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Post by sacrier on Oct 19, 2013 2:50:40 GMT
" Prepare yourselves in case someone is coming." he mimes loudly, as he finally crawls a bit further to the point where his head is openly visible and raises his voice so everyone in the barn may hear him. " I apologize for the bother, magician, but I would like to speak with you as well. Please, allow me to sate my curiosity... in private... Besides you can see everything up here" He would give Paul a smile and motion towards the ground. " Please and thank you, my good friend." DM Note: An outright lie, I'd not be surprised if he thought so as well. If so, Bluff roll time.
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Post by Tiny Tim on Oct 19, 2013 20:41:37 GMT
Jhon holds up a hand to stop Alstar, "I can explain what your familiar may be seeing, Alstar. There is a squad of Empirial soldiers marching their way over here, lead by a witch hunter. It's a standard search party. May be random, may be that an eye saw something. I've dealt with this before and I'll deal with it again. Before I do so, though. We have probably about 10 minutes to get prepared. The aura you detected, Alstar, in that corner would be the equipment that washed up on shore with all of you. I figured you might find use of it. My plan, once I keep them distracted for long enough, is to have you move under the cover of night. We will be moving through the Grey Woods, which is a place even the Empire's soldiers won't tread. We know the safe paths through the outskirts, at least. Everyone needs to prepare what they can, and when the soldiers arrive stay hidden inside here. No matter what happens, don't make any noise. If we were to fight them unnecessarily, our cover here would be blown. Now grab what equipment you can and be prepared. While you're doing that I'll answer any other questions you might have."
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Post by psichomancer on Oct 19, 2013 22:10:38 GMT
"Thank you again for your generosity, Jhon," Alstar said. "I'm unsure how we'll ever be able to repay you."
He went over towards the stall and opened it. Inside were the bags and other items for the rest of the group. Alstar hovered around until he found his own supplies. His old crossbow was in working order as well as his quiver. Miraculously, the bolts were still tucked inside. A dagger as long as his forearm was snapped onto the side of a pack, which he quickly strapped to his belt. He undid the main pouch and saw that his book was undamaged and unopened. There were still some bits of trail rations as well. Without a second thought he grabbed the first bit of food he could and swallowed it whole, barely stopping to chew. The waterskin was nearly full and he took from it greedily. He wiped his mouth along his sleeve, and spotting his cloak, gleefully strung it over his shoulders.
"Long live master Jhon and company!" Alstar spoke with a happy relief at finding his old belongs and dealing with the gnawing hunger ever since they awoke in that barn.
Yet, even during his elated emotion, Sal sent him a need to focus once more. Even though everything had gone mostly without a hinge, he turned back to Jhon, a serious edge instilled once more. "I have a few questions and suggestions. If you go out there alone, wouldn't that endanger you needlessly? Maybe have one or two of us outside with farming tools, such as that hoe or spade, pretending to be farmhands. Having some of our more martial associates out there could come in handy. And perhaps have someone come along who could help facilitate the negotiations also. Obviously no more than one, and then we could have everyone else ready in the wings should something go wrong. I also hope we could avoid a fight, but if they were to try and harm you maybe it would be best to have aid close to you rather than all of us hiding in the barn with no direct way to assist you. Of course, this is your decision, I just thought it might make things easier for you."
To Seraphym, he merely glances up and says, "You come down and talk to me. I'm listening."
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Post by eruletho on Oct 19, 2013 23:04:07 GMT
Garuk gratefully glances toward the stall that Jhon had indicated, noticing for the first time the heft of his axe leaning against the wall. "Thank you for your hosp'tality, and for off'ring to get us to safety. Moving at night is a good idea, less lik'ly to get seen." The brutish looking Orc moves over to the stall, donning his chainmail as Alstar speaks. Ensuring his greataxe was not chipped in the drift downstream, he slips it into the loops on his back and straightens up.
"Only one or two, a squad might kill. All of us, might kill a squad. But if Orcs and other are outside, we will be disc'vered. Instead, lead patrol into barn and elim'nate that way? If they cause trouble, that is." Garuk was hoping that Jhon could make the patrol go away, but nevertheless, it was good to have a decent backup plan...
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Post by Rasq'uire'laskar on Oct 20, 2013 0:05:17 GMT
Henry gestures over to the stall. "Everyone get down here, grab your kit, and get ready to hide. Alstar, Garuk, do you have any..."He trails off, realizing that anyone hunting magic users would clearly be able to detect concealment spells. "Forget it. Jhon, how are you going to hide us? Would having some of the human members of this party posing as farmhands be a wise idea?"DM Note: Is the stuff that washed ashore with us a collection of what the slavers captured? Or did our stuff get bundled with Alstar's stuff, and it followed him like the Luggage in Discworld?
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Post by Pheonix on Oct 20, 2013 0:19:52 GMT
Paul jumps down from the loft and moves over to the group surrounding the equipment and upon recognizing his own grabs his Greatsword and Shortbow after donning his Scale Mail armor.
"I'll pose if need be, not a scent of magic on me. Would prefer to stay quiet. If we kill a squad too much trouble would fall on these people. Not in the habit of hurting those that help.
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Post by eruletho on Oct 20, 2013 0:40:18 GMT
"Betw'n skin color and pos'ble aura, I'm a bad choice to send out. And kill'ng is last resort, if they won't go away themselfs." Garuk flexes his muscles a bit and looks toward the barn door. "Whatever we decide, we should act quick. If the patr'l is in sight, then can't be far off."
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Post by psichomancer on Oct 20, 2013 1:26:31 GMT
"I'll have Sal fly over and follow the soldiers. He'll give me a heads up when they're close and I can relay that information to you here. If Jhon doesn't mind having Paul go with him, then the rest of us can prepare here should things get ugly. Who else wants to volunteer to be a farmhand? I'd go, but my aura might be detectable. My only request is that if there is a fight, we start it outside. My spells may not do well in the barn. I'd rather not burn the place down," he said to the others. "Does everyone agree to this backup plan and can anyone go act as a farmhand?"
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Post by Rotaretilbo on Oct 20, 2013 4:07:06 GMT
Goldoth pushes his way to the stall, sifting through hay and miscellaneous unclaimed equipment, before selecting a short, flat skinning knife, a small, well worn battle axe, and a simple, double-bladed greataxe. "Goldoth find Goldoth weapons," he exclaims, seemingly pleased to be reunited with them. He continues to look through the pile, finding belt loops for his greataxe and battleaxe and a small leather sheath for his knife. He also lays hand on a decent sized set of scalemail armor, a waterskin, and a backpack with a rolled blanket atop it, a lamp and flask of oil strapped to its right, a few torches strapped to its left, and a bear trap hooked to the back. Once all of his gear is donned and ready, Goldoth announces, "Goldoth ready for farm hand now."DM Note: Backpack contents are as follows:
Main Compartment Iron Cauldron 1ea Medium Tent 1ea Bedroll 2ea Hemp Rope 50ft Flask (Lamp Oil) 4ea
Outer Compartment Deck of Cards 1ea Map (covers a large area with only cities and notable villages marked, as well as a tiny hamlet near where Goldoth is from; obviously completely useless in Eriodem) 1ea
Right Compartment Fishhook 5ea Twine 50ft
Left Compartment Candle 5ea Flint and Steel 1ea
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barcaii
Galaxy Nation Builder
Posts: 48
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Post by barcaii on Oct 21, 2013 0:56:55 GMT
Jukha walks into the stall after Goldoth has rampaged through it and picks out just a pouch that he affixes to his belt and a falchion, in a simple sheath, that seems made for someone much stronger then him. Drawing the sword he starts looking over it. "This was not made to be in a river for so long." Using the hem of his robe Jukha cleans his sword from the worst of the river silt just in time to hear Goldoth proudly announce himself a farmer.
Closing his eyes for just a second while taking a deep breath, Jukha then smiles at Goldoth and explains, "No Goldoth, your staying in here to keep me company. Get over here so I can say a blessing of protection from Bharag Bol. I almost hope they find us, it was a long time since we got the taste of battle."
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Post by sacrier on Oct 21, 2013 1:29:48 GMT
A frown goes across his lips as he climbs down, making a mental note that Alstar refused his audience. He stays back as the rest of the group falls onto the pile of loot while he mentally compares them to carion birds falling on a fallen beast. "Scoot." He says, rather empirically, before taking several steps towards the stall and reaching through to pull out a rather oddly shaped pack. He opens up the side closest to him and the "O" shaped bag produces a chakram, though it looks like at least a good fifteen or so could fit inside of it. He grins as he pulls the bladed circle out and toys with it, but his eyes glance down at a very familiar set of items. "The hell? Did they just keep our kits together like a bunch o' nitwits?". There is a longsword as well as his own finely crafted pack beside it with a canteen strapped to the side. He reaches into it and pulls out an odd pair of clothing, looking more like a sneak's or maybe a pickpocket's outfit and moves behind a larger bundle of hay to change. "I thought this stuff was lost when those blighters caught me... Alright, i'll stay in here in case you guys need backup.". He comes back out from behind it with a large grin on his face. "Let's have a little fun with these guys, alright?"
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Post by Rotaretilbo on Oct 21, 2013 2:29:56 GMT
Goldoth looks sad to have to stay inside. "Goldoth farm good with hands," he pouts quietly, moving over to Jukha.
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Post by Tiny Tim on Oct 21, 2013 4:15:30 GMT
Jhon ponders the proposed plan while everyone grabs their gear, then slowly shakes his head. "No, unfortunately that would be too risky. I know the Hunter they are likely sending, and he would recognize the new farm hands. Probably start asking you questions. He asks you about your home town and you don't know the area, it could end poorly. It's best that Mae and I handle it, we'll keep them out of the barn, but even so you should take up defensive positions in here. Just to be cautious. Hunter Midner is a thorough man, though kind and understanding. I'll be able to reason with him.
Just then Mae peeks here head in through the barn door again, "Jhon, the soldiers will be here in just a minute. I've begun preparing biscuits and tea for them."
"Good, dear. Everyone, be prepared."
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Post by psichomancer on Oct 21, 2013 4:31:34 GMT
Undaunted, Alstar looks to Jhon. "Be careful out there. Should things turn sour, head for the barn. We'll show you our strength in defending your land and loved ones," he said, meeting Charlotte and Mae's eyes. He looked upon the others, now seeing perhaps something resembling the beginnings of a team spirit. A grin spread over the magician's face and he felt a change of heart inside of him. Maybe there was still some things in this world to protect after all. "I wish you the best of luck, Jhon and Mae. Sal will fly over and watch you closely. I'll have him try and create a distraction if things get out of hand. That should buy you time to flee if need be. I'd say this group is more than a match for that squad any day of the week." Alstar turned back to Seraphym, his mind churning over. "Sera, I didn't mean to sound so rude back then. Perhaps I've misjudged you and was unfair. Please, accept my apology and I'll be willing to listen to whatever you wish to say." His ever-present smile and a wink goes out to the others. OoC Note (for all present): Alstar casts a spell.
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Post by sacrier on Oct 21, 2013 14:38:27 GMT
"Magic hunters..." He sighs as he walks to the opening of the barn, placing his back on the wall beside it and sitting down. "They're just afraid of the talents they, themselves, don't have. Yes, the temptation of power can drive many a man into evil, but burning a forest because one tree turns out to be nasty isn't the answer. Jhon, if they give you trouble then bring 'em my way. You and your family rescued us, and my people do not forget things like that regardless of our paranoia sometimes." Seraphym gives a grin up at the man and sheathes the longsword, pulling a chakram in his hand in replacement. However after a second he would get back up and make his way over to Alstar. "I also need to apologize for the imperial attitude I had a moment ago towards you, friend."
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Post by Pheonix on Oct 21, 2013 19:19:34 GMT
Paul readies his bow near the door in case shit were to go down.
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FancyDante
Master of Epic Trades
Your Captain!
Today, we set sail!
Posts: 128
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Post by FancyDante on Oct 21, 2013 20:39:51 GMT
The DM has asked me to quit, so I'll respectfully pull out of this game. I don't have time to post as much as I should.
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Post by Rasq'uire'laskar on Oct 22, 2013 15:32:40 GMT
Henry regards the kit left in the stall. The slavers must have sold off most of his equipment, as utilitarian supplies are all that's left. He starts bundling it up to go.
Resigned to the fact that there's nothing the party can do until the troops make the first move, he stands to the side of the barn doors and waits.
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Post by Pheonix on Oct 23, 2013 3:56:36 GMT
"Anyone else wanna take positions? I'm cool with standing around with my dick in my hand if all you are"
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Post by Tiny Tim on Oct 23, 2013 7:21:03 GMT
As everyone prepares and moves into their positions, Jhon and Mae both move outside the barn to await the visitors and Charolotte scrambles up into the hay loft to hide there. After what feels like a tense eternity, but really was only a minute, you hear the precise and military crunching of boots in marching in sync towards the barn. You can hear the formation halt outside and the rustle of armor as the soldiers move to positions outside the barn. Through shadows coming in from the narrowly open barn door you can see a shadow approach what you know as Jhon's shadow. Jhon speaks first with a confident and friendly tone, "Hunter Straut, I can't say I'm surprised at your sudden visit, it's only the fourth time this month, but I must ask. What is it this time sir? " Another voice speaks, this one also friendly and casual in tone, though with a somewhat cold undertone. "You know I don't particularly like having to come down here and harass you and your darling wife, Jhon, but it seems you have been reported again. I know tha-"
Jhon's voice takes on a far more exasperated tone, "It was Ivol again, wasn't it? you know that he's just after my southern acreage, and he's willing to try to do anything to harass me into selling it to him."Jhon lies with the practiced ease of one who has been lying for the survival of himself and others the majority of his life. "Now you know I can't reveal the source of the reports. But rest assured I will be having a personal talk with the man who filed this one when we're done here. I just have to do the standard look around, make sure I cross my t's dot my i's. You understand Jhon, surelyJhon releases a resigned sigh and consents, "Yes, I understand. The Empire does like it's book keeping. I remember I did my term of service in the Grand Library as a clerk. Nothing but bookkeeping...Just then another voice you can hear from farther away calls out "Sir, nothing in the house so far. Just a sleeping babe and some tea simmering on a counter." Keep looking Hanson, but let the babe rest. Now Jhon. You know the drill. Just got to ask you a couple quick questions, have my men take a look around the place, make sure everythign checks out. So first off, seen or heard anything suspicious lately?Other than Ivol eyeing my land? Not a thing. If I do though, you'll be the first to hear. You know I'm no friend of the Emperor Straut, but I'm not jeopardizing myself and my family to keep secrets from him.I understand that Jhon. We're all just doing our jobs as best as we can. Now, have you harbored any strangers or travelers recently?Just that priest from two weeks ago, but you already know about him.Indeed I do Jhon. Now last thing here before we take advantage of your wife's wonderful tea and make the march back to Nestol. Are you harboring, in your barn right now, 8 possible mages, Xenos, spis, and/or engineers that you found along the river?Everyone feels the hairs on the back of their neck stand on end at the belief they have been found, but Jhon answers just as coolly and calmly as ever, Wow, Ivol is getting creative with these now. He can't even see my portion of the river from his land. But to answer the question, no. The only time I've been to the river in the last couple weeks was to fix the blockage in my irrigation trench. I believe that is actually when you last spoke to me.There is tense silence in air as everyone holds their breath waiting for Straut's reply. "Indeed, our sources, if they are even deserving of that name, can get a bit... overzealous and creative at times. And my wife did appreciate the preserves your fine Mae gave to me in thanks for helping you move that fallen tree that was blocking it. Straut's shadow begins to turn back towards the house, "Say, you wouldn't happen to have anymore of that, would you?Jhon begins to reply, but is suddenly cut off as the scene portrayed by the shadows changes faster than the eye can track and Jhon's shadow now shows a long, slender blade ran through it. The shadow holding the blade slowly embraces the impaled shadow. Before you can hear any response from Mae, the muffled thump of an additional body hitting the floor is audible from outside. "Why did you have to lie to me Jhon? I thought we had more respect for each other than that.The figure recedes out of the beam of light for a second, and there is thunderous crash and the doors are blown inward and fall off their hinges. The squad of soldiers quickly rushes into the very entrance of the barn. A quick count shows 6 soldiers armed with short-hafted spears and medium shields, each soldier also has an additional short sword belted at their waist and is wearing light weight metal armor. The man you can easily identify as Straut is standing 10-feet behind the line of soldiers. He appears to be armed with some form of hybrid between a rapir and a longsword in his right and and nothign in his left. He is wearing a leather jerkin with 9 throwing knives strapped to the sides. It looks like the is a place for another one, but it is empty. A simple black leather glove on his left hand seems to be glowing white very slightly. Notes[For everyone]: Initiative: Paul Henry Alstar Seraphym Garuk Jukha soldiers Goldoth
The way that posting goes in combat will be that anyone that is going to act before an NPC turn can post their actions if they feel they are ready to make that decision. I will then, when I make my posts, execute the actions in initiative order unless one person's action would prevent the action of someone else. In which case I will either make small modifications to the action to make it work (Such as you moving into a square right next to the intended one, instead of the intended one) or ask the player to change their action as needed. I feel this will be the best way to maintain the flow of combat and make it reasonably efficient. Talking, as it is a free action, can be done at any time.
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Post by Rotaretilbo on Oct 23, 2013 7:29:36 GMT
"What happening!?" Goldoth shouts in surprise as the doors blast inward.
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Post by psichomancer on Oct 23, 2013 8:11:47 GMT
"What is wrong with you people?!" Alstar shouts, anger and shock welling within him like the icy river they fell into. "You didn't have to hurt them! You should have dealt with us! Burn in Hells, bastards!"The sorcerer raged, crying out in anguish. A smoldering hotness grew into a surge of energy, focused into his palms. His eyes glowed and gave another shout, channeling that emotion, that power, the essence of magic towards the front line of warriors. I'm coming for you later, Hunter, he thought to himself grimly. I'll get you myself.Alstar gives a split-second glance to the others, just to be sure they're alright. DM Note: Alstar casts Burning Hands on the first row of soldiers. DC 15, Ref. 2d4 dmg. And Sal, who has been flying up above, will begin circling over the Leader's head from about 50ft. He'll hold his action to fly down and strike when it would be most distracting, and since he's flying it might count as him being flat footed. Either way, your call.
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Post by sacrier on Oct 23, 2013 14:09:30 GMT
"May whatever god you worship have pity on your collective souls, because I won't. You are my target, mage hunter..." He steps 5 foot to the side to try and get a good view of the man in question, then throws a chakram at the nearest soldier in his path to Straut.
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Post by Pheonix on Oct 23, 2013 16:12:35 GMT
Well since the entire squad was able to get into the barn Paul will instead use his Greatsword and attack the nearest soldier with Cleave and also hit whichever soldier is nearest to that soldier. For DM Reminder when doing combat so you don't have to do math Greatsword + 2 Handed Strength Bonus of 1 1/2 x Strength Bonus (4) = 2d6 + 6 against both targets
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Post by Tiny Tim on Oct 23, 2013 19:11:53 GMT
Paul's turn: Paul's furious attack takes the first soldier by surprtise, cleaving a gash across his chest and attempting to continue on to the next target, however the second soldier in line is, unfortunately, quicker to react and raises his shield to intercept the follow through from Paul's attack. The first soldier is left gasping, clutching to the open wound in his chest, though is still clinging to life.
Henry's turn will be next.
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Post by eruletho on Oct 23, 2013 20:07:37 GMT
Garuk watches the shadows and listens intently, at first with hope, then with horror, at what befalls outside. Releasing his greataxe from it's straps, letting it's heft hit his hands with a satisfying smack. He grins widely, pumping himself up for the impending fight as the soldiers break into the barn. Shouting a warcry and watching as others have already leapt at their foes, the huge orc charges straight into the nearest soldier, swinging his axe with all his might.
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Post by Rasq'uire'laskar on Oct 23, 2013 21:15:34 GMT
Henry glances from the swords and the armor of the soldiers to his own mutilated crossbow. Quickly reaching a decision, he rushes over and swings it at the first soldier Paul attacked.
Alstar!" he shouts. "Hex the Imperial mage!"
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Post by Tiny Tim on Oct 24, 2013 7:57:54 GMT
Henry's turn: Henry follows up the grievous wound inflicted by Paul's Greatsword with a swift blow by his crossbow's stock to the head of the soldier, who sluggishly attempts to block the blow, however is far too slow and the blow connects solidly, knocking the soldier unconscious. Alstar's turn: Alstar rushes the front line of the troops with all of his burning anger and unleashes a torrent of fire over them! The fire, however, only mildly burns the soldiers. Seraphym's turn: Sera deftly throws one of his chakram towards one of the soldiers burned by Alstar's magic, and connects with a glancing blow to the weapon arm of the soldier causing a mild gash in his arm. Garuk's turn: Garuk charges one of the soldiers burned by Alstar's magic and with a might force of effort and fury crushes through the block, snapping the haft of the spear wielded by said soldier, and drives his axe directly into the chest of the already wounded soldier. The soldier lets out a soft gasp of breath at the impact, and then falls limply to the ground when Garuk removes his axe from the opponent. Map:
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Post by Rotaretilbo on Oct 24, 2013 8:37:36 GMT
"Why everyone fight?!" Goldoth cries out. "No more fight! Fight not nice!"
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barcaii
Galaxy Nation Builder
Posts: 48
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Post by barcaii on Oct 24, 2013 10:35:28 GMT
"Goldoth, these people want to enslave or even kill us! Protect me from them while I weave my magic." Jukha exlaims before taking a small step forward and starts chanting lengthy spell. For DM: Jukha takes a 5 foot step forward and begins to cast Summon Monster 1, to summon a feindish eagle in front of in between the soldiers and straut.
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