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The next morning a hearty dwarf style breakfast, that he helps fix from the overfull contents of his pack, seems to recover Murgrim's spirits along with the healing of the ministrations of the old man. After he stands and goes before the old man to bow formal. "I give you my thanks Master Frye." At Nuriah's suggestion he responds. "I agree. We need to hunt down the chaos spawn and we have a job both. I would hope the priests at the shrine are able to reinforce that effort. But we should destroy that coin although it may also show the gravity of events here to others."
Happy to continue or recruit more if required.
Skeggi's question breaks Murgrim's trace of looking at the fire, almost calm, but now pain and grief cross his face and etch in deeper. "We are not safe! Why have we stopped?" He states loudly and harshly, but not screaming, biting down on the volume visibly. Murgrim's eyes wide and still not focused. "Chaos always moves. You can't predict it. We. Are. Not. Safe." he almost chews on each word toward the end while springing to his feet again. The swift movement causing him to sag again and letting everyone see the red covering his chest and pants again. A sobbing sound is squelched before leaving him fully as the energy seems to be leaving him again. "...Khatul..." is whispered again, almost silent in dwarven.
Stumbling into camp Murgrim arrives last in a dazed condition before collapsing to his knees, blood covering the front of his leathers. "Chaos beyond the walls..." he croaks harshly, not directing it at anyone. After a moment his dirty and bloody fingers fumble at his waist. Thick and stubby they struggle to his evident frustration to pull out a small elixir. Finally retrieved he downs the contents in one swig with a further grimace. Murgrim sighs and looks around to the group. "Dark and messy work there. We did not do well. More evil is in the world, not that we brought it, but it is not halted...."
for damage. Looking at the creature with some despair, knowing that he was in no state to engage the beast in battle besides his companions Murgrim scans the area. His eyes alight upon a one of the javelins hurled so cruelly at the party and sees a way to contribute without throwing himself into the maws. Slipping through the bloody muck to the tool he lets his sword drop and spins to hurl the snatched up weapon into the chaos fiend with a roar of pain at his movements. for damage.
With a worried and wild eyed look Murgrim looks over the scene, his teeth clenched in a snarl as he attempts to bear the pain of the deep wounds. Fist tightly around his sword, bathed in the blood of evil. But the imperilment of his companions in arms against so foul a foe. The slaughter of the innocents makes his mind. Gathering courage he attempts to remove a second kobold from this world.
1AP Held for parry.
As the kobold retreats having seeing its friend crushed under the massive broadsword Murgrim attempts to pull if from the dying creature towards the fleeing one.
But it escapes to throw its spear into the off balance dwarf.
The monstrous overhead sword blow driven with the bulk of Murgrim's body cleaves the kobld in twain. His savage grin and shout of triumph although, turns into a cry of wordless horror at the creature emerging. His wild hair standing further on end, the grey stark in the dying light.
As the kobolds blow strikes at him truely he tries to get his shield interposed, but the length of the shaft scrapes along the rim of the shield. The deep hatred of the kobold for dwarf kind allowing it return the favor shown to it's comrade.
Er, isnt 6 the one Murgrim put his sword through? update: Oh, 5 isn't there anymore. Nevermind. Also: Ouch. Does Murgrim get an attack for the kobold retreating to use the javelin?
Murgrim grunts in pain as another pair of blows strike at his large form, luckily his leather armor withstanding the first blow. Coughing up a glob of bloody flem to spit at the creature. "Die!" he commands as his broad blade swings overhead to crush the creature into the ground. for Fury explosion
If I understand it correctly Vicious doesn't add a die to damage. When you hurt somone you can also inflict an injury if you roll a 6 on the d6 per injury level over light. Vicious gives you another dice roll chance to roll a 6. Note that Fury dice do explode thus Aurelie's total damage. Oh, and I did forget to add the +1 damage from the wooden shield Murgrim has so his hit was for 14, not 13.
Murgrim groans and feels his gorge rising at the horrors all around. The shadows move so threateningly as he tries to look everywhere at once. Unluckily failing to see the javelins flying towards him, raising his shield too late. A strike of pain from his shoulder makes him stagger, but his thick frame keeping him almost naturally upright. Seeing the fleeing animals makes him want to follow, but swallowing his fear despite the sudden cold sweat he advances to aid his companions. Moving to strike the kobold who hurt him with the broad blade of his sword and remove some of the taint from the world. And maybe keep themselves alive. damage (with chaos extra from vicious).
So I can make a co-ordination check to avoid the javelin? Or because he beat on on initiative on the first round I don't have any AP yet to spend to dodge?
No problems on adjusting things for PbP. :)
Murgrim looks to keep count of the remaining band, the animals and their ward. He leads them after Brunhard and Skeggi, trying to keep some order as tensions rise. "Dagda's will..." he mutters under his breath as he hears his companion call out.
Murgrim's nostrils flare as blood rises and he pulls his shield from his back. Head still scanning the area as he draws out his stout, broad bladed sword holding it before him. The we tended blade flashing in the remaining light. "I be the slowest and shall stay guard." he growls lowly in a frustrated truthtelling. "Take care Brunhard. Chaos' nature is surprise and deception." Turning to the those still with the animals Murgrim suggests. "We should follow our charging knight. Protect his rear and reinforce if needed. Flee if its a trap. Meet back at the old mill if scattered." He tightens his wide belt against his girth with a deep breath and shrugs his shoulders loosening them before turning up the path.
"Aye. I think we should be avoiding this. I don't like either going ahead or back." Murgrim answers while scratching his beard thoughtfully. "Maybe head upstream a ways, get around it. You think you could find the path on the other side of the stream again Brunhard if we circle it?" Murgrim eyes the surrounding lands suspiciously.
Murgrim huffs up besides Brunhard red in the face. Catching his breath somewhat while leaning his bulk against a tree, hand propping him up. "So... Unfit... " he gasps before looking around their location.
"Know you have the stride of an ogre there friend Brunhard. Flowing water would probably make for a good a place as any, we can look for tracks of what is using the stream often at the edge. But it should be safe to drink and we can wash some downstream." he says more normally while looking at the group around them. "Be thinking four watches, Brunhard, Kurdan, myself and Skeggi. That leaves the more difficult job of warding Master Frye to Nuriah and Aurelie." he suggests while pointing to each person in turn as he names them, maybe as a reminder to Frye.
Seeing Reingolde with the present nourishments Murgrim grins broadly, teeth just visible through the beard. "Ah, a fine send off. Just the thing to raise the spirits and to speed our desire to return. Hah, many thanks my good man." He samples the offer fare, making sure it is spread around before seeing the last parts disappear to the old sage. At mention of jobs he says. "Never learned to read a map. A dwarf knows where he walks and returns on that path. I'll keep an eye on things and organize watches. Make sure nothing sneaks up, keep rear watch as we go." Murgrim nods to himself as much as the rest of the party his hand reaching up to feel the presence of the sword hilt on his back. Putting his new cloak on, then hefting his backpack up with a grunt Murgrim nods again to the party to show he is ready to move out.
Nodding back to Brunhard. "Aye, I'll make sure your smelly fish and my cheese not mix. I'll even check they salt it right." he chuckles as he moves off, gaze returning to the street to watch no urchins have been attracted by the flash of metal.
Murgrim grumps a bit and heads off to go shopping for rations. Biting on the golden coin to test it he hopes on getting some smelly smoked sausages and biting cheese he likes so much for the trip. "I be there for the charter signing." he mentions while heading off.
Seeing the drama and the care taken of the old man reminds Murgrim of the warning from Reingold of the senility of the scholar. His expression softens and seeing the yellow metal distributed gives him a smile of his face.
When walking back Murgrim mentions to the group. "Remember we were told a four or five day journey. Each way, an' it might be slower on the way back with cargo. If we want to be prepared we should be taking twelve days of rations. Hunger is a great foe and the four shillings each to slay it is probably wise." He then raises a grey bushy eyebrow. "Of course a silver tongue might get us this food a lot cheaper too as a whole."
From the back of the group Murgrim rolls his eyes at the old man's antics and lack of sensibilities. He then pauses a moment and coughs out a word that sounds almost like "Charter." before clearing his throat and looking around innocently.
Seeing the boy run into the crowd Murgrim grunts and snorts with some derision. Both at the lad for tipping his hand and at himself for knowing he isn't about to try his foot speed. His bulk and height would not suit in the crowd. "We be followed." he says when the other conversation lapses but peering around with suspicious eyes. Murgrim follows the group looking and listening but otherwise remaining a watcher.
Murgrim paused at the back of the group knowing from experience that men put stock in politeness and manners to grease the wheels of social encounters. Something for which he had little talent. Reaching back and touching upon the hilt of the broadsword on his back to confirm no sneak thief had stolen it Murgrim peered behind the group to see if anyone was following, paying them too much attention or even merely wandering too close to his group.
Murgrim awakened instantly to the sounds of morning. Some dark rings under the eyes show that instead of a well rested sleep some dark dreams plagued him still. A rare uttered word in while in slumber suggested the reason Murgrim was never deeply asleep. But it was a handy survival trait upon the road and he was always known to volunteer for the middle of any watch arrangement. Instead spending time enjoying breakfast, he wolfed down the meal and instead spent time sitting on his bed going over his gear. Cleaning and caring for things that should in turn be used for his personal care. The thick and sturdy dwarf lumbering after the party and seeing the choice ahead uttered thickly, voice breaking as he spoke the first words of the morning. "Not that boat, best we be getting our legs used to travel again. Too long sitting in this place and 'side I don't think I can brave another stint in what is dumped into the river every morning."
I'm good for posting each day and online most of the time over the day.
Nodding towards Kurdran. "Aye, best us hope there is no line at the bureaucrats for us signing up the Company although prior. Keep everything in its time." Murgrim repeats a truism while looking rather mournfully at the bottom of his mug.
Murgrim belches with appreciation as Reingolde enters. Wiping his greasy fingers as he finishes off a piece of chicken and tilts back the last of his mug of ale. With a grunt he hauls his bulk from the chair down to the floor giving the over tall furniture a glare he follows the proprietor to the backrooms. Spoiler: Speaking as they enter he says "Greetings to you Master Reingolde." But noting that business is at hand he merely follows before finding a new seat and settling back to listen to the proposal. Nodding along and slurping happily at the cup to the tale and offers. "Well, I be thinking this sounds like a fine task with some reward..." he ventures with an eye to see if the other members of the group are maybe a little more aware of the nuances of bargaining and proper rates of payment versus risks. But on his plump and guileless face Murgrim looks eager to begin.
Taking a deep draught from his ale mug to hide his expression again Murgrim sighs as he puts it down and looks over the group. "Prudence says we should mayhap talk to some other Free Defenders to find out the rules, and pay rate. 'Twould be a shame if that 'free' was very literal..." He pauses again weighing things still for but a moment more. Having reached a decision, his face animates a look in his eye beyond the table and the current circumstances. Holding the mug up to toast, such as his short stubby form allows. "But aye! We agreed, for each our own reasons, to form a band! Our profession be Adventurer!"
Murgrim splutters at Aurelie's comment and a pained look passes over his face and he pauses as the rest of the group comments. "Well..." he starts and stops again and nods towards Skeggi. "It does sound like we may have little choice here, are there conditions on it? If we only need to be guards, but if we are fodder for some suicide mission..."
Murgrim sighs as he finishes climbing up into his seat and settles his bulk, pausing to push his grey hair away from his eyes. "Greetings Tabby and fine night to you. A platter of those fowl would be a fine fare for myself and my companions start and some Brin Zwiescher to wash it down. We are looking at hammering out the last details of our Adventurers Charter and hoping to do so over a hearty meal. Perhaps soon we will be asking Reingolde himself if he is looking for some extra exotic drink ingredients. Hah!" he burbles happily.
Sounds good Kurdran. Are we going to have it where most of as are listed as occupation and statement of intent basically be Mercenary? Most us are warriors, Murgrim has a personal goal to become a smith and locate dwarven lore but wouldn't expect that to be the parties. He would be trying to get by in the world while on his quest with his skills being weapon use (or at least threatening their use on others).
I've been keeping an eye on here for progress and will be redoing my equipment also somewhat, thanks. Was my earlier background ok or does it need some adjustment? I will add some more for more recent events of course.
Speaking of Mortuary Swords, does the extra Chaos dice you roll for damage when using one cause the chaos upon the wielder or the one struck?
I would suggest maybe just Google Docs, I have seen it used for maps for other PbP and of course you can have a host of interlinked documents for your main campaign bible that you can edit and give us read only access.
Same it is fresh to me, my experience with published is the first half of The Enemy Within and Karak Azgol. Also my chracter sheet is mostly done on profile here also.
Here is a background for Murgrim if the GM thinks suitable. Wall of Text: Born at the great barrier, Murgrim Ranulfsson looked to be destined to continue the watch of his forefathers. His father was a Watch-captain, holding the Wall against the ravages of Chaos for all time. While starting training he befriended a fellow stripling named Durgan who was also hale of body and quick of mind. He and Durgan trained long and well with skill of arms and while Durgan was the more skilled at arms, Murgrim was gifted with a keen eye to ferret out the enemy. His mother also noticed that Murgrim had the fine hand control for expert smithworks, but Murgrim grew into adulthood with strong martial desire fostered by his friendship and competition with Durgan. Under his fathers stern guidance both friends joined the Watchers at a young age, looking from the heights and standing shoulder to shoulder with the other guards against the horrors that would invade the southern lands and tear the last refuge from Barrier Dwarf kin. But one night there would be an event that would sway Murgrim's fate, he stood watch in the tallest of towers with Durgan. A massive cloud of dust, almost invisible at night swept down from the north. It crashed into the wall before being thrust upwards into the tower, most of its strength spent. Whether it was a natural fell wind, the whims of Chaos or something summoned by a witch it was never known, nor where it was going. Murgrim saw the shape of the cloud and dove down the stairs with a yell that his fellow, but Durgan did not have time to follow. Murgrim was awoken day later, rescued unconscious down the stairs a changed dwarf. While still young his hair and beard now showed the gray of age and his body had melted away leaving little more than a skeleton with skin tight on bone. Durgan although had completely disappeared. Murgrim's next season was as a bed ridden invalid as he struggled to regain strength and health. He also blamed himself for his companion's death he fell into a deep depression. Released from service to the wall Murgrim had little to do, but the dedication of his maternal grandfather brought him back. Gargrim Snaldsson was a mighty smith of long lineage and tradition who had seen his daughter marry a Watcher. Gargrim put the time and effort to forge his grandchild's spirit back into shape with the patience and care of a mastercrafter. Bringing Murgrim back with tales of the lost Forge-lore that the Dwarves had lost into the world while they stood Watch at the Wall. With spirit renewed Murgrim now had a purpose before him. One that would take him away from the Wall that had dealt such pain. His body recovered its mass and strength as he trained again prior to setting forth, but the toll of his suffering still remained in hair and height, while recovering his old bulk and strength it came also with great girth. Still Murgrim now had a task. To become a Smith and Loreseeker, and while he had only skill at arms for now, hopefully Fate would bring him skill at toil to match his skill at arms.
Xazil here, dotting for further use. Putting together a background. Broad strokes are a ex-barrier warden who has stood his watch and left to journey the world seeking his destiny and to recover from being on the front lines of the Chaos siege. |