The Cranstonian Expedition (RPG)

[Poli]

I'm here!

[Raven Hawk]

I'm here also, I just figured that I was still charging over the hill and won't get an action until next turn.

[Blade6119]

Me too...was awaiting the result of the next round. i stated this about two rounds ago for the combat since i guess im getting involved now:
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WSU, id like to use all my mounted comabt feats if possible(can i use them however many times i need, or should i save them?)
Mounted combat (ride)*
>Ride-by attack*
>>Spirited charge*

And also my ride skill and my intimidate skill if it manages to stop the beast from charging Nightion.

Ill leave it up to you oh mighty gamemaster how it unfolds and what i can use(i dont know about limits or what not, but if none i would use them all to aid in this battle.)

[Vince]

Heh...I'm also waiting to hear what happens when I get to the crest of the hill. I wanted to prepare an instance of Magic Missile, so I'm ready to fire it off if necessary when I get to the top. I figure with all the charging and stuff going on on the other side of the hill, that's a prudent thing to do without knowing what's going on over there.

[Poli]

You can't count on those Azarans anyway. Mush!

[WSUCougar]

As the enraged badger lunged at Reod, Nightion scrambled for footing, but for whatever reason he failed to attack the open flank of the beast. Up the rise, Kallash grunted with satisfaction at the impact of the bolt, then tossed his crossbow aside and drew his short sword. Not the weapon of choice against a dire badger… he thought grimly, but the Rhyllan warrior was on the defensive now that the wounded animal had closed in on him. The Cranstonian moved in to attack, his eyes following the mounted charge of Dereth just ahead of him.

Although relatively low to the ground, the badger’s great bulk presented a substantial target for Dereth’s ride-by attack. Sword-arm outstretched, the young fighter laid an ample stroke across the beast’s head, splitting its scalp open in a burst of foamy blood. The badger turned to snap its jaws at the passing horse, and Reod saw his opportunity. With a deft lunge of his longsword he pierced the creature’s exposed throat.

Again, Reod found his sword imbedded deeply, and the weight of the badger thrashing about dislodged his grip upon the weapon. He was tossed aside, and took a slight rip across his armor from one of the beast’s massive claws.

As Jadrich, Xypheus, and Brayden reached the crest, the bloody scene had almost been played out. Reod, on the right, was on the ground and unarmed. In the rear, Dereth was wheeling his horse, while Nightion stood ready close by. Kallash was poised to strike the dire badger, which was a hideous form drenched in blood and with Reod’s sword stuck in its throat. Yet it seemed lost in the agony from its wounds, writhing in fury but blindly so.

[Poli]

Reod looked up in amazement. He'd been sliced and tossed before. He'd never been thrown like that. It wasn't too amazing the dire badger was still fighting. It wouldn't live much longer now, but it would fight until it's death, that was for sure.

Perhaps the greatest concern for Reod was the fact Hellantic was still lodged in the badger's neck. Reod had left his other weapons and supplies with the horse, so he was momentarily weaponless.

He quickly decided to scramble away (not having a weapon will make that decision quick regardless), hoping to let the others finish this one off. Perhaps, he thought as he began to move, he could locate the unknown horse rider's corpse.

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich crested the hill and quickly assessed the situation. Noticing Reod scrambling away from the beast, Jadrich raised his crossbow to eyelevel. While continuing his verses, Jadrich picked a line and loosed a bolt at the dire badger.

"Camdich, Mordren, and Danya stood
Looking out their hoods;
Kendrar was amassing evil force
In the Brocklynn Woods.

Mordren sent his hounds to lead
As they spurred their steeds;
Down the hill toward evil horde
Onward to the bleed.

They brought their gods and their horses,
With them to the fight,
Tooth and steel and hoof and arrow
Rung out through the night,
The Heroes of Scalla stood 'lone
With the coming of the light . . . ."

[Vince]

Does it seem that anyone is in dire need of help? Based upon the description above, just staying away from the Badger as it dies seems like a good enough strategy...eh, better safe than sorry.

If I have a clear line of fire...

As Xypheus clears the crest of the hill, he lets fly with a Magic Missile at the Badger, hoping to end this encounter immediately.

[Blade6119]

Dereth was impressed by this badgers resolve. Dereth had killed many creatures and men with one ride by attack, but this badger had taken a attack to the head, the mouth, and a few arrows to the side...and it was still standing. "Ahhh, the gods bless us early with entertainment i see, for this is sport in its best form. Best finish the deed now as if we do not i fear for Reod's life." Dereth hoped to instill a bit of confidence in his fellow companions with this comment, as he knew that seeing Reod flee would make a few of the others waver. Dereth was also well aware of what might happen if the beast charged after reod,or returned his attention to nightion. It all led to only one possible decision, and his horse was already charging the beast without even needing a kick from Dereth.

Dereth figured it was about time to attempt to bring this beast down, and he saw a couple ways to do that. He could aim for the hind legs and hit both in a ride by attack, he could go for the neck and attempt to woiund it badly ebough where he would bleed to death or even cut off this monsters head, or lastly he could go for the head and either slash it again or stick his sword in as well. The last option didnt feel prudent, as that would leave both warriors in the party unarmed(except for the shield dereth still carried from lady del var), and if the beast still was capable of fighting, Dereth could not think of a worse situation then having both the parties tanks in flight unarmed. The neck attack also presented considerable risk as Dereth would have to ride by the horses head, exposing himself and his horse to attack.

So with that dereth rode to the rear of the Badger, sword fully outstreched pointing at the monster, knowing that Reod's life was in his hands. "CRY HAVOC, AND LET LOOSE THE DOGS OF WAR!!!!!!!" Thoughts fell from dereth's mind...all that mattered know was bringing the beast to the ground so it could be finished off, and taking out its hind legs seems like a perfect way. In the background behind the badger, Dereth saw the last of his companions charge the top of the hill. The magic missle was a sight to behold flying directly in his direction, and Dereth just hoped that the missle and other shots fired did not hit him or change the beast's stance for fear of his attack not working and simply exposing himself to mutilation.

[Blade6119]

BUMP

[Poli]

Darn indoor.

[MacroGuru]

Brayden surveys the situation, and he had taken oath to these men, like he would on a ship. His word is his life.

With a bit of a gusto, he steps in to help Roed, stepping over the body to protect it from the Badger.

"Shake it off man!" He yells to Roed, and moves forward with his Rapier, attacking with speed.

[WSUCougar]

Careening side to side in a wild frenzy, the dire badger spewed blood like a geyser but did little else to affect those engaged in battling it. Reod was thus able to scramble away to a safe distance, while Brayden the Azaran stepped forward in a protective posture, steeling himself to strike the beast with his rapier. Kallash back-peddled to avoid the massive form, as did Nightion.

With a hearty song still on his lips, Jadrich let fly with his crossbow. The bolt imbedded in the badger’s flank, yet seemed to have little impact given the presence of the longsword still stuck in its throat. On the other side of the enraged creature, Dereth spurred forward once more to the attack, just as Xypheus let fly with a pair of magical charges. With eerie predilection, the magical energy laced through the short space and laid into the badger’s form. With sudden silence, the badger stiffly thrust itself up on its haunches, and there it remained momentarily as it teetered slightly from side to side as the mounted Rhyllan galloped toward it from behind. Just as Dereth poised himself to strike at the beast’s rear leg, it collapsed dead in a cloud of dust upon the crimson-spattered ground.

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich's song came to a premature end as the legs of the badger gave way to its dead weight.

"Nice shot, Mage!"

Jadrich assessed the situation from horseback at first, checking over his companions.

"Is anybody hurt?"

Looking around and making sure that they were all alright allowed him to proceed to his next question.

"Anybody see the victim?"

If anybody points me in the right direction (or if I happen to see it), I'll head over to the body that the badger was dragging and try to figure out if the person is dead or alive and if alive, if they have any hope of survival with my healing talents.

[MacroGuru]

Looking at the dead creature upon the ground, a look of shock and awe appears on Braydens face.

"That looks like a right nasty beastie there."

Glancing over at Roed.

"I doubt you want to hear this from an Azaran, but you did a damn fine job."

[Poli]

Reod ate a bit of humble pie. His gut reaction was to cast a snide remark to the Azaran, but he bit his tongue instead.

"Thanks, Brayden, I'm glad you were there" he replied as he took his time getting up, then he directed the next statement to the group, "it's a dire badger, if any of you didn't know. Nasty fellows. I've fought one in my day, but I had a lot more help."

Reod then inspected his armor. Seeing the slice in the armor, "I got lucky to get away with this. Their claws are absolutely lethal. Our unit lost two men to the badger I fought before."

With that Reod went over to the dire badger and began the work of removing Hellantic. It was neither easy or hard to do, but took a minute of time.

[Vince]

"If you gentlemen are finished patting yourselves on the back, we've got a 'victim' to find," Xypheus retorted as he lowered himself down the slope.

"I don't know much about dire badgers, but do they normally go out of their way to attack travellers? It would be nice to know beforehand if we were likely to stumble accross a group of dire badger cubs."

[WSUCougar]

Reaching down to pick up the crossbow he'd cast aside in the midst of battle, Kallash grunted with exertion. Still a tough one in a fight, he was a graybeard compared to the others nevertheless, and was breathing heavily. He was also pleased that he had not had to get any closer to the dire badger with his short sword.

"Well fought, all," he said, exhaling again.

Turning downslope, he gestured to the mangled corpse of what presumably was the horse's rider, not far away.

"There's our missing friend..." he said irreverently. He then began to look around slowly, and then a bit more quickly. "Where is Jupp?!?"

[Poli]

Reod had just removed Hellantic from the badger when he heard Kallash's cry. He turned in surprise. His next thought was that this was not good.

"Get back to the top of the hill, now! We need to find him!", he shouted as he himself took off running.

Bad enough to lose Jupp (Lady Del Var would likely hold both Kallash and Reod responsible), but to lose the horses and their packs would be a tremendous loss to the expedition in itself. Reod was determined not to let that happen.

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich gave the corpse a quick once-over from horseback before he heard Reod call for people to return over the hill. Horribly mangled as it was, Jadrich knew that there would be no saving this unlucky person.

Jadrich let out a brief sigh, "A pity . . ."

Jadrich quickly turned his horse about and spurred it on in a dead sprint toward the hill, when he reached the crest, he pulled back to reign in the horse a little to survey the situation on the other side of the hill.

[MacroGuru]

Looking around and seeing people running blindly over the hill again, Brayden thinks to himself....


"This bravery stuff is quite overated." and moves over the hill, acting as rear guard for the group.

[WSUCougar]

Jadrich, on horseback, was the first to reach the crest, trailed by Reod and Brayden scrambling up on foot. Xypheus and Kallash, also on foot, waited at the bottom of the slope, near the dead dire badger. Nightion and Dereth were still positioned on the other side of the dead beast.

A distressing scene greeted Jadrich’s eyes. A quick sweep of the area noted that Jupp’s body lay crumpled in the ground aways off, three sizable rocks strewn about near the head of his prone, bulky form and a large, dark-stained blotch in the torn cloth and armor between his shoulder blades. Not far from this, three ragged figures - all wrapped in flapping animal hides and one with some kind of pelt draped over its head – were making hurried attempts to pull the remaining horses and mules (save for Dereth’s and Jadrich’s) away. Each bore a crude looking spear or club of some kind, with which they were menacing and rapping the frightened animals to propel them along.

As Jadrich opened his mouth to speak, all thoughts of warning were quickly lost when a crazed shriek suddenly rang out from seemingly beneath his mount. The noise was hideous to the ears, both in its primal savagery as well as its sheer loudness. Things then began occurring in the span of mere heartbeats; the horse, spooked to the utmost, reared up and threw itself back in a loud, whinnying recoil. Fighting to control the terrified animal, Jadrich still was able to look directly into the face of what assailed him: a man of some accursed breed, with what appeared to be massive boils on his cheeks and forehead, and large bulging eyes raging at him. A thick rat’s nest of coarse black erupted upward from his head, and what oddly struck Jadrich more than anything were the countless nits and other tangles evident in the hair. He was garbed in some filthy skin of some kind.

Again, all thoughts were dissipated as the hill-man (for surely this must be one) screamed fully into his face once more, and raised his arms above his head like a madmen. “BEEEGLAAAAGHHHH!”

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich narrowed his eyes to see the true hideousness of the Hill Man. Jadrich shifted his gaze as the spooked horse shifted its weight uncomfortably to keep the Hill Man's own gaze. Jadrich called out to his comrades, still attempting to hold the gaze of the Hill Man:

"Man down. Four foes. Hill People . . . Dereth with me. All others . . . come slowly."

With that the barkeep began to walk his horse down toward the disgusting individuals, doing his best to keep his mount steady. He called out to their leader as he kept his pace slow enough for Dereth to possibly catch up.

"How now, good Hill Person? What's your business with my horses and my mules?"

If Jadrich can hold his gaze, he will attempt to cast Charm Person amidst my conversation. If they get spooked and start running, Jadrich will run his horse wide to cutoff their escape route, instructing Dereth to do the same. If they charge him, Jadrich willl cast Sleep.

Edit: Meant to say Jadrich would stay out of "rock throwing" range, but inside communication range.

Edit 2: To correct the number of hill people that Jadrich saw.

[JeffNights]

Nightion had put away his short sword and had picked up his longbow when the shrieks of horses turned his attention back over the hill, immeadiately he readyed another arrow and advanced toward the horses...

[Poli]

"HILL PEOPLE, KALLASH!"

Reod continued on his way up the hill, readying Hellantic with his right hand at the same time. The hill people would pay for this little diversion.

I'll use all of my feats (except the obvious two weapon fighting) if need be.

[Blade6119]

Dereth heared the call and was off at a pace even greater then his charge on the beast...to ride to kill a foe is one thing, but to ride to save a comrade in arms is quite another. Dereth reached the pinnacle of the hill a short time after the others, as he had already been charging in that direction before the beast died, and had the advantage of horseback to the other's foot travel. He quickly noticed jadrich in conversation with Jupp assailants and presumed theives. The tone in his voice was suprising, as dereth heared no hint of anger or rage. If it had been him, the hill people would be hearing worse things then the cry of the horse. Dereth wondered if Jadrich's form of diplomacy would work, and if not he was willing to use his intimidation skill to attempt to scare off the hill people. He rode at full pace to gain jadrich's side, and hoped that the two of them could handle the .4 hillmen until other helped arrived or just alone in combat. Dereth thought it best to be silent and keep his sword at his side, as a warrior of Dereth stature riding to you full speed with a sword outstretched is enough to lead any many into fight or flee, and for now dereth wanted to follow along with Jadrich's current plan. There would be time for brute force soon it appeared, especially after catching Jupp's body in his perepheral vision.

What did worry dereth though, was the fear that these three might not be alone. Dereth had lived in the woods of cranstone, and his dealings with forest men of those parts had taught him to always expect more enemies to come from places you would never expect. Dereth let his eyes wander the surrounding area during the gallop, and hoped nightion and the others on foot could alert the two mounted men to any threat. Dereth knew they had to save the horses, for without them they might as well not even try to beat the other party to the candle mage. For now though, jadrich seemed a commanding figure and in controlof the situation to some extent. He would let jardich's actions determine his, and be ready to intimidate or attack at a moments notice.

[WSUCougar]

Quick note:

There are actually four hill-people present. The three bearing off with the horses, and the one in very close proximity to Jadrich (right in front of him). Please edit posts as needed.

[Vince]

Xypheus starts back up the hill upon hearing Jadrich's call.

Coug, once Xypheus gets to the top, is the group of hill people taking off with our mounts within range of my Grease spell? If so, I'd like to target the area right underneath them/slightly in front of them, so that they have trouble getting away quickly.

[Raven Hawk]

Blade-

It's like you're reading my mind . . .

Good job! :)

[Blade6119]

i try lol

Just trying to go along with what i think i would do realistically in the situation...or maybe its my X-com days coming back to me when we used to team up :)

[Raven Hawk]

Bump.

[WSUCougar]

Amidst the crazed shrieks and immediate proximity of the hill-man, Jadrich’s coolness was exceptional. And remarkably, amidst the chaos, the Scallite’s mesmerizing charm incantation began to take hold of his foe. The hill-man’s hairy arms slowly lowered, and his bellowing ceased. His face, crinkled up with tense rage, gradually began to relax. Even the other hill-people, occupied as they were in driving the horses with their spears, cast nervous glances backward toward the slope to see what had happened.

Yet the hold was a tenuous one. The fierce eyes, flitting from side to side, flinched visibly at the arrival of Jadrich’s comrades. First Dereth, mounted on horseback, then Reod, Xypheus, and finally Brayden. A guttural gurgle began to sound in the hill-man’s throat as he took a small step back, those his eyes kept returning to Jadrich’s calm face.

The three other foes were struggling to control any of the remaining animals, and appeared on the verge of panicked flight. On the left, Xypheus began to quietly intone his Grease spell, just as Kallash and Nightion reached the rank of adventurers deployed across the crest. Upon the sight of Jupp's battered body, Kallash let forth an impassioned "Ohhh..."

[Raven Hawk]

"Do not fear, friend," Jadrich said in a calming tone, "Tell your friends to stop what they are doing, we wish to barter."

Jadrich maintained a steeled focus on the lead hill person as he held up a closed fist to his company behind him. Slowly, he dismounted his horse and made his way to where Jupp's body lay.

"It appears as though my friend had a little mishap here. Does he still breathe?" said in his soft tone.

He squated down and put his hand over Jupp's nose and mouth to feel if there was any breath left in him, all the time never letting the Hill Man escape his gaze.

[Poli]

Reod knew the barkeep was up to something, and he knew exactly what it was. It angered Reod quite a bit, but he took Jadrich's fist in the air to mean the situation was at least partially in control. He sheathed (sp?) Hellantic slowly, in the process he began to drift towards Dereth.

Reod supposed if this didn't work out and he was to catch the hill people, he'd need a ride.

[Vince]

Coug - Will Jadrich finish his charm person before I can finish my Grease spell? And if possible, can I delay my casting so that Jadrich finishes? I don't want to stop casting...just want to see where this is going.

[WSUCougar]

Coug - Will Jadrich finish his charm person before I can finish my Grease spell? And if possible, can I delay my casting so that Jadrich finishes? I don't want to stop casting...just want to see where this is going.
Sorry, Vince, I forgot to mention that the three other hill-people are beyond your Grease spell's range. Consider Xypheus in the initial stages of intonation such that you can start again or move as necessary without penalty.

[Vince]

Hm. Well how far out of range am I? If I can move in range without distracting Jadrich too much, I'll start moving that way...otherwise, I'll hold off for a minute.

[Blade6119]

Dereth moved forward in pace with jadrich but kept a close eye on the three pulling away the horses

[WSUCougar]

With great force of will, Kallash fought the urge to unload his crossbow at the hill-man in deference to what Jadrich was trying to do. His whole life he had been trained and tested in the role of fighting these wild bastards, and the broken body of Jupp only enflamed his hatred further. Yet wisdom had carried him far in life, and he would not yield so quickly to the obvious, passionate, and aggressive course.

“They do not speak our language!” he hissed at Jadrich.

Despite this obstacle, the Scallite barkeep’s calm demeanor was carrying the moment. The hill-man was seemingly mesmerized, and the scene was thus a remarkable one when he furrowed his brow with uncertainty as Jadrich checked on Jupp. Alas, the lad was still and gone, his head bearing the brute marks of the rocks and his back pierced deeply and puddled with oozing blood. Jadrich’s hand quickly became wet with it.

The other three hill-folk had abandoned several of the animals, and were now making better progress with one horse and two mules. Something had to be done soon, or they would be too far to intervene in their escape. With a watchful eye on the bizarre drama unfolding closer at hand, Xypheus was already moving off in their direction. The two Rhyllan warriors were poised to move that way as well.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

100 paces and widening. :confused: :D

[Raven Hawk]

ooc: are the three others and the horses outside the range of my sleep spell?

[WSUCougar]

ooc: are the three others and the horses outside the range of my sleep spell?
Er...I don't have my book with me. Anyone?

[Raven Hawk]

From what I can gather, it is a medium range spell with a 15' radius from where ground zero is placed. http://www.raflar.com/fantasyrpg/SpellsBard3-0.pdf

If you trust this source.

[Blade6119]

i couldnt tell you either...is Reod on my horse, or am i still mounted alone?

[WSUCougar]

i couldnt tell you either...is Reod on my horse, or am i still mounted alone?
Alone.

Raven Hawk, I'm going to assume you are out of range at the moment for the Sleep spell.

[Poli]

Reod watched as the hill people decided part with some of the spoils. It wouldn't take long for them to disappear, or reappear with reinforcements, for that matter. He looked at the other Rhyllan warrior, who was beside him. He looked at the rest of the group and decided that the lone hill man here could be taken down rather quickly.


"Dereth, quickly now! Let's go!"

With that, Reod hopped on to Jadrich's steed and galloped towards the departing hill people.

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich took his eyes off of the hill person for only a moment to look down at his bloodied hand. He rubbed some of the blood between his thumb and index finger before looking back up at the hill person. Now Jadrich's peaceful look only vanished for a moment under a grim visage before it returned quickly. It was obvious, now, that this brute of a man did not understand the common tongue. What was the point of speaking in it. Jadrich began singing a dirge that was quite solemn, yet beautiful in its own right. Slowly walking around the hill person that was under his influence, Jadrich waved his companions in.

The peaceful melody that Jadrich sang in his own tongue was so much so, that it might put one to sleep . . . {sleep spell on the one hill person nearest Jadrich who is still charmed}

Vun nas aeoli, nas aeoli,
Ush ven luminai
Arro cosh sen verili
Ush ven alvenai.

Vun nas pulimi, nas pulimi,
Ush ven luminai
Arro cosh sen caroli
Ush ven alvenai.

Ven alvenai . . .

[Raven Hawk]

Dola,

Not sure if Reod was aware or not, but Jadrich's horse is unoccupied.

[Vince]

Xypheus picks up the pace a little bit, while continuing his incantation of the Grease spell.

I'll unload the spell as soon as I'm in range, Coug...and I'll center it a little in front of the group (that is, in the direction they are already travelling). Dereth and Reod better be careful if they're charging into a puddle of Grease, though...I believe Grease is conjuration, not illusion, so they're going to be at its mercy as well.

[Raven Hawk]

Heheh. This is the fun of fighting together for the first time. You have no clue what everybody else is going to do. :D

[Poli]

Dola,

Not sure if Reod was aware or not, but Jadrich's horse is unoccupied.
Unless the horse is nearby, I doubt Reod would go for it though.

[Raven Hawk]

Unless the horse is nearby, I doubt Reod would go for it though.
From my understandings, if Reod is close to Dereth, he is close to Jadrich's horse. Dereth should have been riding up to Jadrich and pretty close to him.

[WSUCougar]

From my understandings, if Reod is close to Dereth, he is close to Jadrich's horse.
Aye. It would be a small matter for Reod to mount Jadrich's horse. Just be sure to go back and edit the post accordingly, Ardent.

We can all then delete these posts to clean up the thread! :cool: (no big deal either way).

[Poli]

Edited.

[Vince]

From my understandings, if Reod is close to Dereth, he is close to Jadrich's horse. Dereth should have been riding up to Jadrich and pretty close to him.
Can we have another installment of Jadrich's stock? Is it still below 'dead horse?' :)

[Poli]

Can we have another installment of Jadrich's stock? Is it still below 'dead horse?' :)
Good one.

[Blade6119]

Dereth saw Reod jump on Jadrichs and move forward, and that was all Dereth needed. He gave his horse a slight tap, and it was off right with Reod. "Do we go to cut off their retreat or their heads?" Dereth hoped it was the latter, as seeing Jupps body had enraged him, then to kill like that and run when others showed up was about as cowardly as it could get. Dereth got ready for his mounted combat feats, and figured with the charge being from the backs of the hill people he hoped to get two of them in the ride by. Then he could react to what reod had done with the third and hopefully finish them all off.

[Blade6119]

Good one.

not his stock ;)

[Raven Hawk]

Bump.

[Poli]

I fear we have a few disinterested members.

[Vince]

Who are we waiting on?

[Raven Hawk]

Brayden (indoorsoccersim) and Nightion (JeffNights) have not chipped in on the latest event.

[WSUCougar]

With little time to waste, the two Rhyllans bolted down the small slope on horseback, moving in on the escaping hill-folk on the right as Xypheus the elf-mage trotted off on the left side to close the range.

Amidst this flurry of motion, the closest hill-man spun his head about as he was released from the enchantment that held him. He turned and shouted something undecipherable to his comrades amidst the barkeep’s soft dirge. His snarling yell was cut short, however, as Jadrich’s Sleep spell washed over him. His knees buckled, and he went down like a falling tree. Kallash promptly stepped closer and unleashed his crossbow bolt into the brute’s throat.

Seeing the two charging Rhyllans, the other three foes lost interest in the pack animals and instead spread out and took up fighting stances with their crude spears. One stooped to pick up a sizable rock, and threw it quite accurately toward Reod.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

FYI, Xypheus is still out of range.

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich grinned slyly at the hill man laying at his feet with a crossbow bolt sticking out of his neck. Jadrich wished that he could taunt the dead some more, but he realized that his friends were in the midst of an assault upon the remaining three brutes.

Jadrich quickly spun on his heel and sprinted in toward the action, drawing a throwing knife on the way, when he got into range, he picked an open target, crow hopped in order to plant his back foot and threw a dagger at the hill man that he had chosen. He continued to advance more slowly through his throwing motion and drew another knife just as the first had left his hand.

[Vince]

Just out of curiousity, what time of day is it?

[WSUCougar]

Afternoon

[MacroGuru]

Man, I feel like an arse not responding.

In what seemed ages, Brayden finally wakes out of his battle fog, and steps toward the closest foe, managing to coordinate with any others in the party near him, knowing that none have fought together in battle.

Brayden will work on parries getting his opponent into a rythm, then attack.

[JeffNights]

Nightion watched as the nasty looking rocked soared toward Reod, The Ranger brought his longbow to bear as quickly as he could on the rock, Reod has saved his life and now it was time to return the favor....Leading in the rocks path, Nightion loosed his bow, then quickly started advancing on the hillmen

[Vince]

Hmm...they're not advancing upon us, I presume? This might make my Grease spell rather useless.

Xypheus continued his advance on the left flank of the hill men, hoping that Jadrich or Brayden would be willing to provide a bit of muscle on his side. Unsure now of the advantage by casting the grease spell, he decided to stall a little longer in his casting to see how the Rhyllan charge resulted. "Kallash, Brayden, Jadrich [if he's still within speaking range] -- if we stick to the left flank, and allow the Rhyllans to finish their charge, we can have these hill men surrounded, the Rhyllans in back and our advance in the front."

[Poli]

Reod's eyes lit up when he saw the rock on its way towards him. He tried his best to evade the large object, but it was unclear if he would be successful. Reod wasn't exceptionally skilled at riding a horse into battle. While this clearly wasn't a battle, the rock headed toward him would be challenging enough.

[WSUCougar]

Directly in front, Nightion's arrow narrowly missed the object hurtling through the air at the mounted Rhyllan, but Reod successfully evaded the rock with an awkward turn of his horse. This took much of the momentum out of his charge, and he promptly found himself with his horse sidling slowly toward the three hill-people. Dereth, however, plunged ahead with great force, and the scraggly woman that proved to be his target had little chance against the impact of his passing attack. Apparently used to ambushing unwary travelers, she feebly held her spear out, only to be struck full bore by Dereth's sword and then partially trampled. She spun to the ground beneath the passing hooves, out of the fight if not already mortally wounded.

Jadrich's thrown knife was on target, and the sizable hill-man's attention was drawn away by the charging Rhyllans. The knife struck home, low along what would have been the belt line if there had been a belt amidst the hill-man's mass of animal skins he wore. The resultant growl of pain verified the impact, although the man redirected his attention toward Jadrich with seemingly little regard for the pain the wound must be causing him.

With deliberate motions, Kallash began stalking toward the remaining enemies as he cranked his crossbow once again. He nodded toward the elf-mage, and edged toward the left flank. The Azaran, Brayden, followed closely. The hill-people were oblivious to their advance, given the other opponents closer at hand.

[Vince]

Xypheus, not one for close range fighting, slowed his advance to allow the fighters to take the lead. Giving up on the Grease spell completely, he readied another instance of Magic Missile, ready to spring in an instant if the hill-men turned out to be more than the fighters could easily handle.

[Raven Hawk]

An eyebrow raised over Jadrich's left eye as he realized that he had successfully drawn the attention of the hill man. Not being accustomed to being in an actual fight, since he employed large bruisers at his bar to do that type of fighting, Jadrich was a little confused as to what he should do next. The advancing hill man quickly helped Jadrich make up his mind.

Jadrich began back-pedalling as he threw another knife at the brute of a hill person. It was quite obvious that Jadrich's plan was to keep this hill person occupied, while at the same time staying out of melee range of the brute.

[Vince]

How far are Kallash and myself away from Jadrich?

[WSUCougar]

How far are Kallash and myself away from Jadrich?
Jadrich is "center front" with Kallash close behind. The two Rhyllans are engaged on the front right. You are toward the left middle, approximately 20 paces from Kallash, with Brayden nearby. Nightion is toward the right rear.

[Vince]

Xypheus continued the Magic Missile incantation, firing it at the hill-man currently attempting to engage Jadrich. Afterwards, he hung back, trying to avoid physical confrontation.

[Blade6119]

Dereth turned his horse at a close but safe distance...he hoped he had enough room to charge through the remaining hill person with a ride-by attack, but if not be was confident he would at least be able to bring the hill person down by attacking normally on foot....if he did not have the range to gain enough speed on horse, no reason to endager the horse with the spear the brute had. Dereth figured Reod could aid the others with the larger brute chasing Jadrich...or continue to aid him with the other and then turning on the last one. Dereth just knew he had to take down the one left in front of him, then make sure the large one didnt hurt his friends.

[Poli]

Reod was anxious to get moving again. He tried to catch both his and the horse's balance, and went after the nearest opponent.

[WSUCougar]

In the brief pause in the party’s advance, the two remaining hill-men moved to attack. One spun around to engage Dereth, who promptly dismounted and brought his sword to bear against the aggressive spear-thrusts of his crazed assailant. The other snarled like a mad dog at both Reod (on his horse) and Jadrich, who was backing away. Jadrich launched the second knife, but the hill-man batted it away with a violent swipe of his arm, then pivoted to attack Reod. The Rhyllan struggled to defend himself on the horse, who nervously whinnied and shied away from the hill-man’s advance. It was then that Xypheus’s magic missiles arced in and impacted on the brute, knocking the enemy to the ground and causing Reod’s horse to rear.

From just behind them on the rise, Kallash and Jadrich heard a sudden gurgling scream, and turned quickly to see the gruesome image of Nightion impaled on a spear, which poked out through the middle of his chest as the raging hulk of a man who wielded it continued to thrust it forward with great force. Behind the blood-frothing visage of the ranger, a wave of four more hill people charged over the crest. Kallash knelt swiftly and fired a bolt, which pierced into the lead hill-man’s thigh, then tossed his crossbow aside and drew his short sword.

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich pitched his ear towards the hill where he had heard the gurgling scream. Content in the belief that the mage's spell had disabled his immediate concerns, Jadrich spun on his heal to look for the source of the scream. His heart sank for a moment as he saw his ranger skewered and four more hill people coming over the hill.

Jadrich barked an order, "Mage! Help Dereth and Reod finish of these foes. Khallash! Catch any of these bastards that make it through my spell."

"Brayden!" Jadrich continued as he looked around briefly for the Azaran. "Brayden?!"

Realizing that the new set of hill people would be on them soon, Jadrich began singing a song to them . . . an old Scallan lullabye.


Vun nas aeoli, nas aeoli,
Ush ven luminai
Arro cosh sen verili
Ush ven alvenai.

Vun nas pulimi, nas pulimi,
Ush ven luminai
Arro cosh sen caroli
Ush ven alvenai.

<O:p</O:p
Ven alvenai . . .


Edit:To fix formatting of song.

[MacroGuru]

Waking from his trance of seeing everything happening, Brayden quickly steps up to accept the charges yelling loudly.

"Gentlemen, help!"

Brayden sets himself, rapier drawn, hoping his speed, will beat out some of the spears, and larger attacks of the hillmen.

[Poli]

Reod tried to calm Jadrich's horse down so he could dismount. His intentions were to ensure the fallen hill man in front of him was dead and to assist Dereth in any way.

Getting off the spooked horse, though, may have been his greatest obstacle.

[Vince]

Ok...I'm trying to figure out how to post a picture, and I'm failing miserably. I want to know if the image I have in my head (and now in a crappy MS Paint file :)) is accurate.

[Vince]

It will be accurate if it shows that Jadrich's stock has once again fallen below "Dead Horse." :D
I believe this time it's Nightion who has fallen below 'Dead Horse' :) Seriously though...I have this picture that I really want to hear opinions on, so if someone can host it somewhere, I'll e-mail it to them.

[Blade6119]

No, nightion is still alive i presume....just kinda in a bit of a bad situation with the whole spear through his chest thing.

[Blade6119]

Dereth entered into combat with the attacking hill man, and decided to use skill to kill the hill man who didnt display much talent with his spear. He would then move to aid the others by mounting his horse and charging to the others aid if time permitted.

I would like to use my combat reflexes to parry with the man for a minute, and when he gives me an opening id like to use my power attack to finish him off.

[Raven Hawk]

Here's Vince's drawing:

http://home.earthlink.net/~ravenhawk/Randomness.bmp

[WSUCougar]

Pretty close, Vince - nice work.

Put Brayden up above left of Kallash in the pic, and move Xypheus left a smidge. Impaled Nightion should be farther down, about where the lowest of the four new hill-men is located, with the others positioned accordingly.

Edit: Can you guys please delete the excess posts above the image post to clean up the thread a tad?

[JeffNights]

With speed he searched for his next target, drawing a bead with his longbow, focusing on the nearest Hillman...He readied his shot...

But it was not to be, It felt like being knocked with a mason's hammer in the middle of his back as his head head snapped upwards, all he saw was sky, the pain was hot and burning is his chest..He would have cried out more, but his lungs could not draw the breath to do so....To Nightion it was happening in slow motion. His vision turned to the ground, his chin hanging on his chest..incoherantly his arms had dropped to his sides, limply hanging there...falling to his knees he fought once more to try have some control...some feeling to resist...but there was none...the pain, the confusion, the denial of what was happening to him...it was purely hidieous....but that wasnt the worst of it at all.....

He Could Hear It.

The Tip of the spear breaking through the skin of his back, penetrating the soft flesh ripping into layer and layer unitll reaching the outer cage, protecting the lungs..the bones snapped as they were struck through, then the spear and its staff wrenching through his internals..then violently cracking out the middle of his chest......

The spearpoint was covered in what he could only fathom as part of his veins, engulffed in his blood..sticking out maybe a foot. It was the last thing he would see, with silent defeat, the Ranger closed his eyes and tumbled forward.........
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."Flash" In his mother's arms, being sung to about the woods, the mysterious legends of the forrest..the ways of the river, the secrets in the water....

"Flash" His father teaching him as a young boy to hunt, to fight, demanding he know the honor and history of his family and people.

"Flash" his last image of his own wife and son, on the clearing of his own house, waving as he set out to this fateful quest....
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.And now he would die here, like this. Like this? To be struck down from behind from a savage's spear? There was no honor in this! He was a Ranger from the Northern Woods! His last moments were not to be spent lying in the mud, facefirst waiting for death. No, not like this.....His death rattle would be with his bow in his hand! Staring down at the enemy!!


With great effort, Nightion hunched himself upwards, his eyes looking for his longbow, he was gasping for breath, blood pouring from his mouth as his arms found thier treasure...Summoning all his will, he placed his quiver on its string, and turned to rise to his feet....bracing his legs he set himself to draw his bow...his target was the hillman now not too far from him...his last clear sight was the point of his arrow, lining down the center of the Savage's head.....one final loose of his bow......hoping it would fly true..

[WSUCougar]

In what under different circumstances might look like a comical dance, the hillman lost his grip on the spear-shaft and shuffled awkwardly around as the ranger fell forward to the ground. His eyes went to his three comrades running past, and then back with a look of puzzlement changing to dread as Nightion struggled up, clutching his bow. The ranger was a nightmarish mess of his own blood and gore, the spear-point protruding from his torso and his eyes already glazed over with shock from the mortal wound, and the hill-man – now alone with this ghastliness – began to back-peddle away in terror.

Somehow, the Rhyllan was on his feet…somehow, with an almost mechanical quality to it, arrow was nocked and bowstring drawn back…somehow…

Like it was flung forth by a vengeful god, the arrow seemed to explode off the longbow. With freakish speed and power it reached across the short gap, passing through the right eye and into the brain of the retreating foe, whose shriek faded to a gurgling death-rattle as his face frothed open like a bursting crimson bubble.

Nightion was on his knees now, hands at his side, longbow dropped into the puddle of blood beneath him.

~ ~ ~~ ~

With a moment’s pause, Reod was able to successfully dismount from the shying horse. The hill-man at his feet was not quite dead, but lingering and trying to reach his weapon. The Rhyllan warrior stepped forward to end it.

Nearby, Dereth was engaged in a close fight with the last of the original foes. Clearly outmatched, the hill-man was exhausting himself with thrusts of his crude spear while Dereth easily parried them.

Xypheus remained nearby, watchful of what was happening all around him.

The Azaran, Brayden, stepped forward with rapier extended to meet the new threat. Not far, Kallash steeled himself for the enemy’s attack, short sword in hand. Jadrich’s lullaby, strangely sweet in the midst of this chaos, danced softly upon their ears, yet onward came the three wild men…

[Poli]

Reod dispatched the Hill man that lay beneath him, and looked towards Dereth. Reod had the impression that Dereth was toying with his prey.


Reod turned around to see what the commotion was about behind him. Reod was shocked to see a number of hill people advancing on the others. Nightion, though impaled, just took care of one, but three others were advancing.

Reod did the math quickly; it appeared his side had a numbers advantage. He turned around to see if he could possibly see any other hill people advancing. He was tired of the ambushes.

"Darn Dire Badgers," Reod thought, "look what it did to us."

[Vince]

Not willing to risk losing another party member to a freak accident, Xypheus ignored the fact that Dereth seemed in control of his battle. Readying his Cone of Cold spell, he manuevered into position to get a clear shot at the hill-man's rear, and let fly as soon as possible.

Sorry guys...should have had that posted before today. Also -- if Dereth finishes him off before I can finish, and I'm still able to back out of the spell, I'll do that instead.

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich looked dejected as his enchantment failed. Yet, there was no time to lose. With lightning reflexs, Jadrich pulled another knife from the folds of his cloak and threw it at the nearest oncoming hillman.

As he tossed the knife, he yelled out loud, "Nightion! Don't you die on me! Hang in there!"

[Vince]

I'm going home for the weekend starting today guys. I'll have internet access, but I'll be spending a lot of time with the fam, as I haven't seen them in months.

[Vince]

Tasteful early Tuesday morning bump...

[WSUCougar]

Okay, guys...roll call. Let's see if everyone is still on board and then we'll get things moving again. Please check in.

[Raven Hawk]

Check-a-roonee.

[Poli]

Reporting for duty. Let's hope this is the only duty I'm reporting for.

[JeffNights]

I'm here! Spear sticking through me and all!

[Blade6119]

Dereth is ready to keep going

[Raven Hawk]

Bump-a-Rump dump

[Blade6119]

bumpizzle

[Vince]

I must have missed the roll-call before the board went down -- I'm still here, and bumping again :)

[Poli]

Hello? Hello?! Is this thing working? :)

[Raven Hawk]

As Jadrich released the knife from his finger tips, time seemed to stand still. He could see every rotation of the dagger as it tumbled through the air towards its target. Muffled sounds echoed slowly in his ears. Nightion's shouts for help lingered and frost slowly began to crystalize on the tips Xypheus' fingers . . .

[Blade6119]

Dereth moved in to make a death blow on his foe, so he could then move to aid his party memebers...he heared the screams of nightion, but had yet to turn to see the scene. Dereth just had a bad feeling something had gone terribly wrong with the simple situation he had seen played out in his mind a million ways...not once resulting in the screams of his fellow men-at-arms...especially not a Rhyllan!

[WSUCougar]

Dereth’s sword quickly found the throat of his exhausted foe, and in an instant the hill-man was reduced to a bloody, sagging corpse impaled upon the Rhyllan’s weapon. Xypheus’ spell fizzled into nothingness as the enemy warrior was obviously done in.

Reod’s quick observation revealed no other foes at hand, but the three advancing would soon be upon Brayden, Kallash, and Jadrich. One of the hill-men was forced to slow, as Jadrich’s thrown dagger imbedded in his shoulder, but this wound seemed only to enrage the man further – he screamed a hoarse war-cry and lunged forward once more. The other two were angling right at Kallash, who stood ready to receive the attack with sword in hand, and the Azaran, who looked unprepared.

And to the rear, his last vestiges of strength gone, Nightion fell forward into his own blood, the spear still sticking upward from his back.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Okay, back at it. Jadrich and Brayden each have a guy bearing down on them a few paces away, as does Kallash. Xypheus is close behind, Reod is not far away, and Dereth further behind him. Refer to the graphic above.

[JeffNights]

Nightion drew his breath raggedly as he lay on the cold ground, he knew he was going to die...but his honor has been solidified, and his spirit would soar free. Yet, he did not want to die with his face in the dirt, no....he'd struggle to turn over, to face the sky and the sun...

His breath coming now in blood filled gurgles, he rolled onto his back, and was treated with a new dearing pain as the back end of the spear pivoted and the ground, and finally broke. But not before it again had turned on his insides.....Spear point sticking out his chest....he lay as he should, facing toward the heavens.

[Raven Hawk]

"Somebody! I NEED to get to Nightion!" Jadrich screamed as the hill person bore down upon him. As he screamed, Jadrich quickly pulled his kukri from its sheath and prepared for the oncomming attack.


Jadrich, when in close combat has a very defensive fighting style. Simple philosophy: Don't get hit. If somebody can intercept the hill person charging Jadrich, he'll break full sprint toward Nightion, fumbling for a blue vial in his scroll case.

[Poli]

Reod saw nothing when he turned around. Satisfied no other tricks were coming, he turned to hear Jadrich's cry.

Reod ran as quickly as he could to Jadrich, although it was unclear if he would make it in time.

[Blade6119]

Dereth turns to see reod begin his run...Dereth has the same idea, but mounts his horse as usual and starts after the hll men, hopng to free up someone to help nightion. Leaving Reod's horse alone worried him, as it brought about this whole mess, but he had no choice with more immediate dangers imminent. Dereth would attempt to close on the advancing hill men, and use his riding attack feats to eliminate them if possible. This situation had to be taken care of quickly, for Nightion didnt have much time left....if any...

[MacroGuru]

OOC: Sorry bout that...thought the downtime killed us all.


Brayden swings his head back and forth, his palms sweating, flexing them upon the hilt of his rapier, he faintly notices the man bearing down upon him.

He quickly turns, and prepares to handle the onslaught, looking to take the first blow as a parry, or even side step, and hope for an opening.

He starts counting the paces the man is moving at, to help his timing.

[WSUCougar]

FYI, Vince has promised a post tonight, and then we can roll.

[Vince]

I'm here :) Will get to replying shortly.

[Loki]

Can I play? I want to be Sol!

Sol looks around cautiously and hides behind a stone off the side of the road.

[Vince]

Xypheus turned to see Reod begin a mad dash towards Jadrich. He followed quickly, muttering under his breath.

Coug, you have a PM.

[Loki]

Sol peeks his head out from behind the rock to see if there is still danger. He doesn't see any, but you can't be too careful.

Sol hides some more.

[Blade6119]

bump

[WSUCougar]

The two Rhyllan fighters reacted swiftly, but the interval was too great to intercept the charging hill-men quite yet. Though on foot, Reod was nearest to Jadrich, and would soon be in striking range. Dereth mounted and reined his horse around, but the animal took precious seconds getting up to a gallop, and he had the greatest distance to cover. It would be several moments still before he could close the gap. Xypheus began to move quickly in the background, also toward Jadrich’s position.

Kallash was the first to bear the brunt of the savage assault. His opponent - a short, screaming brute - actually leapt into the air and tried to kick the older man in the face. The Cranstonian was ready and deflected the blow with his sword arm, but the maneuver had the desired effect for the hill-man nevertheless, as Kallash was now off-balance and his weapon was no longer ready to strike. And the hill-man was quicker. With a swift back-handed sweep of his right arm, he landed a solid blow. Kallash staggered…

Brayden, meanwhile, had a bigger but more ponderous opponent with which to deal. One of the hairiest men he’d ever seen, the hill-man lumbered forward with what looked like a giant, jagged tree limb as a weapon. It was a small matter to side-step the enemy charge, but the bulk of the man forced the Azaran to step farther than parrying range at first. With a grunt, the hill-man turned and began to swing his tree-limb…

Jadrich had drawn his ornamental weapon but quickly saw that he would be overmatched. His enraged foe was the most properly-armed of the remaining three, carrying a rusty but still sizable longsword and wielding it like a butcher might wield a cleaver. Eyes ablaze, the savage shrieked another battle cry and closed the final few steps…

All had gone gray and cold for Nightion. What had been searing pain was now…nothing. The sky above…grayness…shadow…creeping cold…

[MacroGuru]

Brayden begins to feel something he hates....fear. The fear that this man is potentially his match, the hope of his speed and agility are all he has in order to defeat this opponent.

As the swing comes, Brayden judges where the angle is coming from looking to make his move.

Brayden, waits for the swing, balancing himself, if it comes from the side, he will try a daring move he has only used once or twice, going low, trailing his left leg back, his left palm resting on the ground, his body, hugging his right knee as he comes up and under the blow, pinpointing the rapier into brute.

If it comes from above, the choice is to side step, and wear the brute out, waiting for the opening, attacking the wrists holding the weapon.


OOC:

Can we use If/then statements? I have 2 potential actions I can see Brayden doing, however, without knowing which angle the swing is coming from, I can't make that choice.

[WSUCougar]

OOC:

Can we use If/then statements? I have 2 potential actions I can see Brayden doing, however, without knowing which angle the swing is coming from, I can't make that choice.
Sure.

[MacroGuru]

Sure.
Great, post is modifed

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich's muscles seize up and a blank stare comes across his face. He clutches at his heart and falls to the ground with a thud, motionless, breathless.


Perhaps Jadrich can win an Oscar for this performance. ;) The real idea is remove himself from being a threat to the hillman and give him better vision so he can see the charging fighters coming towards him. Defense mechanism #2 in the Bard's Handbook. Play dead. :) I don't take these hillmen to be very intelligent and hope that Jadrich's stellar performance will be enough to confuse the bastard.

[Poli]

Reod had seen death before. It didn't worry him, but seeing the men of the expedition falling like flies was starting to give him a sense of self preservation.

Jadrich's fall to the Hill man was nearly impossible, he thought.

"How, wha, no!" he thought as he ran to the scene. Impossible. Reod turned his anger on the Hill man.

"GAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" Reod screamed for all to hear. He gripped Hellantic a little tighter and was prepared to send the Hill man to his maker.

[WSUCougar]

As Jadrich collapsed in a melodramatic heap, his wild assailant took on the look of a man who has just been served the big mutton deluxe when all he ordered was gruel. Astounded and mightily pleased with himself, his progress skidded to a halt…pleased, at least until he noticed Reod bearing down on him, screaming intensely, with Dereth at the gallop close behind. The hill-man only grunted woodenly at his impending doom, frozen in place as a rock might await a huge ocean breaker. And then did the Rhyllan wave break upon him…with the full weight of his momentum behind it, Reod brought a crashing blow with Hellantic downward toward the hill-man. With this one massive stroke, the foe’s head was cleaved from his body, and went twirling sideways to bounce off the prone form of Jadrich, who was subsequently drenched with spattered gore.

Dereth galloped past this battle theater, and rode down upon Kallash’s opponent. The old Cranstonian had managed to fend off further damage, but his strength was fading and the hill-man definitely had the advantage…until Dereth swept past and severed the enemy’s right arm with one powerful stroke. The hill-man screamed in agony, pirouetted in a grotesque dance, and then got skewered by Kallash right between the shoulder blades.

Not far from there the large, hairy foe followed through, and the tree limb began its long sweep sideways toward Brayden. One of the Azaran’s facial muscles was twitching involuntarily, but he had no time to pay it any mind. He dropped low, just as the bulk of the limb passed overhead with a great whooshing sound. Brayden was prepared to parry with his rapier, but a stray branch attached to the top of the great limb slapped him like a strap across the face, and he reflexively recoiled and rolled fully upon the ground…

[Raven Hawk]

Opening one eye, just as a hillman's head fell into his lap, Jadrich knew that he would be just fine. Once again, his attentions turned to his dying companion on the hill. Jadrich quickly rolled over to his stomach pushed his body up with his slender arms, and began running toward Nightion before he was even upright. Amidst the sprint, Jadrich opened a scroll case and pulled out a blue vial.

[Blade6119]

Dereth continued his mounted sprint at the last enemy. He had to remove the threat so that nightion could be saved. He glanced at reod and the decapitated body at his feet. Despite the intensity and importance of the situation, a small part of his youth shone through. He let a smirk come to his face, and slowly even came to a laugh. It had been quite some time since he had fought in a battle with allies, and it was quite fun. Memories of the days at the academy raced through his mind. He zoned out for a second in a sense of surreal daydreaming, suddenly feeling like he was back on the day of the attack. He felt the burns of the injuries he had sustained over the course of his entire life. And with it came anger...hatred...Dereth became enraged and took all of the anger from his life. It was somehow channeled into strength. He felt like he had the strength of 1,000 men, and he would use it all on the poor bastard that stood over Brayden. There comes a time in every man's life when he faces adversity, takes it head on, and becomes better and more mature for it. Dereth had a feeling like after today he would never be the same again. He was once again apart of something greater then himself. He was now fighting for his friends, and not just himself. He was fighting for the life of a fellow Rhyllan, and he would not stop until the battle was over.

I just got into a groove, so sorry if it goes overboard. :)

[MacroGuru]

Rolling around and positioning himself far enough away from the brute. Brayden moves the initative and starts attacking with his rapier, and yells out loudly. "Could someone please provide assistance?"

[Vince]

Running low on spells for the day, and unable to physically help Brayden, Xypheus let Dereth and Reod help the Azaran against the small tree-wielding hill-man. Instead, he sprinted after Jadrich, attempting to provide cover of some sort while Jadrich did what he could to save Nightion's life.

[Poli]

Reod had to recoil after his mighty swing of Hellantic. By the time he had, Jadrich had got up and had started running to Nightion. This took Reod back for a moment, as he had assumed Jadrich was dead.

Reod heard Brayen's cry for help and turned, but noticed Dereth to the rescue. He turned to view Nightion and noticed that both Xypheus and Jadrich were on their way there.

Reod turned around once again to make sure no new foes were incoming.

I'm a little lost as to my location and the location of the others, but I don't think I'm within reach of Brayden.

[Vince]

Coug -- I never got a reply to the PM I sent you -- I'd like to do what I can to prepare an offensive spell without wasting it. I'm not sure I have any offensive spells left though.

[WSUCougar]

Brayden scrambled away from the big brute like a spider, bringing his rapier up defensively as he called out for aid. And here was Dereth, enraged and rising up on his steed over the large hillman and swinging a powerful stroke with his sword. It was the very bulk of the tree limb he carried that salvaged the situation for this hulking individual; he turned to face Dereth’s assault, and the limb swung with him and thus interfered with the Rhyllan’s deadly blow. The horse whinnied and shifted away from the branch, drawing Dereth off a few paces to the right (his left) of his opponent. The big hill man was thus standing between Dereth, on horseback, and Brayden, on the ground. Kallash and Reod were a moderate distance away to the east.

Despite his attention on his vial and scroll case, Jadrich’s dash toward the bloody and motionless form of Nightion gave him and Xypheus, who followed close behind, the best view of what next occurred. Closing in on where the ranger had fallen, the two men were brought to a staggering halt by a sudden whirlwind of energy that rose up from nowhere on the small slope before them. Glowing with interwoven threads of brilliant green and shimmering ebony, the magical form stood a full 8 paces high; it danced about for a brief moment, then thrust forward onto Nightion’s body, and began to tremble forward and back as if struggling against some unseen binding…

[Blade6119]

Dereth was taken aback by his horses movements...he had drawn off the attention of the brute from brayden, but his attack had been thwarted. He hoped brayden could now strike the foe from behind, with dereth keeping him occupied long enough, then moving in for the kill once brayden had made his move. He attempted to calm his horse, while attempting to communicate with brayden. They had this brute surrounded, and now it was just a matter of speed and teamwork. Dereth yelled t brayden and informed him of the plan, seeing as how none of the brutes could speak, he wasnt worried about the brute learning of their plan. During all this, Dereth saw a bright light illuminate the area even more strongly...it was somewhere behind him. He hoped whatever it may be might distract the brute long enough for this plan to succeed.

[Raven Hawk]

Just to clarify:

1. What shape is the magical form? Humanlike or amorphous or other?

2. Did the form originate from beneath Nightion or someplace else?

[WSUCougar]

Just to clarify:

1. What shape is the magical form? Humanlike or amorphous or other?

2. Did the form originate from beneath Nightion or someplace else?
Consider it to have the appearance of a miniature tornado or dust devil, but consisting of apparently-magical energy. It appeared over the top of the slope (just beyond Nightion's position).

[JeffNights]

Ummm, any ideas on onto roleplay this one? lol

[WSUCougar]

Ummm, any ideas on onto roleplay this one? lol
Lay still.

[Poli]

Reod could only think one thing, and he said it out loud as well. As he said it, he lowered Hellantic.

"Damn."

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the magical tornado appear in front of him. He immediately began scanning the area looking for a spellcaster . . . other than the one that was jogging up the hill with him.

[WSUCougar]

bump (Vince? indoorsoccersim?)

[MacroGuru]

Brayden rolls into an attacking position, and listening to the instructions being yelled by Dereth, he attempts to attack from behind whenever he gets the chance.

[Vince]

"This is some sort of twisted energy!" Xypheus called out to Jadrich. "Vile...I am not sure what we can do to stop it, however." Xypheus began to circle the energy surrounding Nightion, maintaining his distance while trying to get to the crest of the hill to attempt to find the source of the magical energy.

Couple questions -- it sounds like the energy has already gotten to Nightion. If it hasn't, is there any chance Jadrich and I could get to him first? Also, what time is it again? I think it's still mid-afternoon, and probably quite bright outside, but I want to make sure.

[WSUCougar]

Couple questions -- it sounds like the energy has already gotten to Nightion.
That is correct.

I think it's still mid-afternoon, and probably quite bright outside, but I want to make sure.
That is also correct.

[WSUCougar]

As the magical vortex pulsated atop Nightion’s body, all attention on the battlefield went toward it. All, that is, except Brayden, who was too intent on dispatching the brute with the tree limb to worry about anything else. With an easy target to strike, he plunged his rapier deep into the back of the hill-man, who bellowed with agony and rage, dropped his tree limb, and began to thrash madly about. Like the hill-man, Dereth’s gaze had been distracted by what was going on up the slope, but his attention turned fully back as the foe screamed and again startled his horse. Too many frightful things were happening as far as the horse was concerned, and it shifted nervously under Dereth’s reins.

Kallash’s eyes went wide at the sudden appearance of the magical whirlwind. He fought the resultant wave of panic successfully, but even though his will was steadied he had no idea what to do, and could only watch on with frustrated impotence.

Successfully reaching the crest at what seemed a safe distance away, Xypheus searched in vain for any source of the phenomena. Jadrich was also unable to see any spell-caster who might have summoned this thing. These thoughts became secondary, however, when the vortex began to shudder and quiver violently. Slowly, Nightion’s body lifted from the ground and began to revolve around the base of the whirlwind, as an eerie orangish glow crept out from the ranger’s skin…

[Raven Hawk]

"Color me fecal! What the hell is that thing! What is it doing?"

Jadrich pondered for a moment trying to recall such images described in prose that he had memorized to see if he could get a clue as to what was going on.

Trusting in the mage, Jadrich began to sing a countersong. Even though he couldn't see a spellcaster present, perhaps his countersong would help. He really had no other options. The countersong was dirgy and rang out with cacophony . . .

Ilt wrendegga vasnol kreg
Kuliot mordremma samstol reft
Ilt sammo lehg sahn
Wrendegga kamok krostreg!

He repeated the discordant incantation louder.

Ilt wrendegga vasnol kreg
Kuliot mordremma samstol reft
Ilt sammo lehg sahn
Wrendegga kamok krostreg!

and louder.

Ilt wrendegga vasnol kreg
Kuliot mordremma samstol reft
Ilt sammo lehg sahn
Wrendegga kamok krostreg!

Edit: Edited to reflect Vince's previous post where Jadrich actually discovers that the magic is "vile."

[Vince]

Xypheus was incredibly torn -- he knew that decisive action was necessary as Nightion's body was manipulated by the vile energy...but he had no idea what to do! Risking an offensive spell was out of the question; the risk to Nightion was too great. Setting his course of action, he set upon it with grim determination. Rummaging through his pack, he began to mutter under his breath...

[Vince]

Upon finding the item he sought, Xypheus brought the coil of rope out and began swinging the end around, taking aim near Nightion's foot. Saying a quick prayer to whatever gods were listening, he let fly...

[Blade6119]

Dereth dismounted at all haste and attack the hill man. he attempted for a quick kill while the hill-man was crazed. He needed the entire team to focus on what was happening to nightion. Brayden had done his part, and now dereth needed to finish it. He would strike quick and hard. He would leave no time for a counter attack.

[MacroGuru]

Brayden moves himself out of the way of the thrashing brute, looking at Dereth, as if more direction is needed.

This situation is one he has never been in, or has enjoyed, the roar of the ocean he would prefer over the miserable racket he has heard in this commotion.

Turning. Brayden notices the light growing....stepping towards the light he slowly raises his arm up, jaw going slack, he manages to mutter.

"Sweet goddess of the sea....what in the abyss is that!"

[WSUCougar]

The scene was surreal. To one side of the field the Azaran rogue was slowly moving toward the crest, his face drawn with amazement, as just behind him Dereth dismounted and with a vigorous series of strokes from his sword dispatched the huge, wailing and thrashing form of the hill-man brute. Not far away, Kallash and Reod stood motionless, transfixed by the magical form. Upon the crest, Jadrich stood chanting a song whilst the wizard, Xypheus, tossed a rope end toward the rotating form of the Rhyllan ranger, Nightion.

As the big hill-man collapsed into a puddle of his own entrails, all action stopped beyond that at the crest. Jadrich’s song seemed to have little effect – except, perhaps, to brighten the orange light emanating from Nightion’s skin as his body whirled around the magical vortex. But Xypheus’ rope fell close by the base of the vortex, near to his intended target…

[Vince]

"Someone up there loves me," Xypheus muttered under his breath. He quickly began an incantation, his voice lowering and rising with a rhythmic cadence as he made slight hand gestures in front of him -- finishing with a loud shout "Loop and knot!"

[Poli]

Reod stood and watched in wonder. In all his years, he had never came across something quite like, well, this. Reod had dispatched a few mages and wizards in his time, and worked with and for mages and wizards as well. This sort of thing shouldn't have had such an effect. Nevertheless, there was Reod, staring into the geen and ebony form. His eyes darted up and down in amazement. It could only be compared to the amazement a young child has with a toy. Reod was oblivious to his surroundings.

Reod had raised Hellantic to more of a fighting position by the time Xypheus' rope landed near Nightion, though he was oblivious to the rope at all. Slowly, he tried to circle the, well, whatever it was. Still, even while trying to circle this thing, he couldn't take his eyes off of it.

It showed immediately as he stumbled along trying to circle Nightion and the magical form.

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich sucked in a short breath as the funnel grew brighter in tune with his chant.

"Hmmm . . . that's not good."

Jadrich looked over at the mage and noticed that he had thrown a rope to the base of the vortex. Quickly understanding the mage's intention, Jadrich ran over to the mage and picked up some slack at the end of the rope behind the mage. He set himself and was ready to tug the rope when Xypheus gave the command.

[MacroGuru]

Still standing and staring at the vortex of light, Brayden has thousands of thoughts flutter through his mind, the one that stands out the most, was the boarding, pillaging and destruction of a ship.

He had lead the boarding crew, nothing great, however, bad information on what the ship was running. It was supposed to be money for the purchase of building equipment, and trade items of grain, and iron.

However, it turned out to be fire oil, immediately upon capture, the first mate of the ship, ran to the cargo hold with a torch, lighting it all/

Luck shone on him that day. As he had managed to cross upon boarding, he slipped and was pushed over board. The concussion of the ships explosion, knocked him senseless, but the light...strangely resembles this.

[Vince]

Bump :)

[MacroGuru]

*Taps on the glass*

'Ello, anyone around?

[Vince]

Start of the week bump.

[WSUCougar]

With an animated jerk, Xypheus’ rope sprang to life, coiling its end into an oval shape and then twisting to form a firm knot at the base of the loop. It then began to gently sway back and forth, snake-like, awaiting further commands from the wizard.

Yet the Cranstonian mage, with Jadrich and Reod now in close proximity, rapidly became distracted by a deep, pulsing ache at the base of his skull. Unlike any headache he’d encountered before, the sensation was closely akin to nausea, but would perhaps best be described as an intense feeling of something being “not right.” Intertwined with his normal magical aura, it raised concerns that bordered on panic.

The other members of the group were oblivious to Xypheus’ state, however. Eyes locked upon the rotating form of Nightion as well as the bizarre vortex that held him, they remained transfixed.

[MacroGuru]

Brayden shakes himself out of the awe, that the magic imposed scene had transpired upon him.

Looking around, he attempts to find the source of the magical energy. One thing he has always realized. When there are pretty lights, there is a wizard or witch involved.

[Raven Hawk]

"Oooh, pretty lights . . . " said Jadrich as the swirling vortex now had his full attention. "That looks like an interesting way to dry one's clothes after washing them. Now if only I could harness that and sell it . . ." The idea quickly left his mind as he awaited Xypheus' command to pull.

[Blade6119]

Dereth approached the scene with awe, but attempted to pull his attention away. He tried to think what it could possibly be, and noticed his companions attempting to pull the body with the rope. Dereth was mounted on his steed and had a higher view then the others of the surrounding area. He scanned the surroundings in hope of finding the source of this power, and if not, would move to help pull the rope, be it by attaching to his horse or by dismounting.

[Vince]

Thoughts raced through Xypheus' clouded mind, as he fought to retain control of the rope and withstand the growing feeling of nausea. The completely vile feeling he had about the vortex of energy would not go away, and now he faced physical revulsion as well as mental revulsion. Looking to lady luck one further time, the mage mustered all of his will into one more command towards the rope before breaking off his magical connection with it as quickly as possible: "Snare!" Praying the rope would latch onto the ranger's foot, Xypheus quickly shouted to the bard. "Pull, barkeep! Pull with all your might! I know not how the vortex will effect the rope, and time is short!"

[Vince]

Start of the week bump.Just keeping the trend going -- early Monday morning bump.

[WSUCougar]

At the wizard’s sharp command of “Snare!” the rope quivered taughtly, and then obediently began to reach its looped head toward the circling foot. There was an eerily calm quality to the drama now, as all eyes held on the loop as the vortex twirled the ranger’s form round and round…round and round…

To Xypheus, the vortex had become a great, vomitous cone; a swirling mass of rotten power contesting his own enchanted rope. And oozing with greenish puss…yes, green, the opposing sphere to his own Dark magic, but beyond that, much worse…GAH! The bile ran high into his throat, and he had to throw himself away from the sight of the thing.

Kallash, Brayden, and the Rhyllans stood close now, willing the rope onto the foot. So close now. There? Yes! The snare had caught on Nightion’s foot!

Yet now Jadrich bore the brunt of the supernatural whirlwind, tossing him from side to side as it battled for the body. Rising and falling in height, the vortex began to cavort about with gestures that resembled a child throwing an angry fit, and emitting a loud howling sound like a brisk wind through a cave even though the air all around was quite still. The orangish light began to seemingly burst from portions of Nightion’s flesh, such that his skin looked in places as the surface of a dried leaf igniting on fire.

“Will it rend him apart?!?” shrieked Kallash, to no one in particular. He looked aghast, his face gripped in a tight grin of fear.

[Raven Hawk]

Jadrich twisted the rope about his left hand and made sure that it looped about his wrist. When he felt comfortable that he had control of the rope with his left hand, he gave some slack to the swirling vortex. Then with one smooth motion, he unsheathed his kukri, dropped to one knee and planted the kukri blade first into the turf. Jadrich quickly swung his left foot to the base of the long, curved knife and used the flat of the blade as a foothold. He then regrasped the rope with his right hand, sat back, and pulled with all his might.

[Vince]

Coughing and sputtering, Xypheus fell to his knees. His hands at his temples, trying to massage away the memory of contact with the foul energy, he kept his gaze averted from the whirling vortex out of necessity.

"Blast this exertion, and on the first day of the journey. Surely this does not bode well."

[WSUCougar]

Guys:

I'd like to continue with this RPG thread but if so we need to get a flow going again. The holidays are over and we should be able to proceed. I think responses within a couple days is a reasonable expectation. Is everyone on board with that? Or has this withered on the vine?

[Raven Hawk]

On board here.

[Poli]

Guys:

I'd like to continue with this RPG thread but if so we need to get a flow going again. The holidays are over and we should be able to proceed. I think responses within a couple days is a reasonable expectation. Is everyone on board with that? Or has this withered on the vine?

I'm onboard. Sorry, I've had a few other things racking my brain lately. I was actually thinking of this when I was at GNC today...so I'll be posting later today.

[JeffNights]

Hoo-Yah!

[Blade6119]

Im certainly up for it...im just not sure how bg of a role dereth can have with this situation, so im just trying to keep him from running trying to kill the vortex...Dereth is ready for any pace needed

[Poli]

Reod snapped out of his daze and ran over to help Jadrich with the rope. In the process he dropped Hellantic to the ground so he could get there faster and not worry about sheathing his sword.

He hoped he could get there in time.

Monster Energy drinks rule.

[MacroGuru]

Im on board

[Vince]

I've been a might busy the last few weeks (I've been in Santa Barbara approximately 32 hours since Wednesday the 2nd), but I'm definitely still interested.

[Blade6119]

bump bump bump bump bump....please????

[Blade6119]

tear...i still miss this...Dereth misses it

[Vince]

Yeah, this was a blast. Pity it ended.

[WSUCougar]

I just re-read the last few pages of the adventure, and really enjoyed it. If we can reassemble the gang I'd be willing to pick up the story where we left off.

[Raven Hawk]

I just re-read the last few pages of the adventure, and really enjoyed it. If we can reassemble the gang I'd be willing to pick up the story where we left off.
I'm in. :)

[Poli]

In.

[MacroGuru]

In.

[sachmo71]

can I join this one, then?

[Blade6119]

WOW, im sooo in!!!!! MY GOD MY BUMP ACTUALLY DID SOMETHING!!!!!

[Vince]

Definitely in.

[Raven Hawk]

WOW, im sooo in!!!!! MY GOD MY BUMP ACTUALLY DID SOMETHING!!!!!
Good bump, Blade!

[JeffNights]

I'm still in the Vortex dammit.

[Blade6119]

I'm still in the Vortex dammit.

Arent you dead and in the vortex??...i mean, the thing is burning your skin and all...unless your ranger just became a demi god role, things arent looking too good for ya...im still on my horse though, so i might have to dismount or just attach the rope to the horse

[Blade6119]

quick question, how do we resolve skills? i no longer have the PMs you sent out, and i doubt others do as well with what skills we had...i know i had 3rd level ride by, and i think i could swim...but i dont know for sure...

[Vince]

Yeah, with all the werewolf games, I ended up nuking all my Cranstonian PMs. If Coug knows where we stand (especially with my spells...I think I was out of spells for the current day, but I'm not sure), enlightenment would be appreciated :)

[Blade6119]

and were dead again...i got my hopes up for nothing

[WSUCougar]

I just need to try and dig up the old info. I'm not averse to continuing without out (playing it as a narrative RPG based on the characters as they were intended).

[Raven Hawk]

*ehem*

Jadrich cleared his throat and began to sing a tune. The melody was sharp and catchy, but the rythym was quite cumbersome:

Avail ye rabbit whose moves reflect
The actions of those I can affect.
Merge your spirit with their own
To speed their muscle and their bone.

Upon completing the verse, Jadrich looped back to the beginning of the verse picking up the tempo slightly.

Avail ye rabbit whose moves reflect
The actions of those I can affect.
Merge your spirit with their own
To speed their muscle and their bone.

Jadrich continued to loop the song, successively increasing its tempo in hopes of hastening some external force.

[JeffNights]

Nightion, the spirit form now, sighed discontently as he watched his fellow comrades stare at the rope flung amiss in the swirling vortex. After all, it had been nearly four years, surely SOMEONE should have pulled the rope by now.


:)

[Poli]

Raven Hawk's play of the bard was so incredibly impressive. It's the reason I chose the bard in the "Dungeon" game.

[Poli]

I would totally like to get this thing rolling again.