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Tedium has become a constant companion in the countryside of Shokuro. The roads have dwindled in size and maintenance as the days have passed; what was a wide, stone-paved highway near the river towns has become a narrow, winding track of dust, sometimes fading entirely into the surrounding terrain. Travelers along it have likewise grown scarce as the days drone on. Still, the journey’s end lies no more than half a day’s travel away, in the village of Nesting Swallow, a hamlet so small it could easily vanish into a crease on a map. No more than a few more miles through these sparsely wooded hills and valleys rests the last known home of Master Li Yao, and here, with luck, his descendant still lives. In this speck of farmland may be found one who can, by right of blood, bring forth the forgotten power of the Braid of a Hundred Masters.
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Wreck was slowly moving with the humans. He was sent to protect them, to keep them safe. He will do that. It's his job, he liked it. Most people are squishy. He chuckled "squishy , wreck likes word... squishy" he chuckles again. Road is long, but almost there. Then get drinks. Everyone should get drinks. He looks at the others "wreck get drinks for 'uman and other persons when get to town" he nods, as if agreeing to his own statement.
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The man called Maps walked with his coat closed and collar up against the dust. Memories of the road dominated most of his remembered life, and he had traveled many in the years since he had first dragged himself bloody and half-dead from the Waste. Though it was often like a bad-tempered horse, he had come to an uneasy truce with it road. He needed it, but knew it could turn on him, and so he kept a vigilant eye out for trouble. And a bullet always loaded in the chamber.
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Jake trudges along in route to the small village. He has traveled often in his employ with the Pathfinders, but never to so remote a locale. He recognized one of his fellow Pathfinders, Maps. His close friend, Filios, had worked with him before, and he was spoken of highly. He gives a grim-faced nod in Maps' direction, as his miltary posture propels him forward.
Maps, any notion on how close we are to the village?
Jake cuts a quite a figure. He is tall and well built. The pommel of a greatsword sheathed upon his back, rises above his left shoulder.
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Though the journey had been long to reach this remote location, Maps had spoken little. He knew Jake from an evening of drinks with a mutual friend named Filios, but kept most conversation to monosyllabic responses. He was used to keeping his own council and found it hard to open up to others. He had noticed that many members of the Society accepted instant kinship from other members, but Maps was a reluctant Pathfinder, recruited by the Sapphire Sage after promises to aid in uncovering the mystery of Maps' tattoos and his history before the Waste.
Still, he saw no harm in the big warrior's question. Keeping his eyes on the road ahead, Maps gives his best guess to Jake in the form of a small shrug.
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You were told that it wasn't far, maybe a little over a day's travel. Maybe two, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, but the sky is clear and the air fresh. Living withing communities, you find the smell of horse to be a constant presence in the air, but out here, it hasn't been nearly as strong as the city.
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Wreck laughed "you 'umans are sometimes funny. All talk, and things, wreck just walks till wreck finds place, then wreck drinks... maybe sleeps" wreck chuckles again "squishy" he mumbled to himself. Not minding his human companions much, if they no talk much, wreck dont mind, wreck okay with job. keep squishy safe.
(Hes a nice guy, protects people, he struggles a bit on some of the missions, but hey, he too nice to let that stop him)
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"Hrrmmm, yes Master Hargrove...they said not far, but is still out of sight. It will be good to arrive and complete this part of the task."
The half-elf with the long silver-white hair otherwise has been fairly quiet during the trip. Occasionally speaking to the others or feeding Kirrah, the lion that follows close by his side.
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Go in and arrange your walking order, but stay within the location that I put you in.
Cresting a rise, the trail winds its way up a small hillock that overlooks a large valley beyond. Not far from the hill, a dead mule and overturned cart lie in the middle of the road, two cloaked figures rummaging through the spilled contents of the cart while making disapproving cawing noises to a pair of similarly dressed riders on horseback. Two other horses stand on the side of the road, presumably mounts for the two on foot. The mounted figures loom over a half-dozen shabbily dressed peasants. One of the riders urges his horse forward and makes a threatening slash at the face of a man trying to shield several children behind him.
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(Front)
Wreck looks at the person trying to hurt the children "Wreck no like that one, Wreck will teach him manners. No hurt children, that weak and coward" he nods and looks at his travel companions "Wreck say we make them people hurt, Wreck don't think its very nice to hurt little people, little young people, they can't fight back. Wreck will fight them, Wreck will fight back"
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One of the mounted swordsmen menaces the peasants with his almost sqwauking voice, waving his sword mere inches from the older man's face.
Everyone take one move and then initiatives.
"I didn't know what he says, but whatever it is, I'm pretty sure they need help. I shall aid in the fullest of my abilities my friends. Let us be courageous but not stupid, we are clearly outnumbered. Everyone be extra careful."
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(Charge position)
Wreck was very upset, angry yes, Wreck not like these people hurting little ones. Wreck was going to make them feel hurt and fear. These cowards would feel Wreck's wrath, his axe will do the talking. Wreck not good talker, axe better talker when Wreck is angry. "Wreck say we keep one, make him feel fear like he made little ones scared"
(Just in case my timing is off once again, one i have my initiative, i charge)
(Edit Spelling)
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The vegetation in the area begins to writhe as Fendahl summons nature's fury. Vines erupt, grasses grasp, and trees move to hinder! The two lone horses, whinny in fear , while the tengu squawk in surprise, quickly searching for the source of their vexation.
EDIT: The tengu facing to the right appear to be struggling more with the entanglements.
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Tengu 1: The avian swordsman squawks a Tien expletive as he fights his way to the edge of the writhing grasses. (No longer entangled.)
Tengu 2: Moves into the trees and takes a defensive stance. (Full Defense.)
Tengu 3: Tries to move out of the writhing grasses, but his horse struggles to pull itself free of the entangle, eating up some of its movement, but then, once free, he continues past you all, stopping and begins to turn around. (Luckily the entangle kept him from taking an attack as he passed, since you need to make a charge to do ride-by attack.)
Tengu 4: The apparent leader of this little band struggles to free himself. A similar expletive escapes his beak. Finally, ends up trying to urge his horse out of the area of nature's wrath.
The two unattended horses run, only starting to calm after they have left the area of effect.
Maps Your turn.
"Let us not stray away from one another. It would be easier for them to single us out, and it would be hard for us to aid ourselves."
Kyra rushes in towards the group as she draws out her scimitar. Although she doesn't possess the same athleticism the others have,
"Guide them Sarenrae!"
Kyra will cast Guidance on Jake.
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Kirrah leaps at the Tengu swordsman, and clamps down on his shoulder, eliciting a squawk from the birdman. He looks hurt, but not down.
Fendahl's shot flies true, but a slight move from his mount causes the arrow to catch in his arm.
--
Tengu 2 slashes at Kirrah's belly frantically, but is unable to get enough leverage to do any real damage.
Tengu 3 urges his horse out into the writhing grasses and moves around the wagon to allow him to take advantage of the mobility of his horse. He pulls alongside Jake and Kyra and swings his blade at Jake's head. The Andoran soldier pulls his head back just in time.
Tengu 4 looks back at Fendahl, and squawks at him,
Order:
Fendahl and Kirrah
Tengu Swordsmen (3)
Maps <-
Jake Hargrove
Wreck
Kyra
"Stop! Why are you doing this?"
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Maps' shot clips the rider in the side! It is difficult to gauge his reaction by facial expression, but the string of Tien words that sound like a harsh series of expletives.
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Jake swings hard, cutting deeply within the side and leg of the second Tengu rider , but the rider still manages to attempt to control his horse to move it away from the continued swing. The rider looks frantic,
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Wreck's swing clangs off the head of the Tengu swordsman, knocking him unconscious. Kirrah eases off her prey and turns back toward Fendahl for direction.
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The Tengu rider briefly glances at Kyra, but easily knocks her scimitar aside, and continues to focus on the bigger threat. He glances quickly to his left, seeing the partially hidden form of his ally crumple to the ground around the side of the cart and the lioness, along with her half-orc companion, turn to regard him. As it begins to dawn on him, he calls out to his fellow rider,
--
Fendahl notices that Kirrah's target has fallen and directs he to attack the other rider. She leaps upon the overturned wagon and pounces at the rider, who ducks barely in time, avoiding the swipe.
The half-elf then turns to let an arrow fly, but the arrow misses its mark.
--
The riders turn to run, the one next to Maps, gets 100' away (so range will be 90' away from Maps and approx 120' away from Fendahl, if you want to take a shot on your turns.)
Kyra, Kirrah, and Jake may all take an attack of opportunity. If any one of you has Combat Reflexes, Jake may take 2, Kyra may take 3, and Kirrah may take 3.
Order:
Fendahl and Kirrah
Tengu Swordsmen (3)
Maps <-
Jake Hargrove
Wreck
Kyra