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 It was in Zahran that the Fellowship was forged; a mighty bastion close to the frontline of the Horde's advance; a mustering point for armies of all Nations before they're sent further forward; a beacon for refugees desperately searching for safety. While debates on who should make up the Fellowship were heated, raging on into the night, in the end the five of you were chosen for this task of monumental importance. There was no time for rest or relaxation, as scouting reports spoke of Horde vanguard heading for the Pillar of the Sun, a towering spire created by the Horde during the First War, and clearly still a place of importance to the Horde. The dawn after the decision was made, your company was let loose, traveling to the Red Road alongside the Orcish army of Groemyr Swordbreaker, then parting ways as the Orcs sought to intercept the Horde and give you time to reach the Pillar.  It will still take a march of a day or so to get there, even with the steeds Amira's provided for the Fellowship. The path ahead is little more than a dirt trail, winding through dusty, arid hills that barely shield you from the relentless sun. In addition, you have the sensation that you're being... watched, from somewhere. Observed, followed, hunted. What are your highest priorities here? Is it better to move quickly to get to the Pillar, or be careful and cautious? What are you doing, on this portion of the march?
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Mar 29, 2016 01:14
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Placeholder post for anything book-keeping I'd need to keep track of. quote:Name: The Witch-King Current Members of Fellowship: Amira the Heir (Sir Robert, bodyguard) (Lina Yusuf, adviser) Nidawi the Pixie (Talon, hunting bird) (Calfury, pixie archer) Duura the Goblin (Big Lug, the hob) (Sweet Zu, the varg) Regina the Dwarf (Dwarven tunneler) Morganna the Harbinger (Nappa, the turtle familiar) Communities: Zahra, Amira's fortress-city. Sources of Power: AdjectiveNoun fucked around with this message at 18:03 on Mar 29, 2016 |
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Mar 29, 2016 01:15
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 Blood: +2|Courage: +0|Grace: +1|Sense: +0|Wisdom: -1|Doom: +2 I rode in absolute silence. I was at a loss for words. Have been since we left Zahran. The council... they were damned fools! They don't listen! Even after the Witch King obliterated the Tower... my home... they still didn't listen! This was foolish! That Orc Army were riding to their deaths! I forsaw it... yet, because she was here... because she made mockery of my visions... Morgnna, your vision are powerful... but they lack clarity. Lady Talib is evidence of that. ...and with that, they went ahead with their plan. drat it all. With clenched teeth, I speed up, roughly riding between her escort, Sir Robert she called him, and her. "...don't think the sword changes anything, daughter of Talib." I can't help it. I was picked to guide Amira. To guide the fellowship... but... this woman shouldn't even be here! "Your weakness is self evident. Riding out on patrol with no back up, getting your men killed... I, champion of the Jinan-say, have forsaw the battle of Border Pass. I saw the ambush. And I saw the massacre, where you were beheaded!" I gave her a sidelong glance. Was she even listening? "...you do realize that you're a liability, woman who defied death. If you defied the fates, then you bring bad tidings to the fellowship. I suggest you stick with me." I look back to the path ahead of me. "Royalty or not, you are in over your head. You have no idea what you are in for."
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Mar 29, 2016 06:23
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 Blood: +1 | Courage: +2 | Grace: +0 | Sense: -1 | Wisdom: +2 | Lvl: 1 On the one hand, I can't help but feel bad about leaving Zahran behind. With the Witch-King on the move again, it's not a matter of 'if' he attacks that ancient fortress - it's just a matter of when. I asked for the responsibility of defending it from Father, and he entrusted it to me. The smallfolk of that fortress-city - nearly half of whom I know by name - are counting on me to protect them. A princess should care for her people, because without them she's nothing. Trust me, ever since Groemyr and his warband rode off, I've been thinking about what makes someone worth following, how loyalty is earned permanently and not just situationally. But on the other hand I'm excited to have my city at my back. Traversing the countryside of my Kingdom with friends and Champions about me, racing the Witch-King's hordes towards a legendary location, Nimbus beneath me and Arete on my hip... it's liberating. Regina's here, along with a few other Champions and their bizarre and endearing companions, and though I'm probably in charge it's still a lot easier to be the leader of a band of nine than it is a fortress-city of thousands. The clip-clop of horse hooves on a dusty trail, high-noon sun beating down on our backs, a meaningful breeze about us, the banter of traveling friends and soon to be friends - call me bad Royalty if you want, but I'll take that over yet another endless meeting to discuss policy any day! Speaking of banter, I'm in the midst of a quite pleasant bit of it with Lina, Robert, and Nimbus (he's super smart for a horse, I know he's snorting after specific comments of mine,) when Morganna rides into our midst, glaring at me like she's been doing since the second we met. Apparently she's mad I didn't die like she thought I would, and she's taken me surviving that horrible battle as a personal affront. I meet her grievances with an understanding expression and judicious uses of careful nods to indicate that I'm paying attention. I'm not, but it helps to sell it and probably makes her feel better, I learned this a few years ago in court. When she's done talking, I think I've caught some of what it is she's still griping about, and respond appropriately. Robert's not too pleased with her, and his hand's inching towards his sword, but I put an end to that with a glance. Honestly, he's too protective of me sometimes. "Us sticking together sounds good to me," I offer amicably, though not for the reasons she thinks. As for the Battle of Seventh Border Pass, she wasn't there, and I'm not going to bring the spirits of my companions down by mentioning the horrid details here. Suffice it to say, of the thirty combatants between the Horde and my kingdom, the battle had a single survivor. Well, two really... "And Nimbus was there too, his good luck makes up for any bad luck I have coming my way - trust me." Since I'm pretty sure I've placated her, I speak loud enough for Regina, Duuraa, Nidawi, and their followers to hear too. Time to let everyone know what plan I've decided on. "I've got the feeling we're not as alone as we'd like to be." I can't be the only one to have noticed it, we're being watched. "We've got to move quickly - if we're being observed already, all we can do is hope to outrace our pursuer and beat the Witch-King's troops to the Pillar of the Sun." Beaming at everyone else, I point out the bright side. "If we get there quick enough, we'll be able to figure out whatever it is they're after, and take it away from them before they know what hit them!" And if there's anyone in our way, I'll cut them to shreds if I must. I'm the wielder of a sword that wounded the Witch-King, I'm not worried about our chances. Rauri fucked around with this message at 09:17 on Mar 29, 2016 |
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Mar 29, 2016 07:38
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 Iron +2 | Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace -1 | Sense +0 | Wisdom +1 I'm not entirely sure if Morganna is aware how her voice carries in this barren terrain, but it reaches my own ears clearly enough, a short way behind them on the track. Lightly spurring my mount, I ride forward slightly unsteady -riding isn't a common method of transport for my people, at least not on horses- on its back to the point where I can tap her on the shoulder if I stretch a bit. Of everyone in the company, Morganna is probably the one I respect the second most, her power can't be doubted, and her father fought along with my decestor, but her lack of trust with Amira isn't going to do our quest any good. Keeping my voice low -not hard as some people would point out- I move my mount closer. "If Amira can defy even your foresight Morganna, then perhaps her presence will allow us to escape the Witch King's sight as well." I smile and pat her on the side of her arm reassuringly and straighten up as best I can in the saddle. "It'd be bad luck if an enemy didn't follow your visions, not a friend." Amira gives her speech, and I have to nod in agreement, "I've felt we're being followed as well. But does anyone know what we might be looking for at the Pillar?" I turn my eyes to it skeptically. "Even if we get there soon, it is a large place to search." Though my Tunneler should make things go much faster.
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Mar 29, 2016 08:05
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 Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace +2 | Sense +0 | Wisdom -1 It's a beautiful day! The sun is shining -- I quickly recheck my hood and wooden-slatted sun-visor, so that I don't get sun-rash -- the air is dry and clean and the big birds that live around here have been circling overhead in a friendly way all afternoon. Plus, I found a Varg! I can't believe Lady Almira had one in her stables! Not in her regular stables, true, but in her special deep stables where they kept the chains and cages and things. She said I could have it because I was the only one that could get close without getting their hand bitten off. I pat its flank as it slavers and foams gently. I think I'll name her Zu. "Who's a good girl, Zu? You are!" With Big Lug trotting alongside me hefting my pack and the Spear of Hate cocked at a jaunty angle, I feel like a questing knight. I puff out my chest. See how far goblins have come? Oh! My companions are talking. I catch what Regina says, at least. Are we being followed? I lick the Spear of Hate's blade; it's warm, but not sizzling. And that's probably coming from Morganna. "If there are enemies following us," I assure her, "they aren't that close yet." "I've been to the Pillar before, I think," I offer. "Underneath it, anyway. It's supplied by underground tunnels. There's an iron mine down there, and a mine-cart track. Um. They didn't let us above stairs," I add, "so I don't know how helpful I'll be."
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Mar 29, 2016 10:10
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 Blood +0 | Courage +2 | Grace +2 | Sense +1 | Wisdom -1 I was laying on my stomach on top of the highest of the pack-mule's bundles, (a soft and comfy bedroll) spreading my wings wide enough to shield my face from the hot desert sunlight. Pixies didn't spend much time in sandy, empty places like this. Not enough food, not enough water, tooooooo hooooooooooooooot. "Oi, Nid?" Calfury called back to me from where he was standing on the mule's head, tugging on her long ears to steer her. Wasn't too hard, mostly she just followed the others, but Pixies are good with animals, even the bigguns. "Whatcha need Cal?" I asked. "Grumpy lady's yellin' at pretty lady, an' pretty lady says we got eyes on us." I yawned and stretched, then looked up to where Talon was circling above us. At least he was enjoying the heat, it made flying ever so much easier. I gave a short whistle to get the hawk's attention and then gave him the hand signal to scout. Not a lot could hide from a hunting bird's keen eyes. Marking Talon's "Eagle Eye" stat to have him scout for whoever's looking for us!
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Mar 29, 2016 16:56
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Nidawi: Talon soars high, scanning the area from the sky as he flies in a lazy circle, then rolling - a signal that Nidawi knows means that he's spotted more potential threats than he can count... though considering he can only count to four, that could still mean a lot of things! What do you do? Duura, the spear heats up - not as hot as it normally is when it senses a threat, but hotter than warm nonetheless! What do you make of that? Zu perks up, ears pricked, sniffing for something, and threatening to move away from the group! Do you try to keep her on track, or let her head to whatever she's sensed? Morganna, you don't sense any servants of the Witch-King nearby, so what do you think is watching you? Regina: How uncomfortable is it to be up here aboveground, subjected to the heat and light of the sun? What do you think of the Pillar, compared the mountainous homes of the dragons your people are ascended from? Amira: The Pillar isn't in your Duchy of the Red North - which Duchy of Kabirna is it in, and why do you think their Duke or Duchess hasn't been more diligent in dealing with it?
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Mar 29, 2016 23:17
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Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace +2 | Sense +0 | Wisdom -1 Huh. I like my finger and press it against the Spear of Hate's haft. It hisses, but just a bit. So... either one person hates us a lot, or a lot of people hate us a little bit? I chew on my thumb thoughtfully. Not orcs, then; they'd be setting off the spear like anything if there were any arounds. Humans maybe? Natives? There are silly humans who live in the Horde-lands because they think it's better than living in regular human lands, which is a bit daft because this place is crap and that's coming from someone who lived in a hole and ate rats. That's when i notice two things: one, I've been chewing on my sleeve, and two, Zu has wandered away from everyone else. Her tail is wagging and she's foaming at the mouth in the most adorable way. I scratch her behind the ears. "Hey, everyone! Zu picked up a scent!" I kick her forward. It doesn't even occur to me that anyone wouldn't want to follow a weird new smell.
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Mar 30, 2016 01:22
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Blood: +2|Courage: +0|Grace: +1|Sense: +0|Wisdom: -1|Doom: +2 GodFish posted:"If Amira can defy even your foresight Morganna, then perhaps her presence will allow us to escape the Witch King's sight as well." I smile and pat her on the side of her arm reassuringly and straighten up as best I can in the saddle. "It'd be bad luck if an enemy didn't follow your visions, not a friend." Regina's peoples has done a lot for me in the past months. Sheltered me, consoled me, nursed me back to health. I owe Regina's clan. And currently, she is my closest link to my father. In respect of that, I curtly turned my horse around a trodded away from Amira nodding in Regina's general direction to convey that I respect her request. But this isn't over. Not by a longshot. I was headed back to check on Nappa as Amira gave her nonsensical speech. Of course we were followed. We must've been quite the sight, first accompanying an orc army, and now crossing the Red Roads on horse back. It could be anyone, from bandits, mercenary, another Fiefdom military patrol, or even an overly cautious trading caravan. Wasn't much to panic about. Yet. The important thing was that my tattoos didn't burn. That would've been a sign of the Witch King's forces... those being watched and controlled by him. He can't move forces in our presence without me knowing. Unfortunately, neither could I him. I need to relay that to the fellowship at some point... but AFTER they learn to listen to me. I can't have them make up reasons as to why they don't tll me things, after all. I smiled when Nidawi sent her bird out on patrol. Smart. And I can also take advantage of it. "...allow me to interpret what the young bird sees... and pay attention. You are strong enough to mimic this." Nidawi and I, we had a pact. She provide me Pixie Dust for... 'scientific study', I tutor her into my magic. She was a fast learner, but that was to be expected. Making sure my horse was stable in it's trot forward, I closed my eyes, my mouth speaking in a tongue few could even hope to interpret. My eyes burned behind my lids as I attempted to merge consciousness with Talon. To feel the air around his wings, to experience the excitement of his freedom of flight, to see what he, himself, saw. To those that looked at me at this point, I was a zombie, riding rigid and speaking to myself. I didn't give a drat, because I was flying on the wings of an eagle, using Talon's eyes to scour the landscape... [01:54] <TheJoshie> Look Closely [01:54] <TheJoshie> !r 2d6 [01:54] <Krysmbot> TheJoshie, 5 = 5 [01:54] <Rauri> yikes [01:54] <ShootaBoy> oof [01:54] <TheJoshie> Well... I can ask 'one' question. :p Talon sees something. Tell me about those 'somethings'. What are they doing and what will they do next?
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Mar 30, 2016 06:58
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From the perspective of Talon, Morganna can see these 'things' are large, but flat, or low to the ground, and camouflaged - they're more visible from the tracks they leave in the dusty ground than anything else. There seem to be about six of them, following the Fellowship a loose crescent, and they're more than capable of keeping up with the horses and mules, though they don't seem to be doing more than following... until Zu begins to head away from the group, at which point they all, in simultaneous sequence, make a half-turn and beeline straight for the Fellowship, completely abandoning their stealthy approach! Duura can see what Zu's picked up immediately - it looks like a cleverly disguised tunnel entrance! Goblin-made, no doubt! But there's no time to get to it before the creatures following the Fellowship make their approach known. It seems there are three options - running, fighting, or heading for the tunnel! There's just one complication for Morganna - leaving the consciousness of Talon too swiftly could injure her, or the bird, or both! Is that a risk you're willing to take to get back to yourself before the creatures attack? AdjectiveNoun fucked around with this message at 01:51 on Apr 1, 2016 |
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Mar 31, 2016 21:38
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Blood +0 | Courage +2 | Grace +2 | Sense +1 | Wisdom -1 When Morgana offerd to show me a new Magic, I flew over to sit on her horse's mane, watching closely and feeling the magical effects. I could sense when her spirit joined with Talon's, leaving her body temporarily uncared for. That seemed really dangerous! And Talon... I don't think he was prepared for it. He didn't seem to be hurt in any way but he let out a soft screech and his wings flapped erratically. "Are you sure you're doing this right?" I asked Morgana. Then, just because you know, she's there, all empty and stuff, I made some silly faces and went "Nyaaa~~" right in her face, because I mean who wouldn't? But it wasn't really as fun as I wanted it to be since I was worried about Talon, and the more-than-four whatever it was's that were tailing us. The W-i-W's started closing on us as soon as Duura's cute wolfy started sniffing around, so I quickly strung my bow and gave Calfury a warning whistle. He could protect our mule, I had to guard poor Morgana, while she was stuck in her magic spell! --- My vote is for the tunnel.
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Apr 1, 2016 01:55
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Blood: +2|Courage: +0|Grace: +1|Sense: +0|Wisdom: -1|Doom: +2 I was back in my own body, duh! A Jinan-say must always be ready for battle. Determination... it flows in my veins. I never shy from battle, and I never allow an excuse to keep me from it. Even if the resulting migrane threatened to split my skull in two. Marking Wisdom "...we... definitely have company. Watch yourselves!" I say, shaking my head. "Zu tipped them off with his unsubtlty and now they are advancing on us." Sword out, I yanked my horse around to face the incoming enemies. "What have you, Amira? If we run, we risk losing time, and your grand plan will not be so grand. Ask me... I say we fight! There are only six of them! The best way to deal with a rabid mutt is to turn around and kick it in the snout!" Right... I vote fight!
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Apr 1, 2016 07:26
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Blood: +1 | Courage: +2 | Grace: +0 | Sense: -1 | Wisdom: +2 | Lvl: 1 That we're being pursued in my own lands is bad enough - that whatever these creatures are can keep up with our mounts is worse. Duura's away from the group on her warg, Morganna's itching for a fight, and the decision on what we do is mine to make. And certainly, a part of me wants to listen to Morganna, wants to put down these interloping creatures. They're threatening us in my kingdom, which sits poorly with me. But there's too many risks involved. We don't know if there are more of them on the way, for starters. Add in several noncombatants in our group - and the difficult of defending them in such open terrain - and fighting's out for now. We could keep trying to run, but that's betting the endurance of our horses against theirs, and I'm not sure what it is these are yet, let alone how much stamina they have over distances. And even if we do outpace them, we'd be arriving weary and ragged in the neighboring Duchy, which also isn't an option. While I may rule the Red North (which should really be called the Red Northeast), the Duchy to its west and the one we're journeying towards is called the Bronzehills, ruled by Duke Baiju Arghun, who's both petty and not my biggest fan. From what I recall, I made fun of him when I was a small child, and he's never forgiven me for it. As such, we've only really got the one option. "Make towards the tunnel!" I announce to everyone, urging Nimbus to take me to the back of our column. As I take up a position next to Morganna I'm also unsheathing Arete, the desert sun shining off the magnificent blade as it's drawn. Sir Robert's right behind me, of course. "Regina, lead everyone in, make sure it's safe. We'll hold the entrance!" Voting tunnels, though worth mentioning Amira's not heavily invested in the whole 'group operates democratically' idea.
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Apr 1, 2016 22:05
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Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace +2 | Sense +0 | Wisdom -1 Zu reaches the cave's entrance and sniffs it delicately. Whatever's down there. she likes the smell of it. The tunnel itself looks homely and safe; not as good as the tunnels back home, but good enough. It's only then that I glance behind me and notice that everyone else is in an uproar. Uh oh. And then it hits me all at once, like a blessed explosion of insight in my brain. I know just what to do. The path before me is clear. It'll be great and I'll be a hero and everyone will pat me on the back and say "Well done, good and faithful goblin." "Everyone into the tunnel," I shout. "Don't worry; we'll be safe. I have a cunning plan!" I vote tunnel. It's a very cunning plan.
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Apr 2, 2016 03:28
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Iron +2 | Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace -1 | Sense +0 | Wisdom +1 Being above ground isn’t really that big of a deal, most Dwarves spend time up there, we can only grow most of our crops underground, and cavewood is completely inferior to trees from the surface. The Dwarves that live in castles spend even more time, though most of castles are like mountains (that is, 90% of them are below ground). And I’ve spent more time than most visiting with Amira’s people. Now, having said all that, this weather still sucks, because the light here somehow manages to be even brighter than the fires of our furnaces and forges! It makes my eyes ache slightly, so I keep having to blink and rub them. Heat isn’t a problem for us though, the hotter the better really. The pillar in the distance is interesting, its far less majestic than the mountains of home, but the sheer sides and the fact that the Witch King’s hordes apparently made it from scratch give it an impressive aura. I’m itching to be close enough to get inspect the stone and the craftsmenship. And you can just see a dragon making its home up top there, it looks like the perfect place for a nest, totally unassailable. But enough of that, we have choices to make! Duura has found a tunnel, and Morganna and Nidawi have found the ones who’ve been watching us. Six foes to fight or a tunnel to flee to. Of course my instinct is to make for the tunnel, but need we run? The foe here is not the Witch King’s, perhaps they need not be foes at all? “I say we make for the tunnel, and see who is on our tails, but instead of fighting, we should talk to those following us, they clearly know the land, if we can explain the danger coming for them, they might be of some help!” If we do flee for the tunnels, Amira is right, I should take the lead to make sure its safe, though I would do as well holding the line as any.
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Apr 2, 2016 04:53
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Sorry for the delay, had an essay to write As everyone piles into the tunnel - either by choice or by necessity as the others head that way, they can see one of the Whatever-it-Was-es - it's lizardlike, as long as a horse, broader but much shorter; with a head like a hammerhead shark! It's something new, nothing recognizable from the legends of the First War! It's too big to make it into the tunnel after you, but it and its fellows hiss and snarl as they scamper around the tunnel entrance. The tunnel itself is large - even if it was goblin-made, it was made for the use of creatures far larger than goblins, and stretches ahead into the darkness, its lamps long since extinguished. The baking heat of the sun is replaced by a more moist, humid, earthy warmth. Still, this should let you get towards the Pillar unseen! Who takes the lead in these dark and treacherous tunnels? Who keeps guard at the back? Will write more when the order of the party's procession is settled!
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Apr 5, 2016 22:27
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 Blood: +2|Courage: +0|Grace: +1|Sense: +0|Wisdom: -1|Doom: +2 Sigh. Fine. Let's run like cowards, then. I'm not going to argue, not with the headache that was threatening to split my skull in two... But when we do enter the tunnels, I made sure that I was not going to suffer from another person's rashness. That was why I briskly shoved my way to the front of the dark caves... before holding out a palm. I felt Nappa nudge my leg as I began to concentrate. Not now, Turtle... I focused my concentration on a focal poin just in the palm of my hand and my Tatoos began to shimmer slightly. Soon a bright sphere of Ki energy formed in front of my open palm, casting aside shadow and illuminating the cave infront of us, my eyes already scouting ahead... [01:58] <TheJoshie> Morganna looks closely [01:58] <TheJoshie> !r 2d6 [01:58] <Krysmbot> TheJoshie, 10 = 10 Question 1: What is going on here? What do my Senses Tell me? (option 1) Question 2: Is something hidded or out of place? If so, what looks Suspicious? (option 2) Question 3: What will happen if we continue to travel in this cave? (option 5)
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Apr 6, 2016 07:04
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Blood +0 | Courage +2 | Grace +2 | Sense +1 | Wisdom -1 It looked like Morganna was feeling better because she rushed to take the lead, and since I was still sitting on her horse that meant I was up front too! I glanced back to make sure that Cal and our mule were still with us, and they were right about in the center of the group which was good. Cal could take care of himself, of course, but mules weren't really meant for battle, and that one was holding a lot of our stuff so keeping it safe was a good idea. There was a piercing, angry hawk shriek as Talon zoomed into the cave right over the WiW's weird scaley heads. I whistled and signaled him to land with the mule, which he did, though he was about as unhappy as a hawk could be about being inside of a tunnel. His talons caught on the bedroll and he settled in there for now though. "What were those creatures?" I asked aloud, talking about the WiW's of course. "I've never seen animals like that before, but we're farther than my clan normally travels... Are you sure they weren't creations of the Witch-King?" The others had seemed sure before but it was hard to imagine beasts like that being native to this area.
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Apr 6, 2016 21:33
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Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace +2 | Sense +0 | Wisdom -1 Oh, wow! They followed me! Great! Does this make me leader...? No. I glance at Amira, who is pretty and also regal. And tall, which is almost the same thing as regal. Probably not the leader. As everyone piles into the cozy little tunnel -- so clean and earthy and not at all full of slime or muck or sewage, it makes me a little nostalgic. "They were probably just monsters," I tell Nidawi. "You can't keep track of all the different types of monsters in the Horde. The Witch-King's servitors like to make new types of monsters all the time, like goblins or hobs or orcs or hobgoblins or hobborcs." Big Lug grunts when I mention hobs, and I gesture impatiently for him to hand me the Infernal Illuminator. It looks kind of like a crossbow covered in random tubes. I slide open one of the tubes and making the sign of Tak over the breach, with elaborate reverence, I load in one of the Blessed Sploders. "I'll watch the rear," I announce. "If one of the hammerheads tries to follow us in, I'll carefully and delicately demolish the tunnel's entrance." The Chief says that other folk who don't have experience with Tak awesome Tak glorious Tak holy be his name need to be reassured about the Blessed Sploders. This is called "diplomacy".
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Apr 8, 2016 01:32
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Blood: +1 | Courage: +2 | Grace: +0 | Sense: -1 | Wisdom: +2 | Lvl: 1 "I've certainly never seen those creatures before, and I've been all over these lands," I contribute cheerfully. "They must be new, or extremely elusive." We're in a tunnel I'd not known about, which isn't great, but it's certainly the start to a proper adventure, isn't it! Plus we both manage to avoid bloodshed, and Duura seems to know the way. Regina's itching to race Morgana for the front, Nidawai's riding with our sorcerous companion, and our goblin is content to watch the rear. Guess that leaves me in the middle, along with my companions and our mounts. Nimbus doesn't like this place, because of course he doesn't, and even I feel at unease here in this tunnel. It's vaster than I'd have expected to be, but there's no open sky above us. Lina's holding a lantern up, to stave off the darkness that Morganna's light hasn't already, while Sir Robert's armed and ready for battle. Despite my misgivings, it remains our way forward. With Arete still drawn and at the ready, I'm all too aware of the Witch-King's hordes favoring ambushes - and I'm determined to not let it happen again. Astride Nimbus, I speak softly to the rest of the Champions. "This might be for the best. If we can still make good time and this route does indeed lead to the Pillar, we'll merely need to contend with whatever guardians lay between us and there, and not an entire army." Unless there's an army down here somehow... Rauri fucked around with this message at 03:38 on Apr 8, 2016 |
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Apr 8, 2016 03:35
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Iron +2 | Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace -1 | Sense +0 | Wisdom +1 Well, I still think we should have tried to talk to the… lizard things, but staying behind to talk to hissing and snarling creatures alone seems like a worse plan than going into the tunnel, and since everyone else is going into the tunnel they really need me to be leading them! I hurry to the front of the party alongside Morganna, and dismount, smiling at the feel of stone through my sandals. It's good to be underground again! The grin fades slightly at my companion’s words, collapsing the tunnel could be very bad, depending on how this tunnel is made. “A moment Duura! Dwarves did not make this tunnel, let me examine it before you do anything explosive.” Passing my mount’s reins to Morganna, I walk to the wall and put my fingers against the stone, reaching out with all the senses of the Dwarves, earned through countless generations of life within the earth. godfish> look closely Regina <godfish> !r 2d6 <Krysmbot> godfish, 10 = 10 What is going on here? What do my sense tell me? Tell me about the the construction of the tunnel. How could it hurt us? How could it help us? What will happen if we blow up part of the tunnel?
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Apr 11, 2016 03:00
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Despite using different methods, Morganna and Regina both can feel the hum of activity further in. Wherever this tunnel leads, it's not empty. Which is to be expected since it will eventually lead to the Pillar. Those with weapons that sense enemies nearby can feel those weapons heat up! It's still strange how those didn't warn you about the Whatever-Those-Were... Morganna Continuing to travel in this tunnel will definitely take you to the Pillar, but you can sense that there's something in the way, something that... feels like a pool, at the edges of your senses. Regina can feel that this tunnel twists and turns like a worm in the earth, with narrow choke points that could separate you - or give you a solid place to make a stand without fear of being outflanked! However, these twists and turns have made the tunnel weaker, not like solid Dwarven construction. Blowing up a single part could bring the whole thing down! As you advance down the tunnel, the 'pool' Morganna felt becomes apparent. The tunnel's widened into a larger cavern, perhaps it was meant to be some sort of meeting area... but what it is right now is a large pit of some tar-like substance - which Duura can recognize as something Goblin-ish - what it is it, and why isn't it good for other peoples to make contact with it? How do you all plan to get across that?
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Apr 16, 2016 18:29
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Blood +0 | Courage +2 | Grace +2 | Sense +1 | Wisdom -1 "Hmm," I said. The tar-stuff reminded me of the spiderwebs that the big spiders to the east made, the ones big enough to catch Pixies, or even small humans. I didn't like it one bit, and I was starting to feel trapped. Pixies aren't really fond of caves. It's not that we're scared or anything, but getting trapped underground for a long time can do... horrible things to a Pixie. "Me and Cal can fly, and I've got enough magic to bring one other person, but that won't get the horses or the rest of you across," I offered.
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Apr 18, 2016 02:53
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Blood: +1 | Courage: +2 | Grace: +0 | Sense: -1 | Wisdom: +2 | Lvl: 1 Whatever that substance is (it reminds me of tar) it's not something we'll want to march our mounts through, or get on ourselves. Grimacing at our predicament, I dismount Nimbus, who acts as if a great weight's been lifted off his shoulders - as usual, he must think it's hilarious. Nidawi's already fluttering overhead, trying to figure out a way to get us across, but it doesn't sound like it'll be easy. Even if we had the materials for some sort of bridge, it'd take time we don't have to make it... no, there's got to be another way. "We'll either need to find a side tunnel, or some means of conveying our animals and supplies across this ichor," I add, actively working towards trying to solve that problem all the while. With Arete ready, I'm investigating the edge of the cavern, checking both for enemy spies or ambushers and a means of navigating past this obstruction. There has to be something we can do, I'm sure of it. <Rauri> Look Closely for a way around <Rauri> !r 2d6-1 <Krysmbot> Rauri, 11-1 = 10 What is going on here?What do my senses tell me? Is something hidden or out of place? If so, what looks suspicious? Tell me about this weird substance. How could it hurt me? How could it help me?
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Apr 19, 2016 04:16
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Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace +2 | Sense +0 | Wisdom -1 "Oooh!" I squeal. I didn't mean to squeal, but it just came out. "It's All-Food!" I hop off Zu and grab the Spear of hate, kneeling next to the big pits. It's full of a viscous black and green liquid threaded through with veins of pale amber. It blurps gently when i poke it with the spear's tip. When I pull the spear out, it steams and sizzles, not with heat but with the coruscating energies of fermentation. Which, admittedly, looks an awful lot like acidic corrosion to the naked eye. "It's called All-Food," I explain proudly, "because it's 'all food'. If you combine All-Food with anything that's kind of like food, it turns it into more food!" I pull an unlit torch out of my backpack and dip it into the pool, stirring gently. I pull it out of the pool to show them; the wood softens and melts and foams, simultaneously shooting out furls of new, green wood and dissolving into a nutritious green slim. I dip my finger in the puddle that used to be a torch and lick it happily. "See? Perfectly edible." Seeing the horrified looks, I put two and two together. "Oh. Right. You guys are also sort of made of food." I shamefacedly scrape the All-Food off the end of my spear before it accidentally brushes up against someone and eats their face off. "Yeah, you guys probably shouldn't touch it." I put my hands on my hips, thinking. "You know, with this much All-Food, you could feed an army."
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Apr 20, 2016 03:25
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Iron +2 | Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace -1 | Sense +0 | Wisdom +1 This takes some thinking about. I move up to the edge of the pool to stand next to Duura, one hand on my chin and the other resting against the stone, feeling into it again. Then, I smile, eyes shining like sapphires as they move between Duura, the All-Food and my Dwarven Tunneler. "Duura... are Goblins 'sort of made of food' as well? Because if they are, and we have enough to feed an army, and an army in these tunnels..." Well, there's a simple solution to both problems.
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Apr 22, 2016 01:46
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Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace +2 | Sense +0 | Wisdom -1 "Oh, no, silly. You can't eat goblins; goblins are made of poison!" Then it dawns on Duura what the dwarven girl is suggesting. "Oh, no. No! Please don't do that. My people aren't bad, we're just... badly led."
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Apr 22, 2016 23:03
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Blood: +2|Courage: +0|Grace: +1|Sense: +0|Wisdom: -1|Doom: +2 I sighed again as I made my way back to the front of the group. After my preliminary scouting, I went back to check on Napppa (he hates caves. I fear he might be claustrophobic). I promised him that we were nearing a pool and that he would be at his element. ...well, I was half right. "...Nappa, don't look at me like that." I snapped as I abruptly stood next to Regina, while listening to Amira prattle on. "Make a tunnel? Fine... let's continue to run away like bedsack wetting cowards." Eyes closed and my mouth speaking a foreign tongue again, I streached out my hands. At least this time my headache and anger was going to actually help. I need all the effort I could, and anger and irritation can do wonders in adding a bit of extra gusto. I ignored the slimy feeling around my arms, concentrating, instead, on gathering air and using it to split the pool of tar, pushing it aside in two equal halves, a wall on each side. My arms were outstreached to my sides, holding the walls apart so that it was wide enough for our mounts to get through. The goopy, sloshing substance was thick, adding to it's weight. I had no idea how long I could hold it up. But should be long enough. At least it wasn't too wet. The ground was damp and muddy, but it shouldn't be a problem. My eyes opened to admire my handiwork. "There you go. A tunnel. Satisfied?" I asked my companions with a smirk. <TheJoshie> Parting the red sea... <TheJoshie> !r 2d6+2 <Krysmbot> TheJoshie, 9+2 = 11 <TheJoshie> \o/
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Apr 25, 2016 00:04
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Iron +2 | Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace -1 | Sense +0 | Wisdom +1 I let out a small sigh, and shake my head. It'd be so much easier to just... drain the pool off into the tunnels ahead of us to wash the goblins out, but I suppose Durra is right. We can't go murdering all the innocent slaves, or we'd be almost as bad as the Witch King. "I suppose not..." Morganna makes it a bit easier to accept by pushing apart the goo with her powers, and I start grinning again. "Nice one Morganna!" A moment of clambering later, and I'm back on top of my mount, leading the way down the tunnel. "Off we go!"
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Apr 25, 2016 02:32
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Blood +0 | Courage +2 | Grace +2 | Sense +1 | Wisdom -1 "I don't want to turn into food!" I said, retreating to the mule. "Hey, don't touch that stuff, Cal." "Well YEAH," Calfuray said. "But, you knoooow~, if we get the recipe for this stuff from the goblins I bet we could have more Clan Meets! Wouldn't need to hunt so much, neither." "You want to eat goblin gunk?" I said, sticking my tongue out at him. "It doesn't look so bad! Bet you could make some nice stuffed beetles with it." He looked like he was getting ideas. "Maaaybe," I said. "But you just know someone'd end up trying to swim in it just to prove they can." His wings flicked and he sighed. "Too much trouble, yeah." I tugged the bedroll a little closer so we could hide under it. Morgana might be a great mage but no drip-drops of All-Food were going to get on us if I could help it.
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Apr 26, 2016 01:43
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Blood: +1 | Courage: +2 | Grace: +0 | Sense: -1 | Wisdom: +2 | Lvl: 1 Oh hey, look at that - Morgana's solved our problem for us. Neat! "Nice one Morganaaaaaaaaaaa" I manage as Nimbus bolts across the cave past everyone else, trying to get to safety while he's got the chance. Sir Robert and Lina hurry after me, of course, though they're actually just following after my occasionally selfish horse. Still, first across the expanse means I have Point now - where I should've been since the beginning, to be honest. One of my ancestors helped defeat the Witch-King last time, with the very sword I'm wielding now - I was born for this quest. Some of them... probably weren't. "Hurry up everyone!" I turn back around, offering more of my expert opinions on what we should be doing to my compatriots. "We need to all be across before anything gets the bright idea to attack." Because now would be a really, really inopportune moment for it...
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Apr 26, 2016 06:26
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The path is open, but it won't be for long! As everyone hurries through the temporary part in the sea of All-Food, Amira's warning swiftly bears fruit! Those with swords that burn in the presence of foes feel their blades heat up rapidly, signs that a fight is imminent! Morganna, being the furthest behind as she keeps the path through the All-Food open, isn't out of the pit when the first arrows start flying. Coming from small tunnels in the walls of the cavern are small, hunched over forms wrapped in rags - goblins with crude bows and arrows, or javelins, or slings. They whoop war cries and ironic prayers to demonic gods while the main tunnel ahead echoes with the sound of something or things larger headed this way! As the large, cavernous room is filled with projectiles, the Fellowship face their first true threat, and one that must be reduced quickly if they are to avoid being stopped here! 2 Groups of Goblin Archers: A contingent of archers, sling throwers, javelineers, or firecasters. The ammo they use is crude and ineffective, and they lack strength or armour, but they have weight of numbers. Group: This enemy can act against two people at once. When this enemy is destroyed, this stat is damaged, or this is their only stat left, replace the Group with two normal enemies. Covering Fire: Anyone being targeted by a Swarm of Arrows cannot take action out in the open without Paying a Price. The archers can only target one person at a time, or two if they are right next to each other. The Goblin Archers are currently targetting Amira, Morganna, Regina and Duura
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Apr 28, 2016 22:04
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Blood: +2|Courage: +0|Grace: +1|Sense: +0| I watched the Fellowship make way across the path (lead by that idiot Amira, who can't even control her own horse. Frickin Idiot). The problem, however, was that we had a few stragglers. The pack mules, Nappa and some of the horses weren't all the way across when I felt the cutting of the air caused by the arrow that _just_ missed my neck. Great. "Hurry up! We have company!" Course, I wasted several seconds stating the obvious, as the whole cavern was filled with arrows. And I was out in the open. If these Goblins just happen to beat the odds of evolution and have good hand eye coordination... I'm doomed. But they didn't, which gave me a chance to turn around, arms still out streached, and then raise them above my head, angled towards them. The walls of muck mimicked my movements, and soon a low, slopped ceiling formed, nullifying the hail of Arrows! quote:Do not Trifle with Wizards. I was focused only on the magic, aiming to keep the pond solid for proper cover... So I never noticed the single, low trajectory Arrow that flew under the cover I put up that planted itself invasively into my thigh. With a yelp, I nearly allowed the entire pond to fall on the Fellowship from my momentary moment of weakness. Instead I drop to one knee and for the time being I'm stationary, unable to put weight on my leg as the Goblins approached. ...not good. quote:So the price paid is damage (courage) and Morganna, for the time being, stuck in the middle of the passage, unable to move due to her injury.
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Apr 29, 2016 07:26
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Blood +2 | Courage +1 | Grace +2 | Sense +0 | Wisdom -1 I start to breathe easier, just beginning to think that I've convinced my new friends not to kill and eat my old friends, when we're surrounded by a hail of beautifully hand-crafted artisanal black arrows. I recognize their delicate handiwork immediately -- you know, other people consider goblin-stuff to be spiky and ugly but that's only because they don't understand the beauty of brutal function taken to extreme lengths as an expression of the matter-of-factness of being -- and also their hasty prayers and also the fact that they're speaking goblin. These are my people! But I don't recognize their tribe. A new tribe? One of the Lost? This is terrible! This is the reason I came here, and now it's killing my friends! "No!" I shout. "No no no!" Big Lug lifts his heavy iron shield, made from a cauldron lid, up above my head to shelter both of us from stones and arrows. "Stop this! No fighting! I am an ambassador from the Free Clans! We have diplomatic immunity! Why are you doing this?" When I see they aren't paying attention, I raise the Infernal Illuminator. "In the Name of Tak I command thee to stop! By the power of His Word I tell thee, Shut The Hell Up!" Then I fire the Blessed Sploder over their heads, aimed at the ceiling. A massive, beautiful, brilliant, holy and profane explosion shakes the ceiling, raining down fist sized chunks of stone and earth and mud upon the fighting goblins. That got their attention, at least. "Stop shooting and talk!" Keep 'em Busy: 2d6+1 9 Expending one of Duura's goblin-made weapons should count towards paying the cost if Morganna's stunt didn't, since there are two groups. I'm not sure if Sting Like a Bee applies: the mob itself is larger than Duura but their individual components aren't. If it does, I choose to use the "What would they want" option from the Speak Softly list.
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Apr 30, 2016 13:42
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At this point, I'm going to write this game off as a loss. We have no momentum, and frankly all this has done is convince me that Fellowship isn't well suited for PbP and/or that I am godawful at running Fellowship.
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May 3, 2016 05:43
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