"Yes, though the effect on a goblin's head is more spectacular. Only downside is I either have to retrieve it or make new ones as I haven't figured out a way to make them return to me after hitting their mark." He drew another one, "The distance is horrible though, guns are better for such a range, but they'll do just fine in case one of them decides to come running this way."
Lucanus stabs with his bastard sword at the staggered attacker with his broadsword. He makes sure Kayla is still protected behind him as he does so.
For the moment, Kayla will stay put behind Lucanus as she begins to sing. She peers around him at the carnage going on, quite afraid for both herself and her friends. They may be trained to fight, but Kayla isn't and totally not prepared for what's happening.
Nemius your assault is devastating! the first of the fanatics is nearly cleaved in two and his body falls to the ground, blood spattering his companion behind.
His companion, with some trepidation steps forward with his sword in hand and attempts to cut you.
You easily block the blade with the haft of your halberd.
Nemius rolls the end of his polearm over the blade and rotates the halberd over while stepping into the man's guard, forcing the sword down and bringing the axe blade in line with his opponent's neck.
Lucanus you easily dispatch your foe with a well trained strike from your sword. He collapses to the ground. You notice ahead of you that the enemies have been engaged by the charge from the black hearts and so the onslaught against you and your brothers is waning. There still remains the attacker against atlas and the one on the ground who attempts to stand again and move towards you.
he falls, still 10 feet from you in the grease.
Meanwhile the charger against atlas finishes his attack
He hits atlas hard driving his sword into Atlas' belly Driving it deep.
Lucanus, seeing Atlas take a massive blow and will run to his side, slashing at his attacker with a vicious strike.
He will look behind him quickly as he makes the strike to make sure Kayla is still behind him and safe.
Lucanus steps forward and delivers a dire blow to Atlas' attacker. He falls to the ground blood spilling from artery.
Meanwhile in the cargo hold Nemius' halberd cut through the leather Armour and into the man's neck. He falls to the floor bleeding and gripping his throat.
In front of you on the left is the door to the armory and further into the cargo hold several more attackers are trying to force their way i through the splinterd hull.
Looking at the deep wound in chest, Atlas tries to steady his heart rate as he casts a healing spell .
Atlas sighs in relief as his wounds knit almost completely back together.
"I prefer something I don't have to pick up every time I shot" yells Grease back to Matei with a smile as he reloads his gun lighting fast.
Matei from your position you and the soldiers can see most of what's happening. The Black Hearts and the Hellknights are pushing back the attackers with ease. on the very stern of the ship atop the stern Castle The Infernal wizard Arcanus has taken up a position over the battlefield amongst the corpses of the dead band members and has begun casting devastating spells of fire into the enemy ranks and their ship, yet still the fanatics charge forward without hesitation. But the battle is clearly turning in the favour of the Chelish.
"Fire!" Lark orders and in response thirty muskets explode with black smoke and fire. The volley strikes the enemies still pouring out of the ship, fewer now than initially. "Draw swords and advance! Let's show em what we can do boys!"
The Soldiers put down their guns, draw short swords and rush in to the fight.
[ooc]Matei you can charge in with the soldiers if you like, there are plenty of enemies left to fight in hand to hand.
Lucanus, Kayla and Atlas to your right the Hellknights are beginning to wade into the enemy forces, the Black hearts have pushed hard and the musketeers have charged into the enemies flank, they are starting to be hemmed in by your allies.
The remaining attacker has risen from the ground and with fire in hie eyes moves around the grease instead of through it and attempts to attack Lucanus.
You easily block the attack with your sword.
Kayle will just continue her song for now and just ready an attack to stab anyone who gets next to her.
I've got to keep the Lady Thrune safe. He glances over his should at his charge before turning back towards the group. Provided he has the time, he'll attempt to fling open the door to the armory, giving it a cursory look inside. His mind wanders for a moment. I hope the others that I met are still alive.
Anyone wounded? Atlas calls out.
Nemius bursts through the armoury door which appears to have been left unlocked in some haste. Upon entry a man is standing in the corner with his back to you desperately trying to load a weapon.
At the sound of your entry the man screams spins and discharges the musket in Nemius' direction.
The shot goes wide and impacts the wall just next to Nemius' head.
The man screams again! And tries desperately to reload the gun.
"Vittorius! Put that gun away, now!! Lady Thrune commands as she bustles into the armoury after Nemius with Esmara helping her get her elaborate red and black dress in through the door.
"Sorry m'lady, so very sorry!" The man drops the gun and scrambles to his knees grasping at Lady Thrunes golden adorned slippered feet. "I humbly beg your forgiveness m'lady I didn't.." he goes on supplicating to Lady Thrune.
Esmara and lady Thrune shove their way through the door and past the grovelling man on the ground.
Nemius you notice that the armoury is full of weapons despite most men being armed for the ceremony. There are several racks of Guns, Halberds, swords an assortment of armour as well as several kegs of powder and various lockers of equipment.
Nemius it is clear that several men have made their way into the hold and are shouting as they make their way towards the armoury.
Esmara quickly points out a large wooden bar for the door. "Hurry"
Atlas you look around and see any number of wounded soldiers, nobles and knights on the deck.
Many people are moaning, some can be heard above the battle even screaming in pain. Some of the less injured individuals have felt the power of your healing and have been able to stand and run to safety, others are byond repair and can only have their pain eased.
There are so many people to attend to and the wound in your belly, although magically knitted back together is still fresh and tender which causes you pain when you move.
Just then in the midst of all the overwhelming chaos and destruction you see Styrian ducking behind some barrels on the far side of the deck away from the battle. "Atlas, get over her in the name of Asmodeous get over here quickly!" The black clad priest beckons you furiously to come to his aid.
Lucanus parries the blow with his shield, he spins around slashes out with his sword, cutting into the man
Never having been anywhere near a battle before, Kayla is quite terrified of all the bloodshed going on about her. She continues to stay behind Lucanus, trusting him to keep her safe as she continues to sing. Kayla will attempt to stab anyone who gets past Lucanus, but otherwise stays put.
Atlas runs over to Styrian, clutching his still tender wound and making a mental note of where the worst of the wounded are so he can return and heal them.
Yes, sir? Are you wounded?
Lucanus your blade cuts deep into the remaining enemies side yet he remains standing but injured. He brings his own sword around in a wild arch towards your head.
The sword hit's you hard in the shoulder .
Kayla, Agathon has torn himself away from the unmoving shape of Cimbrian and moved to your side.
Atlas, Styrian appears unhurt but frantic, he grabs you by the arm and pulls you behind the barrels.
Sitting propped up against one of the barrels is the Cardinal Oradnus. The exceptionally large man with no eyebrows and no hair sits moaning and groaning in pain. He appears to have some blood on his forehead and face.
You've only met the man a handful of times and each time he barely acknowledged your existence yet he is your superior and the highest member of the Diabolist clergy in the fleet.
"Quickly, his infernal eminence is wounded and could be dying! do something" Styrian hisses in impatient anger.
You determine from his wounds that his infernal eminence is not severely wounded but most likely just took a stray piece of shrapnel to the forehead. The excessive blood is from the small wound which is simply bleeding profusely as cuts to the head sometimes do.
Cardinal Oradnus appears as though he is in great pain and anguish.
Visibly shaken by the shot, Nemius freezes for a moment, only seeming to come to as Esmara shouts. He turns to look out the door, before spinning about to slam the door shut and throw the bar into place on the door.
"That'll hold for a bit... I think... I hope."
Atlas examines the injury a bit longer than is necessary, keeping the stoic face he normally wore while examining the wounded but letting "slip" a grimace here or there. I'm more injured than he is, even with the healing spell I cast on myself.
Sir, this indeed looks like the dire call of the Mother of Souls herself, summoning His Eminence to the Boneyard for judgment. I will intercede on His Eminence's behalf, but she demands the Lady of Graves receives due honor for showing mercy on this man and that credit will not be given to the Dark Prince, as most would assume due to the healing of a cardinal of the Archfiend.
Before Styrian can utter a word, Atlas presents his holy symbol and channels positive energy around himself and engulfing the area in a radiant warmth.
Lucanus grunts as the blow hits his shoulder. His shield arm drops slightly, but he manages to keep it up. He pulls up his arm and slashes with his bastard sword
Frightened for Lucanus when she sees him take a hit, Kayla touches the back of his leg and casts a healing spell on him, hoping that she can at least stop the bleeding.
Neither the cardinal nor his priest seem to care about what you think about the situation.
"Just shut up and heal me you little rot!" Bellows the cardinal.
Your energy leaves you and the cardinal's tiny cut is healed.
"Help me up blast it! Bellows the cardianl as he wipes blood from his head and face. "And get me to saftey!"
The battle continues on the other side of the deck but it is clearly going in the favour of the Chelish soldiers, the lesser armed and equipment fanatics are now dropping left and right as the Hellknights and Black Bearts push the counter offensive, aided by a charge from the Arqubusiers.
The cardnial grasps at Atlas shoulder to hoist is obese body from the deck.
The Bastard sword catches the man in the side of the head, his tiny skull cap is no match for the sheer weight of Lucanus' crushing blow and his head is battered like a dropped watermelon. His limp body falling backwards and his hand twitches as his life expires.
Lucanus you feel slightly invigorated by the healing from Kayla as well as the beautiful singing.
You both notice that you are now behind the battle line, that you have held the attack and now the enemy is on the retreat with no place to run to.
You find yourself stuck in the armoury. There are a number off footsteps outside the heavy door before you begin to hear the pounding of weapons and boots against the wood. The bar holds and it appears you are safe for now.
Esmara quietly takes a position between the Paracountess and the door and shoos away the man called Vittorius. The Paracountess seems almost unreadable as she sits down on a crate, trying to look regal in a dire situation.
Vittorius, quickly realizing he is not welcome sits on a powder keg in the opposite corner talking.
"I hope someone comes, I mean we have so many ships, one of them has to come to help, they are coming right? This is unacceptable, how could this happen, what is happening? who are they I mean who in their right mind would attempt to attack your Ladyship?"
He goes on mostly mumbling to himself.
Caring not for his own health and safety, he bends down to Kayla and removes his helm, "Are you alright? Are you wounded anywhere?"
Lucanus will also take a quick look around for Master Krase, seeing if he is still engaged in combat and to rally up with him.
Lucanus, without thinking, mentions to Kayla "You sing quite beautifully..." He goes red slightly once realizing what he said, equipping his helm quickly to hide his abashment
Master Krase and the other Hellknights are vigorously attacking the last of the fanatics beside the Black Hearts. Several of the knights have been wounded and lay on the ground but few appear mortally wounded. You figure that if you left right now for the battle line you could met out justice to one or two more enemies still battling.
You notice Krase himself is engaging another two men not far from you.
Lucanus spots Master Krase, he looks to Kayla, "I'd stay here where it's safe, or make sure to stay behind me. We need to push these hostiles from the ship!"
Lucanus turns and runs at one of the men attacking Master Krase, charging him as he does so.
"No, I'm fine, you got to me before anyone else could. What about yourself though? You're still injured?" At his compliment about her singing, Kayla blushes and then looks alarmed when he rushes back out to fight despite being injured. She'll stay put and continue singing and hoping for his safety.
Kayla you watch as Lucanus charges across the deck and cleanly lands a heavy blow from his powerful charge on one enemy attacking his master.
It sends the man staggering from the impact. The man turns at this new assault and strikes at Lucanus with his Halberd.
The blade of the Halberd comes crashing down onto Lucanus head. Lucanus himself now reels from the impact before his feet give way and he falls to the deck unconscious.
Nemius looks to the Paracountess' handmaiden. "Do you have any skill with a weapon. I'd suggest that you arm yourself just in case." He turns from the door and walks to Paracountess Thrune. He keeps himself turned as to be able to turn quickly to the door while speaking to her. "Are you unharmed, my Lady?"
Nemius fights the urge to glance at the door with every strike. Hopefully the battle will be over soon. I'm sure that Ser Cortain and the others will have this handled quickly.
Fearing her new friend may be dead, Kayla rushes over to his side to defend him totally disregarding the danger this puts her in and stabs at the man with her dagger. "You leave him alone!"
The Fanatic is surprised by the sudden attack as the dagger slides cleanly through his leather armour and into his side. For a second he looks at the wound then looks at Kayla. His hand goes limp and he drops his halberd before falling to the ground as he begins to bleed out.
Krase, how is dispatching his last opponent looks over at Kayla and pauses for a moment, his dark eyes unreadable behind his imposing horned helm.
With one arm he reaches down and heaves Lucanus to his feet, and drags him to safety. "Come on little one, we'll get him to safety" He Hauls Lucanus to an open area well away from the fighting. "See to his wounds if you can. If not find him a healer, quickly. I need to be in the front." Krase turn and strides towards the battle to continue the fight which appears to be on it's final push. Faantics are being cut done left and right, other's are being shot as they try to flee back aboard their vessel.
Kayla will yell out for Atlas and ask him to help Lucanus after her and Krase drag Lucanus away from the fighting. She'll start to cry over him as she sees all the blood and hopes Atlas can help him.
The pounding and hacking against the door continues and with each bang Vittorius looks even more terrified and seems to talk faster to himself as he huddles on the powder keg.
Esmara looks at Nemius fixing him with a gaze and says, not unpleasantly but with little emotion "Thank you but I am well prepared."
"Nemius isn't it? Yes I think I am physically unharmed." She says as she straightesn her elaborate gown.
"You did well in cutting down those two foes outside, Cortain has taught you fairly well it seems. But tell me Nemius, while we wait, how does a ship like ours in an Aramda so powerful come under attack in a safe port?" Esmara's eyes dart to Nemius and to the Paracountess but her expression does not change.
"I do not expect you to have the answer of course, but indulge me, sometimes it helps me think when others talk and it seems, at the present time all we have is time to think and talk." The Paracountess says with a small wry smile.
At hearing Kayla's cry for aid, Atlas rushes over to Lucanus, kneels beside him, and begins praying for this man's healing.
Seeing the only slight improvement, Lex prays once again.
That better, eh Lucanus? He stands and offers his hand to help him up. I'm afraid that's the best I can do for now. If you stick close to me while I heal some others you can stand in my healing aura.
Atlas will tend to other wounded, channeling positive energy.
As Lucanus wakes up from Atlas's healing, Kayla manages to stop crying and gives the young dwarf a hug and then gives one to Lucanus as well.
Matei charged in with the arquebusiers, chakram wielded in gauntleted hand and attacking the first enemy he could reach. He heeps an eye on the others, not wanting to be separated.
Lucanus sits up from the deck of the ship, "Whoa, that sure smarts..." The wind is taken out of him as Kayla hugs him. He hugs back a bit, unsure of the context of the embrace.
He takes the offered hand of Atlas, surprised at the dwarf's strength. "Thanks to you for your aid, and now I must get back to assisting with the battle"
Once up Lucanus scans the battle, determining where to strike. He will rally beside Master Krase again once he spots him or goes to him for further instructions.
The Charge of the Arqubusiers is effective and sends the remaining Fanatics running right into the blades of the Hellknights and Black Hearts. Matei is able to catch one of the enemies in the mad rush and cuts him across throat with his sharp round blade.
Lucanus returns to the battle line as the remaining enemies are being dispatched, and now the Arqbusiers and the Black Hearts are going about the dying slitting their throats.
Several other warships have moved into flanking positions of the derelict ship still stuck in the side of the Braxus.
"You three follow me! We must check on Lady Thrune. Ser Cortain yells toe three armour clad Blackhearts. They run to the stairs and head bellow decks.
Jaran and Davian each have a fanatic held fast with a strong arm around the neck. "Take those two below for questioning, dispatch the rest...ah Lucanus, you live. Paralictors take these men below and begin the interrogation. I would have a word with Lucanus and must attend to the situation." The two Hellknights easily muscle the smaller fanatics towards the stairs and down.
The large man takes Lucanus aside. "You fought well in the line of battle and showed fearlessness, this is good. Yet you nearly died and had to be saved by a halfling woman, what do you have to say?"
You find yourselves on deck in relative safety. There are many injured and dying about still and there are many nobles coming out of hiding starting to talk about the attack and explain away why they ran or hid. Trying to appear heroic despite running and screaming. There are many bodies, especially near the initial site of the Cannon barrage. There are also several people missing limbs such as Hani who is crying in a corner and intermittently screaming.
Cimbrian still lays motionless and Agathon is sticking close to Kayla's side
The Arqubuseirs move among the Fanatics and use their daggers to slit throats, many of the men begin to root through the enemies pockets or examine weapons or tend to the wounded Chelish soldiers.
Not really knowing what else to do, Kayla will follow after Atlas and offer whatever assistance she can with caring for the wounded. Fetching water, bandages, etc...
I wonder if the Lady Thrune is alright? If she's been killed I wonder what would happen to me? After all I am just here as a maid in her service and if she's no longer here to serve will I be sent back or put into someone else's employ? I'd hate to be sent back since I've made some new friends on board."
Nemius ponders the question, trying to keep his eyes within easy scan of the door. "Betrayal, fanaticism, nationalism, outside parties seeking opportunity." He thought about the events a bit more, "They targetted you directly. Where they perhaps trying to make a statement or attempting to interfere by slaying the leader?" He shifted uneasily.
Thanks, Miss Kayla. I have prepared a spell to conjure what water I need, but I'd be much obliged if you'd help me triage the patients, that is, find out who's worse off and needs me most urgently. And ask anyone you see who has skill in healing to help. There's a lot of wounded!
Atlas touches seven worse off dying people--as he and Kayla judge--and chants what seems to be rebuking mutters in his incantations.
After healing the dying in this way, he uses old-fashioned mundane first aid to stabilize the dying,
I think I could channel energy one, maybe two more times, but I can't use them. Not until the fighting's over.
Miss Kayla, thank you for your help. You've saved lives today, you have.