[RoS] Soldiers of Fortune (IC)

[Anyr]

"Let them come. They'll break against us. Fire one more shot, if you have the chance. Then fall back. We'll handle the rest."

Kate positioned herself behind whatever cover was available. The enemy's mounted advantage had already been dampened. If they wanted a fight (which they clearly did), they'd have to engage on her terms. It was either that or let Nazir's arrows fell them one by one. And once the bandits accepted, they'd find the odds to be very unfavourable.

[Lacco]

Nazir followed the riders while preparing another of his deadly arrows. As soon as the first rider emerged from behind the treeline, he let loose and followed the arrow with his eyes.

It hit, into the rider's flank, and he also saw that it stuck, but could not say how deep.

Few yards from him, Kate and the others awaited.

And suddenly it was there - the four riders emerged from behind the bend, galloping towards the group. Their horses were already slowing down, but they still moved with highest possible speed.

Their swords were drawn, glinting in the last rays of daylight, when they charged towards the group...

Spoiler: OOC

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Switching to combat rounds.

2 rounds until they arrive

[Cavir]

Nazir draws another arrow. "Here they come. Keep them busy and protect yourselves. I can still pick them off on the horses while you fight."

[Anyr]

Kate's pulse quickened. The enemy was in sight. Their mounted approach certainly made for an intimidating sight. But it was just empty spectacle now. Between the incline and obstacles, their charge would come to naught. They had no choice but to fight this battle on foot. Kate readied her sword. She was grateful for this opportunity to show mercy. Killing the horses would have been such a waste...

Spoiler: OOC

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I hope my understanding of the situation is correct. If the enemy instead has a clear path to trample Kate, I'll of course edit the post.

[Lacco]

Kate was right.

The men rode as far as they could, and then just jumped down, to navigate through the undergrowth and around the trees.

It made following them a bit confusing, but they were coming closer - running towards the group, their weapons in their hands, screaming their hatred.

Somewhere, behind them, the farmers stared at the two groups...

Spoiler: OOC

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The men are now 1 round away.

If anyone has something they want to do, state it now.

If not... Initiative!

[Anyr]

Those angry yells were music to Kate's ears. The enemy was lost in passion. Their minds were clouded. Had they used proper tactics, this battle would have been far more troublesome. No danger of that now. The young Knight stood ready to receive her share of the foes. She show them that a clear mind was worth more than any berserker rage. It would be the last lesson they'd ever receive.

Spoiler: OOC

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Kate throws WHITE.

[XIII]

Uruk follows Kate's lead, it being much easier without his blood boiling and calling for the hunt. He felt cold and calm as he dismounted and stood at Kate's side, ready to receive the enemy.

Spoiler: OOC

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Throwing white

[Dienekes]

"No line, no discipline, no brains," Gerric used the ridge of his shield to scratch at his nose before he took his position next to Kate and opposite Uruk. "A stupid enemy is a gift from Abdallos." If he died to these fools he would never forgive himself.

[Cavir]

Nazir waited. Just before the bandits broke clear of the trees he pulled back the bow string, ready to fire at them in the clear before they reached our line. There wouldn't be much time, but plenty for an experienced and readied archer.

Spoiler: OOC

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Red. Would help to know their "formation", which one is wounded, and how the lines line up (if one of us will get doubled up on, I'll counter that).

[Lacco]

The four men charged forward, ready to meet their opponents. Their swords drawn, they quickly covered the distance and attacked.

Nazir's opponent tried to evade his shot - the quick-eyed halfling however kept his arrow pointed at him, prepared to kill.

Gerric's opponent hurried the most - he looked like a strong, large lad, and wielded one of those two-handed swords easily. As they approached, the last piece of puzzle clicked down in Gerric's head - save for the surcoats, they did not look like army types. Too little discipline. Still, they were organized. Mercenaries. Someone sent damn mercenaries.

But he had to stop thinking about it quickly - there were more pressing issues. For example, the greatsword swung in scythe-like fashion, a powerful attack.

Spoiler: Gerric OOC

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R1E1: Red die!
The lad attacks with horizontal attack, seven dice, one additional die spent for power.
Gerric's response?

Urukubarr's opponent seemed a little intimidated with half-orc's calm and size. But he ran towards him with a scream. Urukubarr could appreciate the rage he put into his attack, starting with a diagonal swing - his blade copied a wide, shimmering arc...

Spoiler: OOC

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R1E1: Red die!
He attacks with diagonal swing for 10 dice, one additional spent for power.
Urukubarr's response?

Kate's opponent was the last one to meet his foe - and as she calmly watched him, she noticed that he was not like the others - he moved slower, in more calculated way - and even when he was charging her, he slowed down before they met, but still swung his longsword in wide arc.

She noticed also something else. Under their surcoats, she noticed a glint of grey metal - scale armor.

Spoiler: OOC Kate

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R1E1:
Red die!
Six die vertical downward swing.
Kate's response?

[Anyr]

Kate raised her shield to intercept the blow. It was a simple, conventional manoeuvre. Like her opponent, she was taking things slow. The time for fancier tricks would come later.

Spoiler: OOC

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Kate commits 7 dice to Block with her shield.

[XIII]

While not exactly a skillful strike, Uruk knew it would be potentially devastating if it hit him. He had swung his sword in such a fashion many a time. He wondered if his enemy knew what to do when Urukubarr got in his face. He grabbed his own blade with his left hand and attempted to trap his opponent for a quick lesson on the subject.

Spoiler: OOC

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1 die to initiate half-swording
Commit 11 dice to grapple (trap)

If I understand correctly, each success in a trap will carry over as bonus dice to a punch/kick/pommel strike/bite, which I will use to wreck this guy's face and/or groin area.

Grappling to Trap is the most common form of grappling amongst swordsmen and armed grapplers. If successful, every success in the Margin adds one die to a follow-up attack as long as it is a punch, kick, or pommel strike. You can also apply this bonus to initiatie wrestling.

[Cavir]

The man charged at Nazir, thinking he could evade a prepared and skilled archer at close range. Nazir knew the man had to die and would die with just the release of his bow string. The certainty helped keep the halfling calm. The man was mid-stride. It was time. The bowstring called out another musical note with its release.

Spoiler: OOC

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Full aimed shot TN 6
Bodkin arrow
+7 Proficiency
+7 Aim
+1 Drive (farmers watching)
+1 Passion (need to shoot true to aid the rest of the party quickly)
+2 Oath (going for the instant kill)
+2 Conscience (protecting the farmers)
+1 Point Blank
+2 Downhill bonus (Core p78)
-1 Target moving towards me
-2 Target moving fast
-5 for targeting

Damage:
8 (base)
-1 bodkin
+x successes
-2 on their AV

Target:
+-5 from dice put aside
+-1 from Accuracy
XIII (Head) if possible else XII (Upper Chest)

+-1 from Accuracy to Head/Face or Chest/Chest

[Dienekes]

Come to me, dead little mercenary. The man, young and hot-blooded, charged ahead of his teammates swinging a nasty cut. Gerric twitched his shoulder and his shield angled so the blade would hit and slide away from him.

Spoiler

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9 dice to Block with the shield.

[Lacco]

Kate was prepared to receive his blow to her shield, but was a bit surprised. The man changed direction mid-swing, and went directly for a powerful blow to her shield, trying to knock it aside.

This was no simple, conventional fight. Her opponent was skilled - and fought to kill.

His blade struck her shield, and she felt the shock of the blow almost numbing her forearm. His attack opened her to his following attack - a short but strong cut at her sword-arm.

Spoiler: OOC

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R1E1: Feint & Beat!
1 die activation cost for feint, 1 die activation cost for beat.

Attacker adds 2 dice to his attack, losing additional 2.

Total dice spent: 12
Attack with beat for 8 dice!

Nathaniel's feint & beat: (8d10)[2][7][2][7][7][5][8][8](46) TN 6 = 5 successes
Kate's block: (7d10)[5][7][7][7][5][3][5](39) TN 6 = 3 successes

2 net successes for Nathaniel
R1E2: Kate loses 4 dice due to shock and can not use her shield this exchange, Nathaniel keeps initiative and attacks with cut at arms for 1 die, spending additional 1 die for more damage!
Kate's response?

On her side, Gerric was already fighting - he kept on defensive, blocking the powerful blow coming from the young lad with ease - but Kate knew her companion well and was sure that he was focused and did not take the fight lightly.

Spoiler: OOC

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R1E1:
Dobbs's horizontal cut: (7d10)[10][7][5][1][8][1][7](39) TN 6 = 4 successes
Gerric's block: (9d10)[5][8][9][7][4][4][10][9][10](66) TN 6 = 6 successes

2 net successes for Gerric
Hit location: (1d6)[1]

R1E2: Gerric successfully blocked and gains inititative. Your attack?

On the other side, Urukubarr's enemy seemed even more surprised as Urukubarr expected- but he was commited to a strike, so there was no way back, even if the hulking half-orc managed to grab his own sword and use it as lever to block his attack and trap him in his large arms.

Spoiler: OOC

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Jann's diagonal cut: (11d10)[5][2][7][2][6][4][9][10][1][6][7](59) TN 7 = 4 successes
Urukubarr's grapple to trap: (11d10)[6][8][1][6][5][6][6][2][6][2][7](55) TN 6 = 7 successes

Hit location: (1d6)[2]

3 net successes for Uruk!

R1E2: He gains initiative, getting 3 additional dice for his next attack. Which will it be?

Few yards from his companions, whose fights just started, Nazir was just contemplating mortality... of his enemy. His bow sang its deadly song again, and an arrow shaft with feathers suddenly blossomed from his opponent's eye.

The man fell down from the boulder, dead before he hit the ground.

The bowstring was still resonating with the one clean tone.

Spoiler: OOC

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Nazir's shot: (16d10)[1][3][7][4][2][5][4][2][10][5][9][1][10][3][10][9](85) TN 6 = 6 successes
Ami's evasion: (4d10)[3][5][5][9](22) TN 7 = 1 success

5 net successes

Hit zone: (2d6)[6] = chest, moved to head (spent 4)
Hit location: (1d6)[2] = neck, moved to face (spent 1)

Damage: 7 + 5 net successes
Resist: TO 5

Level 5 wound to face. Immediate death.

[Anyr]

The feint against her shield took Kate by surprise. However, it didn't alarm her. Tricks like this were effective against unarmoured foes. They allowed you to sneak light cuts past an opponent's guard. But all those deceptive movements robbed the follow-up blow of its momentum. It'd take more force than that to get through Kate's armour.

Spoiler: OOC

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No further action.

[XIII]

Uruk's ears twitched at the sound of Kate's shield clanging against the enemies' weapon. Uruk was not a shield-user by any means, but imagined that strike had rattled her bones. There was no time to look away, she hadn't fallen or cried out in pain, he'd assess after dealing with his enemy. Uruk decided he didn't like his face and would help out by rearranging it.

Spoiler: OOC

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Pommel strike to the faaaceeee! I believe I only have 3 dice left to smash his nose into his skull. Are there rules on murder-strokes?

[Cavir]

Shingazuuk Nazir said to himself. The sound of the word resembled the tone that the bow resonated but it was far from a perfect match. Could that be significant...? Nazir caught himself and as fast as that thought crossed his mind he was focused back on the fight below him. Time to set the last part of his plan in place.

"Weak minded FOOLS! You think that a halfling has friends? That's elven magic! My illusions there are just to keep you busy while I pick you off one by one. Three down, three to go. Keep yourselves busy down there for me. Thought one of you might be smart enough to see through the illusion. "

[Dienekes]

Yep, that was what he thought. All youth and strength, but no actual technique. Gerric let the enemies large blade slide across his shield, opening him up for his axe.

His eyes quickly shot to his side, so he'd know how his allies were fairing. Damn it. Kate had gotten herself opened up. His axe was already raised, ready to come down on his opponent's outstretched arm. The back of his mind was screaming that he needed to kill this fool who had dared to strike at him. But his ally was in trouble. Quickly re-positioning himself, he pushed forward hoping to knock his opponent into the one about to strike Kate.

Spoiler

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Terrain Role (5d10)[6][3][3][1][3](16)

[Lacco]

Kate braced for impact - ready to take a blow, but it did not come. Instead, another man - Gerric's opponent - stumbled into her adversary's path, knocking him down prone. Gerric followed the man with a wild grin on his face - but the combat was not over.

Gerric's opponent still stood, and her tried to get on his feet...

Spoiler: OOC

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@Dienekes: Gerric managed to push him back. The opponent passed his knockdown roll.
However, next time please leave at least one die to attack - otherwise he gets a free attack even as he is pushed back.
This time...Round 3, exchange 1: new round, new dice. You have initiative - your attack?

Anyr: new round, new dice. Roll initiative - your opponent is on the ground.

Urukubarr's opponent was held, but tried to escape...

...but he picked a wrong side to escape and ran directly into the approaching pommel...

...which crushed through his temple and eye, destroying most of his face...

...with pommel covered in blood, he looked around the battlefield. Gerric was standing near Kate and Nazir was reloading.

Spoiler: OOC

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R1E2:
Urukubarr's 3-die pommelfacer: (3d10)[9][10][5](24) TN 6
Jann's partial evasion for 1 die: (1d10)[1](1) TN 7

Hit location: (1d6)[3]

Damage: 9 + 2 net successes + 2 for fumble = 13
Resist: TO 5

Level 5 wound to face.

If by murder-stroke you mean that you grab a weapon by the blade and bash your opponent with the hilt as if with warhammer... there are rules, why?

Nazir's voice rang above the battlefield, but to little effect - it did not drive the men to attack him, or to despair. They were already desperate. And afraid. It was obvious from the face of the man on the ground, when he saw as the half-orc bashed brains of his comrade as if his head was just a raw egg.

"We surrender!" he screamed...

Spoiler: OOC

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Nazir's Sincerity: (4d10)[1][7][10][3](21) TN 10
Resist: (4d10)[7][3][8][4](22) TN 7

Their morale wavers

[Anyr]

Though Kate probably hadn't needed assistance, she was grateful for it nonetheless. It was nice to see the team showing such concern for one another. She wasted no time in exploiting this new opportunity. Her sword shifted to skewer her newly fallen foe: Only to be halted by his desperate cry. He'd surrendered. The question was, did he speak for his allies? Kate urgently snapped out a command.

"Wait! Spare anyone who drops their weapon and raises their hands!"

Her own weapon remained very much in hand. She allowed the foes a few brief seconds to comply. Anyone who didn't would die. There was no need to say that last part out loud. The bloodlust in her comrades' eyes spoke for itself.

[Lacco]

The man on the ground immediately dropped his weapon.

Gerric's opponent did not - instead, he shouted "Damn you all!" and continued his fight.

[Dienekes]

"Good man!" Gerric laughed. "I didn't get to kill anyone yet."

Kate was trying to reason with these bastards. She'd probably wouldn't be attacking now. But Uruk was only a few steps away. He'd lash out with that big sword of his in a few heartbeats. Now, if I'm a smart man. I can just put my shield up and wait for the orc to do what he does best.

But I haven't killed anyone yet.

An ambush, and I didn't even get my axe bloody? That just won't do.

Spoiler

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11 dice to hack into the man's arm.

[Cavir]

Nazir shifted his back foot slightly so he faced the one refusing to yield. He aimed his voice as he nocked and readied to fire again. "Then keep your eye on the arrow here. It's coming for you."

[XIII]

Thanks to Gerric, one was on the floor. Thanks to Nazir, the same one just gave up. How disappointing, the conviction of their enemies was today. The enemy still standing showed promise, in spirit at least. Uruk could have run him through easily, maybe liberated a limb or two, but Uruk was no thief and Gerric had claimed this one. Uruk started rap his blood and gore covered pommel against his leg armor in a rhythmic beat, watching the two with toothy grin as if they were gladiators in the arena, "Your kill, make it good, Gerric."

The moment felt special, Kate and Nazir did not need his help covering the prisoner, Gerric deserved an audience. They have had good fortunes for the most part, survived what most couldn't, and relatively unscathed at that. It was a perfect time to give thanks. Uruk started to chant along with the rhythm, the same word over and over again... "Inanna... Inanna... Inanna... Inanna...-"

Uruk had zero doubt, unless Gerric tripped and fell on his own axe, he could not lose. And so, this was less a battle, and more of a sacrifice. A sacrifice of the blood of their enemy, a show of Gerric's skill, and a soul offered to his favored goddess. Uruk chanted in hopes of attracting the attention of Inanna, "She-Who-Thirsts", to continue their good fortune. The latest of which being this swift victory.

Spoiler: OOC

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Oh, Almighty GM. Accept my sacrifice!

Spoiler: Tidbits

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She-Who-Thirsts - While her true name, Inanna, is no secret, worshipers almost always refer to the spiritual goddess of love, fertility, and war as "She-Who-Thirsts". A true patron of those with insatiable desires, wild hearts, and spirits aflame. The druids speak of her: "She stirs confusion and chaos against those who are disobedient to her, speeding carnage and inciting the devastating flood, clothed in terrifying radiance. It is her game to speed love, conflict, and battle, to bring them to terrifying depths and glorious heights. Untiring, strapping on her bow for war even as she leaves her lover's bed." Battle itself was occasionally referred to as the "Dance of Inanna".

[Lacco]

It was a matter of second. One moment, they were all standing there - Urukubarr, humming and rapping his pommel against his thigh, Kate, her sword pointed at the captive soldier, Nazir, bow ready to release death...

...and Gerric and his opponent, weapons ready.

And in the next second, Gerric swung his axe, the man tried to raise his blade - but he was too slow, too wide.

His scream echoed from the trees, when his arm fell to the ground.

It was a bloody spectacle and the sound of Gerric's blade crushing the man's shoulder, severing even few plates of his scale armor, was a song for Urukubarr. The sacrifice was given.

The man on the ground rolled to his side...

...and Gerric's opponent fell to the ground, holding his stump, bleeding fast, screaming of pain...

Spoiler: OOC

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Don't forget, cut at arms give you +1 die...

Gerric's (12d10)[3][6][10][9][10][9][4][6][1][2][4][4](68) TN 7 = 4 successes
Dobbs' counter: (9d10)[5][2][4][3][5][3][2][1][4](29) TN 6 = 0 successes

4 net successes for Gerric

Hit location: (1d6)[6] = shoulder

Damage: 6 + 3 + 4 net successes + 1 vs armor = 14
Resist: TO 5 + AV 4 = 9

Level 5 wound to shoulder.

BL: 12
S: 18
P: 14-WP

[Dienekes]

Gerric chuckled to himself, as the man slumped to the ground screaming. He crouched in front of the wounded mercenary, his shield still at the ready in case the poor dead fool tried something with his last strength.

"What did ya think was gonna happen? Eh? That you were goin' to prove t' us how strong ya were? That you were gonna kill the lot o' us and show yer some kind a big legend? Inspire yer mercenary friends to take up arms again?" He shook his head. "Courage don't mean **** unless ya got the brains to back it up. Alright, say any last words, if ya have 'em. Then I'll end yer sufferin'."

[Anyr]

Kate watched the final death impassively. Unlike certain other people, she took no glee in it. But it caused her no grief either. And it provided a striking background for her conversation with the sole survivor. As she gazed down at him, her mind flashed back to a certain other prisoner. This one would receive even less leeway. Once the screams had quieted, she would speak.

"Let's dispense with the usual opening gambit. We've already witnessed you trying to slaughter innocent civilians. So please don't bother pretending to be anything more than scum. You survive only because you're useful; And because I'm a better person than you. Here are the rules: If you attempt escape, you die; If you try to betray us, you die; If you hold back critical information, you die. Even should you lead us into a thousand-strong ambush of invincible enemies, we will make certain to slit your throat before the end. Cooperate to the fullest extent of your powers, and you might live to see the inside of a prison cell.

Clear? Good. Now answer: Who are you? Why are you here? And who sent you?"

[XIII]

When the light leaves the man's eyes, the sacrifice is complete; A show of skill, blood splilt, and a soul offered. Uruk punctuated the moment with a final yell of, "So ukaausan kulknej gith!"


"Looking around, maybe more" Urukubarr quickly stated as he began to scout around to assess the state of the farmers and to watch for additional enemies.

Spoiler: OOC

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Render aid to farmers/scout for additional threats

[Cavir]

Nazir readied a shot at the rebellious enemy. Gerric's incredible blow ended that fight quickly. He could sense Gerric's and Urukubarr's revelry in blood but did not share it at all. Killing was a necessity at times, not something to celebrate. Even if the halfling was freed from his oath and was to take out Gerric, it would be a clean shot for the kill, no torture like many of the warlord's victims had suffered. Gerric started taunting the foe and Nazir was prepared to finish the job himself but the chance for last words was given. He kept the shot readied but gave Gerric time to do the honorable thing.

He directed his voice to Kate. "I think you should get the farmers' attention. You have the friendliest face here. They'll have key information too." Urukubarr had the right idea to check for other enemies and gave himself lookout duty from up on the boulder once Gerric's business was complete.