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Bells of War: A second Let Thrones Beware Playtest Introduction Given the paucity of Man's presence in the Deep Wood, it was only natural that cataclysm which was his undoing sent the peoples of Ceyenus hurrying for shelter under its foreboding canopy. Though it was the Fey who Man first ripped from forests centuries ago, the flood of refugees encompassed all those who were close enough to reach the massive trunks of the Wood before the lands of Man were completely consumed by the conflagration that brought low his kingdom. Insectoid, Formian, Ipotane, and Fey, all released from the domineering hand of Man, found themselves alone in an isolated and primeval land. While freed, their civilizations and cultures had been lain to waste, and all found themselves facing the daunting prospect of forging a new destiny in a strange and unfamiliar place. Spirits buoyed by their freedom, the refugees set about claiming the Deep Wood. Sprawling settlements were established, open to all those that desired to make a home for themselves. It was not an easy life; food, tools, and comfort were in short supply, but compared to the atrocities that came before, it was good living. Sadly, hope of a tranquil existence was short-lived. While there was little internecine violence between the refugees, they soon discovered that Man had avoided the Wood with good reason. The Deep Wood, remote and isolated, had never been cultivated by the Fey, and in their absence, darker, more insidious forces had taken hold. The presence which lurked behind the trees fed off the Cataclysm, and its hunger was to be insatiable. Absent the threat of Man, the refugees had given scant thought to protection, and the communities which they had founded were largely indefensible. When the Deep Wood first was inundated by fog, they thought little of it, even when the concealing vapour lingered, refusing to dissipate for weeks at a time. Wild animals were blamed for the first disappearances, as was getting lost in the mist, but as the vanishings increased in both number and frequency, it became clear that something more insidious was at work. The first walls were erected shortly after the fifteenth year, a too-late response to the realization of the true threat. In what is known as the First Reaping, Watcher’s Redoubt, a 300-person farming community saw its population cut by a third in a single night. Thatched roofs staved in and doors shattered, the town saw its populace reduced by a third in a single night of carnage and bloodshed. It was only then that the true nature of the Deep Wood was realized. With haste, the survivors constructed rudimentary defences; wooden palisades, shallow trenches, and rickety towers went up across the hamlets and villages of the Deep Wood. In time, a connection was made between the attacks and the thick, rolling fog that blanketed the forest; when the fog receded, so too did the savage slaughter of anyone who dared venture into the trees abate. When the fog poured back from between the trees, it meant almost certain doom for anyone unlucky enough to remain outside the relative safety of the refuge villages. The times without fog, the longest of which occurred like clockwork at the end of each season, came to be known as the Passage. During these respites, merchants and peddlers took to plying their trade between the refuge villages, performing a vital service at tremendous personal risk. As years churned by, trade between the villages increased, and the Passage gradually took on shades of ritual. The scourge of bandits has grown in recent years, and merchants have begun to band together in caravans for safety. Chapter One: Comin' to a fork in the road, which way to go? It has been three and a half days since your caravan departed from the Gate of Thorns at the behest of the Baronet. Three and a half long, stressful days. The reason for the caravan's departure before the Passage is known only to Xcvrrvy, captain of the guard. Rumour and speculation abounds; guards and peddlers alike whisper that the Baronet has entrusted Xcvrrvy with a secret treasure, but no-one can guess at why it is being brought to the small village of Chael Hollow. Twilight has fallen and with it, the beginning of the Passage. Moods amongst your fellows have lightened considerably, especially as only five of their number vanished during the journey. The caravan has stopped for the evening, and camp has slowly been established. The two wagons have been parked at an angle, providing a rickety line of defence that shields the tents pitched between them. A crescent of torches casts a dim light to the treeline, giving those who nervously watch the shadows some degree of comfort. Xcvrrvy has taken four soldiers out on patrol. With her gone, the camp has relaxed. You lucky few have been exempted from the night's guard rotation, and are free to spend the evening as you please. Please include your character sheet in your first post! Game Discord | Recruit Thread | LTB System Thread
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# ? Oct 15, 2017 17:20 |
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# ? May 18, 2024 02:15 |
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Reserved for Errata Game Discord | Recruit Thread | LTB System Thread
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# ? Oct 15, 2017 17:20 |
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Kityn A creature of rules and habit, Kityn isn't fond of this early departure. He's a firm believer that any mission worth sending these many forces out for is a mission that you don't want to lose the the mists; and as such, that they shouldn't have departed before the Passing had come. But on the other hand, he's not the Baronet, and if he the worst happens, he'd much rather be with this caravan where he can be of use. Right now he's sitting near the fire, sharpening his halberd with a whetstone.
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# ? Oct 15, 2017 18:54 |
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Guyol "The less time spent lingering in a village, the less chances of being recognized by various next-of-kin," thought Guyol, keeping unofficial watch from a nearby tree. He had only "awoken" recently (a year or so now?), and while no major memories stuck out in his mind, he couldn't discount the possibility he was responsible for some of the refugees' misery. At least the fog's keeping its distance.
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# ? Oct 15, 2017 19:14 |
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Holden Once a leader among his soldiery, Holden now found himself "in the trenches," so to speak. Always a steady hand, and reliable in a fight, the years had made the old man wise, but more frail than he once was. It was always dangerous in the Deep Woods, but Holden knew that if he weren't there, it would just be someone else risking their life -- perhaps someone less willing, or less capable of putting the team first. There was a tension to this place, that never left one alone. Taking a sharp stick, Holden poked it at the dirt to distract his thoughts.
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# ? Oct 16, 2017 03:39 |
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The evening passes without event, and gradually the camp quiets for the night. You settle in, slowly drifting off to sleep. Unexpectedly, it is a deep and restful respite. You dream. You dream of the great festival that marks the coming of the Summer Passage in the Gate of Thorns. Giant bonfires, pageantry, and the beautiful music of traveling bards, spinning such stories. You dream of the happy chatter of frolicking children, the hustle and bustle of the great open-air markets, the elated chatter of people as they trade with the peddlers before the caravans depart with the dawn. You dream of the Baronet come down from his spire, a crazed rictus grin splayed across his lips. You dream of screams. You wake. You wake to the boot of Xcvrrvy catching you in the stomach. "Get up, wake up!" Her frenetic voices booms in your head, blasting you from your slumber. All around you, the forest is aflame. The camp is in chaos, and the sound of a struggle most fierce echoes from the tree-line. “We are overrun!” You notice four quaking peddlers behind her, flinching at the screams echoing across the camp. “Protect the merchants. Get them to Chael Hollow. We will slow pursuit.” She wheels without waiting for you to acknowledge her command, rushing back into the fray. Moments later, a group of Brigands slinks from the forest, cutting off your line of retreat. You must deal with the threat, or you will surely die in these woods. Combat Map Map Features* Your caravan has been ambushed by Brigands. Decide amongst yourselves the initiative order in which you'd like to act. Please also specify a starting square inside the space bounded by M1 to Q5. Slap Me and Kiss Me's Guide to the Denizens of the Deep Wood: The Brigand Brigand Few in the Deep Wood are more reviled than Brigands. Their predatory raids upon travelers hurrying between refuge villages during the Passage mean that only those rich enough to hire protection are assured of a safe journey. Brigand activity disrupts trade, depriving the denizens of the Deep Wood of badly needed tools and medicines, inflicting an artificial scarcity upon already deprived peoples. Though there are many bands active within the Deep Wood, they are generally unaffiliated, and fierce fighting is the typical outcome when two groups encounter each other on the gloomy paths. Habitat At the time of the Passage, Brigands depart from their unassuming lives in the refuge villages and make their way into the Deep Wood. There, far from the homes where they would be recognized, they reunite with their vicious comrades-in-arms and wage a terrible war upon the travelers who brave the forest. As the Passage draws to a close, Brigand groups dissolve, members heading home to enjoy ill-gotten gains and sell the spoils at exorbitant prices. Tactic (All Brigands): Strike and Fade Strategy (When Brigand is the most numerous adversary type): Encirclement *Map Features: Terrain: The rock formations provide cover and block line of site to those behind them Hazards: The bushes (e.g. squares such as H1) are razorgrass. This is difficult terrain which halves movement speed. You may elect to move at full speed, but will suffer one damage for your troubles. Campfire: A combatant moving into the fire suffers one point of damage (hard save ignores). Game Discord | Recruit Thread | LTB System Thread slap me and kiss me fucked around with this message at 18:53 on Oct 20, 2017 |
# ? Oct 19, 2017 04:25 |
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Guyol Startled awake, Guyol hops up and immediately crouches behind the tree he slept under. Feeling for his weapon, he quickly notches an arrow. "drat me, usually I'm the one doing the ambushing." Starting at J1. MelvinBison fucked around with this message at 01:01 on Oct 20, 2017 |
# ? Oct 20, 2017 00:58 |
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Combat Turn Order posted:1. Kityn Game Discord | Recruit Thread | LTB System Thread
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# ? Oct 20, 2017 19:16 |
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Paradox I'll jump to S6 and attack the brigand in range of my polearm with Tenacious Heroism * Force Score 10 (roll) + 2 (roll bonus) + 0 (power score) vs. Hatchet B's Shifty Parry (Force Score 6 + 0) * Hatchet B dies! pd0t I move to N10, and then Charging Hoof to smash minion C into that rock. (diagonally NW) * Force Score 9 (roll) + 2 (roll bonus) + 0 (power score) = 11 vs. Hatchet C's Shifty Parry (Force Score 6 + 0). * Hatchet C dies! Melvin Moving to P4 and using Devious Snare on Brigand C, Knockback 1 and hard save against prone. * Force Score 3 (roll) + 2 (roll bonus) + 3 (power score) = vs. Hatchet D's Shifty Parry (Force Score 7 + 0). * Hatchet D dies! Plutonis Move to N5, pass. ------------ Adversary Turn Hatchet A Moves to M5, attacks Plutonis with Tentative Strike * Force Score 9 + -2 = 7 vs. Force Score 3 (roll) + 2 (roll bonus) + 3 (power score) = 8. * Hatchet A dies! A brief flurry of blows later, and the brigands menacing you fall dead. You are, for a few brief moments, free of the melee. Combat Turn Order posted:1. Kityn Game Discord | Recruit Thread | LTB System Thread slap me and kiss me fucked around with this message at 16:16 on Oct 25, 2017 |
# ? Oct 25, 2017 16:07 |
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With the last Hatchet slain, you quickly take stock of your surroundings. The sounds of slaughter echo through the forest as the Brigands grind through the remaining defenders. You're rocked on your feet as a blinding flood of pain and anguish crashes over you. Xcvrrvy's death knell rattles in your head. Her silent scream heralds the end of the battle, as the raiders put the remaining victims to the sword. You bundle the peddlers and their goods into a nearby wagon, and without looking back, set out into the wood. It won't be long before the brigands realize you've escaped, the night is dark, and Chael Hollow is still far away. Navigate the forest (Knowledge). Health: 1. Duration: 2. Motivate the peddlers (Social). Health: 1. Duration: 2. Evade the bandits (Physical). Health: 1. Duration: 2. Forage for food (Knowledge). Health: 1. Duration: 2. Repair the wagon (Physical). Health: 1. Duration: 2. Decide amongst yourselves who attempts to overcome each obstacle, or you can just claim one as you come online and see this message. Game Discord | Recruit Thread | LTB System Thread
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# ? Oct 31, 2017 20:20 |
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Holden Seeing the disheartened state of the amassed travellers, Holden takes it upon himself to lift their spirits, with a combination of story and song. slap me and kiss me posted:Motivate the peddlers (Social). Health: 1. Duration: 2. tackling this obstacle using my Counter, THE MOB LISTENS discord roll of 8 (3+5) + 2 (roll bonus) +2 (Force) +1 (Edge from the power's Effect) = 13 ...and his rousing words are so powerful, they cannot be interrupted! A haughty laugh punctuates the end of a particularly effective anecdote.
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# ? Nov 2, 2017 15:17 |
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Kityn As the merchant party marched forward, an ominous snapping sound followed by one of the wagons leaning dangerously to the left. The merchants and their guards disembarked to check how serious the damage was. "A broken axle!" cursed one of them. "Where are we going to find a substitute here in the woods?" Kityn projected a mental image of the merchants staying next to the cart, while he went to check amongst his belongings. He came back soon enough with a fresh axle. The merchants lauded his foresight, but he just stood. "I was a peddler once. If I learned one thing from that life, is that it pays to be prepared." He mind-said before preparing to lift the wagon slightly to let someone else make the swap. Passed the combat challenge. The obstacle's final Force score is 12 after I reduce it using 1 Inventory, tieing with me and granting me victory.
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# ? Nov 2, 2017 17:03 |
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Utugar Utugar silently walks towards the bandits, a large knife in hand as he starts to hack away at their heads, tying them into the caravan as a grisly warning to any bandit that would try to ambush them again. "Thus unto evil." He grimly says after the work is done. Rolled 9, using Knight's Pride to get (+1) from Force and (+1) from Edge.
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# ? Nov 2, 2017 21:48 |
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Guyol "The captain's dead? Can't remember the last time an escort's gone this bad." Searching the nearby area, Guyol finds the more barren patches of the forest, tamped by previous caravans. Using When A Plan Comes Together to navigate the forest, using 1 Research to swap one of my die for the obstacle's die. Force Score (4+6) + Tier Die (2) + Potency (0) = 12. Because the final Force Score is even, I don't expend the Research. "The path is this way! Hurry before more come!"
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# ? Nov 3, 2017 03:20 |
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At last, your harried escape is at an end. Ahead, through the trees, you can make out the wooden palisade of Chael Hollow. Your elation, however, is short-lived. A terrible realization dawns as you near the refuge village; though the Passage has begun, though the sun shines down through the thick canopy above, the settlement's gates are closed. Hope turns to ash in your mouth as you realize you and your charges are not yet safe. Ahead are a group of rough figures, hacking at the gate with sharp-looking axes. Chael Hollow is under attack. You are facing down four Hatchets and four Marauders. Unless stopped, the Hatchets will break down the gate to the village at the end of the fourth round. You may start anywhere in the bounding box on the left side of the map. Hero initiative stack +2 Redouble the Guard +5 Disheartening Cut Combat Order Marauder A Marauder B Melvin Marauder C pd0t Marauder D Hatchet A Plutonis Hatchet B PX Hatchet C Hatchet D Game Discord | Recruit Thread | LTB System Thread slap me and kiss me fucked around with this message at 15:22 on Nov 21, 2017 |
# ? Nov 8, 2017 19:39 |
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Guyol "At the very least, we are not the ones caught flat-footed. I'll more than earn my keep today." Starting at A11 and using Disheartening Cut for Initiative. MelvinBison fucked around with this message at 02:25 on Nov 20, 2017 |
# ? Nov 17, 2017 17:02 |
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Holden "There seems to be no end to our troubles; it's as if some greater plan is at work, menacing us at every turn." I'll start at C8, unless the team wants me somewhere else. Bidding with "Redouble the Guard" (+2) for the initiative stack, if needed.
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# ? Nov 17, 2017 18:16 |
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Utugar Utugar lifts his halberd, silently looking at the gang before him. "More trash to dispose." Starting at C-11.
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# ? Nov 17, 2017 19:55 |
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Kityn Wordlessly, Kityn grips her halberd and prepares for battle. Starting on C10, bidding Tenacious Heroism (0) since I don't really need to go first.
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# ? Nov 18, 2017 10:53 |
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slap me and kiss me posted:you're under attack from Marauder A (From D8) - Forceful Blow, Force Score 8 Holden Bracing himself against the assault, Holden's shield absorbs a solid hit, denting it in quite thoroughly. slap me and kiss me posted:One damage, knockback to B7 rolled 6 for my Force Score, so not going to counter/interrupt burning a point of Resistance to tank the damage (2/3 remaining) pushed to B7
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# ? Nov 21, 2017 21:29 |
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# ? Nov 21, 2017 21:36 |
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Guyol "Some of the defenses should still be place from the last escort, yes?" Guyol thought to himself as he felt for a near desiccated rope. "Ah-ha, found it!" he yelled, giving it a hard yank. Moving to B9 and using Devious Snare against Maruader A, with a total force score of (6+2+1) 9. 2 damage, knockback 1 (E7 or 8 is fine) and rendered prone with a hard save against.
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# ? Nov 22, 2017 16:02 |
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# ? Nov 22, 2017 16:25 |
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Holden Seeing the fiends try to trap Utugar in a pincer-action, Holden gallops around the melee looking for an opening, lunging at one of the hapless marauders, and bodychecking him out of the way. Move: to B13 Free Action: Charging Hoof against Marauder B, pushing him to B11 and moving Holden to C12 Arrogant Strike countered by Brutal Counter then interrupted by Reservoir of Will one ally within 5 spaces "may swap HP and Reserve. Any excess in either category is lost."
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# ? Nov 26, 2017 06:24 |
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Marauder D Action One Move to D13: Snarling and wailing, Marauder D charges out of the cottage Action Two Engage Holden, opening with Forceful Blow (Force Score 6). pd0t counters with Tenacious Heroism and ties. Both combatants take 1 damage, and pd0t suffers knockback 1, moving him to D11. Hatchet A Action One Move to F9 slap me and kiss me fucked around with this message at 21:52 on Nov 30, 2017 |
# ? Nov 30, 2017 15:58 |
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Utugar Utugar grunts as he's attacked by two of the marauders at once, and slams his fist on the ground, swinging his halberd in a large arc to send them off. Mighty Cleave at Marauder L. Him and Marauder C are knocked back one step.
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# ? Nov 30, 2017 23:01 |
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slap me and kiss me fucked around with this message at 00:11 on Dec 2, 2017 |
# ? Dec 1, 2017 23:37 |
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Kityn ] Kityn steps forward and strikes at the bandit to her left. Moving to D9 and using Valorous Stand on Marauder A, the one on F9
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# ? Dec 5, 2017 11:20 |
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Holden Round 2! rolls: Recharge Discord posted:1) Redouble the Guard Discord posted:/roll 2d6+2
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# ? Dec 8, 2017 16:07 |
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Guyol Rolling for refreshing powers: Odd for Disheartening Cut, Even for Devious Snare. 1d6=2. Devious Snare refreshed. Rolling Force for the round: 2d6=8 (5+3).
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# ? Dec 12, 2017 03:29 |
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Posting for PlutonisPower Refresh posted:1. Mighty Cleave Force Score posted:/roll 2d6= 1+6 = 7
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# ? Dec 14, 2017 04:33 |
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Round Two Combat Order Marauder B Melvin Marauder C pd0t Marauder D Hatchet A Plutonis Hatchet B PX Hatchet C Hatchet D Desperation! Desperation increases to 2 - any time you gain an Edge, you will increase your Force Score by 2 points rather than 1. The increases in Desperation also impacts adversary powers (though in different ways). Spikes! Jagged, evil-looking spikes erupt from the ground, as if the very earth of Ceyenus disapproves of your battle with the brigands. Movement through the spikes is done at half-speed, unless you elect to suffer a point of damage. Forced movement is not affected. Marauder B Action 1: Moves to B11, triggering Kityn's Iron Thicket. Marauder's roll to save is 2d6+1 = (1+3)+1 = 5. The failed save means that he may must stop moving. Action 2: Attempts to move to B11 a second time. Save of (5+1)+1 = 7. Game Discord | Recruit Thread | LTB System Thread slap me and kiss me fucked around with this message at 17:37 on Dec 15, 2017 |
# ? Dec 14, 2017 04:56 |
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Guyol "No one else falls this trip. Not when we're so close." Jarring Hook on Marauder B. Total force score of 8+2+1=11 thanks to flanking at range. 1 Damage, and moving him to B13. "Wait for it." Devious Snare with a force score of 8+1=9. 1 damage and knocked prone, though hopefully he'll stay down. "The gate awaits." MelvinBison fucked around with this message at 22:33 on Dec 19, 2017 |
# ? Dec 19, 2017 21:50 |
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Marauder B Suffers two damage, is knocked to B13, and is rendered prone. Marauder C Action 1: Engages with pd0t, using Cutting Spike for a Force Score of 10. pd0t counters withTenacious Heroism, using Shieldwall (rerolled Force Score - 8). Pd0t suffers 2 damage. Action 2: Engages with pd0t, using Forceful Blow for a Force Score of 12. This too is successful. pd0t suffers an additional point of damage and is knocked back to C13. pd0t is up! slap me and kiss me fucked around with this message at 16:03 on Dec 20, 2017 |
# ? Dec 20, 2017 01:15 |
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Holden HP: 7/10 Bracing himself resolutely behind his shield, Holden recomposes his defensive stance. spending both actions to Refresh Discord posted:pd0t - Today at 8:34 AM
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# ? Dec 20, 2017 18:33 |
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Marauder D Action 1: Engages with pd0t, using Cutting Spike for a Force Score of 7. pd0t counters with We Merciful Few, using Shieldwall (rerolled Force Score - 8). Pd0t defeats the attack, but inflicts no damage due to Shieldwall. Action 2: Engages with pd0t, using Forceful Blow for a Force Score of 9. Pd0t interrupts this attack with Reservoir of Will, and again inflicts no damage. Plutonis is up!
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# ? Dec 20, 2017 18:36 |
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Utugar Utugar strides forward, his Halberd striking the air as he plows through the Marauder! Move to E-11, using Armoured Challenge on Marauder C. Plutonis fucked around with this message at 13:44 on Dec 28, 2017 |
# ? Dec 21, 2017 22:14 |
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Marauder C counters with Brutal Slash, for a total Force Score of 14. Utugar takes one point of damage and suffers Bleed (1). This damage is applied during the Update phase. Utugar must pass a hard save during the Update phase or damage will persist into the next round. Hatchet B Hatchet B attacks Utugar with Tentative Strike. Because Hatchet B is flanking, it applies Edge, for a total Force Score of 3. Because Hatchet B is a minion, it dies following the engagement, whether or not Utugar is successful in defending. Game Discord | Recruit Thread | LTB System Thread
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# ? Jan 3, 2018 21:47 |
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Utugar Utugar counters the attack by slamming the Hatchet's head into the ground, the sheer shockwaves breaking the ground below!
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# ? Jan 3, 2018 23:57 |
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# ? May 18, 2024 02:15 |
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Kityn The insectile warrior impales one of the bandits with her, then leaps into the air, far above the blade of another one, ready to strike next. Use Valorous stand on the bandit on E10, then using Queen's Leap to reach F11
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# ? Jan 9, 2018 18:23 |