Akhom stands shoulder to shoulder (shoulder to belt-buckle?) with the dwarf, bastard sword at the ready. He smiles at N'Dateh's words. "Fear not, Gruthic. We've faced bigger, and worse."
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I understand the feeling. I'm not going anywhere, so take your time - I'm happy to continue slowly, or take a break until you feel re-energised. Whatever gives us the best chance of not quitting for good :)
Well, as a player I'd favour a takedown, as quickly and quietly as possible. We're going to have to take her at some point, as she's not just going to let us wreck the good thing she's got going here. Taking it to her right now, when there's a(n admittedly slim) chance of some of us getting a surprise round on her, may well be the safest and most efficient option. Akhom probably feels differently, but once battle is joined he's committed. He certainly won't be initiating any surprise attacks.
Blushing madly at the harpy's obvious overtures and doing his best to avert his eyes, Akhom asks with a stammer, "This Kardswann... He is not a gnoll? What... what is he then?"
Akhom moves in beside Muqaq, and his eyes also widen at the sight of the harpy's uncovered torso. Though his jaw hangs open, he keeps his arrow nocked. Hearing Muqaq's polite greeting, he resists the instinct to shout a warning to Gruthic and loose an arrow at the creature's most obvious chest region. Nothing would live here without being friendly with those cursed hyena-heads. Why are we talking to it..? I must be ready to strike when she - it - turns on us. I wish Gruthic would move away from it... He struggles to keep his 16 year old eyes on the harpy's face.
"I'm in favour of leaving it as well," rumbles Akhom quietly in his deep baritone. He ticks his points off on his fingers. "It can't raise the alarm; it's unlikely to trouble us if we leave it; the noise of battle here could betray our presence; we risk injuries and death in every battle; and it's just a dumb animal that's done us no harm. I see no reason to take life unnecessarily," he shrugs. "But if it's decided that it's in the best interests of our mission..."
Akhom has his bow drawn, an arrow nocked, covering Gruthic's approach. His concern for his friend is submerged by his concentration and the rising tide of battle-fury in his chest.
Cocking an uncertain eyebrow at the strange desert woman, Akhom responds simply. "Apologies, my Lady, I have not the gift."
No worries DM.
How'd the move go boss?
"Father, I'm a devotee of Sarenrae, and in the Lady's long-term employee to boot," Akhom pipes up. "If our party won't pay for this man's restoration, you can hold the debt against me. You have my word you'll see your money. Gruthic here feels the same."
Though still uncommunicative even to Gruthic, Akhom accompanies him to see the Father, also wishing to see after the man whose condition Akhom's lateness no doubt contributed to.
Akhom, who has been quiet and withdrawn at Gruthic's side on the way back to camp, remains so at dinner - unusual for the generally happy and gregarious young warrior of Sarenrae. He eats his meal slowly and deliberately, obviously feeling guilty about his late arrival to the gnoll encampment. He responds to any direct communication in as few words as possible, and seems to be wrestling with himself internally. At the lady's summons, he pushes his half-eaten meal away to follow the others to her marquee to report.
Having approached the victorious group, Akhom shakes Gruthic's hand in response, but his eyes are downcast. "I am sorry my friends. I was... delayed. My camel will not be continuing on with us." He sighs. "My self-confidence got the better of me, and you all could have paid the price. I don't ask for your forgiveness, only another chance to prove myself." As the talk turns to the unfortunate crucifixee, Akhom says little, seemingly happy to let his betters take the lead, but he does make approving noises whenever someone suggests seeing to his safety immediately.
AKhom bursts through the trees, flashing a glance at his companions, before firing again at the fleeing gnoll.
Akhom continues to advance steadily , loosing another arrow at the nearest archer, then looks around to see if he can spot all members of the team, planning his next move.
Akhom continues moving closer to the battle, pausing a moment to loose another arrow at the closest gnoll.
Seeing one of his companions dart towards one if the monstrous figures, Akhom moves towards his friends, loosing another arrow.
Unaware of exactly how the battle is flowing, but seeing his companions fighting furiously, Akhom nocks an arrow as the distant archer fires on Gruthic. "Oh no you don't," he murmurs under his breath, drawing a bead on the rooftop gnoll as he moves towards it .. Aim set, he releases the projectile.
DM: Is the terrain on the map (trees, ridge?) blocking my view of the action, or can I see pretty well everything?
Really sorry for the extended absence and lack of communication guys. I won't bore you with excuses, but regardless I should have let you all know where I was at. Haven't checked the gameplay thread yet, but if Akhom hasn't been written out I'd be more than keen to resume play if you'll have me back. Sorry folks.
No probs here boss.
Akhom bows again to Almah. "Thank you my lady, a camel will do the job just fine. I will seek out your man. Sarenrae shine on you." With that he takes his leave.
"We must do our best to save the victim, whoever they are, but I agree that a full-frontal assault may only cause our deaths as well. I like drawing them to is, raining death on them as they approach. We can buy camels to assist with mobility. I, for one, will purchase one if they aren't too expensive."
Akhom bows before her in a stiff, military fashion. "Greetings, my Lady, he murmurs. "Following our initial foray into Kelmarane, we have begun to refine our tactics. Part of that involves mounts. I've come to enquire as to the status of the pair of horses here within the camp - whether they are for sale or hire, and if so whether they are trained for combat situations."
Akhom washes his last mouthful of food by draining his ale cup, then stands up. "The Lady Almah may see the value of allowing me to buy or hire one of the two horses from her entourage. If not... Well, it doesn't hurt to ask." Akhom leaves the mess hall and strides to the Lady's tent. "Well met, men," he greets her guards in his basso rumble. "Is the Lady within? I would speak to her, if I may."
Akhom raises an eyebrow in bemused surprise at the strange desert woman's statement, gives his companions a quick look of bafflement, then takes another large bite of food.
"Actually," Akhom says through a mouthful of food, "I've been thinking about seeing if I can buy a horse. Particularly since we're attacking an open settlement. I'm a fair rider - though my chain shirt does limit me somewhat - and I have the coin, so long as prices here are not too exorbitant." OOC:
I'll second Stormwind on that - unless you really have to quit, I'd rather you contributed what you can when you can :) But if you gotta go, thanks for playing!
Aw no! My buddy Gruthic!
Forgot my Skilled bonus skill rank - putting it on Handle Animal
"Xanyon, your gun is more effective up close, is that right?" Akhom queries between large bites, eyeing the strange weapon at the half-orc's belt. Seeing N'Dateh tearing into her food, the youth gives her a comradely grin and reaches for more dinner himself.
Akhom nods in agreeance. "Captain Neelak also used to say that thinking on an empty stomach is not good for the soul."
"Well sir," Akhom, continues on enthused by the enigmatic Muqaq's positive response, "As I said,I don't really know much about everyone else, but Gruthic and I have been in more than a few scraps together. Usually, I wound enemies as they approach, and he smashes them. But, we've not faced foes like this before, not this strong. It seems he's getting smashed as much as he's smashing. So he probably needs better protection. Can we get him better armour, or use magic to protect him? And I need to be able to see the enemy coming at us, which means we need to set up the killing ground so they come to us." " But none of that works unless everyone's using their strengths. And I don't know everyone's strengths like you probably do. Like Seif: is he a warrior, or is magic his strength? And what kind of magic? And you? Are you best at killing with your magic? Or... other things, like enchanting us to fight better? And that strange woman? What does she do?" Akhom's rush of words stalls for a moment, then he shrugs. "I don't have the answers, but I'm sure we can figure them out if we plan a little. My teacher, Captain Neelak always said that all of our order's defeats and victories could be read in the battle plans that preceded them."
Akhom approaches Muqaq shortly after waking. "Good evening Muqaq. I don't mean to speak above myself, but I wished to bring up the matter of our tactics in battle. Obviously many of us don't know each other vey well, but I think we've seen enough of each other in battle now to recognise our strengths and weaknesses. Now, I'm no tactician myself - I shoot things, with the aid of Sarenrae - but I feel that we could work together better if we can create situations that let all of us play to our strengths." The young man spreads his hands in front of him and gives a small self-deprecating smile. "As I said, I don't know how to achieve that, but I thought I'd bring it up with you. I hope I'm not overstepping. I just thought that now might be a good time to think about it, as we prepare our next moves." Akhom resists the urge to hold his breath while he awaits Muqaq's response.
Ok, alias updated. Have added personality and appearance info under the relevant tabs also, if anyone cares to read them.
+1 level Paladin +13 hp (10 + Con + Fav Class) +1 BAB +1 Ref Skills: +1 Diplomacy; +1 Heal; +1 Kn(religion); +1 Ride; +2 Sense Motive; +1 Spellcraft; +1 Perception Class Features: Shared Precision (replaces Aura of Courage); Divine Health; Mercy (sickened) Feat: Weapon Focus (Longbow) - Alias not yet updated...
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