Ashes of Aequaria IC

[Azoth]

Spoiler

Show

Ursuul just shakes his head at the dwarf. He takes a few steps away from the action to be for his own safety. If the dwarf gets a wild swing he could loose his fondest memory maker, and that isn't anything nice to think abou at all.

Five coins says da wee laddy either falls closer to eart or hurts hes self wit ting. Seems ta have mistaken his sis' chastitsy belt wit a weapon. I tink she safe dow...if he is any clue his sis mus likely has more hair on her chin than I on me balls! Hehehe...

Come now laddy, put down da chain an tell the nice whore an 'er sons who ya are and why in god's name ya walking this ****ter of a road. We all friends a sort nah, ya shared me drink same as they...so come on ya wee rock muncher.

An before ya go pissin off ta me, if ya at a height where I can piss in yer eye wit out leanin back den I donna wanna hear no lip or it be a worse taste in yer mouth than soap fer ya troubles. Anna dunna go tinkin I won't neither...I have plowed many a whore more unapealing than you and that was before I found Ale...

[PersonMan]

Spoiler

Show

Spot: (1d20+2)[20]

Beigette, made aware by Thumble's shouted warning, looks over at the trees, lowering herself and drawing her crossbow, ready to shoot. Ugh. More fighting...

[Malak'ai]

Stiffening where she stands, Tali looks round at the undergrowth, trying to see what the strange miniature man was talking about. Archer? Where?

Spoiler

Show

Spot Check: (1d20+5)[23]

Initiative: (1d20+3)[6]

[Wordplay]

For Marlowe

Spoiler

Show

Remembered you don't always get the OC, so OC, Spot (again) and Initiative please.

[Wordplay]

For Ursuul and Bosh

Spoiler

Show

The Corporal nods at Ursuul.

'Well said'.

Two more soldiers are coming down the road with the horses.

One of them is a young woman, with brown hair, wearing the same white and black tabard over her armour.

The other is a rangy looking man, dressed all in brown and festooned with belts. Two long knives hang from his belt, and he leads a piebald horse.

'We need to get going'. he bellows.

'Like I said sir - name an' business please'. the Corporal asks Bosh.

For Thumble, Tali, Lena and Beigette

Spoiler

Show

There's no reply to Lena's challenge...

The recently revived female soldier dives behind the wagon. Gai and Cass try to take cover behind the nearby trees.

As Beigette and Tali follow Thumble's pointing they notice the figure...about to release an arrow. Tail spots something else - there are two more archers concealed in the brush... they all seem to wear grey hooded robes.

OC: Map to come.

[Yas392]

Looking at Ursuul and then the corporal, Bosh felt provoked. He really had a strong tenacity to refrain from revealing his name. His kind are not talkers and he would only give it if they earn his reverence by giving theirs first.

Listen ere, mangy. I ain't pissing on ya. Ya wanna piss, I am short enough to make ya piss. Yer girlfriend started this.

Once again, he make a clear statement about his identity. If it failed, he had to fight his way out of this.

I am just a miner from over the south. And who are yer to demand my name?

[Azoth]

Ursuul looks to the dwarf and shakes his head. The little man is about to get beaten up and taken hostage fairly quickly based on numbers alone at this rate. Even if the only one worth a damn is the frog faced leader.

C'mon now my wee lil friend, ain't no reason for none ta be pissin. Jes give 'em yer name an all tis Othis offul budnis be dropped faster than an elf in a drinking contest. T'en you'n me can go grab a pint anna lass to settle up that boil in blood oh years. No sense making half wits and sons a whores die over some tin this lil. Whataya say uh? Fight them, or go grab a pint and have a lassy ride ya like a mineshaft til she finds a stand o pearls for herself? I know which one I'd rather out thisaway.

[Wordplay]

Corporal Sturbish looks grateful for Ursuul's intervention. 'I think you'd be wise ta listen ta this gennelman'.

'As fer what right I have ta ask fer it - as I said - Flamian customs and excise. As fer why, ye look awful similar ta an outlaw we took in a fortnight ago. Fella was wanted in three provinces'.

'He kept raving about his brothers as they hauled him away... whole garrison's been keeping a lookout in case anyone tries anythin' dumb'.

Sturbish looks back at the man dressed in brown.

'We'll be with ya in a second Pathfinder. There's no way we're lettin' those horses out of our sight'.

The Corporal turns back to Ursuul.

'Apparently some ruckus went down - an' the brass need our horses. Can ya watch this one fer me fer a bit? We can give ya a few marks - an' I'll introduce ya ta that friend o' mine... plus... if there's a bounty on this guy ya'd be up fer splittin' it'.

The Corporal turns about, as the soldiers start to head into the forest.

[Yas392]

Bosh wanted to retort but at the news about his brothers being arrested did not bode well with him so he kept his mouth shut. He opt to derail the topic.

Nay, yer got it wrong, our ilk are mountain born, of course, our mug ez the same. *Hiccup* Flamian customs, I say. Pretty darn smooth. Never heard of him. *Hiccup*

As the corporal turned briefly, his fingers feel the need to nab something.

[Azoth]

Ursuul just looks to the Dwarf for a moment before sighing and shaking his head a bit from side to side.

Yer a stubborn pebble na ain't ya. Gotta go rilin up and rufflin the birds til they squak. Narry a bit o sense in the manner, but a small chuckle fer an even smaller man. Pop a squat huh? Mayhap ill rattle them stones betwixt yer ears loose enough to live ta sea the whores and booze inside the walls. Hear they got a hellofa brewer and some girls that works da sheets better than a sailor at see. Might perty lasses the lot o 'em. Mybe we find ya a short gruff twist with a beard fer ya ta bend o'er a chair and pretend he a Dwarf woman uh? Make ya feel more at home...heheheehe.

[Wordplay]

For Ursuul

Spoiler

Show

Ursuul may make a Spot Check

For Bosh

Spoiler

Show

You successfully pickpocket a small coin pouch, and two pieces of paper.

The Corporal frowns, and heads off with her squad into the woods.

The man dressed in brown frowns... as though troubled by something, then prepares to follow them.

Just before he leaves he turns to Ursuul.

'My name is Sergeant Takolan. I'm told that giants stole your mules?'

Takolan frowns.

'I'm a pathfinder. That should tell you what you need to know...wait...maybe you don't...ah, it doesn't matter'.

'Circumstances are a little difficult at the moment but rest assured, I'll help you get your mules back...'

'Just keep a hold of him until we get back'.

Takolan follows the soldiers into the woods.

[Wordplay]

For those in the glade

Map
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...Hc&usp=sharing

Initiatives for those involved in the battle (Lena still to roll)

Archer 1 20
Gai 19
Beigette 18
Thumble 16
Cass 16
Lena 13
Archer 2 13
Soldier 11
Tali 6
Archer 3 2

[Azoth]

spot check

Spoiler

Show

(1d20)[9]



I see a pissed drunk dwarf and dirt....

[Wordplay]

The first archer looses a shaft.

Spoiler

Show

attack (1d20+1)[8]
Damage (1d8+1)[5]

The shaft clatters harmlessly between Lena and the Grey cloak captive.

Gai runs forward, bent over, and dives behind Thumble and Slobber taking cover.

Spoiler

Show

Gai moves to C13.

'So, what's the plan then?' he breathes.

Beigette's initiative.

[PersonMan]

Beigette follows the first rule of combat she learned at mage school: hit the ground, so you won't be hit by area spells as easily.

Using that tactic against mundane 'Terial archers is also fairly effective.

Once on the ground, Beigette pulls out her crossbow and loads quickly, firing at the archer closest to her.

Actions

Spoiler

Show

Free action to fall prone. AC against the archers is now 23.

Attacking with crossbow.

A: (1d20+4)[9]
D: (1d8)[1]

[Wordplay]

Beigette drops to the ground and gets off a crossbow bolt, but in her haste the bolt flies wild, and sails over the heads of the enemy archers.

Thumble's initiative.

[Marlowe]

[Initiative (1d20+3)[12]]

Whatever the result; Lena stops crouching in the open like a pirate out of water and moves to H10, putting a tree between herself and at least one of the archers. "She-Elf! Quit tarryin' here an' get behind the cart!" And then starts on Inspiring Courage. "If ye wanna gamble I'll tell ye I'm yr Ma'am. Ye win some, lose some it's all a game t' me!"

[+1 to-hit and damage to all allies; at least those that move after me.]

[Starbin]

Thumble hid behind the tree, motioning for Slobber to come over. "Stay close, my friend ... this isn't our fight!"

Spoiler

Show

Sorry - that was a lot of waiting for nothing! Work's been kicking my rear-end (and sometimes the front!). Thumble and Slobber are going for the full defensive right now, confused as to why archers are attacking them!

[Yas392]

He's a jolly lil fellow. He's got way more shinings than yer blossoms.

The comparison is ironic to the barbarian's aforementioned statement. Bosh ganders Ursuul's intensive stare to gauge his banditry as he found to his amusement, he missed his extraordinary feat. The sound of battle initiating brings a smile to Bosh's face.

Quit mushing around, lad. Yer can't beat the heat rising, can't yer? Yer comrades in trouble.

Bosh saunters with great caution so that he might not be noticed.

[Azoth]

Ursuul looks to the dwarf's saunter and levels his Guisamere towards the man's path.

They are not my comrades, and you are to stay put. Do you understand me ya little dirt eating pain in the arse. They are people to help me reclaim my property, and short of me seeing the backs of my eyelids you aren't walking away. If I am roped in with you, then I lose my help.

Now sit your half pint sized hairy arse on the whore dirt that birthed ya and behave. That or I'll take ya over my knee and tan your misserable hide like the bearded lady who was ya mum shoulda done long ago. Am I clear Dwarf?

[Wordplay]

Lena and Thumble hunker down, successfully taking cover.

At Lena's exhortations everyone feels their hearts lift slightly, filled with renewed confidence.

Cass runs out from cover and ducks behind the cart. She seems to be holding a crossbow... seconds later she pops up, and takes a shot, resting the crossbow on the wagon and aiming carefully.

Spoiler

Show

Cass moves to G19

Attack (1d20+4)[9]
Damage (1d8)[3]

But despite Cass' careful aim, the quarrel falls short of it's target.

A second arrow flies from the attackers.

Spoiler

Show

Attack (1d20+1)[19]
Damage (1d8)[7]

The shaft flies true, and nails the captured grey cloak soldier - right in the back as he crawls to cover. He struggles for breath as blood foams in the corner of his mouth. He casts his eyes upward...

Thumble is able to see him clearly. He has a look of anguish and total despair.

'No...it'll eat my soul'.

The unnamed soldier shouts out at Lena.

'Somehow I just know this is all your fault!'.

'By the twelve, someone throw me a bow'.

Spoiler

Show

Soldier used Splash! It's not very effective...

No seriously, soldier starts checking bodies to look for a ranged weapon.

The archers seem to be complimenting their fellow on an excellent shot.


Meanwhile, Bosh can hear the sounds of distant battle carried on the wind.

[Malak'ai]

Tali's eyes grow wider as the arrows start wizzing by her.
Pulling her cloak tighter around her, she cradles the pocket where Frexburr is sitting, shaking, feeling the fear radiating from the Half-Elf girl.

Dropping to her knees, a high pitched wail escapes her lips as new tears stream down her face, "P-p-please d-don't h-hurt m-m-me!" as her body starts to glow while she huddles down, trying to cover herself from an harm that may come her way.

Spoiler

Show

Tali just cast Mage Armour.

[Yas392]

Bosh stows away his chain spike.

Fine, they are not yer comrades but I ain't yer bargaining chip. Soz what if yer asses got swooped by ze condors, it ain't my buzz. I get it yer need security to be hitched. And now yer being a holistic jerkass, holding ze free man ransom. Oh, we are clear, al'right? We are clear that we are not on the same rope!

The nourished dwarf throws a hook at Ursuul's groin area. In case the barbarian's steadfastness, Bosh got his manacles ready to slap it on the big man's wrist if he is being grapple and subdued. If his instinct is right, it's time to make a break for it.

[Wordplay]

A silvery haze momentarily envelops Tali as the spell takes effect

The final archer looses a volley in her direction.

Spoiler

Show

(+2 Cover bonus to armour for Tali).

Attack [roll]1d20+1[roll]
Damage (1d8)[5]

Round 2

Spoiler

Show

Archer 1 20 (holding)
Gai 19
Beigette 18
Thumble 16
Cass 16
Lena 13
Archer 2 13 (holding)
Soldier 11
Tali 6
Archer 3 2

Map https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...Gc&usp=sharing

The Archers notch arrows and appear to be waiting to pick their targets.

Gai looks around at Thumble.

'Follow me! We can get them'.

Gai runs forward, stumbles through a bush, and takes cover behind a tree.

Spoiler

Show

Gai moves to C5

[Wordplay]

<sigh>

Spoiler

Show

Redo Archer 3's attack roll
(1d20+1)[12]

The arrow thuds into a tree, just in front of Tali.

[Marlowe]

[with this sort of situation in PbP I tend to group initiative as
1-those going before the enemy, in any order they post
2-the enemy
3-those going AFTER the enemy, again in the order they post.

If you don't want to do this then feel free to slap me down. But it saves a lot of waiting. Anyway. Lena is (barely) in category 1 so-]

Lena takes a 5-foot step to G9, giving her a clear shot at archer 1 and continues her Bard song. "The pleasure is the game. Makes no difference wha' ye say" while firing at archer 1.

[full attack with rapid shot. +3 basic, -2 rapid shot, +1 Bard song, +1 Point Blank shot.
1st shot-(1d20+3)[6]Dam(1d6+2)[3]
2nd shot-(1d20+3)[17]Dam[roll1d6+2[/roll]]

Note to self: Get Composite shortbow. And how do I look responsible for this? Should I cry a little and faint lots?

[Marlowe]

Damage roll on second shot:
(1d6+2)[7]

[Azoth]

Ursuul takes a step back from the dwarf as he doubles slightly. A low guttural growl escapes his lips as pain courses through him. His light eyes darken like a sea in a storm as he bellows out a fierce roar. The guisamere in his hand glinting as it flies at the Dwarf's neck.

**** punching little ****!

Spoiler

Show

5' step back
free action: Rage duration 6 rounds
Attack: (1d20+7)[22]
Damage: (2d4+9)[12]

[Wordplay]

Bosh darts off towards the forest, but Ursuul catches him easily. The guisamere misses Bosh's neck, but hits him squarely on the back, just to the left of his right shoulder blade. It punches through the leather armour and pierces the dwarf's flesh.

Meanwhile...

Lena's shot flies true and catches the centre archer in the shoulder. He cries out, but quickly stifles it, preparing to draw another arrow.

(Beigette and Thumble may now take their action).

[Wordplay]

The rotund figure of Corporal Sturbish appears out of the forest in front of Ursuul and Bosh.

'Sorry Ursuul - back already - just been checking through my pockets and I think the little creep...'

Sturbish stops mid sentence and blanches slightly as she takes in the scene - the fallen dwarf, wounded in the back, Ursuul standing over him.

'Heh...what happened Ursuul? What did the boy do that needed ya to stab him in the back...running away it looks like'.