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 The massive meteor shower was seen across all the lands of the Free People. Many awoke to find strange crystalline meteors fallen nearby, although the largest fell in the Untamed West. The Learned and Wise were unable to determine anything of note in their examinations, and the meteors soon became part of the landscape. But then the Crystalarch and his Crystaling Horde emerged from the sky-stuff and set forth to conquer the Lands. The kingdoms of the West are besieged but have held strong, prepared by the Imagist teachings. The fractious North have been devastated however, and refugees stream south towards the great Inland Sea. Only the Orcs of the frozen Wastes and the Shield-City of Melian keep the North from being lost. While meteors fell to the South and East, they have so far been spared the brunt of the Crystalarch’s fury. In these troubled times, the Free Peoples have called forth their heroes, and a Fellowship has been formed to fight the crystalline threat. The Heroes are: Johann the Younger and Big Brother, The Giant Itxaro Amets, The Dragon Shivertap, The Elf Otha, The Orc Rise Fifty-Eight, The Heir As such, the Fellowship finds themselves at long last nearing the Shield-City of Melian  Built on the largest of the Ten-thousand Islands that dot the northern coast of the Inland Sea, Melian is a seat of ancient wisdom and power. Many heroes have come here to pay their respects to the Maker’s Hall, even more plumb the depths of the Grand Library. Or perhaps you’ve come in these trying times to convince the Shield-Maidens to take to the field against the Horde. Whatever your reason, it will have to wait for you to actually make the ferry-crossing.  Purposefully or by accident, the Fellowship has arrived at the docks in the midst of a massive column of refugees, fleeing the North for the safety of the Inland Sea’s waters. The large ferries are packed, and even the dozen fishing boats that are trying to help lay low in the water. The Dwarven captain of the Endless Mover is explaining to you all that no matter how small of a space Big Brother actually fits into, the Giant will not be boarding his vessel. The discussion is cut short by the sound of horns not that far away. The captain’s ear fold back against his head. “By the Three! That’s the horns of the Crystal-Watch. The beasts will be upon us soon!” He turns back to his vessel and calls to his crew. “Cast off you wretches! Now!”. Up and down the docks panic spreads. The pier shudders as more poor souls pack in trying to reach the safety of the ferries, and the smaller boats begin to flounder as frightened crew and passengers unbalance them. To the North, there’s a buzzing like the largest insect swarm you’ve ever heard, and the sun’s light begins to flash off of countless crystalline bodies moving through abandon fields and the sky. What do you do? While you have a little time before the Horde arrives, the panicked refugees and boatsmen are an issue right now. And since Fellowship says to tell the players what they’re facing, here are the Threats in the current Scene: Panicked Mob: A large number of very frightened folks not looking where they’re going. Something’s going to break. Collateral Damage: Damage this Stat to have the Mob break something Strength in Numbers There’s alot of them. Damage this Stat first Focused Fury: If the Fellowship roll a 6- while trying to control the Mob, they become the target of the Mob’s wrath. Flying Swarm: A large number of flying things, getting all over the place. They make escape difficult. Cover Everywhere: Anyone trying to Get Away from a place with a Flying Swarm must Pay a Price first. Swarm of Arrows: A contingent of spine-throwers. The ammo they use is crude and ineffective, but there is a lot of it. 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.
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Apr 24, 2016 19:58
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The Crystalarch, The Overlord Look: Otherworldly eyes, Monstrous body, Unassuming figure, Menacing aura Stats From Beyond - Your body does not follow the rules of this reality Matter is an Illusion - You can lift, throw, and break anything you can touch. Terrifying Beyond Rational Thought - Where you go, no one holds Hope. -The Overlord’s Army is The Horde -The Overlord’s Agenda is Ultimate Power -The Overlord’s (unknown) Weakness is: a perfect mirror of necrotized glass -The Overlord’s General is Chernobog the Crystallized Giant Chernobog  A Giant that has been corrupted by the fallen crystals, Chernobog is the unstoppable force the Crystalarch sends against any that can hold out against the Crystaling Horde. Crushing Blow: Anyone damaged by a giant takes two damage. Proper Weapons: A Giant wields well-crafted weaponry that suits their style. Their attacks have either the Area, Ranged, or Piercing tag, choose one. Like Flies: Anyone who fails a roll or pays a price while on top of a Giant is swatted off, in addition to the usual consequences. Bonds -Chernobog is a slave to My Will -I have caused great harm to Big Brother's people -Only Shivertap knows my Weaknesses -I killed someone close to Rise -I once fought Itxaro and left a wound upon them. It burns in my presence -Otha knows the details of my previous defeat Gear -Your bare hands, able to crush stone or pierce metal (Melee) -Magical bolts of energy, able to be reflected back at you (Ranged) -A traitor (1 Use). Use this to make anyone in the scene who is not a part of the fellowship reveal their allegiance to you, complete with a dramatic moment where they betray the fellowship and cause them trouble. -You have a Secret Reason that is Unknown The Lands  The Peoples of the Fellowship The Giants: Ancient war-machines that once again awaken from their slumber, needed only a worth pilot to protect the Land once more. The Dragons: Massive and powerful creatures spawned by the Land itself to protect it and its People The Elves: Avian tree-folk whose memory stretches back ages, safeguarding the forest from their nest-cities The Orcs: Remnants of a failed Overlord’s army, the Orcs populate the Frozen Wastes. The Imagists: A loose theocratic confederation, the Imagists have dedicated themselves to fighting the Crystalarch Other Peoples of the Land  The Halflings: Amphibian riverfolk, the Halflings can be found anywhere there are boats, water, or fun to be had. Wanderers, their only permanent settlement is at the headwaters of the river Senges. The Dwarves: Short, stout, and hairy, the Dwarves are a  The Men: Possessing a singular thirst for newness, Men can be found going anywhere, believing anything, and talking to anywho. At least once
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Apr 24, 2016 20:01
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Otha the Orc quote:Name: Otha of Gelid Veins Otha's Bonds: Rise is my party buddy I will use my strength to keep Johann safe I'd know the smell of Itxaro anywhere I cannot help but respect Shivertap Overlord Bond: Otha knows the details of my previous defeat
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Apr 24, 2016 20:18
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Itxaro Amets English Cover  Stats posted:Name: Itxaro Amets Allies posted:Oyo, The Volcanic Heart, Dragon of Love JesterOfAmerica fucked around with this message at 03:01 on Apr 25, 2016 |
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Apr 24, 2016 20:24
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Johann The Youngest and the giant, Big Brother Johann and Big Brother posted:Name Johann the Youngest / Big Brother Worshipers posted:worshipers Giants are very powerful, very large, and very protective of their edit: oops, forgot the actual bond with the worshipers Ominous Jazz fucked around with this message at 19:25 on Apr 26, 2016 |
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Apr 24, 2016 20:43
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quote:[Shivertap]
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Apr 24, 2016 21:24
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Rise Fifty-Eight, the Heir of the Imagists quote:Cropped Hair, (Somewhat) Handsome Face, Determined Eyes, Practical Uniform
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Apr 25, 2016 02:49
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Otha "So this is... grog." Otha sets the empty mug down and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. He had barely arrived into the lands of men and already he's learned so much about these people and their customs. He gives the bartender his best friendly smile - with the mouth closed, of course. His toothier smiles tend to affect other races' bowel control. "I can see the appeal. Hearty stuff, with a hint of citrus. I feel like a human mariner already, sea-legged and brined to the gills. You don't mind that I went behind the counter and poured myself some while you were in the back, do you? Sorry? Oh, from that jar. ... That's where you keep the paint stripper?" He experimentally sniffs the mug, sets it down again. "Well, it wasn't bad anyway. Pour me another one-" Outside, the screaming begins. "Ah. Save it for me should this town survive." He rejoins the rest of the crew outside and assesses the situation. "This strikes me as bad. Does this strike anyone else as bad?"
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Apr 25, 2016 19:50
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Itxaro Amets Itxaro looks around to the chaos found in the streets. and turns to Otha "Yeah this is bad. Do you know where Johann is? If he can throw me into the air, I can survey the area." JesterOfAmerica fucked around with this message at 21:48 on Apr 25, 2016 |
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Apr 25, 2016 21:06
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Rise Ugh, boats are such an annoying method of travel. I should have expected something like this to happen. This is why I live next to a desert. Before I can ask Johann to see if his metal creature could walk underwater, I hear the crowd around us start to panic. It's a thumping, familiar sound: people scream, run, chatter makeshift plans, unsheath weapons, and prepare themselves for the worst. It's the sound of fear. I can see the invaders out in the distance, terrifying in their number. I could probably throw a flechette or two at them to see if they would slow down, but there's something more important at the moment. I turn and wade into the crowd, looking for the leaders--parents, bosses, that sort of thing. In times of crisis, they will keep things organized. Don't want things to get out of hand.
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Apr 26, 2016 04:20
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[Shivertap] Without skipping a beat, Shivertap leapt to his feet from his crosslegged sitting position and threw Ek (or Tek, whatever) into the sky. The startled juvenile Elf flapped its wings in alarm before turning to face his master. Shivertap croaked a few hoarse notes and pointed upwards, and Tek took off, powerful wingbeats propelling it upwards. That complete, he started moving himself - the Crystal Foe was dangerous, but getting crushed accidentally by an unruly mob trying to escape it was not how he planned to go out! "I'm going to get some eyes on the situation. I'll find you when I've got something - stay safe!" He sought high ground, climbing and gliding as he needed to, watching Tek circle in the sky. When it called out an alarm cry, Shivertap braced and held out his arm - Tek fell from the sky and alighted heavily on the Elf's outstretched limb. With a complex series of calls, it began to relay what it saw. (Shivertap is using one of his Hunting Birds (damaging its Eagle Eye stat) to Look Closely, rolling +Sense for an 11! I'm asking
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Apr 26, 2016 19:02
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Johann turns away from the captain, defeated. He's not worried though, Big Brother always seems to be able to find him no matter what he does. And before he even has time to report back to the group, his stomach drops out. The sky is swarming with crystals and the crowd is panicking! He clambers atop a barrel so he can stand above the crowd before addressing them. His voice cracks, but he's he's able to stand tall. "E Everyone!" Oh jeez, he did not expect anyone to actually pay attention to him. "I pilot the giant Big Brother!! I can push the crystals back , I just" He gulps. I need you all to get inside as quick as possible! I won't let any of you get in any danger! Please, put your faith in me!" And behind him, peaking from around a low building, is Big Brother, unsuccessfully hiding. "Please, put your faith in Big Brother!" There are some cheers from the crowd from the mechanics society. And then, Talk Sense, 2d6 +wis (HOPEFUL) 14 on a 10 plus, they do as you ask, to the best of their ability They file inside, along with the mechanics society, clearing the streets. "Big Brother!" He shouts to the giant. "Show time!" He nervously looks around for the rest of his team.
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Apr 26, 2016 20:00
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“Praise the Three!” “Thank the Maker!” “Mummy, why does that man have a funny face?” The appearance of several stout warriors along with Johann’s impassioned plea and the assurances of the Mechanics Society defuses the mob’s terror and they seek shelter in the nearby buildings. They are still fearful, and if the sounds of overturning furniture are to be believed, destructive, but they are no longer underfoot or a threat to themselves. You can all see that the Crystalings have advanced steadily, rolling over the stone dividers separating the fields from the road and dock outbuildings. Johann, several of the mechanics give you thumbs as they move the crowd to safety, and pleas and prayers are shouted in your direction. A shadow falls over you as Big Brother unfolds by your side, extending an arm down for an easy ramp. Rise, your quick scan of the crow reveals many that are dealing with the crisis better than the others. A handful of patriarchs and matriarchs keeping their families organized and together, a squad of dwarves sharpening barge-poles for use as improvised spears, and a pair of Imagist monks attempting to ward one of the larger warehouses against the coming horde. Shivertap, Tek speaks to you of what he saw. The Crystalings have fanned out in a semi-circle, surrounding the dock area and cutting off land-based escape. The Spine-Throwers are halting and extending their volley-arms, it looks like they will begin their bombardment soon. Oddly enough, Tek saw no sign of heavier troops. The horde you face is only a threat due to its numbers, and Big Brother could shrug of their attacks completely. Its more a crowd-control or harrying force than a main-attack force. What do you do? (The Panicked Mob is still on the field, but they have been re-directed out of your way and will remain so unless reactivated by a Cut. Folks can get one more action in before the Spine-Throwers’ Covering Fire Threat comes into play.)
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Apr 26, 2016 23:05
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Otha A flowerpot on a fence board? An anchor with a length of rope? More like Fearsome Implements of Death. Otha has four Orc Weapons now. And what better way to celebrate a time productively spent, than with a nice stiff drink. Or, in Otha's case, with a jarful of the same orcish moonshine he uses as etching acid. Drunk: Grace + Wisdom, Vigor: Blood + Sense Hey. Are thems... are thems crystals lookin' at 'im funny-like? Oooooh, they seem down-right truculent! Otha don't like this, no he don't. Otha finks is time a crystals got taught a lesson in a manner, yes it is. Oi! OI YOU! QUARTZ PRICKS! YOU LOOKING AT ME?! HUH? HUH?! AAAAAAAAAAAAAA! WAKEN, GORELUST! GITDEATH COMETH GITWARDS! THWAKKA THWAKKA THWAKKA! AAAAAAAAAAA! Breaking a weapon to create an advantage over the Spine Throwers, using the advantage to Finish Them - if I understand correctly how the rules work. Rolling Blood+1 (thanks to being Chugga on the moonshine) some crystals need their butt kicked: 2d6+3 12
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Apr 27, 2016 12:31
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[Shivertap] Shivertap whistled from on high at Otha's antics, sending up a chorus of raucous cries from Ek and Tek. The Spine Throwers clearly well in hand, Shivertap set his sights on the flyers. He drew out his Slingbow, then snapped open the flatpacks of arrows on one thigh. With the Crystalling's advance broken, the populace was safe - but they were still trapped. He pulled one long arrow out and hooked it around one finger, drawing the bowstring out to full draw. He sighted one individual from the Swarm and loosed. The arrow flew silently for the blink of an eye - then punched the Crystalling out of the sky like a fist. The Swarm scattered around the impact - but Shivertap had already sent arrows towards their destinations, and they too fell. Bit by bit, the Swarm fell away - enough to let trickle by a flow of refugees, he prayed fervently. (Shivertap is launching a volley of arrows at the Flying Swarm to Overcome them, rolling +Blood for an 8. I'll Pay the Price and mark off a use of Ammo to make it stick.)
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Apr 27, 2016 14:34
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Itxaro Amets Itxaro moves quickly running up the arm of Big Brother to get the momentum she needs for flight. She charges into the flying swarm hands blazing with fire to as goes into the swarm hoping to burn it down. Ixtaro bobs and weaves through the flying crystals as bright flashes of fire burst through the sky. "Johann, Rise can you clear out the ground troops." Keeping the Swarm Busy: 2d6+2 10 Mark 1 ammo JesterOfAmerica fucked around with this message at 22:50 on Apr 27, 2016 |
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Apr 27, 2016 22:38
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Johann and Big Brother Johann leaps into Big Brother, and takes hold of the arcane controls and springs into action! For a moment, it looks as if Johann and Big Brother are fleeing the scene, and Big Brother goes out of sight for the people hiding away. But then it returns, running back into action! There was a long dwarven fishing boat in disrepair along the block, and Big Brother has taken it and is swinging it overhead like a huge club, swatting at the flying swarm! This is the part where you run! 2d6+(sense 1) 10 ...On a 10 lesser foes will run away or surrender and they will never willingly face you again And they flee, their numbers slowly dwindling as they lose faith in the assault! Johann shouts, his voice distorted by Big Brother, and Big Brother thumps his chest, in a really forced display of animal magnetism. Johann emerges from the cockpit red cheeked and hoping no one saw that. Ominous Jazz fucked around with this message at 02:50 on Apr 29, 2016 |
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Apr 29, 2016 02:43
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Itxaro Amets "Great job Johann!" Itxaro yells as she returns to the ground and awkwardly tries to fist bump Big Brother. "With them gone that should leave make this much easier for everyone to calm down. Go Team! Our first challenge went smooth enough."
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Apr 29, 2016 04:49
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The Spine-Throwers are physically broken by Otha’s ferocious assault, and the distracted Flyters quickly retreat when threatened with vehicular homicide. A few refugees poke their heads out, but the bulk seem to be happy to wait in the relative safety of the buildings. As quickly as it was shattered, the calm returns. For now. Johann and Itxaro, from your elevated positions you can see that there’s still fighting going on farther to the east, where several Melianic warships bombard the shore. What looks like another column of refugees are making their way out of the fire-zone towards your section of the Western Docks. Rise, the squad of dwarves trot over to you, still keeping a wary eye on the north. While not armed, they have the air of warriors. Of course, dwarven wet-nurses have that air too. Their leader nods to you. “Hoy Whiteshirt, good show by your people. Got a bit of a rub though.” She points to the east. “We can hear a right fight going on out that way and the ferries aren’t gonna come back while its going. And I for one don’t want to risk being here when the Crystals want to have another go. Any thoughts?” What do you do (No disrespect meant to the other characters, but The Heir will be generally be assumed to be in charge by random NPCs) ======== The Crystalarch A room, bathed in light refracted through its crystalline walls. A figure sits on an immense throne, watching the interplay of the various lightbeams. A roughly skull-shaped object buds out from the side of the throne, and an audible resonance builds. “My Lord. Distraction Force Zune has experienced greater than expected losses on the western flank. Resistance was 348% higher than projected." The figure stirs. “Show me.” The lightbeams coalesce into images. Otha’s frothing war-face. Big Brother swinging a fishing boat over his head. Other figures seen from farther away, but still repelling the attack. The Crystalarch hums quietly. “Yes, these creatures are known to me. But perhaps not well enough. Dispatch Infiltrator Prime to the scene, they are to report to me all they learn.” “Yes My Lord. Shall we reinforce Zune?” “No. It is only meant to keep the Island Fortress occupied while Chernobog accomplishes his mission. These losses are acceptable.” “But My Lord, I would think-” The figure twitches a finger, and the crystal skull dissolves to powder. Another rises from the other side of the throne, managing to look rebuked. “You are the Chorus. You Observe. You Report. You do not Think.” “Yes My Lord. Of course My Lord.”
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Apr 30, 2016 17:04
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Otha emerges from behind the inn in a peppy jog, a big goofy smile, complete with two rows of very sharp teeth, shining on his crystal-goo smeared face. Behind him he's dragging a crystal spinal column with a snarling head still attached to it, a replacement for the axe he lost demolishing the enemy, and with his other arm he's clutching a bunch of jars to his chest. The bartender was ever-so-considerate to part with a part of his stash so that Otha could replenish his supply of moonshine, even if he did give Otha a weird look when he went for the jars with the skulls painted on them - but everyone knows the more skulls the tastier! "Hey, I'm back! What did I miss?" He tucks his new spine-club behind one of many straps on his body, plops down on the ground and starts mixing himself some more moonshine.
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May 1, 2016 12:04
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Johann and Big Brother Big Brother's cockpit releases and opens wide and Johann leans out of it and waves. "Otha! Hey, Otha! Did you see that? I found a boat and" He stops himself and looks down in horror. "Wait, did you eat the crystals? Aren't your teeth going to break? Oh! There's more of them to the" He pauses a moment and points easterly. "there! There's more people coming from there! and more crystals, too. if you're still hungry, I mean. Want a ride?" And Big Brother stretches out a hand for him to climb on to.
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May 3, 2016 21:47
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[Shivertap] Shivertap slid down towards the group, Ek and Tek flapping awkwardly behind him. He whistled tunelessly as he put his bow aside for now - the threat wasn't imminent, so it may as well not have existed. If they came back, he'd pull out his bow again, simple as that. He looked Otha up and down, took in the gleaming ichor on his face, and grunted. "Don't eat those. You don't know where they've been. Also, you'll break your teeth. Also, why." He nodded at Johann and his... ride(?) as they approached. He still wasn't sure what to make of the 'Big Brother', but it certainly did the job. He could respect that. (Nothing yet, just making a show of support for the game!)
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May 4, 2016 02:13
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Itxaro Amets "Aw don't be a stick in the Mud Shiver. Let Otha enjoy his snack." Itxaro shouts to the ground. "I'm going to fly out to the battlefield now if you guys don't hurry there won't be anything left!"
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May 4, 2016 06:22
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Otha grabs Big Brother's hand and launches onto his back, next to Johann. "Thank you. I suppose we'd best go help those refugees. They look quite small and vulnerable from up here."
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May 5, 2016 13:33
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 The Northrun Docks are a massive complex spanning miles on the northern shore of the Island Sea, the link between the Shield-City of Melian and the rest of The North. And while the western edge you found yourself in seems to have been pacified, it seems that others did not fare so well. While still miles away, elevation provides enough of a vantage point to pick out the broad points of the battle to the east. The focus point seems to be a damaged ferry, unmoving in the shallows. A trio of Melianic warships are shelling the shoreline, keeping a large host of Crystalings at bay. Flyters swarm the ferry, too close for the warships to risk firing upon. A group of civilians, easily the same size as the nervous crowd in your section, hurries your way eager to find shelter from the battle. Shafts of light reflect up and out of the crowd, tell-tale signs that they are being escorted by at least a few Shield-Bearers of Melian. The dwarven squad-leader is taken aback by the Fellowship’s eagerness to run towards the danger, but nods approvingly. “Ayuh, I guess dealing with the rest of the Crystals would safeguard the civilians. Now, far be it for Shaw and her boys to shy from battle, but the evacuation cost us our gear. We’d gladly stand rearguard for you though.” What do you do? (Feel free to keep chatting, I just wanted to set the stage since folks seem to be interested in running towards the danger)
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May 6, 2016 00:37
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[Johann and Big Brother] "That's the trick, Otha. Everything looks that way from up here. Even you." He pauses. "I have no interest in fighting battles we can't win, but I would like to buy them time to escape. After that, who knows what'll happen." Johann looks over at the orc on Big Brother's shoulder, with a big goofy grin on his face, the strange somber mood stricken from him. "By the time we're done with those crystals, it'll be a veritable feast for you!" His laugh doesn't mix with Big Brother's machinery well, seeming to pop and crackle.
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May 9, 2016 15:31
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Itxaro Amets Itxaro looks of to the survey the battle the coming fills her with anticipation. "Ok what's the plan?"
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May 13, 2016 05:54
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