beard. (To Fiss): The well is there, where IT lies. The device surrounding IT, the room itself, the bones of this tower....This is ALL the Ansible of Spirits Roderick: "There must be some way we can kill it while it's restrained." Syviis Adjeon puts down her bow and arrow and begins laughing Syviis Adjeon: "We should have brought bigger horses..." (To Gray): perception Syviis Adjeon looks around and shakes her head...more out of disbelief than anything. Syviis Adjeon: "I'm...fine. We've found the Ansible." Syviis Adjeon swallows back a nervous smile Syviis Adjeon: "I think we're in it right now." Gray: Suðri Skornbrekker stars looks at her blankly. Suðri Skornbrekker: “...think we can borrow that one dark lord's flying steed?” Gray: "In.. " He looks around him at the grand space, the echoing chamber something out of a nightmare as the dark haired man tilts his head to the side and scents the air like an animal. (To Gray): IT...is not a ball, or a sphere...or a thing hovering there. The edges of it continue through...something. It's as if youre looking through a curved piece of glass. IT keeps oging beyond the edges. There is a lot of IT there Syviis Adjeon turns to 'It' Syviis Adjeon: "Well? What do you have to say for yourself? Am I right? Is this keep the Ansible? Are YOU what it was set to contain, or are you something new?" Gray: "It's as if.. IT is far larger then we can see. Like that isn't a half dozen yards of prison, but a curved bit of warped glass looking in on it as it's held back" He says in that deep voice. IT QUIVERS WITH SOMETHING LIKE RAGE (To Roderick): Thaumatology? Adolf S.: ayyo Sorry about that. Fiss: [zupdawg] Roderick: (To GM) Adolf S.: What'd I miss. (To Bomrek): The party has packed away falkirk and headed into the keep once more. The teleport was hijacked, and you are now speaking with IT. Syviis also has suggested the idea that the entire floating keep is the Ansible of Spirits P.P. A.: not quite, but we discovered that the ansible might actuaslly be this entire giant tower Joush M.: Cosmic horror (To Roderick): And based on the arrangement of things in this room, you're at the controls Adolf S.: restarting browser, brbr. Roderick: "So... if this is the Ansible... doesn't that mean our mission is to claim it?" Gray: "Don't jump to conclusions. We don't know yet" Syviis Adjeon addresses the monster again Syviis Adjeon: "The less answers you give us, the less time you will have to convince us we should stay." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I doubt it wise to leave this in the hands of the military. I trust our king, and I suppose our lords; but there is always some intrigue going on.” Ken (GM) The abomination's eyes follow you as you creep up the stairs. As you draw closer to the walls of pitch black, you see it is highly polished stone. Maybe obsidian. all throughout it you see spidery patterns...which when you look closely are script in many languages. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You recognize the dwarven script immediately; one of the sacred prayers and reveries dedicated to the Allfather and the spirit world. It is interjected with odd runes. Syviis Adjeon looks at some of the writing in gladness...but also confusion. Syviis Adjeon: "Elven script....but...modified somehow." Suðri Skornbrekker: “On my side, it is Dwarven script—with runes I do not know how to read in between.” Roderick: "I suspect that this is a sort of control room... to tap into its power. If this is truly the Ansible, then its power must be... immense..." (To Gray): There are several floating globes of different colored crystal here. There is also a tangible tingle of magic setting your hair on end Syviis Adjeon nods Syviis Adjeon: "Let's be quick then. Search for answers, but I suspect the sooner we leave the better." Gray studies the crystal spheres for any markings or hints. "These may be controls" (To Bomrek): The drink goes down like nothing....but the burn in your belly tells you it might not have been water. HT roll Roderick carefully approaches and tries to make sense of the "controls" Bomrek: (To Bomrek): Over drinking. Like slamming a flask of whiskey Gray: "Bomrek, are you alright?" Ask Gray as he looks up from trying to decied about spheres. Bomrek: "I'll be more alright when this thing's either dead or out of my damned sight." he says, leaning against his cannon. Ken (GM) the crystal ball moves freely to gray's touch, and as he adjusts it slightly the whole keep shudders, the floor pitching under your feet. out the window, the horizon tilts sharply Ken (GM): DX ROLL Syviis Adjeon: Gray: Syviis Adjeon is surprised, but stands easil Syviis Adjeon: *easily Suðri Skornbrekker: Bomrek: Pass wew Suðri Skornbrekker catches his footing easily Roderick: Ken (GM): wew lads Syviis Adjeon laughs some more, this time almost joyfully Syviis Adjeon: "I guess we won't need a bigger horse after all. (To Roderick): Roll vs IQ+2? Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): Yep, you were remebering correctly; the spheres are arranged like the classic model of planes, with several in an arrangement controlling "the earthly realm" likely regarding to he three dimensions. If it follows as per your learnings...you could fly this thing (To Roderick): The controls are probably [pitch][yaw][speed] as well as major ones for [material realm][spirit realm][someplace else?/the beyond] as well as [fire] [earth] [water] [air] [will] Ken (GM): [he rolled a near critical success FYI :P 6 on 15] Gray: "Really?" He ask Roderick as the massive brute turns to him, then nods to Suori" Back to those lava chambers to undo the great glowing anchors?" (To Roderick): The controls lit up pretty dramatically when he tipped the ship, in particular the Fire and Earth controls are set to a [grounded] position. Maybe a parking brake? Roderick looks over the controls. "I think I know how to release the anchors, but let's be sure we're ready before we try anything else." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We can't leave Falkirk behind, after all.” Gray nods and looks around a moment, the towering brute prowling a moment as he scents the air again, then ask Roderick.. "This place is a prison for that monster.. or powered by it?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “What about the door we saw near the slave quarters? We've found what we came here for, and we have freed the slaves. Is there a point in going back there?” His voice betrays a certain regretfulness; as much as he would like to return to greener lands as soon as possible, he is nonetheless curious. Adolf S. leans away from the cannon, and says in response to Gray, "Both? Back in the mountainhome, prisoners push, pull, and turn large mechanical devices meant to process their food, pump their water, and power the carts transporting other essentials to their prison. It could be the same here" Gray: "I wouden't mind finishing our search. That room was a mystery." He agrees with Suori, putting away the sword and shiled and rubbing a hand across his jaw, then nodding to Bomrick. (To Roderick): Thecontrols are magically charged. Assuming you stand at them, you should be able to probe them with your wizard senses as well (To Roderick): Perception plus mage talent Gray nods, rubbing a hand across his jaw. "Do we move Falkirk and the supplies here, then finish our business in the mines of the dugar before we move on?" Roderick: (To GM) Syviis Adjeon nods (To Roderick): There is a depth to the place. You put your hands to the console, and it is as you feared; immense trapped wells of power. There is one big active...thing on right now, and you know that control itself is hidden away. Otherwise the controls from here work as you suspected. There might also be other less obvious ones to engage. You feel something like [focus power] and [movement], seperate from the main controls (To Roderick): HATE HATE HATE HATE rinse, repeat, etc. Not happy in the proximity of IT Syviis Adjeon pulls out the Key and concentrates on the Mines Ken (GM): [rightyo] Ken (GM) The Mines are distinctly hotter than you recall. The massive metal anchor set into the mountainside is...moved. The lava pit below it, spewing flames Syviis Adjeon: "I can't imagine it will be too healthy if we drag the anchors along with us..." Gray looks wide eyed at the firey pit, the massive brute's powerful form tense before he nods. "I don't like the thoughts the damage we could do with this.. The whole mountan could be ripped apart" Adolf S.: "Reminds me of the forges back home. Beautiful." Bomrek says as he pats his gun barrel happily. Alcohol seems to be doin' it's job at the moment. Roderick: "That's the least of our worries." Roderick looks at the fire spewing from below Syviis Adjeon: "Oh?" Ken (GM) the anchor groans menacingly, and slides a foot to the side. A geyser of flame leaps up where it moves, in midair Syviis Adjeon: [glares at Gray: "Did you leave the parking brake off?"] :P Roderick: "If the power of the Ansible is as gunpowder, then this is a flash in the pan. Ripping the mountain apart would be a single shot, and we're planning on bringing the entire powder keg back with us." Adolf S.: "Who cares? It's not my mountain. They shouldn't build it with a damned" he coughs a little, and pits onto the ground "self-destruct function built in!" Ken (GM) The temperature continues to climb Roderick: "My sword wants it destroyed. If it's responsible for the corruption of this wasteland, I can understand why." Bomrek: "How do we destroy something like that, though? Can't exactly throw it into a bon fire and call it done now can we?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I would hate for these ruins, part of which are beautiful craftsdwarfship, to be torn to pieces-but it seems to me...” he fans some air towards his face, “the genie might already be out of the bottle?” Gray: "Should we get out of here before it gets hotter? We can't stand here talking for long." "If we want to go past that door we should go now" Suðri Skornbrekker nods and moves out Doc: (there was a fancy mace like Rod's sword and Falkirk's spear back near the room with the ogre) Bomrek moves along as well. Ken (GM): [there was? I dont recall it?] Ken (GM) the group hups-to Doc: I might be remembering weird but there was a statue of a dwarf with some kind of fancy weapon Ken (GM) the imposing brass door stands in your way. The visage of a great and terrible thing carved into it's surface Ken (GM): [Ohhhh that statue, that mace] Raven: "Gray, be carefu. That is the visage of a terrible creature of fury and pain" Doc: We didn't mess with it because my sword was being evil (To Gray): the door is HOT Suðri Skornbrekker actully puts down the lighter musket and has his bardiche ready for a quick aim+brace setup Bomrek: I just realized both my characters in Ken's games have double barrel rifles of great value and relatively great power. Huh. Raven: [I sense a theme] Gray draws a hand back, considering. "It feels like there's fire behind the door. It's hot as an oven" Syviis Adjeon: "I have no desire to be reminded what roasted flesh smells like. Perhaps we should head back to grab our fallen friend." Bomrek: "Well. We could stand back, fire the cannon through it. No better door-knocker than that, and we'd be safe if there's fire behind it." Syviis Adjeon: [safe...er....\ Gray nods reluctantly, tempted to go anyway.. but the oven heat of the heavy door is a warning only a fool would ignore. He chuckles at Bomrek's suggestion and nods to him, looking to the others. "Let's try his idea. If lava begins pouring out we run for the dias" Roderick: "Perhaps those with muskets should stand clear." Ken (GM): [hah] Bomrek: Bomrek brings the cannon back about this far, instructs everybody to get back behind him, and that if fire pours through that we should run. Also takes a while to aim. An additional 60 seconds lets say, barring any interruption. Gray pulls back, holding an arm out to invite the raven to perch at his sholder. Ken (GM): [the raven does] Raven: "shall I hide for a time?" Bomrek: "Y'like having your ear holes bleed, 'bird?" Bomrek fires. Shall I roll, or is it more of a sure thing given the time and all factors? Raven: [not to worry] Raven The shot flies down the hall, and slams int othe brass doors like a gong. They dent slightly inward, and creak backward on heavy hinges Bomrek: ("..Yoou raanng?") Raven Beyond lies a dark pit, with a spur of rock crossing the gap. Far below, boiling air roils upwards, mingling with a current to create a gushing wind. The smell is sulphourous and rank. Beyond, a tunnel digs deep into the earth, twisting below Raven: [you seem to have found a door to further depths] Ken (GM): [and i forgot to stop emoting raven :P] Bomrek: "And there you have it. One open door." Gray nods. "Well done, Bomrek. Let's move before it gets even hotter here." He says, looking past the shattered doors then advanceing. Ken (GM): [down into the depths?] Suðri Skornbrekker puts on his mask as well. The scenery does not bother him as much, dwarf that he is, but the heat does. Joush M.: Sounds good Ken (GM): woot Ken (GM) from within the room, a soft sillibant hissing whisper crawls accross your skin IT: "YESSSSSSSS Come to me!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “...what? Again?” (To Fiss): LOTS O power here. Bad juju Syviis Adjeon: "It certainly seems to echo what we saw above." IT: "Come to me, flesh things! Come to the one that would free you of your prisons of the body! your chains of mortality!" Syviis Adjeon mutters: "Oh come on...does that even work?" Bomrek: Bomrek turns to Suthri, whiskey clear on his breath, and says "Well that seems reasonable, what say you Suthri?" Gray reluctantly growls. "It would seem the wise thing would be to simply turn away. This hell is dangerous to explore, and we have what we need from this place" IT: "Gray, creature of the bastard prince! Come to me! let me melt away that flesh! See the bones boil before your head explodes!" MUAHAHAHAH "Bomrek! Sudri! Gold and treasure await you in the spirit realm! The All father would reward you himself with riches!" "Roderick, be a king! Come lay waste to your flesh, and rule the underworld!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye, very reasonable. This particular twisted abomination, trapped inside a pool of magma in the bowels of the earth, seems particularly trustworthy to me, in fact.” Bomrek: Bomrek cups his hands around his mouth so as to carry his voice across the lake. "How much?" IT: "ALL OF IT! ALL THE GOLD THAT EVER WAS! COOOOME TO MEEEEEE" Gray: "Don't tease the hidious monster, Bomrek" IT: Bomrek: (it's like bathing a cat) Roderick: "Those controls were tapping into this power, so flying away from here will likely be either much less or much more dangerous than I'd thought." Suðri Skornbrekker: “In the worse case, the fortress falls apart and this thing is set free; in the best case, we remove its two parts from another and thus weaken it?” IT: "Sssssssssyviissssssssss" "Ohhh Syyyyyyviiiiiiiiiss" Syviis Adjeon raises an eyebrow. Syviis Adjeon: "Now you wish to speak?" IT: "Do you want to know...wha tlies beneath this miserable pile of secrets?" Roderick: "In the best case, it can tap into other sources of power. In any case, it would be wise to take our leave." Suðri Skornbrekker nods. Syviis Adjeon: "You've already shown us." IT: *GNASHING AND THRASHING Gray nods to Roderick, standing there as Syviis speaks to the eldrich monster that lingers under the lava. Gray: "Let's go" Suðri Skornbrekker turns around and follows Roderick, waiting until everyone is past the door and picking the statue back up as they leave. IT: "NO COME BACK! I CAN RELEASE YOU ALL! REWARDS, EVERLASTING!" ARGLEBLARGLE Roderick smirks Ken (GM): Bomrek: "That thing is insane." Syviis Adjeon: "Be hopeful, monster... For if I or my kind return, we will surely end your suffering. But no freedom will be bought for any price." Ken (GM): [exit stage up?] Gray walks with Roderick and nods at the words Suðri Skornbrekker: “What it promised us reminds me of the things the pale lady told us.” Syviis Adjeon: [10-4 Millie Vanillie Chillie Willie] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Is this foul creature the orgin of the Dark Lords?” Joush M.: Yep, getting out of there Roderick explains to the others as they fall back. "Two control spheres marking 'earth' and 'fire' were locked. It remains to be seen whether they locked the fortress to this power, in order to channel it, or locked the power to the fortress in order to contain it." Gray: "So we are proceeding with guesswork. I hope everything innocent has fled this place" Roderick: "Innocence can't long survive this place." Ken (GM): [so whats the general plan here?] Bomrek: Escape! P.P. A.: from what I gather 1) get the mace 2) get the doc 3) get the hell out Doc: Basically 1 and 2 can happen approx. simultaneously Then we teleport up, raise anchor, and see what happens Syviis Adjeon: [and hope our ride home doesn't fall out of the sky when it gets far enough away from feeding from a demon-batter] y Ken (GM): [gotcha] Syviis Adjeon: [What is the range limit for wireless demon energy? 666 miles? :P ] Ken (GM) At the Shrine, you side step long enough to revisit the dwarven statue and the floating floor room. Sudri points out the deep fissure in the walls that have widened. Bomrek drunkenly laughs about how the whole place could kill you all soon. The statue is where you left it, but the mace seems bonded with the thing, all metal and stone built together. What similarities it shared with the other Fey weapons, it doesnt seem to be of the same mythic wuality Ken (GM): *quality Gray moves at a jog once they are clear from the oppressive, endless heat of the lower tunnels. The towering brute going to find that mace and collect it carefully. "The Ansible of Sprirts. I grew up at a herbalist hut Grayhold, I don't acutely speak Gorath" P.P. A.: wasn'tthere another door there too Roderick frowns as the mace refuses to come free. "Well, this is both a disappointment and a relief." Ken (GM): @ppa: the stone tunnel down is hot with boiling air. You think it might have lead down to the lava P.P. A.: ah Suðri Skornbrekker watches the cracks in the wall with concern. “I needn't speak as a mason to say that this place does not look like it'll hold up much longer.” Syviis Adjeon: "Seems we've overstayed our welcome." Syviis Adjeon laughs at Gray Syviis Adjeon: "Apologies? My dear Gray, I'm just glad we aren't all dead yet. You've done nothing wrong." Gray nods to Roderick reassureingly. The human can't really do worse then he did randomly guessing. Roderick: "After all, who accidentally broken a mountain?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “For what it's worth, it sped up out departure—which is a good thing, too” IT: MORTALS. RELEASE ME Suðri Skornbrekker: “No.” Syviis Adjeon: "You'll have to lie to us better than the other one did." Suðri Skornbrekker sits down and cleans the cannon. He's brought a piece of rubble he found, and plans on fashioning it into a cannonball during the ride. (To Doc): IQ! Doc: (To GM) (To Fiss): He still unconscious. Necromantic coma Ken (GM) The mountain trembles. You hear rippling through the stone walls, the sound of machinery, far off...or through thick walls. Down below, the chains latched into the countryside below begin to retract, red hot tips glowing in the evening sun. The room quivers, as if you were no longer tethered to the earth Ken (GM): Rod, a roll vs 8 please Roderick: LUCK Ken (GM): DOOD Syviis Adjeon: [HAHAHA] Roderick: Doc: ffffffffffffff Ken (GM): bahahaha :D Fiss: [lololol oh wow...Guess the demons got to the dice...] Ken (GM) as the anchors release, Rod breathes a sigh of releif. And then the floor drops suddenly as the mountain begins to fall! (From Roderick): Roll now or are things still happening? (To Roderick): Roll now; youve got some time before this thing crashes Bomrek: (>it was the floating thing that kept the mountain up this whole time, not the other way around) (panic.jpg) Roderick: Ken (GM) Rod rips at the controls as his feet lurch out from under him. The mountain lurches forward, jarringly, and it's falling momentum turns into a thrust forward. You all feel roughly ten times heavier than usual in the maneuver Ken (GM): DX roll everyone! Roderick: Gray: IT: Doc: fucking Syviis Adjeon: Doc: Could have used that 7 earlier Suðri Skornbrekker: Bomrek: pass IT: Bavieca, vs 9 ooh Doc: when u crash a flying castle and kill ur horse Ken (GM) the Horse in the room skids on the slick floor, screaming Ken (GM): and bashes into the wall Gray hits the ground hard, for a moment weighing more then a tonne and huge body crushed to the smooth floor, but he's not injured by the experince as the horse slides around. Ken (GM): Bomrek: (Haha, horse pin ball) Ken (GM): [the blow strikes it's leg, but not badly enough to cripple ] [it is bleeding tho, and a bit pissed Ken (GM) The mountain levels off, and slows down Ken (GM): [congrats, your untethered from the world, in a magical superweapon powered by elemental NOPE] Doc: :DDDDDD Syviis Adjeon will grab him if he starts sliding around Ken (GM): awesome ST check Doc: why didn't you catch my horse Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek: "I feel like a musket ball shot into a cave, by the all father what was that?" Syviis Adjeon: beat by 1 Ken (GM): Yaaaaay you dont break your wrists Syviis Adjeon: Yay! Roderick grimaces and shouts back. "Is everyone alright?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I won't complain—we are flying in an ancient tower powered by evil manifest after all, without much of an idea what we are doing.” IT: RELEASE ME MORTALS Suðri Skornbrekker: “You never even said ‘please’.” Gray fights back to his feet. "Good work, Roderick. Everyone's alive" He assures the human then starts to the check on Falkirk and the horse and calm it before it hurts itself or anyone else. P.P. A.: so is IT our comic relief mascot now (To Bomrek): Hmmm, a nice beer would settle your guts. Gray: "We should get some straps in here, sink anchors into the stone so we can lash down ourselves and cargo" Ken (GM) The steps lead into shadowy blackness Bomrek: "I.. lets push the horse up there first." says Bomrek as he looks into the abyss. Ken (GM): AAAAAND on that note, this looks like a good place to throw points at you guys, until next weel *week Fiss: Yay! We DIDN'T release one or potentially two massive evils upon the world! :P Doc: wew yet Adolf S.: We should bomb these beastmen back to the stone age. Joush M.: Yay! We diden't accidently kill ourselves! Adolf S.: Meaning, like, a year ago in their case. Fiss: IT: "You'll slip up soon, suckers...I'm one crit-fail of gun-cleaning to freedom away!" Joush M.: Going to blow up the one watermill they've got, Adolf? Ken (GM): hahaha Joush M.: One poor minotuar putting the last brick in, getting to run his saw and grain mill.. then a dwarf kicks a keg of gunpowder out of a mountan at him Ken (GM): Im not surprised that is the first line of thinking out of you guys I feel bad for not being surprised P.P. A.: I wonder where the teleporters would lead now Ken (GM): [lemmy face] Joush M.: Instant, terreble death Ken (GM): ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Adolf S.: So, this thing's a weapon where are the weapon controls. Joush M.: Thanks for the game man, it was a lot of fun. Hell, I think we could do a lot of damage just dragging the anchor chains around. Ken (GM): Joush M. imagines they did it somewhat more efficently then awesome wrecking balls Adolf S.: So this is basically Fat Man and Little Boy in one? Rad. Lets nuke these beastmen. Doc: Difficulty: not blowing yourself up in the process Joush M.: I think they already did. They live in magic fucked up land of horrors, remember? Doc: Yeah I'm pretty sure this thing is what made everything so fucked up Adolf S.: Two nukes wasn't enough Joush Fiss: Not with THAT attitude! Adolf S.: Why only two nuke Alliance? Why only two nuke? Joush M.: >Dolf: If nukeing them hasn't worked you haven't nuked them enough. Ken (GM): Also: I think I can allow magic folks to put at least a point into the controls skill for this behemoth, as long as they keep it in first gear while driving in the parkin glot Joush M. really wants to go down the steps into the terreble darkness and explore this crazy thing, but will have to wait until next week. P.P. A.: >suddenly eurobeat starts playing Adolf S.: Is somebody drifting this mountain-thing? Fiss: Drifting a Mountain...DOWN a Mountain! Adolf S.: Gas Gas Gas! Doc: oy vey Ken (GM): Fiss: TOKYOOO DRIFFFTUUUUU! I have a new respect for truck drivers after riding along with one last week. Ken (GM): IT SCREAMS Fiss: So...IT is our GPS? :P Joush M.: Well, if you trust IT TURN LEFT NOW, ROTTING MEAT-SUIT P.P. A.: 4 xp again? Ken (GM): So anyways, past the craziness, take 5 points each you crazy goofballs Fiss: Nah, I'll pay for the Gordon Ramsay voice upgrade. Adolf S.: "In 300 feet, turn right into that mountain range." P.P. A.: oo Fiss: "That...was the WORST...left turn...I've EVER seen, you DONKEY!" P.P. A.: maybe I should buy Luck as well Ken (GM): hh its worth it Fiss: Luck IS really handy. I mean, it's no guarantee, but sometimes all you need is that 2nd chance Doc: So can I put one of those points into my not-crashing skill? Ken (GM): im signing off; send me a note about any big changes! Joush M.: Yeah, Gray just kind of trust that he's tough enough to survive a crit, but everyone else should get luck Fiss: Especially in a story/character driven campaign where it's not just combat 24X7 P.P. A.: tofay Luck saved us from turning our flying fortress into the Hindenburg Joush M.: Take care! Ken (GM): @doc: yes Pilot(contragravity) Doc: That's going to make such a huge difference Fiss: Good night gents! o/ P.P. A.: Good night! Doc: o/ Joush M.: Pilot countergravity/TL 4 It's that kind of game Ken (GM): yo I moved the map, fyi Joush M.: hiya everyone Fiss: zupdawgs P.P. A.: Hi Ken (GM): DAWGS OF ZUP Joush M.: Not much Fiss, drinking my drugs and getting ready to play Ken (GM): all the drugs forever? Joush M.: Mostly just theraflu so far, but if it said it treats sore throat and sinus pressure I'd totaly take some crack right now Ken (GM): doood; head cold suuuuck I swear by dayquil and menthol anythings Fiss: I tried a new liquor last night that totally looks like Romulan Ale. Ken (GM): OOOOH do tell Fiss: It's....well, it tastes like green freezies It's a little dangerous. But at least the hangover isn't too bad. Ken (GM): sugary liquor with a lesser hangover? ooOOoo Fiss: Pretty much. I'm kinda impressed. Dang Romulans Joush M.: You know what is best for hangovers? Alka-selzer. Have you right as rain in a flash if you drink a big glass before you sleep and when you wake up Fiss: I'll have to try that. Ken (GM): something to do with the carbonates Fiss: IT'S GOT ELECTROLYTES! IT'S WHAT PLANTS CRAVE! Ken (GM): MMMM the amount of post-drinking powerade I have had Fiss: Electrolytes, Powerlytes...MORE LYTES THAN YOUR BODY HAS ROOOOOM FOOOOOOOORRRRRR om nom nom P.P. A.: Adolf says he'lll be here soon, pinging Doc Fiss: Anyway, yeah, other than that, I'm doing good. :D Woo! So where should we take our Demon-Powered Laputa Castle? Ken (GM): wootski Doc: yo Ken (GM): is an apt description Joush M.: Well we were supposed to deliver it to the Grayhold Milita. I think the Elven Elder wanted it wrecked Fiss: Sounds like a good plan. (To Fiss): The elf elder was mostly "These white men are dangerous" (From Fiss): Well, yeah... Ken (GM): Nah doc, should be a simple note for now; Ill complicate your life tho, and tell ya your mage talent applies as a bonus! So yay! +1 Doc: I actually figured that into my calculations already Ken (GM): You sly dog! so have all of you joined the GURPS disord channel to eavesdrop on my game plans? Doc: I have not P.P. A.: nope Joush M.: I'm there, but I don't read enough to get your game plans. Fiss: What's yer discord tag? Ken (GM): madness; superfun chat. the GURPS devs have a regular presence Balthazarr#3290 yeaaaah boyeeeees Joush M.: Joush #3494 Ken (GM): ive been having an obscenely good time in there, its a great throwback to irc Doc: Doc #5963 P.P. A.: P.P.A. #3257 Ken (GM): P.P. A.: I miss when everyone used AIM, MSN, or YIm and you had clients that ran all of them at the same time also IRC Ken (GM): ohhh yeah the amalgam messengers facebook is wearing their corpses on a string P.P. A. still uses one for IRC, the two people left on AIM, and the single person he sometimes talks to on ICQ Ken (GM): Rightyo, well with Adolf on the way, we can easily get back to the thick of things Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes, they had killed everything required to steal a massive demon-powered laputa-castle, and were currently floating on a heading of "not-immediately-crashing". Everything of value was retrieved from the Derugar keep before releasing the parking brake OF DOOM and floating off. The Setting sun is red on the horizon, bleeding through cloud and sky like a bloody mark on the day Adolf S.: ayy Ken (GM) Roderick seems to have firmly grasped the controls of the airship; Syviis had saved Falkirk's body from a thrashing on departure, and the dwarves were saving the loot and explosives. Gray looked out the window like a grim anime character in a sympathy-building arc, Raven perched on his shoulder Ken (GM): [hey its you right on time] [Syviis Adjeon is hovering between three states: Worry over Falkirk, watching the scenery as we move this impossibly large thing, and the controls, hoping all is well. Syviis Adjeon: "I would also prefer not to meet any Mind Flayers when they have the element of surprise, how much more of the castle is there to search, though? It could take years, or perhaps we've already seen what there is accessable." Gray: "Ah.. Roderick, do you have a grasp on how this thing works? Can you start us north and west?" Roderick nods at Gray and reaches for the controls. "We'll soon find out." Roderick: Adolf S.: Just how big is this floating thing, anyway? An entire castle, is it? How much of it have we explored so far, at estimate? Doc: I'm gonna go ahead and use Luck on this one Roderick: Ken (GM): woo, 6 it is then Ken (GM) The mountain twists in the sky, the horizon onthe windows tilting somewhat. A sense of movement as the mountain gains momentum, a light pressure on your heels (To Roderick): A circle on the controls has lit up, and is flashing at you (From Doc): Any idea what it means? P.P. A.: >plunk down next to our allies (To Roderick): In elven script, it reads something like [Warning!][cargo][movement] Ken (GM): [Good point Gray; Rod needs to also plot an accurate course, so Navigation:Air] [at least, from someone coordinating with rod, if not rod himself] Joush M.: We still have our map right? Roderick: Doc: oh wait that's Land Bomrek walks himself over to Sylvis, still wary of in-flight turbulence. "This may not be the best time to ask, but exactly what will this structure do for us, Elf?" Doc: Looks like Air, Land, and Sea default to each other at -2 though so I should still be good (From Doc): Is this because I didn't release IT before moving or is there something moving in the cargo hold? Or can I tell? (To Doc): In the most ironic sense, the controls are a bit . There are plenty of indicators, but they might be using some sort of system youre not familiar with. IQ roll for interpreting just what the fuck, exactly Roderick: (To GM) (To Doc): Fucking elves and their fucking space magic bullshittery. You have no idea what ass-backwards system theyre using but it needs an instruction manual Syviis Adjeon nods elvishly Roderick: "I fear your praise may be premature. We haven't died yet but there's a warning flashing up here and I don't know what it means." Gray turns to the steps beside Roderick, looking up them then to the controls.. then past, to the Caged Horror. Syviis Adjeon: [Check Engine Light intensifies] Roderick: "Something to do with... cargo and... movement." Bomrek: ("That's just the check mystical eldrich power light, just let it idle for 20 minutes and see if it turns off") Syviis Adjeon: [Dang Air-Elemental sensor is broken again...] Gray: "Things shifted when we dropped? Hell, maybe we should explore anyway." The towering brute lifts a hand to stroke the glossy black feathers of the raven. "Everything that wasn't roped down went flying" (To Gray): By my math, it sbeen about 2 hours since your big fight in the temple, so youre up to 12/20 HP ? Suðri Skornbrekker: “I doubt the few of us added too much weight to this thing for it to bcome overburdened... Maybe there is a cargo space somewhere below where foul creatures run rampant?” Bomrek: "Aye, we should definitely look around. I'd rather not get my throat cut in my sleep by some unaccounted for terror walking these halls." IT: RELEASE ME MORTALS Roderick responds to Suðri. "That would be my guess, unless I needed to release its hold on-" he says as IT cuts him off. Doc: that was the exact spot where I'd finished typing when IT spoke (From Gray): I think so. He gets 2HP per hour from Regen @ 20 HP Suðri Skornbrekker picks up two muskets and his bardiche, and looks towards the stairs leading down. “Well then, let us see what lurks inside this behemoth.” He laughs: “maybe it's the crew, and they couldn't stand the constant demands to be released up here.” Bomrek: (And to think, that guy was griping about text-chat last night, Ken) (To Gray): Ah shit, right, the whole reason to buy up! Kay, so youd be at 14 by now :) Gray nods to Roderick, his attention on the horror a moment before he turns to start up the steps. "I could see why people would prefer to stay in other rooms then this." IT: [fyi, the steps lead down below Bomrek slings his rifle onto his shoulder, and starts preparing his brace of pistols for use. Doc: Do the controls need constant attention or is it on autopilot? Gray heads down the steps slowly, moving carefully and scenting the air like some animal. (To Gray): This place smells of death and demons. As well, the stench of the flayer is everywhere Suðri Skornbrekker follows down the stairs, curious what awaits them in the dark. With all the man- and firepower they bear, he strides into the unknown with confidence. IT: [fyi for clarity of the layout; green arrows go UP to the controls, for a commanding view in front of the console. Red arrow goes downstairs, under the engine, into the keep] :P Bomrek: ah IT: but, makes sense? Gray: "There's deamons here and the dead.. and those mind flayers" He says in that low growl as he kneels down and studies the steps." We aren't alone here" Bomrek: Yup. Is that the only exit to this room? Joush M.: Yes! Thank you. I was a little confused by the layout Ken (GM): [my bad. Esoteric wizard architechture] Roderick goes to check on his horse first, reassuring it and patching up any visible wounds Ken (GM): Bavieca is miffed, but was bandaged from the jostle. She nips, but then also licks. No lasting harm done Syviis Adjeon: "While I'm not hopeful for anything useful, surely we can get more information out of this caged entity beyond confirmation that we are Mortals.' Syviis Adjeon turns to "It" Syviis Adjeon: "Are you ready to talk?" Syviis Adjeon shrugs Syviis Adjeon: "Guess not." (To Gray): Also, I updated raven's token, so you can shove her about as you wish Gray walks down the steps, carefully, while the raven rest on his shoulder. Ken (GM): [rightyo; I'm gonna shove you guys here, NE on this page Bomrek: spooky Ken (GM) The veil of shadows on the steps seems to be a physical thing you pass through, like a waterfall of shadows. On the other side, the stairwell continues, into a dark hall carve dof again, darker stone Ken (GM): [torchlight? Some peeps got no darkvision] Syviis Adjeon pulls out an arrow, loads it in her bow, and whispers something in elvish. A bright, torch-like spark appears on the tip Ken (GM): [the magic torch is stil lthere, and alights when you grasp it] [also, Syviis is a wizard] Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the two, and shakes his head. Bomrek: Nasty. Give Bomrek good ol' burning pitch and bitumen any day. Ken (GM) As the hall alights, you hear a hiss...or a growl of some kind, from the far end of the hallway. You see the outline of more stairs down there Suðri Skornbrekker: “Feels good not to need these magic trick to see in the dark,” he says to Bomrek. Ken (GM) as well as three doors on the walls P.P. A.: *tricks Bomrek pulls out two flintlock pistols from his wearable pistol braces, and stares down the hallway. Gray: "We aren't alone here" The beast steps forward, to the door on the left side of the hallway. Examing it. Bomrek: "It sure does Suthri. I could do without the constant threat of magic and monsters jumping out of dark corridors at me, however." Ken (GM) Two wooden doors on the west side of the hall, one Gray steel door on the East. Down the hallway, the chittering growl continues Roderick: "Perhaps we could lure the beast into this hallway, into your waiting guns." Syviis Adjeon looks visibly at ease...knowing that Mindflayers don't usually growl Ken (GM): INITIATIVE Bomrek: So, Bomrek would safely believe that anything here needs to be shot, right? We have no friendlies in the area? Ken (GM) With a rattle, the thing leaps up the stairwell to perch in the doorway Bomrek: ..wait Suðri Skornbrekker: Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek: I don't think that was supposed to be a 3d6. 6 plus my basic speed, right? Ken (GM) It is a shiny black...thing, with a smooth hide, an eyeless elongated head....and spikes on every surface Roderick: Bomrek: So my effective is 11.5 Syviis Adjeon: +1 if you haz Combat Reflexes Bomrek: (game over man, game over!) Oh, I do, that's right. Gray: Doc: shoulda nuked the site from orbit tbh Ken (GM): 12.5 bomrek; Combat reflexes P.P. A.: 8.25 for me then forgot CR Ken (GM): Fiss, did yo uround down Syviis' initiative again? Fiss: Nope, remember her speed is now 6, I bought up the fraction last session. Ken (GM): ah yeha okay so her, then gray on a tie Bomrek: Oh boy. What's the range and size modifier att his range Ken (GM): IT's turn :P P.P. A.: >10 so much for “I'll use a turn to aim and then...” IT Bounds up the hall, limbs grasping the walls, the floor, the ceiling like a pinwheel of claws and long grasping hooked spikes Bomrek: (wait, I thought it was day time, and these things are supposed to mostly come out at night, mostly.) IT lands in front of bomrek, and cocks it's head, as its tail whips forward Spike raised like a scorpion IT: uh, disregard that there Bomrek: Right. End of it's turn, t- nope P.P. A.: clearly Ken has run out of names, everything is called IT these days IT 's tail swings wide, but the thing is perched like a cat, all bristles and posture Bomrek: No, the one before was IT, this is I.T. Doc: monster clown when IT has no eyes Bomrek: He's here to fix the check ungodly spacial horror light. Ken (GM): Bomrek! Bomrek: Oh boy. Lets see.. Been a while since I've done this. What's the roll to shoot two guns at once these days? Ken (GM): *GURPS: complicated gunplay Doc: fuggg I'm out of coffee Ken (GM): Adolf, Bomrek has neither ambidexterity nor extra attack. It would net something like two shots at -8/-4 and you'd have no defenses Joush M.: ROF 2 would be a roll at no modifer and if you win by your Recoil or higher if he just unloads two barrels. Recoil's likely.. kinda high, for his BFG Syviis Adjeon is going to start saving up for Altered Time Sense. Fuck this one arrow a round bullshit.] Ken (GM): joush: he's holding two pistols from a long brace of them ;0 Bomrek: Yup. Joush M.: Ahh.. yeah, one at a time is the way to go then Bomrek: I think technically I can fire, use my special perk thing to switch my left gun to my right hand, and then fire with that. So sayeth the gurps Discord anyway. Think I might just pop this thing in the face normally instead however Alright, what's the modifier to shoot this thing in the face? Standard? Ken (GM): It is human sized, so SM+0 standard face is -5/skull is -7 Bomrek: Would I be able to target this thing's vitals? Ken (GM): sure; assuming it's got the same bits as people. -3 Bomrek: I could try for a face shot, and hope that the -5 to knockdown rolls knocks this thing on it's ass. I'm going to assume it's got the same general buits, and target the vitals. ...Then again it mgiht have natural armor down there, that the face would be less likely to have. Bah, vitals shot it is. Pass by a mile. Syviis Adjeon: [nice] Bomrek: Does it have the concept of firearms, so as to even try to dodge this? Joush M.: Or parry with the tail, you are in reach Ken (GM) swings a limb at your hand trying to parry your hand with the gun Ken (GM): NOPE but a noble effort Ken (GM): Bomrek damage! Bomrek: pi+ damage. Ken (GM): nice Ken (GM) the thing does not stagger from the blow, but the hole blown into it is rather large Ken (GM): Syviis! Bomrek: (Was this thing like, one of those chocolate easter bunnies you get on easter, but an Aliens Commemorative version, magick'd to life like something out of that disney movie?) Ken (GM): [] Bomrek: Also I think I might take the end of my turn to make a free action to drop tot he ground, out of the way of my friend's fire. Ken (GM): BOMREK DIVES Syviis Adjeon notices the strange, hollow nature of the monster, and aims for one of it's limbs, hoping to avoid overpenetration and puts her usual 2 FP of lightning into it. Ken (GM): -2 for distance, -2 for a limb! Syviis Adjeon: Target is 18 Ken (GM): hah nice it FAILS to dodge THUNK into it's arm Syviis Adjeon lets loose her sparking arrow deep into its arm. Lightning follows quickly Syviis Adjeon: Damn, my arrow did more damage than the spark. :P Syviis Adjeon reloads, eyebrow cocking. Syviis Adjeon: RELOAD EYEBROW +1 IT growls IT: Gray! Gray: Gray draws his sword as he charges powerfully forward, roaring a challange. Joush M.: Aim at Neck for -5, All Out (Determined) for +4? Ken (GM): move and attack; max skill 9! unless you all out Joush M.: All Out Determined to avoid that! Ken (GM): [ah, determine, ] derp DO THE THING Gray: Ken (GM): THE THING NARROWLY DUCKS THE SWING [finally!] hah Joush M.: End Turn! Ken (GM): [not laughing at grey, laughing at having finally succeeded on a roll] Doc: How many limbs does it have? Gray snarls in frustration as the creature ducks under the savage swing from that massive sword. Ken (GM): Roderick! [two arms, two legs, one big long tail. Minus an arm now, thanks to syviis] Bomrek: (just spent the entire time since my turn schooling some mutha fucker on black powder guns. Fun.) Fiss: [Damn, it's been forever since I've shot blackpowder]. Roderick: Ken (GM): WHOA Fiss: DANG Doc: Might want to use Luck on that one, hang on Joush M.: Makes me miss the summer out at super racest grand dad's place with black powder and stuff to blast Bomrek: He sounds great Doc: Critical failure means I drop the weapon, right? Do I still keep my turn? Joush M.: Going to luck that one, or just throw your sword into your own foot? Ken (GM): its a critical failure; GM gets to have Fiss: Foot..or vitals? :D Doc: I'll let the FUN happen Ken (GM) Roderick whips his sword from his sheath, but somehow immediately loses hold of it. The sword flies forward, and clatters to the floor, bouncing off Sudri. You all hear a sort of tinkling laughter in the air, coming from his OTHER ancient elven blade on his hip Ken (GM): Sudri! (From Doc): wait when did I get another one (To Doc): your heirloom blade has been with you the entire time, as well as the ancient blade Suðri Skornbrekker ignores the sword bouncing off his helmet, and swings his musket around to aim at the creature's face. P.P. A.: so +0 SM, -5 from face, -? from distance? (To Doc): Fey gotcha back son P.P. A.: +1 from Bracing, and... well, I wasn't aiming at the monster before so I doubt I get a bonus from that All-out attack too for good measure IT swipes its other limb, trying to parry the musket IT: WOO IT scrambles accross the ceiling and wall, for syviis! Pouncing, tail forward! IT: The tail swings for Syviis! WAT SHE DOOO Fiss: She Dodge like a Muthaelfer Syviis Adjeon: Success! IT: woot IT swings forward, tail blade like a halberd head, and skitters short of her heart IT: BOMREK Ken (GM): floor shootey time? Bomrek: Alright. I'm on my back here, so I should be able to shoot him from here I'd think without issue. What's the penalty to hit it's tail? Ken (GM): -2 for the tail proper no penalty for ranged shot from floor, assuming you quick swap to your good hand! Bomrek: I do indeed. Rollin', Pass Ken (GM): It skitters, and attempts to dodge from a side hex -2 NOPE BOOM int othe tail Bomrek: Syviis Adjeon: Right in the But-Arm! (To Syviis Adjeon): elf lore Gray: "A deamon.. or some nightmare conjured from shadow. Not real" He says with disguist, shakeing his head to clear it after the echoing concussionf of repeated gunshots in the closed space. "Good kill, Bomrick" He reaches a hand down to help the man to his feet, then steps forward to pick up Roderick's blade, flipping it to offer the hilt to the man. Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) Roderick: (To GM) (From Syviis Adjeon): I mean 2 (To Syviis Adjeon): That...may have been a shadow demon. Youre not sure, but the mythology around them is like bedtime stories for bad children (To Roderick): NICE That was certainly a shadow demon. Eats fear, and eyes. Lives in the regions between realities. Assuming you guys just saw it blow up into dust, that means its not dead. It was a bound conjuring. You need to find it's vessel/binding and trash that to be rid of it. Before it comes back. They tend to live in packs Syviis Adjeon nods. "Conjured from shadows...but real enough. I've heard of shadow demons during bedtime tales made to scare young elves into sleeping through the night instead of venturing into the woods at untimely hours. Bomrek: "That thing, how in the nine hells did it move?" he grabs his other pistol from the ground, holsters it, and goes to inspect the thing's remains. Syviis Adjeon snaps her fingers on the tip of her arrow to re-light a spark to see better. Ken (GM): [except, this was full of Gray: "Memory, have you ever seen anything like that?" He ask as the bird returns to him, settling on his broad shoulder. Syviis Adjeon: [JUST LIKE A POLITICIAN'S SOUL!] Ken (GM) the floor is covered in dusty flakes of shiny black, nothing more remains from it Suðri Skornbrekker: “Does that mean someone—somewhere around here—made and possibly controlled it?” Raven: "I have not. I have heard only tales of their coming and leaving. And what they leave as remains. Eyeless husks without dreams" Roderick: "It isn't dead, simply defeated. We'll have to find whatever is binding it, and I doubt that it was the only one. They usually live in packs." Suðri Skornbrekker goes back to aiming at said door Bomrek: Bomrek doesn't take the long amount of time it'll take to reload his two spent pistols, and instead holsters them, before grabbing two more. (To Roderick): Warmth and eager readiness swells up your arm, with a tickle of jealousy Bomrek: (Breach and clear, breach and clear!) Ken (GM): [Gray on the door? Sword in one hand, handle in the other?] Syviis Adjeon: [bash n loot! Bash n loot!] Joush M.: Yep, sounds good (To Gray): The handle is tingly, and doesnt move for love nor money Syviis Adjeon steps forward and tries tapping the door with the Key Bomrek: "How do we open it? Tell it riddles until it gets one wrong? Damned magic.." Ken (GM) the door goes TOK as the stone raps against the wood. Bomrek: (restarting browser, brb.) Ken (GM): "Who iiiiis iiit?" says a farawy voice, through the door P.P. A.: We should shout “password” or “one-two-three-four-five” at it Syviis Adjeon looks at the others in surprise Bomrek: Bomrek looks back, also in surprise. He whispers "Room service?" gesturing toward the door. Ken (GM) The voice is wavery, and old, like a kindly grandmother Syviis Adjeon: "Manners...my goodness..." Syviis Adjeon resolves not to kick/explode doors until after knocking Gray: "Open up." He calls though the door. "We don't mean harm" He assures the person beyond in that powerful door as he stands there beside. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Apologies, maam. We noticed some unrest in the lower floors and were attacked by a vile creature in coming here, so we came to investigate.” Ken (GM): "Oh dear! you brought ham! I didnt realize it was dinnertime..." The door clicks open, swingin in to reveal a hunched over elderly looking elf. He skin is white, as is her hair, and she is clad with robes of black Her* P.P. A.: >that icon Ken (GM) She looks at you all with some surprise "Oh dear...I'll have to put on tea! Look at you all!" Bomrek: (>Elf) Ken (GM): "Come iiin come iiini~" she warbles, turning from the door absently, to head back into the room at a grandmotherly shuffle Bomrek: Gray: "Good.. afternoon, I think. Gray, Suori, Syviis, Roderick and Bomrick. We are with the Grayhold Milita. What.. How did you come to be here?" P.P. A.: is this like multiple NPCs sharing the same sprite in RPG video games, or does she really look the same as that vampire woman Gray steps into the room, scenting the air and looking at the broom on the bed. (To Gray): The room smells of an aged elven woman. And tea, and a million things which you chalk up to 'magic ingredient bullshit' with the pot bubbling away in the corner by the door Ken (GM) otherwise the room is a disarray, shelves of books lie strewn on the floor infront of a 4 post bed. A trunk with multicolored fabrics sticking out of it sits in front of the bed. A desk covered in parchment, gold coins, pens, candles and the like Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek 's eyes widen a bit. Ken (GM): she says back in the old tongue Syviis Adjeon: "We've had a long and dangerous journey, Ma'am. Is this your home? Did you come here from far away as well?" (To Fiss): You notice, her teapot is cracked, theres no water pot nearby, and shes absently filling the teacups with whatever strikes her hand from the shelf, including red dirt, a live frog, and other things Dedaeso Koosraf: "I live here child, and I am sorry my home is so cluttered! There was quite the shock not too long ago!" she dithers, moving things without putting them aside Gray resist the urge to tidy. The beast nodding to Dedaeso. "Thank you, Ma'am. I did not expect to see a polite face here" Syviis Adjeon: In Elvish: Ken (GM) syviis ushers the woman in elvish tot he bedside. The elderly elf looks with a farawy smile at you all "Oh I do love stories" (From Syviis Adjeon): v 15 Dedaeso Koosraf: "Monsters oh my, how exciting" she giggles and claps her hands Syviis Adjeon: (To GM) (To Fiss): Something is very"off" about her. You dont feel any talent on her at all. No magic. No tingle of aura. (From Syviis Adjeon): not even 'Elfy magicy ness?" (To Fiss): Thats it exactly. Elves are magically charged. Its how you LIVE shes...null Bomrek: Probably loud enough to notice and then successfully attempt to hear, sure. Dedaeso Koosraf: lulz Ken (GM): [IC or OOC? :P] Bomrek: Uh, IC of course. Syviis Adjeon makes herself busy, but it's clear to the folk she's traveled with that she's on heightened alertness...something isn't right, and it's more of a search of the room than a Tea ceremony Bomrek: Though with mild intent to not be overheard by her, since >ayy dis bitch an evil magic Suðri Skornbrekker replies, keeping his voice low so that it does not reach into the room: “I don't trust it either. We cannot just attack an old lady either, though. Let us let them hear her out while we monitor the hallway and be prepared.” Bomrek: there for >ayy she might know dwarvish. Roderick quietly gives an affirmative nod to the dwarves' comments (To Syviis Adjeon): So theres stuf fin here. Ingredients you recognize. Bits of elvish ritualistic stuff. Shes certainly got that right. But theres something 'off' about the room too Gray: "We won't trouble you if we can help it. We are searching the keep. Can you tell us of anything else here? Dedaeso Koosraf falls out of her reverie, and looks at Gray with a sharp intent, the smile staying on her face "Oh? Youre visitors?...or trespassers?" she says with a lower tone Bomrek: "Her evil minions, surely." Bomrek whispers back to Suthri. (To Fiss): The notes, the books...the writing is all...WRONG. In that Mindflayer script! Gray: "So far they've failed to stop us." Roderick moves closer to the door Bomrek: Bomrek speaks up from the hallway, "Oh no mam, we're here on permission, I've got the special permission right here" Dedaeso Koosraf regards Bomrek, stepping up to stand very unlike an old dottering woman. Syviis Adjeon: "Which is it, then? Are you another one of their puppets? Or something else?" Dedaeso Koosraf: "The lords of Night are not puppets! " she barks, standing upright, rigid contorted with hard anger Syviis Adjeon: "So you brought the Gray gazes down at the woman, tilting his head to the side. "What are they then?" He ask before his gaze turns a moment to Syviis, nodding to her. Syviis Adjeon: Dedaeso Koosraf: "Of course Child! What better Masters to serve than those who rule the DARKNESS ITSELF?" She nearly screams, her voice rising Syviis Adjeon sighs, a dark realization settles on her features. Dedaeso Koosraf: "Their realm is one of pure POWER formless ENERGY and we harnessed it here! US! The mightiest of the elves!" Bomrek: "Calm, calm, mam. We've got special permission to be here, I've got the seal right here." he says, stepping forward a couple steps. Syviis Adjeon: "All of this evil...the twisted versions of right and wrong...I should have guessed...this entire land has been tainted by their tentacles..." Gray: "Mighty indeed. The power you tapped ruined a land and called horrors unimagined.. and you draw that power from the dark. You are one of the ones that caged the Thing in the engine?" Syviis Adjeon: To actively seek that kind of power out...to invite it into your land...I had no idea you had fallen so far from grace. Dedaeso Koosraf: "You speak of Grace? We work nothing but PROGRESS!" she turns to gray "what is claled 'horror' is simply formless intelligence! minds without bodies calling together a shape in our realm! They bear us no ill will! We serve them because they are mighty! THEY ARE PERFECT!" Syviis Adjeon laughs at the word "progress". It is a sad laugh as she remembers all the pain and suffering they've encountered so far... Bomrek: pic related Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't want to point out that they blew up and beheaded some of these perfect beings already Bomrek: Bomrek is conflicted. Normally he would just solve this problem by shooting it in the face. But, it's magic related. So maybe that's what she wants. Magic is shit. Dedaeso Koosraf: [STUPID WIZAR DBULLSHIT ] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Where do we find those perfect ones, so that we may convince ourselves of their might?” Gray: "Intelligence without conciseness is abomination." He says with a frown as he looks to the older woman. "We are not here to judge you or harm you, but you will face your peers when we return the Ansible of Spirits to the north." Dedaeso Koosraf cackles at Suðri's question Syviis Adjeon: In Elvish: Dedaeso Koosraf: "theyre all around us child! Theyre with us in every dark corner of the world" "" Suðri Skornbrekker: “They do coalesce sometimes and take form, and I guess some of them have done that here.” Bomrek: "Oi 'Granny, I see you've got a nice sack of gold over there, can I have it?" Bomrek says, gesturing with a nod of his head toward the gold. Hoping to break her out of her cultish fervor for a moment. Dedaeso Koosraf: "Hmm? What?" she regards Bomrek with a very confused look "The coins?....yes. Take them, they are very old. No use now" SHe calms, her train of thought thouroughly derails. She turns to putter, back toward the heap of books on the floor "Oh what happened here?" she says Bomrek: "Well that solved that then" Bomrek says, holstering one of his pistols and walking over to collect the gold. "Maybe I should be a therapist, eh? Good coin in it." Syviis Adjeon smiles at the dwarf Gray: "We moved the Ansible. Everything shifted" He explains, walking over to help tidy the place slowly and speaking to the madwoman. "Do you think she is a harm to anyone, Syviis?" Joush M.: About, not to the madwoman Suðri Skornbrekker facepalms, hiding subdued laughter. Bomrek: Bomrek clears his throat, and talks loudly over Gray in an attempt to stifle his last bit. "I think Some One should Look After Granny, so she has Tea and Everything she Needs, and so she doesn't Wander and get Hurt" Roderick smiles with relief, chuckling quietly. (To Bomrek): -10 horse points (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Perception! Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): You hear the chittering growl of one of the shadow demons, from down the hall (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You hear the chittering growl of one of the shadow demons, from down the hall Suðri Skornbrekker swings his musket back to the hallway, and shouts: “There's another one coming!” Ken (GM): .em JUST THEN Roderick turns around and readies his sword Ken (GM): [shoving people here for a sec [sorry, madness awaits!] Bomrek: Are we in combat time, or Doc: (Waiting for a Stop Thrust if that's an option) Ken (GM): INITIATIVE from Sudri and Roderick atm Bomrek: (OH LOOK, A NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION, THIS ONE HAS A SPIKE FOR A NOSE) (EVOLUTION AT WORK) Doc: antisemitism smh Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): then STUFF Fiss: MADNESS? P.P. A.: thanks dice Roderick: Gray: Bomrek: +5.5 +1 My initiative is going good today. Ken (GM): Ken (GM) THEY GO REEEEEEEEE Ken (GM): ROD Bomrek: (REEEEEEEEEE GET OOOOOUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTT) Doc: Does dissipation decrease damage if there's no room for it to spread? Ken (GM): ooh, good question its defined as 'divided by width of cone' so I'd say it maxes out in here at /3 due to the width of the corridor also Doc: IIRC the language is "divide it by how many hexes it's spread at that range" Ken (GM): THEYRE COMING RIGHT FOR US so cone of fire down the hall? Doc: I'd have to drop my sword, I think Since he's using his cloak has a shield *as a shield Ken (GM): Doc: For some reason I thought it took more rounds to drop it Yeah I'll do that, then Roderick drops his cloak and sends a jet of fire down the hallway Ken (GM): [gotta get you a perk; Feel free to stay armed and let loose with your signature thing mang] ANYWHO roll against skill +4 for hitting the area, and well see if yo uneed luck for a third time Doc: Range penalty? Oh looks like that's only -2 Roderick: P.P. A.: phew Bomrek: If I remember right, flame throwers were rather effective against the aliens in the movie. Ken (GM): wew Roderick: Ken (GM) The cone fills the hall, the creatures SCREAM Ken (GM): booooooo Fiss watches the old elf for her reaction. Doc: So that's 2 damage then? Syviis Adjeon: Is the old woman freaking out about the screamy-doom-sounds? Or "That's nice dear!"? Ken (GM): thats 3 [11/3 rounded down] wanna luck it? Doc: Not likely to do much better tbh Ken (GM): ksy Doc: That's enough to make some things catch on fire Ken (GM): THE BURNING FOR 3! Skornbrekker! Bomrek: (No you fool, they're clay pots, you're just increasing their hardness!) Doc: Making them more brittle, all according to keikaku Suðri Skornbrekker mutters dwarven curses and aims at the one to his right—a sharp blade for a tail seems more dangerous than being covered in spikes. P.P. A.: hm distance modifier? Joush M.: *Translation Note: keikaku means plan Ken (GM): 7 yards to either, thats a -3 (like it says on gurps character sheest :P) P.P. A.: Rmghmgn maybe I'll get one Hm Bomrek: Aim for the neck, I want to see it's head fall off) Fiss: [Meme game on point, Doc. ] P.P. A.: since Suthri was alert and already aimed at the stairs, does he get his accuracy bonus? Ken (GM): NOPE no aim for suthru P.P. A.: o ok Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker shoots the one on the left, going for a random hit location, given that these things don't have organs anyway. 14 P.P. A.: oha Fiss: Noice! Ken (GM): DOOD it does NOT critial dodge 3d for location! P.P. A.: 3d6 for the crit effect? Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): lower torso! P.P. A.: A R E A 1 1 Ken (GM): THE WAAAANG CRIT EFFECT Suðri Skornbrekker: Fiss: Sure we wang....can....Can Wang! Ken (GM): booo DAMORGE Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): HOLY SHIT IT GOES POOF P.P. A.: er I was aiming for the other one Bomrek: (bam, fixed) (Movie magic, people) Ken (GM): [theyre functionally identical] P.P. A.: oh ok Ken (GM): BUT HEY that was awesome P.P. A.: You don't need crits when you're fuelled by gunpowder Ken (GM) The dottering elf woman doesnt seem to notice whats happening, but does perk up an ear when the gun goes BOOM Ken (GM): *bottom of the round, everyone else goes "Oh hey gunshots INITIATIVE TIME' Fiss: Ken (GM): Gray, bomrek, Syviis! init! 8 Syviis Adjeon: [MINIMUM EFFORT!] Gray: Bomrek: >Init ;_; I already rolled init initially and got max roll Ken (GM): [the GM shall honor the roll!] Bomrek: :OOOOOOOOOOO Ken (GM): Bomrek! GOOOO Bomrek: All according to plan. (Translator's note: Plan means Keikaku) Ken (GM): Ya got a handfull of coinsack WAT DOOO Bomrek: Okay, I.. Run to the door! Basically here. And can now see the spike-nose. Ken (GM): Its a TAIL jeez GURAY P.P. A.: >(((spike-nose))) Gray runs out into the hall. "Roderick! On your right!" As he charges past the man to block the monster's path to the others. Joush M.: End turn! IT POUNCES Bomrek: (typical of a spike-nose.) Syviis Adjeon: Classic Spike-Nose behaviour IT swings its SPIKED TAIL at Gray! IT: OH LOOK Syviis Adjeon: :P Joush M.: Doh! Is that a hit or a crit? Bomrek: Evolution is a wonderous thing, Syviis. IT: that is just a hit, modified skill was less than 15 Syviis Adjeon: [CRAZY HOW NATURE DO DAT] Gray attempts to Parry. IT: Gray: IT: OH DEAR Joush M.: Fuck, that's supposed to be 12.. not that it makes a difference, in this acase Doc: fug :DDDDD Bomrek: I've accrued -20 horse points today IT: Impaling! to the torso! Doc: I don't suppose I can parry him Syviis Adjeon: [sacrificial parry? IT: ...... if Gray wasnt directly between you two but I can't see an angle SO SHANK DR6 on the torso vs an impaling right Joush? Joush M.: Yep Syviis Adjeon: IT: kay then, 2 wounds Joush M.: 4 DR Flexable from Fine Chainmail, 2 from inhuman toughness, fur Gray: Gray grunts at the impact and snarls, seeming to growl at the terrfying nightmare creature. Ken (GM): RODULOUS Bomrek: Wait, couldn't Doc just shove his weapon THROUGH gray, to parry the incoming attack? what the heck gurps, so unrealistic???? SHIT SYSTEM?????/ Doc: can I retcon and use luck to do that instead Bomrek: can't you only use luck like, once per hour, or once per day, or something? Ken (GM): once per hour of play P.P. A.: once per IRL hour Roderick steps to the side and slashes at whatever presents itself Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek: Ooh, per IRL hour. Huh. Neat. Roderick: Bomrek: ^^^^^^^^^ ATTACK IT'S NOSE Ken (GM): jfc these ROLLS today Bomrek: nose-crit Ken (GM): HOLY SHIT P.P. A.: [insert A. Wyatt Mann drawing here] Ken (GM) Rod thrusts, and the thing parries the blade with it's spiny arm, the blade scratching sparks from the hard shell! Ken (GM): Syviiiis1 Syviis Adjeon: Can I get a shot off if I step North one hex? Ken (GM): yep Syviis Adjeon: I already moved one.... from where I am now? Ken (GM): ohhh Syviis Adjeon: Or should I move Bomrek: This is very much where Tactical shooting is important. Gotta have proper sight lines. Syviis Adjeon: Yep Ken (GM): move time. amove+shoot wouldnt be horrible Doc: @bomrek Luck is really great except that I can't use it on an enemy's roll Ken (GM): big ol joush is providing a -4 FYI Syviis Adjeon: how does Move + Shoot effect my target, max 9? Ken (GM): nope, just - bulk melee gets the shaft, rnaged is better off Syviis Adjeon: -7 for bulk...holy shit, I might actually miss this, lol Ken (GM): -7 from the bow bulk fuck Syviis Adjeon: -7 bulk, -4 to shoot past Gray and not him, Target is... uhm... one sec... Ken (GM): Bomrek: Enjoy shooting gray P.P. A.: around elves, watch yourselves Syviis Adjeon: Target is 10 with the -1 to range Noice! Ken (GM): jfc Syviis Adjeon lets off a shot, glad it doesn't hit her beasty friend Ken (GM): DODGED Ken (GM) the arrow skitterds off the walls...the magic dissipating into the stone of the place Ken (GM): skornbrekka@! Gray growls at the creature as the unnterally graceful thing slides from the path of the arrow. P.P. A.: so the same modifiers apply for targeting individual body parts as do for shooting them? Ken (GM): yep, thats universal for both P.P. A.: I'll just go for a random hit locatio then reach is 3 so I should be able to do it from this position, right Ken (GM): ja SWING MAN SWING Suðri Skornbrekker swings! Rolling 3d6 = 11 v14 Ken (GM): it DUCKS the swing P.P. A.: ffffff Ken (GM): Bomrek! P.P. A.: bullshit indeed, Turn Order table, bullshit indeed Bomrek: Can I run into the space to the right of Gray? Ken (GM): yep Bomrek: I run and shoot the monster when I reach taht position. Ken (GM): [you technically only take up a half hex of space, but sit in the middle of that] Bomrek: Wassa thing? Minus something, then minus bulk? Ken (GM): skill minus bulk Bomrek: woops that has a +6.5 mod Ken (GM): hahah okay, so 12 right, barely passed Bomrek: Lets see... Huh, I think that passes neat Ken (GM): PARRY IT slaps bomreks hand out of line! Ken (GM): Gray! P.P. A.: how many limbs does this thing have again Bomrek: I drop the gun after firing, probably. Also wait a minute, didn't it already defend once? P.P. A.: >stab Grey, block the bardiche, block the gun Ken (GM): Many, it is multidextrous @bomrek: Kk, dropped Bomrek: Does that give it a penalty to defense? prolly passed even with it, but yeah Ken (GM): innit? Bomrek: Kill! Gray snarls in frustration and reminds himself how to properly fight with a damn sword. (Deceptive for -4, SL 12, -2 to defense)) Gray: Ken (GM): WOO FUGIN CRIT TIME Bomrek: Does he slice it in half like an anime Ken (GM): Fiss: OH SWEET BABY JEBUS NICE bebbie jebus Ken (GM): NOT A CRIT PARRY(with it's tail btw) Fiss: *nose Ken (GM) The sword slices through the thing (Just like in naruto u guise) and the beast is sundered. It goes POOSH and is dust Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker: “Gray, are you injured?” Ken (GM): Bomrek reloads all three of his so far spent pistols. Joush M.: The music makes me want to pose and get a list of what we get from the fight Dedaeso Koosraf wanders over and closes the door to her room, muttering about "that damnable racket P.P. A.: Doc: Bomrek has the money, right Bomrek: Bomrek got the money, see? Doc: Good. Just wanted to make sure of that since she just closed the door. Syviis Adjeon: mo dwarves, mo munie Dedaeso Koosraf: P.P. A.: >greedy dwarf >one of his most valuable loot comes from asking nicely Syviis Adjeon: dolla dolla dwarf, y'all (To Gray): TIngly, magic bullshit. doesnt move Ken (GM) It doesnt move Gray: "Nothing, feels locked like the last one" He flexes his fingers at the feeling of the magic bullshit, then knocks hard. Roderick: "The demons are coming from down the hall. That's probably where their source is." P.P. A.: “We should ignore it, and— Aye.” (To Roderick): Magic bullshit hint hint Roderick: (To GM) Gray nods to the others. "We can come back and check this door later" Syviis Adjeon: *tries the key again Ken (GM) the key goes TOK against the door. but nothing else happens (To Roderick): The door...has an aura. A tingle. Maybe it's locked with magic? Ken (GM) TOK TOK nothing happens....but there is a tingle of magic on the door Syviis Adjeon: "I suppose I could try lightning...but I don't know..." Gray starts down the hall, alert for more horrors. "We will try to force it later, or ask the madwoman how the doors are opened" Roderick: "The magic locking this door should keep holding it closed well enough. Let's continue down and return when we've found the source of those demons." Ken (GM): [rightyo] Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): [moving on] Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM): DAN DUN DUNNNNNN P.P. A.: gtood point to quit Doc: I was about to mention that Syviis Adjeon: word Ken (GM): good progress >Party murders all the demons >having trouble with a door Joush M.: Thank you for the game, yeah, we got pretty deep today Ken (GM): typical Fiss: 2 demons, a hallway and a crazy ol' Grammy Elf. I can live with that. :) Ken (GM): 3 demons! 3 Fiss: Oops. 1 Demon, 2 Spike-Nose Demons. Gray: "What strange rune is this?" "It says "PULL'" Bomrek: I was buying a hat for my uncle. Ken (GM): luls Bomrek: Hats are p. rad P.P. A.: hopefully next time the demons will be worse at dodging and deflecting everything P.P. A. wears a hat everywhere P.P. A.: flatcap Ken (GM): ambidexterity, striker limb, high brawling...whats not to love? also DEEEEX Bomrek: Kill all demons Doc: Defusing the granny situation by taking her money was classic Ken (GM): KILL 6 BILLION DEMONS Fiss: MATT DEMONS! Doc: I laughed out loud Fiss: lol yes Bomrek: Like I said, Therapist. Dwarf Therapist (Get it?) Fiss: Dwarven Psychology Doc: Good one-liner afterwards, too Ken (GM): yeah, good read on the madness there but anywho, a good 5 point day; next weekWHAT HORRORS LIE IN THE DEPTHS?! Bomrek: MORE DEMONS! Fiss: My vote is for killing Matt Demon. P.P. A.: hopefully more coins, too Fiss: Yes Gray: Thanks again. Very nice.. Bomrick is going to kill all the deamons and steal all the loot. It's his destniy. Hopefully each time we kill a deamon it's not makeing two more Fiss: Wait...Syviis is Charitable... nah, she don't care 'bout coins. Dwarves can have em all Doc: So can I spend a point to get "Perk: Has figured out how to shoot fire while holding his cloak and not burning it" then? Ken (GM): P.P. A.: \o/ Fiss: *puts 5 points into her Matt Demon slaying skill Ken (GM): Yes doc, that sounds like a perfectly serviceable perk. It's specialized on Rapeier/flamethrower tho or rather Cloak hand/flamethrower because I CAN READ :P Doc: He's ambidextrous, does that matter? Ken (GM): nah, no handedness there Doc: Just specific to the cloak, then >switches hands every now and then just to confuse people Ken (GM): hah not a bad ploy but you guys seem to be dealing with pretty remote folks not much chatter up the grapevine of DEMONIC EEEEEVILLLLL Doc: But nah the reason I got Ambidextrous was to be able to use fire in the off hand so this makes sense Ken (GM): its a great low cost advantage. Cutting out possible -4's is AWESOME in a minmaxy way Doc: It also makes sense because rapier fighting tends to use off-hand weapons like daggers or C L O A K S Ken (GM): s'truth hopefully yo uguys get to delve into people-combat BUT YOU KEEP CHASING DEMONIC RABBITS DOWN SCARY HOLES Doc: Rod designed himself around people-combat >tfw no longsword In his backstory he's got a suit of full plate and a really nice longsword that he's kind of pissed he isn't getting to use Ken (GM): that bac kon the horse? Doc: Back in the house. Probably sold by now. Ken (GM): ah, kk He's certainly more worldly now tho but, I shall away now. Child is up. MOstrous napping from her wish me luck. She is a hellion Doc: Godspeed Ken (GM): yo yo P.P. A.: Hello o/ I'm buying Luck btw Doc: I'm not buying anything at the moment P.P. A.: I have the points for it (20 left afterwards!) and it's good to have in case I ever misfire next to a stash of gunpowder or something Ken (GM): LUCKY DORF can only help P.P. A.: aye Doc: Luck is seriously powerful P.P. A.: Not intending to use it whenever a roll goes badly but only to avert /really/ bad situations Ken (GM): "I didnt just crit fail" is a great thing to say Joush M.: I try to burn it every time I get hit, because of I wait for the Right Time I always seem to forget I have it at all Ken (GM): s'truth. Wasted resource is never spent Doc: "once an hour" turns out to be a lot more often than I thought Ken (GM): Funny enough, not today :/ good news: we found a house to visit bad news: I gotta cut the sesison short to go see it today so you get me till 2:30, not 4 today :P sorry guys for the short notice P.P. A.: We should kill our enemies particu. larly quickly today then! Joush M.: It's okay man, I hope you like the house. Good luck Ken (GM): Yeah, december is always a shit show Pretty sure I have a christmas party Next saturday, then christmas itself, but Ill post a thing on the roll20 page ANYWHO where the fuck were we RIGHT the shadow demons jeez and the mad elf Joush M.: "Now this is a beaitful sixteen thousand square foot flying doom fortress. Did you see the size of that bedroom? Don't worry about the crazy old woman, that smell will come right out and we will get them to pay for carpet shampooing and an ozone generator" P.P. A.: Out of all the elevs we have encountered this campaign, two have been fine (Fiss and her elder), two have been insane (the vampire elf and the old lady), and the rest have been drug addicts (the slaves) that makes a ratio of about 2–8 for sane vs not sane Joush M.: Hey, there was also our commander with the bad luck. Aachen? P.P. A.: The statistics confirm Bomrek's and Suðri's stereotypes! Joush M.: Man, he got hit a lot. Thank god for Falkirk P.P. A.: Oh right Ken (GM): Oh Aachen, so many tanked blows Gray: "Watch for danger" He ask the beaitful raven that perches on his sholder as he advances, light held in his left hand as his right holds the sword. Ignoreing the doors he heads for the stairs. Ken (GM): [whats taking fiss so long?] Joush M.: Maybe he really does need sleep? Ken (GM): nah, im chatting with him here on my phone, he's just not HERE here yet P.P. A.: Haven't heard from Adolf yet today Ken (GM): nudge him for me if ya can? P.P. A.: did 10 minutes ago, no response yet Ken (GM): iayyy Fiss: MURDERHOBOING! Ken (GM): heads up fiss, Im only on till 230 today! P.P. A.: pls, we are SOLDIERs in ROYAL EMPLOY Doc: Rod is a murderhobo P.P. A.: o true Fiss: HER MAJESTY'S ROYAL MURDERHOBOS! Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes, they were delving into the depths of the keep, searching for the source of the Shadow demons, before they got out of hand. Gray: (Hey there, glad to see you man) Syviis Adjeon snaps a spark-torch back into life at the tip of a fresh arrow as they plumb the depths. Ken (GM): PLUMBIN DEPTHS Bomrek primes his gun Syviis Adjeon: www.plumbinherdepths.org Suðri Skornbrekker double-checks his muskets and prepares to go deeper inside Doc: (oh wait I bought that perk we talked about) Roderick has his cloak AND his sword ready Ken (GM): DEAR GOD Suðri Skornbrekker: did he sharpen his cloak P.P. A.: er ^ Doc: Nah, he just figured out how to shoot fire without burning his cloak Or how to grip his cloak without burning it P.P. A.: good, good Joush M.: Aww, I was going to imagine him slashing the air to make fire with the rapier Ken (GM) Accross the rough cavern floor is a massive black skinned giant, weilding a warhammer the size of an anvil. He roars in fury as he swings away at a strange raven-like man limping away Ken (GM): "ILL CRUSH YOU!" WAT DO Syviis Adjeon: "I doubt that very much. I suggest you stand down, giant!" Gray stalks down the steps and into the dark, glancing to Fiss beside him and nodding to her as the scent of ozone from the arclight reaches him along with the rest, the massive brute walking into the shadowy darkness and into the veil.. looking around, scenting the air and spotting the scattered bodies.. and the creatures that waits for them there. "Hold! Or I'll cut you down!" He challenges the giant. Doc: Any idea what he or the bird men are P.P. A.: >all those squished birds Ken (GM) The raven man whimpers and caws, panicked, crawling away from the giant Ken (GM): Bomrek also takes aim Gray clears his friend's line of fire and walks ahead, slightly to the side.. and past the avian beastman that seeks to retreat. "Yes. I imagine you do. You face the Grayhold Milita, Slyvliss of the Elven relms and Roderick. Give your name, Giant, if you would" Ken (GM): [hahah "and Roderick" classic] Ken (GM) "I am Krall, Blackbone and hate-smith of the KEEP of DARKNESS!" He bellows, raising his flaming hammer over his head "Get out of my way so I might exterminate this creature!" Syviis Adjeon: Roderick: "Why would we stand aside to allow a 'hate-smith' to 'exterminate' anything?" P.P. A.: >hate-smith Gray sets down the torch and takes the shield from where it had been slung, ajusting it a moment and settleing it on his left arm. He glances to Syviis, allowing the others to speak as wordlessly he makes his stand, not letting the giant at the avian. Doc: 10/10 job title Suðri Skornbrekker: “What has this creature done to wrong you?” The dwarf, without taking his aim off the hate-smith, yells at him with some indignation. Syviis Adjeon slips to the side, allowing the bird-man to pass if it dares, but not quite trusting it enough to lower her guard for a second. Suðri Skornbrekker: “...and what is a ‘hate-smith’?” Fiss: [9.5/10 would hate again] Ken (GM): "I rule here now! The wizard has fled and I must take measures to rid the keep of Syviis Adjeon makes aim for his kneecaps should the giant move one step more Gray: "I challange your ownership, your right to this place. We have claimed the Anbisil and it yelds to Roderick's command" Gray lifts his massive sword. Suðri Skornbrekker aims for his head Ken (GM): "WHAT?! YOU?" Roderick raises his sword, readying a stop-thrust if the giant charges. "Yes. Me." Doc: >when the party's fighter puts you on the spot Gray looks nearly small beside the gigantic beast of flame and rage, despite his great height and heavy armor that bulks his already thick, powerful frame to something hulking and giant. P.P. A.: What does he look like, by the way as in, how much of it is flame, how much is flesh Ken (GM) He bellows, in indiscriminate rage. But then his hsoulders drop and he slumps down to one knee Ken (GM): "My....leige" He says, in a small yet rumbling voice Suðri Skornbrekker had his finger on the trigger, but lets go instead of tightening it, baffled. Ken (GM): [he looks proportionately like a dwarf, just massive. Black skin on arms. Chain skirt coming out of a breastpalte armor. Heads on fire Suðri Skornbrekker looks over to Roderick, and back to the giant. P.P. A.: ah, I see Ken (GM): "If it is true, and you have claimed the Ansible, I swear fealty to you or Rod-er-ic. I pay respect toyour arcane might" He says the words with a rote, and practiced tone Roderick twitches a bit at the giant's words, uncomfortable with the reminder of his circumstances, but it soon turns into a light smile as he thinks of how his fortunes have changed. Suðri Skornbrekker: “We have slain two mind-flayers on our way here; was one of them the former master of the Ansible?” Suðri Skornbrekker will withhold his question until Rod's said something if it would otherwise spoil the mood Krall: "What say you, *human?" Roderick: "Rise, and explain why you are slaughtering these creatures." Doc: How can I expect to run a doom fortress without a hate-smith? Krall steps up, still weilding his flaming iron heap. His hands tighten on the grip "They are an infestation, my liege, and should be removed from the keep." Krall: "Their remains will be ground into pies and served as delicacies" Syviis Adjeon: Ken (GM) the raven man has passed out, and is bleeding from his mashed leg Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker asks his question now: “We have slain two mind-flayers on our way here; was one of them the former master of the Ansible?” Syviis Adjeon: HAHAHA OH WOW Krall: Looks at the dwarf with a sneer "Do you not know your masters, Derugar? Are they not your leash holders?" P.P. A.: d-did you buy Luck as well Krall: OH WOW Doc: RIB Syviis Adjeon: I poke the bird with my arrow. Mistaking it for my first aid kit apparently Suðri Skornbrekker: “Do ot insult me, hate-smith. The Derugar are not my kin; I hail from the northern lands, from whence they were expelled long ago.” Ken (GM) Syviis moved the wounded leg, and a jet of blood drains from his body. He swiftly stops breathing or moving P.P. A.: [Use] > First Aid Kit >>Arrow Syviis Adjeon leans down to try to care for the bird, but a look of cold horror covers her exposed face as she hears a snap of hollow, bird-bone as she touches it. Doc: It's like Dragon's Dogma where the "give gift" button is the same as the attack button, so if you accidentally hit it while not in dialogue... Or you accidentally set your controller down on the right trigger while talking to Andre the Blacksmith Syviis Adjeon: ;_; Ken (GM): [Syviis' backstab increased by +1!] Fiss: [My wife's curse of accidentally being the most efficient murder-machine has come to me..] Joush M.: They're masterwork's all Fiss: [wonders if there is a quirk-level disadvantage: "Scared to perform First Aid"] Doc: JUST A JAPE Krall grin wide "I heard tell of the elven craft of murder. It is well earned renown" Krall: "stops, and bows his head "Yes, Leige, many more nests among the rocks and crags, and one over there" He points to the 'West' of the tunnel Suðri Skornbrekker sees that the birdman has breathed his last, but returns his attention to Krall. He can't help but chuckle quietly at the giant's comment, bad though he immefiately feels for it. Roderick: Roderick resists the urge to snap at the giant, but is clearly displeased and looks sympathetically towards Syviis. Syviis Adjeon: "Tell me, Giant. How many of the mind-flayers made their home here?" Krall: "None, Suðri Skornbrekker remembers the time he tried to help the Derugar. He glances again at te dead bird and over to Syviis, and shakes his head. P.P. A.: hate-smith more like banter-smith Doc: bantz are hate speech Gray: "Are you alone down here, or are there others that must be informed of the change in managment? We were attacked by Shadow Deamons. I would know the source of them and put an end to it" Syviis Adjeon: Krall: "I call this keep my home with my battle-borhters; our garrison holds our quarter, though the rest are out on my orders."He grimaces "If you wish, My Leige, I shall recall them from their " He says the last word, staring at a corpse. He plants his hammer on it, the sizzle of flesh rising in the air. Stench and smoke Doc: Do we actually know anything about these birdmen? P.P. A.: all we learned about them was that they are birdmen, and that they live around here Krall: [the vampiress warned you they nested in the keep. that they were minions of the Lords of Darkness Syviis Adjeon: ooc: we've been warned about harpies infesting the keep in the past, but have not really seen them...until now...if it is these they were talking about Doc: Is anyone going to tell Rod about it? Gray speaks to Roderick. "The vampire woman claimed the harpies serve the lord of darkness. I don't know the truth of what goes on here.. Or what a hate smith is" Bomrek: knocks back a swig, coughing "Hatesmith is an AWESOME title" he says to nobody in particular Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard for a moment, then nods empathetically. “I agree.” Krall: "I am a crafter of the finest devices, ."Nodding to Gray" My works let blood and crack bone. My enchantments ensure the binding of demons of fury and wrath, powering flame and hatred alike. " Roderick: "I think I'd rather have the service of a hate-smith than a fortress full of the minions of a lord of darkness." Syviis Adjeon: "I'm sure Master Roderick would prefer no more shadow-demons be made, at least not without request." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Was it you, then, who aided in restratining the annoying fellow upstairs, and the other one that was chained deep underground?” P.P. A.: *restraining Doc: huge if true Gray: "You made the Shadow Deamons that attacked us upstairs?" Krall: He grins with a wistful look, resting on his hammer, driving the red ho tmetal deeper in to the corpse at his feet "No, that was a working beyond my " "I did craft the binding for the demons, tho" Syviis Adjeon turns to Gray Syviis Adjeon: "How horrifying is it that this all seems so...normal...?" Syviis Adjeon readjusts her mask, game-face on, and begins searching the room Gray: "It's what is at the moment. We have quite strange allies here." He tells Syviis, gently, almost reaching out to pat the elven woman's sholder then nodding to her and simply following as she goes to explore the west end of the level. Suðri Skornbrekker puts his mask back on, as always grateful for this parting gift of old Falkirk Syviis Adjeon: Gray looks into the room thoughtfully, studying the space then looking to the elven woman. "I don't see much in here." (To Gray): You smell eggs Syviis Adjeon: Gray walks after the elf, looking to the nest. "There are eggs here" He says with a slight frown. Not sure how to feel about that. P.P. A.: cooking and eating the children of our enemies never seemed so natural and delicious Ken (GM): [oh lawd Fiss: [] Krall: steps back form the ruined corpse, hefts his hammer back, scrapes some blackened smudge from the head with his hand, the flames licking at his fingers Roderick: "Well, so long as your men know that serving you means serving me, and these shadow demons stop harassing us, there should be no problems for now." Krall: "My Gray examines the eggs in the nest. (To Fiss): Eggs in the nest. About the size of large melons. Hard shells, speckled. There are three here Syviis Adjeon seems lost in thought for a moment. "I keep trying to recall stories of bird-folk, but my focus is lacking." (To Fiss): Elf lore tells you the beastmen represent each of the creatures of the earth in some way. These Aven are but one of the legions that served the Horned King in ages past. (To Fiss): The egg is warm, but barely (To Roderick): Savoire faire roll? P.P. A.: >elf woman bringing the children of foreigners who are servants to the vampire lords thta want to destroy our homeland back to our homeland Syviis Adjeon: "I know not how to care for these eggs...I fear I may have killed their mother or father in my haste just a moment ago. Maybe we can find more of the bird-folk and let them know their eggs survive." P.P. A.: I play GURPS to escape from reality, not to relive it also, we should order Krall to hatch thme by warming them with his flaming head Ken (GM): [ZING] Gray: "Aye" He agrees, nodding to her and reaching out, massive hand gentle on her sholder as he pats a moment then turns from the room to rejoin the others. Suðri Skornbrekker has been trying to make out what the walls and floors look like underneath the layers of webbing and waste. Roderick: (To GM) Syviis Adjeon walks carefully around the bird-person nests and back into the main hall, searching for more as the Hate Smith and Roderick parlay (To Roderick): Krall has been using his words carefully; he has sworn service to you, but his men serve him alone. Assuming you understand the chain of command here. Gray: "To the south, now? If you think we may trust Krall the Hatesmith at our backs" Syviis Adjeon: "Hate-smith, what lays behind you in the hall to your back?" Suðri Skornbrekker pokes around a bit with the tip of his bardiche, but relents and listens instead. Krall: " lies there, small one. My home and the residence of the Legion. It is secure and the halls are under guard, ready and waiting" "The halls are deep and wide, polished and sharpened. We ready for war, as the Keep flies" Gray: "How many in your legion? What keeps you supplied?" Suðri Skornbrekker quietly asks Syviis: “What was the capital of the Lords of the Night called again, that city to the east?” Syviis Adjeon: [map skillz?] (From Doc): Any idea if defeating Krall would make them serve Roderick instead? (To Doc): More likely you need to invoke your right as ruler, and have him continue with the next step; he needs to make his men swaer fealty to you Suðri Skornbrekker: Krall: [Gorgoth, the old city] Gray: "Quite a lot of Jotun" He says, looking to Roderick. Krall turns, an intent look at Roderick, but he bows his head and saluted with an arm crossed his chest "My Leige. I shall spread the word of the new ruler here. As my Legion clears the Keep of it's infestation, we shall call out your name in glory!" He bows deep "I shall summon the lieutenants. We will feast in your honor in the great hall on the 'morrow" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Ah right, thank you.” He pauses to hear what Roderick and Krall are saying, before adding, again quietly: “With a force like this, we could serve as a vanguard to raid Gorgoth, where the lords' hosts are gathering.” Syviis Adjeon: "Should we, though? With a moment's army and a flying castle we barely have grasp over?" "I'm as confident as anything...but I worry we stretch what luck we have too thin." Roderick nods at Krall. "Very good. You have your orders, now carry them out." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Not right away, mind. But it is something to bring up with the army. With the castle, we can easily get behind enemy lines—or drop down right above them.” Krall: "" He backs up a step, then turns on his heel and marches back up the hall behind him. His bootsteps ring out on the stone floor like hammerfalls Gray: "Or accidently fire the Ambsil again and lay waste to endless miles of once liveing lands" Roderick sighs and turns to Syviis. "Our alternative is to destroy this legion ourselves." Gray: "We should return it. The elven elder wanted it destoryed for a reason" Syviis Adjeon: "I wonder if this can even be destroyed..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I would not attempt to destroy it on the northern side of the border. Even if it works, it might cause considerable damage.” Gray: "Hopefully the elves know some way to take it apart without an explosion or mountan falling from the sky" Bomrek: "I say we crash this fucker into their capital and watch the explosion from the border" Bomrek has rosy cheeks again Roderick: "It may be better if such things did not exist, but if we can have the flying castle, country-destroying superweapon, and legion of fire giants at least nominally under our control, I would prefer to do so. Syviis Adjeon pauses, but reluctantly nods. Syviis Adjeon: "It seems we are standing on the precipice of either a great disaster, or the destruction of a great evil. I know not which is which anymore." Suðri Skornbrekker: “The great evil is gathering to bring great disaster to our kingdom. If there is to be a great disaster, it should rather take place where it can't cause much more damage than the previous one did.” P.P. A.: *if there is to be another great disaster eithe rway Syviis Adjeon shakes her head whispering something under her breath in elvish, turning briefly to the dead avian near the entrance Gray: "I'd prefer to turn the matter over to wiser heads, Roderick. Don't let the giant's words fool you, he might betray you in a moment if he senses weakness. I don't know if your fire could hurt him" Suðri Skornbrekker: “That said, I don't like any of this either, and am as suspect of ancient elven magic as always—but I would rather see these fire giants burn themselves out fighting our enemies than having to deal with them ourselves.” Bomrek: "hear hear!" Bomrek cheers, and swigs Roderick: "Or at the very least having an army at our back with which to face theirs. The few of us can't hope to dent such numbers." Syviis Adjeon nods Syviis Adjeon: "We must choose our next action carefully." Gray nods grimly. "Let's go check the doors we passed upstairs. Secure the rest of this place" Syviis Adjeon: Suðri Skornbrekker checks his guns and takes a look over his shoulder into the hallway through which the hate-smith left, wary of any demons he might send yet again, violating his promise. Bomrek: [rightyo, so back to the previous hall then?] Joush M.: Yep Is this a door here? Ken (GM) Back through the veiled stairs, you appear again on the black stone hallway. Two unopened doors. One of rich wood, the other of steel. Ken (GM): [yep thats the wooden one] Gray walks to the door and knocks firmly. Ken (GM): TOK TOK nothing happens Syviis Adjeon: "Knock knock?" (To Gray): you feel a tingle on the skin at the door handles touch, but it doesnt budge Ken (GM) the door handle doesnt budge for the giant hand Gray: "Any thoughts, before I attempt to force it? Some mysterous force holds it closed, it tingles" Syviis Adjeon: "I wonder if Roderick may have the key with control over the keep?" Gray: "Command it open, Roderick? See if the door answers you." After a moment of thought. "Try the handle, at least" Roderick raises an eyebrow in surprise. "That was... unexpected." (To Roderick): You feel the aura on the door. It was sealed against something. It opens to your hand tho Suðri Skornbrekker: “...so you really are the lord of this place now, aren't you.” Ken (GM) the floor is covered with rich inlay of jet and mortared mosaic. Inside the red skulls is script of a flowing sort, foreign to you all Syviis Adjeon: "I question their choice of interior decorator..." P.P. A.: Hey Doc, this looks just like our party's base in the Pathfinder campaign Doc: tfw negged to death by the elf chick in another campaign Gray: "Dark magic here. Be very careful" He says as he looks into the room of skulls. Roderick: Ken (GM): [its certianly magical] (To Roderick): The room is a place of power, there are many enchantments woven into it. Kind of like a magical circuit breaker. The language on the runes is foreign tho Ken (GM): [PM'd to him :P] Doc: Roderick: "I don't suppose any of you can read these runes?" Gray ask the raven at his sholder. "Do you know anything about this?" Raven: "I do. They speak of the bindings in this place. Of all the interwoven intricacies. The spirits at work, the elemntal forces" "As well as pacts of blood and iron. The list of names is long' Gray: "Thank you. It's nothing we should interfer with, I imagine?" Gray stares at it like grandpa looking at a computer. Raven: "That would be bad" she says plainly Roderick closes the door. "As I suspected, then." Syviis Adjeon: Roderick inspects the door and tries to open it as well (To Roderick): Its a working diagram of You. Your auras, the flow of mana through you. Its very plain to a wizard (To Fiss): Its a working diagram of Rod. His auras, the flow of mana through him. Its very plain to a mage. Gray: "You truely are the master of this place" Syviis Adjeon: "It seems that this keep knows you far more than we know it..." (To Roderick): muted Feelings of concern and fear Gray nods to Roderick and pats his sholder lightly. "Well, Lord of the Keep, it's been a very, very long day. We should make camp. Do you wish to evict the elven woman from her room, to camp in the command room near the dias and controls, or to try and clean up the rookery?" Doc: Was there any line of sight up through the hallway from where we met the giant? Ken (GM): [the veiled staircases break line of sight. The darkness seems to cover your passage. You suspect magical fuckery Roderick: "I, for one, would prefer to camp near the smallest number of corpses as possible." Gray: "Or we could use this hall. Block the path up to the controls, the room of Skulls and this place that has some connection to you. I don't trust the giants" Gray stands in the hall, at about 9 feet wide the hall is ample space for the group to camp, though he still hasn't found a bathroom Ken (GM): [rookery smelle dlike shit :P] Syviis Adjeon: [elves don't poop....] Ken (GM): [yes you do fiss, yo ujust also eat mana] [so technically, you poop magic too] Syviis Adjeon: [manapoop] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Sleeping upstairs might have us woken up in the middle of the night by the thing asking us to release it, too.” Roderick: "We could continue pressing on and exploring beyond where we met the giant. Today has been exhausting, but I would not describe any of the places we've found as ideal." Ken (GM): [technically, the Diagram room is quiet, and warm. and rod can secure the door.] Doc: Is it just a diagram or would stepping into it be bad Ken (GM): [your wizard senses tell you its just a giant HUD] Joush M.: Yeah, but then we've got a giant naked Roderick hovering int he air Doc: Oh, I was operating under the assumption that it was a higher level of magic fuckery. Yeah that wouldn't be very fair to the elf Ken (GM): I gotta stop us here at least, gotta go see a house Joush M.: Take care! Good luck house hunting Roderick: "Still, this chamber should be safe enough. I'll not have the old woman killed simply because we want to take her bedroom." Ken (GM): everybody! Take 3 points. Spend as you will. Please update your sheets and send me a new copy for the new chapter. Just to have an updat eon my side Fiss: Make sure it doesn't float :P P.P. A.: Bye, thanks for the session! that feel when no career as a hate-smith Doc: Thanks again, have fun with the house Ken (GM): no worries guys. Ill keep you posted about next week too ;) Joush M.: I hope Ken's okay. P.P. A.: Aye I'll keep lurking in case he shows up later, but he did say that “[he]'ll give a more solid go ahead leading up to.” which didn't happen, so he might be too swamped On a different note, I went and downloaded that GURPS character sheet PDF finally only to discover that it calculates less and requires more manual input than my custom Excel sheet Joush M.: Huh, well you do you. I find the libraries so damn useful P.P. A.: Maybe there's another? I was using this: which doesn't have much in the way of libraries I do recall seeing a different one Joush M.: is what I use. It's a program called GURPS character sheet Not exactly creatively named P.P. A.: Ah, thanks Ken (GM): whatup dude? be right with you and im alive P.P. A.: Good to hear! Done moving? Ken (GM): one is never done moving, only ever done "this load" but the internet is up, so theres that P.P. A.: Well that's the most important thing Ken (GM): s'truth. They had to recable the fibre to the house twice, but I blame lazy work on the first pass Joush M.: Good morning. Nice to see you all again Ken (GM): yay its a joush! sorry to have flaked so hard for so long; who knew throwing your life into upheaval made it hard to keep up with your online games? Doc: iktf Joush M.: Enjoying the new place? Ken (GM): yes emphatically, yes its MY house such a big difference that word makes oh! i also bagged a job this week, so thats looking up! no more EI for me! P.P. A.: Great! Joush M.: That's good Ken (GM): more deskside IT support, so im back in the swing of things how bout the rest of ya? been good these last few weeks? Doc: Moved into MY new house and started going to college P.P. A.: Botched an exam by realising the evening before that I had mixed up the dates of two exams and been studying for the wrong one, but otherwise I can't complain Making good progress on my driver's license, rode the Autobahn for the first time yesterday, starting to like driving Ken (GM): woo! all the learnings Joush M.: I tried a new Chineese place. It was only ok Ken (GM): theres something liberating to driving. that self-propelling thing P.P. A.: Walking feels more liberating in contrast (less rules, less need to watch and respond to traffic, etc.), but being able to go to far places quickly is neat Doc: I hate driving tbh Walking or riding my motorcycle are the only ways I like to move myself Ken (GM): It really hit home for me, driving, when we got a second vehicle for the family, and I could drive myself without inconveniencing anyone else Doc: I like having a car and being able to drive I just don't like the physical act of doing so If self-driving cars become a real thing I'll probably use one Ken (GM): I give google like, 5 years, tops california will achieve self-awareness, and start infecting the continent Joush M.: I like driveing, it woud still be nice to be able to switch to automatic and ignore traffic for a while Doc: I mostly just wish I was able to read or something while I'm on the road The bike is exciting enough that it keeps my mind engaged, but the car just leaves me feeling like a zombie Ken (GM): ah truth just jabbing fiss here, I msgd him last night, lets see if he slept hah. had to call him but hes inbound now adolf still seems out of it, but hes on new job/sleep schedule hey fiss Fiss: MeepMorp! Hows the new homestead dude? Ken (GM): it is a house! of some variety. Crammed full of our stuff, and half painted Fiss: woo! Joush M.: Good morning, Fiss Fiss: 'mornin! Ken (GM): well, so, where last we left our heroes...a whole bunch of activity had gone on. You guys had struck into the depths of the keep, and run into the Hate-smith Firegiant as he was clearing out a rookery of the Avians. You had parleyed, and discovered that due to Rod highjacking the wizardly controls, he was now the defacto ruler of this place. The shadow demons got called off from their hunting, and you got yourselves a feast/audience arranged with the masters of the Legions of doom living in the mountain. The giants were going to go about their orders, clearing out the mountainkeep of the aven, and you guys headed back into the machine for a nights rest, finally. The keep is currently on a course headed back to Glardenfen keep and the alliance army. Any major housekeeping im missing? Joush M.: We'd been vaugely planning to rest, eat, sleep, recover. It had been a pretty long day for the crew Syviis Adjeon tries to remember the last time she slept, but gives up after her memories brush past the third or forth horror. Ken (GM): lol yeah you guys powered through the whole of the Derugar keep in, what, a day and a half? P.P. A.: might have been less than a day Doc: this is my character's first day P.P. A.: to be fair, while we did a lot of things, they wouldn't have taken much time in-universe Joush M.: It's true Suðri Skornbrekker sits down to rest a little, but the relaxation that sets in makes it difficult for him to keep his eyes open. He ywns and gets up again, walking around to stave off the sleepiness until the party has set up camp and assigned shifts for the watch. Ken (GM): Well, Raven is certainly going to take the opportunity to tuck in with Gray and go back to being unconscious for awhile I know Bomrek is gonna go over all his pistols and his gun, to make sure theyre all fine, seeing as he was nearly dead for so long in the Mindflayer cold storage Roderick is restless, but after a few minutes the fatigue of the day's events overtakes his need to process them Syviis Adjeon: While not particularly Gray coordinates with the others to watch, the dark raven that accompanies the bestial man preening it's feathers, then seeming to fade into shadow and return to being a tattoo on the brute. He isn't sure if the spellcasters or Bomrek will be up to takeing a watch alone, they've been though a lot, but worst case he and Suori can trade off so there's always someone awake that hasn't had that bad a day. Ken (GM): Ah! good point. Yes, the crystal is charging up fiss. Concentrating for awhile and holding it reassures you it's running like a reverse hourglass, trickling in mana Syviis Adjeon: [OOC: what is it, 2 points recovery for High Mana areas?] [or 1 for the night?] [*might be old rules, let me pull up the magic book] Low 1 point/week Normal 1 point/day High 1 point/12 hours Very High 1 point/6 hours Ken (GM): [hahah oh god my baby boy is snoring] Syviis Adjeon: [da'aaawwww!] Ken (GM): back to mana; this feels like High mana so its charging up a point pretty fast. You last used it in a fight with the alien-demon yeah? Gray: (Aww, cute. Babies are like tiny alcoholics.. lots of sleep, when they get up they want to drink, and lots of the time they end up throwing up on themselves) Syviis Adjeon spends a moment during her watch to pull out and examine her necklace. The tiny crystal on the end glows dully, but steadily and she nods, satisfied it is able to imbibe on this castle's ambiance. Syviis Adjeon: [OOC: assuming it's been 12 hours since the fight, it's got a point back] Ken (GM): mmm, eldritch evil mana so tasty Fiss: Considering the Elf is ALSO technically powered by Mana.... :P P.P. A.: Never trust wizards, never trust elves Fiss: AROUND ELVES, NEVER RELAX P.P. A.: even on the off-chance that they are not evil the will just absorb atmospheric magic evil *around elves, watch yourselves Fiss: DUN DUNDUN Ken (GM) The weariness of the day overtakes you all; the long terrifying fights. The horrible creatures. The horrors of battle and magic. Demons. Raw flesh. Pestilence. Dark magic. You friend falkirk, lost to the darkness. Your ally Bomrek, nearly taken the same but recovered. Tentacled horrors found and dispatched. Armies of slaves discovered and released. Mind bending powers of teleportation, bound beings of elemental fire, giants, birdmen...and good old gnolls. Today has been taxing Ken (GM): But the sweet caresses of night fall around you. The weariness leaves you as your eyes close, your mind wanders back into itself, the bliss of nothingness floating about you. The jagged edges of the awake times falling back into the soft velvety ichor of sleep you drift you fall softly Suðri Skornbrekker 's last thought before drifting off is ‘I hope this otherwordly abomination doesn't send nightmares into my head’ (To Roderick): Your deep sleep is broken by visions of HELLFIRE and DRAGONS (To Roderick): Roll WILL Fiss: Agreed lol Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): The visions are alien, too fast and too disconnected to make much sense to your sleeping mind. You wake up, screaming about fire and fang! Suðri Skornbrekker has the perk Deep Sleeper and is only lightly disturbed in his sleep by this, but turns around and stays in dreamland P.P. A.: unless he screams REALLY loud (To Roderick): Your head clears, and your back to the world of the living. You have a persisting...buzzing in your ear you dont quite undestand, but the dream visions come back to you. Thanks to editic memory, you start piecing them together in a logical order (To Roderick): Youve never seen him before, but again, you have a clear view of him. No hair on his head, or body really. He was wearing black robes that billowed out, showing the red runes up and down his arms and chest. He lead the dragon charge, but seemed to be riding a massive black horse with raven wings...and it also had fire in it's mouth. Ken (GM) the room trembles with a distant thunder. from deep within the walls a rumbling jolts the room. (To Syviis Adjeon): Certainly not a thunderstorm. The skies are clear and the storms are far and away from here... Gray: "Blight and damnation." He says softly, grabbing his gear and readying. Pulling armor on with haste and looking to the others, calling over. "Time to earn our pay, Suori. On your feet" Suðri Skornbrekker rolls over and finally opens his eyes, if just a little: “Mhmwhat, huh?” Bomrek: "Oh well, dragons you say" he says sarcastically, strapping on his pistols "We've kille done of those befre...no trouble" Syviis Adjeon: Bomrek: Roderick quickly dons his brigandine and helmet, thankful to have chosen such simple armor Syviis Adjeon: Of course there are Dragons. As inevitable as Dungeons, it seems... :P Suðri Skornbrekker quickly dons his armour and inspects his weapons, albeit interrupted by a few yawns. Suðri Skornbrekker: “The cannon is still jammed, is it not?” Bomrek: "What wizard shit is this then Rod? how do you know its dragons?" Gray looks to the second gun then nods to Suori. "No chance to fix it. I think we intended to in the morning." Syviis Adjeon: "I'm slightly less concerned about Dragons, and more concerned that Dragons are attacking a giant flying fortress with intent. Exactly what did you see in your vision?" Roderick: "They were in the vision which woke me before the rumbling started. Dozens of them, led by a pale man clad in black robes and red runes." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Did your vision include any large, fire-breathing, flying steeds?” Syviis Adjeon: "I never thought I'd be glad to hear the Dragons were being ordered or controlled...at least they aren't hunting castles for sport." Suðri Skornbrekker tries to remember if the other cannon was still loaded, and what with. Bomrek: [one cannon borked from the squib, other one is loaded with grapeshot, never fired] Roderick nods at Suðri. "It did. The man was riding it." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Tch, we should have shot him back when he stood before us to deliver his ominious warning.” Suðri Skornbrekker doubts the grapeshot will do an awful lot against the dragons, but motions Bomrek or Grey to help him carry it upstairs. Ken (GM): [movie magic drags your troupe to the control room] Ken (GM) outside the cathedral-high windows of the helm, the sky is awash in red. The dawn's glory is rising up over the blasted wasteland below, reflecting of fmisty land and shining right into the room Roderick: "If we make it out of this, you'll have to teach me to use those muskets of yours, or at least how to load them for you." Ken (GM) Sweeping into view past the windows, circling the keep, are dragons. Suðri Skornbrekker: “When we've made it out of this, sure,” the dwraf replies with a confident grin. Suðri Skornbrekker approaches the windows to try and assess their thickness. Syviis Adjeon: "I think I'm going to need more arrows..." (To Roderick): Many little warning lights floating about the console, dancing up and down in the orrery of floaty orbs. Lots of reds, oranges and other angry colors Roderick: "I expect my spells and sword to be useless in this fight, but I may be able to help from here." Suðri Skornbrekker does not expect the windows to hold. He positions the cannon near the middle so that it can turn and fire at any one of the windows, and he assembles the muskets next to it. Gray: "I expect the true foe is the man marked with runes. Where will we find him?" He ask as he looks for the rider. Bomrek sets about helping sudri setup to defend the room, getting all the loot in one easily reached heap Ken (GM): gray Perception check! Gray: Ken (GM): GODDAMN Syviis Adjeon: Nice! (To Gray): You scan the skies, tracking the flying beasts and looking for your quarry. You find him, his mound flying in a slow arc through the sunlight. The profile of his stteed different enough to spot in the skies Roderick: "I don't suppose anyone here can fly?" Gray points out a figure among the company, one on a dragon unlike the others. "There.. There he is, like you said Roderick." He says in that deep voice. (To Roderick): the controls are steady, but when you grasp them a hundred little points of energy leap into your mind, dozens of alarms sounding at once. The buzzing in your ears becomes more insistant, like a whispering voice speaking in a foreign tongue Roderick examines the controls to see if there are any defensive weapons he can use without blowing up the party IT: RELEASE US. THE FLESH CRAVES THE RAPTURE OF ONENESS ALL SHALL BE FLESH AGAIN Suðri Skornbrekker: “Does that mean you have any relations to the man outside, or the beasts he commands?” Suðri Skornbrekker asks without particular enthusiasm, but if IT is going to talk anyway, it should at least say something interesting IT: ALL FLESH IS ONE. ALL SHALL BE ONE AGAIN. LOOK INTO YOUR LITTLE HEART, KNOW IT TO BE TRUTH (To Roderick): IQ based pilot roll! Roderick: Suðri Skornbrekker: “We could take out a window pane and shoot at them, but we are not like to hit anything. Any ideas to lure one of them inside?” Roderick: P.P. A.: wew Doc: f P.P. A.: It was not meant to be IT: ffff hilarious (To Roderick): You use your wizard senses on the controls, probing them for anything useful. There is a big obvious button available, under a lock. It seems to be the only obvious weapon Roderick: "Shooting at them may lure them to us." Ken (GM): [wat dooo] Suðri Skornbrekker gets one of the lighter muskets and walks to the window. “Bomrek, come. Let's shoot a dragon out of the sky.” Syviis Adjeon: "Can the windows be lowered through your commands?" [OOC: DOES THIS BITCH COME WITH POWER WINDOWS OR WHAT?] (To Roderick): Theres nothing so sophisticated as 'power window controls" here. Just the big navigation console, and the big weapon button Syviis Adjeon: Aye, I'd rather trust our own skills than the bloodthirst of fairweather allies. Roderick: "If such controls exist, I can't find them. Only how to steer it and... The Weapon." Syviis Adjeon: "Then l let's search for a balcony. Surely the designers of this keep had need for fresh air" Roderick: "I wouldn't be so certain." Suðri Skornbrekker: “...try ‘The Weapon’ if you will, but I'd rather rely on my own.” He hesitates a moment, but finally knocks a small panel out of the window with the butt of his musket. Suðri Skornbrekker rests the barrel on the intact parts of the window and aims into the darkness, waiting for a suitable target to pass through the sights. Syviis Adjeon: Best test it now, I suppose... Ken (GM) Whistling wind twists into the room from Sudri's makeshift musket rest. As the cold clear air flies through the room, Roderick presses his hand into the controls, arming THE WEAPON Fiss: THE WEAPON (tm) (From Roderick): I'm gonna try to fight it Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): And youre not seeing light anymore...youre seeing magic. You can see the bright red points of light flitting up and down the keep. The little black ones crawling up and down inside it. and deep on the base, you see yourself your body, right beside the dark magical heart of the machine (To Roderick): WHO Roderick focuses his thoughts on the pale man leading the charge IT: WHO?! CHOOSE THE FLESHLINGS TO BE OBLITERATED Gray: "The last time this device fired it turned Gorath into a hellscape" He observes as he stands by, scowling at the darkness. "This is likely unwise. I don't know what choice we have" Doc: There is a line where this should have stopped and we have clearly crossed it. So let's keep going and see what happens. Suðri Skornbrekker looks outside, making sure the world above and below them is still intact. (To Roderick): The Keep is losing power and cannot continue to stay aloft Suðri Skornbrekker gets up and likewise walks over to Roderick (To Fiss): Everywhere aorund you. Just...dead. No mana. Roderick struggles to keep hits wits (such as they are) about him and keep the descent from becoming a crash Ken (GM): Piloting rooooooooll! Roderick: Doc: YOOOOO Ken (GM): DAMN SON P.P. A.: > (To Roderick): Roll PER +2 for me Roderick: (To GM) (To Fiss): And just a reminder, you will slowly die without magic Suðri Skornbrekker jabs his finger at Roderick's chest: “Now litsen up; right now, I want to shoot you,” he turns around and points into the darkness where IT lies slumbering, “I want to shoot that thing, and I want to blow up this whole godforsaken castle!” Suðri Skornbrekker: “But by Urist rocks's, those were a LOT of damned dragons, and I'm mad you saved our asses by breaking reality.” “I am angry now.” Gray nods in agreement with Suori Roderick: Roderick stands silent and motionless, staring at the controls Roderick: "Gone..." Syviis Adjeon: "Roderick...where did the magic go?" Roderick: "It's gone." Gray: "I don't mind you speaking in riddles, but once you've composed yourself I'd like it if you could explain what happend in a manner I can understand." He grabs a bottle of amber liquid, walking to Roderick and opening it, offering him the whisky. Ken (GM): Syviis Adjeon sighs and walks over to the busted out window. "I never thought I'd be so happy to not feel magic in the air...though I must admit it is a bit worrisome." Roderick: "The magic is spent. Or the creature was released." Suðri Skornbrekker joins Syviis: “Does that mean that monster has exhausted its power, or is it gone?” Syviis Adjeon: "I don't know..." Gray: "Let's hope it was the first. If it's simply discharged and drained all power around to fire that terrible weapon this thing might recover enough for us to deliver it to someone that knows what they are doing." (To Fiss): The keystone is cold and powerless to your touch. You feel no channel to anything greater through it. Like an empty vessel Bomrek: "Rod, were you going to bootstrap a kingdome to a flying deathfortress?" Syviis Adjeon: "Looks like the portals are going to be useless as well." Syviis Adjeon gaps in realization Syviis Adjeon: "Check on the Physician..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “...meaning that, if we want to get out of here, we will have to ask the Hate-smith to show us the way to the back-door.” Syviis Adjeon grins and nods. "Indeed. Though I wonder why the weapon took out its toll on the keep as well as the dragons...it seems strange that it would be so self-destructive." Roderick: "Perhaps I just failed to control it." Ken (GM): 'a sword cuts both ways' Gray: "You did as well as anyone has. This thing killed a country the last time someone used it" Syviis Adjeon looks to Rod "Maybe, but then I wonder how final this void of magic is...will this Keep sit dormant until another demon or outsider can be ensnared to power it? Will it bait a creature in by offering it's very void? Or...have we accidentally succeeded in destroying the very thing we came here for?" (From Syviis Adjeon): damn, man, I'm going to have to go in a bit. Promised Simeon we'd check out the Chinese New Year stuff. Suðri Skornbrekker looks towards the window. “The sun is shining still, and there was solid ground to land on. Could have been worse.” (To Fiss): hey no worries mang. the game day was drop of a hat stuff. and we got three hours in :D Ken (GM): :O Syviis Adjeon: "I'd rather you'd live, personally. All of you. Even though I know we'd each give our lives for this cause..." Gray: "We don't know yet, Roderick. Let's assess the siutaton and see if we can find a way onto the surface of this rock for a look around. If our attack diden't kill that Lord of Night we may be under attack soon." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It's too early to say we've failed, too. Who knows—give it some time and we might hear pleas to be set free and reunited with the flesh again.” (From Syviis Adjeon): heading out now, do what dastardly things you must, lol Fiss: *gents, I'm afraid I must be off to do Dad things. The Daddening awaits. P.P. A.: You must secure the existence of your people and a future for your children, after all. 'tis fine Joush M.: Should we call it a day for now? We managed a session at least. Ken (GM): Actually, you guys wanna halt it here for the week? Safe to say you guys have a way out into the world via the windows, and such P.P. A.: It's a good place to end the session Doc: Yeah. Better not to end it on too much of a cliffhanger Ken (GM): take 4 points, the lot of you, for showing up on such short notice and giving us three hours of awesome but yeah, next week, "Escape from the Ansible!" P.P. A.: \o/ Doc: woo Fiss: Hehe. Later folks! Doc: o/ P.P. A.: Till next week o/ Joush M.: This week: Doc breaks the damn thing (From Doc): :DDDDDDDDD Ken (GM): See you next week; time to go change diapers! Doc: Hopefully not yours o/ Ken (GM): Back in a minute! P.P. A.: Hi! Joush M.: Hi there. How's it going? P.P. A.: Not bad, and you? Joush M.: Still tired lately, but I'm defaintly feeling better. Thanks Ken (GM): Joush! you live! missed you last night Gutting Stargate 1888; the general consensus seems to be keep the group, minus Some Dude, and kick off a Firefly universe game Joush M.: Ahh, well that sounds good. I'm sorry I wasn't there, fell asleep early Ken (GM): no prob; the game wasnt even scheduled for a meet, so I dont blame you for zonking instead How you guys doin? Doc: what is up my dudes Ken (GM): some kind of dudery! P.P. A.: I talked to Adolf earlier, he won#t be able to make it due to schedule conflicts with his job Tell balth I extend my apologies, but I cannot make it to today's game, probably. Best I might be able to make it to the discussions after work, but even that is not very likely. Ken (GM): hahaha that guys day to day is so buggered Fiss should be here soon; he let me know ahead of time he was out n about just before the game Joush M.: Sounds good. I hope Dolf's doing alright. Ken (GM): yeah, Im sure its just micromanaging his security work, which he does for several companies, and not on a 9-5 mon-fri schedule poor guy is in the wrong line of work sorry again for the short notice cancellation last week. moving houses is complicated just this morning I finally got the old refridgerator emptied and monday they hookup the new stove P.P. A.: It's fine, I had to study anyway Joush M.: Ahh, at last getting into the new house huh? That's good. Especally the stove. It's maddening to have basic stuff like that unconnected Doc: And I was in bed with the flu Joush M.: I hope you are feeling better. It's a bad one this year Doc: I had actually told PPA to let you guys know I might not make it last weekend Yeah, this one was vicious. I lost five pounds with this thing Ken (GM): whew, I havent done that in ten years Doc: RIP gainz Ken (GM): I lived off Ramen and Cold medicine Doc: It was only a few days but it was a rough few days Ken (GM): glad you made it through. and fun hallucinations? Doc: none that I remember, but I was a bit delirious so they may have happened Ken (GM): fun1 Joush M. ponders firefly characters. Ken (GM): So, Ive updated the map here a touch. -Where the tower originally stood overlooking the shallow lake, there is now a ruin in the SW -your path through gorgoth is still marked on the map, where the orange and pink lines trace down - the mountain has landed roughly in the wooded hills in the middle of the map, some ways in where you originally entered the blasted lands. Ive cleared your view of the area where youve got a view East now also, the party block has been cleaned up. Gray's updated art, falkirk being knocked out, your bags of loot, etc Joush M.: And Roderick gets to keep his "world's best pilot" mug because we all survived a crash landing in a mountan Ken (GM): negative horses :) Doc: *world's only pilot P.P. A.: so that dark fuzzy thing is our currnt location? Ken (GM): right! Doc, do you wanna refund/respec that piloting point? P.P. A.: oh, I see Doc: hmm Ken (GM): yeah PPA: the red X marks the spot Doc: I kinda like it being there tbh, if I can afford to waste a point on Bird Law I can afford to remember the time I flew a mountain Ken (GM): hahahah neat I only asked, as I realized "wow, I pushe dhim to buy the pilot skill, then the mountain crashed the next sesison over. FUn" Doc: I only spent one point on it so it's fine Ken (GM): usually the best 1 parts of a PC end up being the 1 point things like that time I took "likes explosives on an impulsive pyromaniac Doc: wew P.P. A.: 1 sec Ken (GM): yeah that was a fun game. Rolled a critical 18 failure on a mission, ende dup detonating everything I was carrying at the time. Blew two floors of a skyscraper out, halfway up. 9/11'd the city, essentially took the party out with me :D Joush M.: RIP party. At least they went out with a bang? Ken (GM): we ALL had a good laugh. I got a few punches in the shoulder for that one Doc: If you've gotta TPK, hope it's entertaining Ken (GM): right, well, enough waiting on fiss here; he'll be on when hes on Joush M. forces a path out of the damaged control room once the massive structure has settled, looking out into the red dawn for new dangers and threats before his attention turns to the others. "Should we wait here and try to guard this thing, or go to report what's happened?" Joush M.: Oops, Gray, not Joush Ken (GM): ;) Suðri Skornbrekker looks up from inspiecting the firearms and gathering what luggage was scattered by the impact of the fall. Ken (GM): You guys have Rodericks horse, and several packs worth of food, water supplies and loot remember: the horses got evicerated by the mindflayer back at the Derugar keep Suðri Skornbrekker looks around and concludes: “We should try to seal the entrance, report to the nearest outpost, maybe ask for some supplies there, and then return.” Roderick: "What do we have in the way of provisions? I would prefer to wait and see if any magic returns before we leave." Gray nods to the young dwarf, acknowlageing Suori's points then at Roderick's question he goes to do a quick inventory. "We should still have supplies for a few weeks. Plenty of beer, whisky, more oats then we can eat with only one horse." Ken (GM): [you guys packed for what, 3 weeks of food? And youve consumed maybe 5 days worth?] Joush M.: Oh wow, yeah.. Here I thought we'd taken much longer then that Gray seems suprised, but nods. "At least fifteen days left of supplies" He assures Roderick. "We could stay here and wait for a short while to see if things change" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Ah,” Suthri realises: “no doubt there are going to be scouts coming here to see what happened—there was that slaver city nearby, no? We could stay here waiting for the fortress to re-awaken, and also capture or kill any enemy scouts.” Syviis Adjeon blanches at the suggestion "I dont mean to startle anyone, but I dont think I could make it that long...without the magic" Suðri Skornbrekker: “If the forces of Gorgoth come here in force, we are going to be in trouble, but with all the dead dragons lying around, I doubt they can mount another major offensive within just a few days.” Suðri Skornbrekker turns to Syviis, a puzzled look on his face. Gray: "The greatest danger would be that Dark Lord. If he survived the dragons.." He turns to Syviis and nods after amoment, a hand rubbing across his jaw. "You will suffer without magic?.. How long can you endure? Is there anything that can be done about it?" Syviis Adjeon: "I have never really gone without it. I would imagine its much like eating...or water. Elves are funny that way" she says with a half hearted smile. She looks terrified Doc: So there's no mana here, meaning none of our magic works? Suðri Skornbrekker: “Wait, uh... Are there sources of magic that you go oto to replenish it? Like springs of water? Or are you saying that there is magic everywhere?” Doc: do they know about the water cycle yet? Syviis Adjeon: lol Ken (GM): [You can still fire off your powers, but the sustaining mana isnt there. You can pay FP costs and use the power, but a few extra things if it didnt have an activation roll, you need to roll vs 12 to use it Gray rubs a hand across his rough jaw again. "We will do our best to find you more magic. Bloodroot.. well, another used it as a source of magic in this blasted land. If it's still out there and we can find some that is less corrupted." He shrugs. Unhappy with that idea, but there are limited sources of mana here. Ken (GM): FP and HP used to pay costs dont replenish until your back in a mana zone Roderick: "There is magic in the air just as there is moisture in the air. The Ansible turned this area into a desert." Gray: "Seems like we can't stay then. We should move on and report this, as well as getting Syviis out of the desert" Roderick: Suðri Skornbrekker: “I see...” Suðri Skornbrekker except here now Ken (GM): hahah, youre really fostering a deep paranoia now Gray: Raven appears, seeming to draw herself out of Gray's back like an inky cloud. Her form is fuzzy, like she's smoking in a fire. As she emerges, you hear her groan loudly, as if in pain Raven: "What... have...you....done...here?!" she gasps Gray: "Magic sustains you as well? Would it be best not to summon you here?.. Roderick used the Ansible as a weapon, with little choice given we were hard pressed by a score dragons." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I think reality broke for a short while.” (To Roderick): There is a dull feeling, like your hand is numb, but the force is still in the sword. You can pinpoint the feeling, only that it is there. Syviis Adjeon moves as if in a daze. Stiff limbed and tired looking. She helps where she can, making sure everyone has a day of food and water packed Joush M.: Not saying he's a gold digger. Just that, given the chance, he'd really enjoy digging gold Gray loads much of the remaining supplies onto a frame to carry himself, lashing them to the poles. Ken (GM): [kind of a skid thing? drags behind you, laden with packs?] Joush M.: Strapped to the back rather then dragging. Aiming for Move 3 for the group once we divid things up Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the tools they have available P.P. A.: Did we have axes? Joush M.: So he wants to stay under 582 pounds on his back, he has 172 pounds of gear now, so there's a decent amount of slack there Roderick has no backback but his saddlebags have enough provisions for a few more days P.P. A.: Any trees nearby? Ken (GM): You have seemed to touch down the mountain in a black wood, so yeah, there are trees down the hillside. Theres quite a bit of rubble down to it, but you can source some good wood, I'd think I recall you packed shovels and such. Was there at least a single axe between y'all ? P.P. A.: I'm not sure but didn't we fell some trees earlier already? when we barricaded the doors of the Derugar fort Ken (GM): benefiet of the doubt, I'll say Bomrek packed at least one in that bundle of your 'tools' you took Joush M.: Thanks, an axe is a really useful camp tool Doc: Someone probably has a hatchet at least Gray nods in agreement. "There's worth to the idea. I'm no carpenter though, I could not fashon axles or a wheel worth useing." Ken (GM): lol Gray looks to the others, seeing if anyone can handle that part. His own craftsman skills were limited to tying poles and supplies together to carry on his back. Roderick: "How much do we truly need to carry?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I would not want to leave the cannons or any firearms behind, but I suppose we could do away with half of our rations.” Ken (GM): Youre about 2 or more days hike back to Glardenfen from here, but thats approximate. [Someone might roll navigaiton (land) to check] Gray: "Fourty two pounds of food, weapons, powder, water, Falkirk, Sixteen pounds of oats" Roderick: Gray makes a quick estmate. Retaining enough food for about a week. P.P. A.: default is INT? Gray: Ken (GM): Hah, So Grya and Rod take a lay of the land, and using Falkirks map, re-plot where you landed the mountain Seems you landed quite abit further West, but once you spotted the tar pits on the horizon, you triangulated a bit better Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't really learn how to effectively navigate on land but mentally retraces their route and recognises some parts of the landscape, so he concludes that Gray is probably right. Gray: "It should only be a few days. We will play it safe and retain a week of provisions?" Bomrek: "seems reasonable, considering I'm not leaving the good guns behind in hostile territory" he pats the working cannon, and spare muskets bundled in a tarp "We may as well not drag the broken cannon along though. It's slag until it gets rebuilt anyways" Gray nods "Care to spike it?" He offers Bomrek a chance to make sure the weapon can't be captured or used on them, though it seems unlikely anyone in Gorath would have the skills to service and repair the weapon. He doesn't bother torching excess booze and food though.. May as well leave those provisions there, in case they come back or some poor soul needs them. Roderick: "I could carry perhaps a musket or two, but not much else. I simply rode in with what I could wear as armor or carry in my saddlebags." Ken (GM): Falkirk will be safest carried on the horseback, tied down. or on some poor soul's back. Bomrek laughs off Gray's suggestion "If they can get that cannon rehammered, we deserve to be shot with it" Gray: "Thank you. I think if we can put Falkirk on your horse that would be best. I'll carry the tools, food and powder. You could ride double and steady Falkirk, or walk" Joush M.: Can everyone make move 3? Bomrek: if you leave behind that much? Yeah, with everyone hefting a pack or two. Leaving behind the shovels and such as well? Suðri Skornbrekker looks over his backpack's contents. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Only essentials here, but I could use the rope to bundle up some muskets, or to tie a saddlebag to my backpack.” Doc: Rod can carry 24 lbs more and still be Move 3, but he's also not even used to walking at all so he'll probably bitch a lot Joush M.: If we have to drop the tools, yeah those are the first on the chopping block Ken (GM): If he rides on bavieca with falkirk it should probably gag his whining :P Joush M.: Gray has about.. uh.. 400 more pounds while staying 3+, so they should be fine Doc: how much does Falkirk weigh? >can carry another 400 lbs you're a big guy Suðri Skornbrekker with his backpack is at Heavy encumberance (Move 2.4), but if he's going to be Heavy anyway he cna shoulder another 90 lbs. Joush M.: Might make more sense for Gray to take Suori's backpack then Yeah, Gray is huge, and has huge lifting ST P.P. A.: backpack weighs 43 lbs. Ken (GM): yeah he's like, half a horse it's hard to grok, but he can shoulder an immense pile of crap. Assuming you lash bags together Suðri Skornbrekker could either give Gray his backpakc and carry muskets and other stuff instead, or guve Grey one item from his backpack, and carry it himself, but nothing else Ken (GM): RIGHT So that fixes y'all. I'd suggest eating a meal from the stuff left behind before setting out, but the day awaits! Gray does just that. He suggest Suori go with a combat loadout and be ready to fight, and transfer his pack to Gray or the Horse. P.P. A.: well I could be combat-ready with my backpack (minus one item) but then I couldn't carry anything other than my usual equipment (musket, bardiche, never-used falchion) Joush M.: That sounds good Roderick rides Bavieca while keeping an eye on Falkirk Ken (GM): Doc: >caulk the wagon and float it P.P. A.: actually Suðri Skornbrekker leaves behind two flasks of oil Joush M.: Everyone has Drowned. What would you like on your tombstone? Roderick is going to feel incredibly foolish at night when he realizes everybody else has a tent Ken (GM): hahah Gray walks, massive boots digging into the broken stone as he climbs from the fallen mountan and down into the half crushed forest, spareing a worried look for Syivliss and Falkirk, then scenting the air like an animal and looking around for danger. Ken (GM): Doc: "wtf the beggars make this shit look so easy" "they don't even have pants" Ken (GM) Bomrek and Syviis clamber down. Ration-fed, and scanning the dusty air for enemies. The air is very still, no sounds but for the occasional falling stone or rush of gravel down the new hillside Suðri Skornbrekker: “Wait up.” Suðri Skornbrekker realises something Suðri Skornbrekker: “Can we chop off any parts of those dragons and sell them?” Suðri Skornbrekker looks at Bomrek, expecting him to know the market value of dragon claws and fangs Ken (GM): Well, cross that bridge when you get to it; theres gonna be dragon corpses in the woods here, around the fallen mountain Bomrek shrugs, "The last one we boiled and skinned was dead-heavy. I canne think it will be worth trading that weight for my gold, or your water " Doc: tfw Rod has the Finance skill but not the Merchant skill how to manage money, but not how to make it Joush M.: Sounds like family money to me Doc: ;_; Suðri Skornbrekker: “Those damn merchants would rip us off anyway,” the dwarf complains, “but eh, if there is a claw loose, might as well cut it off.” Ken (GM): "So when the peasants are donw mining corn, or whatever it is they do, we take that sum of gold here..." Joush M.: He knows how to go from $10,000 to $12,000 in two years, but has no idea how to go from $0 to $10 Doc: >"mining corn or whatever it is they do" this is genuinely not far off, he's pretty autistic about normal people stuff also he doesn't really comprehend that $10 is money Ken (GM): Gray watches for dragons as he marches. "Roderick could use it for a trophy. Something to mark the victory." The giant brute suggest as he works though the morning forest. Ken (GM): sorry Roderick perks up a bit. "A dragon trophy would be worth at least some renown. Far better than returning completely empty-handed." Joush M.: Roderick's mom is Luciel. I can't think of it as anything else now Ken (GM): lol Suðri Skornbrekker: “We should pick aught that dragons only have one or two of. Eyeballs might not be a good idea, but a specific tooth perhaps.” Ken (GM) The black stone of the mountain has broken away in sheets and stones, but the mountain fortress is surprisingly intact. As you clamber down, you can see above the devestation the dragons wraught before the weapon was used. Smoking ruins of towers far above burn in the morning light, black smoke trailing on high winds. Down to the forest floor your group makes time well with the help of gravity. Once to the forest floor the dead land meets you like an old friend. Soft duty earth hushes your bootsteps, and dead black trees stretch away in all directions. The dawn breaks way to a ruddy orange light, and the clear skies above are muddied with gray smoke from the ruins around you Roderick: "Perhaps we ought to try and find their leader?" Ken (GM): You do recall you broke reality to kill him right? There was a hole in time and space when you were finished with him Doc: yeah but the loot Ken (GM): lol Gray: "I like to face him in a place with no magic to aid him, but we have a more pressing mission and our companions to consider." Syviis Adjeon hikes along with you, keeping pace. She labors a bit, but clasps to her magic stone like a lifeline. She keeps one hand on her bow and an eye into the woods Ken (GM): Its a fiss! Fiss: >_< Many apologies my friends. Caught up in Dad/Husband stuff all morning. (To Fiss): Long story short, youve left a bunch of tools and food behind and are hiking back to Glardenfen. You are personally terrified of starving from mana, but it hits you with HP drain once a day so its a bit like starving. (From Syviis Adjeon): 10-4 got it, I'll read the backlog and play along Gray: ooc Welcome back. Good work on the family stuff Ken (GM) The woods are dead, and full of corpses. The trees died ages ago. The moss and lichen itself is gray, clutching like dead hands to treelimbs. When you come to the first bloodroot, it lies lifeless in the black dusty earth. The red limbs seeming squeezed of all life. A dark pool of wet earth surrounds it Syviis Adjeon: "How long have we been in the Keep?" Gray: "We were in there about a day and a half" He says in that deep voice, sounding relatively confident of the answer. Syviis Adjeon: "It seemed so much longer..." Ken (GM): oh which reminds me guys, Happy anniversary Suðri Skornbrekker: “A lot happened,” the Skornbrekker notes stoically. Ken (GM): weve been playing Grimwyrd for a YEAR P.P. A.: wait what Already? no way Ken (GM): I know, right? Gray: ooc Damn! That's amazeing. Great game Ken, it's been a heck of a ride Ken (GM): Doc: tfw latecomer Fiss sends virtual high-five-pat Doc: congrats though P.P. A. thumbs up Ken (GM): But anyways, back to the story at hand A dead bloodroot at your feet, pressing on NorthEAst to civilization? Gray stuides the bloodroot a moment then starts to march again. "Did the lack of magic kill it?" Joush M.: Yep! onward to civilization. Watching out for any easially harvested dragon bits for Rod's hat Roderick: "It would seem possible that it needs magic like a normal plant needs water." Syviis Adjeon: "It certainly seems like it. The rot and the powers controlled by the Keep must have grown together like a vine and a branch. But the withering...it's so quick. It's more like the magic source was...sucked out." "Even if they could subsist on water like a regular plant, I think it may have grown too accustomed to the vile fertilizer to survive the shock." Ken (GM) the dragon was MASSIVE, easily forty paces long. It's hide was a twisted sheet of scales, each ending in a barbed hook. It's wings were leathery and wide, with horned hooks on the joints. The head, buried at an obviously broken angle, is a bleeding mess of exposed bone and flesh. it looks as if it's head exploded from the inside Ken (GM): [this thing is about four or five times bigger than the one you killed in Glardenfen, way back when] [Gray would fit in it's maw] Suðri Skornbrekker looks if there are any loose fangs or spikes peeking out of the flesh that could be cut off easily Ken (GM): The face is shattered. A bit of prying could net you a tooth the length of your forearm. Hard as steel Barbed backs, smooth faces. Nothing this thing bites down on escapes Suðri Skornbrekker gets out his falchion and works on prying out a tooth, hacking away some flesh if necessary Ken (GM): You notice, the sword doesnt even chip the bone. but one of the teeth eventually knocks loose Roderick looks for any smaller teeth which could form a matching set for the party Suðri Skornbrekker: Between shaking at the fang and stemming his legs against a jaw into which he could fit at least twice, he adds: “Likewise.” Ken (GM): The scales are segmented, twisted together like armor. Syviis finds they easily seperate from the wounds though, and pries off a bagfull. Theyre light, but hard The smallest teeth are about a foot long, at the back of the jaw. but there are many to go around :) Syviis Adjeon runs her hands over the wounds and the dragon's body, seeking something she knows will likely not find, eyes closed, feeling for magic. (From Syviis Adjeon): she is terrified that she guessed that to begin with, but not surprised. Syviis Adjeon looks up from the corpse and turns to the lifeless trees, finding a spot to keep watch while the salvage continues. Roderick: "Perhaps we should take a handful of the scales as keepsakes. Or maybe it would be better not to be reminded of this place." Syviis Adjeon: "I don't believe I'll ever forget this place...let's take what value we can from it." Ken (GM): so, harvesting bits n bites, then soldiering on? Doc: ye Fiss: DRAGON KIBBLES N BITS Ken (GM): heh Gray! Some kind of navigation yo; youre leading the group into the dark woods with your nose, like last time? Joush M.: Yep, that should work.. Hopefully Perception or navigation roll? We figured out where we were at the start of the day, now just got to hold the course right? Syviis Adjeon: The elf can also assist, as she has been the map-folk Ken (GM): your choice; gray can kepe the path with either, so pick your higher Gray: Joush M.: Well damn Fiss: YOU ARE GPS Syviis: Gray Positioning System (From Syviis): she's worried, but not panicing - mostly because she know it won't help, but also she knows that most of the wastelands is due to the power and radius of the Keep, and is hoping that a bit of travel will fix that..OR WILL IT DUN DUN DUN Ken (GM): so, break for a meal now? or press on? Gray keeps an eye on the others, calling a rest if they seem to need it and staying alert for dangers, though he relaxes noticebly as they near the edge of the forest. "We could stop here, or try and get clear of the trees." Syviis: Survival for camping-site knowledge? Roderick glances at Syviis. "I still don't feel any mana. How do you fare?" Ken (GM): Yeah, survival for a suitably useful site, if there is one Suðri Skornbrekker looks around for a defensible position that provides some cover Syviis: That's a match unless there are neg modifiers Ken (GM): Syviis eventually points out a clearing with some felled trees nearby. Theres a nice high spot for a fire and at least some cover/seating Gray settles in with the others, nodding to them and unloading the pack then looking around while the food cooks. The beast eats the food on offer and nods his thanks for it. Syviis: On the trek through the woods, have we seen ANY signs of life? Even distant/sky stuff? Suðri Skornbrekker: “The journey hither was rather barren too, was it not? We did sometimes see birds or game, but not frequently.” Gray: "Yes.. it's brutal country here. Few things can survive in Gorath" He agrees witht he young dwarf. Ken (GM): nothing flies through the air or crawls the earth; much as before, the land of Gorgoth is dead. The bloodroot vines you see are quashed of life. Only lichen moss and mud Syviis: "Perhaps I'm just imagining it more lifeless than usual... My opinion of the poisoned land hasn't changed much, but at least with magic it was alive...even if only a parody of the life we enjoy up North." Ken (GM): [movie map magic!] P.P. A.: if that's what the situation looks like, Suthri would have made a small earthen wall here waist-high Ken (GM): Hahah, ever the paranoid Doc: Aren't we just stopping for lunch? P.P. A.: Wherever I go, I must also dorf wouldn't be a work of art, very shoddy work (To Gray): Perception! Suðri Skornbrekker chews on his bread, thinking that it tasted better without all the dead sand between his teeth and the hairs of his beard Ken (GM): ewww Suðri Skornbrekker combs his beard at some point Gray: (To Gray): You were followed! Something is lumbering up on your trail! Something big! Plodding steps are beating the ground headed closer! Ken (GM): Falkirk remains steady and asleep. Bomrek gets him to take some water, and sees about heating up a jerky-stick broth Roderick stands and dons his helmet, wrapping his cloak around his hand and drawing his sword Ken (GM): A great broken giant strides into the clearing edge! He clutches an arm to his chest, and has a massive hammer over one shoulder Suðri Skornbrekker: “Which direction?” He picks up his bardiche as well. Syviis slips an arrow down from her quiver and stands in one smooth move Ken (GM): "YOU!" he bellows "BASTARDS!" Gray points to the massive beast and steps forward. "Painsmith." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hatesmith,” Suthri corrects him Suðri Skornbrekker sticks his bardiche into the ground to use it as a rest for his barrel, just in case. Suðri Skornbrekker: “What happened to you? Did any dragons get inside ere the lot of them fell?” Ken (GM): "END ME YOU COWARDS! FINISH THE JOB!" He screams into the wood, his voice booming in all directions "WHAT AM I NOW BUT MEAT!?" Gray nods to Suori, the correction taken well then nodding at the questions before he looks to the giant. "I have no use for your wrath or meat." Krall: "BY THE SOULS FORGE WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?! THE MOUNTAIN HAS FALLEN! OUR BASTION IS RUINS!" Bomrek sights on the giant, taking a knee, levelling his gun on the things face Gray: "There was no choice, no chance to do anything else. All would have died when the dragons attacked" Roderick: "How is it treachery to slay the dragons you could not?" Doc: I can't move my token btw Ken (GM): [fixing] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Roderick did what he could to defend the fortress against the assault it faced from all sides. It lies broken, but unlike the enemy, who is broken also, it may be repaired.” Krall chuckles to himself "You think we will survive this? The Horned King will surely sweep in now at our moment of weakness. His dragons may be slain, but they are not his only tool to dispose of traitors!" he spits on that word like it was distasteful to speak Krall: "Following you was a fools errand! Foul wizard!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Temper your hatred, hate-smith! To fling it about raw is befitting of brutes, not masters of their craft.” Gray considers a moment, then puts his sword away. and stands there. "Nobody promised it would be easy, Giant" Suðri Skornbrekker: “You have forged chains that bound demons from beyond this realm, and you cower in fear from some dark lord whose forces fell from the sky like flies? Krall: "WHAT DO YO UKNOW OF PAIN? OF RAGE?! MY HOME IS DESTROYED BY DRAGONFLAME AND DECEIT!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “So repair it! Take back with your own hand and your skill and your might what they have tried to take from you.” “Make it better, make it harder, that the next time the dragons come, their fire will do naught!” “'tis a mighty fortress still, and the land around it is barren and offers no shelter. It fell, but it has not fallen. You are a hate-smith! Make it so that when it does fall, it will drag down hundreds, thousands of attackers with it!” Gray stands there, the beast finding he has little to say here. His attention turns from the giant to hunt for dangers around them, for anything that might use the brute as a distraction to sneek up on them. Krall: "I would have JUSTICE DONE and paint the halls with RODERICKS BLOOD" (To Gray): You scan the trees, but the horizon seems clear of any but for the giant Syviis does too Syviis: :P Suðri Skornbrekker starts aiming at this point. Bomrek: "Right, take it down" he mutters INITATIVE! Roderick evaluates the giant in case he charges forward and still lives Bomrek: Bomrek is taking a shot, so if anyone wants to react to /that/ Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker: “Dig a moat and fill it with the blood of any besiegers instead, if you have a shred of honour as a guardsman and as a craftsman left in you!” Syviis: Roderick: Suðri Skornbrekker: Gray: Ken (GM): deoes the giant dodge? noooo Suðri Skornbrekker shakes his head. “It was inevitable.” Roderick: "Well done, Bomrek. Put him down swiftly." Doc: it is terrifying Syviis: Bomrek: "Neat thing about magic, doesnt seem to do too well against bullets" Syviis covers Roderick as he approaches Joush M.: Humm! I had a lot of fun today. I think I've got to head out though, I've got something I need to take care of over here. I'll see you all next week though? Fiss: Absolutely. Hopefully with less pre-game travel time for me Suðri Skornbrekker keeps his musket aimed at the giant, dead as he may or may not be P.P. A.: aye Doc: ye Bomrek: sounds good joush! P.P. A.: Good session Ken (GM) The hatesmith is bleeding freely from a hole in his face. The back of his head is a mess of broken bone and brains. His leg spasms once P.P. A.: farewell Krall, may he rest in angery Ken (GM): lulz Doc: f Syviis: Rest in Anger? :P Ken (GM): 4 xp for everyone certainly! Doc: woo Ken (GM): I'm still baffled its been a year P.P. A.: 31 unspent points :DDD me too Fiss: I think I joined what...April-ish? P.P. A.: it felt much shorter Doc: I've got exactly 25 points, not sure what I should spend it on Ken (GM): jesus you guys Doc: How fast can he learn to use a musket? Ken (GM): hahah well, retcon-powers are always fun. it would be plausible for him to have been familiar with them before, and you just spend points on it now totally within the realm of possibility at least, musket and pistol Doc: I do have things I want to spend my points on but it just hasn't been long enough in-game for that kind of personal growth imho like this isn't going to be where he stops being angery Maybe he's seen enough combat to justify Combat Reflexes but he also literally fainted after his first combat less than 24 hours ago Fiss: I'm thinking Syviis is going to save up some points for some proper magical stuffs...and possibly suffer through mana deficiency and learn to sip it slower. :P The later is situational relevant, but for mage-stuffs she''l probably have to wait till Home. P.P. A.: I'm probably going to put a few points into Diplomacy since that's something Suðri often ends up attempting/doing even without rolling Fiss: Diplomacy is always good. Saves you from the occasional "I REALLY shouldn't have said that in Character." Well...maybe. Ken (GM): sorry, back, kid just tried to fucking jam a roll of toilet paper down the sink had to put out that proverbial fire Fiss: Hahah....Oh wait till she figures out sponges float...kinda...if you flush them...sometimes. Ken (GM): >_< Fiss: Found a toothbrush down there last time... Ken (GM): fucking... wat Fiss: Drain snake has already paid for itself. Like...X1000 o_o Ken (GM): well, fingers crossed she did no permanent damage. Drain plungered out okay right away, and we caught her in the act so now its just her learning that she did bad Fiss: Ooooh, I forgot to ask...do we know the Group Dynamic of the 'Verse Campaign yet? Ken (GM): roughly 150/-50, and "crewing a ship together" but other than that its still skeleton I cut Sinistar, and asked him if he gives a shit about joining back up he should email me and tell me why. So far he's been just demonstrating how little fun hes had wrote him a nice little 'dear john' this morning Fiss: Sorry to hear some of the players flaked out man. I know it's always tough Ken (GM): but yeah, THIS group rocks, why cant everyone? At least Yellow King is pretty cool P.P. A.: hey, that's how I came here too Ken (GM): worst thing about you PPA? you use and Excel sheet to game with. He whined constantly throughout the session about how his one trick pony translator (who wasnt very good at translation) had nothing to do in combat no comparison apples vs pieces of shit P.P. A.: :DDDD Fiss: Anyway, I'm going to head out. I do have some preferences / ideas on characters for the Firefly-esque stuff, but I want everyone else to have first crack at it since I enjoy the gaming more than needing to testdrive character types. But if I have my preference...Mad Scientist/Engineer would be fun. I've been reading the Big Sigma series and I think a SLIGHTLY less morally-gray Dee Karter would be fun. Think Kaylee, but doesn't mind making boobytraps and finding new ways to turn people inside-out. :D In fact...gets bored if he DOESN'T find new ways to turn people inside out. Anyway, I can also rock a good Pilot, Gunner, Doctor, Captain, whatever... Fiss: MAYBE BROTHER LOTZOR'S COUSIN? OOOH YEAAAAAAHHH! Anyway, cheers! Keep me in ze loop P.P. A.: See you next week o/ bye Ken Ken (GM): cya guys woop woop P.P. A.: \o Joush M.: Drain Snake: Deeply Flawed Clone of Big Boss. Ironically the one most professionally successful, as a plumber Ken (GM): hahah what the shit missed you signing off Joush; dont forget to send me a character sheet before next friday also; PPA, heard you wanted to come, but the time slot sucks? P.P. A.: I wanted to watch a session to see if I'd be interested but it would start at 4:00 AM at night in my timezone, when I would rather be asleep tbh, no offense Joush M.: >He sleeps at 4am Sure. It's 150/-50 right? Ken (GM): ja whats up doc? Fiss: Oh Lord...I actually thought that too... The Bugs is strong with us Doc: Weather's ncie, so I just got back from a run Fiss: noice Doc: *nice That was to correct me, not you, Fiss "noice" is perfectly correct spelling Fiss: heheh, it's all good Ken (GM): where the shit is adolph P.P. A.: no idea Ken (GM): hilariously typical of him; super hyped to play, but forgets he has like, work fun guy, terrible scheduler Fiss: When Humanity masters time control...large, epic gaming groups will be the first to benefit. Oh, and like...other things too...but mostly gaming. Ken (GM): hah makes me really miss the folley of youth, where we would game through two meals and into the wee hours fuelled by ALL THE JOLT Fiss: I miss those days... Another use for a Time Machine I think...bringing back a tuckload of Jolt at a time. Er...>Truck COME ON, DOCTOR! BRING YOUR TARDIS HERE! I'LL HELP YOU BATTLE DALEKS FOR JOLT! Joush M.: Nice Fiss. Not going to send your younger self the Big Book of Regrets? Fiss: My only regret is not being able to buy the formula for Jolt. All the rest are minor character building things that I would need to keep to maintain my identity. Ken (GM): which identity? Fiss: THE SHADOW Ken (GM): THE SHADOW?! Joush M.: Aww, that's sweet. I'd seriously go back and tattoo DO NOT TRUST HER LIES on my younger self momento style Fiss: lol just to troll yourself? or for actual reasons? Either is valid Ken (GM): DANG; how bad WAS she? Joush M.: Oh, younger self would figure it out. Too late, probely Fiss: I take solace knowing if I saved myself from one fuckup, I'd probably fuckup in a completely unique way I didn't plan for. Best not to fuck with time tooooo much P.P. A.: the most important lessons in life one always learns the hard way Joush M.: That's a sanguine outlook. Healthy too, given the inability to change the past means it's best to make peace with it Ken (GM): y'all gettin too philosophical for noon on a saturday. Its barely beer o clock Fiss: That, and I'm saving my 1 time travel attempt for either Jolt, or going forward in time to check out the stars. Teenaged Fiss can continue being a cringey-lovesick idiot for all I care. :P Ken (GM): dont forget INSUFFERABLE WEEABOO P.P. A.: I'd ensure that Germany wins WW1 Ken (GM): as we all were P.P. A.: or that WW1 doesn't even start Fiss: Oh, being a Weeaboo is fine. :P P.P. A.: Nothing wrong with being a weeaboo Ken (GM): so say we all Fiss: MAH JAPANAMATIONS! DON'T TAKE THEM, FUTURE-FISSLORD! Ken (GM): well, where were we last? Right, shooting the Hatesmith between the eyes Joush M. considers a moment, looking to the dying or dead giant. "Is that a source of magic?" A beast, it's not so odd to him to be the first to suggest Harvesting the dying to make up for the world's shortfall of manna. Joush M.: As ever, first post is accidently not in character Syviis: Ken (GM) The wastes of Gorgoth cling to your spirits and bodies; the dust caking your boots tastes bitter in the air. The contents of the Hatesmith's mind are unknown to you, but the contents of his head now spill into the dust. The fire crackles as Bomrek toasts some more bread and warms jerky broth for Falkirk Gray: "Falkirk or Memory might know. I'll ask later." He says to the lovely elf, nodding to her before he turns to collecting the heavy equipment and getting ready to move again after their meal. As as afterthought he walks to the Hatesmith, searching his body and equipment. Suðri Skornbrekker helps packing up after the break so they can continue on their journey. Joush M.: Anything of note on the giant? Roderick paces restlessly, thinking to himself Ken (GM): [the hatesmith had a bandaged arm, a belt puch that jangles with glass, and his massive hammer as well, some brass jewelery on his fingers and neck they seem to have been screwed in place by hooks into his black stony skin Ken (GM) The hatesmith's bag is a thick and heavy kind of leather. Easily the size of a saddlebag, it nonetheless has some mundane contents. A fine brass comb with zigzag teeth, a fork and knife of the same metal, and the shattered remains of what seem to be glass balls. Red and black flakes of shimmering dust are spille din the bottom of the bag Ken (GM): [you do remember, the device he used to un-summon the shadow demons involved one of those glass ball devices] Suðri Skornbrekker shakes his head. “'tis a good deed.” Syviis: "Agreed. We are not in such a rush as to forget ourselves." Bomrek shrugs off the apology "A fitting end if any" Ken (GM): [so, you guys have a meal in you and about an hour of rest under your belts. anything else to do before setting off?] Syviis stands up, rolling up her map Syviis: "The season waits for nobody. I am ready." Joush M.: We've still got a navagational fix and all that? If so, I think Gray's ready to go Ken (GM): [Yeah, you guys still have a heading. no weirdness calling for a new roll there] Roderick hadn't unpacked anything but food, so he simply mounts his horse silently Ken (GM): Bomrek helps heft falkirk back on the horse with Rod "He had a few mouthfuls of brith. Might be something left in the wizard after all" he smirks [map magic Ken (GM) the plod of heavy packs and soft earth beats a steady pace. As the sky brightened, it now drains of color slowly. The trees thin more, and gaps of sky become the norm, stitching together into the tapestry of evening colors. Ahead, the rolling dunes of grey-black sand lie still. Barely a gust of wind twists them. Ken (GM): Afternoon has waned into evening. And you hear something other than your own labors, for a moment. The caw of a raven, crooked laughter of an animal Ken (GM) a stark contrast on the horizon; the massive black bird flutters into view, coming up out of the dunes. it swoops overhead Syviis: Does it look like a species familiar to her? Ken (GM): yes; Raven. Big thing, about a yard of wingspan? Syviis: "Friend of yours, Gray?" Gray nods to it. "Evening, brother raven" Before the brute looks to the animal long moments. "A stranger to me, but a good omen I think" Ken (GM): "WAAARK CLUK CLUK" the thing chirrups, as it flies overhead. It banks in the evening sky, catching the first rays of a sunset [Gray, rolling for a campsite?] Joush M.: Sure, Survival? Gray: Ken (GM) the raven eventually flies off, South, winging it's way back to the trees youve left. As sun falls and night trails with it, Gray points out a rocky outcropping of bone-grey stone. Testing for a moment, he find what he suspected, a spring of fresh water! Ken (GM): [Crashing here then?] Joush M.: Sounds good to me Syviis: Suðri Skornbrekker sets up his tent and spreads his bedroll inside, sleping next to the bundle of muskets. Joush M.: I think our supplies included a big tarp. Should be enough shelter for everyone Bomrek: hah, snuggle buddies Ken (GM): Roderick have much trouble slumming it in the dirt? Syviis: Yeah, we has tarps, and the Elf will keep first watch anyway, so it's not like we're slumming it. Gray makes sure to get an agreement on watch rotation before they settle in for the night, so everyone will get enough rest. Fiss: I was about to say the nightly camp routine should be pretty solid by now, but we gained a new character and it's only been like...2 days. lol Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't know how elves work and thinks that the rest from sleeping might compensate for the lack of magic Syviis: "Thank you Suori, but I'm afraid the rest I need isn't going to come any time soon. Thank you though. You all get some sleep. I'll wake the next watch in a few hours." Syviis climbs and hides in the remnants of the trees to keep a better look-out as night falls around them Suðri Skornbrekker: “Very well.” Gray settles, but sleeps only shallowly. Alert as some great beast, he lifts his head and listens sometimes, or scents the air before settleign again. Ken (GM): [map magic Syviis: *or lack of tree Ken (GM): [the rocks climb a bit, so you can get a little height :P ] Ken (GM) AWOOOOOoooooooooo Syviis: [OOC Rock-Elves typically make their burrows 4-5 meters above the plains in order to provide protection for their party-members, and also to nest their 3-5 hatches of Elf-eggs, who will grow up to be either great archers...or interior decorators] Syviis smiles and listens to the almost-normal sound of wildlife again, hope and determination recovering Syviis: [OOC and then promptly gets eaten by a wolf] Ken (GM) Then the howling abruptly stops, and the sound of a wolf crying out in pain and fear, yipping like a dog P.P. A.: THEIR KIND IS WEAK TO FIRE (or was that goblins, and “Wolves hate fire!” was the one for wolves) Joush M.: Don't make me pick you up and throw you into the brine. Doc: "Fire works well" P.P. A.: Ahh yes Joush M.: "You'll nay hit them swinging blindly!" P.P. A.: “Wolves hunt in packs!” Ken (GM): What in balls name are you quoting? P.P. A.: Pawns There's this RPG called Dragon's Dogma that lets you make a Pawn and hire other players' Pawns They're NPC companions that learn as you travel with them, remembering the weaknesses of enemies, locations of hidden treasures, etc. and they're also fairly talkactive and often comment on things in and out of battle and their phrases tend to be quite memorable “Goblins ill like fire.” Ken (GM): hahahah oh okay, I havent played that one yet at all P.P. A.: It's very good, give it a try if you find the time anyway, sorry for the interruption Doc: The duke could stand to commission some new roads Joush M.: "Aught" (To Fiss): Definitely. Your wizard senses feel like theres a big as shole in the world walking closer to you, step by step Ken (GM) THUD Doc: (might un-grab the helmet, need to check my tables to see if he's still unencumbered with it equipped) Ken (GM) Tyhe noise of something MASSIVE pounding into the sand, approaching, growing louder with each booming step Syviis: Bomrek rolls falkirk to the stone, taking up a knee to protect him. He begins hauling on the cannon to point it at whatever approaches Gray: "What manner of behemoth is this?" Ken (GM) Then, one plodding BOOM and It steps into a view; a massive heaping wall of stone, shaped roughly like a man. Arms, a torso, legs...and in one hand the bloodied form of a massive wolf! (To Doc): Mana is still missing; the air is dead Ken (GM) As it crests the dune, it seems to stop, regarding you all Bomrek: "What the HELL is THAT?! ELF! DO WE SHOOT IT?" Bomrek seems a mite panicked at the sight of it Gray considers a moment and shakes his head. "Hold fire. I'm not sure gunshots will stop stone." Syviis: Syviis slides down again and approaches it slowly Syviis: (To Doc): That is certainly an elemental. Earth, if youre books taught you well Gray: "Careful.." He trust her, but he dislikes her approach to the unknown creature. Suðri Skornbrekker whispers to Gray: “Do you think as a mason he'll regard me as some kind of butcher?” half-jokingly (From Syviis): and it feels like a hole in magic? Or is it just the opposite side of it? (To Syviis): It certainly is the source of that feeling. Like a well, or a pit. Youre on the edge of a deep abyss (To Gray): You smell blood...but its odd. (To Gray): You can see where it killed the wolf. broken neck. blood on the muzzle....but it's not spilling onto the ground? (To Syviis): Perception! Syviis: (To GM) (To Syviis): The bloody wolf in his hand...the blood is dripping UP along the things arm....toward its body! Syviis walks south, seeing if the beast tracks her motions Syviis: "Something is indeed very wrong here... Earth Elementals...as far as I know...don't absorb blood." Gray: "Can we talk to it? Are they simple beast?" Ken (GM) BOOM Syviis: "A force of nature...if it can understand us, I don't think it really cares." Ken (GM) It starts to shove the wolf into the hole. There are cracking noises Syviis: Does she see anything INSIDE the chest? Ken (GM) The stones of it's body churn and twist. There is a trickle of vibrant green lime light Roderick: "A force of nature in such a malevolent place..." Suðri Skornbrekker quickly takes aim at the hole in its chest, hesitant to shoot immediately for fear it might agitate the monster, but his finger on the trigger. (To Doc): thaumatology! Roderick: (To GM) (To Doc): What the elf said makes sense! it wont be eating MEAT it wants magic! (To Fiss): Good point; youre theory might be right. Elementals dont consume flesh, they eat mana, just like you! Its looking for food! Roderick: "That could be it... with the mana nearby depleted, the elemental must feed on magic." Syviis: "I fear...it's hunting. And we have enough magic even without me here to light up the night sky like the moon in this desolate place." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It is abosrbing the wolf's blood; mayhap it fed on the bloodroot, but with them drained, it is starved.” (To Roderick): You checked the wizards things; he has magic stuff in his bag! Falkirk had bloodroot samples, and baubles! Syviis: Ken (GM) the Elemental churns; the green glow dims as the wollf's form disappears into the twisting maw in it's belly Gray: "I think it wants to eat us like it did the wolf." He aims the musket. Bomrek: "fuck me, the DUST" bomrek abandons the cannon and begins digging through his bag frantically Syviis: Bomrek: "godd dman WIZARD SHIT" he yells, hauling up a bright red leather bag (To Syviis): You poke the well of emptiness; you feel the overwhelming hunger of an empty soul Suðri Skornbrekker waits one more moment in case someone wants to try something else, but otherwise he will fire a shot at the green glow ere it fades. Roderick: "Do we need anything he has in there?" Bomrek: Suðri Skornbrekker takes notice of what Bomrek and Syviis are doing and holds. Syviis: Bomrek: [fuck, someone at the door. BRB] P.P. A.: don't open, it's a stone golem Fiss totally forgot about the dust...but that makes for a fucking hilarious metaphor turned clue. P.P. A.: wait, when did we pick that up Joush M.: It's a Jehovah's witness stone golem. Fiss: EXCUSE ME SIR DO YOU HAVE A MOMENT TO TALK ABOUT OUR LORD AND SAVIOR GYPSUM CHRIST? IN THE NAME OF THE GEODE, THE FAULTLINE AND THE QUARTZ, AMEN Doc: Are there any vials of that red dust or anything? Fiss: Yeah, we got plenty of samples P.P. A.: oh, from the mines noice Roderick: "The dust... then the cannon..." Fiss: See, the elf was just trying to be poetic. Leave it to the Dwarves to make it literal. :P Welp. It's been like 5 minutes. Ken has been eaten by an Earth Elemental for sure. P.P. A.: I warned him! Fiss: You did. THE TRUSTING, NAIVE FOOL! Joush M.: HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS? ABOUT ROCKS? Doc: f Fiss: I hear they really roll.... Ken (GM): BackI forgot we were babysitting nephews; theyre just unpacking stuff now :P Fiss: We're glad you were not eaten by dirt-monsters, Ken P.P. A.: We were so worried! Ken (GM): SPEAKING of which Syviis: [OOC] speaking of which...I hope I'm not about to get eaten by dirt monsters. Joush M.: Welcome back! Good luck with the tiny humans Ken (GM) The stone elemental has mashed the wolf into pulp, and the lime light from it's chest wanes. Syviis holds a bag of magical red dust from the Derugar keep! Ken (GM): WAT DOOOooOOO Ken (GM) The elemental turns to her...and charges forward! Ken (GM): BOOM BOOM BOOM P.P. A.: h-hayai!! Ken (GM): reactions!? Syviis throws the bag up into the rocky thing's chest Ken (GM): DX! Syviis: Gray swears and takes aim, ready to shoot the elemental. Syviis: FAIL BY 1 Ken (GM): thank god for size bonuses! Syviis: YES :P Ken (GM): POOF Suðri Skornbrekker will shoot at the bag once it enters the chest cavity! Syviis: "SHOOT IT!" Ken (GM): JESUS (From Doc): I can still use magic, I just need to roll for it, right? Syviis: (To Doc): yep! Syviis: Ken (GM): -5 distance, -1 size (From Roderick): What am I rolling against? 12 plus magic bonus? (From Roderick): then obviously the Innate Attack roll to aim Suðri Skornbrekker yells: “Down!” as he pulls the trigger and looses his shot (at the hole which he has been aiming at for a while, from the musket braced on his bardiche, so +2+1) 13 P.P. A.: > Doc: :DDDDDDD Bomrek: :O Syviis: AWWWWWYIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSS P.P. A.: 3d6 for crit effect? (To Doc): just a flat roll vs 12+talent to make things happen Fiss: :P Ken (GM): dude its a 3 Syviis: Yeah. :D Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM) there is a WHUMP noise Ken (GM): Sudri! roll 15d6 for me please Rolling 15d6 = 54 Joush M.: That's a lot of dice Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker has turned a giant of living stone into rubble. Ken (GM): [rod and Syviis both feel the thing's magical termination] Roderick: "Why even bother with the cannon when such marksmen are with us?" Suðri Skornbrekker stands up triumphantly and takes his time cleaning his musket with a proud smile under his beard. Bomrek: "Sonofabitch. THAT ONLY COUNTS AS ONE Syviis rises from the dust, eyes wide. "My truest compliments, Master Dwarf...that was the finest shot I've seen in years. (To Syviis): The stones are heavier than they look. They stick to your hands like magnets Syviis is delighted, curiosity taking the forefront from adrenaline. Syviis: "I wonder if this is a property of the stone itself, or lingering magic?" Roderick: "Are you sure touching it is wise? It just ate a wolf, then exploded." Syviis: Ken (GM) It peels away as if her skin were iron Syviis: "This worries me greatly, though..." "I suspect anything lacking magic and hungering for it will seek us out..." Gray nods. "Will we see more magical creatures turn to predatory behavior?" Syviis: "It seems possible, if not inevitable.... even more worrysome, will be the boundary where magic returns to normal. Hopefully, up North...but that creates a tempting, fertile land for normally neutral creatures to attack as well." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We ought to make haste then—both to warn the garrisons of a new threat, and to escape from it. On the other hand, if these creatures run wild in the borderland, they might also stave off raids from the troops of Gorgoth.” (To Fiss): before i forget; take 1hp drain from lack of mana Syviis: Suðri Skornbrekker appreciates it despite the elf cooties Ken (GM): heh (To Gray): The ruined wolf corpse is pungent and reeks of blood Ken (GM): [sadwizard.jpeg] magical genocide Doc: tfw you accidentally genocide all the magic in an area and the elementals attack your country for lebensraum Suðri Skornbrekker 's adrenaline rush, after some time of reminiscing on the sudden encounter, eventually subsides. Sleep catches back up to him, having been so rudely separated, and draws him back into the world of dreams. Fiss: [OOC: All the blood is gone from the Wolf...easy skinning/Wolf-Jerky!] Ken (GM): [the corpse looks as if it was dragged behind a horse for a day whatcha gonna do with the wolf burger? Gray considers a moment, then leaves it be. The scent id distracting but they have no pressing need for extra food. Ken (GM): gotcha Suðri Skornbrekker wraps the bundle of muskets in his blanket before handing it to Gray so that they do not get wet. (To Syviis): Your storm senses are a tingling; its gonna be a BIG one Syviis gets up looking not so much bright eyed or bushy-tailed but refreshed and good to move Syviis: "It's going to be a storm for the ages...we should move quickly but also seek shelter." Syviis walks over and picks up another few shards of the elemental for later experimentation, using cloth and leather to separate it (From Syviis): figured. She'll also be meditating a bit each night to see if they're just attracted to her magic...or actually draining it faster (To Syviis): They only seem attracted. Theyre like magical lodestone. how neat (From Syviis): will obtain 4 samples including the one from last night, surely they'll make for some cool Magic Compass for the dwarves if nothing else. Ken (GM): [map moving magic] Syviis: "So long as there is high ground and a bit of shelter. Even staying in the trees would be acceptable, so long as we aren't caught in the open when the storm reaches us. Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard. “The one where we found the heap of horses and corpses? Hmm. The surrounding terrain wouldn't give the enemy a lot of directions to attack from, but we would be going in the opposite direction.” Ken (GM): [yeah, the open hexes of gray are just dune desert. Black sand. You'll need some kind of shelter when that storm hits.] Suðri Skornbrekker looks around, finding that his height doesn't let him see all that far. “I shall follow where you lead us.” Ken (GM): [East of you guys should also be hilly woods Joush M.: Just stay in the forest today, work our way east? Ken (GM): [and its alot closer] Suðri Skornbrekker: “We could look for a cave in the hills of course, or an overhang under which to rest.” Bomrek: "I would feel plenne safer under stone and timber, rather than out in the dunes" Gray: "If we don't find somewhere by late afternoon we will stop and build a proper shelter" Ken (GM): So, East then? Roderick: "The sooner we return with our report, the better. But I'll follow your lead, unfamiliar as I am with this region." Gray: "East back to the keep. We won't try to cross the dunes today, with the storm comeing, but instead stay in the forest and hills" Joush M.: Assumeing that works for everyone Suðri Skornbrekker agrees with this plan. Ken (GM): neat; NAVIGAITON ROOOOOL Syviis: Me? Gray? Both? Ken (GM): somebody Syviis: I HAZ MAP er...sorry, not sure why it rolled twice there. Ken (GM): lol Gray: Fiss: [My mouse is legit double-tapping for me...I think I might have to replace it. ] Ken (GM) As the wind rises, you trek into the rockier hills dotted with dead trees. Syviis seems to lose direction a few times, but Gray turns her back Eastward, and the rolling rocky hillsides fall away beneath you. The clouds build and the wind twists. Soon, black dust devils are collecting on the hilltops, and branches shed from the trees with frightening regularity. The storm is fast approaching! Ken (GM): Survival rooool from anyone with hills or woodlands please! Syviis: Woodlands: Beat by 3 Gray: Ken (GM) The rage of Gorgoth has returned... Ken (GM): [and here should be a good place to kill it for the week; my nephews are rambunctious and my wife outnumbered :/ 4 points for all! Joush M.: At least we got somewhere safe. Thanks man! Good session P.P. A.: \o/ Syviis: Yus, lots of fun! Doc: The elemental had me worried P.P. A.: Me too Ken (GM): AND THEN YOU BLEW IT UP P.P. A.: Good thing that it had that glowing weak spot, but I was worried that if it closed its “mouth” after eating the wolf, it wouldn't expose it again until it had caught and was gobbling up one of us Ken (GM): That surprised me. I didnt forget the red dust explodes, it just escaped me that youd SHOOT THE BAG P.P. A.: and sacrificing the horse would have triggered Rod Gray: Rod loves that horse Ken (GM): P.P. A.: nobles are sensitive like that Ken (GM): GOOD GAME Doc: That horse costs more than the rest of the party tbh Ken (GM): SE EYOU BUMBLEFUCKS NEXT WEEK :d P.P. A.: Bye! Thanks for the session! Doc: o/ Fiss: Just making some Fud Meats for the offspring. Will be back in 2-3 min Joush M.: No hurry, I think that Ken is running late too Ken (GM): hey hey hey Joush M.: Good morning. Things working out allright? P.P. A.: \o Doc: o/ Ken (GM): yeah, just got to moving ALL THE THINGS again Joush M.: Damn, you just got settled too P.P. A.: What happened? Ken (GM): >he thinks I'm ever done moving moving is eternal moving is love Doc: ^ Ken (GM): moving is life I was born in the darkness I didnt see empty boxes until I was a man Joush M.: Violation of the HOA. Forced to choose between death and exile. He is.. The Mover P.P. A.: After moving in is just before moving out Fiss: uHAUL...ADVENTURE IN MOOOOOVING! Ken (GM): I am pokin ze adolph Doc: I meant to ask about what kind of survival skills Rod could be learning right now He isn't really doing anything but he's paying attention Ken (GM): wasteland/forest Joush M.: Survival (Woodland), Observation, Increased HT to represent surviveing on Dwarf cooking P.P. A.: Rude! Are you eating that horse btw Doc: No, the horse is not for eating P.P. A.: “I have perfectly good food right here but ‘it's not for eating’” that's not how you survive Doc: That'd be like a dwarf eating his bread instead of keeping it as a backup weapon "I have a perfectly useful implement of war but I'm going to eat it instead" P.P. A.: I feel like that's an insult but I see nothing wrong with the crisp crunchiness of Dwarven baked goods Ken (GM): Fiss; why do you keep opening and closing clicker heroes? Fiss: I don't. I leave it running. FOREVER Ken (GM): Well I keep getting spammed with notices that youve reopened it :P Fiss: That's weird... Mmm. One sec, will try to turn that off Ken (GM): danke. At worst, I set you to "ignore" in my steam. BUT I WUV YOU AND I WUD NEBER DO DAT TO YOOO Fiss: :( I can set it to ignore others, but I can't set it to "not broadcast" lemme check Ze Googly Bleah. Ken (GM): PSSHT, not tha tmuch of an issue Fiss: Yeah, but it's still lame I can't turn that off for you Ken (GM): I know we've got the I/T. bug, but not that much of a problem Fiss: Sorry mang Ken (GM): SO LETS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS TO DEFEAT THE HUNS....i mean GORGOTH DID THEY SEND ME DORFMEN WHEN I ASKED FOR Ken (GM): Beers? Joush M. humms the rest of that song. Goddamn Donny Osman Fiss: Silly GM....Dorfmen ARE beers! They are Beer Elementals! Ken (GM) A RAGING TEMPEST CUTS AN ICY SWATH THROUGH THE BLACK HILLS OF GORGOTH. Our heroes have hunkered down in the sheltering roots of a tree, a cave just large enough to house them (and a horse). Mere feet away, in the raging winds, lime green lightning throws eerie shadows as it crackles through the sky, illuminating the cold black sky, showing the drenching rain in stark tableau Ken (GM): IT GON' RAIN TUDAY (To Syviis): When the lightning flashes, youre getting a distinct feeling it's magically charged... Gray digs in the sandy soil, createing a path for water that is the lowest point of the lean-to and leads out of the cave under the old tree, the scent of rain and earth around them as the bestial man watches for danger in the storm. "Too harsh to move out there. We will stay here tonight and see if it's improved by the morning." Syviis: "I suspect this very storm may be from Gorgoth... there is definite magic at work here." Suðri Skornbrekker looks surprised, and listens to both magic-users' speculations. “So it is not something conjured by the enemy, and more of a natural... natural magic phenomenon?” Syviis: "It could be either, but I hope Roderick's idea is true. Certainly the void left is big and deep enough, if this were an ocean, a tidal wave would be needed to fill the space. Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard. Suðri Skornbrekker: “If it is deliberate though, could it be to secure them free passage to the ansible, or to conceal their advancing towards the border?” Ken (GM) Lightning flashes outside, nearby, and as ht eblinding flash leaves your vision a strange afterglow of green light continues through the rain. A nearby hillside now has a bright green scar on it... Syviis: "I'm afraid without our physician's help, I am at a loss to know which is happening for sure." Gray: "Tidal wave? That sounds as if it could cause quite a lot of damage." Scorned shakes his head to clear it, the flash leaveing him dazed a moment.. then looking to the scar. "Burning the land. What makes it that color?" Syviis: "Could be mana. Could simply be the heat scorching the chemicals found in the soil here..." Suðri Skornbrekker decides to stay up a little more to watch the storm with Gray before getting some shut-eye, though not before telling Gray to wake him later so he can do the second shift. (To Syviis): Squinting in the dark and rain...its like a snake underwater, a twisting glimmering see through...something. Like a ribbon in the wind. but twisting against the actual wind Gray: "Motion. There." He points into the dark, rough voice soft. "Something disturbed by the lightning." Suðri Skornbrekker has fallen asleep again, as he couldn't resist the cosiness of this cramped little cave, a dwarf's natural habitat P.P. A.: *asleep already Syviis slides an arrow free and aims quietly at the snake/ribbon (To Doc): No, still void of magic Gray watches the strange storm and breathes in the scent of it before he gets some rest, handing off the watch to the next person. Waiting out the vicious storm. Syviis: Is the green thing under water still? Ken (GM): hah, when I said underwater, I mean "shitloads of rain" but, sufficed to say as deep night falls, the rain dissipates, but the green rend in the earth remains, as does the thing Syviis: [just wondering logistics here, if an arrow is going to be worth anything vs her sword] Roderick follows, cloak and sword in hand Doc: (can't move my token) or wait, is it the middle of the night Ken (GM): [fixed :P] Doc: I might have misunderstood, if it's midnight he's probably sleeping Gray will come along, unless Syviis waited until he was asleep to go. Syviis: [nah, she's cool with not being too silly and having no backup] Syviis turns to Gray Syviis: "Should we poke at it?" Syviis pulls back and fires a relatively low-powered arrow into the middle of it, seeing if it reacts. No magic charge. Syviis: Ken (GM) writhing within the glowing light is a thing; roughly man sized, and somewhat man-shaped. A face in drawn torment sits on a featureless flat body, twisting this way and that, like a fish on a line. It seems to try to pull itself from the earth itself Syviis: [didn't crit fail] [oops] [redac based on the new info] Ken (GM) The arrow flies true, and as it passe sinto the light, it burns up! As if caught in a bonfire! Syviis: Ahh cool [redac-redac, that is good] Ken (GM): lol (To Syviis): Definitely some kind of wellspring of magic. But the power here is cold. and the feeling leaves you numb on your exposed skin after a while Gray: "There's dark power here. It feels strange." He says with a growl, reaching out to feel the lack of heat, looking at the tormented visage and nodding. "This won't get better. We should warn the others before this thing breaks free" Gray draws back slowly and starts back in the direction of the cave.. then pauses. "You can speak." P.P. A.: not this fucker again unless there's an entire range of species of these Syviis: "Friend or Foe? We will not free you if only to destroy you." IT: "freeeeee meeeeeee" the long notes of it's voice are like cold nails down your back Syviis: "Form thoughts, not demands, and we will consider it." Gray: "It's imprisonment or nature might have driven it to madness. Even if it can talk, it might not be capable of sense" Syviis: IT: Gray looks close to the strange wrath. "I won't free you if you can't answer my questions." Syviis: "How would we free you, at least answer that." IT: "FREEEE MEEEE" It's voice rising, the timber cutting along you like a physical thing. A wash of numbness hits your face Syviis: "Very well." (To Roderick): your dreams are harrowed by chasing spirits. White wispy things that pursue you to the edges of your slumber. Their touch brings cold and numbness. Syviis: "True. But I refuse to play the games of this land...especially if it is coming from the so-called 'Lords' of this place." Suðri Skornbrekker 's face looks uneasy, and he moves a little in his sleep, when he usually sleeps solid like a rock. Syviis: "If it is to attack us, I would prefer it do so without our help." Roderick shifts and jerks restlessly in his sleep (From P.P. A.): enough to make him jolt awake? (To Roderick): Quite Suðri Skornbrekker pats his cheecks to wake himself up, and notices Roderick. Suðri Skornbrekker: “...white ghosts chasing you?” Roderick sees the dwarf doing the same and what color remained in his face leaves him. "That wasn't just a dream, then?" Syviis: Suðri Skornbrekker shakes Bomrek awake just in case, and also looks worriedly at the comatose doctor. Syviis: "Perhaps a good offensive Ken (GM) The canister flies into the light and seems to burn away, as if sandblasted with force, disintegrating into nothingness. The ghostlything in side howls again, clawing at nothing (From Syviis): the explosion or the green flame? (To Syviis): The entire LACK of explosion means it was coldfire/balefire that ate the container. Think magically extreemely cold fire, that burns up life force. Thats balefire IT: FREEEE MEEEEEEE the thing howls Syviis: "I don't think we should feed it any more power..." Syviis pauses to consider her own words Gray: "Ghostly green wrath, protected by flame." He says in that rough voice, turning to walk in the direction of the others. "I don't know if we have any chance to sleep more tonight. Staying here seems unwise." Syviis: "I wonder if this IS a natural migration...things swept into the vortex and now starving for mana..." Ken (GM) Over the night air, you hear the chilling call of the specter echoing....until you realise, instead, that there are more voices responding to his call. They all howl the same refrain Ken (GM): FREEEEEEE MEEEEEEEEE Suðri Skornbrekker: “We will not sleep more tonight for sure—all three of us were hounded by ghastly white spirits in a nightmare!” (From Doc): Is it safe to say that he's had a full minute to equip his armor? (To Doc): yep Suðri Skornbrekker comes back inside to gather up his bundle. Bomrek: "fucking wizard bullshit" He resists the urge to kick falkirk in his temper Roderick: "I'll keep watch while the rest of you get ready. As hostile as this land is getting, I think a forced march is our best bet at this point." Gray goes back in and collects his things, packing up and helping Falkirk up onto the horse. Syviis: "There is an Elvish saying..." "But we sometimes shorten it to the common acronym...Let's GTFO." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I will be glad to leave this shithole behind us along with its twisted souls and cursed magic,” he mumbles in agreement. Ken (GM) as you set out, the moon punches through the clouds of black, and the moonlight itself is tinged lime green. The sound rises to answer Ken (GM): [who's navigating :D] Syviis: Elf can / has map Gray watches for danger, wary and tense as he feels the darkness of the land and the danger around them. He helps with keeping a steady track though the nigh. Syviis: beat by 3 + map bonuses P.P. A.: Roderick keeps a close eye on Bavieca's health, ready to dismount if it seems his horse is having trouble bearing his weight. P.P. A.: *having been screwed up than with having stooped Ken (GM): [hah, i think I got what you were putting through there, PPA] P.P. A.: too many typos to not correct them all though ;_; Ken (GM): [y'all pressing on through the evening?] (To Fiss): Day two of mana drain. Still no ambient gain here] Adolf S.: fuggg Doc: I dunno how the rules for forced marching work but I would imagine we can make it the rest of the way without keeling over dead P.P. A.: Adolf! Adolf S.: ayy I'm turbo sick forever, howsit goin' errybod Ken (GM) The cold night wraps it's misty hands around you. As Syviis quides you along the dim light of her mana stone, she checks against the map where she can. Eventually, the treeline ahead breaks open, and you find yourselves on a high bluff, overlooking a moonlit swamp below. In the far distance, in the scrub on a hill, you see a familiar sight; the lookout post you set out from, so many weeks ago! P.P. A.: Doing well, hope you get better soon Ken (GM): AYYYY dolf aint dead Joush M.: Sounds good. Keep moveing until fatiague starts to slow people down then hunt for a place without emerald specters to torment our dreams Doc: Coming down with a cold right after I recovered from the flu myself P.P. A.: we're currently on a forced march back to Glardenfen since we probably broke reality and now we'e being hounded by restless spirits or at least were during a thunderstorm earlier Ken (GM): yeah, errbody roll HT for the trek Adolf S.: Restless spirits? Hm. Ken (GM): need your margins Joush M.: Hey Dolf. Glad to see ya Rolling 3d6 = 15 v12 HT Gray: P.P. A.: I could Luck this what would a failure mean, FP loss or slowing down? Adolf S.: Ken (GM): (it's fatigue :P) Roderick: Adolf S.: Fail by 1 :OOOOOOOOOOO Syviis: P.P. A.: bah, Luck it is Rolling 3d6 = 10 v12 Doc: the horse has 11 HT, I dunno how you want to handle that Ken (GM) Bomrek seems exhausted by the time you reach the bluffs, and his panting rasps in the night. he's coughing and spitting a bit and seems uite happy to stop and see the sights below Ken (GM): sombody better roll for dat horsie Roderick: Ken (GM): Oooh, the horse also has taken a fatigue point in damage here very tired horsie and dorfie (To P.P. A.): There are no watch fires burning in the camp. No movement in the tents or towers.... Adolf S.: restarting my browser, brb. Gray advances, but like Suori keeps alert for the danger that enemies might occupy the outpost now. Syviis: "On Guard, friends...this seems far too quiet." Suðri Skornbrekker 's unease does not go away. “...let's be careful, the camp seems... unusually quiet.” Ken (GM): problem the 1. Youre up on bluff/cliffs about a hundred yards above the swamp edge problem the 2. You has a horse and tired dorf and its like, exhaustingly late at night Joush M.: Ah!.. Fuck, bluffs Syviis: "Shall we rest and scout ahead with a bit of rest in our bones?" [rest intensifies] Gray considers a moment, then nods. "Let's rest here in sight of the keep. Daylight should let us hunt a path down. We can hardly rig ropes and climb with our current company." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It might be too dangerous for the night-blind and the horse to try and descend here at this hour and in our sorry state.” Bomrek is somewhat unusually quiet, and is leaning quite heavily against posts or rocks or structures whenever he can. He doesn't seem to look up at his surroundings much, either. Ken (GM): [the night blind/eg/ ONLY roderick and falkirk Doc: eg ONLY the guy respondible for guiding the horse Bomrek: "If the allfather wanted me to walk this far, he would have given me four legs." Doc: what could possibly go wrong Gray nods to Bomrek then turns his attention to the work at hand. The beast setting up a rough camp for the rest of the night. Ken (GM): [fire?] Syviis: "A fire might be a good idea to signal that life is approaching." "On the bad news...then anything waiting for life will know we're here." Gray considers that, then works to start a fire. Joush M.: Sure, a small fire would work Ken (GM): gotcha, back from the bluffs at least in the cover of the trees? Syviis: Survival roll needed? Or just common sense? :P Joush M.: Sure. Built down where it's not showing at a distance Ken (GM): common sense; you wanna be warm, but not like, ambushed Suðri Skornbrekker helps with finding a good location and maybe heaping up some dirt to hide the fire better Ken (GM): see? smarts :) Bomrek stumbles over to the fire area, sets himself down gently on his knees, and stares straight at the kindling until somebody lights it. Ken (GM): lol Adolf S.: (Y'ever been proper exhausted? It's a bit like that. You turn from a human into Rob the Robot from nintendo) Suðri Skornbrekker feels the sleepiness catching up to him as he leans against a rock. Syviis: "I think I have a tinder kit in my pack..." Ken (GM): amazing, the tools you leave behind, when youre working with magic Roderick attempts to summon fire at his fingertip Doc: (roll 3d6?) Ken (GM): yus Roderick: Ken (GM) Roderick struggles for a moment, then a guttering flame leaps from one hand into the kindling. the fire starts, but he's broken a sweat Adolf S.: Bomrek has a traveler's kit with some flint and steel, but, y'know. (From Bomrek): Just like real life right now then, perfect. My immersion is through the roof. Syviis dodges (To Bomrek): Gonna resist the urge to finish the flask? Suðri Skornbrekker sees the claw mark now, and hangs his head. (From Bomrek): I shall. Bomrek's under the impression that maybe he's just sick, or something. Clogged nose is'all. Bomrek: I don't recall if that's a pass or fail. (To Bomrek): Ya cant taste it, but youre sure its doin its job (From Bomrek): It'll chase the cold out, surely. Syviis: [well, we didn't QUITE have the backpack space for the Keep...] Bomrek: No matter how battered and destitute a man is, if he has the seeds to his future success and the will to plow the ground, there is hope. Syviis: "tjat P.P. A.: and the booze to ruin his future Syviis: "That's nicely poetic, Master Bomrek." Gray loads equipment and gets ready to move, lifting the gear and starting out. "Just a few more days to the keep." He tries to keep their sprirts up, but it's clear that things have gone badly wrong. Bomrek: "A few more days with few horses and no shelter. I'm sure I'm catchin' a cold, even. Lets hope for some sun and warmth." Bomrek says simply, looking out toward the direction they've got to go. Syviis: "Nothing to do here but lament anyway. I'm ready when you fine fellows are." Gray: "Look on the bright side. We are in Ghoul country and could be attacked at any time." Syviis laughs and mutters something in Elvish that is very likely "Promises, Promises..." Ken (GM): hahahah yeaaaaah Suðri Skornbrekker: “Not to tempt fate, but a good old-fashioned encounter with a normal-sized foe of flesh and blood would be a welcome respite from all the horrors we have had to slay.” Ken (GM): [cue zombie dragons] P.P. A.: NORMAL-SIZED Ken (GM): [riding necromancer gnolls] Doc: >gnolls being ridden by dragons (To Syviis): Just the two so far; this is day three, more damage unles syou get mana (To Bomrek): you cant smell it, thank god Suðri Skornbrekker turns away and holds his nose. P.P. A.: Did we keep the plague masks? Suðri Skornbrekker puts on his mask since he never discarded it Suðri Skornbrekker: “We must quell the flow of water from here, or else redirect it. This water would pollute the rivers downstream.” Adolf S.: Elves are disgusting. Why do we abide their existence? Syviis: Because they're hot :P Roderick is visibly disgusted and distraught. "Must we travel through such a place?" P.P. A.: well half-elves need to come from somewhere Adolf S.: "What, are you scared of a little muck? This is nothing, Roderick." Gray shakes his heat at the overpowering scent. The massive lupine brute kneeling and examining the land before he rises. "We have to press on, we can hardly stay somewhere with poor water... Damming the flow, redirecting tseems.. hard." Syviis: ["I ain't sayin Humans are sluts...but you don't hear of anyone calling anything a 'half human' now do ya?"] Ken (GM): ["We must grieve for our tainted land FUCK ELVS UR HAWT"] Syviis: ["We must save my land...after all, that's where all the elf orgies are."] Doc: @adolf was that in-character? Suðri Skornbrekker won't press the issue of damming the flow, that can be done further downstream with more manpower, but if an oportunity does present itself, like large loose boulders waiting to be toppled into the stream, or easily felled trees, he'll seize it. Adolf S.: That was in-character, yes. Roderick: Gray nods to Suori. "The river passes the keep. That's where we can try to dam it." Ken (GM): ruh roh Roderick lashes out at the dwarf "You may be accustomed to filth, but not all of us are savages." Doc: (that was Bomrek, right?) Gray: "I'm the only savage here, Roderick. None of us control what is required." P.P. A.: (yes) Bomrek doesn't react too negatively to the comment, and smiles instead "Savage? I was a member of the best guard troup in the dwarven homelands. What you're seeing there is willpower and self-control, something your kind isn't known to have in spades, eh?" Syviis: "Civilization is that way, Good Roderick. I understand your frustration, but let us not forget our path." Roderick: "Common soldiers are only kept in line by fear of the lash. Hardly self-control." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We are all in deep shit right now, and in savage lands.” Syviis nods and heads for the road Syviis: "Regardless of what is ahead...we are late, and the road is our chance to make up time. Roderick: "And mine was the voice that commanded men to be whipped. Know your place." Bomrek 's lip turns up in a grin, "Ah, and there's the important piece of information, Men. Your like had no authority over the Dwarves." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It was your duty and your reason that commanded your voice; and our duty now calls for us to report to Glardenfen Keep with haste.” Ken (GM) In your walk through the hills of oozing tar, this is about the time when you notice the bodies. Bomrek: Are they elves, or Humans? Ken (GM) their bodies stained with the earth, their flesh blackened, charred. Gaping screaming faces frozen intime, picked at here and there by crow and raven Bomrek: >Dwarves (To Gray): the stench of plague, and dark magic death Ken (GM) the bodies seem fresh, a few days at most. They lie together as if struck down in battle with each other. Ragged lines of soldiers facing the hordes of gorgoth Bomrek: Hm. Does it look like a total route, and destruction of their forces, or did some large chunk get away? Big distinction, ' 'that* Ken (GM): roll soldier/tactics? something similar? Gray: Bomrek: Roderick: Fiss: dayum nice 4 Ken (GM): dayum Bomrek: Lets see, fail by 1. Syviis: Elf will Tactics too: fail by 1.... Ken (GM): Bomrek and Syviis look at the battlefield chaos "What in the hells happened?" Gray points out the lines "They came here, to face the beastmen" and roderick points out "and they all died together. Not from each other...but from me Bomrek: >From me (To Roderick): You know this to be true; your use of the weapon did this. You killed them all. The magic unleashed did...something here. You feel it in your wizard guts Gray tightens his jaw. "The power you unleashed. You could not have known." Bomrek: Oh, legitimately, you mean. Right. I'm a little out of date on what happened. Joush M.: Roderick killed the world Suðri Skornbrekker looks downcast, feeling guilty for these mens' death. “...at the very least, the invasion force was wiped out as well...” Ken (GM): [long story short, Rod used the big bad weapon to stop the dragon attack, but its had unintended consequences] P.P. A.: tell the tl;dr is such Doc: >tfw you destroy all non-evil life on the planet P.P. A.: >the ansible was the whole flying fortress with a giant evil thing in it >Roderick piloted it using the simple controls Gray shakes his head. "We can't help these people now. It would be months burying them. Let's move on" P.P. A.: >managed not to crash land >on the way back to Glardenfen we were attacked by a swarm of dragons Bomrek: Hm. P.P. A.: >Roderick presses the “weapon” button >giant evil nukes reality, all the dragons around us fall out of the sky, dead >fortress is powered down and doesn't turn back on, so we now trek back on foot Ken (GM): but you guys were okay didnt nuke you guys just....everyone else so far Bomrek: Did you guys try spraying ether into the starter? I hear that helps. Ken (GM): one of the major side effects was that the mana stopped flowing Syviis: ["I called AMA, but when I got on the line all I heard was them dying."] Ken (GM): everywhere youve been Bomrek: So what, Mana is dead? Joush M.: Yeah, so far. We have a plan B for elf support that involves tearing magic out of liveing beings. Sort of, uh.. evil vampire thing. Ken (GM): well, so far, you havent encountered any GOOD mana Syviis: A small sliver of panic crosses through the elf's eyes as she goes to the dead elves and checks them over. Bomrek: H-has there been bad mana? Suðri Skornbrekker raises his eyebrows and strokes his beard. He says nothing, but glances nervously towards Syviis. “We shall observe.” (To Syviis): The elves were decked out in human armor and armed with human swords. Thier bows were nearby, but their arrows all thrown. They all have boiled faces, full of rot. Their flesh like dried jerky. You sense no mana flowing through their corpses Suðri Skornbrekker nods. His eyes move over the many corpses, strained with sadness, but eager to burn their faces into his memory. Syviis: "Let us advance. If there is wildlife, perhaps we can find fresh horses to ride" Ken (GM) and so, with Grim determination against the Wyrd, the party soldiered on.. Ken (GM): UNTIL NEXT WEEK WHEN I BLOW UP THE OCEAN Syviis: YAY! Joush M.: Goddamn puns Bomrek: ("How inclusive of you, miss elf. Truly your virtue is signaled strongly to us all") Come to think of it, Doc: wew didn't even notice the time Bomrek: all these assholes had to get to this field somehow. So maybe they've got horses tied up a few miles out. P.P. A.: Me neither, last time I checked it was an hour ago Joush M.: Man, they should start rationing. There aren't going to be places to pick up extra whisky and good food for a while P.P. A.: Even water might become a concern, unless it keeps raining often Joush M.: I admire the horse opptimism P.P. A.: and it rains water and not soul fragments or something Adolf S.: >Suthri is from the weird ethnic subgroup of dwarves that actually /bury/ their dead Ken (GM): "Maybe when we killed everything forever, the horse were spared?" Adolf S.: Bomrek respects his friend so doesn't mention nor mock it. Doc: dwarves use sky burials they bury their dead by leaving them above ground where the worms won't get them Adolf S.: Dorfs use entombement, mostly. Or Pyres. P.P. A.: The Skornbrekker clan has this tradition of a Dwarf who feels that his life is nearing his end going and starting to dig a tunnel or a shaft into nowhere Adolf S.: t. lore we created a long, long time ago P.P. A.: then when he dies, he is entombed there Doc: btw nice timing for the end of the session, I've gotta go help my dad with stuff Adolf S.: wew anyway, Joush M.: Scorned eat the hearts of honored dead. Keeps them liveing on in others and takes their power. Adolf S.: so, what, the magic nuke killed ERRYTHING? Surely it was only a relatively localized thing. Ken (GM): Doc: good game, thanks for running it, looking forward to next time, etc P.P. A.: well, we saw some birds and bees and whatnot Doc: o/ Ken (GM): NP :D P.P. A.: so it only killed EVERYTHING in a certain radius probably maybe Ken (GM): maybe Joush M.: Hopefully Ken (GM): hopefully hahah Adolf S.: jinx P.P. A.: Aye, thanks for the session, it's been a good one Ken (GM): 4 XP before I forget@! Fiss: We'll look for cockroaches and ride them. Surely they survied. P.P. A.: Adolf: what's the usual dorf burial here? Adolf S.: I'm lookin' forward to the next one, as well as the 'verse game. I'd like to get less-sick and properly get in character. Joush M.: Kidding about Scorned. I don't know if they have real tradtions about death. Gray is, cuterally, from Grayhold Adolf S.: and in some respects properly form the character. >here define here Ken (GM): the massive field of dead in battle P.P. A.: in the majority of dorf forts in/near this corner of the kingdom Adolf S.: Probably a pyre, but generally Dorfs stayed around their home land as I recall, so it'd be more appropriate and somewhat expediant to just ship the corpses to their respective mountain holmes or forts for their kin' to decide what to do with. Ken (GM): I thin khe was right; too many to bury, too many to borun(not enough workforce) cant do much right other than make a monument befitting. Carve a hillside? or a rock face? Adolf S.: Something like that. I was thinking something back in the dorf homelands Ken (GM): Blow up something huge Adolf S.: Bomrek said make a monument - he didn't say make a monument in a timely manner. P.P. A.: so pyre was appropriate, and burial is his clan's thing, that works out Adolf S.: Mmhmm. I always considered most dorfs to consider general burial to be very crude. Something akin to us humans leaving our dead strung up in trees or just on the ground. So, some peoples do it, most consider it tabboo P.P. A.: I thought the “dig your own tomb” was kind of appropriate given the mining ethos Adolf S.: Agreed. Though, what kind of entombment are we talkin'? P.P. A.: Some families might prefer small tombs but richly decorated with carvings, others would try to dig a tunnel as long as they can still dig Ken (GM): For these guys, an army buried together in a sufficiently honorable and massive battle, you could do a simple ossuary pyre P.P. A.: There'd be a dedicated direction or sector that would be reserved for such tombs (away from mines and living quarters) Adolf S.: Oh, I think I recall some of the lore I memed up in the past, in instances where a pyre is necessary for an individual, they might take the ashes back and mix them with the appropriate materials and make a lifelike statue of them out of casting, or mix their ashes in with a statue in some other manner. P.P. A.: ah, nice idea too Adolf S.: I suppose in the instance of a mass pyre, they'd do something a little different. Divy up the ashes evenly among the kin, and perhaps they'd do the same as above, or perhaps they'd take all the ashes together and make an appropriate statue befitting the group as a whole. I'm a little out of it right now so I' d prolly tweak this different later if I had the cogentness to do it. Ken (GM): Right, time to go unpack more boxes. Catch you guys next week! Adolph, get better Adolf S.: Adios P.P. A.: See you We meet again! Too bad it didn't work out with the other campaign Joush M.: Yeah, I hope you guys have fun. I should have nailed down the time when I was asking P.P. A.: We had a lot of trouble matching our schedules and that was about the only slot we could all agree on, hence why that was so inflexible when you came in P.P. A. just ended his first Maid RPG session P.P. A.: Being meme-tier aside, it's actually kind of a neat system Very simple, but it simultaneously encourages cooperation and competition Ken (GM): DOOODS Joush M.: How's the maid-ing? Hey Ken, how's it going? Ken (GM): MAID I do declare P.P. A.: My loli(male) tomboy(male) succubus(male) maid(male) with a drug problem is doing pretty well, sharing much of the housework with another PC maid who also only has a 1 in Skill Also captured a would-be burglar by shooting him with my giant machine gun Doc: what's up lads Fiss: Zupdock? er...Doc Doc: late because I was talking to my dad about philosophy Fiss: Always a fun time. Joush M.: That could be painful Doc: for you Joush M.: Oh yeah Doc: >tfw baneposting has become a reflex someday they're going to hunt down dissidents by quoting the plane scene and seeing if we respond Ken (GM): jfc the meme is real Doc: it'll be like the japanese commanding people to stand on a cross to prove they're not christians Ken (GM): I have poked adolph, but he is still on a wonky sleep schedule and may slumber muchly upon us Joush M.: Amphetamines and espresso for him. Time to rise and shine Ken (GM): TOOT TOOT TIME FOR EVERYTHING So Where last we left you, the battlefield stretched out below your feet, blood and rot soaking the blasted earth. Leagues of dead lay in the chill sunlight, their corpses charred and wasted. The land whispers no secrets of mana, and the Keep of Glardenfen lay another day away by foot Doc: I wanted to add points into Survival and Hiking btw Wasteland and Woodland are the two terrain types we've been doing, right? (To Gray): You smell death and the Rot in all places here. As well, the undercurrent of the putrid water nearby. Nothing fresh, nothing alive but your party Gray turns from the battlefield and begins to walk. "We won't find out by staying here. There's nothing we can do for them." (To Roderick): thaumatology roll; youre struck by the devestation THE WEAPON caused, and with the presence if the magic BlackRot, youre pondering whats happened here Ken (GM): there are many corpses here, and several of them are mules and horses Syviis: Well, so much for that idea... Ken (GM): some barded and under small squads of knights with pike and lance Suðri Skornbrekker prays that Gladenfen Keep was spared at least, and that the devastation doesn't reach far beyond the border. Ken (GM): Truly, the massive superweapon was a work of wondrous power :D Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): Well, aside from the certainty that you pulled the button, the specifics of the weapon's work again elude you. The bodies are burned out, certainly, and the rot seems to have taken hold everywhere. But how? Roderick: (To GM) Roderick: (To GM) Joush M.: Well, we did get the bad guys Syviis: We did. And the good guys. And most of the neutral guys. o_o (To Roderick): ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Doc: btw I forget if you mentioned this but how fucked up is all the equipment here? weapons, armor, etc Syviis: Ahh, true. If I see any quivers of a usable arrows, I will replenish my stock while giving a prayer of thanks. Ken (GM): Oh! The beastmen seem to have crude but wicked looking axes, hammers and long knives. The Alliance forces were mostly pike formations surrounding musket groups Doc: Looting a battlefield is distasteful but I mean This shit's expensive Ken (GM): The elves seemed to arm themselves with mixed swords/spears/shields and shortbows Syviis: Yeah. I think we're a little beyond "taste" at the moment. Ken (GM): Prodding at things; everything looks...in terrible repair Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the equipment. Ken (GM): armor looks bent or beaten, more so than a single battle could have caused. Sword have large dents, or cracks. Picking up a musket...the barrel has cracked down the length! Joush M.: Very fucked up. Normally infantry would be assinged to parties to collect the bodies, dropped equipment and get everything sorted. Everything left after a day or two would be stolen by ragpickers Ken (GM): impossible! Suðri Skornbrekker: “What... what happened here? ...though the dragon's corpse was twisted and rent as well...” (To Doc): The dark curse...it had suprememly powerful physical manifestations. Like a statistically impossible amount of bad luck Syviis: "Let's hope we meet someone ahead who witnessed the event and can put some answers to our questions." Gray pauses and looks to them. "The power ruined steel and wood as surely as it ruined bodies. It seems to have a special hate for tools and weapons." P.P. A.: Are the horses in as bad a shape as the people, or were they simply crushed under the weight of the dead? Ken (GM): The flesh of the horses is as burned and rotten as the soldiers; the barding has snapped leathers and rended holes. They died in painful ways Roderick: "Let us pray that there is someone ahead to meet." Syviis: "While I enjoy all your company dearly, I pray for all our sakes we are not all that's left in the world." Suðri Skornbrekker: “...let us not entertain the notion that there might not be. I mean...” He swallows, and grows a bit pale. “Even in the case that we.. created another wasteland like that of Gorgoth... it would be limited in reach.” P.P. A.: *extent Gray: "We aren't all alone. Magic creatures resisted the power, things of Sprirt. The elemental of stone and the wyld wolves were alive." He says to reassure them as he moves across the ruined landscape. He offers around the bottle of whisky to fortify them as they go. Bomrek accepts the bottle readily; He refills his flask, and takes a swig for good measure Syviis: "Agreed. No matter the scope of power held by the demons or artifacts themselves, it is still limited by the workings or mortals." Gray nods to the others and resist the urge to make a grim joke about at least haveing monsters for company as he goes. "We should reach the keep tonight." Bomrek: The grim march continues Ken (GM): As the day wanes, you pick through the battlefield to the other side; the forces deployed here must have been the bulk of the garrison. You see man after man, dwarf, elf and beastmen. All in torturously pained expressions of death, all felled in a terrible heap of violent conflict with some comfort, you find the beastmen outnumbered the Alliance here, and their midden piles of dead are that much larger Suðri Skornbrekker is looking down at the ground, the horrors around him taking a toll on him. Ken (GM): the whiskey helps Suðri Skornbrekker thanks the whiskey Ken (GM): Bomrek seems to take a nip and cuss quite regularly as yo umarch Gray strongly dislikes leaveing the bodies there, yet shakes his head and keeps walking. They'd be at it for weeks trying to bury the dead if they stopped here. Ken (GM): The sun climbs in the sky, and the chill air is competing with a strong heat from the light. Mists climb up from the ground as the day moves on, and as you seem to reach the border of the carnage, behind you is many foggy banks clouding the view,. Such small graces (To P.P. A.): Youre very sure that the forces you saw deployed there may have been the ENTIRE for ce from glardenfen, and the Alliance. A small saving grace the dwarves sent so few reinforceemnts, but the human army and militias might be entirely devestated Gray watches for the keep ahead, but also for danger. He often scents the air and looks around them, seeing if anything else might be shadowing them in that heavy mist. Syviis: Any signs of life? Suðri Skornbrekker has been very silent, even given the situation, for a while and looks very much under the weather. Ken (GM): once clear of the battlefield, the crows have returned, and perch in the black trees. They do not explore the dead Suðri Skornbrekker: “I tried to count the corpses as we passed by them... well, estimate the number.” (To Gray): you havent noticed any other signs of life while in the field; youre likely safe from pursuit Suðri Skornbrekker: “...maybe they left behind a few men to keep watch,” he tries to reassure himself and the party, though the tone of his voice betrays how little he himself believes in that. Suðri Skornbrekker may notice Roderick, but assumes he feels much the same as him, and so doesn't bother him. Ken (GM): And everyone marches on, silent, ill, unwell... Suðri Skornbrekker slumps down and seats himself on a rock. Syviis: "Is that just an illusion...or is the fire moving for your eyes as well?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “...where do we go now?” he vocalises the thought that crosses his mind. Gray ask in that rough voice. "We can bypass the keep and go north. It's four or five days to the next settlement and we should have the supplies for it.. The keep is.. in poor condtion. The keep seems inhabited by creatures with skin of flame." Suðri Skornbrekker: “But I doubt there is aught to be gained from investigating.” Gray: "I think we should. We have need of magic." Suðri Skornbrekker looks at Syviis. “If we slay one of these, could you... well, consume its mana?” Ken (GM): [elf starvation intensifies] Syviis shakes her head. "We've met magical creatures on our journey back here. But I have neither the means nor the will to feed on it. How the elemental learned to do it, I do not know. Syviis: "Regardless...while I do think we should slay monsters, I wonder if this is yet another one called out of the wild and not set upon the keep on purpose. Gray: "I'll tear a heart out and devour it. That should feed Memory enough to answer some questions and might provide clue enough in how to continue from here." He looks around, finding a place to stash their supplies and Roderick's horse. "Ready yourselves for combat." Roderick will ride his horse Bomrek: Bomrek is bleary and tired "Lads theres no gold to be had in a fight with monsters. Canne' we jus make camp and shoot them if they come t'us?" [Bomrek also smells like he finished his flask of whiskey] (From Doc): Do I know if swords and guns will even work on these things? (To Doc): They look like...crawling lizards aflame. Maybe fabled salamanders? They should be myths, not real Ken (GM): [half a dozen or so slow lizard-like things move about the ruin. They're a bit smaller than a horse, but their flaming bodies are bigger than you Syviis: "Perhaps we can use the river to our advantage to split them up and put out their flames..." Gray: "Six or so. Big.. But slow. Let's set up a gun line and shoot them down." Roderick remains mounted and draws his sword Bomrek: [youve still got all your spare muskets, one cannon, and plenty of reloads. Bomrek has a brace of pistols, and a bundle of premade shots for those as well.] Gray looks to see if their preperations are noticed by their foes. Roderick: "The guns and arrows should do most of the killing, but I will do my best to pick off any who are unprepared or encourage them to chase me instead." Joush M.: Welcome back Ken Ken (GM): [sorry, broke my page there for a sec] Roderick looks at the gunners. "You are far more skilled than most. How close do you need to be? You may wish to prepare out here whilst I bait them into an ambush." Gray: "Save your magic" He says harshly to Syviis, then shakes his head. "That is.. steel will serve tonight. You don't need magic to fight when you have your skill with a bow" The beast worries about her, about the constantly ebbing reserves of power in her little crystal Suðri Skornbrekker crosses his arms and thinks. “The closer they are the easier it is to hit them, but the more dangerous it is if you miss. Given that we have quite a few shots prepared, we should keep them at distance.” (From Doc): k, now I just need to figure out if he'd even think to do that or just subconsciously revert to Broadsword Ken (GM) A large one, more crusty and bulky, hisses in reply. A jet of fire from it's maw, roaring back at gray. The lizard things dart side to side as they notice you on the hillside (To Doc): either /or, dont overthink it mechanically, as they both function to "swing sword at target in combat". Roderick rides out to the right flank Syviis: "Now we see how intelligent they are...if they have brains, they'll probably run." Ken (GM) one of them clambers into the hole in the earth, on top of a spur of stone there, and begins to TRILL letting out a kind of shrieking hiss Ken (GM): [neat; long aim here so up to double your ACC [he did kinda make himself a big target] [he's SM+2] and just under 50 yards away(-8) Syviis: OK, -8 for distance, +6 accuracy, +2 Size, -3 for Vitals. Ken (GM): skill -3 to shoot it in the heart, neat Syviis: Target is 16 Joush M.: Good call. We don't even know if these things have an area 11 to target Syviis: No lightning damage, of course Ken (GM): The salamander utterly fails to notice the incoming projectile Syviis: 2 whole damage! Suðri Skornbrekker oh or not Bomrek: "Hah! we got em on the run!" and bomrek lets loose a shot from his longarm AND NAILS ONE Syviis: AWWW YUS BOI P.P. A.: the drunken master Bomrek: drunkenly from way too far away Syviis: [ooc: what's the range increments on the firearms?] Bomrek: half damage falls off on a muske at ~75 yards Syviis: [Ah, that's not bad at all] Ken (GM): your bow at ~200 Ken (GM) Bomrek nails one dead center, an it squals, rolling madly in the dirt, spewing fire in all directions Syviis: [200 yards... that's only a -12 to hit. I can do it. :P] Ken (GM): Sudri taking a potshot too? Joush M.: Remeber, the guy running around on the white horse is on our side Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker shoots one as well, the nearest one that is in sight P.P. A.: 40 hex is -8? Ken (GM): yeah, and theyre +2 size modifier 14 P.P. A.: dodge rolladoes it dodge or do I hit the thing? -the part of that line that should have been deleted Ken (GM) Another shot flies true and another salamander shrieks in pain and fear; the morale of the squad of things in broken, and they begin dashing out of the keep Ken (GM): Rod; you charging at them? driving them off? or just herding them? P.P. A.: (h-hey, I haven#t rolled damage yet) Suðri Skornbrekker: Doc: gonna charge, then pursue (within reason) Ken (GM): neat; roll me riding +4? Roderick: Ken (GM): JFC nearly a beat by ten Doc: He gets a +1 for riding gear and then another +5 because his horse knows and likes him Gray frowns. "We diden't get one." He says with disapproval, then shakes his head to clear it. "More work to do. Very good shooting." Syviis: "Well...that was slightly less terrible than I thought it would be. Shall we go in and check for survivors? Or at least find a place to sleep with a roof over our heads tonight?" Doc: Do I get to roll any attacks? Suðri Skornbrekker: “There's nary a roof left there nopw, is there.” Syviis: "True, true..." [wazaaaaaaaaaaaaa!] Ken (GM): Doc! If you'd like, you can charge one down as it retreats. You can feel the heat of their flaming bodies tho [aka, ARE YOU SUUUUURE? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)] Suðri Skornbrekker 's Dislike for fresh ruins is kicking in and he really doesn't want to look at this heap of misery Syviis: Joush M.: Take that one down. We still need to eat it Ken (GM): fiss, same target but another -2 for speed Syviis: Hit Ken (GM) you harry the last whelp, wounded already from Sudri's shot Ken (GM): an arrow flies into it from above! Syviis: LEG! Ken (GM): It sinks DEEP! Rod! you charge it down! (To Roderick): poke poke Roderick: Doc: (all out attack) Ken (GM): Neat Ken (GM) The fire extinguishes! Doc: >The severed part sails off in an arc! Ken (GM): >it strikes bavieca in the [left][brains]! >the tendons tear! >the horse screams! >why do you guys know what that sounds like, so intimately? Roderick slows to a halt after slaying the creature, satisfied at being able to vent his frustrations in some small way. Ken (GM): [so, the flaming things are gone, and youre left with the ruins of a keep you once fought to hold from the beastmen horde. Now what?] Syviis: Roderick sighs with a smile and trots back to the rest of the group. "Excellent marksmanship, as always." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It was a pleasure to see you hunting down your pray on horseback,” Suðri returns the compliment. Ken (GM) the charred thing comes apart like dried wood, snapping into embered pieces. Once gray is left with it, it's pieces...and one big red glowing rock in his sizzling hand Gray: "Memory" He commands in that savage voice, summoning a raven of shadow and magic to perch on his sholder. "Is there magic in this you can use? Could Power be harvested from this?" Ken (GM) memory bubbles up from the Aether, forming of a shadow of the approaching night. She appears perche don grays shoulder, and murmurs in that faraway voice "Yes, this will sustain me for a time. Good hunting Gray" Adolf S.: "You're sick, you needed your sleep" t. my family ayy what's up errybody,. Ken (GM): hahah he aint dead Doc: HI ADOLF Ken (GM): GUESS WHAT Joush M.: Hey Dolf! Ken (GM): YOU GUYS KILLED FUCKING EVERYTHING Adolf S.: :OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YEAH, NO MORE ELVES YEAAAHHH Syviis: How much experience points do we get for the Entire Biosphere? :P Gray ask the raven quitely. "Could it sustain an elf? How do I harvest it?" Adolf S.: what will this do to the eco system? Joush M.: Let's just say the Jedi really felt this one Doc: lel Ken (GM) Raven breathes in deeply, and some ofthe color ebbs away from the jewel-like salamander heart. "Draw her close to me, and I might breathe some mana into her" Syviis: [Lookin for Magic in Alderan places.] P.P. A.: Adolf S.: :OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YEAH, NO MORE ELVES Syviis: [RavenCPR] P.P. A.: I'll remind you that if we're the only people left alive there is a female among us Gray nods and rises to his feet, the 'blood' of the salamander leaveing burned marks on his armor and arms as the beast puts away the dagger and walks to Syviis, faintly glowing Salamander Heart in hand. (To Adolf S.): The battlefield was a horrible place, and it looks like the Alliance lost most of it's army there. Some dwarves, lots of elves dead. You are drunk and spent the day in your bottle due to circumstances/penalty to self control there. (To Adolf S.): The party just cleared out the ruins of glardenfen again, this time it was full of fire breathing salamanaders. Gray is eating one of their hearts and feeding it to his magic bird and the Elf Ken (GM): [Fiss-elf! the beastman comes bearing gift!] Joush M.: Let's explore a little more before we go all Adam and Eve with Roderick and Syviis. Syviis sees Gray approach with the heart and closes her eyes, silently hoping something will work, buy at this point, not willing to feed optimism with what little magic she has left. Syviis: "I trust you Gray, and your Raven. Do what you think is best." Gray ask the elven woman. "Breath deep. Memory.. do what you can." (To Fiss): You feel magic tingling on your skin; its as if youve had nothing to drink for days and are sprayed with water Joush M.: I wonder if she's going to get fire powers from this P.P. A.: new questing goal: kill one of every elemental type of creature until Syviis has collected all the elemental powers Adolf S.: Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, Heart Raven: [wakka wakka] Syviis: [Captain Planet Trifecta confirmed] Syviis breaths out a long sigh of relief. Syviis: "That certainly feels better..." Gray: "If a stupid stone elemental could manage being a manavore then a brilliant woman and raven can do so as well.. Memory, can you tell me when we see more things that could be Harvested?" Syviis pulls her necklace out and checks to see if it also was able to benefit or not Raven: [not quite Syviis; your manastone needs to be bathed in mana all day long to charge :P] Bomrek: (So, has it been shown to be for-sure that all everything is deadified? Fully, errywhere?) Doc: we haven't been everywhere yet, but everything's been dead everywhere we've been Syviis slides it back in her tunic and sighs. "Let's look through the Ruins quickly. If there's anything left here, it shouldn't be hard to find with the walls blasted apart." Ken (GM): The blackness of Gorgoth has spread quite abit North, especially right around Glardenfen P.P. A.: there were some crows left alive Gray nods to the avian before he starts in. "Thank you, Memory." He says to the bird, deep voice thankful as he starts into the ruins. "Not everything is gone. Magic creatures, some ravens.. I'm sure we will find others." He says as he starts inside, moveing to the keep to search the ruins. Ken (GM): definitely some critters around. youve just spent all day walking through a field of dead bodies tho, so theyve been far and away from you Bomrek: Bomrek does an offensive Dwarven hand gesture at the bird, and says, Drunkenly but not too unintelligibly, "Fuck you bird" Ken (GM) The blank walls of heavy stone kept the blast contained, but the rubble filed inside is rife with charred flesh and timber and stone. The keep rebuilt by the alliance has been laid flat, and in the centre of it all lies a misshapen blob of stone. The pockmarked rock is solid and foreign, with a bluish sheen to it. The ruins stink of half burned everything from the salamanders Bomrek: (It's a Jellyfish artifact. This whole time Ken was setting up for a Stalker, Shadow of Chernobyl gurps game. It all makes sense now.) Raven tilts her head back and forth at the gesture from Bomrek "Gray, it has been days since I was beside you. Have you let him drink the entire time Ive been gone?" P.P. A.: (cheeki breeki) Syviis: Dungeons and Chernobyls Bomrek: Presumably Bomrek has an empty bottle, or near-empty at any rate at this point, so he attempts to chuck one at the bird. What's my penalty, like, 3? 4? Gray: "I haven't kept him from drinking." He says to the raven, the tone thoughtful and looking around the ruined place as he looks to the crater. "Do you know anything of this? It dosn't look like the work of the Weapon" Bomrek: I assume it's just a DX roll minus size and distnace. Joush M.: I'm pretty sure the bird has body of air and can't be damaged by anything, so if you want to hit I don't mind a rock flying though the shadow bird.. but the Bird Will Remeber This Raven: >roll to see how poorly it is hucked >and how many families are ruined by it Bomrek says many dwarven curse words, abandoning common tongue completely for the time being. Most of them aren't that difficult to say while drunk, though that's surely just coincidence. Bomrek: Ken (GM) the bottle flies through the air, but nobody is in it's path. The glass shatters in the approaching night, and the sound is lonely against the crackling ruins of the keep Bomrek: Fuck magic m8' Ken (GM): [I can only assume Bomrek's lack of people to buy his loot is taking a toll on his psyche] [That, or the whole WMD aftermath thing] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Save some dinrk and bottles, my friend, we don't know when we will come across a tavern or brewery again.” Syviis goes over and checks Syviis: Survival? Ken (GM) The water no longer bubbles through, but the pond is still and clear Ken (GM): Survival! Syviis: Er... well...glad it's a fail now vs later. Fail by 2 P.P. A.: party dies of water poisoning, we reroll a party or raven mutants 500 years later Ken (GM): Well, youre not sure if its contaminated with anything, but its certainly not got anything in it that could be poison... Joush M.: "You nay can drink water. Fish fuck in it" Syviis: "Should be usable, at least, our best source until we find an uncontaminated portion of the river." Bomrek: Bomrek would be happy to mix up some Grog later, he knows the ingredients by heart. Suðri Skornbrekker really hesitates to descend to the ruins, saddened greatly by the sight of what he helped to build mere weeks ago lying collapsed, and all the ones this fort was meant to protect being dead Doc: "booze, other stuff" Gray examines the crater, then works on putting together a proper shelter. Stone stacked on stone, an intact streach of walls, a tent's tarp streached overhead to make a roof. It's a rough place, but safer and more secure then they've had in weeks. "I'll hunt around and see if any supplies surivived the distruction here." Adolf S.: That's what he'll write on the back of the flask in the nutrition section, Doc'. Suðri Skornbrekker sees Gray getting to work, and overcomes his autism to go and help him. Bomrek: (We need to capture and breed the lizards with intent to make them larger over multiple generations, so we can then tame them and ride them out) Ken (GM): Gray, Perception roll; you have no scrounging skill but you havea fine nose Gray: Ken (GM): wheew lad Joush M.: It's good that he is really good at that Ken (GM): truly Ken (GM) The rubble eventually gives up some edible food; a cask of some kind of dried meat, and even some dirty bread Bomrek: (My favorite) Suðri Skornbrekker busies himself by preparing a shelter, depressing as it is to him to create less than a hut with rubble of what were until a few days ago walls, towers, rooms housing hundreds of men. Syviis: "I will. It's the least I can do." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'll take the shift aftrr that.” Raven: "The Curse has worked here thuroughly" speaks Raven. Her black beak clicking on the words Bomrek drunkenly makes a crude bed against something solid, and falls asleep without much further discussion. Bomrek: Gotta sleep off this alcohol. Gray nods. "Thank you. Wake me after and I'll take over." He nods to Suori and Syviis. "Careful if you climb the walls for a better look around... Humm.. What do you know of the 'curse'? He ask the raven. "I hope you can tell us more. We have worked blind for days" Raven: "The Darkness; That Which Man Cannot Know. " she says Suðri Skornbrekker wants to ask “What have we done?” but he fears the answer and would rather keep wandering and clinging to hope Raven: "IT worked this destruction" "The world is a place of men and rocks and trees and things. Above it, the world of magic. Below it, the spirits and the Souls. What happened here, the chaos sown here. It was all the work of The Darkness" Gray: "It seemed at the time we had no choice." He says, knowing it's a lame excuse, then falls silent and listens to the raven. "The Darkness is a creature of the world bellow?" Raven: she clucks, wark wark wark, and you realise it is a kind of laughter "IT is not a creature, Gray. You are a discrete individual. Syviis, a thing touched by magic, but a thing. IT....simply " "Where IT comes into the world, the world bends and forms...chaos" a wing gestures, points to the ruins around you. "The Darkness comes, and your world suffers for it Bomrek: (I hope all elves are dead.) Syviis watches from the top of a stable wall, but nods to herself at the Raven's words. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Is The Darkness a... is its home in the world of Souls or of Magic? Or is it outside of these all?” Doc: Is Rod in earshot of this? Gray nods to Suori, the shadowy raven perched on his massive sholder. He wears the black felt arming coat but his armor is off, being brushed and cleaned to prevent rust or damaged, those massive hands working steadily as they sit beside the fire in their meager shelter. Joush M.: I think so Doc. Everyone should be in the fort together now Raven: "The realms of souls and spirit are infinite veils of existence. The darkness is what lies between them. The primordial dark. The Space BEtween" Suðri Skornbrekker certainly not being affine to magic or metaphysics, tries to wrap his heard around this. “So... like the stars in the night sky, the realms exist in the Darkness, and we opened a hole that made this Darkness crash down and flood into our world?” Raven: "Yes" she says. Simple and to the point Roderick [brooding intensifies] Raven: "The Ansible was a great work by you mortals. Certainly the greatest thing ever built by your hands. To see it work was like watching fire being used for the first time..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Is... IT gone now? ,...from our realm, and we are only seeing the devastation IT has left behind? Or does it still roam our plane?” Bomrek: Rod "Unload the magic to cause the most havoc" Garrison. Raven: [SURELY this will defeat mine enemies; BLOW UP EVERYTHING] Bomrek: (Kill'm all, let god sort'm out) Gray strokes a hand down the raven's back, smoothing glossy feathers. "It wasn't the first time it worked" P.P. A.: Rod “Nuke the plane, may life wane” erick Raven: "IT is still there, I am sure. If IT has been banished, I cannot say for sure. I have no memory of the event" Raven stares into the fire, looks at you all "But certainly, the touch has been felt before. The Darkness crept into your world once by the hands of the beastmen, and the Horned King worked his warlocks to the cause of IT too. Your world may yet survive again" P.P. A.: Rod “I've had my fun, the world is done” erick Suðri Skornbrekker muses. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Can IT enter our world if not summoned into it, as was done so long ago, and as was... done by... us?” Suðri Skornbrekker 's voice grows weak, and he rests his head in his hands as he truly starts feeling the weight of their sin. Raven: >PTSD, the game Syviis: GURPS: PTSD Edition Gray: "Can you tell how far the power reached? Will we continue to see damage like this traveling north?" He ask the raven. Ken (GM): "I am no oracle, but this is truth; the darkness spread from where it was into where it was not, but the world remains. You will find life again soon Gray. You are near enough to not yet be lost. " Gray: "Thank you, Memory." He says in that rough voice, falling silent. Roderick sighs with relief to hear that some life remains Ken (GM): "I must rest again. The beasts heart was filling, but not everfull" Ken (GM) That night, you are all awoken by a singular sound. Ken (GM): A very familiar voice screaming in rage "WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Syviis frowns and aims the tip of her arrow at the 'elf' Suðri Skornbrekker: “Let us not fight. Your grave probably lies buried under half a mountain; you could not come back from it again.” Suðri Skornbrekker grasps his musket and bardiche just in case, but does not become hostile. Gray: "We might also have flooded it with lava." He adds to Suori's comments. The woman: "WHat the hell are you all talking about?! You blew it all up! you crazy bastards" She seems distraught, She pulls her hair as she screams at you into the night "You took the greatest invention ever built by elven work and CRASHED IT INTO THE EARTH" Suðri Skornbrekker: “We... we were atta—” Suðri Skornbrekker 's mime sours when he realises she's talking about the Ansible, not the world. Bomrek: "FECK OFF I'M TRYIN' 'TA SLEEP!" Bomrek yells groggily from his bed. Suðri Skornbrekker gets up and shouts back at her angrier and louder than Bomrek over there: Suðri Skornbrekker: “If that's the greatest invention built by elven work Elves are even more despicable than I thought!” “What a piece of shit! Can't defend itself without destroying itself, and everyhting around it!” Syviis: "Greatest elven work?" "You mistake might and destruction for greatness." Suðri Skornbrekker: “What twisted evils could trap an unholy Darkness from out of this world in a flying death machine?!” Bomrek: "Aye, fuck the elves, point-eared sotts" Bomrek says, starting a little loud and then going only loud enough for the others to hear him. The woman: "It wasnt evil! It was just math! magic! By the same logic your GUNS are pure evil!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I can AIM my guns! Nor do my guns become unusable after one shot!” Roderick is very confused but he thinks she called his landing a "crash" and is vaguely offended, given how hard he worked to not die when it happened. P.P. A.: credit where credit is due Syviis walks across the top of the wall, keeping her arrow ready. In Elvish: *Were not the millennia of kind tenure with the natural world enough for you? You mock your ancestors by wrenching your power unnaturally from death." Gray: "The machine reached into the power of the void. Why did you create such a thing? Why leash such power?" The woman: "You call that AIM?!" her voice peaks, cracking. She slumps onto the wall top "You killed EVERYTHING. All of them! The Giants, the dragons. Hell, I think it's safe to say the beastman threat has ended!" she scoffs Syviis: "Then help us, or leave us to peace. Either way, your screaming only attracts a headache. Suðri Skornbrekker cannot come up with a retort, finding the death of giants and dragons and beastmen to be good news overall. Gray: "I told him to fire it. It was my mistake. I thought it worth the cost in the face of death and the Weapon falling into the hands of a Lord of the Night" Roderick feels kind of proud when she puts it like that, which leaves him even more confused as to whether she is friend or foe. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Perhaps you were right after all!” he shouts at the immortal, undead elf, mad at himself for saying this. P.P. A.: (if we had been immortal we could have been like “nah, let's just die and see if we can get it back rather than press this scary button”) The woman: "Why the HELLS do yo upeople keep thinking im immortal. YOU BROKE ME TOO you imbiciles. When you killed my Lord." she trails off there. getting quiet she sniffles Suðri Skornbrekker: “...eh?” “We killed you once, and you came back from that grave.” Bomrek: Wassis' lady look like, exactly? Does Bomrek remember her, or was he drunk the last time she showed up too? Gray: "I diden't mean to kill you. Or thousands of men, dwarves and and elves on the battlefield. I diden't mean to break the connection to what keeps you alive." Suðri Skornbrekker already pieced together that the guy who attacked them was her lord and she derived her immortality from him, but he still wants to hear it from her. The woman: [this is the woman you centested with about the Derugar keep; she originally warned you away, you fought her in the keep, and she came back. You bartered with her for her coin armor.] P.P. A.: >Ken measures her distance to us uh-oh Bomrek: That was me P.P. A.: ah, good The woman: lol Bomrek: Have a plan to kill everyone you meet, PPA-kun P.P. A.: naturally Gray: "Or the innocent beast that lived in this ruined land. Or the blood mage elf and his bride spoke to at the base of the fortress that I almost certainly killed.. If you mean to try and kill me for what I've done, I'm here." Bomrek: ("AHAH, I WAS ONLY PRETENDING TO BE DRUNK. QUICK, SHE REVEALED SHE'S MORTAL, SHOOT HER!") Suðri Skornbrekker takes a step towards her. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'm sorry for what we've done.” Syviis huffs, but tries to let a bit of her anger fade. The woman: "Thank you, I guess" she says, wiping back some tears Bomrek: What time of the day is it? Is the accursed sun awake? P.P. A.: middle of the night under the clear green moon Doc: Does Roderick know anything about her? Bomrek: How enchanting. Suðri Skornbrekker takes a step back and holds his hand out before him. “Not unless necessary. ...please.” Doc: i.e. if she's a vampire like Gray says, can he tell? Ken (GM): [if yo uman use your mage senses to check, youd have to touch her at least. Offhand, she had some spoopy powers revolving around her coin armor, but that seems to be gone for now] Bomrek: Bomrek isn't aiming at her, he's lying in his bed trying to get the noise to fuck off. Mostly'. He's sleepin' off the heavy drinking, mostly. P.P. A.: oh ok retcon that then Suðri Skornbrekker: “Anything we can do to... make things better?” He does not want to say ‘fix’, for too much damage has been wrought, to many lives erased for there to be anything left to ‘fix’. Gray considers a moment, then nods to the muddy woman. "Do you need supplies? Food or a blanket?" The beast ask the vampire, Considering what he can spaire. Syviis: Bomrek: "Tell'er to fuck off, she'll steal my coin, greedy Elf. Can't trust'm to.. to not try to steal it." Bomrek says, slurred, a little closer to sleep than earlier. Roderick: "It was I who unleashed this destruction. This apology is all I can offer." The woman: "I hate to admit it, but food would be lovely. Thank you" She plods down the rampart wall stairs Doc: tfw Code of Honor Bomrek: Bomrek has a sense of duty to Dwarves, not to disgusting Elves who are also dead. Doc: yeah but she's a LADY The woman: on that note, youve never been introduced Suðri Skornbrekker looks up and nods in acknowledgement. The woman: "I was once called Deloth-Ainur. The 'breaker of magic' " Deloth-Ainur laughs, a pretty sound, in a dark night Deloth-Ainur: she takes his outstretched hand, and curtsies back Syviis smiles grimly behind her face-mask at the irony of her name (From Roderick): Rod is in the process of overcoming his Obsession btw. Gonna spend the points on it after this session if it's okay. (To Roderick): Neat; coming to terms with it then? Seeing the scope of the world and all it's grasp? Bomrek: (Syviis has a face mask now?) (From Syviis): yeah, it's kinda funny how we and the WMD did a better job than her namesake. :P Ken (GM): I would have to say, this was a pretty good conclusion to the chapter Gray bows his head to the elven woman. He sets his blanket out, adding some personal basics, cloth wrapped food, some spare clothes.. the thin tunic and trousers will be far from the right size, but are at least clean. A bottle of whisky, then he rolls up the bundle and ties it with rope. Enough supplies to travel with, at least.. Syviis: [Syviis has always had a little face-cloth-thing. Ninja mask-ish] Ken (GM): or at least an anime-tier chapter end Joush M.: Nice We got to a place that isn't a horrifying ruin, just a normal ruin Ken (GM): setting goals and meeting them Bomrek: I spy two elves still alive If my goal is to exterminate all elves, I'm not yet done. Joush M.: And now Suori has a girlfriend Suðri Skornbrekker: pff P.P. A.: ^ Ken (GM): are we talking classic tsundre relationship? Shinji Evangelion style? P.P. A.: elf is elf though Adolf S.: I-It's not like I w-wanted to h-hang out with you while you cleaned your musket, b-baka! I-I just needed to sit down! ^^^^ P.P. A.: now that we know that there is life yet (unless the Raven was referring to her and nobody else), you can't even bring the “can't be picky when there is a grand total of two females left alive worldwide” argument! Joush M.: Hey, there's at least 3. If we count sprirt ravens as alive Fiss: Excuse me...but there are THREE females. lol Doc: Rod had a problem with banging elves but he's about to buy off that disadvantage FOR COMPLETELY UNRELATED REASONS P.P. A.: GrimWyrd 2: The Crowlands Fiss: lol Ken (GM): Grimwyrd 2: the porn remake of a series Adolf S.: Disgusting. Why would anyone want to lay with an Elf? Their ears would poke out your eyes on accident. Truly sickening. Doc: Seriously though I'm about to buy off the Obsession disadvantage Fiss: Contrary to popular belief, the ears don't poke out to the front or back upon arousal. Adolf S.: What, Rod was obsessed with Elves? Sounds like /tg/ Joush M.: They are however razor sharp and eye seeking Fiss: Well, of course! P.P. A.: Suðri is only Chauvinistic, not Bomrek-tier racist Fiss: How else do Elves fish? Doc: Obsessed with becoming a nobleman like he was supposed to be Adolf S.: Bomrek doesn't /hate/ elves. Ken (GM): he was obsessed with retaking some level of status/wealth Adolf S.: He just hates Elf culture and most Elves in general. and Magic. That's not Dwarven. P.P. A.: so elves suck no doubt but some elves can be tolerable and be good at some things, like Syviis and shooting bows Ken (GM): I assume Roderick has had a rude awakening to the natur eof the universe Doc: Yeah this whole episode has made him kinda stop giving a shit He's still Chauvinistic and has his Code of Honor and whatnot P.P. A.: Suðri was just a mason who wanted to serve his coutnry and get an opportunity to help build all sorts of new castles and towns ;_; Adolf S.: Bomrek wanted money and some more adventure. He got that, sort o. P.P. A.: instead he depopulated entire areas and nuked everything Adolf S.: He's really unhappy he hasn't seen a Dwarven latrine in months, though. Also he hasn't seen near enough intact roofs. P.P. A.: well he got lots of money and lots of adventure Ken (GM): a literal sack of gold P.P. A.: just noweher to spend it and nobody to tell them to Adolf S.: Is that valued at real-life standards, or standard-fantasy-land standards? Because the former, I can buy an Island the latter, I can buy a sword. Ken (GM): lol Joush M.: GURPS gold is generally more "real world" then "50 coins to a pound" Ken (GM): somewhere in between P.P. A.: Maybe the reason for all the inflation in fantasy games and TTRPGs is the dwarves Ken (GM): definitely not DnD level inflation P.P. A.: They dig up a ton more gold than any human could Adolf S.: Will it pay for his alcohol, and stock his family's communal coffers enough to warrant a new statue of him be erected back home? Joush M.: A D&D sword can cost a pound of gold Doc: I autismed it out when rolling my character and Rod has 5 gold pieces worth $400 total Joush M.: The old statue is of him drunk on duity, getting into a fist fight with a seagull P.P. A.: noice Joush M.: So he really wants a new one Ken (GM): hahah P.P. A.: new stature is him drunk, hurling a bottle at a raven Ken (GM): I can see that fitting true Doc: lel Ken (GM): maybe punching a hors einstead of a gull tho Adolf S.: I like the idea of Bomrek punching a seagull. Fuck Seagulls, they're shitty they're the irish of the sky Ken (GM): "disagreement on dinner plans" Adolf S.: fuck them and fuck the Irish P.P. A.: That said, today was the betst TTRPG session I've ever had Joush M.: "And Fuck the Irish: A history of the British Empire" Adolf S.: :OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Doc: This is how I feel about seagulls Ken (GM): ppa, I love you too bro P.P. A.: a real rollercoaster of emotion, with very dense atmosphere and heavy mood, ups and downs, the battle against the fire lizards, etc. Adolf S.: screamful terror. Doc: there were a lot of serious ups and downs Adolf S.: about two months ago I was driving a patrol vehicle on hospital grounds, Joush M.: I really liked this too. Thanks Ken, it was very nice Ken (GM): [OH GOD NOT THE ELF WOMAN] Adolf S.: and these fucking geese were around and being shit holes and one of them flew within a foot of my car before veering off. Doc: yo is the elf woman hot btw Adolf S.: Motherfucker tried to play chicken with a man who was unable to stop due to wet ground, or turn due to trees. Doc: (this is something I always ask, but there haven't been many females in this game) Ken (GM): lol IS SHE HAWT ARE THERE ANY GURLZ THERE Doc: PPA can confirm, this is a thing I do Ken (GM): I WANNA DOOOOOO THEM P.P. A.: (can confirm) (the one time he forgot to the NPC was super -hot) Fiss: lol Doc: That also happened I was so mad Ken (GM): I will say this; she has lecherousness Joush M.: Poor Dolf. Gucking geese, trying to drive you off the road Adolf S.: A long, long time ago, Doc: Just because my character doesn't care about if a girl is hot doesn't mean I don't need to ask Adolf S.: I had intended Bomrek to fall in love with a prostitute Odd that I've never had a chance to do that at all thus far. Doc: Also Adolf by "play chicken" do you mean duck Ken (GM): about a year ago I put half elf rover women in front of you, but I also did throw a dragon at you right after ward so thats my fault there Adolf S.: Was that at the uh Joush M.: Honsia almost got rover lucky Adolf S.: Gypsy camp P.P. A.: half-elf is half an elf too many also ew gypsies Adolf S.: ^^^^^ Ken (GM): lol I really hit a nerve with the european sensibilities didnt I Doc: our autism is POWERFUL Adolf S.: Nasty P.P. A.: I do like our interactions with this NPC Ken (GM): Adolf S.: Anyway, I was hoping the prostitute would be an Elf, for the irony P.P. A.: We killed her because she acted as much like a stereotypical villain as conceivable, even though she'd never actually hurt us or otherwise obstructed us but we didn't want o risk that, so we did a pre-emptive strike then we killer her but she came back five minutes later Ken (GM): shot her in the goddamn head, IF I do recall Fiss: Yep. With explody P.P. A.: and we calmed her down though she was understandably angry and then sent her off after we gave her her amrour back Doc: Rod's Code of Honor demanded that he do SOMETHING nice for her since he'd clearly wronged her and she wasn't visibly about to kill them all Ken (GM): very honorable, truly P.P. A.: We don't have a code of honour, so we shoot first and ask quesitons later. She provided us with the rare opportunity to actually get answers to those questions! Doc: Unlike his Obsession, he's not likely to buy that one off Ken (GM): even after you shot her! P.P. A.: Yes! (actually that happened before with what Minotaur Bomrek shot and Falkirk saved from certain death and patched back up) Adolf S.: He's probably dead now. P.P. A.: RIP ;_;7 Adolf S.: Don't feel too bad, PPA, Beastmen aren't people. They're like Parrots, animals that can kind of talk. P.P. A.: kek Fiss: The Elf has enough points to buy off her Mana Addiction... but honestly, that doens't make sense...like a Dwarf buying off Beard-Addiction. Gray is standing Right There P.P. A.: Is the Mana Addiction part of the Elf template or a Disadvantage you bought? Adolf S.: You heard me, boy. Fiss: Yep Dependency basically P.P. A.: ah Adolf S.: I had a thought that was a really good one P.P. A.: yeah, doesn't seem like somehting to be bought off easily Adolf S.: but then I forgot it. Goddamn. P.P. A.: maybe after a month of cold turkey Adolf S.: Oh, how many points today? Bomrek's got a good handful Joush M.: They've got a way to get mana, in any case P.P. A.: I'm creating a character for a different GURPS campaign that introduced me to more advanced things like Talents Adolf S.: Also, Bomrek has some really kick ass bayonet / spear skill, but I've never, ever used'm. Ken (GM): its not even addiction! its physiological dependency! jesus Fiss: na na na na na...snooop dee-oh-double geee Ken (GM): elf 101 P.P. A.: might actually put my points to use soon and restructure Suthri a little Fiss: Mana is totally Elf Weed lol P.P. A.: that GM is also forcing me to use GSC so I might redo Suðri's sheet in that too Adolf S.: On the four-hundredth and twentyth day of the Elf calendar... Ken (GM): Take a goodly bunch, say 6, P.P. A.: ;_; Adolf S.: 6 points? :OOOOOOOOOOOOOO Joush M.: It's a great idea, PPA. The GCS is a great utility Ken (GM): Im gonna do a thing, write a touch of stuff up and call this next chapter a bit of a timeskip in broad terms , you guys ended the beastman threat with certainty. You also managed to kill everything involved, after a fashion. Adolf S.: I'm really upset that I can't remember my rad-as-fuck idea. I had two, one involving this game, and one involving the 'verse. Fiss: Sounds good. As much as I enjoy walking through the ruins of the world, eventually we should come across something else. :P Or die. Ken (GM): It caused HAVOK with mana in the lands here, but sufficed to say it was only localized on Gorgoth Joush M.: See? We won! Adolf S.: Yeah! P.P. A.: We prevented a war! Ken (GM): I'd imagine you all are headed toward civilization etc? Adolf S.: KKKIll all beastmen! Fiss: Any battle you can walk away from is a win, right? :P Adolf S.: Indeed we are. Where's the nearest civilization that isn't an Elf, Ken? P.P. A.: On one hand this scene is great to fade to black, on the other hand there's a lot of stuff we could ask her still Adolf S.: Because we can probably assume they won't be happy, firstly, P.P. A.: then again Joush M.: That was Gray's idea. He wanted to take the group north, until they could at least link up with the Grayhold Milita Adolf S.: and secondly they don't have anyone Bomrek gives enough of a shit about to buy. P.P. A.: it might be more appropriate to just learn about one another on the way back to civilsiation Joush M.: Failing all else, they can go all the way back to Oakway I might be remebering that name wrong Fiss: Yeah...I'm thinking the elves are probably waiting for me to report...possibly so they can crucify Syviis. Like...on a cross, only more elfy...maybe a tree. P.P. A.: so that could be hand-waved and we just known anything important after the timeskip Joush M.: In Elf Cruifiction they make you sit on a chair and listen to Dwarf Poetry Ken (GM): certainly, you guys are gonna be seen in a stark light; is what you did evil? Was it good? Necessary? Fiss: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Ken (GM): Was ending the war today more important than doing 'the right thing'? Joush M.: Gray makes no value judgements about it, but takes responsbility. He mantaines that while Rod hit the switch, he's the one that said to. He will also admit when he gave the order he did not understand what effect it would have Ken (GM): all that aside; theres definitely trouble brewing. The majority of the the human army got wrecked. Hundreds if not thousands of men died in Gorgoth and on the frontier. alongside the elven scouts and dwarven mercenaries P.P. A.: Suðri doesn't remember what he said or didn't say, but he agreed with the course of action at the time, and considers himself just as responsible as Roderick or anyone else Fiss: Syviis will defend that they sent in a hammer and found a nail. And that if they want a swiss-army-knife, they'd better train her the fuck up in some magical shit. Ken (GM): lol well put fiss "I shoot LIGHTNING at things, I dont do 'dimplomatic nicities' " Fiss: Seriously, though, they went in, resisted the "let out the demons" but the only magical folk were zombified before instructions were read out. We had very little options. Adolf S.: Dwarf Poetry? Heavy may be the rich man's purse, but heavier still is the poor man's stomach. P.P. A.: once scouts arrive at the front they will see that the coalition army was in some areas outnumbered by the beastmen and their allies Doc: Rod's code of honor will require him to take full responsibility Adolf S.: Your deeds may make you feel bad, but it's better than going hungry. Joush M.: Grayhold's going to be in chaos. I can't wait to see what happens next Fiss: I'd be happy to throw some of her points at proper magical training, but I'm not sure how that works other than the tallent and power thing we set up. Ken (GM): and Rod will be dragged kicking and screaming away from those folks who would incriminate the LOT of you, I'm sure Fiss; talent is a flat +1 bonus/5points on relevant skills and uses. Thaumatology skill is the calculus of math. that just about covers it until you get into specialized training Fiss: She'll definitely want to seek that out. Ken (GM): hidden lore and thaumatology are your refined tools. Storm/thunder talent is your speciality Joush M.: I'm also super curious about our chance to get paid, sell stuff and buy new gear Doc: I think Rod can teach Thaumatology Ken (GM): Doc: Need at least a 12, which he has Fiss: Mmm, between Rod and letting the Raven sip on her Power-Stone, she might be able to lean some on the trip. Adolf S.: Pssh, we got rid of all the beastmen and some assholes who were probably going to destroy the world. We lost some men, but it's an acceptable loss. Why only one ansible, America? Joush M.: Bomrek is going to be writeing a book in the down time "I Did the Right Thing" with a dwarf flag on the cover. Super racest stuff inside P.P. A.: Where will we pick the game back up? I really don't know what Suðri is going to do, that's something that'd be decided by the outcome of any trials, how the reactions are by veeryone, what happens to the rest of the party, etc. Ken (GM): lol Adolf S.: Bomrek will as always try to make more money. (From Adolf S.): Speaking of, has his inability to taste gone away yet? He'll likely seek out a good doctor for that. P.P. A.: He'd love to atone by helping to build a giant monument to all the fallen but if he'd be shunned from any such work, he'd probably wander a little while before eventually going hermit and doing it anyway all by himself well, it depends on what comes next Adolf S.: What he ought'a do first is build a monument tot he fallen dwarven mercenaries, somewhere back home. (To Adolf S.): congrats, you have earned the disadvantage: no sense of smell/taste! during play P.P. A.: if not, he would probably retire to go dwarf autism and make a nice big monument out of some mountain Fiss: I'm pretty sure "Minecraft" is just: Dwarven Heaven Simulator. (To Adolf S.): affirmative Joush M.: Gray still needs to find a cure for blackrot once he has Falkirk back in the care of healers Adolf S.: Maybe I'll invest all 14 points I have currently into writing, P.P. A.: what of vampireelf btw Joush M.: Though that's likely irrelevant now. I think everyone with rot is dead Adolf S.: and write a persuasive book on how what we did was totally right and justified, and that we're actually heros ps. give me gold Joush M.: Bomrek is going to go on a book tour around collages talking about his book, fall in love with an elf whore, lose all his money and have to go back to working as a mercnary Ken (GM): ppa: she gets to rework her life after losing 84 points worth of pact limited powers P.P. A.: hah Suðri'd be willing to take her in when he goes hermit, if she doesn't have any place to go,; a hand to help with things that aren't 24/7 autistic dwarven things would be welcome Ken (GM): I smell sitcom! you just need a nosy human neighbor! Doc: And elf and a dwarf? How ZANY Fiss: omg.... Ken... Joush M.: Given they will be reporting/operateing out of Grayhold or Oakway for a while they could all rent or buy a house together for the time while things get settled and any new gear they order is prepared Ken (GM): ? Fiss: Can Syviis take Extra Attack? Joush M.: And of course, Bom writes his book and drinks himself crazy Adolf S.: I imagine Dwarven society would look rather kindly to our actions. The threat is stopped. The loss of Dwarven life was not insignificant, but the human army was also quite heavily chopped up, as were some portion of Elves. So not only were the beastmen stopped, the potential human encroachment was also made less likely. Fiss: and would it allow 2 arrow'ed? Ken (GM): Fiss, that way lies madness; sure P.P. A.: (would actually be in-character since she's the most immediate victim of the catastrophe that's actually alive, so he'd feel responsible for her somewhat; and if he was allowed to hermit all alone he'd probably forget eating all the time because there are statues to be carved etc.) Ken (GM): buy it at -20% "bows only" but sure. Youre a heroic archer Fiss: FUCKIN SOLD. Ken (GM): I thin kthe tagline for chapter 4 will be "What evil lurks in the hearts of Elves" P.P. A.: if the dorfs would receive Suðri kindly he'd be more than happy to help build as many monuments to the fallen as need be Doc: Gonna buy Combat Reflexes, I think Ken (GM): Ima go bathe my baby [thats not a euphamism] Fiss: Combat Reflexes is always nice Ken (GM): update your shiznit, email me the sheets, we'll go from there. Ill send yo uguys some time warp backstory Fiss: Cool. P.P. A.: all right Adolf S.: I wonder what race has the most advanced book making at this point. Clearly not the Elves. or the Beastmen. Joush M.: Weirdly, it's the spider people We just haven't met any yet But damn, they have some great adheives for book binding Adolf S.: Well I guess Bomrek will just have to contact them Doc: pls Adolf S.: Every day until you like it, 'Doc. Joush M.: I can't afford Extra Attack and Ambidextery yet P.P. A.: I'll use the opportunity to generally overhaul Suðri's sheet, both with fluff and with additional combat features Doc: Rod has Ambidexterity but Extra Attack isn't probably going to be worth it P.P. A.: I never looked into Techniques before, for example Joush M.: Good luck man. Ask any questions you have on the discord P.P. A.: some talents for stoneworking/architecture-related skills would also be good thanks Adolf S.: We have a discord? Not for this game we don't, I think. P.P. A.: no, but I met Joush in the discord of anoter /tg/ GURPS campaign Joush M.: Or on 4chan. GURPSGEN could use more to focus on that isn't people being assholes P.P. A.: true Doc: if we're all on discord we might want to make a server for this game Joush M.: Ahhh.. Yeah, I guess we don't have a discord for this Adolf S.: Agreed. Get to it doc-kun. Joush M.: That wouden't be a bad idea Doc Doc: I'm about to go for a walk so I'll get to it later Probably bounce it off Ken to see if he wants to do it Fiss: o/ later folks. Feel free to add me too if you set it up Joush M.: Later! Doc: o/ P.P. A.: See you Doc: Time for that walk, so I'll catch you guys later P.P. A.: Back in my day people made IRC channels I'll go to bed soon, getting late here bye Adolf and Doc Adolf S.: Bye Ken (GM): whatup mah pee pee P.P. A.: Hi thar Ken (GM): How ye be? P.P. A.: Not bad, and you? Ken (GM): [i am neck deep in updating maps :P] P.P. A.: [I look forward to them!) Ken (GM): Okay. Busy but alive. no major complaints Evrr have one of those days where you P.P. A.: fug, how does that happen HDD failure? Joush M.: That has got to be maddening P.P. A.: What program do you use for your maps, by the way? Ken (GM): bad sync in G-Drive between my work computer (which is a virtual win7 thinclient) most of my mapping is fierce googling and some tweaking with gimp, otherwise it smostly roll20 overlays P.P. A.: I see Joush M.: Well, they stuffed us in a basement. At least you can tell it's not a prison cell because it's the same basement they keep guns in. Ken (GM): Hahh, youre actually in the same place you first met Aachen, a few months back so yeah, the back room, but youre in Timberkeep, in Oakway Joush M.: Man, that's a call back. Nice. P.P. A.: They also seem to trust us still otherwise they wouldn't put two dwarves in a room full of barrels Ken (GM): Im sure bomrek is quite enthralled with the casks of fine wine all over the damn place called fiss; hes not up/answering yet I know Doc has a thing. Ive got notes for rodericks actions (they do not include seppuku) P.P. A.: I wonder where Fiss and Adolf are The latter said yesterday that he wanted to quit his job since it was too erratic and prone to making him sick Joush M.: That isn't a good thing. I hope he lands on his feet Ken (GM): Yeah he said he kept having to deal with hobos n such. Thats a lot of health hazards. Im sure fis sis just asleep hahahah oh god called fiss' house got his wife maaaay have interrupted them Ken (GM): ;) P.P. A.: hahaha Joush M.: Damn, that's cold. but it's what he gets for being late Ken (GM): heh but that leaves us a bomrek totally offline, discord too P.P. A.: The Maid session I had scheduled for this evening fell flat too, one of the three players already told us a few days ago that something came up this Saturday Ken (GM): Ah lamesauce Hows MAID tho? P.P. A.: It's good at what it wants to be It's really simple of course, but it does its job well in the kind of campaigns that it's made for Ken (GM): mm, mostly RPing out the details of more basic rolls P.P. A.: Given how the context is going to be silly anyway, it also does a good job of adding to it and encouraging improvised roleplayig thouhg the randomness its rolls add yeah Ken (GM): which means its ruled by subjectivity seems Kev is alive P.P. A.: nice Anyway, I wouldn't recommend Maid for any prolonged campaign because I assume it'd get old quickly but it's a nice change of pace and a neat challenge because you'll be forced to play characters you'd never design that way yourself and to improvise with what the dice give you during the campaign Ken (GM): MM, yeah, a very "drop i nand kill a night or two" game, but really best intended for those who can handle th etone or just a bunch of weeaboos and fiss is incoming as well Ifyaknowhaddimean P.P. A.: :V Ken (GM): V: its a fiss! P.P. A.: Good things come to those who wait Fiss: ohshit son. Sorry 'bout that. Well..I ain't sorry, but yeah... :P Elf Chick Mode is Active when ready. Joush M.: Hey Fiss. We were just talking about Maid RPG and how nobody can remeber what Suori looks like, so now he's Moe As Fuck Fiss: lol Ken (GM): hahah character sheet says blone haired, blue eyedfair skinned..... Did you make an aryan dwarf? Fiss: Dwarfler P.P. A.: I put that there now because I vaguely remember that's what I said at the start of the campaign but it's more of a total guess Ken (GM): P.P. A.: hah How far back do roll20 logs go? Ken (GM): the entirety of the game until you dump them Which I SHOULD do soon, just to improve performance Joush M.: Naw man. Gotta go MOE-ER Ken (GM): HAH OH GOD YES Thats a glamorous dorf there Joush M.: Maybe he's born with it P.P. A.: those are some pathetic beards though! “Suðri Skornbrekker 's head, visible as he holds his sallet in his hand, bears a very short haircut–but makes up for it with a voluminous beard, a bright reddish-brown in colour.m oh ok, gonna fix that on the character sheet later Ken (GM): trolling the logs...to remember what your character looks like i cant tell if this is "what have we come to" or "FUTURE" P.P. A.: I just went with “dwarf” all the time so I forgot the details Fiss: Dwarf-kun or Dwarf-sama? P.P. A.: arr rook same Fiss: dat's wacist! Joush M.: Rod "I'm going to be honest, it took me about a week to realize there were two dwarves. I thought you were just the same person at different levels of drunkenness" P.P. A.: Hm, would be nice aesthetics if in a Dwarven clan, the men all shaved their heads, and the women wore their hair in the same style as their husbands' beards Ken (GM): Hah, wouldnt put it past rod Fiss: You know...I just realized...the original artwork for my elf is actually a centaur Ken (GM): dafuk Fiss: srsly, she got 4 hooves Ken (GM): hahahah FUCK I see that now too Fiss: Just never was a problem because we only used the bust, lol P.P. A.: I knew elves were half animal, but not physically as well Fiss: How many points would it be to convert her into a centaur? lol I think the 2-arrows-a-round thing would pay for it but I kinda like the arrows So nevermind. :P Ken (GM): P.P. A.: imagine a party where one is a centaur archer and the other is a horse archer the two of them could shoot four arrows a round and remain mobile! Fiss: I misread that as a Centipede Archer and got unnaturally excited/horrified for a second there. P.P. A.: >one bow for every pair of legs Joush M.: Goddamn, exposure to the Dark Kingdom does strange things to elves Fiss: "Am I still pretty?" Ken (GM): soon reaching "kill it with fire" currently at "ick" Fiss: lol P.P. A.: Bomrek or Suðri: “can't tell a difference, honestly” Ken (GM): They might both suggest dinner! Dwarves eat mega-insects back home Fiss: "Oh, hey, did you put your hair up?" - Dwarfs Ken (GM): Right, well, Kev will showup when he can. Im a bit loathe to run so many NPC's BUT I'm a seasoned GM. LETS DO THIS Fiss: SWITCHING TO ELF MODE... Syviis: ELF MODE IS ACTIVATE [] P.P. A.: dorf mode activated! [face explodes with facial hair] Gray is ready P.P. A.: we have transcended the Grid Ken (GM): [Ken (GM) The harrowing journey to Oakway is finally at some kind of end; the heat of summer stifles the small back room at Timberkeep tower, the stench of the gunworks nearby sulfurous as the volcanoes you fled. The dark ride in through the town battered you with the pleading sounds of the refugees outside the gates, and then the revelrous sounds inside the walls. The people of oakway are celebrating the news of the ruin of the Beastmen. They have yet to learn, it seems, of the ruin of their countrymen... Syviis: Have the Elves gotten in contact with me yet? Are there any here in Oakway? Can I send for the Elders? Suðri Skornbrekker: “...do you suppose the higher-ups announced the kingdom's... ‘victory’ to the people so they would take it better when they are later told of the cost at which it came?” Ken (GM): [You met no elve son the escape from the South, and once on the road to Oakway you have been secluded in the carriage. You have heard reports the Eastern edge of their territory burned by a massive firestorm during The Happening] Gray: "They should be organizing work gangs. They will need all the labor they can get to prepare for winter." The brute frowns as he listens to the sounds of the people beyond the cargo wagon they ride, the powerful beast takeing off armor and considering the question. "That would make sense. It will be a blow to learn of the people lost when the weapon fired." Ken (GM): [Any word you wish to send back to the homelands can be carried by messenger, if you wish to send any] Adolf S.: GImmy' a rundown amigos P.P. A.: you barely need to scroll up since we only just started Gray: ((Welcome back. Mostly we decied that Suori is Moe now. )) Ken (GM): Welcome back to the land of the living Gray makes sure Falkirk is confortble when they get to the storeroom, checking on the man. "Hopefully a skilled healer can see to him." Roderick: "The people will need to know what happened. The truth of it. It is my duty to them to at least tell that much" ROd has been grave the entire journey. Darkly brooding on the whole affair Syviis then spends most of the downtime caring for the comatose wizard and recovering her strength from the flight through manaless lands. Ken (GM): [Falkirk has been asleep, but showing signs of better health throughout the journey. The militamen assigned to your carriage assured you he could be taken to a healer once you had met with the Lord Marshall here] Syviis: "We don't know the full story yet. I'd like to wait until I can conference with the Elder elves and..." "Maybe 'answers' is too strong a word...but I'd like to know some reasons of what happened." "Hopefully the Lord Marshall will be able to fill in some of the happenings since we've been gone, and learn of the larger scale." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I wonder if the corpses we saw were those of the army that had gathered at Gorgoth. ...and if not, if the devastation reached that city or not.” Gray: "It's not our choice how much, and how, to tell these people. We are militamen.. well.. I, Suori and Bomrick took that coin. The rest of you may say as you like. We however will make our reports and the commanders will chose to how to tell the people. I have to hope they are wiser then I am." P.P. A.: didn't Bomrek stay mercenary? I forgot Syviis: "True, true. The diplomacy off the battlefield is better left to the diplomats, I suppose." Adolf S.: >women wore hair in style of husbands beards ayy that's my idea, I'm suing you for copywrite. Roderick: "I am a noble..." and he trails off, recalling his very recent past "I was a noble man and I am still an honorable one. The people will know, one way or the other, eventualy" Syviis blushes, thinking that's a rather sweet tradition...elves usually plant trees for each other. It's a slow courtship. Ken (GM): >"Ill grow that bitch an elm. Bitches love them some elms" P.P. A.: [phallic connotations] Syviis: "Sir Roderick, from what lands do you hail from? I'm afraid I know very little of human royalty." Suðri Skornbrekker sits back and listens, his thoughts occaisonally drifitng away from the conversation. Roderick: "Oh! The North, miss, the Duchy of bandobras. My family ...had....a home there among the noble houses. Fine land. Merchants and traders." Gray has taken off his heavy armor, setting it out on the top of a barrel and brushing it, oiling it lightly as the towering beast stands there in a thin shirt, patched several times, and a pair of dark trousers. It's odd after so long to see the hard, powerful brute outside the armor and unburdend by weapons, hands working at the task of removeing any rust or wear from the mail. He glances to Syviis, watching her blush a moment before his attention returns to his work. Ken (GM): [we need to get gray a wench] P.P. A.: [I think that blush was in response to Adolf's OOC comment?] Syviis: [4th wall breaking blush] [anyway...] Bomrek: (I was wondering what that was in response to :OO) Suðri Skornbrekker sees Gray taking care of his armour, and decides to do the same. The uncertainty of their journey and the dangers they encountered on the way still lingers on the dwarf's mind, and he'd feel uncomfortable going unarmoured for a lenght of time now; but they seem to be safe here, and it's about time to get the dirty plate in order. Ken (GM): [dont forge tthe Derugar groinplate you lifted; big brass face of a grimacing fearsome under-dorf] P.P. A.: have we had a bath yet since we arrived? [how could I] Gray sets the depleted heart of the salamander on the barrel, the rust red stone streaked with lines once vividly glowing now mostly inert, drained of magic to feed Memory ad Syviis on the return from the ruined land. Ken (GM): [looks just like Zardoz] Ooh, good souvenir gray P.P. A.: [I didn't know if it was light, medium, or heavy plate, so I put it down as “angry plate”] Bomrek is a little less armed than normal, and certainly less armored. He's got a gleaming silver pick hanging from his belt, a gleaming mail shirt with a sheen of oil covering it, and aside from that just his leather boots and underclothes on - all of dwarf make, and less worse-for-wear than most of your clothes and gear by this point, surely. You all know he's got one of his large horse pistols tucked away under his shirt in his belt, just in case the peasantry feels like getting uppity. He stares, forlorn and dejected, at the casks of wine supposedly nearby, and seems to be spending more of his attention there than with anything else. (To Bomrek): The barrels are branded wooden banded with iron. They bear the name "Vineson est.487.YK", approximately 30 years ago Ken (GM): [ah, alcoholism] Bomrek sighs, and looks to Suthri, and speaks in quick Dwarven. "Do you recall the terms of our hiring?" his facial expression looks.. fallen, though not quite in the abject terror of the situation, or from the loss of life. "I need to know if I'm still bound so strongly to this cause." he stares toward one of the casks again. "I have an.. ailment, I need to treat." (From Bomrek): Speaking of, I don't think Bomrek ever became a knight or whatever, did he? P. sure he stayed a merc? What'll that mean for his standing and, uh, duties right now? Deloth-Ainur has been quiet the entire trip. Mostly exhausted looking, but she may be in a bit of shock as well since her Lord died. She assures you all she is fine. She eats when offered food, goes along where you have. But she seems lost in thought most always (To Gray): You have noticed; she no longer carrie sthe stink of death. Her reek has dissipated, alongside the wastes. Shes more or less an elf you can tell. Sweat, perspiration, bad breath. Suðri Skornbrekker replies, again in Dwarven: “I could see that, sending us back to that hell so they are rid of us, and since we are the only ones who know it and survived it.” He doesn't show much emotiong saying this. Deloth-Ainur: "Thats a kindness Gray, but I will remain. You folks are probably the only people i know who arent..." and she trails off, a sad look on her face Bomrek: "What the beast ," Bomrek says, turning toward her and slapping his hand very lightly on the table, "Is that if ye' ain't useful, hit the road and starve with the other elves. Go build yourself a nest out of twigs or whatever it is you do, eh?" Syviis: In Elvish, Syviis says: [Suðri Skornbrekker looks a bit puzzled: “The only people who aren't...?” Gray: "As you wish." He replies to the woman, frowning a touch to Bomrek, then explaining to Suori. "The Weapon killed everyone she knew" P.P. A.: not pulling verban punches Deloth-Ainur: "My entire order were....dedicated to the Lords. They empowered us with their magic, and we did works in their name. I cant imagine any of them surviving the Ansible's effects" Suðri Skornbrekker looks embarrassed, and returns his eyes to the floor, or maybe the armour in his hands. “...right, sorry.” P.P. A.: (in response to grey) Suðri Skornbrekker is not really particularly for killing all those lords, but more on for killing everyone the dark elf knew on a more abstract level. P.P. A.: *not particularly sorry Ken (GM): lol Its not hate, just...complete distrust of your ideology P.P. A.: aka “sorry for killing [everyone you knew], but not sorry for killing those actual people you kinow since they all deserved to die tbh” Bomrek: (Just like the beastmen) (Gray's one of the good ones but all the others can die k?) Gray nods to the woman, setting out his arming coat. The long sleeved felted wool examined and repaired. He's glad he has no reason to wear it in the summer heat here. Syviis: "The Ansible...I've never seen such a thing built on enslaving and consuming so much power...I can't fathom the reasoning behind it, but I suppose that might be why they sent me...and not an elf more interested in it." Suðri Skornbrekker: “What was it that you folks did all day? There were not a lot of settlements around, or much of anything.” P.P. A.: rubbing their hands and scheming 24/7 Deloth-Ainur: "I was a scout, or 'troubleshooter' of sorts" she wiggles her hand for emphasis "What I did was messy stuff, but it was always for the cause. Often it was as simple as goign out and coming home with a scroll, or an amulet, or a long buried tablet. Making sure the relics of the past were well kept and not forgotten. Kept in Sanctuary" "Otherwise, I didnt let anyone stand in my way" Her eyes harden, and she stiffens a bit a tthat Gray nods, then ask out of curiosity. "You said we'd used the device incorrectly. What was the ansible intended to do if it functioned properly?" Deloth-Ainur: She sighs loudly, her face perplexed at the question "Well, for starters, your AIM was waaaaay off. WAs Gray pointing the dials or did you have Bomrek on the controls up there?" Bomrek chuckles quietly under his breath at the mention of items kept in sanctuary. Beastmen tablets and mud-carvings now certainly destroyed. Gray: "Does it matter now? I made the choice to fire it without understanding what would happen because it was the only path that seemed to offer a chance to survive. The lords of the night backed us into a corner." He stiches a weak seam. Suðri Skornbrekker: “The Ansible was the only one of its sort, or was it?” Deloth-Ainur: "An amazing device never before conceived or surpassed with wonder or magesty" "And Gray, I'm not saying you shouldnt have fired it. I'm saying you just...had terrible technique" "What were you doing with it anyway? You opened the gateway and then engaged NONE of the safeguards, wards or lenses!" Bomrek: (annnnd brb, fuck) Gray: "Judge us by the results." He says grimly, dragging a needle and thread though the fabric. The dark haired man's lips twisted in a frown. "So it was only ever a weapon?" Suðri Skornbrekker takes a break from tinkering with his armour with a disturbed expression on his face, and mumbles curses in Dwarven with the occasional “There were safeguards, wards...” in between. Deloth-Ainur: She grimaces and sighs "Well, yes, and no. It was a and could easily be weilded to great effect as a weapon, yes...but its all a moot point now I guess. Just more ruins for the black lands of Gorgoth" "Syviis did you see the weapon's power bllom? Did you see our people's work light up the skies. Was it at least Gray consiers the question and shakes his head, though the question wasn't to him. He saw little glory in the weapon fired. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Next time include a damn instruction manual!” he barks at Deloth-Ainur, and shakes his head before returning to his armoury work. Deloth-Ainur: she scoffs, and waves a hand dismissively back "You dwarves. All you contributed was stone and metal. Gold and silver. Your runes were powerful work, yes, but your people were the first to succumb to the lesser Lords. Madness rotted them all from the inside out. I doubt you have enough mana in your whole body to resist a simple charm from Syviis here." Suðri Skornbrekker: “And look, our kind still thrives unlike yours, and our metal never betrayed us by accidently wiping us all out.” He takes his musket and demonstratively hits the floor with its butt. Bomrek: "Who needs mana when I've got powder and lead, Syviis raises an eyebrow but shakes her head. "And I wouldn't be able to resist a shot from his fine canon. As you've said...tools demand intent to be lethal or protective." Bomrek: "Your magic brings nothing but ruination. It's a blight, just as-" he stops abruptly, and seems to just decide to hold his tongue, but glares at Deloth-Ainur. Syviis sighs and stretches, laying down next to the cot Bomrek: "Hopefully they decide to give us ample back-pay and access to some good healers. I know I could certainly use some help." Syviis: "Regardless...we shouldn't be at anyone's throats at the moment. We've all been through hell. I'd prefer to revel in something else for a moment." "And yes...some healing...might help." Gray nods to Bomrek. "I hope you are better soon." He offers, then looks around to find water and a bucket, useing it to wash his face and hands after the work, splashing handfuls of cool water on his face in that warm basement. Deloth-Ainur: [there is a bucket of tepid water, but it seems clean enough] Ken (GM): * "Whats wrong with you , did you catch a cold under the mountain?" Bomrek: (PPA, translate that for me, eh?) (To Bomrek): bottom dweller Bomrek: "I caught cold in your frigid, lifeless expanse of folly and evil." he motions with his gloved hand for emphesis. "Which may I remind you is now nothing but glass valleys and the occasional wall with the scorched outline of a cowering beastman, at this point." P.P. A.: (sorry, was distracted) ground-dweller though Boden is more like “floor” Ken (GM): [her dwarven is rusty, it seems[ Joush M.: Floor dweller sounds like a kind of mouse. I like it Suðri Skornbrekker: “It wasn't much more than that when we arrived.” Gray finishes cleaning up and grabs a clean rag to dry his face, wishing for a moment for time for a proper bath and to wash all of his equipment thoughly. The brute's pack is wrapped with rope and neatly squared away, but worse for wear after the expidition. P.P. A.: well, Boden is both ground and floor, depending on the context, but in this combination it's rather awkward Deloth-Ainur 's tone shifts, her posture changes to more interest than hostility. She sounds gravely serious Deloth-Ainur: "Bomrek. Were you...touched by The Darkness?" "Do you carry it within you" Her eyes look hungry Bomrek cocks his brow in confusion. "I've been struck by a few beastmen over my travels, aye" Deloth-Ainur: "No Bomrek. Not the claw or blade or bow....Do you feel the power, within you. The icy dark. The infinite cold. Do you feel IT in there, with you?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'm sure if he did, he'd have asked us to ‘freeee hiiiim’ already,” Suthri scoffs bitterly. Bomrek: "Ney, what I feel is mostly gas and back ache, you filthy walking corpse" Bomrek draws his pistol and aims it her, a little under the center of her ribcage. Ken (GM): ruh roh Bomrek: "You come no closer, [Dwarven derogatory term for elf]" Suðri Skornbrekker: “That reminds me... What was up with that trapped monster under the fort?” Suðri asks the elf. “It was chained there and seemed similar to the one in the Ansible.” Deloth-Ainur stares down the gun, but relents, putting her hands up and out in a placating gesture Bomrek: (I'm drinking home made ginger tea. AKA slices of ginger boiled for a while. P. soothing.) Deloth-Ainur: "Suðri Skornbrekker isn't worried by the fact that such a tedious journey would take its toll, but trusts Bomrek to be hardy enough to weather it with ease. Ken (GM): [dwarven composure == victorian britain stif fupper lip?] Syviis: pippipcherio Suðri Skornbrekker: “That he was, aye. ...by ‘magical realm’ do you mean this other-plane stuff?” Deloth-Ainur: "Yes! exactly. He was a powerful entity from the realm of spirits. The magic realm. Same as Raven actually." Gray frowns a touch, watching the confrontation and considering a moment, looking between them, the lupine brute tilting his head to the side. Deloth-Ainur: "Oh! but shes much more subdued than he, of courdse. Much smaller....group of friends on the other side?" she says with a half smile "He was a king. SHes and 'advisor' " she punctuates with hand quotes Suðri Skornbrekker: “So your people just walked into all kinds of other realms to kidnap random creatures to use as fuel for your nonsense?” The dwarf, chuckles a little, admittedly impressed by the outrageousness of it. “Should have just built windmills and waterwheels like honest folk.” Bomrek gazes off at the casks again, in thought, and sets his pistol down upon the table. P.P. A.: [does that mean we should have FREEED THEEEM because they were at the very least neutral and just trapped there by the bad guys?] Deloth-Ainur: "Suðri, what do you mean. It s the same principle: Harnessing energy" she scoffs Bomrek: (na, fuck'm.) Syviis: "If only people of all races would remember there is energy to spare without all this foolishness... but I suppose some ways look faster and better when one is ambitious." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Windmills and waterwheels are not going to destroy your kingdom twice, though,” he replies smugly; “Unless you let elves build your dams or something.” Deloth-Ainur smirks as well P.P. A.: In a lower-fantasy alternate GrimWyrd, our party just came back from The Elven Sea Syviis: "We'd just let beavers build them. Of course, if you keep being so negative towards my kin, they may tell the beavers to build their dams to flood your ale-stores." Syviis tries to look serious, but lets a smile crack after a moment. Deloth-Ainur: "Touche. But please dont lump me in with the fools on the council. They havent built anything of value since the Ansible. The may as well be armed with sticks and rocks...." Bomrek: "Hah. Leave the architecture to us, 'Lass." Syviis: "Gladly," Gray: "Maybe the creation of the ansible humbled them. Maybe that isn't a bad thing." The lupine brute looks to the door that leads up the stairs, relaxing a touch as the tenison drains from the room. P.P. A.: “Cutting spirits is a capital punishment for us, those beaves would have hell to pay,” he responds, letting out a small laugh. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Cutting spirits is a capital punishment for us, those beaves would have hell to pay,” he responds, letting out a small laugh. Syviis: "I hope the Marshall comes soon...I feel a proper sit down and meal would do all of us good. We've been on the road for too long." Syviis hates that she instinctively spots her arrows and bow in the corner before remembering they are in a 'safe' place Syviis: In elvish: Lord Marshall Geofferson onlatches and opens the door to the stuffy room; he is clad in his silver grey uniform, and his red sash gleams in the lamplight. He enters the room, looks you all over, then wipes his sweating brow with a silken handkerchief Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Ah good, youre all alive. Splendid." he says with some kind of dry attempt at wit Suðri Skornbrekker stands up and salutes. (To Gray): To put it bluntly, the marshall reeks of sex. and wine. and other things. They tingle your nose Suðri Skornbrekker: “She is a stray survivor we picked up on our journey here, sir.” Syviis: [pomp and saluting intensifies] Bomrek: (what happened to male-elf again? Did he died?) P.P. A.: what became of Aachen anyway Suðri Skornbrekker becomes a bit pale, as he realises the Lord Marshall probably doesn't know of what went down. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Sir, Aachen... likely perished with the rest of the allied army.” Gray shakes his head as if to clear it the scents from it and speaks in a growl. "The Warden was injured, but in good health. We parted company after taking the Keep, with plans to proceeded into Gorath and find the ansibil of sprites. He is either patroling the southlands and assisting the Ro-harian, or as Skornbrekker says, dead." Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Perished?" "Then which one of you enlisted men is in command here?" Gray: "We never worked that out properly. Roderick is Nobility. I gave commands and suggestions that were followed, and bare the responsibility for the results" Lord Marshall Geofferson: "" he sas, incredulously "What the devil has been going on down South? Why is the chain of command so undeniably broken here?" P.P. A.: what was the fort called again Lord Marshall Geofferson struts into the room, stamping his feet a bit in the dust, turning on a sharp heel to regard you all Ken (GM): [glardenfen] P.P. A.: ah, right er sure? I mean the one we liberated Lord Marshall Geofferson: [glardenfen] P.P. A.: o ok P.P. A. misremmebred then Suðri Skornbrekker: “We were sent on an expedition into Gorath to retrieve the Ansible of Spirits by the command at Glardenfen.” Gray: "Falkirk was in command. He fell to Dark Magic in the quest to recover the ansible. We never truly discussed matters of command after that, simply proceeding as best we could." Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Hells bells, you dont say. The ? Truly?" He waves the hankie at himself in the room "Marvelous. and what of that? Do you have it? Can you show it to me?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “We were deep in enemy lands at that point,” Suðri adds to Gray's explanation Syviis looks at the Marshall in detached wonderment at how little he knows...and how little they all knew just a few short weeks ago. Suðri Skornbrekker: “We discovered the Ansible; it was in fact a fortress of great size, levitating in the air through twisted magic.” Lord Marshall Geofferson runs a gloved finger along the demon-brass pick you recovered on your trip; one of Grays trophies Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Levitating? Flying you say? A whole fortress. Mad, I absolutely love!" He giggles "DO go on, please" A broad smile on his face now Gray: "We recovered it only briefly before we were set on by the Lords of the Night. In the battle, I told Roderick to unleash the Weapon. Doing so seems to have destroyed the artifact, Gorath's magic, and everyone alive in the nation." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We managed to board it, and attempted to steer it back to Greyhold, as one would a ship. On our way back, we were set upon by dragons under enemy command.” The Dwarf pauses to rummage through their baggage, to produce the bits of dragon they had torn from the corpse.” “With no other options to defend ourselves, we activated the ansible. It killed everything in its surropundings, including the entire enemy and allied armies.” Roderick stands up suddenly, sweating, uncomposed, and nearly bursting with some kind of angry face "It was me sir! I did it! I killed them ALL! ALL OF THEM SIR!" Gray: "Save us, whom were insulated from the effects by being inside the fortress. Without Rodrick's skill and instincts none would have survived the crash" The towering brute watches the odd, plump man that smells of sex and drink and smoke and rich food touch the weapons and equipment taken from that dark land, letting the man examine the sword. He looks symptheticly to Suori, then to Roderick. "I gave the order. If you want to crucify someone for this I'm your man. You will need large nails." Suðri Skornbrekker looks extremely distraught, but reacts quickly to Roderick: “SHUT UP! We were in this together! I agreed to fire that devil's weapon!” Roderick: "but it was ME Suðri ! I held the controls! My magic in the swirling eddy of power! MY CHOICE!" Bomrek leans back in his chair, raising a gloved hand "I was drunk during most of this, I'd say I'm a bit less in than everyone else" very lightly, with a bit of stoic humor. Suðri Skornbrekker: “You wouldn't even have BEEN on that thing if we hadn't taken you along with us!” Gray reaches out to rest a hand on Roderick's shoulder. Attempting to sooth the man's anger as the fae blade sits there bright and sinister in the dim light. "You two acted with courage and skill in an extremly trying siutation. You made the best choice you could at the time, with what you knew." P.P. A.: fucking Bomrek :D Syviis pulls out the pen and paper book she hasn't had need of use for many weeks and begins writing P.P. A.: (it is also true, though) Bomrek: ("I'm a hero, and everything we did was right - a Bomrek autobiography P.P. A.: (kek) (To Fiss): Oh shit, paper in an elven hand. Gray: "It is." He hasn't mentioned the ex-vampire. He hasn't explained who she is or why she is there. "Falkirk requires attention from a professional healer. Everyone could use an examination, and plenty of rest" (To Gray): You know that smell. That is most certainly the red dust in his vial Syviis finishes writing, then walks over to the Marshal and hands it to him. (To Fiss): You feel an incredibly strong urge to take that man up on his offer to sniff red dust. You feel it in your _magic_ Suðri Skornbrekker 's eyebrows rise as he recognises the red dust. “...an Elven diplomat, sir. Are you absolutely sure?” Bomrek: (It's rude to deny such a generous offer, Gray_ Syviis bows and smiles, holding her hands open to the offer Suðri Skornbrekker: “Not to quesiton your judgement, sir, but we have seen dust like that deep in enemy lands, being mined there and used variously as a weapon or a drug.” Lord Marshall Geofferson hands the vial to Syviis, a little flourish of a bow Gray: "Ive seen it before. Smelled it before. In a Dugar mine. It's a powerful stimulant that can have dramatic effects on elves. It also explodes" The brute says with a thoughtful frown, letting Syviis take the bottle.. and do a bump, if that's her thing. Damn elves and their magic cocane. Suðri Skornbrekker sigh and takes a deep breath, wiping some sweat off his brow. Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Pish posh, master Syviis takes the vial, walks over to her bow, and promptly tosses the vial into the air. In a blink, an arrow and a shock of lightning goes through it. Syviis: Suðri Skornbrekker reflexively covers his mouth and nose with his hands Gray: "It bares a disturbing similarity to the blood-root of Gorath.." He shields his face as the arrow flashes out. If it strikes the bottle he expects a modestly sized explosion. Syviis: *note: throws it to the back of the room P.P. A.: aren't there powderkegs anyway *everywhere Syviis: Bah... :P P.P. A.: I demand a retcon if this is a TPK now Joush M.: Throws it under Falkirk's cot and ragdolls him across the room Ken (GM) The wine casks rumble all around you as Syviis detonates a vial of the explosive red dust. The thunderclap in the small space is deafening P.P. A.: oh just wine, good Bomrek calmly takes out his flask and sips a little from it, not phazed in the least by the noise. Syviis: Wine is like...dwarven decaf coffee. No big loss. :P Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Madame, what are you MY GOD WOMAN MY WINE!" Gray shakes off the stunning concussion in the closed space, animalstic eyes tightend to tiny slits by the glare then opening again. "You were inhaleing that." He observes to the man. Lord Marshall Geofferson: "tHERE HAD BETTER NOT BE A BROKEN CASK ANYWHERE IN HERE" HE ROARS, his voice trembling with somehting like desperation Suðri Skornbrekker: “As you can see, sir, they used this powder as a substitude for blackpowder. Whoever gave it to you had vile intentions.” Syviis: "If you are immediately, or I will declare ANY and all treaties protecting you from my next arrow in annulment! Lord Marshall Geofferson: "GOOD GOD WHAT A WASTE" He straightens his coat, his ruffled bits, staling into the black sooty mess "I am perfectly aware how volatile it IS ! THATS HALF THE FUN!" Syviis: Suðri Skornbrekker looks shocked by the Lord Marshall's statement, but he is too exhausted from trying to remain formal and deliver his report without breaking into tears to get angry or to ponder what this could mean. Bomrek: (I figured slice of the roast fits better than slice of the pie, for dorfs. Lord Marshall Geofferson stiffens, reeling back a tthe order Gray: "I think this meeting has gone on long enough." He reaches out to rest a hand on Syviis's arm reassureingly. "We need lodgeings and healers. Could you arrange that, Lord Marshall? We will be avalable to answer any more questions you have or if you make some kind punishment for me." Syviis looks to Gray and shakes her head. Gray: "I'd also like to meet whoever gave you that bottle. I think they may conspire with strange powers" Syviis turns to Gray, smiling grimly. Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Yes. I do believe the Syviis watches the Marshal walk with dangerous precision. Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Ugh, such deplorable " he waves his hankie at Syviis, heels clicking as he strides Gray: "No matter what punishment you chose for me these people have earned their pay a dozen times over. Please see to it that they get it." He speaks to the Lord Marshall, bowing his head almost respectfully then walking to the door to open it for the soft man. P.P. A.: in before Ken has watched Babylon 5 and now we're replaying that story where the Drakh infiltrate and take over the Centauri Republic Adolf S.: The answer is we need to kill all elves. Syviis glares back at the Marshall Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Oh, he was about all of you" and he turns to leave "NO fun at ALL" Joush M.: That was also Bomrick's answer to "what should we have to breakfast" and "do you know where my comb is?" Raven slips from grays shadow, sifting through the rafters, up out of sight above. She moves like water through a stream, up into the building Bomrek: (gotta go install a spark plug in a fucking lawn mower. I'll be back in... 10 - 15, my guess.) Joush M.: Spark that bitch up Ken (GM): CLOMP CLOMP away his bootsteps go Suðri Skornbrekker turns to the dark elf: “Are some of your folk still alive and trying to take over this country from within now?!” Roderick: "I fear the men in power are just the same ones I left; frivilous, backstabbing, pompous horses assholes who arent fit to LEAD A MARCHING BAND" He slams the sword home on his belt P.P. A.: (despite the ?!, he asks this semi-calmly, though nervously) Syviis walks over to the wash basin, cleaning up fast, then finds her armour and begins to ready it Deloth-Ainur: "Hey, dont look at me. You guys all my firends" Syviis: "I no not of this 'diplomat' but I suspect the worst. I suggest we leave before morning and seek our answers without a noose around our necks." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I... sorry, could well be that this is just some kind of twisted intrigue in the upper ranks. ...but how did he get that powder, or rather who gave it to him?” Gray then pauses and shakes his head. "That's foolish.. Easy to forget most men don't treat me like you all have. It would be better if Roderick was to ask." Syviis: "No...you're right...we should heal while we can..." Suðri Skornbrekker looks blankly at Grey and nods. Despite the weariness he feels weighitn upon his mind and body, he doesn#t want to take off his armour again yet, and keeps it on while he sets up a tend and lays out blankets and bedrolls. (From Syviis): Yep, I got that. Ken (GM): [hey, no metagaming Gray :P] P.P. A.: not our fault if he's the only one who isn't at the brink of a nervous collapse, or a really rude and drunken dwarf (From Syviis): it's more remembering the mental damage. :P Joush M.: Gray knows damn well humans don't, generally speaking, like him Ken (GM): hence the :P Ken (GM) Syviis' armor still has the gash in the belly that was repaired, from her altercation with the demon at the bride. It is scuffed and singed here and there Syviis: "I will keep watch tonight." Ken (GM): *bridge P.P. A.: by the way, if the Elven emissary or High Lord Jadeite look like this: we're in for one hell of a ride Bomrek: "Sounds to me like the Elves are making a play at the lands of men. Perhaps they wish to go to war, and to grab some of the fertile southern lands of this country?" he says the last few words toward Syviis. (I already imagine him to look like Jerry Seinfield, PPA P.P. A.: (suspicious that ken hasn't answered if he's watched Babylon 5 or not) ;) Ken (GM): ["WHats the deal with half-elves? They arent human, and they arent elves; do they just go around, being immortal, eating all our mana?"] Syviis: "While I don't believe my people would do such a thing, I can't ignore that there are powers and wills at work here that are alien to us all." Syviis smooths her hand over the damage to her leather and smiles. Gray: "If I've learned anything it's that elves are far from united in their plans or allgiances." He looks to Syviis and the ex-vampire, thinking of the commander they'd had on the trip to the keep. Syviis: "If I must fight the demons while they take the form of my own...it matters not. Evil is evil, regardless of the masks it wears." Ken (GM): [My GOD, are you people...being less than racist?] P.P. A.: well, it just means that some elves are even worse than the average elf, no? and that there's maybe two or three decent ones among them, including Syviis Joush M.: We can say for sure that they have fragile limbs and should avoid melee combat. Poor Aachen Syviis: "True...A thousand trees hold a thousand communities...even if they are of a single forest. Unless a great good or vile force is unifying my people, they would not have the numbers to attack the human-held lands. But that doesn't mean subterfuge isn't taking hold." Ken (GM): hahah, how many times did the dice gods favor that sword arm of his? Three? Four? Suðri Skornbrekker hopes it's just the elves being cunts, and not that they will have to mop up stragglers from the wastelands. Bomrek: (It's the elves, kill'm all! hang'm by their ears from the lamposts!) Syviis: "Let's hope it's just that. I will not fail even if I must fight all of my kin...but my soul would rest easier if I don't have to. Gray settles in the basement, setting up for camp in there as they have other places and asking Roderick to go see about getting them fresh food, healers and maybe some more cots if they are going to be down in the basement long. (From Bomrek): Speaking of, just how much loot do I have, anyway? A good box full o' gold, as I recall, yeah? What else? (To Bomrek): You tossed a bag of the red dust to save your asses from the tainted earth elemental, but you have some vials of it leftm from a derugar corpse. As well as various little golden brassy trinkets from their camps Syviis turns and looks at the powder-stains on the wall. "At least we know it's the same vile dust..." Ken (GM): [the other doors of the room are barred from your side, and locked in the handles. Theres two leaving upstairs to the courtyard (you recall) and two that go back into the fort walls. As well as the stairs up into the next floor. The stairs down in the middle go into a cold rootcellar, which is not too cool right now] (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Youre surrounded by heavy casks of wine, of all vintages Syviis: "What say you to all this? Did your peers have designs on advancing to these lands in such a way? Who else uses that damnable powder? Suðri Skornbrekker: “Syviis, have you been sending any reports while we were down there? Through, uh, magic elven mail or something.” Bomrek: (Elv-Mail. E-Mail.) Gray walks over to a scorched barrel and considers a long moment, then lifts the barrel. Massive muscles flexing and carrying it over, he taps the good Lord Marshall's wine. "Looks like this one was damaged in the explosion" Syviis: : "Nay...I send messages before we entered the camp to the Elders who tasked me here...and to my family. But no reports. I prefer to do that in person...and I think now it is imperitive that I do." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Most regrettable,” Suðri responds with a mischievous grin. Suðri Skornbrekker goes to quench his thirst Syviis: Suðri Skornbrekker looks very disappointed and glares at Syviis with eyes asking ‘why are you doing this to me?’ Syviis: ?" Syviis: "There is another cask over in the opposite room I saw earlier anyway." Gray pours wine for the others, setting glasses on the barrel and looking over to the pile, nodding to the dwarf. "Quite a fine collection." Ken (GM): [there are wooden cups, or Bomrek seems ot have fine golden goblets] Syviis: [walks over and concentrates, feeling if the wine is indeed tainted with the powder] Gray considers that. "Diden't the powder explode? The wine smells normal.. I think" P.P. A.: (in response to the “there's another cask”) (To Syviis): completely untainted. Very tasty Syviis relaxes a bit. "Seems at least the wine is still pure here." Ken (GM): [the paranoia I have fostered runs deep] Syviis turns to our ex-vam-elf. Syviis: "Would you like a cup?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “What comrade would I be to let our dear elf take this risk all by herself,” Suðri says as he grabs a goblet himself and empties it. Syviis turns to Suori with a moment of weakness and emotion, looking like she wants to hug him...and resists only because it would likely piss him off. Syviis: "I'm honoured to drink with such fine Dwarves." Syviis helps distribute a round, offering a tankard to the disposed vamp-elf. Syviis: "Who else uses the powder?" "Besides the deep dwarves we met and fought?" Deloth-Ainur: absentmindedly takes the cup, and answers "It's Syviis. Anybody with any sort of magical talent would want it" Syviis: "Why would the humans be using it as...well...recreational herbals? Healing and war magics are one thing, but is the effect that powerful for non-mages?" Deloth-Ainur: "The Hells are you talking about girl. Didnt you taste the magic on him? It was " she sips "Dark like a pool of cold water" Syviis sits next to her, contemplating her cup Gray: "Dark magic on the Marshall? What kind?" Syviis: "I thought it was only the powder I felt..." (From Syviis): any chance she can think back and remember the feeling? Bomrek: (Had to do emergency lawnmower surgery) Fiss: [http://i.imgur.com/Q4eTeb4.gif] (To Syviis): Nah you were definitely feeling the dust. Deloth may be talking about using her wizard senses more remotely than you. Shes probably a sensitive of some sort Bomrek: >the lord marshal may become greedy if he sees that. "Aye, well, my guess is he'll be gone a while in search of more red powder, I'll have it all sorted by then." Ken (GM): [also, deloth has been staring at you, openly, while youre doin with your treaasures] Bomrek: (Nasty. Bomrek's more concerned with the treasure for now, he's not had a chance to count it.) P.P. A.: Bomrek partakes in some of the offered wine absent mindedly. He makes no comment what so ever about it's vintage, taste, or enjoyment, and instead just counts his coin as if he were drinking simple well water. Syviis: "You seem fixated on Bomrek," Suðri Skornbrekker walks over. “What did you mean, he could be touched by the darkness?” Gray: "We might know more when Memory returns." Deloth-Ainur continues to stare at the items on the table Deloth-Ainur: "The marshall has power there. Hes in the wellspring of the I believe, but my skills are not what they were when I was enthralled." "Bomrek, please do be careful with that scepter. Its precious" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Don't tell me ‘IT’ scattered to the four wings and nestled ITself in random people,” he adds as he empties the rest of his goblet. Gray: "You don't seem the greedy type. Is there something on the table that holds special attraction to you?.. Humm.. Altur?" Bomrek: I'd like to roll something - or just be given it, your choice - to determine the approximate value of the total of my loot. How many units of time could Bomrek live in the lap of luxury back home with this money, for instance. P.P. A.: *nested Bomrek: "Precious? Bah." he sets it gently, though not quite as gently as the others, down in one pile of similar trinkets. Joush M.: He could live in confort for ten years, or one crazy weekend mad crunked on red dust cocaine and elf hookers Ken (GM): [hah, well, its a fuckload of gold, and very pure stuff too. Youre looking at about 10 to 15 thousand GURPS dollars worth of loot] Bomrek: Is there any of it that I'd rather sell, barter, or otherwise depart with here in the human lands rather than back home in the mountainholm? Ken (GM): [depends on your compunctions about humans or dwarves becoming richer] Deloth-Ainur winces a bit when the scepter goes CLUNK Bomrek: (I think we all know what Bomrek might think about that matter.) Syviis: "Maybe you should explain about the scepter." Bomrek takes the least valuable of all the gold coins, eyes it for a moment, then slowly tests it between his front teeth with a shallow bite. Satisfied, he pops it in his mouth, and you see it under his cheek and thick beard, being worked between both sides of his mouth idly as he counts and scribbles down figures in dwarvish. Deloth-Ainur: "It's....there were regalia worn by the high priests in the past age, when they revered the great spirits and masters of the dark realms. Bomrek seems to have found their holiest of pieces, including a priests blessed garb of smiting. It's all a bit intellectual now, as the refuge is likely ashes and rubble" P.P. A.: Bomrek confirmed for hamster (To Bomrek): its cold in your mouth, but the taste is gone. lucky, as cleaning it will be easier P.P. A.: no, but they have massive cheek pouches which they stuff food into (From Bomrek): He's actually doing it as sort of a concentration tool, and because it's a thing certain rich dwarves are like to do. He doesn't mind a few scratches or bite marks in his coins, when he has so many, is the general idea of the practice. Syviis: "Perhaps this is not the time...but I do wish we can have time to sit down and talk about these relics and all the tales you must know." [] Deloth-Ainur: "Syviis smiles kindly at that and nods, sipping her wine lightly, mindful she promised to keep watch tonight Deloth-Ainur: "Arent you afraid I'll take you down the thorny path ? My stories all involve blood fire and death of lesser beings" Syviis: "Are you worried that I may listen willingly and still be so different?" . "I have no doubt in the power of your words and your stories...and indeed, their value...but as we've both discovered, our ideas of power stem from very different ideas." Suðri Skornbrekker: “She is returning to form and good spirits; I want to be happy for her, but I struggle to,” Suðri comments with a bemused smirk. Syviis: [] Gray: "Give it time, Suori. You will be alright." He assures the young dwarf. Ken (GM): [holy balls lookit the time] Joush M.: Good session everyone. Thanks Ken Bomrek: (how much money did we start with, way back when, anyway?) P.P. A.: aye Bomrek: (trying to put it into perspective how much 10 - 15k of gurps mone is.) Fiss: Yeah, lots of good RP and setting up the next bit. Feels good to be not-in-the-wasteland for a bit, anyway P.P. A.: character development, an intriguing plot hook, and dwarven–elven banter good times Ken (GM): you guys started with ~2k gurp$ Bomrek: It feels good to be able to shit in a hole that you didn't have to dig yourself. That's how I felt when I came back from a 5 day mountain camping trip to Nevada. Ken (GM): oh god bomrek is gonna shit in the fucking wine Fiss: lol Bomrek: ("IF I CAN'T ENJOY IT, NOBODY CAN") Fiss: "JUST LIKE BACK HOME!" Joush M.: Bad dwarf. That's a very bad dwarf Fiss: Nah, they shit in Elf Wine. :P Ken (GM): rub his nose in it so he learns! Bomrek: 2k gurps dollars? So I have 5 - 7.5 times more cash than we started with, here on this table. Neat. Adolf S.: Maybe Bomrek'll start a museum "Here's some Elf Shit, I got it when we killed a bunch of beastmen and elves" Ken (GM): "The shit I stolle from Gorgoth, before burning it to the ground: a story by Bomrek" so! 4 xp for the lot of you Joush M.: Woo! Fiss: "We stole it...then burned the entire civilization down to make sure it was worth more when we escaped with it!" Ken (GM): and next week, ?" Adolf S.: Nothing that shooting won't fix Joush M.: Magic burd spies activate P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): in berdperson we call that a "totally dick move" Fiss: BURDSPY Wubalubadubdub Dicks out till Rick's out Ken (GM): gonna need you to shove these Thaum crystals WAAAAAAAYup into your butthole URPSyviis Joush M.: MAGIC™ P.P. A.: Let's hope we're not the last, best hope for peace. Ken (GM): nah not YOU guys Fiss: "O-oh Geeze, Deloth...I, I dunno about this...shouldn't I be back in Elf School?" P.P. A.: Good nor for victory Adolf S.: I don't get the reference fiss-kun Fiss: Rick & Morty...well...a bad Rick & Morty reference. P.P. A.: I like Deloth, she's like our exposition-pet Fiss: Involves Megaseeds up anuses P.P. A.: If we nudge her she either banters with the dwarves, or gives us backstory Joush M.: Well, so far we've made lots of corpses. Like.. a jumbo-pile of dead people. I guess that's what we are good at Adolf S.: Lets continue that. Kill EVERYONE until things get better here. Fiss: Yeah, leave it to Sailor Moon to heal and purify all the monster-people. We're here to stab. Adolf S.: It's like the soviet revolution, only it'll work in the long run this time guys I swear Ken (GM): P.P. A.: says the kulak dwarf Ken (GM): P.P. A.: It's like playing tag Ken (GM): Imagine Suðri sounds like Adolf S.: We need to build camps to push all of these undesireables in. to get rid of them. Ken (GM): somewhere cold, up norht? Adolf S.: Yeah, that sounds about right. P.P. A.: we have a perfectly hostile wasteland right here in the south though Ken (GM): true, and it gets cold there that, and the lack of mana will kill elves Fiss: We'll just learn to eat dwarves for mana. Adolf S.: Perfect Fiss: :D Adolf S.: Lets round'm all up and force'm in there. P.P. A.: The elves can eat the beastmen for mana Adolf S.: I'd like some new Elvish lampshades tbh P.P. A.: and the beastmen the elves for food it's a perfect cycle Ken (GM): EVERYONE EATING EVERYBODY ELSE! P.P. A.: we can create a whole ecosystem! Ken (GM): IT WAS MADNESS Adolf S.: Life, uh, uh, finds a way Fiss: Hey, they don't have to "eat" them, just coax out magical essence! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ken (GM): O LAWD IS DAT SUM Fiss: RULE34 HORRIBLE FANTASY WASTELAND ORGY Ken (GM): DORF DICK P.P. A.: please don't reinforce negative stereotypes about elf women Fiss: Heheh Adolf S.: this is a bully-free zone, Fiss. P.P. A.: well, “negative” to some Fiss: Anyway, have a good one folks! Great session P.P. A.: See ya! Ken (GM): beepity boop Fiss: BOOP BOOP MOTHERBOOPERS! Ken (GM): Fiss: I got 4 hours of sleep after finishing my bottle of irish whiskey and half of Iron Fist season 1. Then I was awoken by a door-to-door church dude. He apologized...probably because he saw my hair. Let that be a warning to everyone...Even if you find Jesus....people will still bug you about finding Jesus....usually when you are hung over. P.P. A.: did you people change DST again Joush M.: Not in the last decade or so Ken (GM): hahah DST was last weekend for us P.P. A.: reeee Ken (GM): And Fiss; make sure to invite them in to go looking for him. Just make sure to strip first amen PPA, ree indeed Fiss: I ain't no snitch. He's safe with me. P.P. A.: Doc is still in Japan and offline on Discord also he intimidated some Yakuza yesterday Joush M.: That sounds.. unwise? Ken (GM): daaamn so, doc is dead what an odd way to choose to die P.P. A.: You can never be a real life PC if you don't sometimes take some risks! Joush M.: Or involved in an epic martial arts battle with the 101 Dragons Fiss: Well, there are worse ways to go. May as well go out pissing off badguys Ken (GM): truth and I still have his notes for Rodericks actions ->Join the circus ->Marry an elven maiden ->Have sex change he's halfway to #1 allready P.P. A.: sounds in-character Fiss: I'm strangely concerned about #2 and #3 Joush M.: Roderick's a lesbian now? Man, I should pay more attention Fiss: It's all that elf exposure. Ken (GM): radiation is a hell of a thing Joush M.: Elf radiation? Ken (GM): The #1 symptom is forgetting youve been exposed then comes the Fiss: ElfMaidenPower...it's an EMP. Ken (GM): hahah ten points to hufflepuff P.P. A.: speaking of maids, mine got a hyper-weaponised mechanical arm due to a random dice roll which goes well with her(male) oversized mahcine gun Joush M.: Random? So she diden't ask for it? Ken (GM): the gun is male? P.P. A.: The game has mechanics for random events to liven things up, in this one we call got one random item Ken (GM): huh well, Adolph is perpetually late, lets get going! Y'ALL DONE PISSED OF THE DRUGGED UP LORD MARSHALL YA GITS Syviis: Ken (GM): Roderick is off to get a healer if he can, for Falkirk Bomrek is counting and recounting his gold (To Gray): You smell men, wine and gunpowder. There is a distant smell of food, but it may be in another nearby storage. Drying meats and stored fruits Syviis: "We should try to sleep...I'll keep watch for now." Ken (GM) Some time passes, and the dark night languishes. Roderick is gone awhile, but eventually, he returns to your hot stinking chamber. He is carrying...a rose. And he is clad in shining silver armor Roderick: "I have had some...success" he says a bit shakily Gray rises to his feet from the corner where the beastial Scorned had been resting, eyes shineing in the dimness. "You seem.. different" He reaches out to Suori, tapping his sholder lightly. Wakeing him, but no alarm. Ken (GM): Deloth is dozing in the corner, still half an eye on bomrek's rickes on the table. Bomrek himself resting, pipe smoking a touch, mostly brushing his beard Suðri Skornbrekker slowly wakes up and looks around, spotting a knight in shining armour—Roderick. He lifts himself up and takes a second look at him. “...you're going to have some explaining to do.” Syviis: Roderick 's armor isa gleaming thing, trimmed with laurel leaves on his helm, and wrapped with swirling hammered silver on the armor plates. The whole thing moves with barely a sound, and looks freshly polished ot a mirror sheen Gray: "More Fae magic." Roderick: "I'm afraid I cant say much. I barely understand it myself. The Fae seem to be working in mysterious ways..." He twirls the massive rose in his hand, the blossom bigger than Gray's fist. It glistens in the torchlight Roderick holds it up to show you all; the rose is blood red, and seems wet, glistening. "One of their agents met me in the night. She gave me this, and my regalia" he gestures to his armor "and told me that there was still work to be done Syviis: "Of that, I have no doubt." Roderick: "She was quite obtuse about the whole discussion, but she was at least clear on one fact; Falkirk is still gravely ill, but can be nudged to health with this" Suðri Skornbrekker facepalms and mumbles something about even more magic shit. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well... we might as well try, it's not like it can get much worse with him.” “What are your sword's thoughts on this?” Suðri Skornbrekker suddenly looks like he's had an emiphany, and he strokes his beard as he thinks it over. Suðri Skornbrekker: “...speaking of your sword, it wants to fight the enemies of the ‘Verdant Kingdom’, no? Does that onyl extend to the monsters of the wasteland, or also to schemers and traitors of all sorts?” Roderick: "She...It is of a mind with the Fae" He says, hand on the pommel "I believe the Fae know we are simply over a barrel and will accept whatever we can get" "From what they tell me Suðri, their enemies are Suðri Skornbrekker raises an eyebrow, but figures Roderick understands and likes this as little as he does. Syviis: Can I get any sense of power from the rose? Anything useful or is it too alien? (To Syviis): Your wizard senses alight when you get near it. It radiates clean earthen power. Green and bright. Syviis: "It's the closest to something alive and healing the poor physician has probably been near in a long time..." Gray rubs a hand across his jaw, walking closer but not touching the rose as he looks to the bloom. "I wish Memory was here. She should return from watching the Marshall soon enough, but she knows of magic." He takes a breath, then looks to Syviis. "How do you think the rose would be used?" (To Syviis): Assuming its a magic token of some kind from the fey, it needs to be given to/granted to falkirk by its bearer. At least, thats what the lore tells you Roderick moves to Falkirk, crossing the room with the mighty blossom Syviis: "Despite the natural auras of the rose, the Fae are nothing if not fans of pomp and ceremony. Roderick, you should announce your intentions and formally gift the rose to him." Roderick: "Right....right" he stammers a bit, standing up straighter, fussing with his cloak Joush M.: How make them kiss Roderick: :P (From Syviis): can't move anything, map is in pan-mode (To Syviis): try moving tabs? its done that to me before. Something to do with it getting stuck on you having right click depressed Doc: I heard there was going to be GURPS today Ken (GM) The knight steps forward, presenting the rose over his draped cloak (a deep forest green) "A gift, from the Verdant Kingdom" and as he speaks the words, the rose BURSTS into crawling vines of thorn and flower! Ken (GM): [yay! you may have just killed falkirk! :P] P.P. A.: noice, you made it DST in America changed I was late too Joush M.: Yeah, times moveing around, it's crazy over here. Nobody knows why we even do it anymore (From Syviis): back, and it's OK now Gray snarls in suprise, drawing a blade and starting closer as the fairy tale magic engulfs his friend, stopped stepped away by the razor thorns of the enchanted rose. "Falkirk!" (To Doc): To coles notes what happened, The party got back and parleyed with a druggie lord marshall. After the meeting you volunteered to try to locate a healer/provisions as youre still kind of noble and they werent stopping you. An agent of the Fey, the scarlet woman you met day 1, returned to you in a dark alley in oakway. She and you parleyed. She spoke cryptically, but in the end, she retrieved the silver spear from you (which you seemed to have forgotten you even HAD in your posession) and then she granted you back your armor. Just kind of snapped her fingers and it appeared on you. She gave you a big rose and told you it would help Falkirk, and then warned "the enemies of the Verdant Kingdom are all around you. Be wary" You just came back and did the rose to falkirk Doc: >checking the backlog >Rod's an elf lesbian now not what I was planning for this character but I'll try to roll with it Ken (GM): :P (To Syviis): ELF LOOOORE Syviis: (To GM) (From Syviis): that's a match if I recall... Doc: Alright I'm caught up (To Syviis): Yep match: That is, if you recall, a sanctuary Fairy ring. A phenomenon that bespokes protection and warding. It should be on the level Ken (GM): Yeah, shit went down and the worlds in a tizzy But you got your armor back! Syviis watches the process in amazement. Syviis: "It's okay...I believe this is...well...I've heard of fae magic like this in stories and legends." Joush M. holds back at Syviis's words, looking with a frown to the roses. Bomrek: "Fucking crazy ass elf magic bullshit" Joush M.: Oops, Gray says that Does that Syviis: "I swear, the moment I can speak to my elders and ask them to teach me a less...magical...bullshit...way to do this, I will do my best to learn it." Bomrek: ;) Memory sinks into the room through the ceiling, she seems excited, fidgety Syviis: "Hello, Memory," Memory: "Gray, I have much to tell you" She looks about the room, craning her neck in all directions, this way and that "Much to tell all of you!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “One load of magic nonsense at a time, please,” Suðri dismisses her, fidgety about what is going to happen to Falkirk. Suðri Skornbrekker still eyes the thorny coffin anxiously. Joush M.: Nix the last quote Bomrek: "Oh great, youve returned. Whats new? Demons in the drainpipes? Gargoyles on the roofs?" He snorts at his own joke, brushing his beard down Gray mummers quietly. "Where else would gargoyles be?" Syviis: "Don't be silly, Bomrek," Memory speaks, quickly, and nearly without control. She is afraid Memory: "There are dark forces here. None of us are safe "I followed the Marshall as yo uinstructed, and he returned accross the city to his home. He however, is not the problem" "there are spirits here. Great and terrible ones. All about the dark corners and low places. Feeding on the emotions. On the magic" "But I Memory speaks this with some gravity (To Roderick): Update and email me a sheet when you can? Im getting a new one from everybody Your armor was returned to you (as we discussed) and has been decorated quite resplendantly with green laurels and leaves. As well, a fine cloak of deep forest green, made from some material. Suðri Skornbrekker stares blankly at the bird. Memory: "As I have told you all, I am Gray's kindred. I am his chosen spirit. I travel withhim, guide him, and do his wishes in the spirit lands. These are perverting the relationship" "They seek to claim beings as their own..." Syviis: "Corruption, feeding, or possession? Do you know their purpose?" Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the elf and asks: “Did such creatures exist in your land?” Memory: "I do not" She ruffles, pecks at herself "It is worrying. I know of the creatures of Gorgoth, the Darkness, and their ilk. I know of the dragons, may they rest, and the great beasts. But I do not know these things" Syviis: "Our land is....at least...was...much more guarded against these kind of things. But that does not mean any land is immune from hungry magic." (To Syviis): Gray's spirit totem is similar (kinda) to the elemental totems elves build up. His is more pokemon, yours are more Avatar bending P.P. A.: (he was asking whatshername, our tagalong) Roderick: [Everyone has pieces and mishmash, but nothing so resplendant] Ken (GM): * Syviis: "Our land does benefit from spirits, though they are decidedly different." P.P. A.: (her sheet is gone so I can't remember her name ;_;) P.P. A.: (aye, thanks) Doc: I keep wanting to say Dagoth Ur Ken (GM): GASP Gray: "Thank you, memory. Did you see anything about the Marshall that is suspect? Is he sprirt-ridden, or did he meet with anyone that sold him red powder?" Memory: "He met with no agents, no brokered any deals where I followed. His residence had spirits dwelling in the shadows, feeding on some sort of debauchery there. The scent of raw emotion was strong there. Like a musk. I tarried little to return to you" P.P. A.: >magical nuclear fallout (To P.P. A.): :D Syviis: "Memory, is any of this because of the Weapon being activated? Could it be that the removal of magic southward has forced these spirits to come North to feed, much like we witnessed the Elemental doing?" Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): You recall, old tomes of magic you studied, there spoke of the planes and their denizens, and there was a footnote. "The deep dark, below the realm of spirits, has a gatehouse and a keep. When the darkness seeks to seep into the world, the gates will open, and HIS minions will crawl." Several vague diagrams of Devilish folk followed. You remember red skin, horns and tails, and the idea that they fed on human sin... Gray: "Fuck" He says at Suori's idea, nodding and considering the idea. Suðri Skornbrekker doesn't want to understand how this alol works, he just pictures the realms existing next to each other but divided by an infinite wall, which they tore a hole into, briefly. Syviis: "It does seem more than just natural movement of spirit and magic, doesn't it?" Memory: "To make an analogy; you take a bucketfull of water from the river. Does it leave a hole? No. More water rushes in to fill the space" "These may simply have....rushed in" Suðri Skornbrekker: “How do we flush them out again?” Roderick: "It would seem to be a purposeful incursion. It may not have been our doing, but it's likely connected." Syviis: "That doesn't instill me with much confidence that we have the power to fix it..." P.P. A.: >the party re-invents Zen Buddhism, converts the populace, and the spirits starve to death admit the overall aloff detachment and spiritual tranquility *amid *aloof Ken (GM): Doc: Germans don't understand spelling, have you seen their language? P.P. A.: Gray nods and looks thoughtful, then ask Memory. "Can you seel Falkirk? Is this Fae magic hurting or helping him?" Syviis: [Doppelkupplungsgetriebe!] Doc: and a top kek to you too, young lady Syviis sighs "No doubt, he would find this fascinating...or infuriatingly fae." Suðri Skornbrekker: “That's a most polite way of putting it, bird.” Memory You hear the clomping of boots on the ceiling above, and the sudden cry of a man's voice, in pain Ken (GM): * Syviis covers the door, giving everyone time to prep Syviis: (From Doc): Has the armor's weight been adjusted at all? (To Doc): It feels as light as before Ken (GM) a few moments pass, a tense minute as the sound above muffles, and you hear hushed voices Deloth-Ainur: backs to a corner, Hands up in a defensive guard. She looks worried Syviis moves around to maintain line of sight on the door. Syviis: Ken (GM) Then, a BOOM as the ceiling bursts in the dark, and boards clatter everywhere around you! Ken (GM): WAT DO IN THE DARK?! [Reactions?] Suðri Skornbrekker waits for a moment, an then looks up. P.P. A.: darkvision ftw Ken (GM) The flame illuminates three figures dropping in from above! Ken (GM): I believe Sudri and Bomrek have the drop on them, not so inconvenienced by the dark Initiative from you two? Suðri Skornbrekker: P.P. A.: err just 1d Ken (GM): lol P.P. A.: so 8.25 Syviis: Ken (GM): Elf vision for the win? Joush M.: What do your elf eyes see? Syviis: My elf eyes see jack all...until I light a spark at the tip of my arrow and spin around to face the intruders. Can I get off a shot? Ken (GM): Fiss! you do the spark thing, and realize whats going on! [rod/ gray gimme your init rolls too] Roderick: Ken (GM): Skornbrekker, your go! Theres some shady looking elf types with ragged clothes and wild appearances in the room! Gray: Ken (GM): [first, next turn for you two!] Suðri Skornbrekker is a hardened and traumatised soldier now, he simply shoots first if someone looks dangerous (especially if they're elves). P.P. A.: range penalty for the first one? Doc: >elves >dangerous Joush M.: Nobody ever uses a breaching charge to DYNAMIC ENTRY a room to give me a publishers clearing house check Ken (GM): -3 for distance P.P. A.: He's been aiming at the door, I suppose that aim is worthles snow? Ken (GM): ja Joush M.: Unless you want to intimidate them by shooting the door with superb accurecy 14 Ken (GM): Fick dir die Tür! Suðri Skornbrekker: Ken (GM): ffs P.P. A.: (oh sorry, rolled too early) Joush M.: That seems wrong, somehow. Goddamn shadow run elves! Ken (GM) she cries out and gurgles! Suðri Skornbrekker: “What do you want?” Suðri yells after the shot rings out, his turn over. P.P. A.: I learned this tactic from Bomrek Syviis: [Dwarves: Shoot first....then Ale...THEN ask questions later.] Deloth-Ainur: "Warlocks! " the elf yells out! P.P. A.: we're locked on to them all right Bomrek: "GIT YER ASS AWAY FROM ME GOLD!" he yells, blasting away with pistols Syviis: [Witchalocks!] Bomrek: BOOM BOOM Doc: hopefully they can't make wolfoids Bomrek: failed dodges each! Syviis: [PA meme game on point] Bomrek: Ken (GM) The room is lit with Roderick and Syviis' magic; The mighty gray's turn! Syviis: [Even though I know it's a damage roll, GURPS has trained me to get hard every time I see a 3] ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Joush M.: Hopefully there's a few more 1's left for when we are rolling Ken (GM): Jesus Christus, du schrecklicher Elf Syviis: [learns walk-on-water, liquid transmutation, healing spells, becomes Elfjesus] (To Roderick): remember, youre in a dry timber room, surrounded by wine casks, and possibly gunpowder Gray: (To Doc): Saw you measuring :P Just thought youd benefiet from a heads up Syviis: [HNnnnnnnnGGGnnn....4s are sexy too] Ken (GM): 8==D Doc: He actually becomes less angry now that he gets to kill something Gray does not go berserk, and so instead will charge the closer of the pair and attempt to take that one alive. (All Out Attack (Determined, Grab, 2 Hands, Torso, Deceptive -2 defense/-4 attack) Gray: Joush M.: Hits, unless there's envromental/target mods I'm unaware of. Well, there was a one left by the time I was rolling an attack.. Ken (GM): you gots darkvision to mitigate light, should be good, so I DODGE? (To Gray): She stinks like blood sweat and sex. She also has a looney look on her face P.P. A.: this is just like my japanese doujins Ken (GM): Rodrigo! Doc: What kind of armor/gaps on the one that isn't grabbed? Joush M.: Don't think that being perverted will get you out of this, elf prostute! Ken (GM): Shes in robes, ragged clothing, and a kinfd of leather vest Joush M.: Oh, Gray lacks darkvision, but he's got Night Vision (5) so in anything brighter then starlight he's fine, and even then minimally impaired Roderick charges with a thrust to the vitals Roderick: Roderick uses his Luck to not fuck up that bad Ken (GM): ruh roh; lucky youre a light source! Roderick: Ken (GM): lol Doc: I'll take the 6 Ken (GM): not the 17? Joush M.: Good call. Bit embrassing to run in and stab Gray in the horn Ken (GM): "horn" Ken (GM) Another woman in ragged leather streaked with red drops in, her hands alight with black smoky flames! Ken (GM): She swings at Rod! hahahahah Syviis: hahaha Ken (GM): FUCCCK these dice today Ken (GM) You hear her leg go POP as she lands. She screams and falls Joush M.: The dangers of dynamic entery Ken (GM) the dodgey wounded one claps her hands together, and a blade of dark shadows stretches out into hear grasp, like a greatsword... Joush M.: Goddamn innate attacks Doc: Syviis: [lol] Ken (GM) Above, the crackle of flame, and the dark hole in the ceiling glows Lime green Ken (GM): [doc, fucking BOOKMARK that. Gold] (To Syviis): Also, youre an elf, and you know these things Syviis: Who do I have a shot on? Ken (GM): swordy lady is the clear shot gray == hueg Syviis: Yep. Sworded lady is also going to be Arrow'ed lady. Vitals, of course. Ken (GM): kk Syviis: 3 points of lightnin Ken (GM): fuck Syviis: I hit Ken (GM): Syviis: OR DO I Ken (GM): you dooooo The shadows leap, but not fast enough Doc: oosh, she would have been better off taking a sword to the heart Syviis: Arrow-dam: And lightnan to the VITALS Ken (GM) The woman turns, just too late, and an arrow sinks into her heart. Then she explodes into electric flames Joush M.: Got to get her some Fine arrows. $6 a shot isn't so bad for +1 damage Ken (GM): struth Joush M.: You kill her instantly, then restart her heart. Then make her catch fire Ken (GM): meeeean Syviis: I KILL YOU THREE TIMES BEFORE YOU HIT GROUND :P Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker puts down his musket and picks up another. P.P. A.: Next turn: more dead elves Doc: hopefully they're the right ones P.P. A.: dead elves are always the right ones Ken (GM): Deloth dives in, and drop kicks the wounded elf on the ground, in the neck(hopefully) Syviis: "Half elves," - Racist Syviss Ken (GM): FUCK P.P. A.: she tried Syviis: AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE Ken (GM) The kick lands to the side, Deloth cusses in elf Ken (GM): Bomrek draws pistols, and fires them, screaming "YEEHAW WE aint eatin HORSE anymore!"" fast draw! Shootan! Joush M.: Can I see how many people are above them still waiting to assault? Or the commander yelling instructions to the elf cutlist? Ken (GM): one miss, one hit! (fucking posture) Gray! (To Gray): Hahahahahaha he is 4 yards away Gray steps forward and makes an All Out Attack (Throwing, Determined) for +1, aiming at the commander. "No more servents! Come fight us yourself, coward!" Gray: Ken (GM): lol Ken (GM) Then theres a green flamed explosion above! Syviis: [I love you all, lol] P.P. A.: (this battle is pretty fantastic so far) Ken (GM) Crackling flames leap about the room above, dripping green oily fire around you through the hole. Ken (GM): ROD! Gray seems surprised by that, the flames driving him back half a step after the hurled elf vanishes into the hole she'd jumped down though. Ken (GM): Frankenstein voice: RAAARGH, FIIIIRE roooodrick Adolf S.: Well shit, that timing didn't go off well. What did I miss, amigos. Doc: same tbh, I'm not entirely sure what just happened Gray threw a woman into the ceiling and she exploded? Adolf S.: The pinata women are our greatest foe Joush M.: We were attacked by Elf Prostutes. Bomrick went John Woo on them P.P. A.: We were sitting in the basement when the ceiling exploded and three elves dropped in Suðri, having learned the ways of the Bomrek, immeidately killed one with his musket then Bomrek fired his pistols at the other two, injuring both then more dropped down from above to Grey tossed one back upstairs (To Gray): Youre distinctly aware of how similar the bald scarred dragonman in Gorgoth looked like this scarred up pale guy P.P. A.: oh alos Syviis killed one with an electric arrow to the heart Doc: she gives love a bad name Ken (GM): Roderick steps back away from the fire, startled and slightly confused Doc: there weren't any more living enemies we can see, right? Syviis: [begins humming Electric Feel as she reloads] Ken (GM): [true, those five were it. And where they came from exploded] Joush M.: There was one that broke an ankle jumping down, but she's on green fire now. We should make arrangements to run away or fight fires Gray wants to move Falkirk, but he isn't sure it is an option. The roses mence with their bloody flowers and sharp thorns Ken (GM): [waaaat doooo] Deloth dances back from the flames, snatching up bags she can reach "Get back! Thats no normal flame!" Suðri Skornbrekker gathers up all the muskets around him and wraps them into his blanket for carrying. Syviis: "What is it" Suðri Skornbrekker also shoulders his backpack Suðri Skornbrekker: “Any way to put it out?” Deloth-Ainur: "Fiend fire!" she yells back "We must flee! it will consume us all! Roderick: "Grab anything valuable and flee, then!" Deloth-Ainur does just that, and heads for the door outside Suðri Skornbrekker: “Way ahead of ya.” Bomrek: "What?!" Bomrek yells, scrambling to secure his table-loot. Will there be any difficulty in doing this in time, y'think, GM? Syviis nods and helps best she can Suðri Skornbrekker: “Can we carry the whole table Falkirk is on? Will those vines protect him?” Deloth-Ainur: [some of the coins might scatter, but the bag is nearby!] Roderick runs very slowly in his shiny new armor, but helps to the best of his ability Syviis: "Use my cloak to wrap around the thorns if you need" Suðri Skornbrekker asks the first to Grey and the second to Syviis. (To Gray): you feel some scratches, but the weight is easy enough Joush M.: We found the ways out, right? Pretty much only the steps, unless we are willing to go down to a root cellter that diden't lead anyway Syviis: Falkirkbush Suðri Skornbrekker leaves the tent behind and carries the muskets and his equipment to safety Bomrek: "My coins! Help me with my blasted coins!" Bomrek says, trying to tie his loot down to his body before scrambling for the coins as well. Ken (GM) A column of air rushes upward into the room above, and you feel the heat as well as the roar shaking the room. It sounds like a living thing Bomrek: Where's the fire door in this place. Ken (GM) you all clamor for the door, Deloth swinging it open into the cool night Joush M.: It's this doorway, the one Gray is next to Syviis: Joush M.: Oh! Other door, got it Gray makes sure memory reaches him safely and vanishes, not wanting to risk his Raven around the cruel green flames (To Joush M.): Bookmarked! Awesome Bomrek: "Who in the hell ordered the prostitutes?" he asks Syviis frowns. Syviis: "I wonder if they keep their red powder in there..." Joush M.: Don't frown. I won't really throw Falkirk.. though.. he would make a really good projectile. Ken (GM): [next door is a building labelled "ARMOURY" Gray: "They keep black powder and distilled alcohol there. This area may be ruined if the flames reach that." Joush M.: Cue Bomrek tears. "All the booze and powder. Gone" Bomrek stands up, though his hands are still propped on his knees. He looks around at the buildings, seemingly evaluating things, and then back at the others. Bomrek: "Well blast, we should be moving then!" Roderick: "Stay wary, there may be more to come." Suðri Skornbrekker has all the firearms wrapped up but holds his bardiche in his free hand Doc: would it be a Leadership toll to try and organize/direct the militia? Syviis: [damn Witchalocks...] Doc: *roll Ken (GM): [yes! That would be helpful at taking control of the panick!] Roderick quickly turns and shouts to the crowd. "Militia, with me!" P.P. A.: circumstantial bonus from being clad in gorgeous shining silver armour imo Syviis: lol "FOLLOW THE SHINY ONE!" Doc: actually yeah would he get a bonus from that or from the Voice advantage? His Leadership is 12 normally Ken (GM): 2 from voice, and 2 from the regalia Doc: wew Syviis looks around for a vantage point to provide sniper-fire-cover should more Elfalocks appear. Roderick: Roderick tries to assemble a bucket brigade to see if water will even help Bomrek: I hope it's a grease fire effect and it scortches one or two to death. Ken (GM) The cloud of bnillious black smoke stretches over the timberkeep; the smell of pine and sap crackles in the air as the tinderbox burns Bomrek: "Elf!" Bomrek calls up to Syviis. "This is magic, can't you just throw magic at it to fix it?" Syviis sighs at Bomrek Syviis: "I don't think so....but....I'll try." Gray also tells Memory.. "Fly above. Watch for dangers and call to me if you see more attackers." Joush M.: UAV ONLINE Syviis: [aims for some of the flames and sends out a 1-point bolt to see if it can burn away the fire with lightning] Ken (GM) the flames twist around the path of the shot, but the lightning does not extinguish the flame. If anything, it licks back down the path toward syviis, crawling along, hungry like an animla Gray: "Balefire, like the lightning. Magic feeds it" Bomrek wips his arm dismissively at Syviis, and turns toward the former vampire. "You, other-elf, do you have magic that'll fix this shite?" Syviis: "other elf" lol "Preferably BEFORE the magical red dust explodes and lights it up." Ken (GM): Deloth is nowhere ot be seen... P.P. A.: Are there any stone walls nearby? Ken (GM): [Timberkeep is wooden; with shale roofs] Gray considers, then shakes his head. "Let's pull back and get a firebreak working. We can't do more here." A grim laugh. "The powder explison might put it out." Suðri Skornbrekker: “What if we collapse the roof and bury the fire under the shale...? Though the timber framework of the roof would collapse with it and fuel them.” Bomrek: "Don't you 'lot eat magic?" Bomrek yells up to Syviis. "Just- just go eat the damn stuff and lets be done with this!" Gray: "It's a thought. I don't know how to drop the roof without more explosives then we have" Doc: Is this a fortress or an actual town with women and children? Ken (GM): [a fort on the edge of the city, up a hilltop from the main bits] Syviis: "We've been over this, Bomrek! I'm a Vampire!" Bomrek: "Well I'm out of ideas then" Ken (GM): [fight or flee? If so, how?] Gray goes to collect their things, then commands the Milita. "With us! We pull back and make sure to clear a firebreak around the fort!" Joush M.: Should be easy, right? Clearing a firebreak so the enemy can't burn you from the outside is SOP? (To Syviis): Very much so, there is a presence in that fire. A being of some power crawling along the fire. Like an animal Joush M.: Suori, seeing more stuff ruined (From Syviis): any chance she can single it out enough to target it? Can she reach out to it like the elementals or is it purposeful vs animalistic? Bomrek calls to Suthri in Dwarven "A building made of wood is like a shield made of clay. They should have expected this to happen sooner or later." (To Syviis): It feels llike some big dumb yet sinister thing. Like a kind of elemental evil Suðri Skornbrekker nods in agreement. Ken (GM): [certianly alert the folks as you retreat; theres people yelling about fire running out as we speak] [organize the effort AWAY from the blast radius] much safer Joush M.: Get to a safe distance then start to make sure there's a firebreak there, for if things get scattered around. Syviis climbs down and rejoins the group Syviis: "I wonder...if it follows magic, maybe I can bait it to somewhere less harmful. Ken (GM): Sounding the alert to the men to flee? Save each other? Doc: ye Ken (GM) Roderick sounds the retreat, calling for the safety behind the walls! The men follow, and those left fleeing the keep make for town. The licking flames climb into the sky, and along the walls to the powder room (To Syviis): whatscha got Syviis looks around for a neutral place to starve the fire out.... gravel/sand pit anywhere? Ken (GM): [the yard is packed clay and gravel. Gonna taunt it out?] Syviis: Ken (GM) The flames crawl to a stop, the flames lick...and surge toward syviis. The power attracts it! Bomrek: Bomrek on the other hand will be safely away down the hill, carrying his loot. "I'll go secure us some lodgings at an Inn!" he tells the others, happy to find an excuse to get away from the green flame. Ken (GM) a roar and hiss from the flames. The grumble of something mighty, and hungry! Ken (GM): Roll concentrate for me! and then a dodge at +3! Syviis: In Elvish: "" Joush M.: Goddamn daredevil elf Syviis: Ken (GM): Will, + magic talent! I̷̪̣̦̲͙̬̮̻͔͍̦̩̲̘̓̽ͩ̈́̓̄͒̌̐̎̉ͨ́͘ ̵̨̗̝̟̞̮̠̪̯̲͙̳̰̪͔͚͊̏͑̈̽ͬͭ͋̔͆̀H̹̱͖̦̮̺̻̞͐ͭ̉ͨ͘̕U̴͛̈́̅́̿̐ͧ̀͑̂́͊̊̅̏̆͏̡̯͚̤͙̰̝͇͓͈͡N̍̿͐͊̉̔͊̔͑̌ͪ͋̋ͦ̄͋̓̀͏͞҉̫̱͓̯̗̺͖̖̝̪͔̦G̵̷̬̬̞̠̦͖͓̤͙͇ͩ̌ͫ̽ͧ̑̆ͫ̈́͐̊̀̚͡ͅE̮̩̟̤͙͇̰͉̣̞̪̱͙ͤ̓ͧͭͬ̊̇͑̑͌̍̾͂̒̚̕͜͢R̢̛͉̳͓͖̭̥̪̺̥͚̞̱̫̗ͫ͒ͭ̃ͅ!̶̨̧ͬ̌̍̐ͦ̚҉̴͓̱͍̤̰͍̥̳͇͚̠̪̖̩̯̤̟̫̥ Syviis: beat by 4 to hold the magic and her wits Dodge...will all out defend YUS Ken (GM): neat! Doc: noice Ken (GM) a crackle like thunder cries from the night "I WILL RETURN FOR YOU" echoing int the night Syviis: "Only my regret I didn't see it sooner..." Ken (GM) the townspeople roused by the alarms mill about, and the militia return to the keep to extinguish the last of the flames Ken (GM): NEXT WEEK SHIT GETS REALER AND YALL ARE 4 POINTS RICHER! Syviis: Wooo Roderick: "So we're being hunted by sentient demonic fire. Wonderful." Ken (GM): Joush, Adolph, Doc, Id love to see updated sheets when you can :P Bomrek: wew I have a total of... 22 points to spend Syviis: FIRE BAD! FIRE BAAAD! Gray: I'll get on it, I've got plenty to spend now. Bomrek: so update I shall. Gray: Thanks for the game, it was a lot of fun P.P. A.: I wonder if this has anything to do with the green moon Ken (GM): no problemo boyos Fiss: Yeah, that was a pretty awesome initial fight Ken (GM): YOU THREW A MOTHERFUCK AT ANOTHER MOTHERFUCKER Doc: I've got a long flight ahead of me so I'll be able to get it nice and updated for you Fiss: RETURN TO MOTHERFUCKER Bomrek: Bomrek's currently in gold-protecting mode. It was at risk there, so clearly it must be taken somewhere else, safer. Doc-kun, PPA said you got shishimi'd by a Yakuza? Ken (GM): He gonna eat it to keep it safe? Bomrek: He'll find an Inn. Surely this place has a couple, yee? Doc: any word about Rod's longsword btw, or just his armor? Ken (GM): [ah yes, the longsword returned as well.] (To Doc): You were advised to keep the blade by your side. FOr safety Fiss: Might have to RP some point-use with you later Ken. Joush M.: No longer will he be known as Roderick the Nude. Ken (GM): no erp Fiss: Yarp? Ken (GM): Youth action roleplay? kay, gotta jet. Cranky baby and dinner making time Bomrek: adios' Ken (GM): EMAIL ME THINGS and STUFF Fiss: Ken (GM): hole TIIIIIIITS Fiss: Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiits COME ON DOWN WHERE YOU CAN SLAM YOUR OWN PENIS IN THE DOOR OF A LUXURY SEDAN! Ahem anyway, how's everyone today? :P Joush M.: Well it's rude to slam someone else's penis in the door of a luxury sedan Fiss: True, true Ken (GM): I dunno; seems legit to me TOO LEGIT TO QUIT HEYOOOOO Fiss: YOU'LL DROP LIKE A PUSSY! PUUUUSSSAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY! LOOK AT MY LITTLE TEEEEETH! P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): WHATS UP PPA LOOKIT MY LITTLE SEXY TEETH P.P. A.: most dental, I agree Ken (GM): Where the hell are doc and adolph? (To Fiss): Ken (GM): OH SHIIIIIII Fiss: wat Ken (GM): DONT YOU KNOW WHAT A 10 ON 3D MEANS?!?!?! Adolf S.: ayy Ken (GM): IT MEANS ADOLF IS HERE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Joush M.: I thought it means you suck at craps Fiss: You successfully cast: Summon Adolf! Ken (GM): I am full of piss and vinegar today mostly piss and the vinegar is mostly pickles Fiss: And at first you were just full of vinegar! Joush M.: Inside the summoning circle is a Yugosalvian SKS and a bottle of beard lotion. P.P. A.: Doc isn't on IRC; I could message him on his phone I guess err on DIscord, not IRC Bomrek: I haven't gotten around to looking up the production date of my yugo SKS. P.P. A.: though not on IRC either Bomrek: I think it's around 56 or so ..or was it 66. One of those numbers. Ken (GM): Adolph; when we said Yugo last night, we meant ppa; no sweat. I got his standing orders Fiss: When I got my 56 Tula I stripped it to clean it....sand. Sand everywhere. I wonder what adventures it had. Ken (GM): Im guessing afghanistan or utah Joush M.: Damn, that's an odd path it's taken Fiss: Yeah, or the place where they make McDonalds Fish-patties. :P Ken (GM): vermont? RIGHT Fiss: Ken (GM): last point of order Fiss: all of the sand Ken (GM): adolph, gimme a new bomrek [JFC fiss, thats disgusting] Fiss: Yeah, don't worry, I made sure Grandpa Yuri was cleaned up nice before I took him out for range-time. Shoots real well. No slam-fire problem, either. Firing pin is top notch condition Bomrek: Sent >That sand what Also, don't you guys have to modify the mags to only take 5 rounds, and the way they do it is really disgusting and thorough? Fiss: Yeah. Took me the better part of 3 hours to clean that fucker Bomrek: When I was taking mine apart, the little tiny U-pin that holds the firing pin inside the channel was basically stuck. forever. No matter how hard I hit it it wouldn't move. So at that point I just soaked it in solvents for days and called the channel pin good. Fiss: Yeah, it's best not to fuck with it too much. If solvents can do the job, that's the best way. Bomrek: S'a reason I store it in the least-likely-to-grab-it-to-use-it area, because I don't want to fire one round, and then an additional 9. That's the thing, I don't fully trust solvents of doing it in this instance, especially since the gun was very cosmoline-y when I got it. Doc: I just took a friend out to shoot my SKS yesterday Ken (GM): YAY DOC IS ALIVE Fiss: Some SKS'es in Canada-land are hacked up pretty bad to limit them to 5 rounds, mine's not terrible, though, really clean pin-spot-welded rod. If all the petitions ever go through and we can restore it to glorious 10 round again, I can just grind the little rod out of the mag and be done. Bomrek: It's just, the U-Pin is basically a piece of shit on the best of days, and mine is especially shit. Ken (GM): [boo: less fae dickings] Bomrek: Nice.Why don't they all do that? Some of the fucking hack-jobs I've seen seem almost absurd. Fiss: Agreed. I've seen some pretty bad fudded up SKS'es but at least if someone's throwing on a TAPCO stock or whatever it's what they wanna do with their own gun, not pre-fuck it up for someone else. You can see the pin there Externally there's no damage, so it's pretty minor. Could cut it off with a stiff pair of tin-snips I suspect. Bomrek: Huh. Nice. Your stock looks a lot shinier than mine. I haven't had the chance to fully clean mine off, but I'm pretty sure mine's more worn by far. Fiss: Yeah, all in all, I love it way more than I should. Even with it only choking on half a stripper clip at a time Bomrek: At least, thep icture makes yours look real clean n' shiney. Mine has some pretty A+ internals, but the stock's clearly dinged and beat up. I assume, rather blindly, that mine might've been a boarder guard rifle or something. Something rarely ever shot, but often handled. P.P. A.: tfw noguns yuropoor Fiss: That was just after his first clean up and take down. It's got dings and dents, but overall pretty good shape...which makes the sand even more interesting. It wasn't thrown into a bog. Bomrek: Become Austrian, PPA Ken (GM): Bomrek: The sand is confusing. Fiss: SKS MODE OFF Bomrek: Yeah, back to the game! Kill! Syviis: ELF MODE ON Ken (GM) The TImberkeep was saved from a fiery doom, and the party absconded into the night. Slipping back into Oakway, they found the hot dusty streets of the city in the wee hours of the night (or nearly morning) Ken (GM): -Falkirk is encased in a wad of thorny flowers -Syviis didged demonfire, but is okay -Rod is shiny and silvery, Bavieca is unharmed -Bomrek is surly -Suthri is sad and excited -Gray is tall Doc: >Bomrek is surly wtf when did this happen Suðri Skornbrekker wodners where the other elf went Ken (GM): [nearly lost his gold/wizard bulshit/alcohol] Gray frowns as his hand rubs across his jaw, the savage looking beastman considering the predawn city. "The attack was searching for us, not just for the Keep. We need to find a place for Falkirk, then we should track these cultist down." (To Fiss): They were half elves, you recall. And their leader man you didnt get a good look at Syviis: "They were Half Elves. I'm afraid I didn't get a look at their leader, but I've not heard of any partnerships or deals made as such between the Elves and Half Elves. Bomrek: (Loading Primary Directive... Protect Gold. Obtain Lodging. Seek Healer.) Syviis: "Of course, folk are free to associate as they want..." (To Syviis): Yeah as far as shes concerned, the official stance has always been the schism. Half elves are not welcome to live in the Anharn lands, and the elves sequestered themselves away. I wonder what will happen now the war is over? Bomrek: (>Those southern night elves) (The who-what now? Somebody remind me about that) (ooh, the gypsie elves. Nasty.) P.P. A.: (nah, the vampire elves of Gorgoth) (which are mostly dead now) ( he doesn't call them night lords since Deloth didn't seem to be a lord of anything) Bomrek: (Oh, those, yeah. Kill'm all) Gray will look for places they might stay, trying to find somewhere for Falkirk. Ken (GM): Syviis: "Yes, the Elves of the land generally do not like to associate with the Half-Elves. I don't know of any city or town in which a large number of them are neighbors" Ken (GM): [whats Gray's criteria? hol ein earth? Inn with cotton sheets?] Bomrek: (It's like Wilhelm the II living in exile after WWI, oh man) Ken (GM): [Did Wilhelm set off a mangical genocide?] Bomrek: (In a way he did, since if WWI didn't go the way it went, Hitler would never have done his whole thing, and today we'd be living in jetson-like apartments and eugenics would be a thing) Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard. “Those Elven emissaries... maybe they were actually half-elves? I mean, I couldn't tell them apart either, and I do not sniff magic gunpowder.” Doc: there's no way an ansible could incinerate that many bodies in such a short time Joush M.: Abandoned buildings, ruins, inns, taverns. He wants defensable and hard to find Doc: IT was used for delousing Bomrek: It's full name is Zyklon IT Ken (GM): Youre both HORRIBLE poeple P.P. A.: All those carmies just died because the supply lines were disrupted The aerial dragon bombings didn't help either Ken (GM) Gray guides the party along through the streets, avoiding much undue attention. Eventually, he selects a boarded-up storehouse on the edge of the river. Fresh cool water chugs along the back of the building, and the side street sees little foot traffic Ken (GM): I take it you'll all actually finish recouperating? none of you have slept much yet, and youre all pretty tired P.P. A.: Aye, makes sense Bomrek: Bomrek will insist we find a safe place to store the gol- Falkirk Suðri Skornbrekker yawns. “Bah, whatever. Tomorrow is another day.” Bomrek: Incidentally rooms don't grow on trees, lets all pitch in for one. (To Gray): the paint smells fresh, and the black X smells like tar Bomrek: Huh. (To Roderick): You recall it. 'The Horned King of Gorgoth'. An old symbol from the last age, probably used again in this new war Gray frowns a touch. "This is new. Paint and tar.. They mean the dark king in Gorath?" He studies the marks thoughtfully as he stands there by the wall before turning away. Trash swept away from what he can, the brute sets his gear down. "Get some sleep if you can. Morning is soon enough to start hunting cultist." Roderick: "If they don't hunt us first. Keep a weapon on hand as you sleep." Suðri Skornbrekker: “I remember when I slept on a pillow rather than on my musket,” Suðri remarks with a chuckle. Syviis: [sleeping on pointy bits...so hot right now] Gray smiles a touch at the dry humor, relaxing a little now that Falkirk's somewhere safer. His attention on the brambles that surround the man a moment before he prowls a touch in that empty old storehouse. Bomrek: "Simpler days, Suthri'." Bomrek says, dusting off a nice corner away from any windows, and laying out two of his pistols next to him for ready access. He fluffs his sack of gold and slips it under his head, like a pillow. Bomrek is spending more of his time by far in civilization without his armor on. Usually he kept larger chunks of it on during the travels, but here he mostly sleeps either without it completely, or in just chain. Ken (GM): [noted; shoot for the soft dorf] Bomrek: (Also, these Cultists, are those a pre-established thing from earlier sessions? The symbol as well? Why are these fools embracing beastmen folly. What a mistake.) Gray dosn't seem to recongize the symbol they found here, but noted that it seems new. The destruction of the south seems to have had odd reprecussions. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): You recall it. 'The Horned King of Gorgoth'. An old symbol from the last age, probably used again in this new war. you saw it emblazoned once or twice in the tales of the last age Suðri Skornbrekker mutters: “...the Horned King of Gorgoth.” Suðri Skornbrekker: “I don't remember much about the context, but it features sometimes in old depictions of the last age.” (To Syviis): Humans seem a superstitious lot, making symbols and runes up for everything. No reverence for tradition. Theyre eager to build up a lore without context. This seems like more of the same. The elves simply referred to the Horned King by his Name (To Syviis): Ks̄ʹạtriy̒ thī̀ mī k̄heā Suðri Skornbrekker: “I guess, I guess.” Suðri Skornbrekker shrugs and goes to lie down. Bomrek: "And you'd think bandits would learn that thievery usually ends in lead or spear, yet I was never short of work as a guardsman in the homeland." Syviis: "One of the human sayings I dislike...but wish we had a translation in Elvish would be: Gray will wait for the early morning then look around with a frown. "We need a nurse for Falkirk. Someone to watch him at least. One that could be hired discreetly." Bomrek: That makes me wonder what the current job market is like in Oakway. I mean, there's an influ if cheap, desperate labor, non? (To Roderick): You were educated in magic by the Royal Academy. They should have a guildhouse somewhere in town. They would know of/have a healer. Bomrek and Falkirk both seem to need one Joush M.: Well there's half-elf refugees Bomrek: And human refugees, non? Unless timberway just got turbo nuked, or the old mill, you'd think there'd be a big chunk there. Hm. Ken (GM): butclose enough to humans Bomrek: Nasty. We could just hire one of those. Preferably one with an intact family that we can use as leverage. Ken (GM): Outside the city walls, big camps on the South side of town. You guys took a carriage through them Bomrek: "If you rat us out we'll cut off your husban's head and sew his skin into face masks that we'll wear while we eat your grandparents" ( ) Roderick: "There should be a Royal Academy guildhouse somewhere in town. If they don't have a healer, they would at least be able to direct us to one." Bomrek: Took a carriage through'm? Nice. Did I get a chance to stare scornfully out at them as we passed, clutching my sack of gold? Ken (GM): [certainly Bomkrek, you brooding antihero] Bomrek perks his head up off his sack of gold so fast at the mention of a healer, you hear some audible clinks and tinks from the gold coins and trinkets inside. P.P. A.: (is it morning already?) Joush M.: Gray was going to do this in the early morning, yeah Ken (GM): [yeah, the rest of the morning passes, you guys rest, no ambushes in that time] P.P. A.: (ah, ok= Gray nods to Suori before he goes. "We will be back soon enough. Fast as we can." Ken (GM): [] Doc: rip P.P. A.: He doesn't want to retire yet though nor has he a girl he wanted to marry and settle down with that should buy him some time Adolf S.: Bomrek'll pick him up a few romance novels while he's out. Roderick probably isn't wearing armor at this point Bomrek: What a fool, it leaves him open to attack! Gray wraps a bit of fabric around his lower face, the bandanna hideing the fangs, obscureing some as the towering brute's surcoat covers the lupine beast.. but the horns are there, an unmistakable mark of his hertage as he prowls. "They whisper as we pass.. But why watch Syviis and Bomrek?" He ask. "You might find it easier to finish this work without me." Doc: yeah but it's also less awkward than going shopping with 80 lbs of steel strapped to your limbs Ken (GM): [true Doc, So youre down to your fine clothes and cloak?] Syviis smiles brightly at everyone P.P. A.: In Germany we have this saying „Wer schön sein will muß leiden.“ (“Whoever wants to be beautiful must suffer.”) Ken (GM): Syviis: "They're so friendly here..." "Or maybe...I'm just used to being attacked too much." [So friendly! I haven't been knifed in the back even ONCE!] Adolf S.: It makes me laugh a shit load imagining PPA saying something totally different in german, but claiming it means that. Gray left his pack and shield with Suori, along with other things.. but does wear his armor under that surcoat. The beast well protected, and wearing the militia mark. P.P. A.: Doc knows a bit of German not a lot but probably enough to know if I was bullshitting (I still wanna try that now, though) Adolf S.: He could be in cahoots. Doc: yeah he's just going to be wearing clothes and his cloak, his weapons are well-suited to this sort of self-defense anyway Adolf S.: You're German, he's just returning from being in Japan, all the normal signs are there Ken (GM): [Sie denken, jemand würde das tun? gehen auf das Internet und liegen?] Doc: PPA isn't german he's just autistic Adolf S.: Hah Doc: so spiritually german Ken (GM) You walk through Oakway, the heat only beginning to simmer in town... Ken (GM): [seeking out the healers, right?] Doc: fun fact: autistic people can understand german intuitively Joush M.: Healer first. Bread and cheese on the way back Bomrek: Hot town. Summer in the city. Doc: Keeping an eye out for healers and anyone trying to ambush us P.P. A.: what if you're ambushed by a healer Bomrek is also on the lookout for general shops, trying to get a lay of the land, see what's available in general for later use. Joush M.: If we strike out with doctors Gray plans to just get a whore to watch Falkirk. Boreing, but cheaper then a doctor and easy work for a refugee. Syviis: [Not a bad idea. And Falkirk might get a happy ending. ] (To Roderick): That will be the Royal academy building; the place was likely rune-crafted from stone and polished by apprentices Roderick nods. "The royal academy building. This will be the likeliest place to find a healer." Ken (GM): em you press through the crowd, which seems to part for you more often than not. "Outsiders" is whispered more than once Gray walks to the notice, striding though the crouad but careful of the humans. He doesn't knock anyone aside as he works his way to the notice. "What's this?" Bomrek: "That's a door, Gray." Ken (GM): [wakka wakka] Syviis sighs but looks amused all the same Bomrek: Bomrek tries to read it. Is it chicken scratch, or more legible Dwarf, perhaps? Ken (GM): "BY PROCLAMATION OF THE LORD MARSHALL GEOFFERSON OF OAKWAY This building and it's caretakers are to be conscripted to the service of his Hhigh Lorde Jadeite of the The premises are condemned until further notice. Tresspassers will be prosecuted and pressed to service as the High Lord determines needful So said Lord Marshall Geofferson" [in the language of men :P] Gray slams a fist into the door, the wood rattleing as he growls a moment, rage radiateing from him in hot waves before he growls under his breath. "I hate that man." Bomrek: "Sounds like we need to seek out his whereabouts then." Syviis: "I worry at the speed things have changed...but I suppose these are rapid times." Ken (GM): [rapid times at Oakway keep] Gray nods. "Let's locate food and a nurse for Falkirk. Suori needs to know about this as well." Syviis: Realistically how soon can Syviis hear back from her peoples in this area? (assuming messages are not being maliciously stopped) Ken (GM): A few days, assuming messengers are on the up and up. Syviis: Well, the messages she sent at the tinder-keep are pretty much useless so she'll find a Ye Olde Post Office and send a fresh set Asking for a meeting, etc Bomrek: "Food? A nurse? What we need is a magical healer. What's the point of.." he trails off, willing his own loss of steam. Ken (GM): Ah well, sending a message is more like . Theres dedicated dudes who ride letters up and down, employe dby the army. So theyll seek you out. Just got to let them know where to deliver it if youre not at the keep. Mostly a people process, not as abstracted Gray: "Just to keep an eye on him until we can locate better. Are you alright?" He ask Bomrek, looking to the solid and strong dwarf with a worried frown under cloth that covers Gray's lower face. Ken (GM): Y'all wanna just ask around in town? Canvass for healers? [] Joush M.: Sure. Spend a half hour trying to find a healer? If that doesn't work, look for any semi-reliable person for hire that doesn't mind playing nurse to a disabled person for a few days or so Bomrek: "I'm fine." Bomrek says, narrowing his eyes a bit at Gray, and gripping his chest of gold a bit tighter. Syviis: Midwives or hospice care woukd work too if the healers are busy Bomrek: "Cheese and Bread is fine if we're trying to swaddle an infant, but what we need is a healer." (Imagine I said Cheese, Bread, and Wine) (I prefer that imagery more) Syviis: "Perhaps we can find some of the disposed healers from the academy as well." Gray nods. "Conscripted by the Lord Marshall. He must be holding them somewhere." Gray: "If we intend to break them from their cages I would have Suori with us" Ken (GM) asking around the market, most folks know of the Academy mages. There were plenty of talented folks who worked about the city. Noble men and women, they'd say, the high folk of town. Geofferson has had them tasked to his homestead, or off on adventurous missions, they say, off fighting against the beastmen hordes! But no specifics otherwise. Their homes have been locked and guarded by the militia, many of them moved out some weeks ago, the staff left to care for their manors. Bomrek: (>fighting against hte beastmen hordes) (To Gray): Between people sbody language and scent, youre sensing a ton of distrust about here for you and the other non-humans, specifically Ken (GM) you all notice as the conversations go, most people talk to Roderick directly... Syviis: "Might be worth checking not only for healers but also if other half-elves are in the area, they may know of the foolish ones who attacked us." Gray: "Compassionate of them. They do the work of the light.. I worry though, what the Lord Marshall is up to with the magi of the acadamey" The beast considers. "Should we head back to the others? We are not trusted here. If we need more it would be best to let Roderick handle the conversation. They treat me as they ever have, but the common folk show fear and suspicion at Bomrick and Syviis as well." Bomrek groans slightly in distaste, having to go walk through the horde of disgusting squatters and refugees. Bomrek: "Perhaps it's my untidy beard, I haven't combed it today." Bomrek says, running his fingers through it experimentally. P.P. A.: Just imagine how they'll react to us if they learn that we wiped out the kingdom's army and drove all these refugees to their gates! Roderick: "If we intend to go asking about our assailants, it may be best to do so with our full cohort." Syviis nods Syviis: "Healing first." Ken (GM): [so back for your stuff and Suthri, then to the gates?] Bomrek: We need to get a dedicated stuff-watcher. Give that bird of Gray's a couple pistols and tell him to shoot anything that's not us. Joush M.: Sounds good. Gray only went with the small group when he thought it would be a fast trip Syviis: If anyone can make raven-fired pistols, it's the dwarves. Or at least the Gnomes. :P Ken (GM) Heading back to the building, and with so many eyes watching, you notice youre being followed. By a man in a hood(in this heat?) and with well oiled leathers (armor?) and a bow on his back. He is staying back along the roadways, but is definitely keeping pace with you all as you walk Ken (GM): [wat dooo] Gray frowns a touch as he notices the figure and considers a moment, then turns down a narrow alleyway between two buildings. "Go to the end of the alley" He tells the others, then looks for some shadows to wait in for the man to pass. Doc: B: find a good place to fight and confront him Bomrek: Hood... Armor.. Bow.. Gray: Joush M.: Me hide good Syviis: [Oodelodie oodelodie golly what a day] Bomrek does as the beastman suggests. Ken (GM): [Ill consider modifiers. Its not pass fail :P] Bomrek: P.P. A.: cardboard boxes arenÄ't invented yet Bomrek: Is that a pass with 0 stealth skill? Syviis takes up the rear as they pass Gray and go into the alley P.P. A.: you'll have to make do with huge barrels Bomrek: Those should be easily accessible Ken (GM) Your group ducks the guy just up the way from your hideout, and Gray takes up around the corner behind a few barrels of rainwater. A cat perches nearby, watching you all intently, as they do Syviis: [on a barrel] Bomrek stands behind a trash can Ken (GM): [so much poop in that can] Ken (GM) The man strides to the alleyway, but then stops at it's entrance, backlit by the morning sun. He seems to be looking for you all. He hasnt spotted you yet Bomrek: On three, I jam a pick into his skull! (To Gray): a very familiar elf scent Joush M.: Roderick and Syiviis be in view at the end of the alley? Syviis: Yep. No hidey for the hidey elf Gray speaks to the figure from where he waits in the shadows, pulling the fabric down from his face. "Following us?" He ask, scenting the air and seeming to recongize the figure, a hand lifted as a signal to the others not to shoot him. This means you, Bomrek. Aachen: "Only to check youve packed your horses correctly this time, big guy" The familiar elf draws back his own hood, and Aachen Silverleaf steps into the dark alleyway Aachen is different. He's thinner, harder looking, and he has a big red streak on his face. His hair is also close cropped up into a kind of mohawk, tumbling loose on his head. His elven armor has been dyed black and red, here and there Gray: "I'm glad you aren't dead. I'd feared the worst after what happend in the south.. Roderick, Syviis, this is the outrider leader Aachen Silverleaf. He's a good man, we fought with him to the ruins of Gandelfen" Aachen: "Glar-den-fen" he enunciates 'Still cant remember where you been Gray?" He smiles broadly Bomrek steps out and opens his arms wide in greeting "Eellllf! How are you?" Gray: "Always a problem with elf-words." He admits freely. Bomrek: ("Elf 1, this is Elf 2, and Human 1") Aachen: He gladly takes Bomrek's grasp "We paid you ya greedy half-rack" he laughs (To Roderick): Your wizard senses are tingling. he's got an aura about him, tangible from here. (From Doc): anything unusual about the aura, or simply that he's magic? (To Doc): Perception +talent! otherwise you gotta touch it to know for sure Aachen runs a gloved hand through his hair. "Ah well, I can't always be the pretty one, can I?" He chuckles "Its certainly a new outlook though" Roderick: (To GM) (To Doc): Its...a ruddy thing. Like fresh kills and blood on the ground. An aura of menace, skill, the hunt. You havent tasted anything like this, short of that heady thing the Fae have to them. It's a kind of transformative aura. Like hes empowered by something else Aachen: "Buy me a drink first big guy" Aachen smirks, but his eyes are sad "I'm not hurting right now. Im fine. Dont worry about me" Bomrek: "Speaking of, we need a Healer, soon." Gray: "Let's get back to the storehouse. We can talk there." Aachen: "What? Who? Suthri?" he asks, concern streaking his face " Falkirk? Where are the others" Bomrek looks off to the side a bit, then says "Falkirk." Gray: "Falkirk's taken ill by fell magic. He's sleeping now. Suori endures, and is as tough as ever. He's watching out for us there." He says as he walks in the direction of the storehouse. "You know Lord Honsea left us. He planned to travel north, I think he will be doing fine wherever he's found himself" Aachen: "Horsa? No shit. I thought he'd be a 'Hero of the South' by now..." Aachen follows quietly, drawing up his hood as you reach the street (To Syviis): You notice, he's missing his last fingers, on both hands. The gloves have little stumps there, at the base of the palm Aachen: "Ever the perceptive Gray. It's as if there was a war and the people of Greyhold are beleagured" he says dryly. He continues in a much more serious tone "Its not safe here anymore. Not since The Happening. Not for anyone" he calls over his shoulder "I take it then that you're Roderick of Vivec then?" Aachen the building is as you left it. Unexploded Ken (GM): * Suðri Skornbrekker laid in wait barricated on the upper floor, musket aimed at the entrance; he relaxes when he recognises his comrades, and moreso when he hears a familiar name. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aachen, you're alive!” he exclaims happily, coming down from a bove to shake the elf's hand. “It's good to see you in one piece.” That's one life that they don't have to blame themselves for wiping out. Bomrek: Bomrek would still concede he's done nothing wrong, at all. Aachen takes the dwarf's hand readily, and draws back his hood in the closed room "Hah, as if they'd keep me in any more than one piece" Ken (GM): [map magic: cozy edition] Gray picks the nicest places Suðri Skornbrekker: “You have changed, moreso than we have. What has happened here while we were gone?” Syviis checks on the healer's healing herb garden Gray: "Our hospitality is limited, but I still have some hardtack, wine and meat." He offers as Gray walks to his things, examining the supplies then looking to Falkirk in that strange enchanted birar, nodding to Syvis as she examines the man before nodding in agreement at Suori's question. Joush M.: Must resist urge to try and cozy this place up more. Ken (GM): [map nudging, nothing to be alarmed by] Aachen sits, cross legged, rests against the wall "All is not well in the State of Greyhold" he says "these are darks times, my old friends" He smirks at Rod and Syviis "And new friends" Aachen: "Good haul Bomrek. You finally got everything you ever wanted eh?" Bomrek: "Aye, now about that Healer.." Syviis: "Dark times indeed. Any light you can shed upon them for us would be valuable. We've been in the heart of that darkness for too long." Aachen: "For the briar patch? Not a problem. I can have my people here, take a look at him" Suðri Skornbrekker points at the sarcophagus. “Our dear Falkirk was a bit too curious and touched a magic thing too many. He's been unconscious since, so we threw more magic at him and are now waiting and hoping that he emerges form that thing.” Gray: "What's going on here? The Lord Marshall is a drug addled whoremonger and the people are afraid.. I'd thank you for the help. I worry for Falkirk. The outriders are here in the city, Aachen?" Gray studies the man a moment then goes to stand near the door, watching for dangerr and staying out of sight. Aachen: "The Outlanders are as dead as Gorgoth" "The order was disbanded after The Happening, by the order of 'High Lord Jadeite' " he speaks the title with some sarcasm in his voice (To Syviis): His aura flashes at the retelling of the story. Seems his emotions are muddied into his magic aura Gray: "I'm sorry to hear that. You were a good leader, and the orginsation's needed now more then ever with the number of people displaced in the south." Bomrek sets his treasure chest down near his equipment, and crosses his arms. "They'll starve, soon." Gray: "Who are you with now, Aachen?" Bomrek: (Bomrek secretly can't wait for them to starve, what are they? People? Only by certain definitions.) Aachen: "Friends. A group dedicated to the people. " He looks you all over, seriously now "some very dedicated folks who want to see peace restored to the lands. Theyre actually interested in meeting you all, now" he turns to the other elf in the room "They want to meet you especially, Aachen sighs. His eyes press closed and he frowns Aachen: "You'd be surprised, Gray, what some people can do with themselves when youre not around" "surprised at the folks they get to talking to. Surprised at the things they learn" "Why did you do it then? Hmm? Why would you pull the trigger?" Aachen he clenches his hands closed, tightly, around his bow and quiver. The leather squeaks Gray: "I made the choice and gave the order. It seemed like the best option at the time. I've no defense or excuse" Bomrek half leans, half sits against a handy piece of wood planking, crossing his arms with slightly more vigor "Well, I can tell you I didn't do a thing. Fairly sure I was drunk through all that." (To Syviis): No, nothing major going on. You dont feel anything like it oging on Syviis walks over and looks him over Syviis: "Are you alright?" (To Syviis): There is some juju going on with his aura. From here, you feel a very powerful channel is open between him and something else. (To Syviis): Tastes like...a binding? or some kind of pact? Syviis: In elf: Aachen: "I should go now" he says, shying away from Syviis' eyes, idly turning the bow and arrows in his hands. Bomrek: "Wait" Bomrek raises his splayed fingers toward Aachen. "The healer, you said you might have a lead?" Syviis looks concerned, but nods at Bomrek. Syviis: "Please, Aachen, that is our first and top priority. Can you at least tell us where to find them?" Aachen: "Y-yeash...Ill send someone by. No worries Bomrek. We'll get Falkirk all fixed up, dont you worry" he stammers a bit Syviis: [oh, fine, just talk over me... ] :P Gray: "He smells of blood. His own and someone else's. He's running on raw will and dark magic at this point, I imagine." He pours wine into a mess cup and walks over, setting it down near Syviis on an old barrel. "I don't know we are on the same side in this, Aachen." Suðri Skornbrekker just instinctively thinks edgelord elves covered in black, red, and blood are probably no good, though he was nonetheless glad to see Aachen alive, even if as an enemy. Aachen: "You cant...." he starts, but gulps loudly" You shouldnt say things...like that..." "" he says, quietly Syviis: "Who is?" Bomrek nods sagely, "Right, the beastmen are the enemy." Gray: "I won't stop you from leaving if you need to. But you need a healer as badly as Falkirk does. Sit and talk with Syviss. Rest, recover. I'll go find someone that can tend wounds among the Light Worshipers helping outside the wall." Aachen: "No! You can't" he says to Gray loudly" You can't trust them! Geofferson turned them already!" Gray: "Then you'd better explain. Start at the beginning, please." He says with a deep frown. Syviis nods, but tries to leave a smile on her face. Aachen: "I ....can't. Yet" he strings together, firghting with himself "I need some time. We all just need a " Syviis: "You're with friends here. Please. Listen to them." (To Roderick): You can sense he's calling up some earth magic, invisible to the naked eye, but not to you Syviis: "What is it, Aachen?" Aachen looks about, more nervous, like a rabbit in a snare Aachen: "I .....I need to go. I'm sorry. Ill return" Bomrek stares, a mix between displeasure and bewilderment, and says "I think we might have a problem with this building's foundation." Syviis: "Not nearly as sturdy as Dwarven construction." "I assume this is a new-ish development??" Gray: "Blight, what manner of magic was that?" He says with wide eyes, looking to were Aachen vanished and tight in his belly as he frown. "The question then is if we run or not.. Yes, Syviis. I never saw him use power like that before." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Glad though I am to see an old comrade still alive, I am no less worried for him now thna I was one day ago.” Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the floor. Bomrek: Syviis: "On the off chance he might be bringing someone back to help, I think we should stay...but be on guard. We need answers, not more questions." Bomrek rummages through his belongings, and pulls out a round glass bottle of colored liquid, strong smelling whiskey. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): FLoor looks like a floor. His magic parted the boards and earth, and put them right back together again Ken (GM): [ruh roh, Bomrek''s angry bout wizard shit again] Roderick: "He wasn't always like this, I take it?" Gray: "No. He was an honorble and clever woodland scout. He faced down a blackrot infested ogre without fear and sustained terreble injury without complaint fighting for the people of the south." Syviis: "It felt as if...he had..." "He had a link to something, or someone far away. Or maybe it was the Earth itself? I am not familiar with the way earth magic works." (To Roderick): Wanna drop thaumatology on that? Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): Slick; she's describing, very likely, a warlock pact. He's bonded with something bigger than him. A Fae, or a demon, or some great spirit. It projects power through him. A very forbidden practice a tthe academy and a very dangerous one to work. It might also explain the emotion bursting through him Syviis: "I'm well into understanding your distaste for magic, Suori, and I don't blame you at all." Gray summons his Raven, the blackness and shadow drawn to his sholder as he walks over to check on Falkirk. "Memory, do you recongize anything in Aachen? In the magic that surrounded him?" Falkirk: "All elves are magical, Suðri, i though you knew that" says a shaky voice, out of the green bush in the room Suðri Skornbrekker raises up his arms and smiles broadly. Bomrek: "I'm not a fan of the.." he gestures toward the spot he disappeared into, "but I'd like to see if he comes through with the healer." Falkirk: "What the hell am I doing in these bushes?" he mumbles to himself, sitting up Gray: "Falkirk? You.." He moves to the bush, clearly worried, looking down to the man and reaching down to help free the physican. "Being healed." Suðri Skornbrekker: “'tis not the strangest thing you've been in,” Suðri assures him. Falkirk: "Where's the Key? What happened to the Derugar keep?" he seems like he's just woken up from a deep sleep Suðri Skornbrekker: “It is a long sroy, and much has happened. Take your time to come to.” Falkirk: "Why does it taste like Ive been drinking gallons of camomile tea?" he screws up his face, Roderick ponders the implications of the magic the elf described, but his attention quickly turns to the wizard which had suddenly awakened. Bomrek: (What did Bomrek used to call Falkirk? Doctor? Hm.) Gray: "You've missed a lot, friend.. Easy now. I can't explain the tea." He admits as he helps Falkirk. "It's very good to see you up, Physician." Syviis: Falkirk he stands up, stretches tall, and looks around. He is flush and healthy looking, and has bits of rose stuck in his hair Falkirk: "what the hell happened?" Bomrek: "Doctor, welcome to the land of the waking." Bomrek says, waving to him with his bottle. Suðri Skornbrekker sits down, and takes a deep breath. (To Syviis): magic senses: He has no aura. Absolutely none. (To Roderick): magic senses: He has no aura. Absolutely none. P.P. A.: one day at the fort, three days or so of getting from te crash site to the ruins, then an undefined amount of time to reach civilisation, and then a ride to this town Ken (GM): [Since falkirk went down? yeah, about that much time] Gray: "Fae magic healed you after you were struck down by darkness in Gorath. You are back in Oakway." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It has been about two weeks. You touched a magic crystal, and have been out cold since.” Falkirk takes an experimental sip of wine, then a big swig Falkirk: "No kidding. Fae. Thats some very tricky stuff..." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We left Bomrek to guard you while we explored the fort, fighting more Derugar and an orc, and uncovering mines for magic red dust worked by beastman slaves.” “When we checked up on you, you and Bomrek had been abducted by a mindflayer and stuck into some strange coffins, but we slew it and freed you again.” Falkirk nods along, taking a seat and listening to the dwarf's tale Suðri Skornbrekker: “At about this point, Sir Roderick here joined us, whisked away to the fort by some fae magic bullshit.” Falkirk regards Roderick then, and raises his cup to him Falkirk: "Kept them safe for me? I was out of commission, so my doctorly duties were remiss for some time" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Together with him, capable fighter that he is, we acquired the key to the Ansible, which was the entire tower floating above the fort. When we entered it, we found there a horrible abomination, apparently trapped there by the ancients and abudcted from some ralm of Darkness. As well as some fire giants who crewed the place, and a strange old lady, but whatever.” Roderick nods. "They did a fantastic job of avoiding injury, considering the circmstances. But on the note of fae magic bulshit, how are you feeling?" Falkirk: "Suðri Skornbrekker pauses to let Falkirk answer that important question. Falkirk: "I am..." he starts, and gets a puzzle d look on his face "I am not... oh gods..what?" he looks very perplexed suddenly. Panicked even Suðri Skornbrekker blinks, and notices the obvious. Falkirk: "Where did...how could I?" he asks, imploring the air to answer him P.P. A.: (I assume he's naked because the thing ate his clothes?) Falkirk: "" He yells P.P. A.: (oh) (nvm) Roderick: "So I wasn't imagining it..." Syviis nods slowly Suðri Skornbrekker: “...I do not know, but hear how the story continues. Trust me, you are not the only one who lost his magic.” Bomrek: (Fuck, had to basically go afk there. Time to read the backlog) Falkirk: hje looks at roderick, very seriously, squints his eyes "What.Did.You. Do?" P.P. A.: (it's just a clipshow filler episode) Gray looks from Falkirk to Roderick. "Saved you, I think." Syviis: "Magic was severed for many miles around us. All mana was absorbed...or perhaps erased by the weapon." Falkirk: "By bartering with the " Suðri Skornbrekker: “Are Fae worse than ancient Elves?” Suðri Skornbrekker can't quite understand the gravity of the situation; having magic doesn't seem like a good thing to begin with, to him. Falkirk: "They Suðri Skornbrekker blinks. Bomrek: The only good magic is Dwarven magic tbh Falkirk: "Specifically, if you dont make any . No boundaries. No limits. No laws." "What has this done to me?!" Falkirk yells, raising his voice in uncharachteristic anger Syviis: [dang witchalocks] Suðri Skornbrekker: “First of all, he has brought you back from wherever the hell your soul was drifting. You have been out for two weeks.” Ken (GM): [BECUASE HOLY SHIT ITS 4 ALREADY] Bomrek: :OOOOOOOOOO P.P. A.: (fucking DST) Ken (GM): lol Joush M.: Next Week: Falkirk slaps Rod's shit. Aachen comes back with junky elf cultist to kill us. Syviis's top rips Ken (GM): :O Fiss: ELVES GONE MILD P.P. A.: Dwarves' distrust of magic is again affirmed Finely combed and braided beards Fiss: BEARD MAGIC IS ONLY BEST MAGIC Gray had a rough time today, but at least got a cozy storehouse and might acutely learn what is going on with magic. Doc: Elves Gone Mild: 90 minutes of elf girls on spring break sheepishly putting their shirts back on Fiss: BEST MAGIC OF ALL IS SKS MAGIC Bomrek: ew that SKS wood is nasty it looks like plastic. Fiss: Rare albino SKS'es. Ken (GM): BAKELITE IS BEST WOOD Fiss: They are sickly and Putin keeps them around for sport. BEST SKS IS CANADIAN TIRE MONEY SKS! Adolf S.: minus the disgusting pointless mag cap. Joush M.: I thought Texas was the only place you could get a free gun with a new set of tires Adolf S.: any boycots of canadian tire due to their firearm association? Ken (GM): Fiss: Nah, they're seen as pretty wholesome. Adolf S.: Weird, I'd expect outrage. P. sure there's been pickets at walmart for selling guns here in the us before. Joush M.: >Dwarf Magic (To Doc): Youre pretty quiet today; you good? Adolf S.: I never viewed the people doing these pickets and having these outrages as being too picky about it being hunting related or not. Fiss: If anything they get a bunch of pissed of soccer moms mad whenever some idiot kid shoots their hand with a pellet-gun or a slingshot more than anything about firearms. Adolf S.: Ken, wassa' points. Ken (GM): oh yeah! right take 4 you roleplaying bastards with yoiur drama and your recurring characters and their drama Joush M.: Our friend is like one of Green Arrow's sidekicks P.P. A.: It's not our fault if everyone and their mom actually survived our nuclear devastation Joush M.: Arm gets fucked up and he's an archer hooked on drugs P.P. A.: well except Falkirk, Falkirk is our fault (From Doc): Yeah, just really tired and slow. A couple of times Rod was about to say something but then someone else said it first. Joush M.: With the whole Fae Bargan he's lucky he diden't come back as a little girl (From Doc): also Rod likes to stay out of conversations with people the rest of the party knows but he doesn't know Adolf S.: Nothing is Bomrek's fault Fiss: We seem to be really good/bad at that... (To Doc): Ah cool. I did drop a shitballs amount of call-back rp today. Thought id make sure I didnt totally alienate you :P Ken (GM): DO ALL THE THINGS Doc: "Nothing is Bomrek's fault" everything is bomrek's fault Ken (GM): GET BLAMED FOR ALL THE THINGS Doc: he's got all these wizards and elfs around and he hasn't shot nearly enough of them Ken (GM): ^^^ this^^^ P.P. A.: true that Ken (GM): Bomrek has the ability and the equipment, and none of the bodycount just needs ta shoot more wizard types Ima go start some soup and do all the dishes P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Fiss: o/ I hate April Fools day.... Think Geek reminds me of all the cool shit that MIGHT exist if money was no object. P.P. A.: haha Ken (GM): dear lord the IT issues involved with that Fiss: Heheh Joush M.: good morning Fiss: Mornin! Ken (GM): MOOOOORNIN IVE BEEN UP SINCE DAWN WITH BABIES Fiss: 500 BABIES! Joush M.: Ooh yeah. That curse of a new parent Bomrek: is this real I hope so Fiss: Do want. I also would buy the Tentacle-snuggy thing. Joush M.: Player character plans Fiss: LOL That poor little trash-bandit... Ken (GM): ohhh racoons you so fat HOKAY so, where last we left our heroes [You had holed up in an abandoned warehouse because CULTISTS and had ventured out to see that the Lord Marshall had fucked over the Royal Magic Academy building/folks. You ran into Aachen, who seems very sketchy and full of weird magic, and he has just left, promising to return with a healer friend of his. Falkirk has awoken, found hs magic is gone, and has loudly damned Roderick and the Fae for the problem] [Gray had JUST summoned Memory the Raven, Bomrek was drinking again, and everyone was quite in a tizzy if I recall] Fiss: "Falkirk, is there anything you want us to save from the vines that you might be able to use later on? Do you have a master or cabal of wizards you can turn to to see if the loss of your magic can be reversed?" Syviis: * Bomrek perks up at this, puts a stopped in his flask, and walks over to Falkirk. "Yes, exactly, do you have any wizard friends? Old teachers maybe? Somebody in town here." Gray: "You are better then you were this morning, friend. You can rage at the lords of the Fae later. We need your clever mind and knowlage more then your spells. We could use a physican." Syviis: "With all the things we've seen and done, perhaps bargaining with the Fae would be easier than you think to recover yourself fully." Falkirk simmers Bomrek: (Read that as "Falkirk Skitters" and imagined him as a crab on a sea shore.) Syviis: "It isn't fair to blame Roderick or anyone...there were half a dozen times where we though you lost...it's a miracle we could keep you with us safe and alive long enough to recover as you have." Falkirk: "one: Where the hell are we? Two: what day is it? Three: Bomrek, share the firewater" and he holds out a hand Syviis smiles and relaxes a bit Doc: (which in turn makes me think of him going "woop woop woop" like Zoidberg) Syviis: "It's Day ____ of the holy month of _____, or like the humans say.. Tuesday." Falkirk extracts himself from the fairy flowers. The thorny vines are withering before you, and the leaves browning visibly. As he steps down from the bed, the flowers shrink to nubs Bomrek: ("See, I told you we should have added a little bit of glucose in with the water, now look, they're all dead") Gray: "Oakway, near the river docks. It's the forty second day of spring." He walks to the flowers, helping Falkirk rise then looking to the briar bed. "Should anything be done with them?" Falkirk has a nip from the flask, and immediately begins hacking and coughing Falkirk: "GOOD GODS; what have yo ubeen drinking Bomrek?" Roderick: "Lots." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We have been through a lot,” Suðri chimes in on that, “I cannot blame him.” Bomrek: "It's either wood alcohol or some sort of cellar spirit." Suðri Skornbrekker: “After we rescued you and Bomrek—who stayed behind to watch over you—from the clutches of the mindflayer the two of us saw at the slaver's camp—you were stuck in some kind of apparatus with one of its... offspring, perhaps, sucking your face...” Gray: "You've been asleep a long time. You need food and water, not whisky." Falkirk mulls over this. He pokes and prods a this face, his neck, and his mouth. Falkirk: "I seem unscathed from the ordeal. Mindflayers are terrible demons. Hideous creatures of twisted flesh. But I seem no worse for the wear..." He looks at Bomrek "Suðri, were Bomrek and I in the Flayer's den? Did you find each of us there?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “We came back to find both of you missing. Syviis tracked down the magic... track of the Mindflayer, and we entered his abode and killed him. You were both in these strange coffins, alongside a few unfortunate fellows who had been there for a bit longer and were, dried up, wrinkled, and probably dead in some way.” Bomrek: "I was around at the time, yes" Gray nods, studying Falkirk and seeming reassured the man doesn't need to be steadied any longer he draws back. Walking to the door he looks outside, speaking softly to the raven at his sholder. "Is there anything you can sense about Falkirk? Or that you noticed about Aachen?" (To Gray): "Falkirk is whole again, but he has been cocooned in the Fae healing. His magic, if it was ever there, is gone now. i see no trace of his binding to the higher planes. Your friend Aachen is also...unwell" she dithers, not continuing Falkirk: "Bomrek, this is serious. Was there a creature attached to you as well? " he peers at bomrek, staying an arms length back, but looking around the edges of the dwarf's face Gray: "It's unlike you to hestate. Is his illness a personal matter?" He ask as a hand lifts to stroke the raven's shadowy feathers a moment. The brute watching the street outside the small warehouse. (To Gray): "Your friend is beholden to a dark spirit. And I do not know it's name..." Falkirk: "Open your mouth Bomrek. I need to inspect you for wounds. " he turns to Syviis, Suðri "Get a torch, and a knife" Gray nods, troubled by whatever the raven said, before his attention turns to Falkirk. The request suprise him, a worried frown for Bomrek. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Coming up!” He goes to fetch these items, likely as they are to be available here. Syviis finds a torch nervously, whispering something about how all Mindflayers need to be ground into mulch for trees. P.P. A.: n-nevermind Ken (GM): [so man y volunteers :D ] Roderick has a high-quality penis dagger and can light his hands on fire so it makes sense Syviis: [ALL THE TORCHES] Ken (GM): [...penis dagger?] Syviis: [The Penis Mightier] Doc: Ken (GM): ... Doc: ballock daggers were the fashionable item Ken (GM): jfc Joush M.: Proof that people were the same "LOL, check out my dickknife" Bomrek: (back) Gray keeps a watch out. Bomrek: (lessy, what'd I miss) Doc: and of course it would be worn in front on your belt Bomrek: "Wounds? I've never been stabbed by a sandwich before, 'ya crazy bastard." Falkirk: "Bomrek. The mind flayers lay their eggs in living hosts, and consume them from within. We need to make sure youre not Bomrek grabs his flask and sips some of the remaining fluid out of it, before tilting his head back and opening his mouth. "Anythin' inside me is long dead from drowning, I assure you" Roderick: "A cunning strategy, but I wouldn't want to risk everything on the idea that mind flayers are weak to alcohol." Falkirk Falkirk gets the torch lit in one hand, and takes the foot long thin knife in the other. He takes a look down bomrek's gullet...and blanches Joush M.: "Oh god! It smells of rotgut and harring! What do you even eat?" Falkirk: "Bomrek... what doe syour mouth.... right now? Bomrek: That's a good question. Gray looks to them across the room, a frown on the brute's rough features as he watches the doctor's examination. (To Bomrek): You run your tongue around, and it feels normal. Teeth, cheeks, all there. You cant taste anything, but thats been the standard for going on two weeks now Bomrek: "Feels like a mouth, 'Doc." Falkirk: "How odd..." he murmurs to himself as he raises the knife to the torch, letting the metal smoke off and heat up "Im going to need to to hold Bomrek narrows his eyes angrily, and slowly closes his mouth. "The inside of my throat ain't the ass end of a cow, Falkirk." Falkirk: "Bomrek, I dont think you actually have one anymore..." he waves the knife through the flame "Have a poke at your tongue. Use your finger. tell me what that feels like Bomrek: "What the fuck are you on about?" Bomrek says harshly, not his usual neutrally-racist temperament. Gray frowns more, distrubed by the conversation, then turning to watch out for trouble. Falkirk: "You have, in the technical term, a Roderick realizes the implications. "We... may have seen this before," he says grimly. Bomrek: "What" Bomrek says simply, but sternly. Suðri Skornbrekker turns to Roderick as he realises what he meant. “...the scribe.” Bomrek: (Bomrek turns around quickly to face Roderick, "Seen what, the charred outline of a family against a crumbled farmhouse wall after you pushed the button?") (Roderick "One Nuke Wasn't Enough" Armorman) Ken (GM): [heyooo] [but seriousl tho, theyve seen this before] Suðri Skornbrekker explains to Bomrek and Falkirk: “In one of the lower floors of the fort, we freed a man who was being held there to do alchemy for the Derugar.” Bomrek: (Has Bomrek seen it before? I've no recollection.) P.P. A.: (no, thta was when Bomrek was guarding the doc) Gray winces. "That's right." Suðri Skornbrekker: “He couldn't speak, so we communicated through writing. He called himself ‘Servant’. He was the mind-slave of another Midnflayer, whom Syviis killed.” “...we discovered that his tongue had been replaced by... something. Something of the mind-flayer. We eventually cut it out, but alas, he took his own life shortly after.” Suðri Skornbrekker slaps his forehead and mumbles: “Why did we not think of this back then...” P.P. A.: that feel when the PCs miss a hint Bomrek: "Think of what? What in the hell are you talking about" Falkirk: "Any advice for the extraction, Sir Roderick?" Falkirk asks, inspecting the blade in the torch flame Syviis: "We had many pressing issues...none of them are excuses, of course...just..." Gray: "What.. humm. We lacked a healer." He says in that rough voice, looking to Falkirk then Roderick and Bomrek. Syviis: "What do we do about it, Falkirk? Or are you hoping heated steel is the answer?" Suðri Skornbrekker notices Bomrek's apprehension. “If it is not removed, that... thing might take control of you and drive you mad.” Roderick: "The only advice I can offer is to be careful, and hope that an early removal yields better results." Falkirk: "I am a surgeon, miss. I cut bad things out of people. I am good at it" "Gray, be a good man and hold Bomrek fast for this? I'd imagine you'll want a good grip on his head and jaw for me" he motions to Bomrek, pointing with the hot knife Bomrek: "Drive me mad? The only blasted thing drivin' me mad is the lack of drink and tobacco smoke!" Roderick: "That blade was well-suited to the task, but he was too far gone to be saved." Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard and recalls that Servant lost his ability to write and generally seemed confused after the removal, but assumes that this was due to him reverting to what he was like before the infection. Bomrek: "Oi, no way in the nine hells am I letting you cut out my tongue!" Bomrek takes a few steps back, the steps themselves more anger than they are fear. Doc: tfw mouth surgery with a penis dagger Syviis doesn't look particularly happy either Falkirk: "Bomrek....you dont have a tongue in there anymore" Gray sighs and walks over. "Fine. Alright.. Bomrek, it's the doctor. You trust him. He's going to do what he can to help you. He wouldn't suggest this if it wasn't necessary." Bomrek: "Well so far it's served perfectly [Short, pointed dwarven curse word] well at passin' bread and wine down my throat!" Memory takes up a perch on a barrel, watching, head cocked Bomrek: "How am I going to talk without m'tongue? Take me to somebody who has a few sparks of magic and see what in the hell they can do!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “You did not meet Servant. The ‘tongue’ was a grotesque being with its own will, and it controlled him.” Gray: "I think magic would more easilly fix this after the thing in your mouth is gone." Bomrek: "Was it? Or was it just a Suðri Skornbrekker looks a bit pale, certainly unhappy that he needs to talk his Dwarven comrade into having his congue cut out. Bomrek: "Y'can't fix what ain't there! I'm not livin' my life without a tongue" his accent's coming on a little bit, thickening and hardening his words in the Dwarven way, not something that you've seen happen with him much. Suðri Skornbrekker: “We had already killed the Mindflayer who was in the area and controlled the man, but the ‘tongue’ continued on its own.” Bomrek: (I imagine there are Dwarven jokes about the trick to speaking Elf being to just get so drunk the words slur and soften so much as to be unrecognizable as proper Dwarf.) Suðri Skornbrekker looks down and wonders. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Why were you so eager to find a healer? Are you noticing any strange effects?” Gray: "I don't think you have a choice about that, at least for a while. You are more then tough enough to endure this." He walks closer but doesn't grab Bomrek. "In the end, it's your choice. But the situation isn't stable. You are getting worse." Syviis: "It's been letting you use it as your tongue because it's still eating you, Bomrek." "But I hardly think we need to cut that out of him without proper consideration. A magical healer, and some sedation may repair much more than just a knife." Bomrek: "I haven't been able to taste a drop" his accent goes back to normal again, not strictly speaking considering the hardness of Dwarf language to be a natural way to indicate anger, in this case simply indicating further focus - "of 'booze since you 'lot pulled me out of those damned tombs." "I'd very much like to FIX that" Bomrek responds to Syviis', or rather builds off what she's saying "A knife is for stabbing, a needle is for mending, but my tongue is neither a slice of roast nor torn dress to be re-stitched." Bomrek: "Getting worse?" Bomrek says, in response to Gray. "What [Dwarven curse word, again] scale would you be judging that on exactly? Only thing I'm suffering from is a dry palate." Suðri Skornbrekker grits his teeth. “It might be true, after all...” Falkirk: "how positively barbaric a notion Bomrek. I have a skilled hand; I will only extract the parasite, im sure" Roderick: "I only extracted the parasite." Bomrek: "How damned controlling are these things supposed to be, anyway? Is it a beast, or does it have a mind? I don't mind having to poke m'own tongue with a fork at night to quiet it down, as long as I can still talk" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye, and Roderick is not even a physician, or did we know what we were doing.” Bomrek: he says, the idea being that maybe we could reason with it. With force. The only type of reason. Gray: "You are sick. You've been sick for a while. It's not getting better." He says relentlessly to Bomrek. "You can't just leave it there. You need to trust Falkirk and Roderick." Ken (GM): [dwarven gun diplomacy to your own mouth? crazy] Suðri Skornbrekker: “It looked like... well [Dwraven expletive], like some weird [Dwarven expletive]. Servant seemed to wrestle with it for control of his mind, and was agonised by it.” Bomrek: "It's not gotten better because I haven't had a proper healer to look at it." Syviis: [Dwaf Diplomacy: "I'LL FUCKKIN MURDAR YOU! WITH MY OWN TEEEEETH!"] Bomrek: (I imagine Bomrek losing control of his left hand, and it going to do something bad at the bidding of the tongue, and then him stuffing half a pistol barrel into his mouth with his right hand and mouthing "stick'm up, you think I won't shoot?" around the barrel.) Gray: "Bite it hard and spit out the blood. See for yourself what's inside your mouth." Falkirk: "Oh, the huh? Pour quicklime into your moth and pray to the All father? BAH!" Syviis: "Until now we haven't even been aware of what was going on, Falkirk." Doc: Bomrek.avi Suðri Skornbrekker: “Now now, no need to be rude,” Suðri chastises Falkirk, though rather because he empathises with Bomrek not wanting to lose his ability to speak. Joush M.: Love that movie Suðri Skornbrekker: “I should note, Bomrek, when we found Servant he could not speak, though the thing was still acting like his tongue.” (To Syviis): You recall it was a bit psychic? screame din your mind? (From Bomrek): Any specific plans with this, short-term? If I go afk, I could just uh, >have bomrek positively POUND two bottles of hard liquor, and storm off into the night, looking for a magica healer< and then have this lot do whatever, and us do a mini session / otherwise determination what happens (To Bomrek): Its broad daylight, FYI, but its up to you man. Ive been sitting on this little bit of plot for like, 6 months now Ken (GM): :o (From Bomrek): Well my, and more or less logically Bomrek's opinion too a this point, would be to go find a doctor. A healer. Magic to fix magic, sort'a deal. Only now it's turned up from, say, an 8, to an 11. Gray: "It's what is, Bomrek. Let the healer do his work." He says with some considerable sympathy, reaching out to pat the solid shoulder of the dwarf solider. Syviis walks over to Gray and whispers (From Bomrek): A fistful of gold coins goes a long way with people who are struggling to eat. Even more so if I throw in a crust of bread as a sweetener. Gray nods to Syviis with a frown, walking over to Falkirk. "Tilt your head back and open your mouth, please. Let's see your tonuge and throat." Bomrek: (Ahhh, look at this, it's a rendition of the movie, The Thing) Syviis: "It may be a good time to check that we are all under our own wills before we start slipping knives into each other's mouths regardless." Bomrek: (also that episode of X-Files) (To Gray): Clean and human. Pink flesh, white teeth, nothing amiss. He even smells clean, like he washed his breath with wintergreen mint... Gray ask a question to test who is in charge of Falkirk's mind. P.P. A.: I just now remembered that Bomrek said he couldn't taste anything whne we rescued him and he took a sip of alcohol fug, we really missed that hint Adolf S.: get shit on, fellow players Ken (GM): [oh shi-!] Suðri Skornbrekker can taste just fine and was never abducted by mindflayers, but he slightly bites his tongue anyway to be sure. Joush M.: Oh, gray bites his OWN tongue. Not anybody else. Just makeing that super clear Ken (GM): lol Roderick nods and bites his tongue. It hurts. Ken (GM): [so, just to be clear, youre all showing each other your bloody mouths? Checking theres nothing amiss?] P.P. A.: Idea for a badly-done romance story: a lover bites their lover's tongue, only to discover that it is a parasite horror Bomrek: (Anyway yeah that was one. I memed about uh, how somebody had fucked with my whiskey, 'replaced it with water. There's been others since then, including pounding hard liquor like it was mountain dew) Syviis smiles at Rod and offers her knife Ken (GM): Joush M.: Like a weird fetish video. Gray's demonstraition was just that his mouth is normal and he bleeds like he should, bhe he will return the favor. Letting them see the fang filled maw. It's normal.. for him. Pretty messed up to look in, espeically as the fang-marks on the tongue heal. Syviis: P.P. A.: >Syviis smiles at Rod and offers her knife a-an indirect kiss //// Doc: that's like an indirect kiss wew hivemind Roderick sighs and accepts the knife. It will be easier than trying to bite his tongue that hard, at least. Ken (GM): sexy knifeplay mind Suðri Skornbrekker will have to use a clean knife too since he doesn't feel confident to safely bite his own tongue without breaking something. Doc: >tfw no elf gf to cut your tongues with the same knife why even live Gray seems to have more teeth then a human. 36 or so, with long, sharp eyeteeth and a wicked solidness to the beast that suggest he can bite quite hard. His suggestion was based on forgetting normal people can't just cut themselves on their fangs and heal in five miniutes. Adolf S.: >tfw no elf classmate to bully about her race that she can't help Syviis: ["It's not like I even like you, bakka!" *blushes and shoots you with arrows] Adolf S.: >tfw will never sprinkle a handful of fresh-torn grass onto her burger while she's not looking, and then laugh as she sputters and spits it out Elves are made to be hated, nothing else. Syviis: It's true. Hate machines. Joush M.: Yandare Elf Time? Doc: adolf is just tsundere for elfs Ken (GM): Syviis: "Are we all satisfied that only Master Dwarf here is in immediate danger? And should we tasksomeone at least to find some healing or numbing salve? Gray nods. The beast dragging his gaze away from looking at Syviis's mouth and the distracted thoughts, looking to Bomrek. "Courage. You can do this" Falkirk: "Aside from gettin ghim drunk, theres nothing I could whip up at a moments notice to help. this is my best way of helping" Adolf S.: "The 9 hells I can!" Bomrek says with about the normal level of frustration, and calmly walks over to some of his things, pulling out his sack of gold. He takes a few fistfulls of coins, and sticks them into an empty ammo pouch, ties it very tightly closed, and then secures it to his belt. woops, ^ t. bomrek Bomrek sorts through his alcohol stash. I had a shit load before, what am I at abouts now, Ken? Dreggs? 10 percent? 20? Ken (GM): [about a pint in one lonely bottle. Red bright whiskey] Gray: "I can't force you.. Well, I could. I imagine I could hold you down and tear your tongue out. But it's your choice. When the parasite takes control we will.. handle things, if you don't want to allow the healer to work." Falkirk: "Palnning on knocking yourself out with a sack of gold? How poignant" Bomrek: What kind of quality are we talking here, Ken? I had the entire fucking range of quality initially. Syviis: "Physician, can it be more like how one deals with a leech? Can we starve the parasite into letting go?" Bomrek is sorting through his bottles, mostly ignoring what Gray said, and partly sneering, partly smirking at what Falkirk said, and then perks up. Bomrek: He turns to Syviis. "You, Elf, can you contact the other Elf somehow?" Syviis nods Bomrek: "You're magic, right? Get him up here." Syviis: "I've sent messages already. But they are still days away." Ken (GM): [she sent letters; I thin kHE means like, psychic powers] Syviis: "Considering our limited options, though, perhaps a sojourn toward Elf Lands may not be a bad idea." Syviis sighs and nods with a kind smile. Syviis: "I'm afraid the first I met him was today, I have no way to contact him. But he did promise to return...I hope." (To Bomrek): Well, if youre looking for a healer to find, maybe wait for Aachens friend? (From Bomrek): So, maybe check out the Elf gypsies and whatever else outt here Gray moves over to look out the door. Syviis: [wait, ARE there windows?] Ken (GM) The voices rise higher here and there: a womans scream, a cry of pain, a horse whinneying in fear. Crashes. Bangs. A very heavy trembling THUD Syviis: [looks out door if not] Ken (GM): [yep, in the door] (To Syviis): There is a big black wolf made of shadows barreling up the streets toward you all Bomrek: (It's the beasts! They're rioting! Kill'm all!) Gray: "Get ready. There's a shadow wolf comeing." Bomrek: "A what?" (To Suðri Skornbrekker): There is a big black wolf made of shadows barreling up the streets toward you all Ken (GM): INITIATIVE! Roderick doesn't like the sound of that so he draws his sword Bomrek: how do I roll initiative again? Speed plus 1d6 plus tertiary stuff? Syviis: Bomrek: Suðri Skornbrekker gets out his musket, braces it on his bardiche, and aims it! Suðri Skornbrekker: Syviis: [Base Speed + 1d6 + 1 if folks are COmbat Reflexing the heck out of the situation] P.P. A.: +1 Gray: Suðri Skornbrekker: “Isn't that the same as we saw in the ansible?” Roderick: Gray lacks the time to explain before all hell breaks loose. Bomrek: (I think I'll go with my brace of pistols for this fight) Ken (GM) the building shudders, as something MASSIVE slams into the North wall from the street; timbers thick as bomreks neck splinter, and dust flies from everwhere in the room. A hideous black SNARL crawls up your spine Syviis: "At least it used the door..." Ken (GM): Rodrick! Joush M.: Giant puppy just went Kool Aid man on us. Oh Yeah! Bomrek: (Perhaps going with pistols was not wise for this fight) Suðri Skornbrekker has his musket aiming at it. Doc: tfw can't realistically parry it either Ken (GM): righto, wait on a stop thrust Bomrek! Bomrek: Alright, I'll take one step south, firstly, Wassa' disad for 9 hexes? Syviis: ["GIVE ME YA TONGUE, WOLFIE!"] Ken (GM): -4 for 9 hex distance Bomrek: (Hey, does Bomrek know what the hell this is?) Ken (GM): SM+4 Bomrek: (If so, what the hell is this) Syviis: [all the better to taste things with, My Dear!] Ken (GM): (To Syviis): That certainly looks like some sort of animus; elven totem spirit melding. A being made of magic, summoned to bond with an elf. Big juju Ken (GM): *you cant rightly tell if it's meat or shadowstuff. It looks solid enough though, tearing through the wall like that (From Syviis): anyone use it back home? Or just 'I know this kinda thing'? (To Syviis): The High Elder could do it. So could the big guys on the council... and most ancient elves who mastered their spirit totems Bomrek: Wassa penalty for vitals and or a headshot on this thing? Ken (GM): same as always. -3 for vitals, -5 for face, -7 for skull Bomrek: Nasty. I'll go for a vitals hit, gotta hit a 13 or under. Damn. Wait, if I miss by 1 on vitals, don't I hit chest? Ken (GM): miss by 1 hits the torso tho! Bomrek: wew Ken (GM): * the thing does not dodge Bomrek's shot, and the bullet slams home in the thing's furry chest Bomrek points one of his pistols at the Wolf and fires, creating a very loud noise and a nice puff of smoke. Bomrek: Roll damage, then? Ken (GM): please Bomrek: Ken (GM): nice Bomrek: Yee Ken (GM): *the bullet punches home, and it bleeds a gout of shadow, which bleeds into the air Syviis! Syviis: I assume I can fire through the hexes of the bird and dwarf? At a negitive? And does she have a shot on the eyes? Ken (GM): Take a step Southwest and youre good Syviis: Step and fire, 4 point lightning, aiming for Neck, so I believe thats... 18 to hit do it dodgey ? Ken (GM): neat *The thing again, does not dodge out of the way of the arrow, and the thunderclap that follows after crackles in the room; the arrow sinks into it and explodes in lightning! damage roll! Syviis: Woo, above average! :P Ken (GM): the thing BLISTERS at the show of fire and light, and you see the flesh seared away by the lightning! (seems to be vulnerable to fire ) it HOWLS Gray! Syviis: Yay for burning-attack! Gray moves up and readies a sword. "It's huge! Stay back" He warns the others. Gray: Ken (GM) Gray's ogre blade draws out to his grip, and then suddenly in the shadowy light it GLOWS a fickle green. Lime colored flames lick up and down the blade! Ken (GM): Falkirk! Joush M.: Uhoh Ken (GM): "Oh shit!" he yells, diving for cover behind your gear Bomrek: restarting browser Falkirk hunkers down into the bags Falkirk: Suðri ! P.P. A.: hm can I shoot it if I take a step to the side? (and without shooting Gray) Ken (GM): gray is HUEG; he'lll provide a cover penalty unfortunately Doc: doesn't the musket also need to be braced Suðri Skornbrekker is bracing it on his bardiche which he presumably picked up before running to the door Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker: “Gray, step out of the way if it doesn't move farther!” IT wrenchs on the wall, howling and screaming inhuman noises; the thing bashes against the wooden planks,dripping scorched blackness IT: IT BLASTS THROUGH THE TIMBERS Bomrek: Need's a strong word. Syviis: SHIVER ME TIMBERS! Joush M.: My new house! Adolf S.: There goes the neighborhood Giant wolves move in, property values immediately go down, happens every time. Syviis: fuckin shadowwolves. Ken (GM) Up the street, you hear the sound of other howling voices, half a dozen at least Doc: my reach is 2 fyi, dunno if that'll give me the stop thrust at any point Ken (GM): Rod! I suppose it triggers you! Bomrek: Can't you move one square unhindered so you'd be in it's range at minimum this round er, it would be in YOUR range, that is Ken (GM): regardless; hes triggered DO THE SHANK [DO THE MONSTER SHANK] P.P. A.: >when your GM runs out of names and just calls every enemy “IT” Bomrek: All we need to do is take out a chunk of thick rope with a knot in it, and throw it around the room. Syviis: [Wolfie McWolfface] (To Doc): Go ahead with your shank, he does trigger your wait and stab Roderick: Joush M.: Are vitals reachable from there? Ken (GM) Roderick's blade shines in the dim room, flashing with a geen light of it's own, the Fae blade singing as it sinks deep into the beast's chest! Ken (GM): [yep] Doc: the timeless strategy of "put a pointy metal thing between you and the guy charging at you" Bomrek: >do the shank >do the monster shank (he did the shank, it was a graveyard bash~ Ken (GM): Damage! Roderick: Ken (GM): neat, Ill call that 4 yards/+2 damage then! Ken (GM) The wolf barely gets an ill-formed word out before Roderick charges in with the mystic sword. And with a POOF the body explodes into inky black twistingveils of shadow, exploding away from an elven man, now on the tip of Rod's retreating blade! Adolf S.: what the fuck Ken (GM) the elf looks QUITE surprised! Bomrek: Is the Elf familiar to Bomrek? (To Roderick): Your blade is SINGING in your head; volumes of music and crashing noise cascading through you. Ken (GM): [not aachen] Syviis doesn't look surprised, but has another arrow at the ready Ken (GM): Bomrek! Bomrek: Hm. What's he wearing? Any distinguishing marks or, uh, qualities to'm? Joush M.: Rip your tongue out and throw it at him Bomrek: Does he look like those fucks we killed in the desert at all? Ken (GM) the elf is clad in red and black painted leathers. He has warpaint on his pale white skin, short cropped blonde hair, and a stab wound in his breast. He has all kinds of weird totemic jewelery; fangs, braids, chains and the like Bomrek: Hm. Ken (GM): [he looks alot like the crazy fire /shadow weilding elf types you fought last night] Bomrek: Well. I step one step forward, for starters, 4 hexes. Any penalty? Anyway, free action to drop the fired pistol, then another free action to toss my pistol from my left hand to my right hand, as per my advantage, Theeennnn, all out attack to his 'dome. Wassa penalty I'm lookin' at? (From P.P. A.): good, thanks Bomrek: Hmm. "Surrender or I'll blow your brains out all over that wall behind you, and rend your meat into beard wax, you damned Elf" Fast talk attempt any penalties or what not Ken (GM): lol Rool it! Bomrek: yeah that'll do Ken (GM) the bewildered elf looks at his chest wound, then at the gun. He drops to his knees, clutching himself (To Syviis): Up the street, barrelling down on you like cannonballs, are six or so balls of shadow, with elf faces sticking out Bomrek takes the time to draw another gun in his off hand. Bomrek: (er, assuming combat's over) Ken (GM): [noted!] gray! Syviis: "Incoming! Six more!" Bomrek: (nope, sounds like it may not be) Ken (GM): [you had sufficient actions, considering] Bomrek: (Def def) Gray looks to his sword that twisted from his hand, suprised, damn near shocked at the way it glows in the dim light of the abandoned warehouse. He swears at Syviis's words. "Wolves or men?" He draws his other sword. The unadorned arming sword is sized to a human, small for him. (To Gray): I was describing how the blade is wreathed in flame. I may have made it sound like you dropped it, which is not the case. my bad Joush M.: Oops! Still holding the one blade. He will draw another anyway Ken (GM): wootski DUAL WEILDAN DOOM Falkirk! Stays hunkered down and loudly exclaims "What the hell is going on? *and where are my potions?" (To Syviis): Nope, no penalties Bomrek: Annnd there's a phonecall. I gotta put on shoes and jet. (To Syviis): The dual weapon technique can complicate things, but when you get the advantage Extra Ttack, its just that; one more P.P. A.: What is the door like? A single large door, or two wings? Ken (GM): [I promise, things will get interesting for the Dorf] (From Bomrek): Bomrek autopilot directives: Stay mid range with pistols and shoot enemies. After enemies are dealt with, ignore this new elf business - let the others handle it - and try to source a magic healer. In this case, by going into the fields of elves and other undesireables outside - preferably with Suthri at my side or somebody at least - to see if anybody there knows mgagic. (From Bomrek): Whiskey's on the line Bomrek: Alright, hopefully I'll be back soon, no promises though Suðri Skornbrekker steps to the side, props up his musket either on his bardiche or against any hanldes or other convenient rests on the door, and starts aiming outside P.P. A.: hm might need two steps so no aim I guess Ken (GM): gotcha, taking up a position! Roderick! incoming! WAT DO Doc: Can I see them? (To Doc): Up the street, barrelling down on you like cannonballs, are six or so balls of shadow, with elf faces sticking out (To Doc): Elf sized. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Six more of them!” Suðri exclaims. Roderick takes a Ready action for his cloak and a step to the left, keeping his blade pointed at the prisoner Ken (GM): Ken (GM) The savage elves fly through the air like screaming banshees, then land with practiced ease, slamming into the building. Their landing is cushioned by clouds of black shadow engulfing them, and they seem no worse for wear! Ken (GM): One of them lashes out at Syviis as she lands, a gutteral scream on her lips! She swings a blade of black shadow! and narrowly misses! The blade digs into the floor beside Syviis! Bomrek starts shooting! Syviis looks unimpressed Ken (GM): *The bullet flies true, and the elf is caught unawares in the guts! Doc: bad place to be caught unawares Ken (GM): thunk in the guts! Red blood sprays out of the black mists! Bomrek: "Theyre coming out of the walls!" Syviis: [That's why I always eat GPS fortified fiber. So guts are always aware.] Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis: One last rule-lawyers question: Can extra attack mean I shoot two different targets? Because, she really wants to shoot 2 targets. :P Ken (GM): yes, definitely Syviis: Mister 'I hit the floor next to you' gets a 2 point arrow to the Eye. Top left elf will get another 2 pointer to the vitals. Rolling to hit: Ken (GM): lol Syviis: Match for Eyeball Guy Hit easily for Vitals Guy Ken (GM): eyeball doesnt dodge, and her head fucking explodes vitals guy tho... dodges the arrow! Syviis: Dang OKey 2 arrows and 4FP down Ken (GM) Syviis snaps a shot into the lady elf's face, and her charred body swings back from the muffled explosion of lightning. Another quick loose and a second arrow flies off into the street, detonating on a wall somewhere Ken (GM): [MY CABBAGES!] Gray! Syviis: [ELF BURNS DOWN CITY. NEWS AT 8] P.P. A.: >Adolf missing out on mass-killing hordes of elves poor guy Syviis: lol Doc: local elf ruins everything Syviis: Not local: Totally IMMIGRANT Elf I also took their jerbs P.P. A.: and lives Syviis: truth Gray moves forward, climbing past Syviss and up the pile of broken timber to block the passage inside, snarling at the elves out there, keeping them from reaching the others. Syviis: And I made them uncomfortable by using the Non-Elves outhouse. Ken (GM): hold the line gray! Falkirk, continues rummaging Syviis: THE LARGE GRAY LINE Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! Suðri Skornbrekker takes a step and fires his musket at the elf closest to him. P.P. A.: 6 hexes, -2? Ken (GM): -3, its under 7 hexes, over 5 lol gotta love the range penalty table P.P. A.: might work if i take this step instead that'd be just 5 for -2 Syviis: Never hurts to step and attack P.P. A.: I#d be standing in the barely-open door basically, probably works Syviis: Unless you step in BEES 15 Ken (GM): KERBOOM Syviis: noice! Ken (GM): OOOOOOH P.P. A.: ;_; Ken (GM): DOOOOODGED TRIKSY ELVESES Syviis: Don't worry, I'm sure I'll fail my next dodges :P Ken (GM) The elves twist and shift ender their cloaks of shadow, and the shot hits nothing meaty Ken (GM): ROOOOOOD P.P. A.: too bad it doesn't hit the elves behind thta one instead :P Ken (GM): :P Roderick finishes getting his cloak ready and takes another step Ken (GM): lol, 1 second rounds DA ELFS Doc: back to the right this time in case they rush at the dorf Ken (GM): One dashes up on Suthri, stabbing a long blade of shadow through the door window hit! defense suthri? P.P. A.: (trying to find my dodge stat, sec) Ken (GM): lol at medium encumberence, its a 7 P.P. A.: ooh, there Well, I don't have any alternatives now, do I unless I can use the door as an improvised shield Ken (GM): you could dive for a +3 P.P. A.: and like swing it sideways to knock the blade off balance Joush M.: You can also scream like a girl. It provides no bonus, but would be funny Ken (GM): ^this^ Syviis: Yes :D 10 Ken (GM): NOOOOO Doc: oosh Syviis: ouch Ken (GM): oooooooh FUN Ken (GM) The elf shanks suthri through the door hole, right in his chest, INTO his armor, deep. 2 IMP past Dr, so 3 damage! Ken (GM): shank! Suðri Skornbrekker: “Argh!” Ken (GM) Snarling like wild things, the other elves move in on Gray, shadow blades drawn! Ken (GM): The first swings! Gray! defend! Gray: Ken (GM): ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Joush M.: Nope! Ken (GM): 5 IMP at the torso! Gray growls as the sword slams into him, vibrations running up the shadow and doing nothing to the monster, the chainmail and stone hard muscle undamaged by the impact. Ken (GM): the next swing! Gray: Ken (GM): parried! the third swing! NOPE and the last! Ken (GM): OOOOOOH SHIIIIIT Syviis: ffff... Gray turns the blade aside with the unadorned and simple sword, the brute's eyes bright, drawing back half a step from the blade of shadow that slashes past his face. The last one however, hits home well.. Joush M.: Crit, right? No defense on that Syviis: Don't die meatbeastman! Ken (GM): CAN YOU CRIT DODGE AWAY? Syviis: You can Crit Succeed a dodge, but yeah, it's iffy DO IT DON"T LET YOUR HP BE DREAMS! Gray: Syviis: dang Joush M.: Nope. Normal success Ken (GM): The blow flies true! " Normal damage, and the victim drops anything he is holding, regardless of whether any damage penetrates DR" Ken (GM): The blow rattles gray and his hands jerk open! 5 cutting against the torso, no damage penetrates! P.P. A.: phew! Syviis: Woooh! Joush M.: Me grunts in pain, disarmed and standing there after the blow, knocking the thrusting blade aside. He seems unharmed. Gray grunts in pain, disarmed and standing there after the blow, knocking the thrusting blade aside. He seems unharmed. Joush M.: That's better Ken (GM): Bomrek! "Get down Gray! I dont have a shot! "steps, waits for an opening" Syviis! Syviis: nearest Elf Vitals, and the one right in front of Grey, Vitals. 1 point Lightning each Hit for both IF THEY DON'T CHEAP OUT AND DODGE Syviis: :P Ken (GM): WE SHALL SEE DODGE! DODGE! Syviis: ffs Ken (GM): :d GUHRAAAAAAAAY Gray catches the scent of ozone and flareing light, the beast standing there without weapons. He dosn't hestate, reaching for the elf to his right. Gray: Joush M.: Fail! Ken (GM): FARK! Gray growls, forced to pull his hand back from the shadowy blades, unable to catch the elf. Ken (GM): Falkirk! Rustling through the bags, he stands with a bandolier of bottles! "Finally! " He yells triumphantly! Skornbrekker! youre on the ground, with a stab wound. Wat do? Suðri Skornbrekker slides back a “step” (if that's still ok in this situation), lets go of his musket and braces his bardiche for when the enemy tries to enter. Ken (GM): >drop weapon >spend turn rolling >still prone soudmns good to me P.P. A.: ok Ken (GM): Roderick! P.P. A.: cna he kick the door (a bit more) shut while rolling? Ken (GM): he'll certinaly be in the way of it opening P.P. A.: good enough Doc: so wait, the door is closed? Ken (GM): yep Doc: I see Ken (GM): looks like that; big window on top half and by window, i mean "shutterable hole" Doc: What kind of penalties to attack through that? Ken (GM): The holes are about -4 wide stabbing-types only WAT DOO Doc: MOVE AND ATTACK Ken (GM): RAWR Roderick: Ken (GM): *tHE ELF ON THE OTHER SIDE IS VERY SURPRISED TO FIND A BLADE STICK OUT OF HER CHEST P.P. A.: Two can play that game! Roderick: skill caps out at 9 tho Doc: ^ Ken (GM): THE DOOR IS STABBED Doc: in order to get the full range I need to take crazy penalties and now I can't parry Joush M.: Should have gone All Out rod. Go big or go home! Doc: couldn't have made the distance Joush M.: Ooh. Never mind then Go medium and stay here Ken (GM): DA ELFS Doc: was worth a shot though because at least now I'm close enough to do other things next turn Ken (GM): GO REEE [fighting tricksy tokens here shadow clouds are a BITCH] essentially, they swarm gray, swords a choppin and the one at the door makes for the fray Gra defend yoself! Ken (GM): sword swing! Gray: Ken (GM): ofuk Joush M.: Uh. Fuck Gray: Ken (GM): well, when you crit fail a defense, it makes their strike a crit hit. so a ten on that table is 'normal damage only" you lucky dogman or 4 choppy to the torso, no damage Doc: >when a critical hit deals no damage Ken (GM): defend! shes swinging at cha! Gray: Ken (GM): >frenzy is a helluva drug dodged! another chop!, at ya arm! shes terrible! miss! P.P. A.: ah fuck I totally forgot I have Luck Ken (GM): last one is a stab at the vitals! BETTER DODGE YO Joush M.: is she in a side hex or front? Ken (GM): ohh, good pointright side hex Gray: Ken (GM): the one right adjacent to syviis Joush M.: Ah, dosn't matter Ken (GM): stabored! OOOH Doc: fug Joush M.: 3 damage? Ken (GM): ONE PAST DR 3 DAMAGE Gray growls down to the elf pulling the blade from his lower torso. "I'll have healed from the before your dead body is cold" Ken (GM): Ken (GM) the other elf in the room gets up, and bomrek shoot him Ken (GM): BAM not good enough when winded that badly! BLAM Ken (GM) The wolf-elf gets up, but bomrek drops a shot into his gut befor ehe can make a move "STAY DOWN" Syviis: Dang. EXTREME INTIMIDATION Bomrek: "WHO"S OUT OF CONTROL NOW?!" HE BELLOWS Syviis: :P Bomrek: Syviis! Syviis: Syviis is getting pissed at these little shadowy fucks 2 vital hits, point blank, to the nearest. HUh.... Is that still a fail? Syviis: SHe has effective skill of like.23 Bomrek: slow it down, one at a time Ken (GM): first one dodges, again Syviis: ffs Ken (GM): second shot is an auto failure, but not a critical one, thanks to your retarde dhigh skill Syviis: Cool...but damn...OK Ken (GM): Gray! Gray tries to grab the one in front of Syviss. (All Out Determined +4, -4 Deceptive for -2 to Defense) Gray: Joush M.: Shadow Cultist defends at -2 Ken (GM): righto thats a fail! Your hands dive inot the shadows, and come out with an elf! Syviis: Woo! Free Elf! Ken (GM): *she squals and twists like a feral cat Ken (GM) the swirling shadows disperse form her as Gray grabs hold Ken (GM): Falkirk! "Get back! These harlots are gonna taste FIRE!" And he draws a bottle from the lanyard that glows a ruddy red Skornbrekka! Shock is gone, stab wound, not so much Suðri Skornbrekker gets up, which takes the whole turn I think, and clutches his wound with one hand, his polearm with the other. Ken (GM): yeppers RODORIK Doc: Whole turn to open the door? Ken (GM): It will occupy at least a hand, whats your plan? Doc: run out and flank them Ken (GM): We can putcha here, facing them Doc: sounds good Ken (GM): kk THEM first one blithers in, swings at SYVIIS Syviis: Dang, she's goinna get hit Ken (GM): in random hit location too! Syviis: NOoooooo Ken (GM): torso! Syviis: Oh, well Ken (GM): 5 cutting! Doc: at least it wasn't her area 11 Syviis: Minus 2 for DR Still sucks Ken (GM): 1.5 wounding modifier, so 4 damage all told! OUCH Syviis tries to roll around the blade but misjudges the attack and sees a slip of red part through her leathers, wincing Ken (GM): *the others press past gray, swords up, howling! one stabs at him, while he grapples the other one! OH GOD MIND YOUR VITALS GRAY Joush M.: Goddamn elves! Ken (GM): do the dogeadoo Gray can't defend, he used an All Out Attack Ken (GM): oh fuck FUCK lol thats 2 past dr, to the vitals, so 6 wounds godDAMN son P.P. A.: shit Joush M.: 9 damage, all told. No imparment but ouch Ken (GM): Gray snarls as the elf leans hard into the blow, sinking it as deep as she can. Ken (GM): grappled one tries to escape! gray, opposed roll! WAT beat by 9, holy shit Syviis: Well fuck P.P. A.: this is getting ridiculous Ken (GM): who pissed of the RNGods? Syviis: It's the Fools of April day....all is possible Gray: Joush M.: Yep, I think we roll off because we bolth won? Unless you want to give it to her. She did get a damn 3 Ken (GM): nah, its all margins in opposed rolls. You beat by friggin 13 you won Ken (GM) The elf twists impossibly in his arms, but Gray HOLDS FAST Syviis: Damn, that's right. Opposed Rolls are different Ken (GM): much like my chinese cartoons Bomrek! takes a step and shot! fuckyear Syviis: Nice! Gray is not just a trained grappler, but also inhumanly strong. . Even as he bleeds he holds the elven captive tight Ken (GM): the bullet hits the wall! Syviis: fuuuu Ken (GM): "damn you elves!" he yells as he draws yet another pistol Syviis! Wounded! WAT DO Syviis grits through the pain and tries again to puncture the heartmeats of the nearest shadow-elf Syviis: Target is 16 with shock penalty Ken (GM): kk Syviis: No lightning Ken (GM): Syviis: er...o oka Ken (GM): lol Syviis: First one is a match at least Ken (GM): your match hits; she all out'd last turn so no defenses! Your vital strike damage! Syviis: noice Ken (GM): nice; thats 5 past DR. she slumps with an arrow in her heart Syviis: Fuckin finally lol Ken (GM): so that 11, was vs the one behind her? Syviis: Yep, only difference would be the -1 to distance, so should hit I suppose Ken (GM): she fails to dodge! Syviis: fuuukyah Damorg? fuckyeah! Ken (GM): ALL THE DAMORG gray GARY do the thing Syviis: GAAARY Gray will charge the one that went in the direction of his more vunerble companions, dragging his captive with him Syviis: HIT THAT ONE WITH HER FRIEND ;p; Gray: Syviis: Improvised Weapon: Hita motherfucker with another motherfucker Ken (GM): hahah Joush M.: Any defense, or did she end up with her back to me? Ken (GM): back to you SMEK Doc: she was probably not expecting this Ken (GM): so slam, with them bad guys hitting each other? Joush M.: Sure Syviis: Nobody takes that course in combat school: "What to do when someone throws your friend at you" Ken (GM): CHOO CHOO Gray: Ken (GM): hahaha Gray roars, then seems to remeber himself as he enjoys the combat.. "Don't burn everything!" He calls to Falkirk Joush M.: End Turn Ken (GM): wanna drop the 120~ pounds of meat? or keep her? Falkirk....hold his action "ok" he says quietly, in response to Gray Skornbrekker! you live! you have feet! Suðri Skornbrekker isn't close enough to stab anything yet! Ken (GM): [psst, those ones is dead] Joush M.: Gotta keep her. We need material for a tongue transplant P.P. A.: o Ken (GM): :O Doc: >wakes up after the tongue transplant Ken (GM): Roderick! you have flanked...nobody! wat do? Doc: "The good news is that the operation was successful, but... your tongue was an elf's" Joush M.: Rod underesmated the damage potental of the Elf Machine Gun P.P. A.: >tries cursing in Dwarven >out comes an Elven curse Syviis: Dwelvish Ken (GM): So, Welsh? Joush M.: "Your voice is also 3 octaves higher. You have the tongue of an elf lesbian." Roderick rolls his eyes and runs back inside where there are hopefully still enemies Ken (GM): *theres one left! Joush M.: Just the one. Let's see if we can get some answers. Unless the one I'm holding is still alive enough to respond to questioning Ken (GM) She screams REEE and doives for bomrek, sword out! Ken (GM): JUST MISSES Bomrek goes for the pistol whip! all out, target ends up 13 to hit the face bam! Ken (GM): *holy fuck his swing is 1d+2 CRACK Syviis: o_o Ken (GM): her jaw shatters as Bomrek puts a pitol handle through her face WHUMP ... Bomrek: "Do you think shes still alive enough to question?" Roderick: "Doesn't look like she'll be able to talk, either way." Gray looks around and judges the relative alive-ness of the attackers, and checks to make sure his friends are alright. "Suori! You are with us?" He ask with a bit of worry Joush M.: Better Syviis scans the night once more, then limps back inside, going to her pack to find her herbs and bandages Suðri Skornbrekker: “That's what I should be asking you! Incredible that you're still standing after all these attacks!” Falkirk: UNITL NEXT WEEK.....WHERE THEY GET ANSWERS FROM A CULTIST Ken (GM): oh shit, roll First aid stuff at least here, right away on Syviis and Sudri Syviis: Roderick: Doc: LUCK Ken (GM): PLEASE Roderick: P.P. A.: can I roll first aid on myself? Ken (GM): huzzah so thats 1d-2 back for the each of you wounded(excluding gray) Suðri Skornbrekker thanks him Syviis: woo! Suðri Skornbrekker: rolling 1d-2 1 P.P. A.: at least the minimum is 1 Ken (GM): huzzah so yeah, thats...god that was crazy Doc: that roll didn't work P.P. A.: oops Fiss: Dodgy fuckin elves. Heh Doc: f yeah that was some crazy shit Fiss: Not to be racist...but are these Half Elves like before? Doc: poor Gray Joush M.: Ooh yeah. That was bloody Gray got Brazzers level elf action P.P. A.: tfw didn't do anyhting other than missing a shot and falling over Doc: Suðri took a good hit, too P.P. A.: at least Gray looked awesome as fuck Ken (GM): Fiss: the ringleader was an elf. The ladies? Half elves Fiss: PENETRATED BY GANG OF SMOKY-EYE'ED ELF BABES Doc: >tfw didn't do anything besides run around Joush M.: They made me drop my swords! Two of them! Doc: they kept moving away from me Ken (GM): Adolph will be SO PISSED he missed his badass elf skeet shots Doc: oh wait no I did still help with the giant wolf Ken (GM): and then cold cocking one with a pistol handle Fiss: Hehe Doc: tbh Suðri was still kind of cool Gray: You took that elf-wolf down Doc: he kept the door closed Fiss: Yeah, that was mega awesome. Ken (GM): "Hold the door! >stabbed >holds the door anyways Fiss: HORDORRRR! Ken (GM): too soon bra too sooon Joush M.: Thank you for the game Ken. It was great. Ken (GM): n Joush M. sheds a single tear Ken (GM): p P.P. A.: Aye, an intense battle Doc: what kind of HP is everyone at? Fiss: New advantage: Quantum Lock'ed Door. Free if you are a cat on a barrel. Doc: out of how many max Ken (GM): take yer 4 xp, y'all earned it todat Joush M.: Gray has 11/20 HP Doc: >tfw 12/12 Fiss: Syviis is at 10/12 HP, and 5/15 FP So she's looking alert but definitely sweatin. Ken (GM): and the first aid took 1/2 hour so everyone knows "The sounds of chaos in the streets of Oakway echo back to you from the hole in the building. Something BIG happened out there..." (To Fiss): Your stone should have charged 1/day, so full yeah? (From Fiss): yep, she hasn't used it since being back in Mana-lands, so it should be good. Joush M.: He suffered wounds that would have been serious, if not quite life threating for most people and he's still in solid shape, though bleeding. Without the armor he'd have had to go berserk to stay up and fighting I think Fiss: Gray is Meat Mountain Man Doc: yeah I'm pretty sure that armor saved his life >get stabbed >nothing happens Fiss: Ken (GM): he got choppe dlike, half a dozen times today soaked each time Fiss: Ken (GM): these girls were not elegant fighters Fiss: No just batshit crazy Joush M.: With his HT and the bonus from Berserk.. expect to need to take him all the way to -100 to kill him. You'd have to stand over and keep chopping after he falls, and maybe find some silver or fire Fiss: Sometimes, batshit trumps finesse Ken (GM): I gotta go make pasta! catch you fuckers in Discord Fiss: o/ P.P. A.: See ya, thanks for the session Doc: o/ Joush M.: See you all Ken (GM): I LIVE And fiss is on his way, ETA 5 minutos Joush M.: g'morning P.P. A.: \o Adolf S.: ayy Ken (GM): HOLY SCREAMING BABIES BATYMAN Joush M.: Hashtag new parent problems Ken (GM): hashtag OH GOD WHY ARENT YOU UNCONSCIOUS NOW Adolf S.: Babies are like little unruly Italians "Ayy I'm walkin' here!" Doc: o/ P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): 8==D Doc: sorry I'm late, I was out riding and I got carried away turn 28 today and the weather is perfect Adolf S.: Neat. It's vaguely rainy and vaguely overcast today. Rather nice. P.P. A.: aye, happy birthday again Joush M.: Happy Birthday P.P. A.: weather here's been fine too, I fired some shots with the crossbow my father bought recently Ken (GM): OH GODS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY, WE KILL YOU. TOMORROW, YOU ARE REBORN STRONGER Adolf S.: Crossbow? Neat I should've went with my aunt today. Shit ass tennants brought a dog into the goddamn house. Fuck those tenants. (To Adolf S.): To halfways recap; the lead elf guy did die in the fight but you pistol whip cold cocked one of the furies into submission at the end of things. 5 dead half elf ladies, one dead elf man/wolf guy, and youve got one half elf lady prisoner Ken (GM): its a fiss! BY YOUR POWERS COMBINED, WE ARE NERDS Fiss: Joush M.: NEERRDS Ken (GM): EZZACLY (To Doc): Happy birthday! Were you set on spending points picking up healing magic powers? Adolf S.: Alright, all read up now. (From Doc): Yeah but I only have 14 right now and I wasn't sure when you wanted to do the training montage (To Doc): Ah! nice. Well the final modifier on top should be Magic -10%, at least. Just dont die and we'll see whats what :D Adolf S.: >the infection has set in on Bomrek Oh shid Imagine the movie 28 Days Later, but in this setting. That'd be neat. Ish. Gray moves, body acheing after the beating and some blood where a shadow blade caught an unarmored place on his body. He steps over the dead, setting the elf he holds down where the halfblood can't do much damage as he turns his attention to the others. He worries. He walks to Suori and examines the injury the young dwarf's suffered. "Falkirk, can you help here?" He ignores the ache of his own broken ribs, trusting they will heal swiftly. Ken (GM): [by all means, ham it up my dorfy bro] Adolf S.: By infection you mean the tongue thing, right? Or did I miss one of the Elves giving Bomrek elf-herpes? (From Doc): Yeah I took that one into consideration when calculating the point value. -10% for Accessibility, -40% for four levels of Takes Extra Time (To Doc): Ah! nice, shitty non-combat speed. Very good choice (To Doc): business as usual! JK JK Gray: "Suthri? How do you feel?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Could be worse. At least we have our doctor back,” he smiles at Falkirk. (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The booze is crazy rough, like drinking whiskey flavored turpentine out of magic—is nothing sacred to them?” Syviis: "What kind of magic exactly? Do you know those who use it regularly or is this yet another spawning from the South?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Their clothes also looked much like Aachen's, does it not?” P.P. A.: *do they not Gray kneels down, examiening the survivor of the attack. "Should we try to track where they came from or try and question this one?" His words tense. Still worried for the others. "Bomrek, you should let the physican do his work before we go. You need help." Ken (GM): [it do! They have blac kand red dyed leather bits, just like aachen did] (To Gray): Shes alive, but her face is one big bruise and shes lost a few teeth from the blow. Bomrek fucker her right up Bomrek: "Aye, it's no Beard-Silk Ale, but it's what we 'got." he says, grabbing it from where Suthri set it and tucking it back securely in his belt. Bomrek turns on his heels, toward Gray. "We should carve our names into that damned Dák-Enur and get it to speak." Bomrek: (thought I'd sent the first earlier, turns out I only hit shift enter. RIP) Falkirk holds up a hand over the downed half elf woman P.P. A.: I love that icon btw Falkirk: 'I will make sure she doesnt choke on her tongue Syviis nods and ponders. Falkirk: Syviis: "Someone must be...gifting...the folks of our homelands these tainted treasures. Hopefully this one can give us clues." Syviis offers help if Falkirk requires...as her First Aid is Elf-based anyway Falkirk: "She may well speak again....she wont be chewing anything hard for awhile tho..." [15 odd minutes of tending to the prisoner, busying falkirk and Syviis' hands] Bomrek: (Are Elves like Cats? Will they die if exposed to Poinsettas?) Gray nods and gets out of Falkirk's way, the beast recovering his swords, testing the balance and makeing sure they are well settled in his hands before he puts them away. His gaze travels down the street and he watches the trail the huge wolf left before he looks to the others. "We should track where they came from then. This isn't a safe place any longer" Doc: does Rod know Falkirk used to be a magic healer (To Gray): Your ogre blade has returned 'to normal'. No more wicked lime fire... Bomrek reloads his pistols efficiently, having done it a thousand times before over the years. He peers down at the knocked out half-elf. "Elf" he says, jerkily turning his head toward Syviis. "Your kind don't like these half-elves, do you?" Ken (GM): [afaik, yes? It was mentioned several times. ] (To Syviis): The high council banished them from the homeland as 'impure and forsaken'. Theyre not immortal, so the theory was that they wouldnt mingle properly with the old ways Bomrek: (Their leader, is he a full or half elf?) Suðri Skornbrekker cleans and reloads his musket, and sharpens his blade. “Ah Falkirk, you never heard the rest of the story. ...to make it short, the ansible was the entire floating tower, in it was some abomination from another plane, and we were attacked by dragons as we were flying the thing back towards civilisation.” (To Bomrek): full elf. Thin and long ears. All the complexion. You shot him right in the guts. (From Bomrek): Does he look like an otherwise normal elf, to Bomrek? Also, these other elves are all half-elves, yeah? Suðri Skornbrekker says this rather matter-of-factly because all this magic elf bullshit left him a bit drained and slightly angry. Falkirk: "By the twelve circle sof magic" He says in a reverent tone, momentarially forgetting his work. He ties a bandage off and sits back "You used the Ansibe? And it did that?" (To Bomrek): He's pale skinned, and clad in finely made but otherwise wild looking leathers. He's wearing red paint...bloody paint. Like some kind of savage. He's definitely less human than the others. Looks like he was probably their leader Gray watches the raven do raven things, his gaze turning to Falkirk and the others. Remebering the moments after it fired. "Roderick's skill and luck kept us all from dying in the process." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Roderick could steer it, and the ansible recognised it as its master. ...what happened afterwards was not his fault though, in that desperate situation none of us would have had any other options.” Roderick: "More luck than skill, I'm afraid. Having the opportunity to acquire the skill was also luck." P.P. A.: *recognised him Falkirk ponders for a moment, allowing Syviis to finish cleaning up the prisoner's wounded head Syviis: "Luck protects the foolish...and I think we can all agree this entire mission was foolish." Bomrek stares down at the corpses for a little while, idly thumbing the cocking piece on his pistol. He looks to to be coming out of his focused thought, and starts searching through the bodys for goods, items, etc. Bomrek: So yeah, Bomrek looks through these asshole's pockets. Any loose change? Falkirk: "By your description...that device was more magnificent than I originally thought. It must have been an incredibly complex piece of thaumaturgy. Gods, the circles alone would have been..." he does some sort of math with his head and hands "At least a mile across!" Bomrek: "Foolish is an Elf building a stone wall, Syviis" Bomrek says idly, his tone very soft, and his eyes very focused once again on the corpses. This is like, eh, the third time he's said your name. (Said your name rather'n just 'Elf') (To Bomrek): Small tokens of tooth and nail. Animal bits. Hawk feathers, talons. Dog teeth. Strings of chicken bones. Nothing on them of worth..... Didnt pack anything other than tools of death Suðri Skornbrekker: “You remember the haughty elf woman we fought, right? We met her again after that catastrophe. She said that what was trapped there was... some kind of high being from the... Darkness? She also said we used it wrongly. It fell silent after that event, in any case.” Falkirk: he picks up notice of mention of THAT"The entity SPOKE to you?! It could penetrate the bindings?" He seems quite alarmed Suðri Skornbrekker: “IT repeatedly demanded that we free it, but that was basically all IT ever said.” Roderick: "We may have met its demands." (To Gray): The bird clambers up to you and whispers "This blade is old, very old. From the last age of the Empires of Beastmen. It was forged in a time when they battled the Darkness itself. When the dark princes did not yet rule them. There is a magic set into it gray, a hidden one. An of some kind I cannot say. I'd imagine they forged it to battle the dark forces." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Did that elf not say that the one we found under the keep was some kind of lesser prince in that Darkness realm?” Syviis: "Like chaining a miss-matched Pantheon of Hate to your carriage to pull it along..." Gray nods. "Different windows to the same creature, trying to push at the edges of the world?" He stops and listens to the bird that flutters to his sholder. The bird seems to suprise him, but he nods in thanks to Memory as he puts the heavy, ogre-crafted blade away. Falkirk: looks a bit shell shocked at these descriptions of bound spirits and forces "The things they did to power their weapons. Truly a great design. Great and terrible." he shudders Bomrek: As I was saying, in response to Gray, "Work? He's not a butcher and I'm not an Ivömkun. We have no work to do together." he says sternly, before throwing the contents of his hand against the floorboards and into the wall in frustration. Bunches of bones, some bits of metal. Falkirk: "I Syviis nods, thinking back to her childhood stories about rings and hobbits and Trogdor the Burninator Falkirk: "Roderick, your magic, you were taught in the circles of the Academy Yes? They still follow the practices up North?" He gets up, wiping his hands clean on his smock Gray strokes the feathers of the raven at his sholder for a moment then allows the bird to unsummon, dark shadows vanishing, returning to the runes and marks on his skin as the beast frowns. "As you wish, Bomrek." Roderick: "I was taught the basics because I have some talent, though I was never meant to be a true mage." Falkirk looks over Bomrek, up and down. He turns to Roderick, and seems to size him up Falkirk: "No, youre a Mage, and I can calculate youre likely strong enough to learn a new " Bomrek: ("Hm. Can a human tongue work in a dwarf body? Hmmm...") Falkirk: "Your principal talent, Roderick nods and lights his fingertip like a candle Falkirk: "Ah splendid. You'll do just fine then turning that energy into and consructive power applications." He rummages in his bag a moment, shoving aside jars and bottles, and comes up with his book ("oh my god, why hasnt anyone cleaned my bag?") Syviis stands up and watches the huge GAPING HOLE in the wall (To Syviis): In the distance, alarm bells, and some sounds of distress. The West end of town might have a fire going on, out of sight Bomrek: We still have an Elf lass with a shattered jaw that needs torturin' Can't very well do that in the street. Gray nods, walking to stand by Syviis. "We could try and track where they came from." (To Gray): In the distance, alarm bells, and some sounds of distress. The West end of town might have a fire going on, out of sight Gray: "We won't get information from a cultist that can barely talk and will be out of it from a concussion.. Humm. There's something going on to the west. The bells are ringing and there's screams." Falkirk: strides back with the book, open to an arcane diagram. he points "Do this, to *him" and gestures to Bomrek. "It should at least force the parasite from his body" (To Doc): The diagrams are in thaumaturgy, but make sense. But hes describing you using your magic in an entirely new way Syviis: [tracking?] Gray tenses.. wanting to go check on the alarms, but also wanting to give Falkirk and Roderick time to treat Bomrek. Ken (GM): [its pretty obvious, straight up the road from the faraway commotion] Syviis turns to Grey Syviis: "I'll watch out from higher ground, you guard the others while they try to purge the infection." Gray: "Aye. Need a boost up onto the roof?" Syviis clammors up to the nearest opposite-roof with the Beast-Man's help, then does her best to hide in the shadows, watching as the ex-mage works with the new-mage (To Doc): More like "follow Falkirks lead, and we'll hand wave a bit here, but it segways into you buying healing Fiss: [oh my god, my homemade Mulan Szechwan sauce is fucking delicious...] Bomrek: (What recipe'd you use?) (you can't recreate the authentic experience without 90's style chicken mcnuggets, though. The new ones don't hit the mark to be honest.) Fiss: [the one from reddit. will link later if you want] Falkirk: [Falkirk and Rod speak back and forth in the language of magic for a short bit, pointing at the diagram, bomrek's face, and each other. There are weird hand gestures, and lots of excitement, and then the dick dagger again] Doc: haha benis :DDDDD Syviis: [the Penismightier] (To Gray): You three watch the horizon over the city; there is no immediate threat but for a few panicked people running this way and that up the street. A few seem to barricade themselves at home. An unattended horse trots by a block away. Something is happening at the West Gatehouse. Near the refugees... Bomrek scowls at the pair, waves his hand in dismissal, and tromps through the wrecked wall to look outside down toward the screaming. Do I see anything? (To Bomrek): You watch the horizon over the city; there is no immediate threat but for a few panicked people running this way and that up the street. A few seem to barricade themselves at home. An unattended horse trots by a block away. Something is happening at the West Gatehouse. Near the refugees... Gray: "There's something going on to the west.. We should see if we can help." He says with a sigh, then ask Falkirk. "Can the treatment wait a while? This seems urgent." Falkirk: "Ready to try then?" he rubs his hands together, the hilt of the knife rolling between them Syviis: "Something by the Refugee Camps, I suspect...and I worry...if it took all us working in concert to fell one of those shadow-totems....others could do terrible damage." Falkirk: "This only take a few moments...depending on how the parasite reacts" Gray: "Aye" He calls up to the roof, nodding to the elven archer perched on the slate tile.. then nodding to Falkirk. "Courage, Bomrek" Bomrek slaps his leg with his hand, his chainmail clinking a little in response for settling quietly. "Well lets go find out what the fuss is, and kill it. I'd much rather shoot another Elf than sit here and get my tongue cut out." he says this relatively happily. Bomrek: (Lets hope this parasite doesn't spread via bodily fluids, because Falkirk and Suthri would be infected as fuuuuck by now) Suðri Skornbrekker: “I'd feel much better about plunging into that chaos with a healthy Bomrek at our side, personally. ...what are you planning, Falkirk and Roderick?” P.P. A.: that's what we get for >indirect kiss ///// Syviis: "Perhaps other healers in the camp can assist as well. Shall we?" Roderick: "It would be wiser to let me try this while it's fresher in my mind." Syviis: "There are benefits of doing it now, and doing it later...what do you choose, Master Dwarf?" Bomrek: "Healthy? What's Healthy about a man with no tongue? No, the only blade touching my tongue is one already speared with succulent bug flesh..." Bomrek's eyes trail away a little, remembering the delicious meals of his homeland. "Fuck it" he says, waving his gloved hand at Syviis before hefting up his double barrel rifle and walking up the road. Roderick sighs and readies his cloak for battle Falkirk: "Keep a close watch on Bomrek. He hasnt Falkirk looks down at her unconscious form Bomrek: "Can it... turn into mist, and get out of binding?" he says, turning toward Syviis and our resident magic man in turn. Falkirk: "Yeeeesss..." Syviis: [put it in a barrel and then put a cat on it] Gray turns to head in the direction of the alarms and danger, resisting the urge to outrun the others. He pauses and looks to Bomrek. "A cultist in no state to answer questions. Likely dead or escaped by the time we get back, if we come back here at all. No longer a threat to us, at least until she's healed." Bomrek: "It can?" Bomrek says, eyebrow raised. to Falkirk in regards to it turning to mist and escaping, that is. Falkirk: "Oh! her? maybe? I'm not quite sure. She has magic, yes. But I dont know what it can all " Bomrek: (Did we see them turn to mist, or only use mist shit for their own benefit?) Falkirk he thinks, hand on chin, foot on the prisoner Ken (GM): [the black shadowy mist was like a cloak, but made of shadow. They used it to good effect to block and dodge your attacks (From Bomrek): Do these half-elves have elf-like ears? Are they AS pointy as the pure Elves? About half-as? Or more human like? (To Bomrek): Definitely distinct. You can eyeball a human, half elf, or full elf by the ear shape Bomrek stands back up, and turns around holding a severed half-elf ear. "There's always time to put fear into the hearts of your enemies. Sometimes a good war cry is just as effective as a round of volley fire." He whips it around, spattering bits of blood onto the rubble, before hooking it onto the prominent cleaning rod on his double barrel rifle, below his bayonet. Bomrek: "Plus, I think I need a hobby for when I retire after saving the kingdom. Collecting is a fine one to have." Falkirk throws his hands up in frustration! Bomrek: (Bomrek dislikes Elves) Falkirk: "I JUST fixed her up!" Bomrek: "Tell her I own her ear now" Bomrek says, waving his hand back at Falkirk without taking the time to turn with all this gear and armor hanging off him. Falkirk staunches the bleeding Suðri Skornbrekker: “If we're going to stay around cutting up things anyway, we might as well take care of Bomrek's infection, otherwise we ought to get moving.” Gray: "That's a twisted hobby, Bomrek. We are better then that." The beast says with a growl, disapproval on his features as he watches then shakes his head and turns away. He starts in the direction of the alarms and shouts. Bomrek: "Suðri Skornbrekker turns around. Bomrek: "This one ear is worth five thrusts of a spear, Gray. Fear is a tool, just like steel, and if you forge it right you've an effective weapon." "Elf!" Bomrek calls to Aachen, and jogs over to him. Rather hard to do, and noisy in all his gear. Ken (GM): "HELP US, PLEASE" the Elf yells, cradling Aachen's limp form in his arms Syviis rushes back over to assist Syviis: "What's going on?!" Bomrek: (Who's the other Elf he's got with'm?) Syviis: Syviis glances at the one who was recently a giant dog and worries Ken (GM): "I need power, please! Are any of you a mage?" the elf man begs, fear creeping into his hurried voice Bomrek: (is his name Clifford?) Gray: "We have a physican here that can help him.. What need have you of power?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “A bunch of people dressed like you attacked us earlier, please tell us what's up with that and why we should trust you.” Suðri Skornbrekker states matter-of-factly, his eyes scanning the injured Aachen with some concern for their old comrade. Ken (GM): "PLEASE!" he nearly screams, holding out his bloodied hand "Just take my hand! Lend me some power!" he's in tears! Suðri Skornbrekker props up his musket and aims at the elf. “One wrong move and it's over. You better patch up Aachen with that and nothing else.” Syviis: "Use this now, and keep talking...who are you? What happened?" Roderick moves over to his saddlebags and pulls out a metal case, from which he withdraws a flask. Syviis: [7 points fully charged] Ken (GM) He nearly snatches the glowing stone from Syviis' hand, but as he takes hold he closes his eyes, and a fmiliar light seeps from his other arm into Aachen's body (To Syviis): Down 4 points, he drew a big working to patch up Aachen Syviis: "It's been a dangerous night for everyone, it seems...." Aachen 's eyes flutter open, and he wake sup in the Elf man's arms. Aachen: "Well, this is pretty gay" he says weakly, with a big grin Bomrek: ("No, Ochoallal, I told you, not in public...") Syviis: Roderick sees Aachen wake up and quietly returns the flask to its case, and the case to the bag. Bomrek: "Aachen, is this the Healer? The one you yammered about?" he says, leaning down toward Aachen, bracing his hands on his knees. Aachen gets up with Bomreks help Aachen: "Aye, you stubborn git, this is him" Aachen looks around at the room Aachen: "Holy shit" "So....I to rush here and rescue you all" Syviis: Suðri Skornbrekker: “Is this just the latest fashion among you elves this season or is there a reason you are wearing these clothes?” Syviis: "Just another day in the meadow." Bomrek: "Rush? Oh, no, they're all dead?" he points backwards with his thumb at the corpses. He turns his eyes toward the healer. "You. My tongue is cursed by a demon. Fix it." He opens his maw wide and points in with a gloved finger. Aachen jabs his friend and points at Syviis, with a raised eyebrow Syviis: [Jeeze, Bomrek, buy him a drink first!] Bomrek: Ochoallal snaps out of it and points at her wound Ochoallal: "SHould I help?" he asks Syviis: "No...please, Master Dwarf and the others first." Gray nods to the elven men, looking to Ochoallal, studying the new man a moment a she stands there.. then nodding to Aachen. "Thank you for trying to help, even if it was unneeded." He looks to Syviis, studying her to see if she's pained by the wound now that it's mentioned. Ochoallal: "OH DARK GODDESS what is THAT?!" Roderick: "Not 'possessed' so much as 'replaced' by a demon" Suðri Skornbrekker: “A mind-flayer's larva, or somesuch.” Bomrek: (>reels back from Bomrek) Syviis raises an eyebrow at the 'Dark Goddess' thing... Bomrek: ("GET INSIDE ME, WE WILL BECOME ONE.") Syviis: [Bomrek: (>reels back from Bomrek)] :) Bomrek: "Fix it" he says, pointing at it harder. Ochoallal: "Uhhh..." he stammers, looking a bit unsure "Really? Aachen, this is what you needed me for?" Bomrek reaches into a pouch near his groin, and pulls out a handful of ancient gold coins, and throws them at the Elf's chest, neck, and lower face region. Bomrek: "This is a problem. I haven't had a satisfying drink in weeks. Fix it." his eyes look hard at the Elf. Suðri Skornbrekker wonders where his life went so wrong and wishes he was at home building walls. Bomrek: (let me roll for damage hold on) Ochoallal looks a bit more confused Bomrek: ("this bardiche is heavy" "Gray smells like a dog in a puddle" "Bomrek gets a cool gun, why don't I get a cool gun" "I wish I was home building walls") (This may or may not be a /k/ meme.) Ochoallal: "I will need some help...could we....make a circle with the mages please' he says, meekly "With the dwarf in the center? Bomrek leans forward just a bit, and stares at the Elf. "I'll be able to taste food after this?" Gray: "Chalk, blood or salt?" He ask as he takes Bomrek by the arm, guideing him to a clear patch of floor and helping with the work. Bomrek: "A- Aay, aayyy!" Bomrek says, being held up just a bit to high to walk comfortably, and hobbling along next to the beastman. Ochoallal: "Blood would be best, actually" he says focusing on the task "Make your ways over to the clear part of the floor?" he points over to the middle of the room Syviis hands her flickering stone to Falkirk "Would you like to use this for power in the meantime?" Falkirk: "How kind, but Syviis, I'm afraid its a bit than that" he looks sad "I think it might be entirely gone from me" Syviis: Syviis instead puts her necklace back on and readies to contribute best she can Ochoallal: "Could we please...remove the gunpowder? It might react to the Gray nods and heads to a clear part of the room to help how he can. The lupine beast mutely takeing the powder before the circle's closed. "Shouden't take long. Just stand." Gray: "Memory, Falkirk.. I don't.. mistrust.. this new man, but can you tell me if what he's doing looks right?" Ochoallal points at the cardinal points of the circle, and to Rod, Syviis and Aachen (From Syviis): any bad ju-ju feelings from the circle/mage/situation? (To Doc): ;) Aachen joins hands with his compatriot, and offers his to Rod Aachen: "It's okay, he's dont his before. Reattached my arm once, at least" done* Gray: "I'm buying you a mail sleeve." Roderick accepts Aachen's hand, extending his own hand to Syviis Doc: first indirect kiss, now hand-holding elf girls work fast Syviis takes hands and joins, enjoying imagining Bomrek prancing through the forest, shooting fresh elk a little too much not to grin P.P. A.: oh my Ken (GM) as the circle of hands is complete, the power channelled in the group blossoms visibly; little motes of flickering white light dance like fireflies around bomrek. Ochoallal begins to speak in a dark tongue in a low voice, and slowly the motes get brighter and brighter Syviis: [that with more shooting of buck] Ken (GM) the whole thing builds up quickly, like a wave flooding a shore, and there is a burst of light over the dwarf, swallowing him a moment. (To Bomrek): Target should be 19 Suðri Skornbrekker looks over his shoulder to see what they're doing with his bearded buddy Bomrek: fucking friends won't shut up when I tell'm to. Okay, lets see, Doc: >his friends and Bomrek Ken (GM) The light subsides, and then Bomrek is screaming through a watery voice! Bomrek: I have a complete inability to read if someone is talking to me. Ken (GM) bom Bomrek: (JC! A bom! (From Bomrek): Like ordering sushi as a first-timer in Japan. RIP. Ochoallal screams! Ochoallal: INITIATIVE! Suðri Skornbrekker watches with horror, and meta-horror because he doesn't know if this means it is working or not. Gray: Syviis: Joush M.: Oops Suðri Skornbrekker: Syviis: Heh Gray: Roderick: Bomrek: Joush M.: Clearly, it's supposed to be 10 Ken (GM): clearly Bomrek: (Wait a sec) (Do these demon fucks and other crap have the same weakness to silver that beastmen do?) Ken (GM): ;) "you havent reied yet" Bomrek, theres a THING in yo mouth, what do? Bomrek: What does fast draw pick default to? Ken (GM): it does not default, unfortunately Syviis: [stabs own face to get back enjoyment of ale...totally worth it] Bomrek: Well I have a quick draw pistol skill, at 13, does that not assist any'? Regardless: Fast draw pick attempt DX 11. Wassat' mean. Failure by a lil'? Ken (GM): Ill give it to you, but by RAW it doesnt default :P make sure to eventually put a point into it? Ken (GM) Bomrek draws his pick quickly! Joush M.: Going to hit yourself in the face? Bomrek: Going to bring the non-sharp bit up to my mouth and bash at it. The idea here is touch football, not full-contact. Not sure how one would roll that. Ken (GM): Axe/mace +4! Bomrek: Bomrek's basically hopin' the silver'll do something. Syviis: NOICE! Bomrek: Yup. My mace is 14, so that's 18 vs a 7 Joush M.: Gotta get it off before 10.5 initative when you know Roderick's got ALL THE FIRE ready to go and none of the aim Doc: Rod almost always hits what he's aiming at, he just also hits other things Bomrek swiftly takes his pick from his belt, then jams the hilt into the thing's back. There is a HISS and it squeals and writhes under the kiss of the shiny metal! Smoke pours from it like it burns! Joush M.: I'm just teaseing. I don't think that Rod would burn Bomrek's area 11 trying to hit the face squid IT writhes under the silver's touch, and slips free from bomrek's face, falling to the floor with a PLOP! Bomrek: Rod almost always hits what he's aiming at, as he flash backs to nuking some shithole full of people. Bomrek tries to yell out Fuck does it work? No, wait, it'd probably be some Vowel-y Dwarven version of that, actually. Ken (GM) the dwarf does indeed yell FUCK Ken (GM): Syviis! Bomrek: Alright it worked, Bomrek's interest in this situation is now waned. Where's the hooch. Ken (GM): "Gilthok"! Syviis 's hands snap back from the circle, pulling her bow and arrow Syviis: [on that note...she doesn't really have 'fast draw bow'....can she let off a shot this round or next?] Ken (GM): [Under the same caveat as Bomrek that you spend a point on it a tthe end of the day? Roll it!] Syviis: fo sho Ken (GM): [gotta treat you two fairly] Syviis: Yus...she does. Doc: wew Ken (GM): >wasted 5's Bomrek: wew. Syviis slips her arrow and bow together in the right combination and ends-pointing-where-they-should, and tries to blast the foul beast to oblivion Ken (GM): lol Syviis: 2 points lightning, what's the size? Eye/Face? Ken (GM): the thing is a SM-5 creature. it has no visible eyes or face... it is 99% tentacles Syviis: [10-4 target is 18 to hit] Ken (GM): hahahah DAMAGE TIME Syviis: Ken (GM): fuck Syviis: So 7 Arrow'ed and 7 LIGHTNING...REAL LIGHTNING. Syviis shakily turns to Bomrek (From Bomrek): Bomrek'll want booze, go to his one unit of shit-booze and toss that shit, and then decide to sneak that flask of healing potion that he thinks is booze out of it to nip from. Doc said it's okay. You cool with that? (From Bomrek): Sneak that flask of healing potion from Rod's pack* Gray nods to Syviis in approval for the sharp, accurect arrow and the dead creature, looking to the greasy smear across the dirty floor. He takes a deep, slow breath. "Good work, everyone." He says as he looks down to the horror.. then to Bomrek. "How do you feel?" Bomrek: "Well, I can't say I'm unsatisfied with your service" he says, beaming up at the new Elf, and slapping him hard on the back. "It smells like shite and overcooked bug in here." he says with an immense amount of audible satisfaction, through a thickly bearded smile. Roderick looks in awe at the elf, the fact that she drew her bow and loosed a perfectly-aimed arrow faster than he could have drawn his sword leaving him too impressed to care about much else Bomrek: (might be un-evident, I just realized, that Bomrek also lost his sense of smell) P.P. A.: elves and bows op pls nerf Ochoallal takes the slap in stride, and laughs, a bit overwhelmed looking Bomrek: (hence the new enjoyment of his sense of smell) Falkirk: "Wow. Maybe cutting it out of you would have been a bad choice, huh Bomrek?" Doc: Rod just figures he's weird Ochoallal gets swigged, and then proceeds ot mirror Bomrek's wood alcohol displeasure Bomrek: "All Father and-the-ancestors-above this is SHIT!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Told you,” Suðri smirks. Ochoallal: "GASP Aachen belly-laughs, then winces (From Syviis): moving from laptop to PC, one sec Aachen: "No, but I'd imagine it has something to do with the Shadow Walkers wanting your collective hides" Aachen holds his hand against his gut, where the magic-new skin is still pink "We ran out of there in a hurry after Wolf Rider " He points to the corpse of the elf you slayed, who took the form of a large wolf... Ochoallal tries responding to bomrek, but throws up, from the rotten booze Bomrek: "Ah. Huh. What's the deal with that?" he says, not too overly concerned, before eyeing his coins on the ground and walking over to gather them. Aachen: "They might be raising hell in the camps after he left. He's got a bunch of followers, acolytes, who think his word is the holy freaking writ" "And he was PIIIIISSED to find out you were here. 'The Heroes of the South' " He makes hand quotes over your title Gray: "Shadow walkers?" Bomrek: "Huh. How'd that happen? Was he here before the events in the south, or after?" P.P. A.: A Hind-D? Gray walks to the dead elf, studying wolf-rider a moment before he walks to stand guard at the breach while listening to Aachen fill them in on the things they've missed. He wonders if the man is involved in the shadow walkers, but dosn't want to ask directly. Not when he's risked much to help them. Aachen: "Gray, stop asking with your eyes. YES; I'm one of the Shadow Walkers....Kinda" he shrugs Bomrek stands up straight, and says "Oh! Lets cut off his head and carry it around. That'll scare the shit out of his followers, right?" (To Syviis): Elf words were the equivelant of 'sweet summer child' or 'young green sprout full of promise' Syviis blushes slightly, though it's one with a glare. Aachen: "Shit, you got Bomrek" Gray: "I don't understand. I don't think we need to provoke anyone or escalte anything more, Bomrek. I don't approve of muliateing the dead or helpless foes." Syviis: "Perhaps we shouldn't parade around with one of their heads if we wish to explain this is a misunderstanding, and we have no allegiance with the dark things happening." Gray: "Why would meeting with the lord marshall make us a foe of the people?" Syviis: "We need answers regardless..desperately...I think we're owed that much." Bomrek: "?" Bomrek asks "Hah, this is in the guardsman's handbook, in the back, near the the glossary. You want to win wars, this is how you win them." Aachen: "Because is a HUGE tool, and one that is being weilded by High Lord Jadeite" he scowls "Good things have not been happening in the light of that new green moon, guys" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Trust us that the meeting was not all too pelasant and left us pretty appalled by his behaviour.” Bomrek: "Imagine your best friend's head on a pike, you'll either break ranks and charge like a fool, or flee in terror." Falkirk gets Ochoallo a drink of water, helps him clean up Syviis: "True...but if I was an enemy of the good and free peoples of the land...I'd want to make the rebels fight the band of powerful warriors that just returned from the front as well...make them be at odds vs joining forces." Bomrek: "Explain this as a- A misunderstanding to who?" he points to the hole in the wall "This is more than just a clerical error" Syviis: "Let's be sure we know who is who before we parade around heads...not that it gives us any less right to defend ourselves." Roderick: "Making your enemies fight each other is a much more effective method of winning wars than mutilating footsoldiers." Aachen: "This would all be so much easier if your King wasnt dead" he says, almost to himself Gray: "High Lord Jadeite is a foe of the people? What has he done?" Gray ask, trying to get to the bottom of it, a hand rubbing across his jaw. "An open rebellion on the remaining nobles, there must be a good reason for it.. with the king dead, have the noble's abuses truely become unbearable?" Doc: do we know about the king being dead Suðri Skornbrekker: “Er— His Majesty is dead? How? When?” Bomrek: "Aye well I can tell you what options we have, and what options we don't have right now, and one that we do certainly have is cutting off this fellow's noggin'." Aachen: "You didnt know yet? "he says, surprise on his face "The weilder of the Gray blade is no more. He died sometime in the last few days. Word came the other morning..." Roderick: "If we spend time indulging in sick fantasies while our enemies play us against each other, that will only- what do you mean the king is dead?" Aachen: "Jadeite has been maneuvering for weeks in court, and I think, he's going to take control now" Bomrek mutters "Fantasies? This is no more fantasy than the armor on your shoulders or the lead in those bodies behind me- Aye, King? Dead? How?" Gray: "Is Jadeite the suspect in the death of the king? We have no loyalty to that faction. Our investgations have focused on the aftereffects of the use of the great machine in the south and attempts to tend to our friend's medical needs" Doc: (Rod isn't wearing armor btw) Syviis nods Syviis: "And what of the Elves? Have they sent word on their dealings with the Human Realms?" "Do the Elders still keep a presence here?" Aachen: "Well, I wouldnt put it Aachen laughs, and again winces at Syviis' words P.P. A.: would be nice if the king being dead wasn't our fault, for once Aachen: "There are no more elders. The high elder is gone and his lackeys too" P.P. A.: >extinguished the morning of The Happening, and the king grew ill shortly after o ok nvm ;_; at least we also fucked up the elves Syviis looks startled by that P.P. A.: now the way for dwarven supremacy has been paved Syviis: "Gone...? Are you saying they also suffered ill?" Adolf S.: Our master plan is coming into fruition, PPA. Aachen: "I'm saying, when the high elder died in Gorgoth, the Lords of Darkness took that as a sign to cause shit on a monumentus scale" Adolf S.: The goyim must never be allowed to know. Aachen: "I wouldnt be surprised if the entire homeland was a fucking bonfire right now" he says darkly Gray frowns in sympathy at that, the bestial man brushing a hand though his hair, rubbing it across those dark horns as he stands by and looks to the others with worry. "We started this avalanch. We should help clean up in it's aftermath." Aachen: [brb 2 seconds, baby diaper] Syviis tries to look as determined as she can Bomrek: "Who needs to die to fix this then, 'Elf?" Bomrek says to Aachen. Syviis: "The homelands are protected by far more powerful than just a foolish girl with her arrows....I pray." Roderick nods solemnly. Even if he were not responsible for the Happening, he would feel the need to act during such desperate times. Aachen: "I wish I could tell you Bomrek. I really do. If I could hold a neck and just SQUEEZE until everyone gets food and a home and some Syviis walks around through the corpses, checking to see if her arrows might be salvaged as she listens Bomrek: "I'll just settle for some gold, myself" Bomrek says in response to the home-and-meal comment. Suðri Skornbrekker: “We are no schemers; let us do what we do best, now—follhardly rush into things and kill stuff. There are elven crazies out there wreaking havoc among the innocent.” Aachen: "Geofferson has that in Suðri Skornbrekker picks up his additional muskets and steps out into the night. Aachen: [morning, not night] Suðri Skornbrekker steps out into the morning, less dramatically Ken (GM): [technically, still the morning you guys went into market] Bomrek 's eyes go up a little at the mention of gold. "He wouldn't mind parting with some of it, certainly, then?" Doc: are there actually still happenings happening I got the impression it had calmed down Adolf S.: Also I'm a lil' confused. WHat's the story our characters are supposed to be aware of? There are these lord-of-darkness motherfuckers all around civilization, already there before the business down south? Aachen: "I dare him to try to say no to the likes of Bomrek, " his grin widening Gray: "I don't think we can stop the riot by running in with blades. Going there might make things worse, or just make us targets for Shadow Walkers.. whom, I would add, have a valid reason to mistrust us and aren't monsters to be killed on sight. One Shadow Walker just helped, Bomrick" Adolf S.: and this local head of the KKK that we murdered was pissed at us because we were seen talking with rich playboy Howard Hughes? Suðri Skornbrekker uneasily looks into the distance. Eventually, he comes back inside, and puts down his weapons again. Suðri Skornbrekker: “You are right, I am afraid.” Joush M.: He thought we had blown up magic and helped drug addled Lord Marshall seize power on purpose We just did that accidently Adolf S.: "There's no way these guys are this fucking retarded, they must be assholes" Joush M.: "Many a dead man has underestmated just how retarded I can be!" Ken (GM): :D Adolf S.: Okay so Syviis: [Sorry guies...I landed on my keys and started the end of magic!] Adolf S.: Shadow walkers, are these guys evil? Their power is sourced from things like the elf vampire lady was sourcing hers from, more or less? At least, presumably. Suðri Skornbrekker: “So... there were agents of the Lords of Darkness in the Elven realm all along?” Roderick begins putting on his brigandine as the conversation carries on Gray: "In stories they'd find a proper Heir to the Gray Blade and the kingdom would be restored. Should we try to do that, or do we want to go collect our back pay from the Lord Marshall and force him to tell us what his part in this is?" Adolf S.: "Yes, back-pay would be nice. I'd also like some hot food and cold beer." shit. Bomrek nods, almost sagely. "Yes, back-pay would be nice. I'd also like some hot food, and cold beer." Roderick: "If the Lord Marshall is involved in such plots, we should place him under arrest. That would likely prove an easier task than putting down a riot." (To Syviis): Elvish words are "Lords of Darkness" formally spoken in elven Gray: "Not evil. But calling dark powers" Ochoallal: "They have been a cornerstone of our upbringing since before man or Beastfolk walked these lands " Syviis: "It seems many people looking for power don't seem to mind the ways that lead into the dark, so long as they get what they want..." Syviis looks away angrily Bomrek: [In Dwarvish] "Yada yada blah blah, Elves are evil you Dwarves were right all along, blah blah never trust Elves." [/Dwarf] Suðri Skornbrekker tries to suppress a smirk by stroking his beard. Ochoallal: "Power is Power, woman. I dont see you shying away from the storm? Why should I shy away from gifts from the higher planes?" Syviis turns to Ochoallal with a strange smirk. Syviis: "Because a Storm doesn't demand you sacrifice your loyalty...your kin...for power." Syviis sighs and turns away. Bomrek: (Man, that girl I de-eared earlier is going to be pissed her face isn't symmetrical anymore.) Suðri Skornbrekker: “Higher planes like the one your ancestors dragged otherworldly horrors from so they could lay waste to entire countries with them? I've had enough of that shit.” Gray: "Will your people recover them?" He ask in that rough voice, nodding to the shadow walkers about their dead fellows. "I don't know if the discussion of moraillty is helpful here." Suðri Skornbrekker: “This whole mess we have here now is a ‘gift from a higher plane’ if I got that other elf right.” Joush M.: No Bomrek, you can't go back and even her up by snipping off the other one Ochoallal: "The weak succumb! The strong prevail! It IS as it always HAS been, DWARF" he spits Adolf S.: (Bomrek's a trail brazer in the art of plastic surgery, Joush) Gray does thing Suori has a very valid point, however. Gray: ((Thing = think)) Ochoallal voice rises as he retorts Roderick: "And what happens when the weak take advantage of power they can't control?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Gorgoth might well not exist any more, and your kingdom is going up in flames. ‘The strong prevail’ my ass!” Ochoallal: "It is now the time of the Wyrd Moon! And thos eblessed by the green light 's shadow shall prevail!" Adolf S. makes a cheeky comment to Suthri in Dwarvish, "Looks like some-Elf can't hold his liquor all too well" Gray: "Aachen, is he normally like this or did he just go crazy?" Bomrek: Shit, the above, only as Bomrek. Aachen: "He's kind of always like this, sorry" He sighs, lying on his back on the dirt and board floor "He's been drinking from the same well for too long. Gone a bit over the deep edge" Roderick glances at Gray and then at the elven healer. "What would it mean if one's blade suddenly shone with a green light?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “That seems to be the common thread with this stuff,” the Dwarf responds to Aachen, welcoming his sanity. Falkirk: "I this one of those'one hand clapping' riddles, Sir?" he raises an eyebrow Gray: "A very old Blessing, to fight the Shadows, born of a time long, long ago in the Old Kingdom." He takes his sword from it's heavy wrappings, revealing the massive and bronzy broadsword. "It answered the challange of the shadow walkers with emerald light" Bomrek: >everyone is just sitting here talking shit to Ook-chan over here It's like a comedy central roast only more funny Doc: (was Falkirk talking to Rod?) Falkirk: yus (To Doc): yeah he was answering you, about the light thing Gray doesn't seem too offended by the healer's ranting, so long as he takes no action to harm people. "Oh, no. I think it's opposed to the shadows. That doesn't make it good. The light that burns away the darkness can be worse then anything the darkness conceals." He agrees with Suori, about fighting fire with fire. Aachen: "That firestorm was you assholes at the fort? I wish I could have seen his face when you guys killed Tigan. He was a crackpot with that flame spirit of his" Gray: "I threw one of his followers at him and he lost control of his servent-flame." (To Syviis): Roll 1d, you planted quite a few in reach, but most went down the street and exploded when you missed Gray: "I didn't know that would happen, to be fair." I wasn't trying to turn the fort into a tinderbox" Roderick turns to Falkirk. This healer mentioned those 'blessed by the green light,' and Gray's blade shone with the same when we were attacked." Ken (GM): "Lucky you didnt killyourself, yeah. Your hide would make a terrible roast" he smiles Aachen: * Syviis: (To GM) Roderick: *"This Gray: "I am glad to amuse you. And glad to see that you aren't our foe, even if your faction is opposed to us in general. I hope we can prove to the Shadow Walkers that we want the best for the people and don't want to fight them. We want to protect the weak.. as the strong should." The last a pointed comment to the healer, before he nods. "Are we ready to go? The Lord Marshall owes us coin and answers." Bomrek: "I want food, beer, and a few card games. And gold." Bomrek says, crossing his arms. Bomrek says, tacking that on to Gray's description of our motivation. Falkirk: "Based on what I know about the Old Empire of Gorgoth, and what youve described...They may be of the same 'color of magic'. But I'm not sure. If I had a library and some time to corroborate information, I could give you a better answer Roderick. These are interesting times, for sure" Roderick nods at Falkirk's response. "Very little makes sense these days. I understand why some prefer the simplicity of combat." He turns to Bomrek and raises an eyebrow in curiosity. "How much were you to be paid, by the way? I would imagine your salary falls far short of your worth." Gray: "Is there a place we can escort you Falkirk? Do you wish to stay with us or should we find you somewhere safe?" Falkirk: "That is a .... he says "Lets assess the situation" Gray: "Bomrek's service is worth his weight in silver. I think they owe us about five hundered silver marks each." ((About $2000 GURPSbucks)) Doc: tfw I converted that in my head already Bomrek: >how much was I to be paid Falkirk: "1. I am without my magic. 2. we are in familiar lands, but unsafe territory 3. We have enemies, for various reasons, but all the same 4. Geofferson must be opposed, at least on moral grounds 5. Aachen and his friend here are in no state to help, and we have a prisoner" Bomrek: fuck if I know that. How much- ah Gray: "Can we signal the shadow walkers to recover their dead and friend here when we leave?" Falkirk: "I think, the commander and the healer should stay behind with the surgeon, watch over your half elf (mangled) prisoner, and leave you fellows to your devices" Doc: was that just for the week you've been gone? Gray: "That's true.. they are shadow walkers. They can take charge here, if it's fine." Falkirk: "i'd imagine I'm just going to slow you all down" he says with a sad shrug Suðri Skornbrekker asks Aachen, a bit more quietly: “Going by what your comrade is saying and your group's enthusiasm for magic shit, forgive me if I'm rude, but are the Shadow Walkers amd at us because we caused so many deaths and unleashed all these horrors upon the world, or is it because we broke their ancient magic toy?” Bomrek: "If anyone asks, a wild dog came in after the carnage and bit off her ear." Bomrek says, sitting down amongst the gear, laying into it like a big, uncomfortable bean bag chair full of pots and pans. Falkirk: "Suthri, they're an angry hornets nest of dark magic flavored angry rebels. They'd fight the All Father if you pointed them that way" Gray: "You are a brilliant man, magic or no. You would be no burden. But you might be able to do more good here, and I don't want to expose you to danger away from a healer. If you were to fall I'm not sure we could patch you up." Gray walks to Falkirk, patting the human's shoulder gently. "If you have need call on me." (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Aachen nods along with falkirk explanation "Yeah, theyre just a bunch of crazy assholes, really" Gray nods to the physican, not understanding the words but understanding the sentiment before he looks to the others. "Should we go before we lure more danger here?" Aachen: "What do you expect from a bunch of elves who needed magic to not starve?" he shrugs again, rolling his shoulder" I dont know anyone who ponders morality when theres food and water on the line" Roderick nods and dons his helmet. "We accomplish nothing by standing around here." Aachen: "Im mostly going for the loose women and looser morals. The barbacues are real dens of ill repute, at night" he grins Gray: "I think you've had more fun then I have. Be safe, Aachen.. and thank you, again." Aachen: "Dont accept any pay in silver " he jokes with Gray Syviis: "It's true then..." *sighs and pulls her mask up over her face. "Civilization really is but three days without food." Bomrek is reminded that he left his silver pick sitting on top of the tentacle creature this whole time. It's probably burnt to shit now. Doc: lel Syviis: [I wonder what monster that makes me...] Ken (GM): [oh Syviis hasnt succumbed...] Bomrek: All elves deserve the noose tbh. Syviis pulls her cloak around herself and strides to the open wall without a sound, waiting for the others Ken (GM): [right, so whats the plan? Use the current commotion to head out, and seek out the Lord Marshall Geofferson?] Gray just thinks those wuss elves diden't find Salamander hearts to eat Bomrek: Yeah! Speaking of who the hell is even fighting out there? Are the undesireables just killing eachother? Are they going after town guards? Joush M.: Yep. Hoods up and trying not to draw too much attention, they don't want things focused on them. If they see someone in danger though they will interveane Suðri Skornbrekker will carry the usual bundle of additional muskets though Ken (GM): [likely, yeah, the refugees/shadow walkers are stirring up shit at the gatehouse. The Wolfman and his entourage seeking you guys out just set them off] Roderick doesn't know what a stealth is but at least this is his not-shiny armor Ken (GM): [oh, his non-regal regalia? :P] Bomrek: Hm. Doc: Not gonna wear the heavy shit if he expects to be on foot and he expects to be on foot Bomrek: Do we pass by any food markets, banks, or taverns on our way there? Ken (GM) UNTIL NEXT WEEK Bomrek: Bomrek considers this match heap of a town pretty close to lighting up and burning down for good. Might as well get a lil' wholesome looting in before it all goes up in smoke. P.P. A.: that's beastman-tier though Doc: fug, it's already 5 Ken (GM): [we can slap out details of the slinking for next week. but yeah, theres food between here and there] Fiss: DWARF RIOT MACHINE sounds like a good band name Ken (GM): Elven magic genocide? Bomrek: Nuh uh, Bomrek's a guardsman. Basically like mixing the highway patrol with the national guard. Ken (GM): "Humans versus Beastman" Bomrek: Burning down bandit hovels was totally his job. and sometimes that meant taking their food and goods. Ken (GM): "Green Moon Chaos" theres all sorts of good band names Fiss: Nothing beats the best badname ever, though.... brought to you by a city in Alberta. P.P. A.: well Suðri was a goody-two-shoes town militiaman stopping looters and robbers all day erryday Doc: meanwhile Rod's job was just to be rich and learn things Ken (GM): Joush M.: Now I'm imagining Bomrek with the mustache and aviator sunglasses. Ken (GM): Bomrek: Yeah, Suthri never saw the shit like Bomrek did. Stealing a painting or two while you're occupying France seems a LOT less of a moral conundrum when you just saw your childhood friend choke to death on his own blood in a fox hole next to you Ken (GM): TWO DORFS Fiss: IN A VAN Bomrek: "Like, Zoinks 'Rod, looks like this suit of armor had, like, no one in it!" Who'd be the Velma of our group? Syviis? Fiss: Ruh ruoh Jinkies and all that :P Joush M.: Suori could rock the orange sweater Bomrek: (Don't click, shitty remix, it turns out) Ken (GM): 4 points each, yo buy up yo thangs Doc: noice Ken (GM): like FAST DRAW Fiss: Anyway, gotta run. Thanks mangs! Ken: She can now sling her bow around good. 1 pt in Fast Draw Bow Doc: am I clear to buy Healing, then? Ken (GM): [thumbs up symbol] P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): [thumbs up symbol] Bomrek: Ayy, Doc: Rod is now an healer P.P. A.: tfe 30 points Ken (GM): PSST HEY PPA P.P. A.: how much points is making your beard ward off magic (To P.P. A.): Do you wish to succumb to the whispers of ~the darkness~? Ken (GM): Many Doc: It's actually only 15 points because I'm making it take 16 times as long to use Ken (GM): many point Joush M.: Thanks for the game man. I enjoyed it Ken (GM): such points (From P.P. A.): magic get out reeeee P.P. A.: indeed, thanks Doc: yep, it was a good one Ken (GM): You fuckers, and your killing of evil things and all i wanna do it like, BACKSTORY and PLOT and youre all NUH UH and IM all BUT GUUUUYS ._. Bomrek: Kill all! Violence of action! Raaagh! Doc: tfw we're probably about to do more violence Ken (GM): SO MANY VIOLENCE Bomrek: Bomrek is hoping he can offset his losses by looting lots of things from this shithole. Also taste P.P. A.: I'd say the amount of violence in this campaign has been pretty balanced Bomrek: How many buffets does this town have Bomrek'll settle for a Chinese buffet Ken (GM): TITS ON A BUTT Adolf S.: ayy Fiss: DICKBUTT Ken (GM): WHATUP g'S WOOP WOOOP WOOP Fiss: So, Pod just got all his Torrent traffic blocked by Shaw because he tried to grab Samurai Jack o_o Ken (GM): HAHAHAH oh pod you fool always take a trusted Magenttorrent Fiss: Yeah... proxies motherfucker... need da proxies these days Adolf S.: >torrenting shows and TV what a mistake Fiss: Shaw's a fuck, though. Telus just sends you an e-mail. It don't block yer damn traffic. Yep. They watch them torrents like hungry hawks at a chickadee babyshower. Adolf S.: I heard you folks have some new laws on the books regarding derogatory statements and things. Sounds spooky as shit. Ken (GM): hey who what now? I know we're legalizing pot on July 1st... Adolf S.: Not sure. Some Cad' acquaintances of mine were concerned about it. Something about how saying a bad word'll potentially land you in jail or some such. Something akin to that one famous book the one about burnin' books. Celcious 60? something like that. :v) Joush M.: Too bad it's not on the 4th Ken. Indi-pot-dus day Fiss: Well, we've had laws against hate-speech for a LONG time. The latest group of laws are aimed at Islamophobia. IMHO they're pretty ambiguous and it will be entirely on a case-by-case if any of it can ever be enforced. There's also the gender-ones Joush M.: The sort of thing they use only when they've got a clear case for another crime? Fiss: Pretty much. P.P. A.: that's an optimistic outlook Joush M.: "Well, you made a lot of death threats and murdered his dog, so we are chargeing you with that and being a dick about his religion" P.P. A.: in Germany hate-speech related laws are usually enforced to harass ethnic Germans Muslims beating up Jews goes unpunished, some German saying he dislikes refugees gets dragged before court We're basically under auto-foreign occupation Ken (GM): madness, all of it *luckily nothin glike that happens in GrimWyrd Fiss: Yeah, there are fears here of that happening. A lot of them are unfounded, but we'll have to see the exact wording and enforcement to see if we're sliding down toward that bullshit, or if it's just the usual feel-good-do-nothing laws Canada likes to pretend do something. P.P. A.: Aye Fiss: Kinda like our gun laws. It's basically the Government saying: "WE'RE DOING SOMETHING!" and then eating a bunch of paste. Can't even say it's liberals or conservatives because they're ALL paste-eaters :P Adolf S.: >feel-good-do-nothing-laws I imagine I'd feel at home in Canada then. California's full of those. Gray: Summer in Vancouver the weather isn't even that different from northern cali Fiss: Haha, yep. It's not so bad, but there are a few laws where you just shake your head and ask: "What the fuck's the point to this? Anyone with grade-4 level logic centers in their brain can figure out this won't do shit." Joush M.: Oops. Gray's unlikely to comment on that Fiss: lol Adolf S.: North 'Cali is a very different beast from other parts of Cali, is the thing so that might not be sayin' much. Fiss: Hehe Adolf S.: Your laws concerning magazines infuriate me Ken (GM): soft-Cali Adolf S.: mostly because they lead to perfectly good SKS mags being butchered. Fiss: They infuriate me as well. Adolf S.: In dumb, not-even-effective-at-what-they-are-meant-to-stop ways. Fiss: exactly. Gray: Laws regulating highly technical subjects either tend to be well written but highly favor the industry or very, very badly written. Adolf S.: I think I've concluded I'm partial to dryer environments. Perhaps not as dry as my 0 percent humidity average current residence, but dry all the same. Summer in 85 percent humidity, with 100 degree temps, is a drag. Joush M.: Don't do it Dolf. Don't let yourself be lured into Nevada. Adolf S.: Nevada's great though, in so many ways. One of the two places I wouldn't mind being buried, actually. Joush M. whispers "It has begun" Fiss: As someone who has repeatedly had to visit Philly in shit-summer-humidity, I agree. Fuck humidity. Adolf S.: It's interesting that there were so many fire works stores there. Not stands, or "shops", but full on 365-days-a-year stores. Joush M.: It's not a place where there is much you will burn down Ken (GM): Ken (GM) WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES Fiss: [] P.P. A.: GrimWyrd: The Freelancers Ken (GM) the day is hot and smoke winds through the streets. Cries of anger and fear a the gatehouse echo up the cobblestones. Somewhere a woman cries out, and the sounds of terror bake in the heat. You sweat in the sun baked town of Oakway. The stench of sap and timber heavy on the air. Even the nearby river reeks of growth. Behind you in the warehouse, carnage. Blood. Death. Falkirk, Aachen and Ochoallal watch over your captive Shadow walker. You have a target: the Lord Marshall Geofferson. Bomrek: (There's a village called Swineholt. Huh.) (Neato) Roderick has suited up into his heavy armor. The glint of laurel leaves in green metal shine sin the sun. His emerald cloak behind him, shimmering. He straps his things to Bavieca, the horse stamping at the ground, excited to move Roderick: [Considering loadouts, Is Gray taking the Cannon? Is Bomrek hauling his sack of treasures? Is Suthri loaded for bear? Ken (GM): * P.P. A.: aye Bomrek: S'a good question. Did we have any indication of where this guy was? Also remind me, the intent was to what, go find Geofferson and kill the folks poisoning him? Or was it something else? P.P. A.: Suðri is carrying the spare muskets, and his backpack Bomrek: Trying to decide whether to load Bomrek lightly or not. P.P. A.: We want to face him to figure out what's going on, and either bully him until we get our payment, or see if we get any clues as to which elves we should kill Bomrek: Kill any who are Elves, is a good enough direction. Gray has the heavy wall gun across a massive sholder, clinking soflty as it's dark finish rubs at iron rings. The towering beast walking though the day. He pauses, listing long moment to hear if anyone needs help before he continues in the direction of the Lord Marshall's residence. Joush M.: I don't remeber the exact math but I think Gray can handle all the heavy group gear without being slower then Suori in combat gear Ken (GM): daaang, thats a lot of str but the math looks good >ST22 for lifiting Bomrek is carrying his beloved double barrel musket, bayonet mounted, with his brace of pistols on his chest. He's left the majority of his armor with the Doctor and Elves, choosing to just take his fine mail shirt, and no other armor to speak o Bomrek: speak of*. Syviis: [BRO DO YOU EVEN...Oh...yes...yes you do lift. ] Bomrek: And his backpack, a'course. Ken (GM): gotcha Doc: henlo friends i am here Gray walks with the others, massive muscles flexing and working. It's hot work, carrying the things, his akiton, halburk, surcoat, other armor, two swords, heavy shield, massive gun and a oilcloth wrapped bundle of supplies. He doesn't seem to mind much though. Syviis: HUZZA! Joush M.: Hey! Welcome to the party (From Doc): in general mounted = heavy, dismounted = light Doc: @Joush can Gray carry an extra set of armor Syviis lets her cloak catch a bit more wind as she walks, longing for the shade of the forest Doc: asking for a friend Joush M.: Sure. Unless Suori is faster then I remeber he's got enough weight left for that P.P. A.: Suthri's move is 5 if Gray carries the spare guns Gray adds another oilcloth wrapped bundle. He keeps it near the potions he's carrying for Roderick. Joush M.: Well then he's faster. With all this crap Gray should be at 4 Doc: Rod's brigandine is only 24 lbs but his saddlebags can't handle it also he was keeping his potions in the saddlebags again Ken (GM): You forget, supahorse can carry more than even Gray Joush M.: Just need to get it a frame pack Syviis: MEGAHORSE Doc: yeah but saddlebags explicitly can only carry 40 lbs, unless we're ignoring that Ken (GM): Ignoring; horse shaped frame backpack on it's butt. Just behind your saddle is the WAD of things dont worry; your horse still loves you P.P. A.: >master has two armours and makes me carry one of them for him, but never bought me some fitting armour >neigh Doc: horse armor would be slow tho Ken (GM): Alrighty then! that should be all the book keeping other than if Bomrek wants to make a pit stop in town offloading his treasures back to the clan, like he planned Syviis: Syviis will see if she can get a bundle of Fine arrow-heads for later crafting use / Fine Arrows. Since they're in civilization and all... Bomrek: That'd be good. Bomrek'll be on the look out for any Dwarven trading posts, goods importers, etc. Ken (GM): Certainly; the dwarves have their standard quarried-stone building in Oakway, and in the madness of the day, theyre one of the only places still doing brisk business . Bomrek doesnt even need to haggle with them to have his things bundled and marked for shipping to the homelands. Suðri Skornbrekker is going to resupply on ammunition for his musket, should be able to afford about 7 for $ 84 P.P. A.: (I don't evenm know how much money I have but I remember it was a bit more than 100) Ken (GM): Syviis can actually get those fine arrows in here as well; the dwarves have plenty of arms available, "No matter what that poncy Lord Marshall decrees or doesnt decree" Bomrek: Oh god, every time I open our chat log it always almost kills my browser. Ken (GM): remind me after today. I can offload it and then just clear it out. A year of chat is too much Bomrek is clearly very happy to be in a stone building again, and carefully unties his sack of gold, and hands it over without concern to the Dwarf behind the desk. There's a quick exchange in Dwarvish, pertaining to paying extra for additional security within the transport, and expedited shipping. Syviis: Darfedex Dwarfex? Gray stands outside the dwarven shop in the shade, the towerign beast settleing a scrap of cloth across his lower face. It does little to disguise the beastman's nature but helps the humans feel less.. threatend, by the scorned. He stays out of the stone dwarven shop where the elven woman buys arrowheads and Bomrek sees to the transport of his hard won gold. Bomrek: Come to think of it, now's also a good time to purchase some incidentals. I've been doing a poor job of keeping track of ammo. Lets assume I've shot about half my rounds so far. 'hasn't been much, all in all. Ken (GM): not a bad plan Joush M.: As long as you can buy it fast. I think the rest of us wanted to get paid before we went shopping Ken (GM): "How fast can a dwarf buy ammunition?" feels like a racist joke Bomrek: How fast can a Dwarf load a cannon? Depends where how far away the Janitor stores his step-stool. Syviis marvels at the simple and fast transaction as the Dwarves basically just point at their guns, then at the ammo, and the shops know what to do P.P. A.: oh, mistake, ammo is only $3 (makes more sense that way too, $12 was the total) I'm buying 17 then Bomrek: Bomrek'll buy some ammunition, a large hand-cask of fine Dwarven whiskey that he'll store in his backpack, and that'll do him fine for now. P.P. A.: *16 Bomrek: ("Aye, turns out language can be fairly efficient, if half your vocabulary doesn't revolve around different words for flower petal and twig.") Ken (GM): zing! Syviis: "But...what if you need to describe a flower petal that has been dropped into a mountain spring versus wet with dew?" Bomrek: What's this shop like, anyway? Is it all stone and echoy, and otherwise bare? Are there tapestries? Lots of wood? Or is it packed full of goods and parcels? Syviis: :P Bomrek: More like an old post office, but with iron and oil added on top of the old-post-office smell? Ken (GM): Bomre: Yes, and yes. The dwarves do a heavy trade, and their caravans so far back to the homelands have been safe. They seem to be flush with goods at the moment. but anywho, ON TO THE MANOR. Syviis: [manoring intensifies] Ken (GM) Oakway is a terrified place. The residents make for the other side of the streets as your group heads through town, aiming for the Manorhome the Lord marshall rules from. North of the town, on the rolling hillsides of farmers fields lies your prize. Nestled in a hillock with a babbling brook nearby, the little spot would almost be picturesque if not for the guards posted on the walls armed with sword and musket... Bomrek: About how many guards are there? At least, from view at the moment. Gray walks north with the others and pauses to look to the manor's walls, studying the armed guards a moment then looking to the others. "I would simply demand entry and storm inside, but that could go badly. Does anyone have another thought on how to do this?" Ken (GM): [it takes a little under an hour to approach through town then overhill, shopping included;whats your plan of approach?] Suðri Skornbrekker: “We could first ask politely for an audience with the good sir, and say that we wish to report on the riots in the own, and incquire about the ongoings in the capital, maybe.” Ken (GM) From even a safe distance of cover, the place seems to be well guarded; men are patrolling the low walls and gardens, and the guardhouses seem to have at least two men posted outside. They have brightly colored purple uniforms Bomrek: "If he has eyes among the people.." Bomrek thinks aloud slowly. "And surely he must, then he might be aware of our approach." Suðri Skornbrekker: “If they turns us away, we regroup and think of a different strategy.” Gray abbsentmindedly lifts his arm. "Memory?" His question calls the shadows from the ink on his back, drawing a raven of smoke and shadow onto that solid limb as he speaks to the raven. "Fly above and tell us what you can see about the manor house, please. Count the guards." Gray: "That seems clever, Suori" Memory appears from her otherworldly hiding place, and takes flight without question of her orders. She lifts like inky smoke on the wind, winging into the hazy sky Roderick: "Laying siege to the place would be unwise when we could simply knock." Syviis: "Agreed. It seems like our foes are much more interested in sharing their corrupted words of late...I can't tell if I prefer it or not to the outright ambush." Bomrek takes out his smoking pipe and lights it. "In the 'Guard, we'd just bombard the building from afar with artillery until... resistance was ceased. I doubt we'll have such an easy option here." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We are mostly dutiful soldiers. The Lord Mayor, at best, would want to send us away to some forsaken place so he no longer has to deal with us, or give us to another commander so we stop bothering him.” Gray: "These guards haven't done anything wrong, and we want answers, not to take command of the manor house. We'd be better off comeing after dark and slipping inside then laying seige." He starts walking to the gatehouse. Suðri Skornbrekker walks alongside Gray, but turns around and motions for Roderick to follow them. Roderick: "Or asking politely." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Gray, perhaps we ought to let our noble handle this.” Bomrek: "That's assuming he doesn't have his own spies at work. Or the [Derogatory word for Elves in Dwarvish] haven't got their own spies as well." Memory: [the diplomatic approach then, eh? Map magic!] Ken (GM): * Y'all in the bottom left Ken (GM) You walk down the hot dusty road to the hamlet. The guards watch you approach, sword and musket in hand, but not raising any alarm. They let you get within shouting distance before calling "Halt! Who goes there?" Doc: are you guys still known as the Heroes of the South or would calling you that be a bad idea Ken (GM): P.P. A.: Let's avoid it Gray opens his mouth the closes it, breathes, and speaks. "Grayhold Milita, here to see the Lord Marshall. In the company of Lord Roderick." Roderick: "We have business to discuss with the Lord Marshall regarding the agreed-upon payment for services rendered by this party." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We also wish to report on the recent turmoil in the town, which was prepretrated by a band of Half-Elven fanatics, who have been mostly dealt with.” Ken (GM) the men look back and forth, the one with the musket shrugs and the swordsman calls out Ken (GM): "Who are these militamen under your care, Lord Roderick?" Bomrek: Back. Had to go afk htere. Wew. P.P. A.: were we ever assigned to any company or somesuch back at greyhold? or a commander? Doc: or do I just list off their names Roderick turns to the party and asks quietly if their company was ever given a name Ken (GM): [As you all recall, you were sworn under the First company of the First Militia. ] Suðri Skornbrekker: Suðri strokes his beard and thinks back, and quickly remembers: “First Company of the First Militia at Greyhold.” Gray stands by and fails to recall the exact term of enlistment and name given to their company. Luckly, cleverer people with better memories are present. P.P. A.: good thing player memory isn't characetr memory (though there's a massive timescale mismatch anyway) Ken (GM): [6 weeks ingame, a year and a bit IRL] Ken (GM) The swordsman steps to the gatehouse, pulls back a slat in the door and calls for a runner. He speaks to the man who appears on the other side, gestures to you all, and close sit back up Ken (GM): "Only a moment's wait milord. The Lord Marshall has many guests but sees to them all" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Thank you very much.” Ken (GM) the men stay at their guard as you all settle in, but they seem mostly intimidated by Gray... Ken (GM): the swordsman keeps his blade in hand, but speaks, one eye on the beastman "The old king is dead. He took ill weeks ago I hear, when the Happening put us in this weird time. High lord Jadeite should sort it all out though. Firm hand, he has" "Where have you lot been, out in the wilds? Come back fromthe war unharmed?" Gray hangs back a step and dosn't talk. Those strange lupine eyes on the men a moment before he looks away to keep from leaveing them uneasy. Roderick: "Contracted to carry out special reconnaissance. I'm afraid any other details are for the Lord Marshall alone." Bomrek looks toward the others calmly, then back to the Guard. He blows out a string of sweet tobacco smoke and says "We've had troubles, as have others. How has Oakway been the last few weeks? I wouldn't think this strife has sprung from nothing. I heard rumors, people talk of half-elves, something about Magic.." he trails off, knocking a little tobacco remnants from the edge of his pipe's bowl. Bomrek: (Maybe this guy has hidden lore, and he'll tell us magical secrets~) Ken (GM): The man looks sidelong at the musketeer, then smirks as he answers "The way I hear it? The High Lord Jadeite took some long lost magic against the Beastmen. Settled them once and for all. He's a right powerful type, doing that from the capital. Barely lifting a finger, he did. The Rovers and Scorned are all thats left from down South now, thanks to him. " Suðri Skornbrekker raises an eyebrow, but says nothing. Ken (GM): "OS now, we jus' got to keep the order round here, crack a few skulls, keep em in line, and soon it'll all be for the taking. At least for us in the right places" Suðri Skornbrekker replies a token smirk, though not a heartfelt one for sure. P.P. A.: +with Bomrek smiles ruefully and blows a few more whispey little tails of smoke. "There's a lot of them at the gates, you know. Setting up camps and fires there. Any plan for dealing with that trouble?" Bomrek raises his eyebrows, looking curious. Ken (GM): He grins a wide angry grin "We got plans. You'll see friend" Ken (GM) a few minutes pass in the hot sun, and a banging on the door signals the return of the runner. His voice calls out from the other side "Let em in! The Lord Marshall welcomes his honored guests from the South!" Ken (GM): "Right, thats you lot in side then. OPENING THE SOUTH GATE" the man calls out. Along the wall the call is returned "O-YEY opening the south gate!" Gray dislikes the sound of that. The idea that there's some wicked plan for the refugees, but he shakes it off and starts inside as the men open the gate. Bomrek: Is that a Winged Hussar? Ken (GM): [there is a man with feathers in his lordly hat...] Ken (GM) The heavy oak timbers swing inward, and inside, two men flank the door. To your left, a pair of musketeers stand, muskets in arm but not aimed. On the far side of the cobbled square stands a man in fie robes and a large hat with colorful feathers. Behind him, a swordsman in full regalia, and two crossbowmen as well. All look grim, save the lordly man who ahs a broad smile Ken (GM): "Welcome! Welcome! Come inside and lets us receive you, Heroes of the South!" he calls Gray: "Seems like they've heard of your dragonslaying, Suori" Ken (GM) The lordly man steps forward, he has a rapier on his hip and a bushy beard that barely hide the many scars on his face. He looks to have been in many battles over the years, with many scars for it. He looks over each of you, that smile persisting on his face Ken (GM): "Welcome! Lord, Madame, brothers (gesturing to the dwarves), and armsman(to Gray). " Syviis bows her head politely, but says nothing (From Roderick): so it's unusual for a human lord, then Syviis: [in Elvish] P.P. A.: Have we heard the title being used before? Roderick turns to Syviis. "It's... unusual, to say the least." Ken (GM): [not usually in the lands of Greyhold.] Roderick: (also in elvish) Syviis: Suðri Skornbrekker: “His dono? Is that akin to a steward?” Syviis: Roderick turns to the man and states the obvious. "Unusual for a human lord to have a retainer with such an elven title." Syviis: [APPROPRIATING MAH CULTURRE! Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard and raises an eyebrow. Curious indeed that not only are Elves drugging the kingdom's lords, those lords are even adopting Elven ranks. Gray: "Gray, Mercenary. Lord Roderick, Lady Syviis, Masters Bomrek and Suori." He offers as form of introduction. Suðri Skornbrekker straightens up and slutes. Tenon: "Ah Lord Roderick, you have me at the disadvantage" He bows his head, hands at his waist "We are becoming accustomed to all sorts of new traditions here. The Lord Marshall insists upon it" P.P. A.: >hands at his waist sounds gay as hell must be elven alright Tenon: [its like a japanese bow :P] Syviis: P.P. A.: ooh, so straight pressed to the sides I though more like o <|> / \ Tenon: [thats hilariously descriptive for ascii] Doc: especially because the torso doesn't line up Bomrek: A sassy gay cocked head sort of thing. Syviis bows...decidedly more casually, but still respectfully Syviis: Tenon: "Oh not at all milord. We have grown quite accustomed to the rule shere. They are not so odd or unfamiliar" That smile returns. He flourishes his cloak then, swinging the heavy fabric back and off his arms. Bomrek: Bomrek, much like Reagan at the concept of the spread of Communism, finds a moderate amount of distaste in the thought of Elven policy and influence spreading to regions outside their shitty forests. Syviis: (To Roderick): perception! Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): He's not just draping a cloak. He's readying it in a fencer's handle. The man is being subtle about it, but your fencer's eye isnt fooled Roderick draws his sword and calls out to the rest of the party. "PERFIDY! TO ARMS!" (From Doc): do I get to do any other things or are we rolling for initiative now Tenon: INITIATIVE AT +2 FO REVERYONE! Syviis: Roderick: Gray: Syviis: Gray: Bomrek says in Dwarvish, "Today was a bad day to not wear my armor!" and turns around, facing the guards to our rear. Ken (GM): lol Syviis: Bomrek: jeez Ken (GM) the men about you seem resolute as you draw steel; grim look son each of their faces Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! Suðri Skornbrekker looks around, visibly taken aback. He doubts that he can fire off a shot before someone bumrushes him; on the other hand, Grey is close, so he plops down his bardiche anyway and rests his musket on it, taking aim at the soldier in front of him, but leaving his finger off the trigger for now. P.P. A.: actually nah, he'll take aim at the dono instead or, hm Bomrek: Ayy, this gate we went through, is it closed now or still open? P.P. A.: closed Suðri Skornbrekker retcon, me plops down his bardiche and takes aim at one of the musketmen to his left. Ken (GM): gotcha, up on the wall Suðri Skornbrekker looks him in the eyes, a tense look on him, but not particularly hostile. Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis: Holding action, actually, she'll aim at the guard to the left, however, and fire if he advances on any of the party. [In Elvish: with a grin] Ken (GM): Gray! Gray: Syviis: dang Ken (GM): did you just roll a 6 for dex blessing fuck Suðri Skornbrekker: “We are loyal to the kingdom, but that kingdom is no longer yours?!” Suðri Skornbrekker shouts angrily at the soldiers in general Bomrek: Who's this guy right here. Is he up on a wall, or on ground level? Gray steps forward and reaches out for the Dono, inhumanly fast as darkness creeps into the edge of his vision. Calling on the Raven. (Grabbing by the neck, two hands, deceptive -2) Ken (GM): [ground, with you, under the awning of the gate Rolls it gray! Gray: Joush M.: Damn. This is why I need luck Gray nearly gets the man by the neck and snarls. "Stand them down" (To Gray): JFC that was an awesome roll for blessed! (From Gray): Dear god, yeah. That's great for the first time useing it Ken (GM): roll it and read it out! Bomrek: "This blade'll gut you before you're close enough to trim my eyebrows, . Drop it." More or less true, too. I've got reach on him, I'll probably win that fight without issue. Ken (GM): Syviis: [Little did Ken realize that we are not ALWAYS instant murder machines...we sometimes dabble in sword-point-diplomacy!] Ken (GM) the man at the door reels at bomreks outcry, backing up against the door Ken (GM): Roderick! Roderick raises a hand and aims it at the space between the two gunners on his left. "Lay down your arms," he says, preparing to blast them with flame should either of them choose to do otherwise. Doc: can I make it obvious that fire's about to come out and/or do I need to roll anything here? Ken (GM): [by all means, flames can lick from your hand. You bought the perk] [on top of the fact the attack is readied, is magic, and is FIRE magic at that, it stands to reason it would kindle there anyways] Roderick produces a crackling flame from his hand, ready to surge forth in an instant Doc: [ye] Ken (GM) a tense heartbeat passes as the men look to their Domo, Tenon Ken (GM): [brb, baby diaper :P] Doc: [also this is a Wait in case they choose to do anything besides Stand There or Drop Weapon] Ken (GM): [back, and understood] Syviis: Yep. Let's see if these fools have a death wish Joush M.: Welcome back Syviis: or if we're scary Bomrek: My concern is that they have more men than this. Syviis: They will have less men in a moment. :P Bomrek: Speaking of, does Bomrek see a ready mechanism for opening this gate, should the inclination arise? (To Bomrek): There is a big ass timber in a simple hook latch behind the gate. Should the need arise, you have to lift a few pounds of oak out of the way Gray: "Are we not civilized men?" He ask as the man sweeps his hand, standing there while tenison boils in the air. One spark could start a slaughter. Tenon his men hold fast, each of them staying still, not daring to move under hte watch of you all. Sweat gathers on their collective brows Tenon: Skornbrekker! Ken (GM): * Suðri Skornbrekker , upon seeing that Roderick has those two musketeers covered, slowly sweeps his aim to the right towards the men behind Tenon. He looks them in the eyes, one after another, warningly. Suðri Skornbrekker: “Have you all sold out to the Elves, or what is this [Dwarven expletive] about?!” Suðri Skornbrekker ends turn, taking aim at the crossbowman on the right Ken (GM): Syviis@! Syviis: "More importantly, which elves? I would have words with those creating strife in any land!" [still holding on action otherwise] Ken (GM): Gray! P.P. A.: to make this clear: was the king of Greyhold semi-immortal or something, since you mentioned that the blade sorta kept him alive? Did he have heirs? Ken (GM): [Gray stands ready to grab the man again, but waits. As long as he dosn't do anything, Gray won't strike Ken (GM): gotcha Bomrek: The King should have bought his water filters and taken his super male vitality, not doing so clearly got him killed. Ken (GM): Bomrek! P.P. A.: (oh, so when the Grey Blade went poof so did the legitimacy of the king; and the king himself as well because of poisoning by radiation/chalice?) Bomrek moves the tip of his spear around in a tight, even circle, and waits for the guard to make a move. Ken (GM): [the intimidated guard does not make a move for his weapon, and holds fast as ordered] (From Doc): oh okay Ken (GM): Ken (GM) The men balk but Tenon shuts them up with a hand and a short wordless shout. He makes motions, and drops his own blade to the ground, cloak on top... His men follow suit around you all, dropping sword and musket and crossbow to the ground about them Tenon: "I am not one to underestimate dragonslayers. Shall we proceed to the Lord Marshall then?" he tips his head, the smirk still there Gray: "Aye. Let's all go to Lord Marshall." The towering beast says in that low voice, wary still of the others, the lupine beastman looking to Roderick with a nod. Suðri Skornbrekker lowers his aim, still tense. Syviis: "We make such sure and wonderful friends wherever we go these days..." Roderick: "Suthri, Syviis, collect their weapons. Bomrek, keep your pistol ready should they object. Gray, restrain this 'Dono.'" Suðri Skornbrekker puts away his weapons and approaches the soldiers. P.P. A.: (battle time is over, yes?) Syviis collects the sword of the nearest guardsman (assuming his cooperation) Tenon: [technically out of initative yes, but still a tense moment PPA] P.P. A.: [ok] Bomrek: We're king here now. This is how it works. Ken (GM) the men stand down, backing up with hands raised. Theres muttering of "this is madness!" and "Dont make the wizard angry!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I regret having had to point my barrel at fellow countrymen,” Suthri apologises to the soldiers as he collects their weapons. There is sadness in his eyes, though also wariness still. Bomrek 's brows go up at the word Wizard, and he turns to the hat'd man, eyeing him. (To Syviis): Takin the sweet sword? Gray: "We will sort this out soon." He promises in that low growl. Tenon bends under Gray's grip, but does try to stand firm. (From Syviis): already have a Rapier...no skill in Broadsword, nah. :P Roderick: "Indeed. We will treat you and your men with the courtesy you denied us, but this is your second chance. There will not be a third." Tenon tenon directs gray from within his reach and your party walks calmly up into the courtyard of the small keep. He waves down any guard in sight, who all to their credit simply watch you advance into the place with grim determination Syviis: [to Rod] "What did you see that set off the defense?" Suðri Skornbrekker collected those guard' weapons btw Roderick: "Did none of you think it was suspicious that he removed his cloak while addressing us? I would think I had demonstrated that technique often enough." Suðri Skornbrekker 's head makes click: “Oh, now that you say it.” (To Suðri Skornbrekker): Write down 3 broadsword, 2 crossbow, two musket, one rapier plx Bomrek: Hey, I think I see an elf there (From P.P. A.): doned Roderick: "I am prepared to forgive those who were simply doing their duty. We shall see." Joush M.: So cozy. This place is great Doc: Nice town, I'll take it Lord Marshall Geofferson smiles a mad grin at you while his compatriot grimaces. "Ah! The Heroes of the South! Honored guests!" he calls out, like a circus ringmaster, as you walk up Syviis: "Why is everyone we meet determined to put on a show?" (To Syviis): The elf hes standing by is bad news; he's marked with tattoos on his face of banishment and . He is not a nice character! (To Syviis): Forbidden elf knowledge would jog your memory on who he might be or why he got the tattoo Syviis: (To GM) (From Syviis): nope, missing by 1 unless it's something obvious (To Syviis): It certainly IS. He's one of the members of the Lords of Darkness, as you knew them. outcasts, criminals, and bearers of the mark of Necromancers and demonologists. He wears the mark of a man who has desecrated the dead and defiled the living. He is likely one who was banished back before you were born. You dont recall his name. Gray: "No one was bested. Simply wary veterans unused to civilized lands, and nobody lost a drop of blood." He says, emphasizing that so far, things have gone well enough. Lord Marshall Geofferson bows with a flourish, and motions for the elven man to step forward Lord Marshall Geofferson: "Lords and ladies! the Archmage Dardun!" Dardun waves a hand at Geofferson dismissively, and he steps into the hot sunlight. His skin gleams in the sun, like polished stone. A tattoo of fine black elven script upon his brow (To Syviis): infamous* Ken (GM): [its a hammered iron bar gate, with a little wooden roof to keep the rain off.] [[simple grid style, with big stab-gaps] Bomrek: Hm. Dardun: "Speak quickly and get to your point. Why are you here? We have much more important work to see to, that you are distracting us from" Gray bows his head, hand still on the Dono's arm and deep voice soft. "Gray, Mercenary. Lord Roderick and Lady Syviis. Masters Bomrek and Suori. We come to speak to the Lord Marshall about what is going on in the city and minor matters of pay." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We are soldiers, but our commanders are dead, we have not received any pay, nor new orders. Either tell us what in the world is going on here and whom we are supposed to answer to, or give us our rightful pay and discharge us.” “If you would indulge us, some explanation as to why there are elves crawling around the kingdom and subjecting its dignitaries to their customs would be nice too.” Syviis: "I would ask what Dardun 's eyes widen and his eyebrows raise! He is surprised to see a full elf ! P.P. A.: are Dark Lords the same thing as Lords of the Night or something else Syviis: [yeah, is that just an Elven title or is this a known thing?] Gray releases the Dono, no longer holding him as a hostage/projectile as he instead steps up closer to the elven woman. Ready to back her up. Dardun: scoffs " Really, youre here to settle a pay dispute..." and is surprised by Syviis outburst [ppa syv; one and the same. She was name dropping] P.P. A.: [o shit] Suðri Skornbrekker: “I thought you lot were all wiped out back then,” the dwarf inquires, changing his grip on his musket to be able to fire it more easily, if need be. Bomrek: Who are these folks ot our left here? I se a guy with a sword, and some... blue-lookin' guy. Wassa' deal? P.P. A.: looks like a soldier and an elf ninja or something Bomrek: Is there more behind the black bit there that we're supposed to see, or na? Syviis: "If you've found peaceful work with these people, I commend you...but all we've seen is fear and unrest beyond those walls...I can't that being a complete coincidence." Dardun: [as I said before,guards keeping their distance. The one in blue is an elven-looking man with a curved sword in his grip] Ken (GM): * Bomrek: Nasty. P.P. A.: (also fug, this really is turning into Babylon 5) Doc: >curved. swords. P.P. A.: (the guy even looks like Mr Morden, just as an elf) Ken (GM): [the other bits you cant see are above your field of view] Bomrek: Sounds to me like a defensible position. (To Syviis): [will o wisp/small magical creature] and then ["righteous power of manifest destiny in a magical sense"] (To Roderick): [will o wisp/small magical creature] and then ["righteous power of manifest destiny in a magical sense"] Syviis: "You've been banished from one kingdom and left with your life spared. Do you wish to renegotiate that arrangement, ?" Roderick speaks in Dwarven to the dwarves, to liven things up a bit. "Aim for the gunners first, should this come to blows. Let us fend off the rest." Dardun: "THE OLD KINGDOM IS NO MORE!" His words echo about the courtyard like a cannonshot, though he does not move from his place. His coat billows open in the blast of sound. Beneath, a shining breastplate of silvery metal "I will rule by my RIGHT as the MOST HIGH" Doc: dude red dust lmao P.P. A.: fucking stone-ers Ken (GM): [hah, magic cocaine/most high] Syviis: "People have no need for a new kingdom of tyrants and sick magic!" Bomrek: "I'll get the one above the door there, and make for the stairs, Human. It looks defensible. There are many more men coming from the south." Gray snarls. "Guards! That man is no ambassador. He's a murder and exile! Arrest him!" Deloth-Ainur: "What the fuck is going on out here?" a familiar elven face pops out from the nearby cottage Suðri Skornbrekker: “He is a Lord of Gorg— ...!” Syviis glances over, eyebrow raised Suðri Skornbrekker: “What are YOU doing here?” Roderick: "You!...?" Gray seems surprised by her appearance. Blinking at her. Syviis: "Deloth...?" Deloth-Ainur: "What are YOU doing here?!" Gray: "Putting things right" P.P. A.: [is the fouuntain high enoug to crouch behing and rest my musket on it?] Dardun: "ENOUGH!" he bellows, arms open, a shimmering swirl of black power twisting around him like a swirling black tornado! Suðri Skornbrekker raises his musket and fires at his torso. P.P. A.: actually wait, my musket needs to be braced, right lemme check again Dardun: UNTIL NEXT WEEK P.P. A.: aw Syviis: Heh Ken (GM) DUN DUN DUN Bomrek: Lets genocide the hell out of these people P.P. A.: we'll shoot this elf and then see who else needs to be shot Fiss: ELF BATTLE Doc: remind me to roll for racism Joush M.: Just once I wish an enemy would turn into a mass of fuzzy rabbits and run away in all directions. Instead of hideious tentcles Doc: see if we can't get some of the humans on our side Fiss: "FREE BUNNIES IF YOU JOIN US!" "FREE TENTACLE RAPE IF YOU KEEP FOLLOWING THEM!" Adolf S.: Bomrek's of the opinion the humans won't go for this. That guy up North has a good propaganda mill. Joush M.: Great game! I enjoyed it a lot. Kinda wasted an awesome blessing roll, but things got very tense Ken (GM): "Hey man these guys seem alright" "yeah, did yo usee that elf chick blow that guys head up with her lightning powers?" "YEAH that was AWESOME" Adolf S.: Tactically, best idea to remove these close threats, secure this area, kill this guy, and make some sort of escape. Joush M.: They can join the 'not getting killed by beastmen and elves' party Politically, our platform is based on those that join us not getting killed Doc: Rod is thinking of charging through the guys up north Fiss: Yep, I hear they have a great dental plan. You DON'T get your teeth punched in! Doc: Bavieca can probably break through their line and it'll be less awful than trying to deal with all the guys approaching from the south Ken (GM): sorry the map seems so low res; its much nicer when youve zoomed out a bit. Best res of it I could find Doc: map is great tbh P.P. A.: yee Fiss: Yep, I don't need 4K shingles to be happy Joush M.: Hopefully there's enough confusion that unless the Lord Marshall orders them the guards won't join in. We don't need to fight a dozen men and a archmage at once P.P. A.: how many points? Doc: also holy shit that standoff was tense Joush M. likes this map. It's cozy as fuck Fiss: 2 standoffs! P.P. A.: it was Fiss: Ahh-ahh-ahh! Doc: yeah the first one felt more urgent though more John Woo style Fiss: Yeah, we got some exposition in for #2, slows it down, but good for plot Doc: >surrounded and outgunned >intimidate your ambushers into surrendering their weapons Ken (GM): yeah good on you guys for not devolving that into a punchfest though, you are 300 point heroes each P.P. A.: Musket (.80 caliber). A larger smoothbore with a very long barrel, too heavy to hold level unaided. A musketeer requires a musket rest (p. 96) to use his weapon effectively; see ST (Strength) (p. B270). meh, can't fire immediately Adolf S.: >300 point heros Pssh, I wish P.P. A.: unless I run up and hold it right to his chest but the swirling tentacles might be an auto-defense? Ken (GM): Kev you have missed SO MANY SESSIONS Adolf S.: yis Doc: f P.P. A.: I ahve 30 pts, should invest some between sessions how much do we get for this one? Ken (GM): another 4 ffds SPEND BUY CRITICAL HITS SOMETHING Doc: is anyone except Rod actually spending their points Fiss: I can't remember, Ken, was the magical-sensey-visiony thing a 10 or a 15 pointer? Ken (GM): Detect: magic? Adolf S.: >neighbor being cool and mowing our lawn for us while he gets his How DARE he make this much noise while I'm gaming? Fiss: Yeah Remember we were chatting about it earlier Ken (GM): 10 points +/- modifiers Joush M.: I think I'm going to grab Claws and maybe something.. humm.. Detect sounds awesome. Shamanic vision? Detect: Sprirts? Fiss: Cool, do I build it off of a certain power/template or something? Ken (GM): -10% for being part of your Magic. modifiers as you see fit P.P. A.: ““R” indicates a firearm that uses a musket rest. The weapon’s weight includes that of the rest. It takes a Ready maneuver to balance the weapon on the rest – but after that, any aimed shot fired while stationary P.P. A.: and standing up is automatically braced (see Aim, p. 364).” Joush M.: Blessed is awesome. I need to use that more often P.P. A.: since I'm using my bardiche as the rest I'd actually have to lower the weight of my musket a little Ken (GM): Yes, you certainly do joush/PPa Doc: how many weapons did we confiscate Joush M.: Thank you for the game Ken. I should get my lawn mowed and I bet you've got a Evil Baby there that needs it's fangs sharpened and a fresh mouse to eat P.P. A.: 3 broadsword 2 crossbow 2 musket 1 rapier Aye, great session thanks very much Joush M.: >Rapier Ken (GM): mostly cleaning actually; dishes then laundry then whatever else Joush M.: That's some damn good cost/weight ratio Fiss: yus, looking forward to seeing the Dwarves grow their racism based on horrible doom-elves. :P P.P. A.: Hm, how much STwould you need to hold a gun that requires a rest without a rest, just in your hands? or is that just not possible? Adolf S.: Does it count as racism if it's 100 percent true? P.P. A.: well at least Suthri understands that Dark Lords Elves are different from the usual Gay Lord Elves so if it turns out this was all this guy's doing he won't hold that against the normal elves (who still suck, though) Adolf S.: Bomrek suspects this might lead to a human-elf alliance, which wouldn't be that good for the Dwarves, all in all. Ken (GM): @ppa; A rest-based musket is just plain complicate dit seems. Check Low tech? it might have a better expansion of the weilding rules [:D theyre discussing plot politics :D] Joush M.: IIRC, it's ST 12 to shoot a musket without a rest and with a rest it's ST 10 Without the rest you don't get +1 for braceing though P.P. A.: huh, that's it...? Ken (GM): to clarify; yeah, this guys is one of those Lords of Night cultists from the elves that Syviis told y'all about. The big bads from back in her home country. Who ended up in Gorgoth with the demon princes all the same. P.P. A.: Low-Tech just says “see ST (Strength), p. B270.” Ken (GM): musket rests: not as OP as once considered Adolf S.: Maybe he took a wrong turn at Albuquerque and just kept going? P.P. A.: but that page just talks about holding two-handed weapons with one hand and nothing about shooting without the rest Guess I'll just ask GURPSgen Joush M.: Oh, yeah. The rule I'm remebering is basicaly "treat is as a bipod/monopod" and reduce the ST requirement by 1/3rd for the brace P.P. A.: in b4 a bunch of Dark Lords scattered and escaped the devastation Ken (GM): which makes sense to the GM P.P. A.: also you know what would be hilarious Joush M.: So it would be ST 13, but it's ST 10B P.P. A.: if Deloth's master was this guy, or this guy has become Deloth's new master and then we kill him right before her eyes again Joush M.: That's just mean PPA. I like it P.P. A.: >kill her >nuke her homeland Joush M.: We should follow her around, killing every master she finds P.P. A.: >kill her master >kill her new master Joush M.: It's faster then hunting them down normally Adolf S.: If this were a less intense situation, I'd have Bomrek wave to her as she appeared. P.P. A.: she's bullybait maybe she should just pick one of us as masters, sicne we're all touched by the darkness or something Ken (GM): such an unintentionally Tsundre relationship you all have with her P.P. A.: (ooooh she was talking about Bomrek's parasite!) Adolf S.: 'Course she was. P.P. A.: wlel it doesn't help if everyone calls everyhting “darkness” Ken (GM): Adolf S.: Our highest technology is still shittier than WWI Italy's shittiest technology P.P. A.: there's that realm of darkness, IT which is probably also darkness, and then random darkness that's just Mindflayer jizz Adolf S.: that's saying a lot Ken (GM): three different names P.P. A.: oha Adolf S.: Darkness is a good go-to when words like "Germs" and "Bacteria" haven't been invented. Ken (GM): note the Capitalization I use P.P. A.: I didn't, but I will henceforth neato Ken (GM): ;) Doc: man imagine being Bomrek and realizing you got your mouth fucked by a mindflayer Ken (GM): In a much more general sense: I have been talking about a plane of nothingness known as "The Darkness", and entity known as "The Darkness/IT" as well as 'dark powers' Doc: ye Ken (GM): The mindflayers, for example, are creatures of The Darkness, who serve IT, and have ~~ P.P. A.: The Darkness/IT was a lord in the plane of The Darkness, right? ah Adolf S.: All magic that isn't Dwarf-based needs to die that much is clear. Ken (GM): hahaha Adolf S.: How and in what order can be decided. Ken (GM): so simple It either runs on alcohol, explodes, or punches elves.Full stop Doc: does dwarf-fueled count as "dwarf-based" Ken (GM): Damnit man, Adolf S.: It's like a hotdog Joush M.: Well, there's always dwarf-based magic in the form of hamster wheel powered tanks, where dwarves are forced to run inside trying to reach alcohol Adolf S.: if the main ingredient is Dwarf it's "Dwarf" if it's only 20 percent dwarf, 30 percent X, and 50 percent other, then it's X based. P.P. A.: Anyway, good night! Ken (GM): whatup homie Gs P.P. A.: \o Joush M.: Just chillin in the pad waiting on dis game, We gonna FUCK UP dis stuck up elf boy Ken (GM): id you just assume my npcs gender? Joush M.: yo man you know it ain't like that. we all be allies up in here but when you gonna go round calling youself the "Lord of the Night" people gonna call ya boy Ken (GM): ooooohhhhh shit dawg lol these friggin kids in my neighborhood theyre friendly, outgoing, active...and they keep hanging out with my kid what the hell P.P. A.: I think I'm buying 1 DX for 20 of my 34 points Ken (GM): oh MY that sounds tactically sound P.P. A.: gives an increase to all my fighting skills, so why not plus Suthri goes have plenty of exercise/practice Joush M.: That's a good idea. Sorry about the friendly kids that keep makeing you have to deal with stuff, Ken. Dealing with people is the worst Ken (GM): Doc: o/ Ken (GM): 0 07 P.P. A.: you don't need to deal with people if you devote yourself to your 2D waifu even penguins are catching on Joush M.: That's some kind of strange Ken (GM): otakuism is spreading grabbin fiss dawg here we go. elf inbound oh gawd, these spicy beans pickled seasoned greenbeans Joush M.: Humm.. Snacks Fiss: TACTICOOL ELF Joush M.: Good morning, everyone Fiss: Morning gents P.P. A.: Good evening Ken (GM): Kev is likely still unconscious but on his way, which means... Ken (GM) [they levelled up] Suðri Skornbrekker: “Die, agent of Gorgoth!” Suðri Skornbrekker will pew-pew as soon as possible, i.e. either on his turn after initiative is rolled, or RIGHT NOW Ken (GM): SOME KIND OF INITIATIVE IS ROLLED, as the spoopy elfman has done gone and summoned his nimbus of black inky clouds! Joush M. stands with his companion as tenison fills the air you could cut with a knife. The man they've confronted has conjured a tempest of shadow after revealing himself as a Lord of Shadow, one of fallen Gorgoth's evil masters. The guards around them seem on a knife's edge, moments from intervening.. but on what side? And the lord marshall is ALREADY HIGH despite it being like nine in the fucking morning. Doc: Already high or still high? P.P. A.: IIRC it was about noon now but yeah basically Ken (GM): [its like, lunchtime. so he's on a nooner] Syviis: Does the sudden Jolt of magical spoopyness give any particular magical auras? [analyzin detectin] (From Syviis): 10-4 Ken (GM): bad mojo; Syvii's alights with newfound magical knowledge did Gray end up buying spiritsight? bomrek! /roll 1d6+6.5 Joush M.: Yes! I should get you that new sheet Syviis: New initiatives ? Ken (GM): yus! at +1 for a combat reflexes leader, but no ambush! Syviis: noice Suðri Skornbrekker: Gray: P.P. A.: +1 so 9.5 Ken (GM): right, ppa sucks at math rod? Joush M.: Just made a micro for that (To Doc): roll initiative! Roderick: Ken (GM): woot Tenon steps back from the party as Dardun calls up his black miasma of power! The Lord Marshall Geofferson steps back from the inky swirl, blithering at the sight "No! This is rather uncalled for!". Deloth Ainur stands ready at the side, surprised to see you all, but her hands fall into the relaxed posture of a martial artist; ready and waiting! Tenon: SYVIIS Ken (GM): * Doc: what's actually going on to the south btw did they all grab new weapons and form up like that? Syviis decides not to let the dark power infect any more souls. She MUST act...and that action takes place at the tip of her arrow. Syviis: Vitals shot. Ken (GM): [the musketmen had their guns, up on the wall, and the squad did rank up and keep you in sight, but kept their distance. ] Syviis: She'll of course, hit with that, unless dodgin or spoopyness 2pts as usual Ken (GM): SPOOPINESS DOES OCCUR! Ken (GM) There is a flash of lightning and dark thunder rolls; The arrow flies for the elven heart, but a lashing blot of inky smoke rises up to meet it! the lightning leaves a smoking trailer inches from the man's chest! Ken (GM): [rolls me damorge!] Syviis: Ken (GM): Extra atack? Syviis: Holding off for now...that was probing mostly Syviis doesn't look particularly surprised, but more annoyed and determined Ken (GM): gotcha GUHRAAAAY Gray: Syviis: [gotta ration mah FP] Gray readies his swords and steps forward with a snarl to interpose himself between the shadowy tenderels and the others. Ken (GM): one in each hand? Joush M.: Yeah, he needs more time to ready the shield Ken (GM): Ken (GM) Gray's ogre blade, the old pitted brass, lights up with a flickering green flame ! the tendrils of black shadow reel in response, on Dardun! (To Syviis): Translated from the elvish: The forbidden blade! Withering hells! Ken (GM): Roderick! Rod u rock? Rod's a dick? Doc: typan words, he's just gonna turn and talk (To Fiss): Roll thaumatology fo me? Syviis: (To GM) (From Syviis): still a newbie. :P Doc: probably rolling Diplomacy or Leadership or something, idk (To Syviis): Tru dat; youre pretty sure though his dark shield is destructible; it has limits and can be chopped away like so much armor Ken (GM): hmm Doc: (he also wants to turn his horse this way if possible) Ken (GM): [skimming unsorted rod-skills] Doc: [they're sorted in my own logic] Ken (GM): Hit up a Public speaking roll for me Roderick: Ken (GM): nice roll! So gimme 3d for a reaction roll +2 for that, +2 for voice, and +1 for fair treatment of the men so far form all you guys [horse turning also allowed] Syviis: My God...we might get a bonus for not murdering everyone??? :D Roderick: rolling 3d+2+2+1 3 Doc: I'm guessing that wasn't it Ken (GM): 3d6 :P Roderick: Doc: yeah I forgot the 6 Syviis: lol Ken (GM): oooh thats low; luck? Doc: yeah, I'll give it a shot Roderick: Ken (GM): nice P.P. A.: >rolling a 7 and a 5 when you were supposed to roll high dice pls Doc: any bonus from appearance? Ken (GM) Rod's voice calls out, he rears his horse, and the men stay their hands. The guard put up to wait, the commanders stepping back, holding the line...for now Ken (GM): Skornbrekker! [factored in prettiness] P.P. A.: If Grey is in the way I'll take my time propping up the musket's rest Suðri Skornbrekker takes a step to the side and props up his musket on his bardiche. P.P. A.: “If you brace a firearm or crossbow, you get an extra +1 to Acc.” is under Aim in the rules does that mean you only get the +1 bonus from bracing if you spent another turn aiming? Ken (GM): man you gotta write this down P.P. A.: (also done with this turn) Ken (GM): your musket has a rest; if you use the rest, its considered braced P.P. A.: No no, I'm aware of that Ken (GM): you took a perk, that when youve got the musket, and your bardiche in hand, you can use it as a rest so yes its braced and that gives a +1 and we love you but maaan P.P. A.: ;_; Ken (GM): So! the gun is on the elf and Sudri is ready to MURDER P.P. A.: I was just momentarily confused because this line isn't separate but filed under “Aim” Ken (GM): Bomrek! Draws out his pistols again, covering the group, not trusting his back against all these other guys on high ground with guns P.P. A.: (then again, where else should they have put it) Ken (GM): Deloth-Ainur: "Don't you dare! Don't any of you make a move!" She points a hand, and silver scales crawl down he rlimbs and up over her head, armoring her head to toe! "I cant have you do this to me AGAIN!" Syviis: "? Why do you THINK we're here?!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Stay back! You are mortal now!” Suðri barks at Deloth, not wanting to kill her again. Lord Marshall Geofferson steps back, hands up, pointing and gesticulating at everyone Lord Marshall Geofferson: "No! none of this! dont any of you!" Dardun rises up off the ground, and his shadowy swirls begin to twist faster and faster around him like a nimbus Dardun: "I AM A LORD OF THE ALL CONSUMING NIGHT! i WILL EXTINGUISH YOUR OGRE FLAMES ONCE AND FOR ALL KNAVE!" he thrusts a dark black shrouded hand at Gray! Dardun swings a lashing whip of shadow from his outstretched hand, at Gray! Dardun: Ken (GM): Gray, some sort of defense? Gray: Gray parries with that selfsame ogre blade, emerald flames imposed between him and the shadows. Ken (GM): nice! Dardun 's black whip tentacle is severed by the flaming blade, flying off into nothingness! Ken (GM): [damage roll for me gray! Thats a destructive parry right there!] Gray: Syviis: [gaddam] Ken (GM): fawk Gray slashes the blade hard after it catches the shadow, letting the light burn it away as muscles flex under chain mesh and aketon and surcoat. Massive boots digging into the tiled ground. Ken (GM): "And lo, gray was a big muscly beast man, and it was good. Amen" Syviis! Syviis: "The Darkness cannot stand up to light! PRESS ON!" Dumping FP time 3 per shot. Both at Vitals again (will roll 1 at a time)( Ken (GM): of COURSE you will Syviis: Hit :P Ken (GM) it strikes the shield of blackness! the blackness burns away a bit more... Syviis: Next Ken (GM): KRAKOOM, THWUMP, FWOOSH SO 14, then 16: nice (To Fiss): Ces't la vie. She has a powerstone :P Ken (GM): Guhraaaay! Gray steps forward, trying to cut away those shadowy tenderals! Joush M.: What's my penalty for targeting that.. arm? Gray: Ken (GM): [well, right now theres an elf hovering in the air right in front of you. You cut away the black tendril he had, and he surrounded by a swirling cloud of shadows. .... Joush M.: Ah! I misunderstood. I'll step forward and try to hit him with the flat of the blade and green fire then Ken (GM) the shadows leap toward the blade, like a rushing river fighting the green flickering light! Gray slams it through the cloud like a charging bull! Ken (GM): BOOSH! KROOM! Dardun: Gray: "Yield or die, Dark One!" Dardun: "I AM SUPREME!" Ken (GM): rod! Doc: anyone look like they're not going to stay out of the fight? Ken (GM): Tenon might need a talking to; he's backed up, a dark look on his face, his hands hidden in his coat and cloak Doc: (Tenon is the guy to the north, right) Ken (GM): red cloak yeah :P Joush M.: He's the minordomo Roderick steps into a better position to guard Syviis's flank, keeping the point of his sword where he knows Tenon can see it (To Roderick): You feel the built up excitement from the fae blade; it wants to PARTY P.P. A.: range penalty? Tenon seems to get the point [a hyuk hyuk] 17 Ken (GM): BAM Syviis: NICE P.P. A.: damage? Ken (GM): DAMORGE Joush M.: Aww, you should have aimed at his Area 11 Ken (GM):lol 19 P.P. A.: er Suðri Skornbrekker: ^ Syviis: fuckyearh Doc: wew Dardun 's swirling cloud is thinning, the plume dissipating more and more as your blows rain down on him; his menacing grin pulls wider and wider. His eyes are BLACK Suðri Skornbrekker: “Monster!” Bomrek: "Take the damned elf fuckboy DOWN already! " he yells Deloth-Ainur springs forward, leaping superhumanly at Gray, armored silver scales gleaming in the wyrd light Deloth-Ainur: "HIYAAAA" SOME KIND OF CRAZY KICK FLIES AT GRAY! Ken (GM): iT'S HEADED STRAIGHT FOR THE oGRE BLADED SWUUUUUURF SWORD* Gray: Joush M.: Damn it. Diden't want to parry given she's trying to attack the weapon Gray remebers why he normally uses a shield. Ken (GM): THERE IS A KLANG opposed roll! Gray (retain bradsword) VS disarming! 7 on 17! Gray: Ken (GM): beat By 6! Deloth the victor! Deloth-Ainur smashes Gray right in the "hold my sword" bits in his hand! the blade drops to the ground, the limelight burning low! (To Syviis): Oh look, he has a powerstone too! and some kind of necromantic power like Dardun! looks like a whip rod, like his Tenon pulls his hands out of his coat, palms out, backing away from the fracas Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis turns and fires at the Lord Martial's hand, trying to remove the new wand/threat Ken (GM): ooh nice, -4! Syviis: Aww fuck lol Ken (GM): awww Syviis: Does she get the extra shot? Ken (GM): if you like; she aint dead yet Syviis: Or does a fail stop t hat Joush M.: I'm just glad you diden't kill him and turn everyone in the base on Red Alert Syviis: lol extra attacko? Or does switching targets/fail stop? Ken (GM): extra attacko! Syviis: better Ken (GM): 17 on your effective skill is just a definite miss, not a CRIT DEATH miss Syviis: Yeah Ken (GM) the second arrow flies faster than the first! Ken (GM): Geofferson does NOT dodge Syviis: 8 damage to hand/arm/wand/whatever she's able to hit Ken (GM): oh HO Syviis: hand Ken (GM) the arrow sinks in, the lightning strikes the rod Syviis: mwhahaha Ken (GM) the rred stone EXPLODES Ken (GM): 10d please Syviis: oohshit lol Doc: fug :DDDDDDDDD Syviis: Horray slightly more than average damage! [plot twist...the Martial was going to use the wand on the evil elf] Lord Marshall Geofferson 's voice disappears Ken (GM): Gray! Gray momentarially shields his face from the hellish blast of the Dark Power unleashed, shamanic senses acheing with an incipent headache before he turns from the elven martial artist, reaching down to collect the ogre blade. The shadow man fears it, and she proitized takeing it away from him for a reason Joush M.: I think that eats the turn. Picking the sword back up Ken (GM): yep; drop to knee, retrieve sword Rooooood! Doc: How high up is the bad guy now? Ken (GM): a yard off the ground, so level with you up on your horse Dardun hovers over the stones of the courtyard, power quaking below and above him P.P. A.: I'm thinking this is signalling us to do something Doc: Where are the muskets stacked? P.P. A.: but I don't know what Doc: how high, rather P.P. A.: other than running away Syviis: Shoot the bastard in the dick maybe? Ken (GM): doc: the muskets are on the bags, where you left em bundled with everything else, to your West Joush M.: Note to self: Get cart Doc: just wondering how reasonable it'd be to pick one up and toss it to Suðri Ken (GM): drop from horse, grab gun. Toss to sudri, he catches 2 turns or so Roderick turns his horse and tries to hit the flying elf with some FIRE Roderick: Ken (GM): FIYAH RUH ROH Doc: well that should still hit him with some fire the question is where the rest of the fire went Ken (GM): Lets start with where you stepped to with Bavieca Doc: I just wanted to rotate, that works Ken (GM): gotcha Doc: which would actually reduce the spread so uh LUCK AGAIN I GUESS It's been an hour! Ken (GM): HEYYYY LUUUUUUCK Roderick: Syviis: lol Doc: ffs Ken (GM): hahahaha Joush M.: Please don't light Gray on fire. It's one of the few things that he can't regenerate Ken (GM): wooooow so best is fail by 2 so lets roll! 1d for deviation! Roderick: Ken (GM): thats thats right on gray right into him oh god Syviis: >_< Ken (GM): well, wait, thats a miss by 2, so thats 2 hexes fucking; your cone is 10 yards long? Doc: yep would have tried to aim for that one, actually Ken (GM): right okay rolling a deviation of 5, with 2 hexes moves the target there ish so not SO bad Gray! you can dive dodge out the way into a fountain! Ken (GM): :D Gray: Gray rolls instinctivly away from the flames. Ken (GM): woot, along with the canon (!) deloth stays put Roderick: Ken (GM): Dardun sees it coming and just hovers FAWK thats damage / width of cone Doc: yep Ken (GM): so 10 NICE Dardun is engulfed in flames, and SCREAMS as his shield burns away fully, the orb of power shattering! Doc: that would normally light all of his clothes on fire but MAGIC so I dunno how much of it really made it through Dardun is singed, with the fire that gets through Dardun: mostly the face area Ken (GM) the men all around you are shocked at the recent turn of events! There are gasps, and shouting and pointing to the sky Ken (GM): Skornbrekka! Suðri Skornbrekker drops his musket and readies his bardiche. Ken (GM): [free action with your perk] P.P. A.: oh is it in that case I might as well take a jab at the Elf Ken (GM): grip mastry is pretty awesome dude SHANKADANK P.P. A.: throat/neck is -7, right? Ken (GM): holy shi-....ye syes it is sorry wait -5 for neck -7 is skull [you savage :D] 15 P.P. A.: FUG Suðri Skornbrekker indeed takes a step closer and flashes at the guy's throat, all-out attack. P.P. A.: er,r, slashes Does he do anything to avoid the hit? Ken (GM): [back, changed a diaper at JUST the wrong time] Dardun looks horrified as the blade flies through his neck meat; he is frozen in place, suspended in the air P.P. A.: Seems like just the right time, because shit is going down :DDD Syviis: ooooooooooooooooooooo P.P. A.: Damage? Syviis: lol Dardun: YES Ken (GM):* 5 P.P. A.: oh wait +1, not -1 so that's a 7 Ken (GM): hahahah Joush M.: That friends is why you wear armor Syviis: Shh! Don't give the bad-guys ideas! Dardun keeps his eyes, jet balc, right on the dwarf as the blade swings in a simple arc. It is stained like night as it comes out th other side. And a geyser of darkness pours out of the elf. Dardun: "oh no" Gray hates it when they bleed oily shadows. At least it's not bees. Syviis: [RANCID MILK AND BEES!] Bomrek looks over his shoulder at the fray Suðri Skornbrekker: “What the—” Bomrek: "THE HELL ARE YOU DOING OVER THERE?!" BANG BANG his pistols go off yeaaaaah Deloth-Ainur screams, and backflips to live Deloth-Ainur: up on the roof there Dardun gurgles, twitching, as IT expands out his wound Dardun: A tentacle swings out at the dwarf! P.P. A.: It's IT again fug, I all-out attacked IT lashes out, wrapping a ropey strand around the dwarf! Doc: we RE4 now anyone have a flashbang Gray snarls as the fragile form of the Elven Lord fails to contain the hideous darkness he was contracted to. "Release him!" (From Suðri Skornbrekker): “I prefer it crisp and cold!” Tenon screams, and calls for a retreat from his men! P.P. A.: who was Tenon again, the steward? Ken (GM) there are more shouts, wails of anguish, terror. Panic! Doc: @ppa ye (To Syviis): Thaumatology! Syviis: (To GM) Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): NICE The cloud is some sort of ball of magical attack power, building up; it's going to release somehow. Dardun was building up something big, and its uncontrolled now! P.P. A.: I hope we don't get lightningnuked Ken (GM): Syviiis1 Syviis swallows back her fear and runs forward, trying to pull the dwarf free before whatever terrible energy hits! Syviis: (From Syviis): and I'm within a hex of the Dark Mass of Evil Syviis bursts into a silvery flaming storm of lightning! P.P. A.: wat Syviis looks just as surprised, but keeps reaching for Dwarfhand Joush M.: Now we know: All elves are filled with tenticles. The good ones just have white ones IT screams and writhes, and pulls away from the dwarf, clamoring to get away from Syviis! Syviis: [it's true] Suðri Skornbrekker grasps Syviis' hand (despite cooties) and pops back out Suðri Skornbrekker: “Thank you dearly!” Dardun wrenches in midair, the thing dragging a long trunk out through his nearly entirely severed head. His body contorts as it drags longer and long still, impossibly, from within him Dardun: Gray! Gray steps forward and slashes with that green-flame lit ogre as he drives his other sword into the shadows to leave it there.. a lightning rod to attract the storm above them, or the flickering incandecent power that surrounds Syviis Joush M.: All Out (Strong) for all attacks, two weapon attack? Ken (GM): CHOO CHOO all aboard the STAB train! Gray: Joush M.: Defense is -1 vs them, as they focused on one target IT SCREAMS without a mouth, and the tentacles twist and contort. Grays mundane sword sinks deep, drawing more black blood. His flaming green sword punches through something else entirely, sinking into the thing in an unfathomable way IT: [failed to dodge both] Gray: Syviis: [] Bomrek: ho lee (From Gray): Fuck yes. Break it Ken (GM) everything disappears in a flash! P.P. A.: (I like these dynamic special effects you always make) Doc: ^ Ken (GM) and syvii's power dims, nothing opposing her pure spirit P.P. A.: Syviis is pure, PURE! Suðri Skornbrekker blinks. Syviis: PURE ELFNESS Deloth-Ainur: "Holy shit; thats the real deal Gray" Doc: BS, I've seen her holding hands also I have to go Deloth-Ainur: NOOOO Gray looks to Syviis and Suori, checking they aren't injured, breathing deep and looking around a moment. His wrist flexes, casting off things from his blade then swearing he takes up a bucket. Filling it in the fountan he walks to throw it on the fire, then does the same again. P.P. A.: also bye Doc Syviis: Fiss: Aye, bye Doc! Ken (GM): we loves ya doc; take yer points and do the thing! P.P. A.: We can banter with Deloth buzt maybe we should stop afterwards, since I assume Roderick would want to address the crowd Deloth-Ainur: "Gray, you are a terror on the battlefield, and somehow are immediately setting to menial labor. How cute" Joush M.: Take care Doc. Yeah, Roderick needs to make a victory speach. Get the people on their side Gray nods to Deloth. "I do what is needed. War or carrying water" Suðri Skornbrekker: “So who was this guy? Someone you knew, or your new master?” Doc: Yeah he was gonna try something like that Bomrek: "Save the powder" he immediately sets to securing your bags of guns Roderick addresses the crowd while the rest of the party talks to Deloth-Ainur Deloth-Ainur: "Suðri he was just a means to an end. I have my power back now. He just showed me a new way to grasp it" Gray: "You might be wrong to trust a monster" Gray speaks as he works. The humble, brutal giant still tingleing with the memory of the fight. Of the moment at the end when he felt the dark sprirt's power shatter. What did it mean? Suðri Skornbrekker: “I have my doubts that's a good thing, but I suppose I can be happy for you,” the dwarf shrugs. Ken (GM) a few buckets of water do good work to dousing the flames Suðri Skornbrekker: “Just avoid the usual thing you elves seem to always do and try to summon the Darkness or whatever, or we will have to send you back to that dusty tomb upon which the mountain probably collapsed.” Suðri Skornbrekker notes nonchalantly as he reloads his musket. Deloth-Ainur: "As if I would be lost to the darkness. " She stamps a foot forward, crushing roof tiles beneath her armored form Syviis: [in Elvish:] "" Gray: "Did I truly banish that creature, Deloth? Can you tell me what happened there at the end?" Gray finishes the work, pushing back the coif and dragging a hand though sweat damp hair as he catches his breath. Nodding a touch to Suori. The Dwarf fought brilliantly and he is damn impressed. Deloth-Ainur: "You weild the Ogre Blade now Beastman. It's an artifact from the time before your kind bent knee to demons and dark princes. It was forged in the belly of the earth, and lost when the Horned king banished it from his realm. It is a thing of pure power. True craft. Untenable. Uncontrollable." "careful you dont get cut" Syviis sighs as she skitters off, but returns to a smile as her face finds her friends again Suðri Skornbrekker: “Should we follow her so she leads us to the next crazy warlock?” He's half-joking, but only half. Syviis: "If we follow too close, they won't come out of the shadows," Gray: "I'm sure our paths will cross again." Joush M.: Great game today man, I had a lot of fun P.P. A.: aye that was a good battle By the way, what would have happened if we hadn't defeated the elf as quickly as we did, and he had gone through with his lightning ritual thing? Fiss: ablative dr is a lot of fun, both story and mechanic wise. Definitely need to use that more next game I run. Joush M.: You necked an elf so hard he wasn't even mad, just suprised Deloth-Ainur: :D Ken (GM): also :D PPA; P.P. A.: Given the elf's reaction to eating hits I was worried he was soaking up damage to release it back at us Joush M.: Ouch P.P. A.: phew Fiss: Now you know why I live in constant fear of the party meeting up with perverted old monks What did that character have...like...a damage battery of like 60hp? P.P. A.: Deloth today: Fiss: If you could do 60 points to him in one round, he was in trouble...otherwise, he just started throwing it back at you as psionic bolts. SHE WENT IN FOR THE KILL Ken (GM): haha Yeah that was an awesome character we built; what was that, like the second time I ran GURPS too? Did eberron? Fiss: Yep, Eberron-esque Gurps Joush M.: Sounds nice Ken (GM): god, DR forcefiled, absorbing, charging a power pool, and you spent that pool on invisible bolts of impaling attacks? it was nuts P.P. A.: When did Gray pick up his sword again? (Originally) Fiss: Anyway, awesome session mang, as always. And holy shit, neck-shot, mega ogre-blades and real damn good gun damage...even da Fire. awesome stuff this session from everyone. Ken (GM): PPA: back at Glardenfen, after fighting the dragon, beastmen, and the ogre liutenant Falkirk melted by accident P.P. A.: Might have been the session I missed Fiss: Ken: I assume a point up in Thaumatology is cool? :P Ken (GM): yus! please you can see magic. You know what it is. But knowing what it can or will do it also HELPFUL Fiss: Yus Very yus Ken (GM): oh shit! right, you missed the climax battle at the end there PPA P.P. A.: ;_; Ken (GM): Gray looted the thing right after. Falkirk melted the ogre with his acid spray, and he went down hard. You ended up shooting the big bad dragon right in the damn face, truth be told and then you stabbed it too! P.P. A.: noice Fiss: ALL THE STABBINGS Ken (GM): right, im off then. See you guys next week for more DRAMA Joush M.: Ah, damn. On the Discord it says we are off today. Turns out Ken's hungover after all Fiss: I MADE VIETNAMESE ICE COFFEE WITH DEATHWISH. I now know what Jesus' hugs taste like. Ken (GM): good god WADDAP PPA Fiss: ZUPDAWG Ken (GM): holy shit, lookit em all! Adolf S.: ayyyy what'd I miss amigos P.P. A.: \o Joush M.: Goddamn, people are on time today P.P. A.: by the minute Adolf S.: No but really what'd I miss last game amigos. I believe I was un-present, right? Fiss: We hunger. Hunger for the rolling of bones Adolf S.: I hunger for dead elves Dwarven racial supremacy is the only universal truth Ken (GM): PPA proved that last game with his MURDERstick Adolf S.: Bomrek's "I did nothing wrong, it was all the Elve's Fault" will be his version of Mein Kamf. Soon, soooooon P.P. A.: Last game: Elf Warlock was evil so we tried to kill him Doc: "Elf Holocaust wasn't real but it should be" P.P. A.: He exploded into tentacle,s so we killed those too Also Geofferey pulled a magic wand so Syviis zapped him and he died Adolf S.: Who's left to kill now? Are we perforating the humans now? P.P. A.: Then Deloth-Ainur said she had regained her powers and we wished her farewell as she slinked off as a shdow Now all that's left is diplomancing the garrison, who stayed their hand, and just watched as we did battle with that elf-warlock-turned-tentacles Joush M.: Not yet. Roderick was trying to smooth things over so we don't get shot and die by way more guards then we can handle. We may have killed/exploded the lord marshall Adolf S.: Good. Lets kill his family too, just in case. P.P. A.: We don't know how they're reacting to it Joush M.: I believe that makes Slyviss the new lord Marshall. You keep what you kill. Fiss: [] Ken (GM): (To Gray): Still buying spirit vision for gray? (From Joush M.): Yes, I'd like to. I should update the sheet and get it to you soon (To Joush M.): Sounds good :) You gon' be a bloodhound in no time Adolf S.: Also technically didn't we just commit treason or something? I mean, Bomrek didn't since he's just a merc, but you guys oh boy Better hope you've got a good Elf lawyer on call, that's all I'm sayin' Fiss: We kinda did, but we also kinda showed the leadership was corrupt...you know...literally. Corrupted by dark tentacles. Doc: no it's okay because it was the elf who killed the lord marshall and we killed the other elf so there was no treason P.P. A.: We're going to argue that the Lord Marshall commited treason by collaborating with that Elf Joush M.: Roderick's got it down. See? Everything is fine P.P. A.: makes sense Doc: also it's only treason if you lose Ken (GM): its true; Rod's gonna need to smooth things over. He's the one with any sort of clout here, legally speaking Fiss: The only treason is not trying the local raisin-cakes! They're to die for! Adolf S.: If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed. Joush M.: Domo Dan isn't going to start shit. He is in charge here and he knows he'd be the first to die Ken (GM): Fiss: Handing out permanent naps. That's my motto. (To Doc): Depends on who he appointed as his inheritor, and how he's got his affairs in order. First order of business will be to make sure thats all on the up and up. If nobody else does, youll want to call the court to session immediately; all the nobility within the grounds need to speak together right away (To Gray): Roderick and Bavieca are not accosted by spirits; rod's aura is a powerful firey thing and they shy from it. The little gremlin-like things you do see are clamoring for the nobles and guards, sipping at their shadows. Tenon , the minordomo finds himself, pinches a hand to his brow, and calls to the crowd (From Roderick): the whole party or just Rod? (To Roderick): Everyone about; the guard will still be armed, at their posts, watching over everyone and etc as their duty, but each of you should likely participate Suðri Skornbrekker looks around. “Want me to come with you?” he asks Grey and Syviis, thinking he could be of use both here and there. Syviis: "Whatever Roderick needs of us in way of diplomacy. I only worry that clues may fade, or I would gladly put down my bow for a while." Gray: "I don't expect there will be trouble there. You might be more use guiding Bomrek though diplomacy." Tenon steps aside while the nobles arrange themselves. He gestures to the bundle of weapons you lifted from the guard earlier at the gate Tenon: "This bundle represents Rodericks intention to crusade in the name of the late King's orders!" His voice carries loudly through the yard, bouncing off the walls "He has issued a challenge to the court, requesting their support through their guard!" Gray seems surprised by the smile and looks to the woman a moment before his gaze moves away and he nods to himself. Gray: Tenon's words surprise him a touch but he supposes that interpretation works as well as any. Scenting the air, the lupine man begins to lead the way to where the now dead Lord of the Night had been staying, following his trail back though the estate. (To Gray): The little sooty things scamper in all directions at your approach. Some dare to feed upon your shadow, and they skitter off like racoons with cotton candy(too excited to actually do anything with what they stole) Doc: Rod is much more comfortable with leaving his weapons aside because he can still just light everyone on fire Ken (GM): [when in doubt, smoke me out] Bomrek stays there, resting on his crate, smoking his pipe, looking around slowly at the men. Bomrek: So, Bomrek's intent on staying here. Who's leaving? Gray is also signifgantly less 'unarmed' then many when his weapons are gone, still being better then seven feet of muscle and bone and fangs and claws. Ken (GM): [yeah, whos investergatin?] Gray gestures sharply a moment, scattering some dark spirits invisible to most from the edges of his shadow and the path around him as he hunts. Syviis: "If we could have some guards nearby if things go sour, that will be enough I think. Joush M.: Gray's on Team Investigation. Roderick's leading Team Negotiation. Bomrek is, of course, on Team Make Fun of People while Smoking on a Powder Keg Syviis: "Never change, Bomrek...unless you explode." Ken (GM): lulz (From Bomrek): Generally just make things copacetic' (To Bomrek): Conveniently, the captain (whose insignia and helmet give him away) who is just past the nobles? He's a dorfy lookin feller. (From Bomrek): Are you saying he's appropriating my culture? -2 reaction penalty (To Syviis): The cottage, while a wholesome example of human architecture and posh living, is stained all over with magic. Remenants of circles over the bed, the floor, and all the spare surfaces...there was an orgy of magic in here, maybe literally Syviis shivers with a mix of worry...and maybe just a little disgust. Gray: "You see the shadows too? Repulsive things, and many of them." Syviis: "Well...whatever the mage was doing in here certainly wasn't entertaining bedfellows alone." "At least...not in the traditional sense." Suðri Skornbrekker: “What shadows?” Ken (GM): also Syviis moves to the bookcase, now expanding her search for documents that might indicate colaborators (To Doc): The nobles are talking your head off, but its a regular day at court, as you recall. Savoir faire roll for me at +2? (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The carpet is stuck to the floor, the part you peel back is stick and wet with drying blood Roderick: (To GM) (To Gray): Blood sex and rock n roll; the room has been washed, but the stench in here should be obvious to even Bomrek through his pipesmoke Ken (GM) Under the rug, you find more obvious signs. The edges of circles cut into the stone, lined with bloody smears and red crystals. Ken (GM): [wanna pull up the rug?] Syviis: Slowly and carefully Gray helps with that. Rug moving is one of his many skills. (To Gray): The spirits swarm out from underneath, a nest of them thrumming here like a hornets nest Bomrek takes a long, side-long glance at Rod. (To Syviis): The circle is mostly depowered, but there is a lingering aura here. A channel to another realm, where communication can flow. A phone hanging off the hook Gray snarls at something and growls. "Away with you!" His voice a gruff command as he looks to the pit. Wondering what they were feeding on.. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I assume this was a ritual of some sort,” Suðri comments, trying not to breathe and smell too much. Syviis: Gray: Bomrek: "So, you're a human, eh? How's that?" Bomrek says after a long pause, to Rod. Ken (GM) outside, in the court, roderick is finally finishing up introductions with the nobles when the magical WHUMP goes off in the next over building...A few of them startle at the commotion Bomrek: ("Don't worry folks, just moving some magic furniture, nothing to see here") (From Roderick): assuming nothing immediately happens? Ken (GM) nothing else major follows; just a flash of light and some sooty bluster. "Most distressing" is uttered aloud" by Tenon Gray: "Sorry about that.. can we tell what this rirtual did?" Syviis: "The spell is definitely to contact what we've seen beyond. Like a fire ready to send smoke signals, or a wizard's missive drawn to pierce the barriers of this world to the next." "It feels like a hole in a curtain just barely closed and stitched up...more like a wound that has barely healed. It's no longer active, but I suspect most of the doings in this room fed it." Roderick nods and turns to the nobles. "As you can see, events continue to unfold without concern for etiquette or ceremony. We may take temporary comfort in decorum, but only decisive action can preserve it." (To Doc): The lords and ladies murmer their assent, and await your argument to your cause Memory appears, smoke rising from Gray's back, collecting in a perch on his shoulder. She WARKs and cocks her head. "The magic here is raw an dprimal Gray. We could reopen it easily with little energy spent, but the channel it opens is quite...invasive. Memory: "This is a Gods Eye: a circle writ by a mortal to commune with their lord of power. I can only assume the target is powerful being, perhaps even one of the Darkness themselves..." she cocks her head at Syviis "You seem more in tune with the Way now than before. Have you the sight now ?" Syviis blushes slightly. Gray: "We shouldn't risk calling whatever this connects to. Can we destroy the god's eye to keep someone else from trying to use it?" Then Memory suprises him with the question to the pale elven woman. Wondering if Syviis has learned much the same he has. Syviis: "I think it's less gaining sight...more angry at my blindness. But yes, I see...I think... Syviis studies the pattern for weak points to break the ritual circle completely Syviis: "Unless you think this is the time to go hunting the Darkness itself, I would prefer we sever it's whispering links to this world. Too much of it has already seeped through." Memory: "It is a circle Gray; a spell like any other. It is no more sinister than an oar, or sword, or hammer. It is a tool. But it is a show of your patience and foresight you do not immediately call out into the darkness with it" She clucks a chuckle Gray nods and goes about eraseing the eldrich symbol on the stone ground. Syviis: "At least we've seen the tools they are using now...we'll know when we see them again, and what stench and ritual lend to the creation of it." Joush M.: Hell, I need to go give a friend a ride. Car trouble. Keep going without me and I'll try and catch up. If I can't get back thanks for the game today! Ken (GM): [no prob mang! Life, she is a bitch!] P.P. A.: All right, see you again soon, hopefully and drive safely! (To Syviis): The magic sputters out. There is still a finely crafted circle set in the floor here, set in the floor Suðri Skornbrekker helps as best as he can. Syviis: "That should do it, Gray, the power is severed." Ken (GM): Doc! The lords and ladies murmer their assent, and await your /em argument to your cause Bomrek is at your side, having been making eyes at all the guardsmen on the perimeter Roderick: "The enemy is subtle and far-reaching. We don't know where they're hiding, but the light flushes them out. They only succeed when we stand idly, and they fail when we bring the fight to them." Ken (GM) the lords look ssidelong at each other, and the Timberlord steps forward "That is all well and good, Sir Knight, and we agree that the light must oppose the darkness, that is true" Nods of assent from all parties (To Syviis): The thing is magically tuned. It glows like a lime green LED. Its a piece of bright green Jade, like a small hexagonal stick, the length of your longest finger Bomrek puffs on his pipe, and blows a few whispy, uneven smoke rings up into the air to be taken away by the wind. Syviis: "That reminds me of something back in the citadel..." Bomrek: (pardon for my lack of inclusion, dealing with some garbage at the moment) Doc: Do we have any clues I've forgotten about or are we just at "noisily go everywhere and fight everything that tries to kill us" Ken (GM): [we still loves ya] (To Syviis): goddamn magic vision is super helpful Syviis turns to Gray Syviis: "This is much in the same way attuned like the keys were back in the Keep. Perhaps not to travel or touch the power set up there, but this is as close to proof as we need, and could help us seek out others like it that belong to other conspirators." (To Syviis): That, and since all your enemies seem to be secretive magic types... Roderick: "All we have at this point are the suspicions that led us to the Lord Marshall and the confidence that we will defeat the forces of darkness again as we did today. We suspect the elves and High Lord Jadeite, first of all. Whether these suspicions are well-founded or not will surely reveal itself if we move openly." Ken (GM) The nobles seem to accept your words, and your forthrightness. "We do not seek open rebellion, but rather the safety of our lands; if you and your band are to crusade against an unjust lord, do so, but we will secure our lands ourselves." Ken (GM): "What has transgressed here today, the battle you fought, was a just one. We believe that. Geofferson was acting against the kingdom, and especially the interests of the Oakway regions. You have broken no laws here today, and acted with prudence" "we are especially glad no unnecessary blood was shed" Tenon seems to take a cue from the group, and slides the bundle of guard weapons toward the nobles in the court... Tenon: [soooo, next bits here? You seem to be in the clear...] Suðri Skornbrekker helps her, curious himself about what is going on in his kingdom. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I do wonder if High Lord Jadeite is in cahoots with those Elves as well,” he mumbles as he flicks through the pages, reading a bit slowls as he is not well-read in the human language. “But we know just about nothing about what is going on in the capital. Do you two think we should head there to see for ourselves, or lay low and try to gather information from outside first?” He looks up to the other two. Gray sniffs a few books, but leaves them be, mostly Syviis: "I don't know...I'd like to return to the elvish lands and demand what is going on, but I think being caught in the middle of three foes would be foolish." Gray: "I dunno Suðri; its odd when we arent being beset by knife toting enemies. Hard to say what our next choice should be" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I just remembered...” He puts back the book he held, and heads outside. Roderick: "Today's prudence will mean nothing unless we finish what we've started. Having exposed this conspiracy, it would be irresponsible and unforgivable to stop here, content with simply having broken no laws." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Excuse me, would anyone know what happened to the healers Lord Marshall Geofferson had abducte—” He falls quiet as somehting makes ‘click’ in his head, and he turns to look around at the room they just cleaned of human blood. Ken (GM): :D Suðri Skornbrekker: “To ye soldiers of the garrison, did you witness any of them being dragged into this room?” Ken (GM) the guard captain, a Dwarf in iron plates and a knobby greataxe, steps forward, hand up Ken (GM): "I can attest, the Lord Marshall did collect the Magisters here. I know not where they are now, but they visited nightly. Roderick looks at Suðri with concern. He wouldn't be asking if the answer was going to be pleasant. (To Bomrek): The dwarf is a mercenary from the Southern Dwarven lands; Red firey hair cut in a sharp mowhawk, and deep set ritual scars down his brow. He's a Gator wrestler Bomrek raises up, and taps the tobacco ash out of his pipe onto the ground. He looks at the captain, and says in Dwarvish "I hope you have your funeral rites prepared, [Dwarvish word for countryman.]. This is a time of death, I think." Bomrek: "You wouldn't want to rot in some human refuse pile in the dirt, would you?" (To Syviis): Lingering remnants of necromancy and that weird fierce magic, but its all just fading stains. Bomrek 's face smoothes out in something akin to placid concern. "Aye, what of the mountainhomes? I've had little word since this all started." Ken (GM): The Dorf steels himself at that question, looking grim "The watch has their work cut out for them, keeping the peace on the highways. The rovers and Scorned caused holy hell up and down the South. The Empire isnt taking in refugees, and arent letting anyone into the gates without papers. I wont be able to come home this year unless I'm walking with a caravan or invited home by the King" HUFF is filtering it's way into our land?" Bomrek: "Damn, why don't they turn them away, point them toward the human or elf lands?" Ken (GM): [hey buddy; The Empire isnt taking in refugees, and arent letting anyone into the gates without papers. *theyre turning them back into the human lands :P] There is a kind of collective sigh from the nobles "Oh ye gods, the Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard, commenting in Dwarven: “At least we are keeping the trouble outside of our borders,” before continuing in common language: “Are there any fallow fields, or some borderlands with swamps to be drained, or anywhere else whither they could be sent?” Roderick: "How many are fit to fight?" Ken (GM): :0 "We havent really checked, sir....they are a rabble. Landless. just Serfs." the lords seem a bit perplexed at your line of reasoning Roderick: "There are three armies within our borders. Ours and the enemy's are obvious and driven by a purpose, but the refugees are a third, damaging us and aiding our foe through their lack of direction." "If we could give them direction to harm our foe instead of us..." Bomrek: "Tell them there's food and honey-beer in the east, the mountains will be their end, and an end to our problems as well.." Bomrek says, discontent with the refugees clear. Ken (GM): the nobles again mutter between themselves a moment. "You would take them to your banner then? Form a holding to keep them safe? We would never allow such unsavory types to cause havoc in Oakway; but if youre intent is noble, so see them safe we cannot oppose that" "We can draw up a title for you...'Southern Protectorate' as it were. But you will need their agreement from whatever tribal chiefs they have. Get their leaders to aggree, and we will ratify the accord." The eldest man, some 60 or more years chuckles to himself "King of the Scorned" Suðri Skornbrekker looks over at Bomrek, his expression worried, though not enough to speak up. Roderick: "I serve Greyhold. If they have the courage to fight her enemies while her other servants cower, I will be glad to make use of them." Ken (GM): Right, so with theres certainly a commotion. [so, theyre certainly willing to get that setup for Rod and you all, Youll have safe passage and their indirect support, assuming you can get "the rabble to march in line"] (To Syviis): tapped mang, sorry, thought i made that obvious earlier :/ (From Syviis): just checking, wanted to let the diploms have speaking time Doc: ^there are no flaws with this plan Syviis comes out at the mention siccing things at the Elf lands, eyebrow raised. Ken (GM): oh god, OOC/IC! P.P. A.: yeah that was OOC Syviis: "I would recommend gutting the warlock's room and encasing all his books in chests for study, but it should be safe to clean and re-purpose. How are the talks?" Gray: "Rod seems to want to create a crusade of the scorned, against our enemies..." Syviis nods, pondering the idea as she looks over her little notepad and charcoal notes Ken (GM): Okay then, so good place to kill it for this week? Pick up on the whole confronting the scroned and Ro-haern about the rulership thing? Suðri Skornbrekker approaches Roderick: “We do not know what is happening in the capital. Would it not be wiser to try and smoke out our enemies as a... less conspicious bloc first?” Suðri Skornbrekker: “...unless you intend to march on the Elves' lands to support them in their civil war.” P.P. A.: I'd say so, after we wrap this up Roderick: "They'll not be assembled into an army overnight, but mere rumors of such a thing could prompt our enemies into moving hastily." Ken (GM): [OOOooooh good point] Suðri Skornbrekker considers the answer, and nods. “True, we could see who responds, and how.” Roderick: "At the very least, we should solve the Refugee Problem. If they can fight, all the better." Ken (GM): mm nice okay then, I gotta baby wrnagle tak eyour four points each ya gits Doc: (yeah we can stop here) Fiss: Mmmm, Git-Points Ken (GM): next week, we shake the political tree and see what falls on y'all Fiss: Thanks Ken! Glad yer back in town and all that! Ken (GM): YW! I promise, I wont always be on cold medicine, but when I AM... youll fight more giant wolf things1 P.P. A.: Thanks indeed, the plot has started moving again! tfw we're going to lead a mob of beastmen in rebellion against whomever Doc: tfw you accidentally an army Ken (GM): much army so serf very wow Fiss: wow Many Doges Doc: to be fair, our party has what may be the best marksmanship instructors in the world Fiss: This is true. Doc: give them a bunch of muskets and even serfs can do some damage Fiss: WELCOME TO THE GUN AND ARROW SHOW Bomrek: This army will grind itself apart against the enemies. two birds with one stone. I can't wait. Doc: Don't forget the attrition from our harsh training program :DDDDD Fiss: Best case: Successful war! Worst case: Free fertilizer ! Adolf S.: :DDDDDD fug, through worg, freedumb P.P. A.: gill them all :DDDDD Doc: let dog sord em out :DDDDDDD Fiss: Anyway, I think I am going to make more Jesus-Hug-Coffee then possibly see if spacetime changes again. o/ Doc: bye fiss Ken (GM): dont die of caffine overdose fiss! P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): whatup? Joush M.: Tired, but good. How about you? Ken (GM): good! productive week, not too shabby Doc: henlo P.P. A.: \o Fiss: zupdawgs Joush M.: Glad to hear it.. Good morning, everyone Ken (GM): Everyone ready for ? Syviis: Elfmode standing by Doc: Rod is ready to discuss what the hell just happened Ken (GM): The council of lords of Oakway are all "You can totally recruit the savages under your banner, so long as they are not OUR problem anymore" Otherwise you guys got some hard evidence on the big bad the Elf necromancer and Lord Marshall Geofferson were colluding with Joush M.: I don't think we saw anything that implicated other people, but our current plan is to gather some of the refugees and head north? Doc: gather them and make them stop being destructive burdens on society first "Come with me if you want to live" Syviis doesn't want to put hungry and tired people in the line of fire, but surely we can meet with the people and ask for leaders, volunteers, etc. (To Joush M.): Syviis scraped a clue out of the mess just after you left. A keyed piece of magic stone that was part of the savage communication circle P.P. A.: Neither does Suðri good thing we don't need to do that we're just raising an army og gypsyelves and Scorned so people don't have to die at the frontlines Ken (GM): brb 5 minutes [dry wall!] Doc: The rest can be camp followers in our Army Of The Useful or be persecuted Ken (GM): [short people fighting my bathroom ceiling, I get called in by virtue of being 6'2" :P] P.P. A.: no bully the dwarves Ken (GM): "Army Of The Useful or Be Persecuted" ? lol Syviis: So long as the nobles realize they aren't completely off the hook either... [] P.P. A.: >elf tumblr Doc: There will be three categories of refugees: 1) capable of fighting if trained and equipped 2) incapable of fighting but willing and able to assist in non-combat roles 3) leftovers who are on their own P.P. A.: >“Today a human misgendered me!” Syviis: [lol] Doc: camp followers are a vital part of any army and should outnumber soldiers like ten to one Syviis: [Whats elvish for "REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"?] Gray just continues the plan to wait until all the humans are weak before eating their hearts. Scorned Consperecy is in Phase 2 P.P. A.: “TREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE” Ken (GM): well, truly, all this is speculation until you actually recruit the Savages to your banner Doc: @ppa wew Suðri Skornbrekker: “So,” Suðri wipes the sweat off his forehead, “now we have to go and turn that rablle into an army, and see who comes to beat down our pseudo-rebellion?” Gray looks around the courtyard at the manor house and considers. "Majordomo, is there a place we can collect supplies, a wagon and clear up the matter of the back pay owed to us?" Doc: (btw if none of these soldiers are joining us we're keeping their weapons) Syviis: We should also secure accounts or authorization for equipment supply for the army...but we can deal with that once they're on board / running screaming. Tenon , the minordomo nods to Gray's request Tenon: "Yes I do believe we can now easily settle out simpler things such as pay. Allow me a short while to arrange what I can?" Gray: "Aye, take the time you need. We will give you a list with what we require." He tells the man, then after a pause. "I'm glad things diden't come down to violence between us." Bomrek and the Dwarven Soldier get to talking, bonding over their shared military background. Ken (GM): The Dwarven captain will get his men organized; you do have some immediate volunteers who will march with Roderick and his already-proven Dwarven allies Bomrek and Suðri Roderick: "Paying to raise an army is a more complicated matter, but it will need to be settled before any real action can be taken. If they agree to take up arms, it would be wise not to send them searching for supplies." Syviis: "Knowing our numbers will be key." Suðri Skornbrekker: “It might be good to have some tents ready, unbuilt, so the volunteers would immediately have something to do.” Gray nods in agreement with Roderick. "It will be slow going, prepareing a large body of people to move and collecting the resources they will require." Syviis: "Do not the Human lands have generals we could recruit for some of this?" Ken (GM) Within the hour Tenon arranges whatever he can; a cart is pulled out of a barn, and led by a fine horse; A chest is pulled from storage, and has been packed with several valuable items that Tenon believes have some material worth. He explains a large volume of coin may have changed hands recently, but most has been sent back up into Grayhold proper, to the High Lord Jadeite. Tenon has scrounged up silver candlesticks, some jewelery and fine dressings Geofferson had squirrelled away, as well as a set of fine bone plates and gold-platd flatware. There are some vintage jugs of wine as well. Ken (GM): [and as an aside, most of the trained military commanders likely died on the battlefield when the blast hit ] Doc: On the other hand, one of them caused the blast Ken (GM): Gray stays out of the conversation between Roderick and Syviis, though he's somewhat suprised to hear the human mage is a trained logistician. The towering brute works to help with the preperation, studying the case then nodding to the man. "I cannot judge the value of such things myself but noone can say that you haven't done your best to discharge your obligation to the milita and to aid this cause. Thank you." He says as he studies the items before putting them back wrapped carefully. He picks up the supplies of the group and hunts down a large tarp and some poles for a field tent, then tries to replenish their store of food, loading things onto the cart. Syviis: "I forget you've trained for this, Roderick. I know you'll do amazing!" :P Roderick: "Training them to fight will be more difficult. Fortunately, I happen to know some of the most skilled and experienced soldiers in the realm." Syviis stays off to the side, reviewing her books and notes from the vile warlock, hunting for details and clues, wishing she had the physician here to help but knowing she needs to learn on her own as well. (To Syviis): EEELLLLLF LOOOOOORE Syviis: (To GM) (From Syviis): beat by 1 Suðri Skornbrekker is conversing with the Dwarven soldiers alongside Bomrek (To Syviis): So the fellow you killed was one of the old-school Lords of Night; the elven men and women who believed sorcerous supremacy would lead to Elven domination of the world. The circle of folks who followed him were all fabled to be spoopy masters of the dead. Spirit raising, channelling, and even resurrection of corpses. How much of that was true or speculation, you cant say for sure. Syviis beams happily to have the fascinating raven assisting. (To Syviis): Raven isnt up and up on her Elven politics much either, but she does confirm a few things. It is possible to have mastry over the deceased, using their vessels channel spirits captured from the other side. It's a kind of posession, and can get wildly out of control if not mastered. breaking the veil between worlds is like digging holes in a dam. Too much pressure on the other side Gray has a few thoughts about getting people to join them. It's easier to recruit people when they see you have beef and beer, and enough to share. Memory: "raised spirits are terrible things; souls unbound from flesh but captured in a vessel are not bound by the normal limits you have. Their bodies can exert themselves far beyond mortal means. And if a powerful enough spirit is captured in a meager enough vessel, there is a chance it might break free..." "You have battled ghouls before, and seen how the dessicated bodies are easy to alight with flame or tinder. The longer a body is posessed, the more fragile the flesh becomes, tainted by the magic at work. The flesh burns away, animated by magic more and more, until all that is left is a mage's will binding the soul to this world." "Syviis, Roderick, be wary of using your magical talents frivolously. You could cause chain reactions that might consume you" Syviis: "Will we be able to find the mage controlling a ghoul by examining their soldiers and the links of magic?" Memory: "Possibly, now that you have come so in tune with the Ways, you might very well be able to see their signatures worked in the aura" (To Suðri Skornbrekker): The men being organized to attend you seem to have a few dwarven habits; their dried meat rations are being packed in loose clean sand like a dwarve's and they all seem to be in the habit of tooling their gear with hand-etched bits. You see a few crudely imitated dwarven runes for camaraderie, brotherhood and valor. How odd Suðri Skornbrekker notices a gew things and approaches some of the human soldiers. “Hail! Where are you from, if I may ask?” Ken (GM): "Well met [dwarven word for fellow soldier]! Oakway myself, born and raised. Many of us lived here all our lives!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Hm, is our Dwarven culture that pervasive here?” he asks with a curious smile and points at some of the soldiers' dwarven-like self-made ethings on their stuff. Ken (GM): "Oh! Well, our Captain has worked with us for many years. He expects nothing less from us than our best!" Suðri Skornbrekker laughs heartily. “Hah, that makes me happy. When I joined the human army, I always found it a bit strange how everyone was just handed the same bland weapons—it's your blade and barrel, your life is going to depend on it! It's going to be a part of you, so it ought to have a personal touch like that, a bit of your soul etched into it!” Ken (GM): seems like theres a benefiet from mixing ranks bewteen men and dwarf? P.P. A.: that feel when ad-libbing your cultural background with what the DM throws at you :D Roderick thinks quietly about how to pitch this idea to the Scorned, then turns to Gray. "Gray, do you have any thoughts as to how best to get the refugees on board?" Roderick: "I had planned on simply presenting them with the stark reality of their situation, then offering them a way out of it." Gray: "They need a place to settle, to put their young, elders and weak. Appeal to their need for a home and they will follow you. The strong will serve you to provide for their people." "The wanderers are different. The Ro-Harian will need to be given a reason not to simply leave on their own. They know how to travel, and live without a homeland already" Syviis: "I would point out the unnatural and viral magics our opponents have been using. Traveler or Settler, nobody wishes to see the perversions we've seen and the threats we've faced." Ken (GM): ["Hey, heads up guys. Tentacles are bad, m'kay? So if you get offered some spooky dark powers in exchange for tentacles, dont do it, m'kay?"] Syviis: [Convincing the Japanese Schoolgirls will be a hard sell.] Ken (GM) The heat of the say presses in, the still hot air all around you. Even here at the court, the weather clings to you like an unkempt lover, wild and empheral at the same time. As you prepare to set out, the sun blazes even through a clinging gray sky overhead. The city is a hazy mess over the hillside, and the sound of it sometimes reaches you here. Ken (GM): [so, Vhats ze plan?[ Joush M.: Head back to Oakway and hit a pawnshop to sell our big chest of loot. Then the refugee center where we will put up our recruteing center? Doc: Sounds good to me. We can also pick up any stuff we might have left behind. Joush M.: Anybody got a shopping list? Gray has a few things to pick up Doc: a few hundred pikes and muskets would be nice P.P. A.: For himself, Suðri is covered as long as someone keeps suppying ammo, food, and drink Ken (GM): Bomrek got his all sorted out time defore last with the Dwarven merchant contacts of his (To Fiss): Ahh shit, kay. Ken (GM): [Assuming direct control of Syviis while Fiss tends to a thing] Fiss: [back in a bit folks, sorry!] Joush M.: Good luck P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM) You have your pick from the merchants you meet; their goods move slowly and those out to purchase have quite the selection. Fresh handfruit, hanunches of roast rabbit and riverwater-cooled ale are up for the taking. Ken (GM): Gray speaks with a few smiths and crafters, and settles eventually on a bowyer who seems to specialize in large wild game; elk horns adorn his doorway, and his shop is packed with pelts and exotic furs. The barbed and hooked spear that gray describes can be fashioned and the grizzled old man who binds the lead to the shaft works dilligently in the heat. Coin changes hands, and a quiet nod of respect passes between the beastman and shopkeep Joush M.: Now I'm hungry.. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I would suggest hosting a small feast to lighten the mood, but that would be too wasteful, and too much to organise.” Gray test the weight of the weapon and nods his respect to the man, looking around the shop with approval before the towering man adds it to the weapons and equipment at his back. He nods as he returns to Suori. "Sausages and saurkrut and beer, as much as we can buy fast, would go far to getting people to listen.. but might be under the dignity of a nobleman" He glances to Roderick. Ken (GM): [buy food > gib to peeps > get peeps under banner?] Roderick: "We aren't trying to recruit noblemen," Roderick nods. Joush M.: It's a lot easier to get people to listen if you offer them food. It's how church works Suðri Skornbrekker: “I do think we should bring some food, but it will become a problem is there is not enough, or if a brawl breaks out as they fall over each other to grab something.” Gray nods in agreement. "We do it right or not at all?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Even if we had enough, we would need more people to quickly produce the food and set up tables and such,” he muses, stroking his beard. Roderick: "Such a problem may be an opportunity. It would illustrate their position, that they have been reduced to squabbling over table scraps." Gray nods. "We've got soliders enough to secure a food line, I think." He frowns a touch at Roderick's words. "Better to show them we are orginized and supplied well enough to provide food. A leader that does that is someone to follow if you don't have anything else." Doc: How many mouths would we be needing to feed? Joush M.: The heroes stop to figure out if they can get enough bratwurst, mustard and sauerkraut to feed a small army Ken (GM): [the refugee camp is nearly as big as the city; hundreds if not a thousand or more people in the fields. ] [this isnt just a few folks and a barbacue] Joush M.: Call it 500 pounds of sausage at.. is $3 a pound fair? We would need to grab a few street vendors or day laborers without anything else to do, but we could get them to help cook for us. Is Oakway a big enough city that we can find a storehouse with enough to sell to make it up? Ken (GM): Joush M.: Sorry! I diden't mean to turn this into a story problem Ken (GM): hey no worries; just realized it s a hole in my knowledge Doc: "how do you feed an army" is a worthy story problem tbh Ken (GM): math works out to about 3$ worth of foodstuffs a day for status -2 food, per person Syviis: [here for a few minutes, of course I'm the only one with plans today (gaming) and everyone else is dragging their heels] Ken (GM): as you can see fiss, the silly humans are doing rations math again Joush M.: Bratwurst and saurkruat and beer is status -1 or -2 rations, depending on how German a person is Ken (GM): hah Syviis: One thing Syviis might be able to do immediately, but also as part of our training plans, is teach survival. An army that can march and live partially off the land can't hurt, and a few easy skills to master and share could dramatically help people's hunger and frustration on the down-time. Joush M.: Syviis training forage parties, good idea Syviis: ["Yo, Humans, this is how you hunt Elk like an Elf. Step 1, leaves. Step 2, sneak. Step 3, don't stink."] Joush M.: Should also help with instilling some basic ethics in forage parties, given we won't be in hostile terrtory Ken (GM): so if you guys scrounge up approximately say 5000 gurp$ you can distribute 1 day of food to the huddled masses. Give or take Syviis: Can also help for medicinal herbs, etc. Not a huge impact, but definitely a positive one. Joush M.: Humm, how much can we trade for? That's 1.5 pounds silver Maybe Rod can negotate a discount on account of promiseing to help with the refugee problem Ken (GM): there is also the hurdle of convincing the people of oakway to feed the refugees Joush M.: Also, holy shit, one candlestick might be able to feed these people for a day. Fucking nobles Ken (GM): and convincing the refugees to accept it Joush M.: Makes sense. Gray was trusting the Scorned at least to be willing to come once they smell food, and listen to the guy with the shiny armor and no shit on him (that's how you tell he's king) Ken (GM): Rod wiped today, right? Joush M.: Same way he shaves. With Fire Doc: ^ Ken (GM): Gray checks the Box Of Treasure for something made of more or less pure silver and about the right weight. "It's an expensive plan. What do you think Roderick? Do you want to try and feed the people, or do you want to address them directly? The logistics involved in getting them fed are.. daunting, but it would go a long way to building good will." Gray: "We should also find an person that can judge the value of these things and help us convert them to coin. I have no idea the worth of these plates, though they are beatiful." Roderick thinks hard. "If we feed them for free, they may come to expect it. This is not charity. We are not offering them a peaceful, easy meal. We are offering them the chance to fight for a place at the table." Syviis: "Wealth in these human lands mean very little to me. Please take my share of the treasure." Gray: "It's not about the free meal. It's about showing you can provide for them. It's about showing that if they follow you and do what you ask you can make food happen." Roderick: "Exactly. We provide for them. We can only help them provide for themselves." (To Roderick): The feeling of Pride is welling up again in your sword. The Fae thing seems to agree with your sentiments of liberty and sovreignty Gray: "Command them poorly and they won't eat and your army will evaporate like dew in the summer sun" Roderick nods Roderick: "My concern is that the subtlety of that point may fail to come across." Gray: "Trust me. We scorned are stupid but we know the cost of a free meal and a man that ask nothing but loyalty in return" Suðri Skornbrekker: “I would be against this plan of feeding them all, now. We have limited resources, and if they expect more from us than we can offer them in the long run, the plan is going to backfire.” Gray hefts a candlestick, judging it's weigh at about two pounds and tossing it gently to Suori. "That's about two hundered and fifty silver marks worth. We need that every, single, day if we are to raise and feed an army" Suðri Skornbrekker: He looks at Grey. “That may well be, but there are many among them who might lack that noble spirit, or are less patient. Rohearn, women with children to feed...” Gray: "Nobody's patient when they are hungry. If we can't feed them and lead them to food we have no business asking for their loyalty" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well,” he strokes his beard and muses, “I am mainly concerned about the logistics, though. Getting everythign set up in an orderly fashion, making them listen to Roderick instead of fighting over the food, things like that.” Gray smiles a touch. "You've got twenty milita. I know a lot of things, and one of them is that you can keep displine and order in a food line with that" Roderick: "The question is whether we want an 'army' which constantly has to be kept from breaking out into food riots or one which marches for the future." Gray: "It's easier to think of the future when you know where your next meal is comeing from and trust the leaders to see as long as you work hard your family eats tonight" (From Syviis): actually going now, sorry, back soon I hope, if not you know how to elf Gray nods. "Let's go see if there is an armory at the burned out keep intact enough to provide them. We are the Milita, and can requestion those reasonbly.. if not perfectly legally" Gray: "Beyond that, we don't know our resources. The treasure chest is impressive, beaitful even, but I've no kenning of the value of these things" Ken (GM): [righto, so to the Keep then to requisition arms?] Joush M.: Sure. Unless anybody else has a better idea? Bomrek: "We best not be handing out pistols to elves; they'd liable blow their own face off as soon as ours" Roderick: "Perhaps it would be better simply to meet with as many elders as we can, and try to gain their support without any such displays." Gray: "We can always go for food and a rally later" "For now, the keep? Or the camp?" Suðri Skornbrekker looks to Roderick: “that might be wise. We talk to them first, then discuss the idea of the food with them, towards the end of our negotiations, after they have otherwise agreed.” Roderick: "We have enough men to feasibly offer order and guidance to an army, should they wish to join it. Perhaps that is all we will need." Gray chuckles. "You have to feed an army every day, Roderick. Speeches and grand vision may fire the soul, but unless you can promise food they will have to look to their own needs rather then your cause." Roderick: "And the only way we will be able to supply them is if they serve well." Gray: "That said.. they've their own food at the moment, their own cooks, their own people. If we can talk to their leaders and get them to join all the parts are there. You 'just' need to lead them to the resources so they can keep following you." "A better picture of the siutation in the Camp might help us understand our best path forward. There? Or to the Keep for weapons first?" Roderick: "To the camp. We'll know what we need, then." Gray heads to the camp, bracing himself for murderous, Dark-worshiping elves and the very real danger of hungry Scorned like him. Ken (GM): to the camp! Ken (GM) The smoky stench thickens as you head for the gates; the walls of Oakway are heavy slabs of timber, some full lenths of tree stuck deep in the earth and founded with stone roots. Scorched trails of black char rake the gatehouse here and there, still issuing wisps of gray smoke. The road is torn up, cobblestones strewn about. Blood mars the streets and broken quarrels stuck in the gate belie the violence that transpired here. The gate is still closed, a block of wood a foot thick barring it from this side, and the guards at the door seem weary and hot in the sun, their metal helmets glinting in the light. Nearby, the streets are quiet; only your group and the cart tresspass here. When you reach the end of the street, the guards take notice of you from this side and call out! WHo goes there?! This gate is closed! Gray: "Grayhold Milita escorting Lord Roderick. What happend here?" Ken (GM) There is some muttering up on the guardhouse before thay call back down "Lord Roderick and the Militia? The Southland men?" Gray: "Aye. Suori the Dragonslayer is here." Suðri Skornbrekker salutes the guard, sweating under his armour that he put back on when they decided to approach the camp. Ken (GM): (To Fiss): Y'all are headed to the camp to talk to dude finally. Youre not feeding or arming anyone yet Syviis looks around for damage, seeing if the air is full of the same shamanistic magic, or if this is different. (To Gray): There was a battle here. Gunsmoke, powder, blood, urine, sweat. Panic and hatred. The little impish things hide here in the dark around you, leeching off the anger and fear of the place. The guardhouse tower is cloying with them Syviis mutters: "I long to see magic used for peace again.... I fear I am becoming jaded." Suðri Skornbrekker: “Well,” he lifts his helmet to let some fresh air to his head: “we've come to try and find a solution for them. Sir Roderick over there,” he points to him, “had the idea of, uh, trying to recruit them for a makeshift army and lead them around to fight rebels, so they don't fight each other, or you, or us.” Ken (GM): "Uhhh...Okay then. So....you lot will be needing through then?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “We would appreciate it. Could you give us the directions to wherever their leaders or elders or whatever dwell?” Gray nods to Syviis and speaks softly. "Aye.. The guardhouse is thick with shadowy spirits. I think they've had a very hard time of it." (To Syviis): Here and there is magic of all flavors. You notice in the crowd the horned people, red skinned ones, and those with golden eyes all have a tangible aura. Some honed to an actual talent-capable wizard, others murky like a smell or color smeared over them. One in every ten,. at least seems talented Suðri Skornbrekker 's face contorts in disgust. He follow's Roderick's example Syviis: "Is it strange that I much prefer these smells to the blood-soaked land?" Syviis 's smile fades as she realizes how right Gray is. She keeps a closer eye on the eyes watching them. Roderick: "There's nowhere else for them. Yet." Ken (GM) the men form up around you, pikes up and ready, muskets and crossbows inside by the cart. "Orders sir?" the Dwarven captain asks "I'd like to keep the crowd at pikes length, but we might be slow getting through that way. Too many bodies to drop..." he trails off Doc: (we didn't bring the cart full of treasure, did we?) P.P. A.: (uh... I hope not...?) Ken (GM): [the unassuming locked wooden chest in your cart? yeah, right under Gray's butt] Doc: It should be fine in that case We'd need to leave it guarded, anyway, better to have those guards with us Roderick: "Just look imposing. We're not here for a fight and nobody in this crowd should be eager to pick one." Ken (GM): From the crowd, a familiar voice calls out "WellLOOOKEEE HEEERE! If it ain't the HEROES OF the SOUTH" his caterwauling voice rolls up and down with sarcasm, as a Rover in a bright red silk shirt strides out of the crowd. He has a massive gold ring in his right ear, and a long elven rapier at his hip. A hat, nearly three feet wide, bounces as he strides into view Gray: "You survived. I should complement Falkirk on his work." He says with a thoughtful expression.. watching the huge hat a moment. "I hope you've learned to treat women better" Ken (GM): "Nice to see you again too . "The witch queen awaits your arrival" and he shines you a big toothy fanged grin DUN DUN DUN Doc: who is this guy Joush M.: Say what you will, Honsea gave that guy a BADASS dueling scar Ken (GM): :d :d :D Joush M.: A half-elf rover. A party member at the time fought a duel with him because he was kind of a dick and asking for it and nearly killed him Ken (GM): critical hit, right in the vitals, knocked him out in a round Joush M.: Great session Ken. Thank you. I hope I diden't bog things too much in the middle talking about how many food trucks we'd have to hire Syviis: Wondering about the fangs there. (To Syviis): Your magic senses kinda light up on him. Big time P.P. A.: I barely remember him, but it's been a year already Ken (GM): remember just before the first ever dragon attack? The rover who was bullying a village into being his personal stomping ground? Doc: no discussion about refugees would be complete without casual bigotry P.P. A.: of course Ken (GM): P.P. A.: though logistics and proapganda also have to be well-planned Joush M.: Witch Queen sounds awesome. I can't wait to meet her P.P. A.: Ahh right, now I remember Falkirk getting mad for needing to save this guy Joush M.: Roderick, set your beard to maximum seduction P.P. A.: hearing “Witch Queen” Suðri is already wondering how much of the camp they need to burn down if this is another evil Darkness-touched elf cultist or something similar Doc: It doesn't have a variable seduction setting, so it's always on full Joush M.: Ahh, I thought the wax allowed you to adjust it between Villainy and Seduction. P.P. A.: 4 points again, or 3? Ken (GM): 4! of course! 4 hours of play and debatable moral standings? awesome P.P. A.: also that feel when it's really hot and nasty in here so I can empathise with Suðri in his hot armour in the sun, at least a little (and with Grey and probably Rod for that matter, unless Rod's fae-armour is magicooled) Joush M.: Could be a witch queen and an a vicious ogre running the camp. Make us pick who we want to support in a bloody fight to get the refugees on our side. P.P. A.: tfw can'tlet out the hot day's accumulated heat because if I open the window all kinds of insects will swarm inside, attracted by the light at least I have an AC I can turn on for an hour or so before bed Joush M.: Ahh.. so hot. Maybe it's time for a point of tempature tolerance, but I feel like Gray's would mostly be low tempatures, not hot P.P. A.: same Ken (GM): I will remind you guys, this rover is Aachen's brother Joush M.: Oh, fuck Ken (GM): :D P.P. A.: How /are/ we going to feed them even if we make an army out of them though? Ask the nobles to hunt all the forests empty, or plunder any unattended fields? Doc: "Ask" Rod implied a threat earlier when he said it would be unwise to leave an army like this wanting for supplies P.P. A.: those quotation marks were implied Ken (GM): >use elves to summon natures ally >eat summoned allies >repeat P.P. A.: but I mean the nobles might not have that much of a surplus either Doc: Not really even necessarily an implied threat Joush M.: Naw, we should be good for surplus P.P. A.: depending on how many of their serfs died in the war Joush M.: There's an army that ah.. Isn't comeing home Doc: ^ this is a good point Joush M.: The food that was planted for them should be avalable for harvest Ken (GM): true, its not all from oakway tho; lots of empty homes up North in the Kingdom Doc: The economy is already geared for war And now most of it is surplus P.P. A.: Hm, true At least the reserves will be full Joush M.: Keeps like Timberclad should have reasonbly deep graineries we can raid too P.P. A.: it's another quesiton if there are goijg to be shortages later this year, or next year, if fields are left fallow because so many young men died Joush M.: By spring we will hopefully have somewhere to settle these people P.P. A.: but that's not for us to worry about just yet Joush M.: So they can plant Ken (GM): Hell, you might have sold them all directly into demonic slavery by next spring. No sense in plotting out that field yet Joush M.: Ha! Good point. If they bother us too much we can always just let Roderick do his KILL EVERYONE trick again Doc: But yeah the nobles should recognize that it's better to finance this army than to leave it to realize "hey we're an army and we need financing" Ken (GM): ROADTRIP TO THE KILL EVERYTHING MACHINE Right! on that note, I gotta watch the kids now. Wife is out shopping for my Bday next weekend. She gonna git me a shelf or somthin for the house, I know it Doc: nice Ken (GM): catch you guys NEXT WEEK DUN DUN DUN P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): sums of the bintches HOW YOU GENTS P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): \0/ Doc: yo Ken (GM): Y'all ready to cause the next apocalypse Joush M.: Always accidently Doc: yeah and also ready to play some GURPS Ken (GM): Woot; Fiss is off, Kev is incoming, maybe. Looks like we're all here! Ken (GM) At the front of the crowd you have been greeted by the Yellow Prince himself! He's seens some wear in the last month though, it seems, and his ruby red rovers silks flutter about him. A large scar over his heart is marked by a large magic looking lime colored rune, and but his rakish smile is still present as he addresses you lot Yellow Prince: "You'll need to meet the Witch Queen then, wont you?" Joush M. nods as the towering man shifts his weight. "Yes. Take us to her." The lupine Scroned stands with one hand resting at the regins of the horse that draws their cart. Gray: ^ (To Roderick): You feel a sharp pang of some kind of jealousy, or hunger, from your sword at the sight of the man's sword (To Gray): He has no spirits about him, though you can see them eagerly flitting about the crowd. They seem to latch onto the odd ones in the crowd. Tieflings with horns or golden eyes mostly. Hanging off their shadows like lampreys on a shark Yellow Prince: "Not yours fuzzy, his" and he points at Roderick in his regalia "Scuttlebutt from my men says theres some kind of Lordship in question now, in'nt there?" Syviis seems to be scanning the crowd, and absentmindedly remarks back Syviis: "I didnt blow him up ." Roderick: "Word travels quickly. We come offering a great opportunity to any with the courage to take it." Gray frowns, looking past him, watching something others can't see then looking to a horned trifling in the crowd around them. Watching one with golden eyes before his attention returns to the half elf. "Aye. You address Lord Roderick" Yellow Prince: "Oh well! Lord Roderick is it" He removes his hat, and swoops a deep bow, never removing his hand from the sword on his belt... "I should pay proper respects to one so vaunted and respectable as he" Roderick: "Proper respect would be to bring us to your leader. I assume that would be this 'Witch Queen?'" Yellow Prince: "Lord Rod" he redoffs his cap "It's gonna tale more than to convince me to take you to her. There have been too many Lord Marshalls and High Lords with cheap proclomations that havent put food in a mouth or coin in hand. The Lady has far too much to do making sure we all see t'marra"" Gray: "If words aren't to be our remedy then tell us what you would have. Or I'll simply go past you and find the witch queen without your help" Roderick: "If all she wishes is for tomorrow to be the same as today and yesterday, then I suppose she doesn't need our help for that." Gray nods to Roderick in mute apology for replying for him. The brute annoyed by the Yellow Prince, and on edge as his eyes track the fluttering shadows of Dark Spirits. Ken (GM): [ is always so helpful for Gray to RP with :P] Roderick: "We're not here to offer food or coin, but a way forward, up and out of the mud. But if your Witch Queen isn't interested in such an opportunity, I suppose we will have to take it elsewhere." Ken (GM): "More words Rod, just more words. How can you be such a Lord if all you do it Ken (GM) your guards tighten their grips on their pikes, but hold back. Bomrek: "Want I should just shoot him?" Gray: "Easy. Lord Roderick can easily defeat this man in a duel without killing the Kin of an old friend of ours." Roderick looks at Gray and the others. "Who is this man?" Yellow Prince: "Boasts! Hah!" he swings the blade in a twist, the air singing a bit as the blade slices. The crowd parts to a wide ring, and a few cheers rise up fromthe Ro-Harn for 'the Prince!' Gray: "Aachen's brother, leader of a band of Rovers in the south." "He challanges you. Can you defeat him without killing him, Roderick?" Suðri Skornbrekker: “He once before challenged one of our group to a duel. Falkirk had to bring him back from near-certain death a few minutes later. I can't tell whether it's his mouth or his ego that's bigger.” Roderick sighs and dismounts his horse. "I suppose it wouldn't do to simply kill him, then, no matter how his disrespect may warrant it." Suðri Skornbrekker: “We have no magic doctor with us this time either.” Roderick: "Name your terms," he says to the 'Prince.' Gray: "Honsia wasn't used to dueling with people unready to defend themselves. I think Roderick knows well enough to slash with the tip to give attractive scars but little risk of death." Yellow Prince: "Terms? Simple! Bend your knee to me and offer up your spirit, so I may sup from it!" He flashes his teeth, the wicked fangs quite visible "If you cannot, then face me on the ground. " He readies in a mock stance for a moment, thrusting and jabbing with the sword a moment, eliciting a few jeers from the crowd "If you think you can best me!" Gray: Gray frowns, looking around again and watching for those dark, hungry shadows. Roderick: (To Gray): The things flit about like excited monkeys, but they seem to be in the crowd. The fat ones clinging to the odd crowdmember dont seem to notice the excitement at all Doc: This guy is just wearing clothes, not armor, right? Ken (GM): [yeah, red flowy shirt and pant, belted with the sword sheathe, big ring jewelery, thats it Roderick nods as he readies his sword and cloak Yellow Prince: "Ho Ho! He undresses to surrender!" He jostles the crowd, a few voices cheering up, many looking on with interest now. Many Half elves about, making the ring of the crowd. Roderick: Ken (GM): [brb, gotta get groceries in the house] Suðri Skornbrekker shakes his head and mutters some complaints inder his breath. It is still hot, it still stinks, and now they have to waste time with this. Ken (GM): [back] Roderick announces "Enough talk!" and lashes out with a slash of his sword Roderick: Ken (GM): [awesome, fighting the map] Joush M.: Roderick's battle music starts to play Ken (GM) the crowd startles a tthe flourish, and your men step aside at the duel begins abruptly! Ken (GM): [please excuse the crudeness of this map] Joush M.: No problem. It works just fine Doc: (if I have to take two steps I guess I could switch Defensive Attack with Committed Attack) Ken (GM): [not to worry, there was a bit of narrative there] Yellow Prince brings his sword to bear on the open blow, attempting a parry Yellow Prince: success! Yellow Prince 's blade swings up to meet Rod's, and sparks of magic spray in all directions, lime green and bright! The rune on Yellow prince's chest glows and Roderick's Fae-blade hums like a struch harpstring! Yellow Prince: "Ahah! You DO have the Power, don't 'cha?!" He yells, excited He swings back, a heavy chop at Rod's arm! Yellow Prince swings wide, but his grin remains on his face Doc: Rolling initiative or just taking turns? Ken (GM): [taking turns, I think, unless someone gets antsy and shoots one of ya] Gray moves tensely to the edge of the crrowd, nodding to Suori and Bomrek to be ready for what might come. The duel might keep things from escalating.. or set off the powderkeg. Ken (GM): Roderick regains his composure and slashes defensively again, keeping his guard up Roderick: (To Roderick): GET ME HIS HEART Yellow Prince brings up his sword again to aprry Yellow Prince: Ken (GM): OH SHIT P.P. A.: History repeats itself Ken (GM): ROD hit location? You have succeeded in a flaily hit! Roderick: Doc: oosh Ken (GM): hahahaha POINK right in the codpiece damorge Roderick: Doc: fug Ken (GM): Joush M.: Dear God Yellow Prince 's eyes go wide as he parries high and the sword goes low. Rod rakes the man's nethers and a gout of red flies out through the opened pants. Doc: Three rods enter, two rods leave Ken (GM) the crowd collectively GASPs and Winces simultaneously Yellow Prince: "DIRTY BUGGERS" he Yells as he drops to his knees, releasing his sword and clutching reflexively at his bits. Blood gushes from between his hands Dorf Captain is beside hoimself, laughing (To Roderick): I WAN THIS HEART! Roderick: "Before you take us to the Witch Queen, tell me about your sword." Yellow Prince takes the bandage, and attempts to tend to his wound, wincing Yellow Prince: "Oh you! You muddy blooded noble FUCK" he packs the wound angrily, pointing a bloody hand at Rod "My sword was a gift from Her, and don't you DARE lay claim to it!" Gray walks closer to the sword, looking down to it with a frown. Trying to tell if it's possessed by a spirit. (To Roderick): DO NOT OPPOSE ME MORTAL, THE KILL MUST BE MADE! FOR THE HONOR OF THE GREEN! Bomrek: Basically, Bomrek would have laughed more at that, but not too much more. RIP me and my timing right now, gotta jet again. Suðri Skornbrekker grumbles to Bomrek: “I remember when a sword could just be a sword. Better days, they were.” Gray: "Better to stick with a reliable Glave, ah?" He says to Suori with a faint smile, nodding to the bladed musket rest. (To Doc): No worries; this insistent voice in your head is certainly foreign...and loud.... Suðri Skornbrekker: “Aye, I cannot complain about that trade. I do hope we can eventually shoot magic, though. ...by which I mean: fire bullets at magic, and kill the magic.” “Though we are at least doing well just shooting the magic-wielders, so far.” Gray dosn't touch the bronzy, magic sword that rest in the dirt beside the yellow prince. His attention turning to the man. "Ready to take us to the Witch Queen now? Perhaps she will have a medic with gentle hands that can stich you up." (To Roderick): WEAKNESS CANNOT BE TOLERATED! THE STRONG PREVAIL! Roderick: "My sword wants to kill you. Explain." Suðri Skornbrekker climbs on the wagon to keep an eye on him. (To Gray): You notice now, the hungry spirits scramble back and forth for the Yellow Prince's shadow. when he's in your grasp though, they back the hell off, fearfu lof you. But he seems to be a more lucrative target now... Yellow Prince tries to get comfortable in the seat, but looks like he just resigns to being in pain Yellow Prince: "Send your horses along the road here, not even you folk could miss it" "and I swear, if any of your men cause trouble here, know that they are woefully outnumbered" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Who is causing trouble here, huh?” Gray: "Aye." He says firmly ad he starts to lead the horses, frowning a touch, thoughtful as he watches the hungery shadows. He scatters them with a gesture. "Be gone" he commands things others can't see. Ken (GM): [anyone doing anything about the sword?] Joush M.: Gray will risk touching it to move it to the cart (To Gray): Holding the blade, you feel a malice in the air. Not against you, but a righteous thing. A hatred. A bane. The sword seeks out something. Theres a tangible feeling to it, and the feeling doubles, coming from your sword as well. They are 'brothers' you think. Of a kind. P.P. A.: I'm not sure if I ever used this throughout this entire campaign. I think I drew it once but didn't do anything with it. (his sword being Suthri's own sword) Ken (GM) Gray picks up the sword, and he seems to be in a bit of a reverie for a moment. Like he wants to hunt. nothing untoward happens, otherwise. He gives a long look to his own sword in kind Gray: "The blade has a Will. The same sort of malevolence as the Ogre blade.. though I imagine a weapon would have a dark and bloody sort of self. They.. hunger. They want to hunt. They Hate." He muses as he walks to the cart. Preidtory, prowling steps until he sets the sword down near the Yellow Prince and relaxes a touch. Taking the horse he starts to lead them down the path. Yellow Prince shifts uncomfortably in the seat beside Gray, the wagon jostling him, eliciting a wince at every bad bounce Yellow Prince: "She won't tolerate insolence. Don't gove 'er attitude and she won't need to reduce you to ashes. Hear me?" Doc: sounds like he's learned to respect women (To Gray): The spirits are nowhere to be seen, anywhere on the house. Every roof tile and every wall stone is clean of their presence Dorf Captain: 'Aye sir! We'll keep the savages at bay for you. MEN FORM UP" he barks and salutes Syviis: "There is an odd aura to this place; I cannot describe it. It is as if....it is not here? Or that the building is an illusion? There are too many things not-right about it." "Roderick, what is the word, for when magic makes a place....larger on the inside than out? Gray: "None of the hungry shadows linger here. A sign." He says.. though not if it is a good or bad one. Suðri Skornbrekker frowns at Syvii's words. “Such magic exists? Fie! Depriving good carpenters and masons of their honest work like that.” Suðri Skornbrekker: “If you want more space, you build a bigger building, or construct an annex.” Bomrek: "stupid magic bullshit, breaking the laws of the universe. " Roderick: (To GM) (To Roderick): Either way, the witch queen seems to have chops Roderick: "It would seem the title of Witch Queen is well-deserved." Suðri Skornbrekker follows to the house on foot, warily eyeing his surroundings. (To Roderick): Your sword is wallowing in Fear Roderick: "The Verdant King of the Fae. My blade is troubled." Suðri Skornbrekker: “...‘Enemies of the Verdant Kingdom’, you once said?” Gray: "Dangerous, to offer the Fair Folk tribute." He says thoughtfully as he looks to the shrine. "We should not keep the Queen waiting." Ken (GM) a cold wind begins to rush along from the South. That storm is drawing nearer Ken (GM): [heading in?] Suðri Skornbrekker follows, lifting his visor to be able to see what lies in wait for them. Ken (GM): Bomrek and Syviis follow suit. Each looking warily about Gray takes the heavy knocker in hand and raps lightly at the door. (To Gray): The smell of death is in this place. And nothing else. It smells like the void between worlds you fell into, back at the ansible of spirits... Ken (GM) inside, the room is dank and dark. Thin light crawls through the dusty and smoke stained windows. The floor boards are thick with dust but bare, all the furniture in the room mashed into a heap in the far corner. A table with rotting things in bowls and plates sits on the other corner, rats scurrying from view as the doer opens. Around the corner, a massive black iron cauldron bubbles, a frail looking crone-woman standing aside it, stirring with a paddle Gray: "This is not a place of the light." He comments as he steps into the shadowed space, looking around a moment as he steps inside and stands in the deep shadows.. frowning at the rot on the tables, then looking to the woman that stands at the cauldron. "You are the Witch Queen. You are.. not what I expected." The woman: "I am who I am, and you are who you are. Enter. Shut the door." Her voice like dry leaves, rasping in a cold wind Syviis tentatively walks in behind gray The woman: "You are all doomed to failure. Every one" Gray closes the door once the others are inside. "There will be many more flames when mine is gone." The woman: "Do not speak in riddles Beastman. I have seen the future. I speak truth. You will all die" Gray: "I'm mortal. Death was always my fate" Suðri Skornbrekker: “We have failed quite spectacularly in the past already, I had hoped that would be enough,” Suthri shrugs. The woman: "You have done a terrible thing, all of you. You have broken the veil between worlds, and allowed the Verdant kingdom a foothold in the land." She continues to stir the pot, green glowing waters bubbling and frothing, though no flame sits below the pot Gray: "The verdant kingdom? Before we'd been told we let in the empty and hungry darkness between worlds." Suðri Skornbrekker perks up, having learned to at least pay /some/ heed to crazy evil ramblers: “Is the Verdant Kingdom from beyond the rift too?” The woman: "The Darkness has always been here. It will come when IT desires the end of things. The Verdant kingdom had no purchase, save a few small trinkets of power and agents of their realm. Like Roderick's sword. And his patron" "He is not quite their agent, yet, but he has done work in their name" Roderick: "Against the Darkness," Roderick adds. The woman shrugs Suðri Skornbrekker: “So the Verdant Kingdom is the enemy of the Darkness, and by doing what we did, we opened up a gate for it into this our world?” Gray nods in agreement with Suori, waiting for the crone to explain. The woman: "Suðri You shattered the Veil with the Ansible. You drew in untold multitudes of power, pointed them nowhere, and cut a hole in reality. With that hole, the Verdant kingdom is unchecked now. Every creature from their realm can now pass between the two dimensions as if they were walking accross a room" "Youre people are not ready" Suðri Skornbrekker: “...hold on—these creatures that Grey keeps seeing, are they spawn of the Darkness, or do they come from the Verdant Kingdom?” He trails off as he rememebrs that stormy night a few weeks ago: “...and those terrible souls in that storm...” The woman: "You come to understand; all the things not of this world are of the others. They run roughshod over the populace. It will destroy you all" Gray: "They have chosen the wrong world to invade." Suðri Skornbrekker smiles at Grey's words, and nods confidently. The woman: "It is not an invasion, it is a flood. These creatures are not chosing to displace you, take your homes. They are no army. They are . You see what you want when you say they are interlopers. They simply have new territory. New lands to walk upon" "The veil might be repaired, but it is beyond your capabilities, fearsome as they are. The veil cannot be burned back into place by a wizards touch, or shot with an arrow, or gun" Suðri Skornbrekker looks down at his gun, disappointed. The woman: "But, I do not say, 'this cannot be done'. I only say 'you cannot do it yourselves, yet' " Suðri Skornbrekker: “‘Yet’? I thought you said we were doomed to fail,” the dwarf grumpily replies. Gray: "You want us to do something." He observes with a thoughtful frown. He doesn't know if he can trust the crone's words. The woman: "You will fail. You will each and every one of you die to claw and tooth and raw magic. Torn piece from fleshy piece until your spirits pass on to the next world without you. And then those spirits will be consumed by The Darkness." "Unless, you fight. " "If you ris eup, and go forth into the world. There, there is a way" The woman puts down her paddle, the strange green brew spinning away, misty bubbles popping in the dark, shimmering light from inside the well of fluid. She turns and steps to you , hand s outstretched The woman: "The Veil was broken by Man. Elves. Dwarf. Beastmen. Mortal hands working mortal tools, turned against the universe. The Veil is eternal; it cannot be destroyed forever, and can be healed again. The same mortal hands can work different tools, different ways, and push the Veil back toward whole. Back to being one. Healing" Gray nods, listening closely to the woman. The woman: "You will need fuel fo rthe fires you wish to build. Power for the engines you will drive and direct toward your goal. You will need the things wraught by the hands of Men and Elf and Dwarf and Beastmen. You will need batterie sof power so deep their wellsprings will rush up like the explosions of a star" "Gather these things, take them to the Weapon, and rebuild. Use the knowledge of the great ones before you; the engineers of the universe, the makers and unmakers of life itself. Bend reality back. Reshape it, and the Veil will return." Suðri Skornbrekker: “What things have beastmen hands ever wrought?” Suthri whispers to Bomrek if he's around. Roderick struggles to think of something as powerful as an exploding star. He doubts that "lots of gunpowder" would suffice. Bomrek: "The fuck should I know?" he says, stroking golden treasure in his pockets Gray: "Not easy things to find. Deep into the wasted and ruined south with the wealth of a nation and all manner of magic to power an undertakeing. But a question remains.. Can we trust you, Crone?" The woman: "What I speak is the truth. What you do is your choice. The future can be seen, but is not yet written until the deed is done" Suðri Skornbrekker: “So: collect all kinds of ancient bullshit artifacts, use them to try and repair the Ansible, and then either make everything even worse, or manage to heal the rift. ...sounds logical, as far as these matters go.” Gray: "You speak of Fae invaders, yet it's the cultist of the IT that seem to threaten most. There's a shrine to a fae lord outside your hut" Suðri Skornbrekker: “In the meantime, what of the Fae and other creatures? You describe them more like animals, like vermin—can they be hunted, and perhaps in some way eaten or processed?” P.P. A.: >Freshly-squeezed Fae Juice! Comes in different flavours, like Wrath, Passion, and Despair! The woman: "Beastman that is no shrine. The Scorned followed me from the wastes and in my teachings they erected that statue in testament the Fae. They leave me offerings that I do not require. The bodies of the Fae are like any other; if tangible they are meat and bone like any other. If you should eat them, they would provide nutrition" P.P. A.: >Bad vibes at home? A few sprayings of Eau de Fae, and those old dustry grudges will feel fresh and fae again! Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard and nods. Suðri Skornbrekker: “I shan't ask how you come to know all of this.” He turns to Roderick: “Oh, my apologies—we talked and talked, I almost forgot what we came here for.” He steps back, symbolically, so that Roderick can discuss the army idea. Gray considers a moment, the brute watching her, scenting the air and scowling a touch as a rat scurries in the corner. "You are unwholesome and dark. The sort of witch in dark tales." He observes.. then looks to Roderick. Roderick: "The refugees look to you for leadership. You say they leave you offerings that you do not require. What you require? Why do you lead them?" The woman: "I lead no one. I tell of the futures, possible and not, and speak to men of what they can see in them. Lessons learned and words spoken in idle passings. These people are of little consequence to the passage of the universe, despite their participation in the grand procession of happenings. They will be useful to you and your cause. To recover the relics of men, you will need those which have the most resonance within the faith-consciousness. The greater power drawn from collective emotion and ambient mana flow. You will need the devices built to overcome great turmoil, terrible wars, horrible lives overturned to fruition. You will need the Grey blade of the King of Greyhold" Ken (GM): DUN DUN DUN P.P. A.: wait, this isn't the title it's GrimWyrd Doc: wait I thought this chapter was "powderkeg" >Roderick struggles to think of something as powerful as an exploding star. He doubts that "lots of gunpowder" would suffice. Joush M.: "So you can see the future? I bet you didn't see THIS coming" Ken (GM): KEV! WHAT TIMING! You just missed the mad prophecies of a GM jumping the shark hardcore! P.P. A.: “But know this: the situation have created, the world as you have made it—it is a giant Powderkeg(TM)” Adolf S.: w-what Ken (GM): also: hits to the 11s are hilarious and inevitable :D Joush M.: The witch is like, RE 7 creepy Ken (GM): so, 4 XP each, and vaque retellings for Kev only please I'ma go do birthday things now with the fam Gray: We talked to the Yellow Prince/Aachen's dick ass brother. He wanted PROOF OF TOUGHNESS from Rod. So he was stabbed in the dick Doc: Have gun, thanks for the game Gray: Happy birthday! Thanks for the game man. Have fun Doc: >gun shifty_eyes_emoji.jpg Joush M.: Doc's idea of birthday celebration Doc: not even gonna deny it tbh Adolf S.: annnd back again keep having to jump afk for fucking every for innane bullshit >creepy witch sounds neat Joush M.: She told us we broke the world and need to fix it by stealing magical artifacts of great power. This sounds like something we wanted to do anyway. Also, she can't command people to join us, being a mega creepy norn P.P. A.: She have no idea how she knows all this shit and she may or may not be evil anc actually leading us down a path to tear open the border between the worlds even more, but this is our only lead, and we might as well just roll with it. Ken (GM): sweet MONKEY jesus P.P. A.: creepy witch Joush M.: He died for money sins money? Monkey. Damn Fiss: Monkey-Money Jesus Ken (GM): whoo! hey we're all here so far! YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS Fiss: TPK!?! Syviis shivers as her elf senses tingle...and by elf-sense, I mean magic sense. Joush M.: "So this storm is tainted by Fae power?" Gray ask in that primal voice as he walks to the small, dirty window of the dingy hut with it's table set with rotting food and cauldron bubbling with no flame. "Do you have proof of what you claim, Crone?" P.P. A.: >you will never make an elf shiver as you tingle her elf-sense Suðri Skornbrekker takes a look outside as the faint light of green lightning enters through the barred [IIRC] windows, and nods to Gray's questions. Syviis: Doc: Gray: ^ (To Syviis): Your storm magic senses are tingling. This is not just some thunderstorm. There is a living breathing presence in it that drives it North, toward you all Gray: "Aye.." He considers a moment before speaking to the others. "I don't trust her. But she may be speaking the truth.. should we take her at her word and head north, for the blade, or should we ask her to prove herself? To give us some perdiction or vison of the future that might help the people here before we go to collect these items of great power she would have us find?" Syviis: "She speaks the truth so much as the storm is not natural...It seethes with power, but not of wind and cloud." The woman: "You want proof? Ask Roderick of his sword. How the Fae influence taunts him left and right. It cries out for blood. It screams in his mind for the clash of flesh and metal. Their influence will destroy you, even in their simplest implements" Gray looks to Roderick and waits for his words, the brute's expression sympthetic. He may not trust the woman, but he does worry for the man. "Perhaps then we shall take the Witch Queen's word.. though I will not put trust in her." The woman: "Trust me or dont; the truth is laid out for you to see now. What you choose to do with it is th eimportance" Gray: "Do you wish to continue our attempt to gather an army or should we move north with all haste? Infiltration by cultist may matter little if the Fae sweeps across the land like a emerald tide" Suðri Skornbrekker strokes his beard. “...if we want to restore order to the kingdom, we would have to recover the Blade anyway, would we not?” He looks over to Roderick: “No offense, but your sword... You did mention before how it was talking to you and thirsting for blood. So far, our enemies needed killing indeed, but I do worry if it might one day turn on us.” Bomrek: (Someone implied there was horsemeat here) Roderick: "I tried to rid myself of it in Gorgoth, but to no avail. Unless the crone has another idea, it looks like it's staying with me." Gray: "I'll ask Memory when we are away from here, but she knows of the old kingdom and creatures of sprirt and shadow, not the Fae." He says to Roderick gently, frowning. The woman: "You truly wish to break their influence upon you, son of man? It is a simple task, but the Fae have a long and angry memory. They will not take this slight lightly" Roderick: "So my options are to personally offend one of the forces destroying this world, or to join them in defeating the other?" (To Syviis): Also, while there is a general fuzz of magic, the crone is not pinging. At all. Bomrek lazily brings a gold coin from his pocket up into his mouth, and lightly, slowly, chews on it. "Personally offend? There was a saying back home 'Those who play with magic need not buy tombs.'." he shifts the gold coin to the other side of his mouth, and continues his light, gentle chewing. "I'd rather come back to my holme be entombed, not burnt to a ash or sucked away to rot in some mad 'god's void. Take that into some consideration." Gray: "I'll try to see you returned home if you fall, Bomrek. I can make no promises though. We are all steeped in magic fit to drown us and the tide rises higher still." Gray nods to Bomrek then looks to the others. "We have a choice to make. Make haste north for the blade, or stay and try to continue our plan to collect an army. I would think we should ride north. This storm is an ill omen." Syviis: "We seem to have no shortage of ill omens." Ken (GM) KRAKOOM and you hear the showering of water rolling over the camp around you, bouncing off the roof, pounding at the windows Suðri Skornbrekker: “We could collect an army, and then march north with it. ...and hope we are not immediately branded traitorous rebel, likely though this seems.” Bomrek: ("Frau Blücher!") Gray: "Some will call us rebels the moment we raise an army. It's a provocative act" Roderick: "We'll not march far in this storm, with or without an army." Bomrek: "A big army is a big target, especially untrained. If the King has an- Bomrek moves the gold coin around in his mouth, in thought. "Of course, an army being here at all might cause some confusion, maybe panic in the North. It may make any task of ours easier." Gray: "There's many possbilites. We need a choice now.. shall we vote on this?" (To Syviis): The windows look out through smoke stained glass onto the refugee camp drowned in a downpour. Above, twisting black clouds billow and ful on themselves, the rain being squeezed out like blood from a corpse. Green lightning crawls slowly and sinuously like snakes through underbrush, coming down through the clouds and climbing back up, like living serpents of lime colored power. Your magic vision reveals the storm itself is alive, the pulse of magic grown like a massive amoeba. A living, swirling elemental of the storm. The lightning pierces it like chains, dragging it North Bomrek: "Going it alone sounds safer." he perks up a bit, and says "Besides, Army's want pay eventually. Better to split loot 5 ways, than 5,000" Syviis: "The storm has a life of it's own, it seems...I haven't witnessed anything like it before." Suðri Skornbrekker: “'tis hard to make a decision, for we know not what awaits us, and how we might actually get the Blade or anything else. If it is in the hand of villains, an army would be good, but if it is not, said army would be a burden, and a risk.” Gray walks to the window and stands beside Syviis, gazing out at the storm with a frown. Syviis: "I see only the power of it moving through the clouds...like the elementals we've faced before but far larger. I'm not certain it is the kind of thing that has a heart or not...but it IS alive." (To Gray): The windows look out through smoke stained glass onto the refugee camp drowned in a downpour. Above, twisting black clouds billow and ful on themselves, the rain being squeezed out like blood from a corpse. Green lightning crawls slowly and sinuously like snakes through underbrush, coming down through the clouds and climbing back up, like living serpents of lime colored power. Your spirit vision reveals as well, a storm of spirits like a murder of crows. Unaffected by the wind or rain, they swirl over you, as if the cottage stands in the eye of a tornado Bomrek: " (Bomrek's idea being if they're hungry for magical energy, maybe a big group of undesirables will sate the being) Gray: "Dark speculations.. dark thoughts. And a damn dark storm. Shadows and spirits amid the storm." He says with a thoughtful frown. "If Suori and Slyviss abstain and I say to move now with no army.. It's down to you and Bomrek, Roderick. If you two are uniamous we will have our choice made" Bomrek: (someone remind me of the facts here. We raised an army sort of kind of to go after that one big asshole in the north, right? Bomrek'll think the Army's a bad idea, and prefers us as a small, agile strike team more than anything.) Doc: (haven't raised the army yet) Gray: ((Army plan was based on the idea we had plenty of time to put them together and sort out a possble civil war brewing up north after the king's death)) ((Gray thinks the collection of these magic items is better done quickly with them)) Bomrek: Mmm. Bomrek turns toward Rod. After a moment, he says "What are you thinking?" Doc: (do we even know where the magic things are?) Gray: ((One of them is the sword of the king. Should be up north in Grayhold)) Doc: (if not, we're just going to stumble around hoping to attract attention and that'd probably be better with an army) Joush M.: We know where the first one on the list is, at least Roderick: "We may be able to ride North as the army assembles here, leaving the soldiers who just joined us to train them." Bomrek: Bomrek'll think that one's best obtained via a small group, and'll vote to go without the army, presuming that we can come back and get it later if needed. Gray nods. "It won't be easy to rally the men here.. we could.." He hestates, then nods to the others. "The wealth we collected might go a long way to letting them train and recrute here. But it means leaveing it in the hands of the guards." The woman: "The leaders here bow to me; Your meeting here will be interpreted as a boon and blessing, and they will follow your banner. Instruct them to fight, and they will prepare for war. They are no soldiers, but they will fight" Gray growls thoughtfully. Bomrek: (aannnd back.) Bomrek 's eyebrows raise a bit at the mention of wealth, and a bit more at the implication that we give it to these people, but otherwise maintains a rather normal, standard posture and expression. Bomrek: (he's pretty happy he sent all his loot back home with an associate of his Cousin's. What foresight) Ken (GM): [yeah, who would fund a rebel army with it then?:p] Suðri Skornbrekker: “The best would be if some of us could stay behind to train the army, while others would scout ahead—but I would not feel comfortable with any of us absent. What about the remnants of Aachen's elf-cult? Could we send them as spies to the capital somehow?” Bomrek: Bomrek plans to fund a rebel army composed of expensive alcohols and meats back home, in a few years. and then to route the army using his mouth Gray: "I don't know if they would be willing to work with us. I wish we had someone we could trust here to rase and train the people, but it would be best not to divide our efforts. The sword waits in Grayhold" Ken (GM) A warbling SCREEEE tears overhead; the cry of some massive bird. A shadow passes over the house, cutting through the dark of the storm. A heavy thud and the creaking of timbers cries out nearby, and the sound of a man screaming in pain "Please! No more! I know nothing! NOTHING!" Gray: "Duity calls." He says, bowing his head to the crone respectfully then heading out the door to try and follow that sound to it's source. Ken (GM) Gray pushes open the door and icy cold rain slashes into the room like a knife; the lights dim and the room seems to cool moreso than temperature; you turn your heads to see the Crone and her cauldron are gone! Bomrek: (sounds like a bird is water boarding a man, uh oh) (I'm sure the bird has his reasons though, who are we to judge?) Ken (GM) outside, Gray finds the source easily; through the sheets of dark rain, a terribly large bird of fearsome make perches on a rooftop accross the street. It's bloody beak and ink-black feathers are streaked with running blood. And grisly bits of some man... (To Syviis): The shroud of interdimensional extras is missing now. Seems the crone vanished alongside all her magic workings Syviis: "Well, this is interesting...." Gray walks into the rain, lifting his head to look up to the elf there and reaching back to touch the weapon at his back. "Who are you?" P.P. A.: How far away are our soldiers and is the bird between us and them? Ken (GM) your men are up the street, you can see them huddled behind the wagon in the rain. The yellow prince is atop the wagon still. he seems a bit wide eyed and fearful Doc: (also how far away is Bavieca) Ken (GM): "Where is the Lord Marshall!? Where is Dardun! Speak half-breed!" and the elf atop the Roc thrusts his staff, a black bolt of something striking a man unseen in the street below, a grunt of living pain [bavieca is beside the wagon, brown horse P.P. A.: so is the man closer to is than we are to the soldiers? *elf Ken (GM): ffs [changing map focus] derp P.P. A.: oh, I see Ken (GM): good lord how long were you guys just running on my descriptions? Gray: "The Lord Marshall is dead." He says in that primal voice, pulling the heavy barbed spear from his back, a length of rope coiled and hanging down. "Who are you?" Syviis: moar totem-elemental-half-elf- jazz? (To Syviis): The bird is flesh and blood. His staff is very magicy tho. Like....oh shit...thats the HIGH ELDERS STAFF Suðri Skornbrekker positions himself a few steps away from Bomrek, and takes aim at the elf himself (To Syviis): THAT is not the high druid Roderick grasps his longsword with both hands Ken (GM): "Who in the name of the DARKNESS are you all?!" the elf yells into the wind. His bird SCREEs Syviis: "That Staff... explain how you got it. Quickly." Ken (GM): The elf raises a brow, his long blonde eyebrow pointing up in surprise, his face making a sneer "A gift from the Great Dark Lord his'self. Dardun grants boons to his followers" [capital D darkness, yeah] Syviis: At this point, Syviss wouldn't have even waited for the man to finish before firing. But I'll let you figure out if that's initiative or not. Joush M.: Evil guys get all the coolest mounts Ken (GM): suprise round from syviis! Syviis: [it's true...] Bomrek: How's my aim lookin', considerinn' Gray's giant dome? Ken (GM): Rain and darkness are a -2 and -3 from the storm right now @bomrek; theres height, so youve got a clear shot but syviis! Syviis: -4 for distance, and you said -3 for the storm? P.P. A.: Would darkness affect the night-vision people? Bomrek: How long've we been aimin' for. Ken (GM): night vision is a the tool with which you defeat the darkness! Bomrek: That reminds me, is he bare-chested, or does he have armor? P.P. A.: but not the Darkness D: Bomrek: That also reminds me, maybe I should shoot the bird. P.P. A.: it's a start, though! maybe we should lkeave the bird to the soldiers since it's big and easier to hit Joush M.: Don't shoot my bird! Bomrek: what are our soldiers armed with.. Ooh, some muskets. That might work. Ken (GM): Fiss: -4 distance, -3 wind/rain, -2 darkness! Bomrek: ("Looks like Poultry is back on the menu boys") Joush M.: I want to keep it and feed it bits of the things we kill. We will be friends P.P. A.: if it lays eggs we can use those to feed our refugee army Bomrek: We'll just feed the dead refugees to our refugee army. No need for an expensive bird. Syviis: Alright. Going for general hitting, 2 points shock, all out to get the extra attack. Dice target is 14 or better depending on how much aiming she got. P.P. A.: We feed the dead refugees to the bird, and then the eggs to the refugees since they might object to your plan Syviis slips an arrow past Gray and into the sky with a shock of her own lightning. Bomrek: Pssh, you can hardly tell the difference between beastman meat and goat. Ken (GM) a crack of white lightning and righteous thunder screams out from Syviis! Bomrek: Just tell'm our chef's from Turkey Ken (GM): Doc: oh wait fuck I didn't realize that was walls and a door it is walls and a door, right? " Ken (GM): FISS: DAMAGE EVERYONE: INITIATIVE Syviis: Lightin and arrow'ed respoectively 8.5 Syviis: Gray: Syviis is seething with electricity as a cold, calm rage comes over her P.P. A.: fug forgot combat reflexes AGAIN so 9.5 Bomrek: Was mostly afk there. Lets see, initiative, Roderick: Doc: (also pls respond, is that a wall between Rod and the bad guy?) Bomrek: How much is hte bonus from combat reflexes tehse days +1? If so, 10.5 Ken (GM): right! Bomrek: ayy (To Bomrek): not yer turn yet@! Bomrek: yee Syviis: [BIRD BIRD BIRD, BIRD IS THE WORD...] Ken (GM) the red-haired and shadow-clad elf women scramble up the street, nearly on all fours; two leap up to the top of the 6 foot stone wall at the far end of the garden! Ken (GM): Syviis! top of the initative count! [droppin surprise hits and topping the round too, so fast! so angry! so ELF] Syviis: Gotta go with a double shot at the Bird-Man. Ken (GM): first attack! Syviis: Same target to hit. Success unless he be slippery P.P. A.: ken pls respond to doc Syviis: [ahh yes, is dat a wall?] Ken (GM): is that a wall between Rod and the bad guy? YUS rod is in the house by the door right now Bomrek: (All elves should be killed) Ken (GM): BUT windows! [blue line in wall ] Syviis: [windows has crashed. insert bird.] Ken (GM): THE ELF DIDS A DODGER Syviis: #2 then! Ken (GM): FISS second arrow? Syviis: P.P. A.: Syviis is a fucking machine gun Ken (GM): NOICE [she is spending all the FP to do it too] Syviis: Yes. Ken (GM): HE DUDS NOT DORGE damorge! Syviis: down 6 pts now Arrow: Lightnin Ken (GM) the swirling blackness smokes and sputters in the rain! (To Doc): youre up Ken (GM): doc? Bomrek: dedded Ken (GM) shadow furies at the gate and lightning flying from Syviis! Ken (GM): youre kickin move 2 in full gear, yeah? Doc: yep Ken (GM): gotcha MOVING ON Bomrek Bomrek: small kitchen emergen- shit Okay uh I shoot at bird, what's the penalties Ken (GM): is it fire? GO PUT IT OUT Bomrek: na emergency as in "these people don't know how to do a basic thing and they'll need me for 5 mins" I can spare another 30 - 60 seconds e.z. Ken (GM): DA BOID is SM+4, distance -4, rain -3 Bomrek: Nice Ken (GM): youve got 1 round aim Bomrek: I have +4 for aiming, +1 all out attack,a nd +1 I'm preeettty sure from weapon bond. Ken (GM): kk Bomrek: oh, one round? I think that give shte full acc so i'm fine Joush M.: Finding out that nobody else knows how to make something sucks Bomrek: So.. +3 to hit Thassa' hit does birb dodge? Ken (GM): wait Ken (GM) the bird didnt realize the shot was coming Bomrek: pi++ damage alright gotta split be back in a few. Ken (GM): :o Bomrek: prolly before my next turn. if not: Bomrek takes aim at these elf THOT's Ken (GM) the bird takes a WHUMP in the chest for ~24 damage. and rolls HT versus a major wound Ken (GM): oh look, a major wound, so knockdown/stun OH LOOK Ken (GM) the Roc takes the shot dead center and tumbles back from the blow, throwing his rider! Ken (GM): Ken (GM) the elf leaps from the saddle, and remains perched on the rain slick roof, shrouded in a black bubble of shadowy hate Ken (GM): Gray! Gray snarls ferally and steps forward, calling on the blessing and hurling that barbed spear at the leader. "Stay back, furies!" he commands the elves Gray: :o Ken (GM) gray goes super saiyan... Gray: Joush M.: Humm, misses? -3 range, -2 storm? Ken (GM): sorry, what was his target? Joush M.: Elf Guy on roof Ken (GM): -4 distance, -3 rain/wind, no darkness penalty due to night vision Gray growls as the harpoon buries itself in the roof, pulled taunt as a wired as he pulls back on the rope and glares at the man.. then releases. Missing leaves him growling, but the massive spear buried in the roof for now. Bomrek: Well. Sounds to me like Gray can climb his way up to'm. Hope he did well in Gym Ken (GM): Sudri! Suðri Skornbrekker tires at the Elf! Ken (GM): BOOM P.P. A.: so the modifiers are... +2 from Acc, +? for aiming (how long did we aim?) -4 for distance, -3 for rain/wind? Ken (GM): a single round aim, so just the +2 from your weapon acc P.P. A.: ah, ok and +1 from bracing, right Ken (GM): right, so net -4! P.P. A.: Hmm, 13... All-Out Attack would almost guarantee the hit but there's the furies... eh, all-out attack it is He's REALLY concentrated, dorf-autism! Suðri Skornbrekker pulls the trigger! (All-Out Attack) 15 Bomrek: annnd back again. Lets see. P.P. A.: ah fuck Bomrek: ayy, his all out attack was wise P.P. A.: made a mistake 14 not 15 since all-out aim only gives +1 so it's 15v14 Ken (GM): dafuk? Joush M.: Ranged all out SSUUCCKS P.P. A.: I thought Determined aiming gave +2 but looked it up and it's only +1 Ken (GM): Syviis: Ken (GM): Use your luck? P.P. A.: I guess. Might be good to have aghainst the harpies, but a hit would wear down his damage sponge a lot Suðri Skornbrekker is a lucky dwarf! 14 Rolling 3d6 = 16v14 Rolling 3d6 = 8v14 Ken (GM): right, so out of your three rolls, 15 14 12, I'd suggest taking the 12 :P BUT THATS A HIT P.P. A.: (oh right, I think I haven't sent you an updated version—though the only thing I changed was buying 1 point in DX, which I announced prior to the session where that first applied) Ken (GM): and that is NOT a dodge, as he is off-balance from the roc fall! so, damage! 4 P.P. A.: er forgot the 6 in 4d6 26 Bomrek: welp P.P. A.: that's more l— Ken (GM): OO Bomrek: what damage type is it? pi+? pi++? Doc: wew P.P. A.: pi++ Ken (GM) the shot lands dead center and SHATTERS the shield of black. Punching through, you see a gout of blood in his chest blossom into the heavy rain Ken (GM): he dies Suðri Skornbrekker turns to the soldiers and shouts, as soon as the shot rings out: “Men! Watch out for the bird and elves!” Ken (GM): THE FURIES THEY COME REEEEEEEE Syviis: damn furries.... Ken (GM) the elves slam into the black iron gate, wrenching at it, furious, tearing with shadowblades, sparks flying and screaming P.P. A.: ooh, I forgot all about the gate handy Ken (GM) it falls to the ground with a clank P.P. A.: not so handy Ken (GM) two furies fly at grey Ken (GM): gray! the first, she flies at with you with a shadow-knife plunging for your chest! wat do? Gray: Doc: (did my initiative disappear) Gray sidesteps, manageing to avoid getting stabbed by the first blade.. (or not, if there's a penalty for bad footing/weather) Ken (GM): @doc: nope, youre still 10.5, right after syviis Bomrek: :OOO That's me! Bomrek! Ken (GM): The second fury stabs at gray with a long haft of shadowstuff! Gray: Gray gets hit this time, failing to stay ahead of those blades of oily shadow Ken (GM): shankd! damn! 10 IMP 6DR vs in the torso, ya? Joush M.: Yep Ken (GM): k, so 8 wounding Joush M.: Ouch. Goddamn elves P.P. A.: poor Grey continues to take all the damage Ken (GM) The yellow prince rmains in the wagon, dumbfounded form the whole ordeal so far P.P. A.: he better not tentacle on us Ken (GM) the ROC staggers up, and SCREEEEEE Ken (GM): Syviis! Syviis: Going to try and help out Gray by relieving some of the heat on him. 1FP shots to conserve power, but going for vitals. 2 shots. One target each. First target (closer one) I will hit vitals if it doesn't dodge Ken (GM): THATS a dodge Syviis frowns and fires at the next one Syviis: Ken (GM): GASP not! a dodge Syviis: VITALS: PLUS...HT to avoid Stunned. Ken (GM): SIZZLE shriek, and she goes down in one [that one, right?] Syviis nods purposely as an arrow pierces the heartmeats of one of the attackers Syviis: (and yes) (To Gray): As the elf goes down, you see a dark spirit pry free of her corpse, and begin gorging on her shadows. It's a gortesque bloated thing, all spines and bristling talons. Catlike Ken (GM): [1/3 and youre at penalties] Roderick! Syviis: 10-4 Bomrek: And here we dwarves are, still fresh and unstrained. Doc: if only I had some sort of method of attacking multiple foes clustered together at once Bomrek: Goes to show'ya. Ken (GM): :o Bomrek: Call in an airstrike. Roderick rushes in for a clear shot Ken (GM): straight west with the line? Roderick: Doc: focused on that one 2 yards away so no range penalty Ken (GM): its an area attack, there is no range penalty we're just determining scatter, of at all BUT thats a go, DAMORGE Roderick: Ken (GM): WOOF Joush M.: at least with the rain he won't burn the slum down Doc: hopefully P.P. A.: Doc: range is 10 and max width is 5 Ken (GM) the gout of flame flows over the furies, and two of them are blasted full on. steam rises from the roadway mud P.P. A.: on second thought, Night of Fire would have been more appropriate Ken (GM) above, the thunder rolls out, and lightning curls in response to the magic below... slithering tentacles of lime green light snake down from the sky... Ken (GM): Bomrek! Bomrek: Hmm.. That bird up there, you said he recovered from his stun? Might be wise to get rid of that problem. Ken (GM): and it looks PISSED Bomrek: Yeah, pretty wise I'd say. Joush M.: Damn it. I wanted that bird Bomrek: I aim at the bird. There's still a chance, Joush. follow your dreams Ken (GM): Gray! Bomrek: yee Gray: Gray draws his sword left handed, growling at the pain but ignoreing it as the shadowy spear leaves his side... but something he saw gave him pause. "Spirit, begone!" Gray: Ken (GM) the blade flashes with the green fire, and ghostly visage sof horned heads, ten feet tall, burst forth in all directions from the blade! Ken (GM): [Gray finds he has a +4 to the roll, and the power bursts from him in all directions!] Ken (GM) the furies recoil in fear, their berserker rage given pause. They hiss and recoil, skin sizzling in the green flamed light (To Gray): YOU HAVE AWOKEN A TRUE POWER; THE OGRE MAGI COME TO YOUR CALL, WORTHY ONE The voice echoe sin your mind, from the depths of your sword's power Suðri Skornbrekker drops his musket and readies his Bardiche as a free action, P.P. A.: is there a fence here? Gray seems shocked by the reaction, the beast growling as the ghost flames surround him and light the rain slick darkness of the storm. P.P. A.: Hm, I see Ken (GM): [ppa; 8ish foot wall of fieldstone, broken gate, green gap is the doorway] charge and cleave? P.P. A.: seems unwise, he'd be surrounded on three sides Doc: Gray and Rod are a pretty solid wall tbh reminder that Rod is in DR 9 heavy plate Suðri Skornbrekker steps up to form a line with Grey and Roderick. Ken (GM): clank clank P.P. A.: can't both Evaluate and Move, right? Doc: dang this is actually badass Gray stands badass with other badasses. P.P. A.: and with that I end my turn Ken (GM): kk Ken (GM) the furies, seeing a wall of angry magic metal, and their leader dead, and so much MAGIC burning them, recoil and flee P.P. A.: That's g— wait, what's that orc thing over there Ken (GM) the roc bellows a cry and slaps its wings out in a threat of violence, it's antlers bristling with viscera from past victims Bomrek: Ulm! When's the last time we saw ulm, aprox a hundred years ago? Ken (GM) the green lightning crawls down out of the sky, alighting you all in it's sizzling glow. It snakes down to the house, crawling like a flash out of time, like a living thing Ken (GM): [Ulm stayed behind to rally the south against the dragons, way back when, before you even got to glardenfen the first time] Joush M.: And he was SUPER CREEPY, even then Gray lowers the blade as the furies flee, watching a moment, wary, then looking to Ulm with a wince. "Time has not been kind to you" P.P. A.: To Doc: Ulm was one of our first party members. He's a hueg ugly shaman. In an encounter with some sub-humans, he summed a blood-demon, which grotesquely sucked dry on e of our enemies. (To Fiss): Your magic senses are tingling; there is a living snake of lightning making for you guys! P.P. A.: As it happened, Ulm's player had to leave the campaign between that session and the next due to scheduling issues so we super-elegantly got rid of his character by him just leaving us due to bullying at the start of the next session Syviis: "Look out!" Syviis aims at the snaking lightning coming down and fires Joush M.: Syviis.. "FUCK YOU, SKY" Ken (GM) the lime-light thing twists toward the blast from syviis, but recoils from the blow. Her spark of white light shatter's it's nose, like a dog struck on the snout. It screams, and whirls back up to the clouds Ken (GM): [divine powers ftw] Syviis drops to a knee, winded, but readies herself if needed by clutching her necklace and pulling it into her hand Syviis: [FUCK U LIGHTNING-PUPPER!] Suðri Skornbrekker: “What the [one Dwarven underworld, which is some kind of floating jungle] was that?!” (To Syviis): The things you see are backing off. the elemental is not gonna eat you...immediately Syviis: "Tired...but well enough... I think our foes are starting to dread the power we have. I hope that means they'll choose peace...but I doubt it. Ken (GM) "FIRE!" and the air is alighted with the sound of a musket line firing in unison; the Roc is peppered with heavy shot from your men, and tumbles into the refugee camp, broken and dying Ken (GM): "Ha-HA! that got it!" Screams your dwarf captain Suðri Skornbrekker: “Good shot, comrades!” Suðri lets out a roaring cheer. Gray almost told the men to hold fire, then sighs as it falls into the camp with that massive thud. The beast nodding in the direction of the dwarves. "They fear us. At least that is something.. the furies.. I don't know if I drove the darkness out of them or not. I will need to speak to Memory" Bomrek: "There'll be bird on the menu tonight!" Bomrek cheers, lifting his gun up in the air (keep having to go afk, goddamn that's frustrating) Suðri Skornbrekker turns to Grey: “What was that thing you d— first of all, how badly are you injured? I saw that blade sink into your armour.” Gray: "Lung's punctured a litte. I'll spit blood for an hour or so." He coughs and demonstraits, spitting a mouthful of blood on the ground, then nods to Suori. "I'll endure... I drove the sprirts from them, but the ghost of the blade, it's power.. it woke when I did. Told me something." Ken (GM) the rain doesnt touch the blade... Bomrek: (Anyone else notice that the horse pulling the cart is fat as hell? Is that normal for horses?) (What are they feeding it, funnel cake?) Gray: "It called me Worthy One. It said an Ogre Magi would come to my call" Suðri Skornbrekker steps outside of the gate to look left and right if there are any Furies sitll in sight Suðri Skornbrekker: “...that Ogre?” He points at the dying one down the street. ulm: "uuuuuu Suðri Skornbrekker takes a closer look. “...isn't that...” Gray: "You could etch Vertis into the barrel. It's the only weapon around here I trust not to lie" Gray goes to Ulm, the beast walking with Suori Bomrek: "If I ever tell you my musket starts talking to me, buy me a wagon ride back home, because I've clearly gone crazy Suthri" Bomrek says, reloading his musket. Suðri Skornbrekker runs over: “Blood shaman guy, is that you?” ulm: "my guts...are on my outside" "this is a poor omen" P.P. A.: XD Doc: Is he "similar" enough to a human that Rod could try to heal him? Ken (GM): yus Roderick sheathes his sword and steps up. "I can try. It's magic, so the worst that will happen is that I exhaust myself." Doc: (just a basic IQ roll then?) Gray helps by putting things more or less where they belong and holding insides inside as Roderick works to heal Ken (GM): [as per the usual] Roderick places his hands on the wounded... "man" and focuses his magic Roderick: Ken (GM): GASP Doc: 1/3 FP is where penalties start, right? Bomrek: I believe so, yeah Ken (GM): There is a SLUUUURP noise as the wound seems to blaze with an inner light and twist itself back together, like a firelog burning in reverse. The ropes of guts slide back into place and Rod expunges his pool of FP Doc: gonna go with 6 FP then, dude looks pretty fucked up so that's 12 HP healed if I'm reading it right Ken (GM): yus, and next time, you call that before you roll, due to rolling creating consequences BUT good job, he lives! ulm: "Oh! I am not dead!" and he sits up, bloody and bewildered. Ugly as ever, covered in fresh and old scars 'I will need to rewrite the path of the stars on my flesh, but I am well again!" "HOLY SHIT IS THAT THE OGRE BLADE?! Suðri Skornbrekker blinks, quite amazed at how well that worked—though he recalls Falkirk healing Syviis's gaping wound now. ulm: "WHERE IN HELLS DID YOU GET THAT?!" "Oh my god! " Suðri Skornbrekker: “...how have you been?” Gray: "You endure, thanks to Lord Roderick" He reaches out to help Roderick back to his feet while he nods. "Your powers are impressive.." Before he returns his attention to the ogre. "Taken in battle at the keep at Gandafel" ulm: "Glardenfen?" (From Syviis): yep! ulm: "By the dark star of fortune and fate: Gorgoth truly had all the relics of their dark past pointed upon us" "That blade" he half sits, makes hand gestures of warding, looks worries" It's power has twisted the fates of all who weild it. It was said to be trappe din the dark heart of a demon prince, thrust there by the horned king himself before he threw his forces against us two hundred years ago!" Gray: "The witch-queen Norn would say it's by design. These things will be needed" Roderick: ulm The unseen camera pans up, and the credits roll, as this week of Grimwyrd is over Doc: man that just makes it sound like a laughtrack [audience laughs, theme song starts playing] Rod: boy I wish he'd stop shouting ulm: you trying to earn roleplaying xp, right? P.P. A.: Ulm: “The blade's name has been corrupted over time, but its original name was... the ‘Grimwield!’” Doc: we sure do get up to some zany but wholesome adventures here Fiss: dun dun duuuun Joush M.: Next Week on Grimwyld: A montoage of shots, includeing for some reason Roderick takeing a shower ulm: [lenny face] Bomrek: hah Ken (GM): oh god, the hotsprings harem episode? already? P.P. A.: nah, next week is due for a flashbakc episode Joush M.: Always Fiss: so long as no male elves get mixed up in the men's hotspring. They have the smaller penises P.P. A.: where there's like 5 minutes of new footage and the rest is clips from past sessions as we retell our story for Ulm 4 xp again? Joush M.: Goddamn clips show Adolf S.: Bomrek: "Gray I.." Gray: "No, do not say it. Don't let words spoil this moment. Now, here in this place, I can finally let my feelings out, Bomrek, I.." Bomrek: "I need some money to buy more alcohol, I'm not letting these filthy bastards have gold in payment" Ken (GM): he was a guest star played by Doug jones for like, 3 episodes Doc: budget ran out so we get to reuse footage Ken (GM): for that authentic "on a very special grimwyrd" Doc: is this the one where we learn the value of friendship or the one where they tell us not to do drugs P.P. A.: He's a shaman who reads the entrails of things and probably smokes whatever so probably drugs Ken (GM): "dipping into dark powers for a quick fix is no joke guys. Say no to warlock pacts" Doc: remember kids, if you do drugs your entrails will be ripped out by a giant bird ridden by an evil elf Joush M.: Ulm loves drugs Ken (GM): FOUR ECKS PEE Adolf S.: :OOOOOOOOOO Fiss: EXTRA THICCCC P.P. A.: 33 saved up now maybe I should remove my negative speed thing Joush M.: I wonder what the hell I did to those furies Ken (GM): maaaayabe you should spend some damned xp @joush; probably showed them the true sight of their wicked evil and the price they will pay when the demon power consumes them flesh and spirit alike? or i dunno ogre dicks or something Joush M.: They are probely out just getting high on more evil sprirts now to recharge Doc: 21 points, I should probably spend some Ken (GM): I vote for fire based-penis missiles with homing and accessibility "only vs da wimmins" Doc: already got that P.P. A.: I should spend some points to get a magic weapon too a talking gun it screams really loud whenever it shoots Doc: you already have one of those P.P. A.: amazing, isn't it Ken (GM): oh lawd is dat sum peeps Fiss: oh lawd is dat some peeps as well? How's it hangin? Ken (GM): IT FELL OFF WHATDOIDOWHATDOIDO?!?! Fiss: NOOOOOOO Tell your wife not to grind you so hard! Or harder, depending if that's what you're into Ken (GM): Fiss: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) P.P. A.: finefine Fiss: (☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞ So I got to call the insurance dudes today. Horay for parking lot fender-benders! Wonder how much it will cost Joush M.: Good morning people. It's hanging pretty well. Fiss: Good to hear mang Joush M.: Parking lot problems. I always assume it's going to run $1000 or so. I think the insurence just makes you pay it on an installment plan instead of upfront Fiss: Luckily this one wasn't my fault, but we'll see if I have to shell out the deductible or not. Wish I was recording when the other driver admitted he wasn't paying attention But it's pretty obvious. Unless you can drive a Kia Optima sideways...which I bet Richard Hammond could...but I have yet to achieve. Ken (GM): hammon can do it, but only do that once then he explodes into flames because he is a cock Fiss: Nah, he's crashed like...3 times now. lol. One more and he gets a free toaster. Adolf S.: Aloha. I'll only be able to stay for a short period of time. I've been tasked with watching the pool guy install a new board into our system for some reason as if he's going to try to steal the decorative rocks, or some of the pool water. So, whenever that kicks' off. Ken (GM): woo Fiss: Gotta watch out for those tricksey board-hobbits...stealing your chlorinated water.... Ken (GM): make him a sammitch, get him a beer, then start recording the weird porno this precludes where the fuck is doc? P.P. A.: should I send him a phone message Ken (GM): send him a DICK KICK but yeah, poke him for us? Fiss: DICK KICK PICK er...PIC P.P. A.: well then, let's see if he shows up Ken (GM): OTHERWISE Syviis explains how the staff being held by the elf was once in possession of her elder...the one who assigned her to the group, really. Syviis: Speaking of which is the staff recoverable Suðri Skornbrekker: “The one we met at the fort?” Joush M.: "Looks like these elf boys learned what happens when they go rideing up on us. Pop pop pop, whatch them motherfucks drop. Suori got them mad fucking skills with with that gat and we all know what happens when my boy Roderick got to lay hands on a fool. You feel me?" (To Gray): He has pockets full of...raw flesh. and a little bag full of dirt. Black loamy stuff, smells like a grave Syviis: ...Oh? Has it been modified or is that legitimately the pimp cane that my elder had? Bomrek: Your elder sounds like he was way more metal than I had assumed Ken (GM): Thats the elders staff :) (To Syviis): Elven magical tradition is steeped in trappings for appropriate practices of magic. The Ebon Staff is a revered artifact of the cusp of the spirit realm. Death and life. Etc. Bomrek: The-Only-Good-Elf, RIP Dio-kun Memory draws out of gray, perching upon his shoulder, the raindrops passing through her, sending inky jets of black spilling like a small cloud under her Memory: "The flesh is elven" she cocks her head" and killed recently. The earth cut from a resting place of grave importance. The power drawn from it would power any ritual where the spirits of the dead are concerned Syviis looks up into the stormclouds above. "Foul indeed." Bomrek: "Some Elvish magical brew concoction I assume" he turns his head a few degrees, looking away from the flesh with a bit of irritation and disgust. ulm: "Hah, you are all still so squeamish" the mishapen half-ogre stretches, testing his new pink skin where rod healed him Suðri Skornbrekker: “Less than when we last met, alas. We have seen things since that made your blood-demons... comparatively less repulsive.” Syviis: "I do not , Sir. I lament that so many are deciding on this vile path for power instead of working for their mastery over their own abilities." Suðri Skornbrekker: “...whatever the Elves' artefact that we need to retrieve, by the looks of it, it might have fallen into the hands of these folks.” Syviis pulls up her mask again and makes sure her bow, arrows and the staff are safely under her cloak. Syviis: "Then let us remove it from them." ulm: "These elves; they have come from the great green , run north on foot and flown on Roc. They live here now, they have some camp or place of refuge. You might strike there, remove them like a snakes head..." Gray: "That idea isn't without merit. Where do they gather, Ulm?" He ask the massive beast, looking to the scarred ogre. Slightly wary of the grim shamen, he still remembers the repulsive blood magic the man has used in the past. ulm: "This I do not yet know, but I might consult the dead" and he looks at the fallen Elven roc-rider, the corpse sprawled unceremoniously in the street. "May I work my 'unsrettling tribalism' for us?" he chuckles to himself Gray rest a hand on the wound in his side and nods grimly, the brute walking back and collecting himself, checking his weapons and things rather then watch Ulm work. He nods to Syviis. "The staff.. an artifact of power?" (To Syviis): The staff allows you to see the details, mingled in your magic vision, of whats going down here. He has literally ripped the ghost out of this guy, for interrogaotion Gray touches the massive ogre blade, then deliberately draws his hand away and breathes to settle his nerves as he watches the Ogre draw that from the dead man. (To Gray): Your spirit vision reveals, Ulm has the man's ghost in his hands. The local spirits are running in all directions, scattered and afraid ulm bends forward, crouched over it like he was holding a grotesque child to his chest for a lullaby, and they begin to talk. They speak in weird half-tones, and nothing like you have ever heard before. The conversation is short, perfunctory, and unsettling Gray: "A strange, grim thing. I hope the lessions it teaches aren't bad ones." He says in that rough voice.. then frowns to Ulm. "He holds a ghost. It's a disturbing path we walk." Syviis: "We are here to stop the grim things...not join them. Please Ulm, once you have what you need, let the spirit rest." (To Gray): The silent screams of the ghost are swallowed up by the heap of black spirits feasing upon his spectral form. The elf is no match for their numbers ulm: "We have our answers " Syviis: Gray frowns and stalks forward, watching.. something. The beastman staring then shaking his head and turning his attention to Ulm. "What did you learn, blood shamen?" Ken (GM): [literally standing by the furies charred remains right now too :p ] Syviis: [Well, technically she hasn't shed much blood...lightning cauterizes pretty good. :P] [LIGHTNING...REAL LIGHTNING! MANANA, FIZZBITCH AND...GUN!] ulm: "The elves are here, and in number, bot not in spirit. They are a fractured lot. Young angry men and women. Infighting, lovers, trysts, magical rape and pillage. Slavery. Sacrifice. They do nothing good here. Nothing but dark gods work" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Sounds like Elves alright,” Suthri whispers to Bomrek. Syviis whispers something that might be an elaborate curse, or a prayer...maybe both. Gray: "They gather in bands. Some better, or worse, then others." He corrects Ulm with a frown. "Some elves have proven good allies. But this band.." He gestures to the dead and broken on the road. "What of them? Are they gathered somewhere that we might confront them?" Bomrek: "Can we get this in writing? I'm making a book, need some sources about how the elves are all horrible an dnot to be trusted" Syviis rolls her eyes ulm: "These ones, the , are sworn to a fierce spirit. A dark and vengeful one. His door was locked with seven locks with seven keys, and he stalks the night now hungry for sullied flesh and milk-white skins. They paint their faces with the blood of sacrifices to him, and they feast upon the remains of his enemies." "I thought him sealed away, but the ways have been opened for his kind, havent they?" Roderick busies himself with something entirely not this conversation Gray: "Many doors are open now." He agrees as he looks to the rain, then nods to the ogre. "Do they have a temple to cast down? Or a home of the sprirt itself to strike at?" ulm: "They take refuge in an old fortress of stone, dead as the soldiers who once guarded it's walls. The bones of the dwarf, the man, and the elf lay there, mingled with the lizard and the offal. The great dead swamps. The great living green atop it like a mold" Syviis: "Just once I'd like to storm a properly nice castle..." ulm: "two, three days to the Southwest. A day as the crow flies. There they have their bonfires, worship their black god, and make more of their kind through force of will" Gray nods to Ulm, then looks to the others. "The reputaton of elves will suffer when these madmen and hertics continue their dark word. I would go to put an end to it.. but it's the reverse from our goal in Grayhold. Who would join me?" Joush M.: Dark work, not word Gray then adds, for Bomrick. "It's also a chance to slay these foul cultist elves and take their wealth." Bomrek: "I'm only in if they have elf and human jerky. " "Or gold. Gold is good too" Suðri Skornbrekker: “If it is a whole encampment of them, perhaps we should bring some backup.” He points over his shoulder to the Dwarven commander and the soldiers. Roderick: "I should think that removing the radical elven element as well might push forward the idea that these refugees are not as savage as believed by my countrymen. Stamping them out might ligitimize saving the unwashed masses here..." Gray nods. "We can have them follow after us while we go ahead to scout.. We have taken fortress unsupported before, Suori. I imagine you could still do it." Roderick: "You DID say once you shot a canon clear through a gate, rushed the defenders and beheaded a dragon....?" "And I've seen what we can do to a Derugar keep, firsthand" Suðri Skornbrekker: “Back then we were not yet the commanders of a whole garrison, though,” suhtri replies with a grin. He turns to Ulm: “Any estimate of their numbers?” Gray tries, in retrospect, to not let that show on his face. ulm: "Their entire tribe is there, but they are a fracturous lot. A dozen? no more than two, he recalled at any given time. They do roost their great birds there. Half a dozen of the mighty " he waves his hand at the corpse in the slum to your side "They are possibly held in line by this one's brood mate" he nudges the dead body with his foot "and his memories of her are all sex and violence, and not mutually expclusive. She was their high priestess, and the demon's consort on this plane" He points to the charred bodies in the rain "Those would be her children. Furies. Born of the hatred and sundering of bloodlines demanded by the tall horned one" Gray looks to the furies, thoughtful as he considers a moment, hand rubbing across his jaw.. then asking in that deep voice. "Do we know anyone that knows how to tame a Roc? It would be easier to get north if we could fly.. And thank you, Ulm. I underesmtated you." ulm: "Many do, Gray, but your spirit is of the Raven now. Youre not as dumb as you once were" and he laughs to himself Gray nods. The brute not trying to deny Raven as his totem.. or that he's sharper, more clever and incisive then he was. ulm: "Roderick should speak with the elders. The chiefs. He needs to tell them his intentions, maybe explain how he intends to woo them, like some boy kissing the clanhead's daughter" "He will pay in blood or cows, but he needs to pay them all the same" Gray: "Aye.. something to take care of while we prepare to march south? Or should we go with him and make a more impressive display?" ulm: "He will need to speak to them alone, but you can speak with the birds while he's busy "The tall awkward ogre slaps an affectionate hand on Rod's shining armor "He will make an impressive and shining display, regardless, but I will introduce him. Maybe tonight he will have marriage proposals from the Tieflings? A nice horny wife, golden eyes and tail? eh?" Roderick looks somewhere between cross, and bewildered, at the prospect of a demon-touched wife... ulm: "Come, lets us get out of the rain. The sky-snakes are pissing all over us!" Ulm leads the way, gesticulating wildly "I will make you tea at my home! I promise to only add as much blood as you can stand" Suðri Skornbrekker looks at the other party members for a moment, hesitant to agree, but shrugs and accepts. “Thanks for your hospitality.” Bomrek: "Do you have any elf blood?" Gray: "Some on my clothes and hands.. ah, not what you were meaning." He shakes his head, the dark brute walking with them. The lupine beastman walking easier as the shadow-made wound in his side heals. Syviis: "I worry that you may already have a taste for it, Bomrek." Roderick: "Wait, did you mean Horny as in Horns? Or...?" Gray: "Dwarf blood taste like old iron left in the sun. A touch of rust. Less copper then a man, but darker. A touch thicker. Elf blood is lighter, sweeter then human." He says with a wicked touch, the brute with fangs speaking casually of such things. "Oh, he means it in every way, Roderick" Roderick: "Because I have seen women with actual...horns...on their heads today" Suðri Skornbrekker: “How would you knowm Gr— Ah, you did bite a few folks on our way here, fair enough.” Ken (GM): Right! So Ulm will take you guys to shelter from the storm, and get the elders organize din the refugee camp. Seems the shaman gifted with occular visions is some kind of heavy hitter in the Southlands. He can get rod introduced to the leadership, and help smooth over the whole idea of 'leaving immediately to stab elves as a plan of assuaging the nobility down here'] Gray likes that plan Ken (GM): Syviis can tell you: the storm should only last the night, and the big lime green evil bits are not invading. She scared them off. I'd imagine it will be nice to have an evening off for once in your lives Syviis: Lime green storm snakes always rainin on my parade.... fuckers. Suðri Skornbrekker likewise takes off his armour, and wipes off the sweath that's accumulated beneath. A bath would be nice, but he does not reckon with such luxury here. Ken (GM): Ulm's house is shack/yurt, made of skins and antlers and large timbers draped with canvas. The floor is buried in thick persian-style rugs, and he encourages bare feet in his home. Several young women of questionable heritage greet you at the door, and he introduces at least 8 'wives' Syviis: Suðri Skornbrekker does likewise Ken (GM): Ulm's wives make quick work of leading you folks to the sitting room full of skins, pillows and chairs. Tea is served (only brewed with the finest blood!) as well as some small pungent meat things (rabbit? rat? who knows!) Syviis: [I think mine is Corgie!] Ken (GM): The dorf captain organizes his mean nearby, making camp, and setting a guard. He's instructed you soldiers to make nice but just stay dry tonight. Joush M.: Syviis is eating a tiny, pudgy drumstick Syviis: [much wow...so delish...very hospitality] Gray eats and drinks peacefully before stripping off his halbruk and suit to clean up. The blood from the wound wiped away, he test it a moment and nods as it heals well, the scar will remain until well into tomarrow but the beastman's wound is already well closed. His broad, powerful body marked only rarely, and only were fire or silver have forced him to heal more like a human then a monster. Ken (GM): yeah your only scars so far are the burns from the angry elemental, yeah? Suðri Skornbrekker tries to be polite, and forces down at least a little of whatever looks the least revolting—taking his sweet time, and only little nibbles at a time. Joush M.: Yep. And a few that came in backstory/childhood ones Syviis strips down under her cloak (ultimate Bra-remove-under-shirt technique) and slips into some simple fresh clothes before exiting her cloak and placing her armour and tunic by her pack. Bomrek: "By the allfather, ?!" Syviis: "Of course. Male elves are much more dainty." Gray: "Aye.. you couldn't tell by scent?" He ask, curious as the towering beast averts his eyes from Syviis. Polite, careful not to watch her too much, the brute avoiding unwelcome attention. His massive hands working. Oiling and cleaning mail. "I hope Roderick's meetings go well." Syviis sits, happily wiggling her toes on the rugs and skins Syviis: [and this is where we learn the horrors of elvish foot-stench] Ken (GM): Where did you think the tentacles came from? Syviis: It's true. Ken (GM): Joush M.: Elf Fashon Fiss: I would totally learn to wear heels if I could have a pair of those. Ken (GM): So, any pressing concerns other than some much needed basic maintenance of the armor and arms? Syviis: She'll spend some time examining the staff, repairing/making some arrows, etc, but mostly she's just happy to bask in some hospitality and be grateful Suðri Skornbrekker sees to his armour and arms, and is grateful for the moment of respite, however unusual the ambience Joush M.: Nope. Gray could use a few hours off his feet to recover and take a moment to talk to memory about the day, to try and learn from it and figure out more about what the hell happend and what an ogre mage is, but nothing to spend game time on Ken (GM): coolness. I'd imagine Bomrek is just a pig in shit baout having a clean dry place to strip and clean his dozen firearms "Uh, thats an ancient Gorgothi silk rug. Could you NOT tap out your firepans onto it?" >Bomrek makes deliberate eye contact >grinds out a handful of powder into the red fabric P.P. A.: >ancient Gorgothi silk rug I wish Doc was here rn Suðri Skornbrekker bumps his elbow into Bomrek, and throws him a reprimanding glance Bomrek: "Oh right! These ones are people! Because they didnt die to the magic genocide!" Suðri Skornbrekker: “[They're our hosts, first and foremost,]” Suðri replies in Dwarven. Joush M.: It's been a long campaign, any of our Gray's equipment worse for wear? P.P. A.: quite a lot of holes in his mail by now? Bomrek: nothing worse than a few rings missing; Armory +4 maintenance level stuff. Lots of impaling attacks Ken (GM): * Gray sets to work riviting new rings and sewing up holes in the surcoat and arming coat Ken (GM): I'd say the most repair that was needed was Syviis' armor after the demon whacking her to death with that sword chop Syviis: Yep, good thing / bad thing it was leather. Easy to repair...easy to puncture the Elf inside too. :P Ken (GM): makes for a good story at least Ken (GM) the evening passes uneventfully. Warm drinks, warm rooms, clean living. Even if it all stinks of pelt and skin. A relaxing calm during the storm Joush M.: Got to get Syviis some proper mail Ken (GM): So! Roderick needs to do some proper wooing here in the meantime. He has a +4 from voice and appearance, a +2 impressive set of regalia and such from the nobles, as well as his magic for a +1 as he's a powerful mage. They respect all these things. he has a 14 skill in diplomacy and public speaking , and a default to the relevant Savoire fair of at least 12 Can I get three rolls from y'all? 1 each? P.P. A.: ah right, I wanted to take Diplomacy some time between sessions since Suðri has done some himself and got to see Rod in action Syviis: Rolling 3d6 = 7 Syviis: hahaha Gray: Ken (GM): jfc fiss thank god he has LUCK Syviis: lolol Ken (GM): two more fiss! Syviis: Ken (GM): nice Gray: Syviis: Is Gray macking on the wives? Ken (GM): oh god, gray, why Syviis: Or Syviis? lol Gray is just putting it out there. Just in case Ken (GM): lol Syviis: [Sorry, Gray, but it's not yet Elvish Pon-Farr. I have to wait at least 3 more years.] Gray has no game. It is a known thing. Ken (GM): allrighty, so Roderick speaks to the leadership, manages to convey himself properly, but kinda flubs the specifics of the ins and outs of speaking to tribal chiefs. BUT that means a +11 bonus to the reaction roll! well, thats...nearly the maximum possible result okay, so the night goes well for Rod :) Joush M.: That's either very good or very bad Luckly, his armor will protect him At least now his question about horny will be answered offers of marriage, and all the possible suitors are the daugters of powerful men in the refugee tribes. Tiefling scorned and half-beastmen as well as Ro-Haern and freemen Ken (GM): When Rod returns to you that night is with a horn of Mead in his hand and a whistled tune on his lips Syviis: "Things went well I assume?" Gray: "Good work" He says to Roderick in that deep voice, nodding to the man. ulm fills you guys in on the particulars Suðri Skornbrekker: “Good to hear.” ulm: "He will have his choice of the most beautiful daughters of the Southern Reaches! Should he wish, he might have more than one!" Gray: "He will need to be careful building alliances.. and I don't know if he's ready to build a harem yet." He says with a faint chuckle. "We can depart tomarrow when the storm breaks?" ulm: "Yes, you should make ready your swords and shields. The way will be cleared for you but the road does not stretch all the way to your goal" Gray does just that, prepareing for what he expects will be a hard trip south to the grim fortress of these forsaken elves. Suðri Skornbrekker: “If we are going alone, we ought to take some more guns with us than usual, to make short work of the Rocs from afar.” ulm looks sideways at Bomrek, who is making a pillow out of a powderkeg, spooning a heap of pistols Ken (GM): But! not a terrible idea; your musketmen are armed for bear. And the pikemen are armored too Gray nods to Suori. "I'll pack a brace of muskets." Syviis: Oh, does Syviis need to do anything to create Fine arrows? or is it basically just material costs? Ken (GM): just material costs; you can source them easily here thay turn out to be what, 6 Gurp$ each? Syviis: Yeah. Syviis buys a sack of fancy human iron shivs and begins to put them on sticks Ken (GM): hahah "does she know those are just spoons?" "Nah, shes an elf" Syviis: AIR SHIV NOT FOOD SHOVEL! Ken (GM): Allrighty; morning rises clear and cool, with you guys armed to the teeth and your men strapped in and ready to march into hell. Roderick is hungover, but he's on a horse, so he can sleep that much longer. The Fellmarsh and the keep are a ways to the SouthWest. Nearly back into the dwarven Lands. Bomrek is excited to maybe get a decent meal down there Other than spare muskets for the men, anything else to pack aside from provisions? P.P. A.: We lost a tent when the wine cellar burned down so a replacement for thta might be needed Ken (GM): gotcha; totally doable Joush M.: We got an awesome tent. The Lord Marshall had one still int he box it came in because he'd never acutelly done any lord marshall shit Ken (GM): Are yo uguys cool with me calling it here for the night? With Doc and Kev both out I just wanna leave them at a place not totally unrelated to where they left off. And it might be easier to retcon anything else they demand Also, I have family coming over, should help prepare for that P.P. A.: yeah, I agree Fiss: Sounds good man. Fun little session regardless. Joush M.: Sounds good. Thanks for the game Ken (GM): NP; take 3 points, we can pick up next week with Rod maybe having a harem! Or bomrek going serial killer in the night; who knows?! Fiss: Maybe a Harem of Serial Killers! o/ have a good one gents! Ken (GM): y'all as well! P.P. A.: \o Fiss: BRB, going to laptop so I can harrass boy while gaming Ken (GM): YO WHADDAP Fiss: ZUPDAWG! Doc: what is up my niBBas Joush M.: Chilling, yo. You got that sweet weekend chill going on? Adolf S.: ayyy Fiss: awww yiiiisss Adolf S.: I'm super tired but that's not the newest news Ken (GM): >kev >tired pick two Adolf S.: Building a pool literally one shitty brick wall away from an active orchard in a dry climate = dust out the ass. P.P. A.: That Friday evening Ryuutama campaign always takes way too long so I didn't sleep an awful lot Ken (GM): could be worse PPA, you could have dust ass like kev Joush M.: I've got a heatwave closeing in. It's like the northwest is trying to make up for all the cold wet days at once Doc: dust ass is better than swamp ass Fiss: GIT AUTTAH MAH SWAMP Ken (GM): truth fuck humidity fuck it right in the eye P.P. A.: yea Ken (GM): SO YOU FIND YOURSELF ON THE SURFACE OF MARS YOUR SHIP HAD RUN AGROUND, AND NEEDS MORE WHITE WIMMINS TO POWER UP[ AS THE LACK OF WASPINESS HAS BUILT UP A GRIME IN THE KITCHEN, AND BE DAMNE DIF YOURE GONNA CLEAN THAT UP Fiss loads up my Brother Loatzor edition Plasma Shotgun Ken (GM): but really folks, in the GRIM and WEIRD world of Grimwyrd Syviis enables elf-mode Ken (GM): anyone wanna explain to rod and Bomrek what happened? Doc nukes the site from orbit(al mountain fortress) P.P. A.: Roderick is now the husband of a dozen gypsy chieftain daughters infa 120% Bomrek: is it true P.P. A.: (nah, he narrowly avoided that fate) Ken (GM): P.P. A.: (still made alliances with most of the tribes though) Bomrek: A regular Lawrence of Arabia Doc: betrothal is all the constraints of marriage but none of the benefits Joush M.: No more nukeing stuff. We are going to get a reputation if we dod that again Bomrek: Are we also going to fuck over the ara- fantasy-gypsies after the war P.P. A.: well for now our priority is fixing the world-wound, politics come later Joush M.: I'm pretty sure that after the war the land will just be a blasted helscape peopled by deamons and the darkest sprirts. I don't think we need to worry too much about fucking anybody over P.P. A.: since the old hag told us that we left the door to Darkness- and Fey-Land open, so now we need to collect the seven Chaos Emeralds to close it Syviis: Gotta Go Faaaast Ken (GM): SANIC GATTA GO FAAAAAAS Bomrek: I'll just be in my chibbi garden I loved that section of the game, I didn't even touch the main sonic bits. P.P. A.: *Chao garden yeah, Chao were gr8 It was my introduction to vidya eugenics, I bred all kinds of colour variants and a Chao with SSSSS stats Suðri Skornbrekker sleeps deep and long, for it has been long that he could sleep uninterrupted, unarmoured, and in some sort of home Bomrek: Bomrek checks Powder and Whiskey supplies, the essentials. Roderick: Ken (GM): oh dear Bomrek: #roll 1d6 test Roderick sleeps like a rock Bomrek: damnit, what's the roll code again. Ken (GM): slash roll P.P. A.: o, I forgot I gave Suðri Nightmares too Ken (GM): WELL Rolling 3d6 = 6 v12 Ken (GM): FUCK P.P. A.: but not tonight Bomrek: Ken (GM): good god Syviis: [Syviis sleeps like a leaf on the wind...and wakes up impaled by a spike] Ken (GM): Y'all are actually like, resting and relaxing and not going insane Joush M.: Too Soon Doc: "hang on, before we can play the game we need to see if anyone's crippling mental handicaps flare up today" Ken (GM): lol Syviis: lol Ken (GM): >accurate Gray has only crippleing social handicaps, thank you very much Doc: Gray is the token autist so the audience can relate Ken (GM): you cant say on the internet P.P. A.: Representation in tabletop media Ken (GM): what if the stoners hear?! Syviis: [] Gray: Joush M.: So.. Not this time Ken (GM): Suðri Skornbrekker eventually rouses from his peaceful and restful sleep. He remembers where he is, and what transpired the previous day; and though he feels the party's new responsibility weigh heavily on his shoulders, he is glad to have a goal again, and a chance at fixing the mess they've made. Ken (GM): ["oh bother, im conscious. Welp, time to save the world again!" makes coffee] Suðri Skornbrekker washes and grooms himself—who knows when he might next have an opportunity, and goes to help Gray with preparing the journey. Bomrek: Is suthri whinnie the poo? (To Roderick): you are still a bit drunk. there was much grog last night Ken (GM) around you the din of the refugee cmap rises with the dawn; the storm last night has chilled the air, and a muggy fog begins to burn away in the new dawn light. Mud runs between the hovels and shacks, and the smell of the place is amplified P.P. A.: at least they got some rocmeat to eat now Bomrek stares grimly out at the rabble, and makes comment to Suthri in Dwarvish "They'll all be dead within the year, I imagine." Ken (GM): Speaking of which! Your morning meal is supplied by Ulm's women. They have roasted off much of the bird overnight and this morning present you all with some very greasy sticks of meat Bomrek: "I don't doubt that this is very different from the way they lived before." Syviis: ULM FRIED CHICKEN om nom nom Ken (GM): There are promises to make Suthri a fine cloak of feathers, and a somewhat green skinned orcish woman offers him a fine red feather for his helmet after all, he dealt the killing blow Suðri Skornbrekker asks Ulm in a whisper if being offered a feather is some kind of engagement ritual, and if it safe to accept it. Syviis: "Don't worry, that's only how elves get married." ulm: "Dude, shes my wife. She doesnt want any of what you got, dont worry" Syviis may or may not be joking, grinning innocently regardless. P.P. A.: oh, I thought this was some stranger before the front door (“a (...) woman” sounded rather random) ulm laughs heartily and his wives chuckle with him Ken (GM): [good point: but yeah, Ulm has a harem] [many fine ibixian, vulpine, half orc and tiefling wimmins] ulm also putters about the tent; he seems jovial and somewhat content, surrounded in his home by his wives and his old friends. Though, as the morning meal is cleaned up and tea is poured, he wonders aloud ulm: "Where were you all when it happened? I had a vision that morning: Scare dstraight from my slumber by hellfire and brimstone in my mind. I gathered my folk and rallied North as fast as my hobbled legs could take us" "Where were you when the souls of the kindred dead rose up and choked the lives from the cursed beastmen?" Syviis seems reenergized at the smell of tea, though as the conversation turns to the dark events of before, she seems extraordinarily absorbed by the reflection of light on the surface of the liquid. Syviis: "We were in the center of the storm, you could say." ulm: "Oh? Auspicious. Hrum Hrum" he sits forward, intent on the retelling Roderick is too drunk to deal with this right now Syviis: "We...walked North after the damage had already settled for miles around. It was bleak. It was alien. I'm afraid it does not make much of a tale worth telling, and we've been learning what happened here in the green lands much as we stumble across them." Syviis smiles kindly at Ulm. Syviis: "I wish we had answers as much as I'm sure curiosity demands them for you as well. ulm: "Hmm" he says, drinking deep of the dark tea. His brows furrowed, his pale skin furrowing on his brow Syviis: "It has only been recently that we've seen the greater mechaniations and plots happening, and now we have some direction on how to stop...maybe repair what we can. I feel your tales would give us much more insight than our tales. Syviis looks back down into her tea. Syviis: [OH, you know, nothing really much happened....well except for the sky of dragons and all that, but you know...that's like a Tuesday where we're from.] ulm looks between you all, his heavy gaze resting on each of you in turn. He reads Gray like an open book and his excited face turns more pensive. Sad. ulm: "You must have had to do what you did. There could be no other alternative" "In war, there are choices, black as sin but all the same, the only choice to be made" Gray: "We did not know what activateing the device would do, only that we were surrounded with no hope of survival. Useing it seemed, at the time, preferable to allowing it to be captured by the Lords of Darkness intact" Syviis nods. Suðri Skornbrekker: “We knew not what we were doing, and what the consequences would be, but...” He sits down nearby. “...if we had known, I'm not sure if we would not have done it anyway, in that situation...?” He falls silent, pondering the answer to his own question. Syviis: "Considering how it seems many of them were still ready to take advantage of the cataclysm, I feel war and action was coming regardless. Controlling all the power they sought....it would have been beyond imagining." ulm raises his hands from his cup, palms out ulm: "Do not fear me friends, you are not to be judged by me today" "You had your reasons. You did what you did. it is the past and the past is done." "...However in the future, if you could resist ending the world, that would be good too" Syviis: "Always a good suggestion, Master Elm." Roderick nods sagely at the advice not to destroy the world if it can be avoided Gray: "We have little time to spend on recrimination and regret. Work calls and I must go to it" He lifts his massive pack and nods to Ulm. "Thank you for your hospaility. We will try to keep from makeing things worse. For now, I'd ask you to stay here and help orginize these people. We will return soon from our expidition to the elven dark fortress and will be ready to move then" Suðri Skornbrekker tries hard, but fails, to suppress a guilty chuckle. He shakes it off, though: “I confess to my deeds, and expect that I will someday be tried for them, here or in the hereafter; but as it is, we were given a chance if not to redeem ourselves, then to at least prevent yet worse from befalling the world.” He raises his head, and nods to himself. ulm: "Hah, these people will organize themselves. I will simply nudge them towards the greater good. Choices of altruism and fairness. Less savagery, more tea" "And dont worry little dwarf. Theres are special places in the afterlife for those who deserve it" he winks Gray nods to Suori. "I'll speak to your good character to any that would judge you. But for now.. we should go." Bomrek: "Lets go kill some fuckin elves!" Bomrek rushes to finish his meat sticks, and avoids his tea at al costs Syviis lets out a barely audible sigh and finishes her tea, bowing to the fine folks of the house before gathering her pack and cloak. Bomrek: [so whats your plan then? pack up your new fancy cart, head to the old keep on the highway?] Ken (GM): * Roderick rises to his feet, relieved that the conversation has ended P.P. A.: basically. Perhaps we should dump some of our gold and riches off at the Lord's manor first, though Syviis: [may as well. The elves seem to already know we're here, have been sending attackers, and unless Syviis can convince the dwarves to learn woodsy combat, it's maybe best to keep lines of sight open] (To Syviis): Ah! okay then. Handed off to the first close-to-an-elf she sees? (From Syviis): maybe to one of the guards who looks under-equipped or whoever looks like they could use it. It's not magical or overly fancy, but it's in great repair, so yeah. Doc: (Anyone have a quick rundown of what exactly we're about to do?) (To Syviis): The man is quite surprised a tthe gesture and immediately asks "are you trying to get into bed with men woman?" Fiss: (just Das) P.P. A.: (das is singular neutrum) Joush M.: I was going to type the plot to Mama Mia, but naw, I'll try to be serious. The guy with the Roc has a wife and a bunch of fucked up elf cultist held up in a place a day or two south of us. We want to go put a stop to them and maybe steal some giant birds Ken (GM): The cart should be good right up to the keep; there was a road there, finely built, only abandoned form use. The stones still pave the way (From Syviis): smiles and pretends not to speak common. "Please use it or pass it along as needed, brave soul." in elvish. (From Syviis): walks off into the street all mysterious, wondering if she accidentally created a legend around a relatively normal and unimpressive sword lol Syviis starts to say something, wondering if they have time to dismantle the vile thing, but not wanting to slow their progress Syviis: "I...can catch up with you. I wish to take this down." Roderick: "I suspect this will not be the last. We should keep moving." Gray growls grimly at the strange offering, the beast-man looking away, hunting around them. A distraction, so he looks to see if anyone is using it to approach them from another direction. "Memory, take wing and scout around.." He ask, looking around a moment then to the vile alter. Gray: (To Gray): there are scents here, but they are far gone. You smell one of the great birds, and there were elves here, but the trail is cold from the morning at least Memory appears from Gray's side, ethereal as always, but gasps as she materializes