The rains of Cassomir fall on rich and poor alike as a group of strangers rally around the unlikely person of a Halfling. By working together they can see him and his kin to freedom. But what mysteries lay beyond the present? And what has drawn them together?
”There’s few things I wouldn’t sell, friend. You want information? No problem. You need my blade? I can manage that just fine. But my soul? No, no sir. I’ll be holding onto that for a little while longer.”
- Vinder Tularius, Lion Blade
☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨
➢
The rain is the only sound between them as Lavios Daleborn’s words hang in the air. He watches the attitude and bearing of the half elf and finds no reason to disbelieve his words. But he remains wary just the same.
The half-elf studies him for a few moments then gestures to the ground where their weapons lay. ”A good plan, servant of Gozreh, but we are not so well equipped to handle so many foes.” Helios responds, regret clear in his tone.
Behind him, the elf’s attention shifts from his monitoring of the mud-filled streets to the north and half turns towards the gathering behind him. ”Kheegan will hold out.” He says simply, the Common language flowing from his lips with a regret that matches Helios’ face. Then he adds in his native language, ”તેમના માણસો આ રીતે પાછા આવો પહેલાં ઠીક છે, તેમને આગળ વધી રહી છે. અમે Marcum તેમને પાછા લેવા પડશે.”
Helios nods agreement, rubbing the bridge of his nose with thumb and forefinger. With the situation calming it’s apparent by the circles under his eyes that he’s not slept for a while. But he waves a hand to his elven compatriot. ”He is called Hal’dorel. We seek a close friend in yonder tannery which is why we are out in such inclimate weather.” The half-elf turns and glances towards the west. ”We have two others keeping watch on the goings on here. But we have it on good authority that those being held inside will not be moved until tomorrow morning.”
”We are due back soon.” Hal’dorel warns.
”There is more information to be had in this situation.” Helios says to Lavios and Jak. ”I’m not sure how to convince you, but our man to the north of here knows when these poor souls will be moved. Our time will be then to free all those concerned.”
Jak finally speaks up, rubbing at the stubble on his chin after he retrieves his short sword from the ground. ”More information’s good, Lavios. Better to know what we’re up against.” Out of habit, the constable turns his attention back to the tannery. ”I don’t like the look of this lot, especially that dwarf there. He moves like someone in authority.”
”We’ve heard the name Stigion being used, but we’re not familiar with the name.” Helios steps over to the side of the shanty and peers through the rain and darkness at the tannery. ”But he seems to be the one in charge based on what we’ve seen the last few days.” He turns back to Lavios and Jak. ”There was a heavy wagon came in two days ago, dead of night, it had about a dozen folks dressed similar to you,” he nods to Lavios, seeing the young Inquisitor’s eyes darken. ”They were in good condition, notwithstanding the road, but these clowns have it in their best interest to keep the people they’re holding in good health.”
”Slavers…” Jak mutters, very nearly a growl.
Helios nods, his own face darkening. ”Return with us. It’s only a few short blocks to our contact’s place. Marcum should have more information by now and give us a chance to plan for tomorrow.”
Helios awaits their reply.
☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨
The planning done, Karl excuses himself from the table and heads to the doors opposite the bar which lead to the meager accommodations afforded by the Scarlet Knuckle. Thoughts of what lay ahead seem to bleed together with memories of a life he’d thought long left behind. Inside his room, he opens a trunk, a sardonic grin on his face when one of the hinges busts with the effort. The rusted iron falls to the floor like as not a foreshadowing that it may never be used again.
It doesn’t take him long to unload a few items onto his cot. As he stands and stares at them the sword feels a bit heavier on his hip, like it suddenly remembered its purpose. Or was it just Marsh’s memory adding its weight once more?
”You have that look, Marsh?” Miranda’s familiar voice speaks up from his doorway.
He turns around, an eyebrow raised.
She steps inside the doorway then leans against the wall. ”I sees it all tha time, Marshy. Folks get that long gone stare n’ I know they ain’t comin’ back.” Miranda folds her arms and looks about the small room. ”That the plan?
☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨
Agidor pushes his chair back and shares a look with Drogan. Let’s head back to the stage… It says. ”We’ll get our things packed up and ready.”
Once they’re away from the table, Agidor whispers to his fellow musician. ”I know you have your own reasons for doing this, Drogan. ” He slips the remainder of his sheet music into his water-proofed scroll case. ”Whatever they are, I’m grateful.”
☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨ ☨
As the others depart the table, Linkah remains behind with Beckett. For the briefest of moments it seems his eyes go distant, but soon they refocus on the table with his kin. One of his hands drifts to his vest pocket and he licks his lips. ”Thank ya, Master Beckett,” His eyes come back to the Inquisitor and within them, Beckett sees a deeper sense of the halfling than he’d seen before. ”I knows ya may not holds my kin n’ me in high regards, us bein’ halfers n’ all. But even so, ya follow the Dawn n’ help out anyways.” Linkah’s eyes take on such a steady and deepened note that Beckett is reminded of an ancient cleric from his order in Korvosa. ”If we see the sunrise together, I’m in your debt.”
➢ Beckett Foxglove
➢ Karl Marsh
➢ Drogan Anvilsong
The group gathers in the common room of the Scarlet Knuckle and departs into the darkness of the Admiral’s Fen. Agidor suggests moving north along the main tributary separating the Dog’s Teeth then crossing over a to make a run straight for Marcum’s shop. The rain continues to pour down on them as they split up, Karl and Linkah taking the lead with Beckett not far behind. Then Agidor and Drogan make their own way to the same location.
Outside the night sends a chill through cloak and armor. The rain, showing no signs of slowing, threatens small lakes on every narrow street and alley of the Fen. Even the plethora of boards and scrap doors lay out as makeshift bridges between walkways does little to keep mud and water out of the group’s boots. Through the haze of rain it seems too many eyes rest upon their shoulders. Music coming from a passing tavern sounds oddly out of tune and sends chills up their backs and gives strange pattern to the dancing shadows cast by the occasional street lantern.
☨ ☨ ☨
|
Lavios nods
More information would be nice, I should go along with them
Alright, we'll go with you.
Lavios goes and picks his trident and crossbow he left on the ground.
Let's take leave, the sooner we get out, the sooner we get back and get our loved ones back
While heading towards Marcum's place, Lavios pays attention, watching and listening to his surroundings
Drogan takes a moment to adjust himself. He puts his hat in his pack, pulls the hood of his cloak high over his face, and covers himself some of the local mud to look like he's been traveling in the Teeth for much longer than he has.
If the local rabble thinks I'm just some cut purse waiting for my moment, they should leave the others alone. Maybe.
As the music gets louder, the dwarf scoops a bit of the mud from his boot and plugs his ears. He can still hear the shrill tunes grate against his ear drums, but it helps to muffle it somewhat.
Helios provides the makings of a smile, something that looks more at home on his face than the dour notes of his situation. "I don't like leaving anymore than you do, servant of Gozreh. But when you meet Marcum, I'm sure whatever he's discovered will set us on the right course."
"We are clear to move," Hal'dorel whispers over his shoulder, then sets off into the rain and dark to lead the way.
The half-elf gives both Lavios and Jak a solid look before gesturing for them to stay close. He too moves off, bringing his bow up as he goes.
"Go ahead," Jak says, drawing his short sword. "I'll bring up the rear."
And so the group moves north, weaving their way through slovenly built shacks and shanties. They make good time, pausing at regular intervals at a signal from Hal'dorel who takes point. There are moments when Lavios senses eyes upon their progress, even going so far as calling his own halt as he wills his eyes and ears to penetrate the darkness around them. The four huddle against the moss and slime riddled wall of what looks to be an abandoned shack.
Jak nods at Lavios' warning and peers through the shattered remains of a window. But he comes back shaking his head. "Drunkard, sleeping one off..." he whispers then waves them to move onward.
Soon the find themselves heading up a slight incline, bringing the surrounding buildings a bit more out of the mud than most. Hal'dorel waves them to a stop, again the feeling of being watched is upon all in the group. The elf's bow dips a bit as he hugs a wall, then he nods to the north. The low building at the head of the muddy way is Marcum's.
Helios nods for him to move, holding his hand over to Lavios and Jak to get ready...
...but as soon as the elf moves into the open, hugging a wall, an arrow comes sailing at him.
Jak points to the other side of the way, signalling Lavios that he sees someone. And with their combined sight, they spot a shortbow wielding figure in the dark, huddled behind a closed fish stand.
➢ 16 Lavios
➢ 10 Enemy
➢ 8 NPCs
|
Beckett unstraps his hammer as he walks down the center of the lane, keeping Karl and Linkah in site. The weapon ready, he walks with purpose.
"Well, if this lot is leading me as a lamb to the slaughter, it shouldn't be long before the trap is sprung."
The Inquisitor glaces at the halfling, huddling against the rain.
"But I don't think so. If I meet the Everlight this night, I do not believe it will be at their hands."
He turns his gaze to the surroundings. Looking at the buildings and alleyways, keeping an eye out for thieves and also for any signs of unholy magics.
"There is no shortage of that in this accursed city. I am certain of it!"
"Shut the door please Miranda."
Seeing the woman hesitate he adds.
"No harm will come to you here tonight. Please come in and close it."
As soon as Miranda made her decision, Marsh began taking items out of the chest. He removed some clothing and smaller mundane items to expose an oilcloth which lay over the bulk of the items tucked away inside the container. He lifted the tarp and spread it out on the floor like he was setting up for a picnic.
He pulled a fine sturdy saddle with matching silvered bit and bridle, saddlebags and harness and laid them out on top of the tarp. The leather showed signs of both care and use, though now it looked a little dry and in need of a wipe down. Marsh's face was unreadable as he adjusted and straitened a few buckles before finally he speaking.
"I don't know why I kept this for so long . . . Been dragging it about in this trunk . . . I guess not having to move it again is what kept me here so long . . . No that's not true. I won't tell that lie. But, there's not much use for it out here in the Fens. Over in town though it might still catch a fair penny. If I were to sell it I think I would go to Vogel's Feed and Tack. He was a good fellow and if he's not still there on of his sons will be."
Next he pulled out a strange looking case with brass latches. With an inward breath he triggers two studs that resound with almost hopeful sounding clicks and lifts the lid. Inside an old violin reflects some of the candle light off its varnished hourglass shape. Marsh closes the lid and snaps the fasteners before resting his hands on the lid for a few seconds.
"I had hoped to pass this on to someone who would keep and use it, but it seems other instruments are envogue here. If you sell it, try to get about eight to ten out of it, but if someone can really make it sing maybe a little less. Its too nice to just sit and not be enjoyed by anyone."
He pulls out a messenger bag and checks its contents before removing a sack into which he places a mess kit and a metal pot lightening the load. He begins separating out items that look as though they might be useful in town from gear that would be more useful over the road. He places the traveling items in a sack by the foot of the bed.
"Mostly standard kit in here . . . Oh, there's my old pewter knotwork boar mug! Heh heh, I didn't know you were in here."
Marsh tries to joke, but the humor dies quickly as he draws out his next items. A leather case holding a journal, ink, pens and a portfolio. A shoe sized bag which he hastily crams in his messenger bag. And what looks like some kind of tabard or uniform which he flings into the rooms open hearth.
"Miranda . . . Miranda I <ahem> sorry I . . . I want you to know that you've been good to me. Far better than I have been to you in return . . . I have made a terrible waste . . . Let me try this again."
Marsh removes a necklace, places it in Miranda's hand and closes her fingers around it. His emotions appear to be getting the better of him and they are varied and mixed.
"Let me answer your first question . . . I fear that I may not come back. I fear that I don't know if I fear or even invite death at times. If it becomes that I don't return, I leave this all to you. . . I should have . . . I should have sold it all long ago. I could have sold it and this accursed sword long ago. . . I could have bought your freedom and Linkahs and my own so long ago."
"But like so much else in my life I let it stand and rot. . . I ordered those two top shelf drinks tonight for you and I to share . . . of course a little too late. I think there is enough here for you to be able to buy yourself free. I know you can't live like you are now forever. I hope this stuff here will be enough to take care of you."
"But, if I return I want to know if you want me to take you out of here and off to someplace else? You don't have to be with me and I require nothing in return from you. I pray that I am not interfering with your life too much by asking. I am a ruined man, but I would like to make a difference in yours."
Marsh moved along through the mushy and malodorous streets silent and intent of delivering Linkah to his destination. At first he was alert, but his demons and ghosts were getting to him. By the time he realized he was so deep in his thoughts he realized he was only dimly aware of what was going on around him.
Curse you old man, you are old, weak minded and a fool! Try not to get anyone else killed while you are at it.
<25%
22 ➢ 20
23 ➢ 23
21 ➢ 25
On Hal'dorel (hit)
➢
On Helios (miss)
➢
On Lavios (miss)
➢
➢ <25%
On E2
➢
➢ <25%
On E3
➢
Hal 5
Hel 0
Jak 0
E1 0
E2 4
E3 2
Lavios' crossbow sends the bolt downrange, rain and darkness not effecting the Inquisitor's aim as it strikes true. The man who'd thought to catch the elf Hal'dorel unawares is in turn wounded.
Out the shadows cast by the shanties across the way, two more assailants emerge, shortbows at the ready and arrows flying. The first elicits a grunt of pain from Hal'dorel, but from his vantage point Lavios cannot tell how much damage was given. In fact, he has little to do other than to duck an incoming shot...but the wound given to the enemy proves too much and sends his arrow into the shanty Lavios is using for cover. A third shot goes high above Helios' head.
Elf and Half-elf set to work and send their own arrows flying. A shriek of pain can be heard from across the way, but Helios' shot buries itself into the sundries stand next to one of the armed thugs.
To his right, Lavios sees Jak give him a quick motion of his hand indicating he's going for the flank, then darts off into the darkness ()
LP: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
LP: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
LP: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
AP: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
AP: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
AP: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
TP: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
TP: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
TP: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
22 ➢ 20
23 ➢ 23
21 ➢ 25
-----------------
Miranda watches the man for a long moment. She considers herself a good judge of character, having seen the good in the Karl the many months ago when he first arrived at the Knuckle. But the naked emotion she sees in him now is overwhelming. With a hand to her clavicle Miranda nods without saying anything at first. Instead she slowly crosses the room and puts a hand on Karl's shoulder.
"I'll be here when you get back, Karl Marsh." She finally says, then leans in close to kiss his stubbled cheek. In her other hand she grips the necklace tightly. "Come back to me."
A few steps back away from him, both hands closed around the necklace now. "And just so you know, Karl, you're not too late." She smiles, a tear down her right cheek, and opens and closes the door to his room behind her as she leaves.
-----------------
The group makes their way through Admiral's Fen, following a small tributary northwards until a proper crossing is revealed by the low tide. With the rain coming down and the late hour, there are few that give the passerby a second look except for the sight of the dwarf. As they make their way into Dog's Teeth and the slums and dour faces that await, one or two even give Drogan a fearful look as they retreat into their shanties to get out of the rain.
To Drogan, they look to have seen a dwarf...maybe recently, and the experience must not have been all that pleasant judging by the way they look at Drogan in his mud-caked, axe-bearing aspect.
For Karl and Linkah, the alleys and compactness of the shantytown that is Dog's Teeth begin to close in on them. Linkah tugs on Karl's cloak and nods up ahead to a set of bigger lean-tos. "Le's stop, eh? Wait for the others..." The halfling looks wary.
Karl notes it too. As they'd crossed over into Dog's Teeth, it seemed more and more folks were huddling themselves in their hovels. Sure it was pouring outside, but they seemed to be sheltering more from something that'd just passed through...or someone. Then Linkah and Karl share a look. From up ahead, they hear other sounds too...
Beckett, heading into the area with less subterfuge as he opts for an intimidating presence, notes the fearful glances from the denizens of Dog's Teeth as well. Albeit his impressions of the people marks them in his mind as scum and scalawags, there is a difference between the desperation that leads a person to crime and the fear of reprisal Beckett sees in their eyes. Well, at least Lord Bromathan keeps telling him there are differences. The Inquisitor feels their eyes upon him, and the added awareness gives him an edge when he sees Agidor signalling him from the shadows of a mud-brick hut.
"Up ahead, we need to regroup..." The guitarist hisses. Then he looks to his left and spots the disguised form of Drogan. He signals for him too and urges them both to follow him a few paces westward.
Agidor points to his ears and then signals forward.
Yes, Beckett and Drogan hear it. The sounds of battle...
They move forward and soon find themselves alongside Karl and Linkah who both give the *stay quiet* signal as Drogan, Beckett and Agidor approach. Together they hug the wall of a mud and stone shanty, listening to the sounds of struggle just west of their position.
"Thought we'd have trouble with Ordna," They here a voice with the slurring accents of Varisia. "But no, it's that short piece of drek Marcum we'se gotta worry 'bout."
A second voice. "Who are they?"
"Two of 'ems tha ones I told ya 'bout. The others? Don't know, don't care. Ardo wants Marcum, sure sure. Tha's all I cares about." The first one replies. "Kill dese, then we get Marcum."
"Jezzer's hit!" A third voice warns.
Between the five of them, they each take turns peering around the corner of the hovel and spot three men; two armed with short bows and one with a crossbow. The sounds of battle come from the hazy-inducing rain west of them. ()
-------------------------------
knowledge local
Ardo, Ardo . . . come on man think and do so quickly!
Init
Stealth
To hit flatfooted target or +2 more if he has to charge.
Marsh realizes that these men must mean harm to Marcum and they had just mentioned the Captain of the Sea Lamprey by name. Marsh had heard of the upstart gang called the Stage Heralds. Ardo was the supposed leader of that group.
You have suprise now, no hesitation. Go for the closest one. Shortest distance to cover.
Marsh draws his blades. He leaves his cover trying to use stealth in his approach.
Only 20 feet to close.If he turns I will charge and get my strike in then hope I can get a draw cut in before he can react.
As he closes within distance of his chosen target he cocks his arm and prepares to deliver a qucik strike to the neck.
Drogan puts his hat back on and pulls the axe from his back.
Do we wait for Karl to make his move, or do we just try and put THIS axe in THAT bastard? I think the latter will do nicely. Might as well TRY to sneak up on 'im anyway.
Drogan heads towards the closest man, trying to be quiet enough not to be heard over the sounds of fighting beyond them.
|
|
Beckett stifles a groan.
"Seriously?"
With a sigh, he taps Karl lightly on the shoulder. Wordlessly, he signals that he is going to the left, to guard the other corner of the ridiculous shanky, and perhaps get a flank on their foes.
"Hopefully they use the same hand signals in Taldor as they do in Korvosa. Guess I should have though to ask earlier... Oh well."
On Hal'dorel
➢
On Helios
➢
On Lavios
➢
➢ <25%
On E2
➢
➢ <25%
On E3
➢
On Jak
➢
➢ <25%
Lavios calls down the wrath of Gozreh, thunder rolling through the open field as he sends another bolt downrange. The Inquisitor gives thanks to his god as the missile hits the foe in the shoulder.
The three enemies in view unleash their own fusillade, arrows flying into the rain. The first takes Hal'dorel in the hip, the second hits the ground in front of Helios, but the third arrow - fired by Lavios' target - is a shot of vengeance from the Inquisitor's opponent .
Hal'dorel, two arrows jutting from his body like bloody twigs, lets fly another arrow from his longbow. Before the arrow takes his opposite number in the chest, the elf is bounding for the safety of a building adjacent to him. As he clears the side and finds cover, his enemy falls lifeless to the mud and grime.
Helios fires his own shot, but curses in a foreign tongue as the shot goes wide.
Jak makes a break for the third enemy upon whom Lavios is firing, attempting to use the shanties and stands as cover. But as he crosses one open pathway, an arrow passes just in front of his face, forcing him to cover.
➢ 16 Lavios (HP 11/13)
➢ 10 Enemy #1(HP 0)
➢ 10 Enemy #2 (DEAD)
➢ 10 Enemy #3(HP 7)
➢ 8 Hal'dorel (HP 8)
➢ 8 Helios (HP 0)
➢ 8 Jak (HP 0)
Enemy #5
➢
➢
Enemy #7
No Crit
➢
Drogan heads into the fray, boots going silent in the mud and mire, but a step away from his intended target and a sloshing slurp brings the opponent's head around. But the typical reaction of a man to be waylaid is replaced by a questioning look.
"You with Stigion?" the skulking human asks.
Drogan's axe answers him, taking a gash along his left shoulder. Quickly followed by a dagger sailing in from Drogan's left as Agidor sends the weapon into the man's side.
Karl moves quietly in on his opponent, his blade lashing out in a vicious scour across the foe's back. And as he strikes from the shadows, Karl Marsh notices there are others in the enemy's cadre. As he prepares for a stand, a dagger sails over his shoulder and buries itself in the stomach of a new enemy to Karl's right.
Seeking to gain position, Beckett circumvents the building and takes up position by Agidor, ready to lay waste to his enemies with a mighty swing of his Lucerne Hammer. For his tactics, Beckett spots an additional enemy, crossbow in hand further to the south.
➢ 16 Drogan (HP 9/9)
➢ 14 Karl (HP 9/9)
➢ 12 Linkah (HP 16/16)
➢ 9 Enemy #5(HP 6)
➢ 9 Enemy #6(HP 6)
➢ 9 Enemy #7(HP 7)
➢ 8 Agidor (HP 9/9)
➢ 7 Beckett (HP 9/9)
Thanks fer the warnin'!
Drogan follows through with another blow to the man's side, trying to keep himself positioned as close to the wall as he can so no stray bolt or knife comes whizzing by to catch him.
"Swift death to my enemies."
Karl brings both blade to bear. He had caught the man unaware and he still had not had a chance to collect himself (first combat round opponent has lost initiative so he is caught flat footed again). Karl moved in to finish him with a vicious draw cut com his sword and a reciprocating thrust from his man gauche.
Sword
Man Gauche
He hazards a glance around (free action).
perception
On Enemy 5
➢
➢
On Enemy 11
➢
➢ <25%
On Linkah
➢
On Drogan
➢
On Beckett
➢
➢ <25%
Drogan steps into the confused villain before him before he can regain his footing, his axe blade singing and opening his neck and breaking his clavicle. The dwarf extricates his weapon with a flourish as Beckett shouts for him to watch his right. Drogan looks over as another bandit looses an arrow at him, the broad-head takes the bard in his left shoulder, a graze to be sure but its the dwarf's first blood on the field . He grunts with the pain but is still in the fight.
Karl narrows his eyes and focuses as his opponent stumbles and turns, grasping at his back where he'd been caught off guard. But he's left grasping in vain at his stomach as Karl's sword spills his entrails onto the mud and cobble at his feet. He collapses in a heap and breaths no more. Giving his blade a flick to remove the blood, Karl sees two more, maybe three beyond the one he's just killed. And another to his right... Then, from the shadows, a man dressed in grubby garments slips a shortsword into one of Karl's enemies (#8).
To Karl's right, Linkah attempts another dagger throw at a crossbow wielding enemy (#5) but the blade clatters uselessly to the ground. Fearful, the halfling retreats northward and shouts a warning to his human companion. "To your right! Crossbow!"
...but the fiend doesn't turn his weapon on Marsh, he instead takes a shot at the halfling who only a few moments earlier had buried his first thrown dagger into his abdomen. The crossbow bolt hits Linkah in the thigh and sends the halfling against the wall. But no sooner than he gets off his shot than a longbow shaft springs from his neck and he sent to the ground dead! (#5)
Back to the south, another enemy clears a corner and lashes out with a shortbow aimed towards Beckett. The newcomer's aim is true and hits Beckett in the lower right side, the arrow sinking deeply into the Inquisitor's flesh .
Agidor attempts to leap into the fray, moving forward to cover Drogan's flank but sees Beckett pull up in pain. The bard stops short and hits cover behind the nearby building to loose a dagger back at the one who shot Beckett. But the readjustment to his target throws off his aim.
➢ 16 Drogan (HP 8/9)
➢ 14 Karl (HP 9/9)
➢ 12 Linkah (HP 14/16)
➢ 9 Enemy #5(DEAD)
➢ 9 Enemy #6(DEAD)
➢ 9 Enemy #7(DEAD)
➢ 9 Enemy #8(9)
➢ 9 Enemy #9(0)
➢ 9 Enemy #10(0)
➢ 9 Enemy #11(0)
➢ 9 Enemy #12(0)
➢ 8 Agidor (HP 9/9)
➢ 7 Beckett (HP 3/9) ***
On Hal'dorel
➢
➢ <25%
On Enemy #1
➢
➢ <25%
On Enemy #1
➢
On Enemy #3
➢
Lavios' crossbow bolt sails straight and punches deep into his target, sending the opponent to the ground. The bolts already in him snap and turn inside the dead man's flesh.
The remaining enemy to the north continues sending arrows downrange at Hal'dorel, once again hitting the elf despite his cover. But the elf makes the villain pay for his insolence, his longbow coming alive in his hands as a shaft buries itself into his neck. The man falls dead.
Seeing Lavios' target fall, Helios maneuvers and shifts his aim to the one harming his comrade. But seeing the enemy fall under Hal'dorel's bow, he instead makes his way towards the elf to administer aid.
Lavios sees Jak signal that he sees another enemy, and the constable moves off into the rain and shadows to make his attack.
➢ 16 Lavios (HP 11/13)
➢ 10 Enemy #1(DEAD)
➢ 10 Enemy #3(DEAD)
➢ 8 Hal'dorel (HP 5/14)
➢ 8 Helios (HP 6/12)
➢ 8 Jak (HP 34/34)
|
|
Beckett looks at the arrow sticking from his side with stunned disbelief.
"He shot me. I've been shot!"
A wail of rage escapes from the Inquisitor as he runs towards his attacker, his hammer held high!
"He's not a devil or demon! He's just a stupid little man! I am NOT going to die at the hands of a mugger in the slums of this benighted little city!!"
"I judge you an abomination!! I judge you unfit to harm me! I deny your wounds!"
"Nice blow, but keep your head son!"
Karl speaks as he moves in to the next target.
Target, it is better to think of them as that isn't it, better than thinking of them as individual human beings rather than one sided stereotype that have no past or aftermath from this moment in time. Your mind wanders too much, see this through.
+2 if the guy opposite corner is a friendly for flank
damage
additional damage if attack is flanking
"I see that the Stag Heralds have made a significant error. If you wish to play with the big boys you will need do better research and planning, that is if any of you live to escape this fight."
Seeing as the ever growing crowd of hired thugs keep coming, he felt the need to tend to the wounded.
Drogan made his way towards the Inquisitor that ran like a blurred nightmare past him. "This'll only hurt for a second." He eased the arrow out and touched the wound that was left.
He murmered to himself old words and his hands began to glow.
On Enemy #11
➢
On Enemy #8
➢
On Jak
➢
On Karl
➢
On Jak
no
➢
On Agidor
➢
Beckett's blood boiling challenge echoes thru the neighborhood as he charges the cretin who'd dared to cause him harm . The Inquisitor Lucerne Hammer swoops down in a wicked arc and crashes into the head of the archer. As the Beckett delivers the killing blow, his goddess grants him the visage of his victim and the fear and regret in his eyes. But blood and bone and steel collide in gruesome aspect. Beckett's opponent falls dead to the ground.
Lavios sees Jak move into the shadows and follows suit, crossbow at the ready. The infiltrator in Cassomir's service wades into another thug, short sword slicing thru flesh and drawing forth blood and anguish. Unfortunately his target turns and faces Jak and delivers a painful reprisal.
Seeing the bloody haze in Beckett's eyes, and more importantly, in the arrow wound in his side, Drogan steps into the tiny alleyway after him and delivers much needed healing.
Karl shifts his focus to his next opponent, putting aside the mystery of who put a goose-fletched arrow into the man to his right. He brings his blades around in vicious flourishes, his longsword misses the mark (#9) by a hair's breadth. As he steps back into the ready stance of his flowing sword form, Karl notices immediately that the man before him isn't like the other thugs and miscreants being decimated around him. No...This one is experienced. He wears what looks to be finely shaped leathers under his cloak, and the bearded hatchet he draws forth has known the taste of flesh. This new enemy, the leader by all accounts, grins at Karl's commentary and spins his hatchet and lashes out at the rogue. But the blade skims just under Karl's chin, missing his throat.
Beyond the hatchet wielding man, the newcomer to the fight has his hands full as the two henchmen behind the leader turn to face him.
Agidor passes west and is about to take one of the enemies near Karl when an arrow sails in front of his chest. He guitarist halts his progress and flings a dagger at (+11) his would be assassin.
➢ 16 Lavios (HP 11/13)
➢16 Drogan (HP 8/9)
➢ 14 Karl (HP 9/9)
➢ 12 Linkah (HP 14/16)
➢ 9 Enemy #8 (HP 8)
➢ 9 Enemy #9 (HP 0)
➢ 9 Enemy #10 (HP 5)
➢ 9 Enemy #11(0)
➢ 8 Hal'dorel (HP 5/14)
➢ 8 Helios (HP 6/12)
➢ 8 Jak (HP 33/34)
➢ 8 Agidor (HP 9/9)
➢ 7 Beckett (HP 6/9)
"Young man, a hand here if possible."
Karl considers his options, he was finding his blades moving too slowly to present a whirling defense, his arms had lost much of their strength, he would have to use luck and precision. He brought his sword up to draw his enemy's attention, then led with his man gauche.
Sword
+2 if someone helps me flank
additional if flanked
+2 if someone helps flank
additional if flanked
"Well now, that is a nice axe. I know a dwarf who wants that axe for his belt. It will look quite nice there."
Seeing everyone taken care of,Drogan picks up his axe and returns to the fray. He heads towards the first enemy he sees and takes a swing.
|
|
Beckett stumbles back from the force of the blow and the visage granted to him, his face growing uncertain.
"What the...?"
Then he spies Marsh, and processes his ally's request for aid.
Beckett's eyes grow hard once again.
"NO! I will not be deceived! Not again! I judge you unjust! I judge you unfit for this world!
He sprints toward the foe, his bloody hammer held high.
On Enemy #12
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On Enemy #12
➢
On Enemy #8
On Enemy #8
➢
On Jak
➢
On Karl
➢
On Drogan
➢
On Agidor
➢
Beckett casts his doubts to the side and turns his attentions towards the hatchet wielding foe in front of Karl. Even as he moves, the Inquisitor feels his goddess reach into his flesh and knit together the hole created by the arrow. It's a small healing compared to the vial of elixir given by the dwarf, but to Beckett it's an affirmation of his faith. He swings his pole arm in a wide arc and plows headlong into the engagement opposite Karl, but the quarters are tighter and the appearance of two new combatants from the left throws him off. One man is every bit as grizzled as Karl but his garb marked him more a denizen of Dog's Teeth.
Lavios switches weapons, bringing his trident to bear as Jak wades into a pair of bandits. His short sword flashes and lays low the Stag Herald (#8). As the enemy falls, Lavios recognizes the face of Gibby, the man he and Jak had questioned earlier in the night.
Drogan, sees the villain fall in front of him by the blade of one of a pair of newcomers to the battle. The dwarf slips his ax around in a whirling flourish and sends the keen edge into the soft leather and softer flesh beneath (#10). His target staggers under the onslaught but maintains his footing enough to try and strike back, but his grievous wound causes his weapon to miss the mark.
Karl sees his compatriots close in behind the ax weilding villain. With grim determination he spins his sword to force the man back then lunges with his main gauche to punch through armor and into flesh and blood. Viscera rivers up the groove in the weapon's blade and Karl brings it free and readies himself.
The leader growls in pain and returns the favor, his bearded ax cutting across Karl's thigh .
➢ 16 Lavios (HP 11/13)
➢ 16 Drogan (HP 8/9)
➢ 14 Karl (HP 5/9)
➢ 12 Linkah (HP 14/16)
➢ 9 Enemy #8 (DEAD)
➢ 9 Enemy #9 - Leader (HP 10)
➢ 9 Enemy #10 (HP 9)
➢ 9 Enemy #12(8)
➢ 8 Hal'dorel (HP 5/14)
➢ 8 Helios (HP 6/12)
➢ 8 Jak (HP 33/34)
➢ 8 Agidor (HP 9/9)
➢ 7 Beckett (HP 7/9)
--------------------------------
"Too bad you didn't step back into that hammers path, it would have ended your suffering quickly, though I don't blame you for your struggles. Allow me to introduce myself . . . I am Karl Marsh . . . I also wish to congratulate you. You are the first opponent to have drawn blood against me in years. . . The pain is quite invigorating actually . . . However, I must also pause to admonish you for your choice of business associations, for . . . It's about to destroy you."
Karl speaks calmly and orderly as he presses his attack seeking to press the leader into the waiting hammer wielding teen's arc. This time Karl tries to hamstring his opponent high up on the back of his leg.
Sword strike
Man gauche
"Is this how you thought it would end? Stag Herald? Was it all worth it now?"
On Enemy #9
➢
On Enemy #12
➢
On Karl
➢
On Agidor
➢
On Enemy #12
➢
On Enemy #9
➢
Beckett maneuvers to west as Drogan presses his advantage. The appearance of the two strangers to the fight proves to be even further evidence of their impending victory. Apparently these Stag Heralds collect enemies like children collect fireflies. He swipes again at the enemy facing off with Karl, but the man - though wounded - proves too wily once again. But Beckett studies the flow of the combat, his tactical mind lending him an insight into how Karl Marsh is moving, constantly putting the enemy between himself and Beckett’s deadly Lucerne Hammer. The lessons in the practice yards back in Korvosa rush through his muscle memory as Beckett’s conscious mind catches up with the tactics.
Lavios plunges forward, teeth bared in a rictus of determination and naked vengeance. His trident tears into the villain before him (#10). Visions of the fires, the screams of the villagers, seeing his father fall… Lightning slashes across the sky and captures the image of blood and flesh being ripped and torn by the barbed edges of the Inquisitor’s trident. The bandit’s life is extinguished like the afterimage of the lightning bolt, and Lavios uses his boot to push the deadman off the end of his weapon.
Drogan, attempts to shift his attention to the bandit leader but his axe misses the mark.
Karl sees the eyes of the man at the end of his blade. The gang leader senses his men fall all around him, but his bearded axe still hovers in defiance, almost a disbelief that the night could have gone so horribly wrong. Then Karl’s weapons spin their weaves of death and the first strike takes the villain diagonally and flesh parts and the man’s clavicle shatters. His left hand had been going for something at his hip, but the effort is surrendered by this new injury.
The shabbily dressed man - Jak - spins his shortsword grip and lunges at the leader, aiming for the crown of the head, but the mud and rain throw off his grip and the weapon clangs harmlessly off.
But the last surviving opponent wavers, blood draining in rivers to shame the rain. His eyes are still focused, there is little life left. The man grins. "I welcome death, Karl Marsh. Can you say the same?"
From the rain and shadows emerges Agidor, a helpful hand for Linkah who apparently has an injured leg and is clutching his side.
➢ 16 Lavios (HP 11/13)
➢ 16 Drogan (HP 8/9)
➢ 14 Karl (HP 5/9)
➢ 12 Linkah (HP 14/16)
➢ 9 Enemy #9 - Leader (HP 18)
➢ 8 Jak (HP 33/34)
➢ 8 Agidor (HP 9/9)
➢ 7 Beckett (HP 7/9)
aw, ye slippery little...
Drogan brings his axe down hard.
"Well then, our meeting will prove mutually beneficial. You will be sped upon your way to whatever Hells await you and I have a few loose ends to complete here on this world. . . Did the person who sent you to your worthless death at least tell you what the prize was? . . . For I notice that it wasn't important enough for them to come personally themselves, . . . just their goons."
Oh no you don't.
Karl didn't intend to let the bandit leader draw whatever it was that he was reaching for. He supposed it was either another weapon or a healing potion and Karl had no such magic.
Sword
Man Gauche