Ashes of Aequaria IC

[Wordplay]

For Ursuul

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The man very nearly dodges out of the way, and perhaps if he had not been so intent upon his next stroke, he would have.

Ursuul's spear transfixes him, catching him under the arm as the man extends himself forwards, slipping through the ribs, and punching out the other side.

The man's eyes begin to cloud with a dull surprise. He wheezes, and blood bubbles in the corners of his mouth.

With his last breath, the man chuckles softly.

'It's better this way...see you in hell...Ursuul'.

The life leaves the man.

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You may make a fresh listen check, a search check if you want to check the body, or any other suitable check.

EXP to be awarded later. Congrats on the first kill. (though not first blood).

For Thumble

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OoC

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Sorry, nice roll on the Hide check, but it won't work for the figure at least, because the figure has had you under constant observation - same reason why the figure hasn't got a new hide check either, because you've had the figure under constant observation.

It will, however, likely stop the warriors and the soldier from picking you out.

The figure stands still in a defensive stance, palms out. As you and Slobber head towards the camouflaged figure, it draws a short sword from under it's cloak.

You may make a Sense Motive check.

For Lena

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Ireas replies,

'Your directness is refreshing. I'll keep that space for you on the boat, just in case you change your mind'.

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You may make a Sense Motive check. Know the others are in the forest, eh? Someone's been reading through the spoilers...or making some deductions.

'Captain, please escort Miss Chillmast to the quartermaster'.

The Captain nods curtly, and leads you out through the door you came though, past the waiting area, and down a narrow corridor, turning first left, then right at any junctions.

'Miss Chirrmis, may I present, Quartermaster Atmas'.

A short man, with a large chin, prominent nose, and wide bulbous eyes, below a heavily creased forehead is presented to you. His blond locks hang in limp curls, and seem to be beating a swift retreat back across his scalp.

'Master Atmas, you're to see to any reasonable request'. The Captain turns back to Lena.

'Just loans, you understand, please return anything you borrow. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go and see to getting you a horse'.

The Quartermaster nods and gestures at a heavily barred door behind him. The interior is snug, and dim, with a smouldering fire in a grate. There are no windows, so oil lamps illuminate rows of low shelves filled with boxes.

'I am at your disposal, dear Lady. Please allow me to furnish you with whatever you require'. the Quartermaster's tone is florid, and a little pretentious, but sincere.

For Tali

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Frexxy's thoughts pull at Tali...and give her a faint sense of his direction. After running for a little while, Tali comes across a pair of mules, tied to a tree.

Walking just a little further, Tali spots a large man in the distance - very tall, well muscled, with dark hair, and wielding what appears to be a vicious spear. The large man stands over a second, fallen on the ground, and dressed in grey furs.

As the second man rises, swinging a sword, the first man thrusts with his spear, and pierces the second right through.

The two are quite distant, but straight ahead, with an uninterupted view. Tali stands on a path, with cover to either side. Frexxy's presence is somewhere beyond the men...not far now.

Edit:

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Make a Move Silently Check please, Hide check optional

[Azoth]

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Ursuul smirks a bit as he pulls his weapon free of the man's ribs, after a final twist to make certain he isn't faking his death.. He moves to the body and begins to systematically check the man for his possessions. His ears keeping vigil over him for sounds of this man's friends should he have any.

Search:(1d20+1)[13]

Listen:(1d20+4)[20]

[Wordplay]

For Cass

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The big man laughs.

'Of course you'll talk - and we'll see whether you scream'.

The man draws a knife.

'I'm going to ask some questions. Every time either you, or the old man doesn't give me the answer I'm looking for, costs you a finger. If we run out of fingers, we'll move on to eyes, ears, tongue, and so on...'

'Soldier. Don't talk'. You might have thought the officer was dead, crushed under the cart like that, but his voice rasps, weakly.

'If our city means anything to you, don't talk. Don't give them...the satisfaction'.

'Ha. We'll see old man. I think you just won't be able to stand the sight of me cutting the girl up. After all, we've got enough of your potion to bring you back from death one more time...'

'Now let's get started...who sent you?'

Just as the words leave his lips a crossbow bolt suddenly appears in the man's chest. It pierces the armour. He looks down surprised, and his face turns white. A voice calls out

"Hey, 'Terries! I don't know if you can understand me, but if you can, lay off and throw down your weapons! If you don't, I won't hesitate to put bolts in you until you're full of Sigil iron!"

The big man rolls off of Cass, reaching for her discarded pack and the Cass' last potion.

In that second, Cass realises two things - firstly, she is free to move, and secondly...her mage armour spell is still active.

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Put 'For Beigette' at the top of your next post, outside spoilers, and roll initiative.

For Beigette

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The crossbow bolt hits home, striking the warrior exactly where you were aiming, and sticking there. You can't tell at this distance whether the armour stopped it or not. The grey furred warriors seem to quail at your words, and appear shaken.

The one closest to you shouts 'Look, there she is!'

The other is already rolling away from the captured soldier - he appears

'Aye, I see her, fool'.

You get the impression that there's something wrong with the warrior closest to you - as though he's been injured already.

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Current Initiative
Warrior with Shortsword (nearest)
Beigette
Warrior with Greatsword (shot with crossbow)

Please mark the top of your next post 'For Cass'

Map for both of you.

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https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...Hc&usp=sharing Bushes and bodies are rough terrain, trees and carts are impassable.

[Wordplay]

@Ursuul

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The man is most definitely dead.

You find 12 copper pieces in the man's belt pouch. 5 of them are worn so badly you can't make out any detail. Three have faint impressions that you don't recognise, but the rest are simple discs, pierced with a hole, and seem reminiscent of some of the currencies traders occasionally used when dealing with your village.

You also find a silver piece...it shows a harbour surrounded by an 8-sided shape. The belt pouch also contains a set of knucklebones.

The man wore a fur surcoat, made from the hide of some beast...it looks a bit like wolf. The man's padded armour is completely ruined - the cloth shredded by Ursuul's guisarme.

The man carried a simple iron short sword - there's a decent edge on it, and you find the scabbard on his body. There's a sheathe for a knife, but no knife. The man's boots were leather, but they're heavily worn, and covered with dirt.

You also find a small piece of dried meat - enough for a snack.

Stand by for results on the Listen Check please.

[Starbin]

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No worries - the stealth checks were for the soldiers mostly!
Sense Motive: (1d20+3)[22]

Thumble raised his own hands, palms out. In common tongue, he whispered "Peace, friend ... there's been enough violence already. Do you know what happened here? Or if we should intervene?" Thumble didn't make any sudden moves, but he was prepared to bolt if necessary.

[Malak'ai]

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Standing, looking at the body on the ground and the figure standing over it, Tali raises Janie to her mouth again. Her body shaking with fear and anxiety.
Feeling Frexburr so close is eating at her, urging her to keep going.
Stepping as quietly as she can into the bushes she tries to ease her way around the killer before her.

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Hide Check: (1d20+3)[9]
Move Silently Check: (1d20+3)[18]

[PersonMan]

Cass'n'DM

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As I said in the OOC, I misinformed you about my Init/Intimidate rolls, it's 25/8, not 8/25.

Spotting the injuries of the closer warrior - and not interested in being in melee before she's drawn her rapier - Beigette aims at him carefully, taking advantage of him not yet being entirely in a fighting stance to aim between his ribs before firing. She hopes that she can take him out of the fight before they close in. Beigette doesn't doubt her ability to fight one of them (Konliff had always said she was immensely talented with her rapier), but a two-on-one was...not a good idea. If she was the one, that is.

"Has the 'Terry air here rotten your brains? Give up, or I'll punt you off the spire!" Beigette shouts, firing again.

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A: (1d20+4)[18]
D: (1d8)[7] + (1d6)[6]

EDIT: I wish I'd shot at the other guy...13 damage at level one could probably one-shot either of them, at least into negatives.

Move - Reload
Standard - Fire

[Wordplay]

For Thumble

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The figure stands stock still and impassive. It makes no sound, or any attempt to reply. Its sword remains drawn, but neither does it make any attempt to advance.

Thumble gets the strong sense that the figure will attack if he approaches, from the figure's body language. It seems like the figure wants to be left alone.

There is some commotion to your left...something is happening with the warriors and the soldiers. You hear a distant voice shouting, but you can't make it out. You'll have to take your eyes off the figure if you want to look...

For Ursuul

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You hear something rustle behind you - back in the direction you left your mules - as though someone is trying to move into the undergrowth silently. You also hear the sound of a distant shout up ahead...sounds like a fight.

For Cass and Beigette

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Initiative

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Beigette 25
Warrior Shrtswd 15
Warrior Grtswd 4

Cass is yet to roll

Before the warriors have a chance to react, Beigette has loaded a second quarrel and fired. The shot goes high...and hits the smaller warrior in the head -puncturing his skull at short range. The darkness covers his eyes and he falls down - dead.

[Azoth]

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Ursuul pockets the man's coins and takes his short sword. The empty dagger sheath stood out to him, and then he heard the rustle of the underbrush behind him. His massive frame rose up with weapon at the ready. The fighting up ahead could wait a moment. He drew a deep breath to steady himself.

Then bellowing at the top of his lungs, I know you are there skulking at my rear flank. Your friend attacked me first I am afraid, and fared poorly with a sword. You have only a dagger and wish to try where he failed?

Step into the open and release your weapon. A conversation is better than death, and I am in no more a mood to kill another man for a reason I know not. Be peace, or be dead...that is all I have to offer you. Which will you choose.

[Wordplay]

For Tali

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The killer stoops over his victim, and checks the body, looting the corpse thoroughly.

For a moment Tali thinks that he hasn't noticed her. Then the big man speaks with a loud and booming voice.

'I know you are there skulking at my rear flank. Your friend attacked me first I am afraid, and fared poorly with a sword. You have only a dagger and wish to try where he failed?

Step into the open and release your weapon. A conversation is better than death, and I am in no more a mood to kill another man for a reason I know not. Be peace, or be dead...that is all I have to offer you. Which will you choose?'

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Mark your next post 'For Ursuul'

[MuffinPuffin]

For Beigette and Word

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(1d20+6)[11]
Wheres Cass's staff? should i roll a search check? Spot?

Cass watches as a bolt shoots across the air and impales itself in the other soldier. With some one who appears to be an ally on her side, the tables in the fight have been turned. Quickly realizing she can now act freely, she starts searching for her staff. Without wanting to get into a fist-fight with the grey cloak, she decides she need to find her weapon.

[Wordplay]

Cass and Beigette

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Initiative
Beigette
Cass
Warrior

Cass' quarterstaff is lying on the ground at F4.

The Warrior, at G5, seems to be scrabbling towards Cass' pack at G6.

It's still Cass' turn.

[Marlowe]

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Lena thinks of the storm she's doubtless going to be caught in soon and inwardly groans. "Ye got a wand o' Endure Elements?Relax, I'm kiddin'. I got cold weather clothes, but no tent, blankets, or bedroll. Better make that good and ver' sorry if they come back a mite damp. As fo' other, I'd be best wit' more info, but I don' know if yr the one t' talk to about that".

[Malak'ai]

For Ursuul and Wordplay:

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As the killer's voice booms out Tali stops in her tracks, quivering like a leaf and a loud sob escapes her mouth.
Holding Janie in front of her face, one eye closed and her face turned to the side, she steps out of the bushes.

Peeking past the rag doll he eye finds the big man. Her voice coming out in between fits of sobbing, "P-p-please... P-p-please d-don't k-kill me. I-i-i o-only w-w-want t-to f-f-find m-my F-f-frexburr. H-he's g-g-gone m-m-missing."

[Starbin]

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Thumble stopped, watching for a moment, when a commotion began to his left. Patting Slobber, he whispered "Watch..." then glanced to his left. What strange things were occurring back with the warriors?

[MuffinPuffin]

For Beigette and Word

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Cass finds her staff laying near her, then rolls slightly over to pick it up. Realizing the Greycloak is looking for her last potion, she quickly grabbs her staff, and without standing up, quickly spins and swings her staff at him.

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Move action (provoking Aoo) pick up staff at F4 (I assume if you can drop an item to an adjacent square, you can pick one up too.
Standard action attack on Grey-cloak.
Attack: (1d20-1)[1]
Damage: (1d20+4)[9]

[Wordplay]

For Lena

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The Quartermaster nods.

'But of course. That's no trouble at all'.

The man moves quickly down the lines of shelves, pulling out boxes, and fetchin a large bundle, then resting in on a desk back in front of the door. The man staggers slightly under the weight of it.

'There, we have a four man tent, two winter blankets, and one sturdy bedroll. Is there anything else I can get for you? Simple weapons? We have chainmail if you'd like some? No?'

The man marks out the items on a ledger, and asks Lena to sign for them.

The man looks around quickly, then presses something large into Lena's hand.

'Be careful...if you pick up any wounds...drink that. I shouldn't give it to you really...our little secret?'.

The Captain returns, and picks up the bundle.

'I've readied your horse. I'll stow these on a mule for you. If you're finished here, the horses and the tracker are ready outside. It's important that you don't let the tracker learn any more than he needs to know. As far as he knows he's looking for some lost soldiers - that's it. Anything else you discuss...or anything you might find out about the convoy beyond its fate...should be kept secret'.

For Ursuul (and Tali)

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A slight and slender woman steps out of the forest, some distance behind Ursuul. She is very beautiful, with sparkling green eyes and long blonde hair so fair it's almost white. Yet something about her seems a little off to Ursuul - she doesn't seem quite human - there's an odd cast to her features.

Besides this, she clutches a ragdoll to her face - the sort of thing a young child might have. She looks absolutely terrified.

For Cass and Beigette

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Cass scrabbles in the fallen pine needles, until her hand finds her stave. She brings it smartly round in an arc aiming for the Grey warrior...the staff thwacks hard into the dirt, just to his right.

Meanwhile, the warrior pulls the quarrel out of his chest, and pulls the last healing potion from Cass' pack. He gulps it down, then rises, knife still in hand.

Provoking an attack of opportunity from Cass.
(1d8+1)[2]

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For Thumble

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Slobber gazes at the figure, whilst Thumble looks the other way.

Things have changed dramatically, very quickly. Only one of the grey warriors is left...and he's scrabbling in the dirt for something. The soldier is up, and wielding her quarterstaff once more - she tries to bring it down on the back of the grey warrior, but just misses.

Slobber barks urgently. The Figure appears to have run towards you, and thrown something...it falls just short, splattering the ground with a gooey gell like substance of some sort.

You may roll initiative.

[Azoth]

For Tali&DM

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Ursuul lets his face relax as he sees the seemingly harmless girl. The grip on his weapon remains firm, and his muscles speak of the murder he is prepared to commit if need be, but his face is soft.

He turns ready speak and wave the girl on when he turns and sees the other figure. His instincts take over as he side steps the corpse and turns to keep both in his view. The softness gone from his face and his second hand frimly on his weapon.

He wouldn't put it past the bastards to use women or children where men had failed.

Halt! Identify yourself immediately or be sanctioned an enemy!

He the used the butt of his guisamere to thud the corpse next to him for effect. An enemy dies.

[PersonMan]

Cass'n'DM

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Move: Reload
Standard: Fire

A: (1d20+4)[17]
D: (1d8)[2]

Beigette, further angered by the enemy's refusal to surrender, fires again at the remaining furry man, no longer able to get a clear aim on his vitals but shooting at his torso, hoping to take him down as well. Somewhere in her mind are plans to find out from the woman where she was and how to return home, but for now all of Beigette's pent-up anger and stress are being channeled into the fight.

[Malak'ai]

For Ursuul and Word:

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Tali stops when the man prods the body on the ground, demanding to know who she is.
"M-m-my n-name i-is T-t-taliana. P-p-please d-don't k-k-kill m-me. I-i-i j-just w-w-want to f-f-find F-frexburr. H-h-he's m-my f-friend. H-h-he's a r-r-rabbit." she cries from behind Janie, her body almost convulsing from her sobbing.

[Marlowe]

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Lena smiles her appreciation to the quartermaster. [COLOR=purple]"Ta very much, an' good luck t' ye!" And then in a noticably lower voice; "Ye wouldn' be throwing me an bit o' extra share 'cause there's someone you know missin' out there would ye?"

Whatever the answer, she'll listen to it with interest, and counter the Captain's words with a "Secrets are safe wit' be; I'll keep 'em t' my grave. Or rather, to something wit' intstructions t' be opened in the event I met a mysterious an' untimely death." and move outside quickly to pack the beasts and meet the "tracker", a person who's existence in this scenario relieves her greatly.

[Wordplay]

For Lena

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'Just want you to be safe ma'am - like I said, our secret?'

The Captain listens to Lena, and nods.

'Good. So long as we're clear - good people are hard to come by'.

The Captain leads Lena out into a cobbled courtyard. A pair of mules, and two horses, a dappled colt and a grey mare are waiting. Two young stable-hands, dressed in smart, but worn livery, are attending to the beasts. The Captain hands the quartermaster's supplies to one of the boys, who starts to pack them on to one of the mules.

A rangy looking man, with unkempt short brown hair is standing alongside the dappled colt. His eyes are dark brown and a little close together. He's hunched a little forward, and he seems restless. His face is covered in a thick growth of stubble. The man's dressed in shades of brown, with leggings, stout boots, a tunic, jerkin and hood. The man wears several wide leather belts, with dull buckles. Several sheathed weapons and a variety of pouches hang from his belts.

'Mistress Chirmiss - may I introduce Sergeant Takolan, on secondment from the Pathfinders'.

The man glances at you, then looks away.

'Pleas'd t'meet thee Miss'. he gazes up at the sky, hands on the pommel of his saddle.

'Excuse me if I do not clasp thy hand - I do not like to touch. Folk say my manners are a little strange, if you listen to hear 'em tell it. Please be clear I mean thee no offence - it's just my way'.

He frowns.

'Storm's coming'.

Sergeant Takolan's voice is soft, and surprisingly composed. The speech seems to have cost him a great effort, however and he immediately clams up. He avoids meeting anyone's eyes, and swings himself into the saddle of the dappled colt.

'Sergeant Takolan is the best tracker we were able to acquire, Mistress Lena. This is the best horse we have here at the garrison - in fact she belongs to Lord Ireas himself - you'll be riding her - see that you bring her back safely'.

'An escort will meet you at the guard-post at the top of the mountain road - should be three of them - Corporal Varnow has command'.

The Captain offers to help Lena mount the grey mare. As he does, he draws close to Lena and whispers.

'I meant what I said about the tracker. He's the best we could get at short notice - but it's no secret that he's ultimately loyal to the Mistress of Rutherni'.

'Don't let him speak to anyone, see any papers, or hear anything that he shouldn't - he's there to track. He may seem simple, but he's bright enough in his own way'.

The Captain smiles, and gestures to the low slung gateway out of the courtyard.

'Well, good luck'.

For Cass and Beigette

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Attack (1d20+3)[10]
(1d6+4)[8]

Edit: Cass tries to catch the grey warrior as he downs the potion, but the blow is mistimed, and without force. The man's armour absorbs the strike without a problem, and he grins for a moment.

A moment later the grin is wiped from his face as another crossbow bolt slams into his torso, piercing his armor. The first wound is still bleeding - it seems the potion was not as effective as he'd hoped.

It's Cassandra's turn next.

[Marlowe]

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Most other people would have this sinking feeling of being flung into the deep end at this point, but Lena's an experienced chancer, so she just smiles down at the captain, waves "Until w' meet again successful! and prodes her heels into the mare. Moving the expedition out of the castle, under the gate, and into possible nightmare.

An escort. Useful and reassuring. Assuming that they don't have orders to dispose of the discriminating Sergeant Tagalong and I as soon's we find out whatever it is we're not supposed to be finding out.

And assuming that's not his job, given by someone else, for me.

She turns to Takolan as they reemerge into sunlight. "A bright sky an' a fair wind t' be meetin' ye, sergeant. I'm sure we'll get along--" like wire an' windpipe"--famously. I do insist ye take the lead."

[Starbin]

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Thumble was surprised at the sudden flurry of activity, having assumed the soldier was already dead. Fortunately, Slobber's bark warned him in time to see the figure throw a bag of sticky goo at him. Whether to stop him from giving chase or to leave him as easy prey, the gnome wasn't sure - but he was sure he didn't want to find out the hard way! Nudging Slobber back away from the goop, he had to decide what to do next ... move closer to the combat or deal with this figure.

Shaking his head, he waved a frustrated hand at the figure. Hissing quietly, "Fine ... I'll leave you be, you leave us be!" Thimble turned and moved away from the figure and back towards the fight, glancing back to make sure it wasn't coming towards him, while searching for the other gray warrior.

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Initiative: (1d20+2)[22]
Listen: (1d20+7)[17]
Spot: (1d20+5)[12]

[Azoth]

For Tali & DM

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Ursuul lowers the head of his weapon for a moment. He hates making snap decisions but this moment calls for it. He turns back towards the sound of fighting and lets out a slow breath.

You aren't going to find anything amidst all this fighting. Best follow me and stick close. Once the fighting is over we can look for you rabbit together. Just watch my back and don't let anyone get the drop on my ass, and I will keep ya safe.

With that Ursuul takes off in a hustle towards the sounds of fighting. He isn't going to sprint headlong, but he is going to move swiftly with a purpose. If the girl follows that is up to her, but he has to make this area safe for his ass...and more importantly his ale.

[Wordplay]

For Thumble

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The figure, retreats a little, and takes a defensive stance again. At Thumble's words, the camouflaged figure begins to retreat backwards.

The grey warrior seems to be in serious trouble. The soldier is flailing at him with her quarterstaff, but to no avail. The grey warrior has just finished drinking from a bottle. As Thumble watches a crossbow bolt comes from nowhere and nails the grey warrior in the chest as he turns around to face the soldier.

The grey warrior looks like he's pretty close to death.

It will take Thumble about two rounds to reach the grey warrior.

Thumble spares a final glance for the camouflaged figure - it's beating a swift retreat through the trees, and is already almost out of sight.

For Lena

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Takolan looks a little puzzled.

'Well, of course'.

The ride is uneventful, as Lena and Takolan ride out of the Courtyard at the rear of the governors House, they join the main road out of town. It's a wide dirt track, and the light dust rises off it to the hoofbeats of the horses and the mules. After a while, they leave the town, passing the stout timber wall that skirts the north side.

A few buildings scatter the outskirts, where a few people choose to live outside the defensive wall. The scent of a nearby tannery fills the rider's nostrils for a few minutes, acrid, then ripe. The horses snort and pick up their pace.

The road narrows slightly, and enters the darkness of the pine forest. The trees rise around Lena and Takolan. They ride in silence for about twenty minutes. The road starts to climb steeply, and wind. There are signs of woodcutters - logs piled by the road, the occasional cutting through the trees, and markings on the trees. The forests are largely silent, except for the trilling songs of the birds.

As the road curves up, there's a break in the forest, and Lena and Takolan get a good view of the town of Forcehead laid out below. The mostly wooden buildings, spread out, low and squat. The governors palace, Traders Lane, and Mule street are clearly visible, but it's not possible to see the Upper Force from this angle. Lena thinks she can just about make out the Inn where she's been staying, but it appears unremarkable from this distance.

Five minutes later, the town disappears from view, and the road levels out. A small stone guardhouse stands to one side of the road, a short, fat built of rough grey stone. It barely reaches two storeys, but has only a few narrow windows. A single storey building with red tiles adjoins the towers, stretching out to one side. As you ride up to the guardhouse, a man holding a halberd, and wearing the black and white tabard of the town garrison bars your way.

'Halt! Say your names, and business'.

Takolan speaks up.

'Wren seeks eagle'.

The guard takes a second, then looks slightly surprised.

'Erm...yes, er, Pathfinder, I'll just fetch your escort'.

The guard darts back into the guardhouse. You notice his helmet is a little too big for him.

Takolan mutters 'Just going to leave the road unguarded then? Blasted Fleracis - and they're supposed to inherit the Empire?'

For Tali and Ursuul

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Tali can sense that Frexburr is just a little further onward.

Ursuul can hear that the sounds of battle are quieting...

You may both make a Listen check.

[Starbin]

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Thumble shrugged to himself at the figure's departure, having made his decision. Moving closer, he decided to watch and see what was going on. Why was the warrior drinking something, and who was shooting from the side?

Perhaps he should follow the figure instead ... well, he could always try and track him (or her) later.

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Continue to advance cautiously, looking about for other threats.

[Azoth]

For DM

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(1d20+4)[20]

[Wordplay]

For Thumble

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You pick your way towards the fighters.

You can see the soldier is young, and with blond hair. She's incredibly beautiful, even now with her hair slicked with sweat, her clothes muddied, and a dark stain on her maroon tunic. She looks desperate as she swings a thick quarterstaff at the warrior.

You spot the shooter as well - a strange looking girl, tall and lean, with her brown hair framing her face. She wears fine armour, bearing an unusual design that you've never seen before: an orb of red with a crown around it, surrounded by a starburst of yellow. She's skulking in the bushes, cocking her crossbow.

The warrior looks to be in a bad way. He's tall, with lank black hair and a full beard. A big and powerful man, a crossbow bolt through his chest. As you watch he stumbles, and draws a weapon.

You cast your eyes around the grim corpses that litter the forest floor - many young men, and some young women. As you look you see a bronze skinned young man with dark hair, blood running from a head wound, and a nasty gash. You notice that his chest is moving.

Your eye is also drawn to a twitching of some undergrowth - there is a very small animal taking cover under the brush, near Slobber's feet. It seems scared.

For Ursuul

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You can hear a distant thudding, back in the direction of the mules...

It's very soft, but irregular...

The sounds of battle are carried on the wind - mostly howls and shout - sounds like about three people now, and very close ahead.

[MuffinPuffin]

For Word and Beigette

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Cass watches as her unseen savior lets another bolt loose from somewhere to her right. While he is startled by the impotency of his --her-- health potion Cass attempts once again to strike her aggressor.

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Attack (1d20+3)[20]
Damage(1d6+4)[9]