The Adventurers now have some snippets of information about Solisand, an offer of the necessary navigation data, and a little information on the woman who Safra is hunting for and on the merchant that Safra suspects may have seen her father as a rival. Here's a summary of the information gathered.


Rhaskos and Iskander return from a visit to the local scholar – Medanthros the Educator, with a text that refers to a naval attack on Solisand:


Report of Astangoras, Paladin of Emperor Enkilos II, dated 1014 (200yrs ago):


"By the time our fleet reached the apostate's island, we had already lost 2 ships to the ocean's violent temper. So with land in sight we put in at the first available beach, on the north side of the island. We set a camp and sent two parties inland to explore. One returned within a few hours, reporting that they had found the ruins of a village to the West. The other party returned the following day with reports of a forest that stretched as far as they could reckon, forming a barrier between our position and the location of the Apostate's stronghold  - indeed three of their party had already become lost. As a result of this intelligence I decided to send a ship under Captain Ortantos to circumnavigate the island, rather than risk more of my men on a march into the forest. The captain reported back that East and West coasts were both rocky with few landing places; yet at the south, closest to our objective, were many miles of beaches, however made treacherous to approach by the presence of a broad reef.

Ortantos had tested the reef in a small boat and was convinced we could make a landing with some good seamanship and our ships' boats leading the way to find viable passage through. With two thirds of my force we attempted a landing - however as soon as the first boats made it into the lagoon a great sea creature attacked them, and many men were slain. Some struggled to the shore and in its eagerness to pursue the monster beached itself, and thus we were able to set about it with sword, spear and arrow until it was dead. Even in its last moments its tremendous thrashing accounted for more of my men, including the good captain Ortantos.”

Iskander has another reference, more recent and dating to about 70 years ago:

Report of Mylornas of Kipsipsindra, dated 1147

“When it became known around port that I sought passage to Solisand the earlier press of sea captains offering to place themselves and their crews at my disposal quickly evaporated. Eventually I took ship to Tapropiscur, and there found a local who claimed to have been to Solisand once to collect fresh water, and had encountered nothing to substantiate the island's evil reputation. This same captain found me a crew who would take me to the island, and for a significant rental and deposit we hired a vessel from a local magnate. The voyage to Solisand took us the better part of 3 weeks, and the only landfalls available in the latter part of that journey were desolate places said to be full of dangers to those who land there”.


Sallantus believes finding Solisand may be a lot simpler than you might think, "if the folk on Tempigone can't direct us to a place a mere 2 days away from their shores I don't know who can".


Sallantus discovered from dock workers in one of the taverns that every year a Jekkarene ship arrives in port – a galley, but not under oar. It would deposit a cargo on the dockside, and depart again at the earliest opportunity. The captain of this ship is Haliskome, surely the same woman as Safra was told is responsible for her father’s murder.

Kordan has discovered that Rilados the Navigator is willing to sell the navigation instructions to find Solisand. While he originally pitched to supply ship and crew for the task (for 1,000 guilders), Kordan saw through that and got him to just ask a fee, then knocked him down from 350 to 175 guilders. It’s up to Safra (or the party, if they choose to pay) to decide whether this is a price worth paying.

Sanjar and Tanek went (with Safra) to the Borissan Syndics (the merchant guild and cult) to investigate the merchant Valsus, where they encountered an efficient secretary block in the form of Elkanos, a slave who it seems has Taskan blood. All they really found is that Valsus is not local to Thyrta, nor its mother city Borissa, but is a resident alien, or metic. A respected associate of the Syndics, Valsus’s status as an outsider means he conducts trade with the Jekkarenes, a business that, rather like slave-trading, would be ‘ignominious’ for a man of citizen status.

Elkanos undertook to arrange an appointment for Safra with the Syndic, Kortano. Sanjar is skeptical

It’s now evening, and time to decide what this all means and what the next move is

Sanjar is seated, reclining in a comfortable position as he packs and lights his pipe.  Smoking, it appears, is serious business.  For he takes his time with the matter, getting the pipe 'just so', and pouring a few drops of some sort of oil within before lighting it.  All the while he is speaking, in Korantine. "I am not sure what to make of this Elkano, the slave scribe.  I was of half a mind to have him followed earlier.  The way matters sit, with this Kortano being the only Syndic in town, and thus having near complete control over the cult, and the trade affairs of the city... I find the prospect that he does not have in Valsus some manner of vested interest, ah, dubious.  Mmm.  For the local matters, I think meeting with Kortano and continuing to investigate Valsus are both musts.  However, I certainly would not give much trust to the words of either men just yet.  To say the least.  Mmm.  Indeed.  In fact I would think it prudent to look into both men, if not all three, to a much deeper degree... as soon as can be managed."

The pipe is finally lit.  Puffing gently to get it going Sanjar soon has a small aura of dark and spicy smoke clinging about him, a cloy and powerful scent. "For the matter of the island, it sounds as if any landing there is a risky undertaking.  What is the going rate for such navigational information?  Would, perhaps, the information be more easily acquired on Tempigone?  Mmm.  Though paying such a fee now, if the information is current and accurate, could save us several days at that.  Perhaps worth the expense just for that, considering the whole budget of this affair."

Pausing for a long moment Sanjar seems deep in thought.  And smoke.  When he speaks again it is without looking up, and seeming half-distracted by his thoughts. "Does Haliskome come with regularity for her infrequent visits here?  Can we discover whom she trades with?  Mmm.  If she is a foreigner the Syndics should have records of these strange cargoes.  Interesting.  Most interesting.  Mmm.  Do we know whom among the merchants of the city the late and honorable Prashad, may honor be upon him and none disturb his rest, dealt with?  Perhaps speaking to these at least nominally friendly faces could give further information?"

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 2):

[Off Topic: From Vancouver Airport, on my way home! Still feeling crap tho, so thanks be to British Airways for an upgrade. Goes some way to making me feel better for the 9 hour delay at Calgary yesterday. Air Canada not on my Christmas card list...]

In respect of your last point -  from what you and others have heard and learned directly you can assume that the Jekkarene ship appears at Thyrta at least once per year, and that Valsus is the man who has the 'concession' for dealing with Jekkarene trade. So it would be reasonable to infer that the cargo deposited on the dockside from the Jekkarene galley captained by Haliskome is subsequently removed to wherever Valsus keeps his trade goods.

Iskander or Kordan (being higher class than Sallantus) could make a Korantine Culture test if they want to offer authoritative advice on who buys Jekkarene goods and what they might be.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 3):

20:18, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 15 using 1d100. Culture Korantine (48) check.

I'll add my knowledge to the discussion.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 4):

"So you said Haliskome comes in to dock once a year, did you say when in the year that is?"

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 4):

As Jekkarene and Korantine maintain a traditional - almost ritual - distrust and emnity, there is little bulk trade between these peoples.

Nevertheless Jekkarene goods have a cachet among the very well to do - Jekkarene designs are distinctive, formalised, and pleasingly archaic, and Jekkarene textiles and carving is regarded as exotic and decadent, so can command significant premiums. As a result the right to act a direct importer of Jekkarene goods is a lucrative trade, albeit one typically conducted by non-citizens who avoid the diminished status that comes with it.

Kordan can well imagine that someone like Valsus who has an established and profitable business as such an importer would not take well to the appearance of middle men - ie non-Jekkarene or Korantine merchants and traders bringing Jekkarene goods to Korantia and vice versa. There's no rule against this or law to prevent it.

As a footnote, the Jekkarenes also export a sweetened wine that is gaining some following internationally, and the jars in which it is shipped end up as ornaments.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 5):

It wold not take long to discover the answer to this if Kordan does not know it - the last time was in the early Summer. That would put it after Prishad's killing, but according to Solfernoy's statement to Safra, prior to Haliskome's desertion.

Sanjar nods and pauses introspectively before continuing, his pipe being used to gesture for emphasis at times as he speaks in Korantine.  "Then there is an established relationship between this Valsus and Haliskome.  Which makes the conflict of interest with this man and Prishad and his death at the hands of Haliskome to be... an unlikely coincidence.  Very unlikely.  Yet if he is a legal resident here, and has the patronage of the Syndic Kortano... moving directly against him could prove difficult.  We need more information about Valsus and Kortano both.  It begs the question of how involved and knowledgeable in this business Kortano might be as well." he says, his eyes turning to Safra before he continues in Djesmiri "If we discover that this Syndic is in fact involved, as seems likely, the vengeance we seek may entail reaching higher in the ranks of this city than we perhaps intended.  It... may complicate matters a great deal.  Mmm." he says in a cautionary tone.  Chewing on the end of his pipe, he smokes and seems thoughtful once again, leaving silence for another to speak should they have inclination.

   Rhaskos listened as the men spoke of politics and schemes and in other languages.

   For the young hunter, the ideas were fantastic, and exactly as he had read in books that detailed the situations leading up to the fall of cities and such- but Rhaskos was clueless as to where, or how to contribute to such conversations.  These men were adept at spinning webs like the wolf spider, and Rhaskos- while more clever than most- was still unused to the more subtle approaches preferred by these civilized types.

   In truth, Rhaskos could see that "take the issue before the chief" would not work in these situations.  These men's "chief" did not necessarily have his people's best interests at heart.  Indeed, the game played in the cities was much darker and less honorable- and very deadly if not played correctly.

   So Rhaskos looked from man to man, eyes wide, taking in all of the information, but offering no substantial input, as his notions steered mightily towards more direct methods.

   Instead, when there was a small lull in the conversation, he said, softly, _{"I think that, when we find the island, a scroll we found at the Educator's school might help us find our way around the place."}

   He offered the words, then lapsed back into silence. He was obviously still present however, his quick, dark eyes darting about, following the conversation closely.

Sallantus watches the discussion, his unease growing as he listens to Sanjar Zand.

"Intrigue. Shadowplay. The kind of games where you don't even find out that your dead till you wake up in Hell. More than likely sent there by a man you thought to be your comrade."

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 10):

"Intrigue, shadowplay, bah!

Sounds like these folks be good candidates for an old fashioned press-gang I say."

Sanjar nods his expression circumspect however in the same motion, his manner seeming only to grow in caution.  He raises a hand and motions towards Kordan as he speaks in Korantine. "Then I think we have arrived at the same conclusions, unless someone has something else to raise?  Look into this Kortano, the slave Elkanos for that matter, and Valsus.  Since their connection seems assured if unprovable to the satisfaction of one who may not care for it to be so." he says, frowning slightly. "We need either something to conclusively prove his involvement in Prishad's death, and so to gain our desired revenge... or, more likely I'm afraid, sufficient knowledge of their movements and elsewise whereabouts to enact it ourselves.  If you honorable gentleman are still of nerve to stay the course on this journey, now that the destination becomes more clear?  Mmm.  I would urge you, honorable Sirrahs, to see justice through and done."

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 12):

IMPROVEMENT ROLLS - 1 each +/- CHA modifier

Time is moving on. A day has passed while the would-be Adventurers and their employer contemplate the next move. No word has as yet come from Elkanos. Safra is impatient, but in any event the ship is being resupplied, minor repairs made, and of course a favourable wind is awaited.

Safra is clearly of a mind to do business with the local Sailor, Rilados, but all are aware that Rilados' price remains aggressive, even after Kordan bargained him down. The only alternative at this point is to follow Sallantus' hunch: sail to Tempigone and seek a bearing from there.

In the meantime, the smallest local knowledge is enough to be aware that Kortano is a powerful presence in Thyrta. While Rikalos of Vimaylo may be governor, Kortano the Syndic is its most influential grandee. He controls not only local trade but also farms the colony's land taxes (this means he negotiates a fixed price with the state for the right to raise taxes, and hopes to make a margin on it). Despite this he is no more unpopular than any other individual with more money and power than most people can dream of.

Little is known of Valsus as yet. However if Sanjar's concerns prove to be well founded, that Kortano himself may be a plotter and adversary, Safra may after all be minded to let well alone, and instead make for Solisand at the earliest opportunity...what say you?

"Based on what Safra be paying the 5 of us [Nikolos, Rhaskos, Tanek, Sallantus and myself], in addition to whatever Iskander and Sanjar have worked out, the cost of Rilados' information be less'n two and a half weeks of our service.

Factorin' time spent travelin' to Tempigone and then casting about for information, and mayhap paying for it, I reckon that Rilados' price be less expensive in the long run.

Can't rightly be speakin' about Valsus and Kortano though.  Should they be as powerful as things make out, perhaps inside their reach is not the best place to be moving against them from?"


[ OOC: Training in spear/shield with Tanek.  Not really learning anything new.
19:15, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 29 using 1d100+9. Spear/Shield improvement roll (> 47).
Increased skill from 47 -> 48. ]

Sallantus pipes up.

"I agree with Kordan. If Kortano is as powerful as all that, then as long as we stay in this city he has the upper hand. At sea, or on Tempigone, things a little more even. I've no doubt Kortano's reach is long, but he'll be stretching for us while we can keep our balance."

09:33, Today: Sallantus rolled 45 using 1d100+15. Insight improvement (31).
09:33, Today: Sallantus rolled 3 using 1d4+1. Insight improvement.

Sallantus' Insight has increased slightly as he has watched these debates and negotiations.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 14):


"Can't rightly be speakin' about Valsus and Kortano though.  Should they be as powerful as things make out, perhaps inside their reach is not the best place to be moving against them from?"


GM NOTE: You know Valsus is probably rich - he's a merchant after all, and you'd expect him to be a lot better off than the ordinary man in the street. He may or may not be powerful. Because he is an outsider, that all depends on his standing or relationship with the people in real power.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 15):

If no other events intervene, the time for sailing is probably a game week away...if you intend to spend this as down time (training etc), please let me know.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 14):

"I agree with Kordan.  I think the best course of action is to acquire Rilados's information, assuming it's reliable, and then set sail."

[OOC]: Training nothing, darn that -1 CHA modifier.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 18):

Ok everyone, give me a general statement of what you are sending your time doing and where you are hanging out between now and a suitable date of sailing...

Sallantus is going to do his usual; hang around dockside taverns, drink (on someone else's coin, if he can), eat food that is tastier and fresher than he'll eat once they set sail, and probably try to win the favour of women. He'll be listening out for stories of Tempigone, or beyond.

To Simulacrum: If this produces any Improvement Rolls, I imagine that they'd be in one of Streetwise, Resilience (though whether poisoning himself with drink builds up his resistance or damages his health...), or Brawl (if things get rough). Other possibilities include Influence and Insight (as he tells tall tales in the rougher end of town), or even a Lore skill if he picks up any useful knowledge. Whichever, if any, you think is the most significant...

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 19):

Kordan is going to be whiling away the time with Sallantus, for similar reasons. The only exception is that he'll also seek out a temple to Pyrolus to pray for good sailing and to make an offering.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 19):

Tanek will continue to act as bodyguard for Safra. If she feels secure and dismisses him, he'll go hang out at Thalvi's.

Rhaskos too will accompany Sallantus, trying his best to fit in as a hired ruffian...though he's not exactly "muscle".

he will try to help "track down" any leads.

Get it?  "Track"...aw, fahgeddit.  :)

Sallantus will, then, spend some time trying to teach Rhaskos Korantine vernacular. He might amuse himself, and any listeners, by playing a few practical jokes with the language. But nothing malicious...

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 24):

Sanjar has impressed on all that pushing harder on Kortano (the promised appointment has still not materialised) or digging around after Valsus may be dangerous as the two may be in cahoots.

Sanjar - test INFLUENCE to see whether your word carries weight with Safra, who may be more impetuous...

Kordan can find a shrine to Pyrolus on the main square - right next to the temple-office of the Borissan Syndics. A Korantine sailor's ship is usually his temple - but in this instance you will be travelling aboard a foreign vessel, Safra's ship The Foamfollower.

Kordan and Sallantus begin to indulge in a little more dockside carousing, but at this point most they, their employer, and their expedition plans are the most interesting gossip around. Nevertheless it is here that you will meet some of Safra's crew too - who spend time in these places when not busy with the ship. These guys will be your transport to Solisand - but perhaps also your 'back-up'. They seem fond of Safra, were loyal employees of her father, and some were on the voyage when Prishad was killed.

Kordan - test INSIGHT

Meanwhile, you can learn something of Tempigone:

It is a rather dismal little island just over 40 miles long and barely 20 miles wide at its broadest, whose inhabitants are mostly fishermen or herders.  Its main town is called Guberan.  The remainder is spread between five fishing villages and two inland farming settlements.  In addition there is a mining complex on the North side of Mt Tempiger, where a number of slaves are housed.   The majority of the population is of Islander stock, claiming to be Dagomils by descent and speaking a dialect of Seaspeech (Archipelagan).

Tempigone is a territory of Himela, which inherited control upon the fall of the Korantine Empire.  About 20 years ago it was given over to the Duke of Solarne (Solarne is a district of Himela) to govern as his place of exile, his principal task being to maintain the fortress at Gubaran and ensure the removal of ore from the mines and its transport back to the mainland.

Sallantus - make a STREETWISE roll

Safra does indeed want Tanek to stay close. At times she has one of her own crew come and act as a guard, particularly on her door at night. On the whole, she wishes Tanek to accompany whenever she leaves the confines of the Floundering Turtle. Sanjar also, I presume, stays close.

Tanek - make a PERCEPTION test

Rhaskos hangs out with the sailor-boys down on the docks. Talk of Tempigone does not give him much room to shine, however

Rhaskos can make two rolls: - A PERCEPTION test, and a difficult (-20) REGIONAL LORE test

[23:58, Today: Sallantus rolled 75 using 1d100. Streetwise (26).]

OOC: 17:30, Today: Rhaskos rolled 26 using 1d100. Perception (61).
17:29,
Today: Rhaskos rolled 12 using 1d100. Difficult Lore (73-20=53).

And the luck turns!

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 25):
Kordan - test INSIGHT

[ 11:33, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 81 using 1d100. Insight (23) check.

Nothing to see here folks, move along, move along. ]

In reply to Rhaskos (msg # 27):

Rhaskos is surprised to see some fellow 'country folk' hanging around. He knows they are 'out of context', don't belong here in Thyrta - especially down round the docks. Toughs from the woods and vales - three of them, stick out among the usual tavern crowd. They're taking an interest in Rhaskos and his companions - watching. Listening.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 25):

14:56, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 67 using 1d100. Perception (28).

Sanjar will spend the time split between studying his Art, playing Grand Vizier to Safra at every opportunity, and going out to interact with the assorted merchants of the city in order to attempt to research their various people of interest ( Kortano, Valsus, Prishad, and Haliskome.  Oh, and Elkanos.  I won't forget him... ) in person.  Preferably never by himself.  Make that just never by himself.

   Rhaskos casually approached his countrymen.

   The bond of ethnicity didn't hold an excessive amount of weight among his people- there was always some petty enmity or skirmish breaking out even among the tribes with bonds of blood- and so the young hunter was a bit guarded, yet simultaneously curious and happy to see some people from home.

   "Hail!" he said, friendly enough, "You too are a far way from home my friends.  Are you bound for elsewhere?"

   Rhaskos looked at the ships, as if they explained the question.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 31):

Safra is adamant (critical Persistence test. She does not seem to care that the situation is dangerous)

In Djesmiri - but in the open here to reduce messaging to fill in Tanek et al...

"Good Sanjar Zand, I can see that you urge caution lest our mission is compromised even before it begins. But I have hired your magics, and the service of good Tanek here, and kept you close by, because I know there is danger and I am in a foreign place, where you two are strangers also and perhaps better to be trusted for that. But I will not sit here idly, while there is more to be revealed of my father's fate - it is a fine thing to reach out for the hand that killed him and hack it off, but if I can ever know who guided it...then I must...you understand?"

Still unsure of Safra's wisdom - or at least of her prudence - Sanjar knows that he cannot in truth escape the imperative to at least make some further enquiries about town, and seeks to satisfy her desire to know more by leading her, with Tanek as company, about town. He is sure simply to ask questions that any merchant might ask on Safra's behalf and not stir up trouble.

Some information is easily gleaned.

Many remember Prishad's visit last year, and are happy to meet his daughter and offer condolences for her loss, if only as good manners. By all accounts he simply set up shop in the market place on the appropriate days, and did business there. A Morkeshite is a rare appearance in town (the only other often seen is a slaver) and many will have stopped by just out of curiosity. One or two make some comment that "old Valsus must have been pissed to see someone else in town with a fine selection of Jekkarene wares", but to amuse themselves with the thought rather than suggest something sinister.

Valsus does not keep a shop, but he has a warehouse adjoining his home, and conducts business from there, or at his clients' homes, which makes him a fairly high class merchant. Valsus might be seen about town, sometimes with his steward, Modatis.

At least one person suggests you call on Valsus at his home if you might do business. Someone else has heard the rumour that his usual supplier may not be coming this year, and Valsus had better find some alternative business. The typical prejudice against foreign rich folk like Valsus perhaps shows with a curled lip and a touch of schardenfreude.

Haliskome - you don't meet anyone who knows that name - but if you refer to the female captain of the Jekkarene ship that would arrive and do business with Valsus, then they all know who you mean. "Strange looking piece, she is...eyepatch..and I never seen a Jekkarene with red hair before", says one. "What you talking of?", says another, "you've never seen no Jekkarene piece before anyways".

Talk of Kortano is easy, all the merchants here pay dues to the Syndics, and that is just the way it is. "If you want to meet Kortano - why you can try grab a moment of his attention as he goes about his business. Every so often he inspects the market in person, just to show his face. At other times you'll find him shuttling back and forth across the main square, between the Syndic's and the Governor's offices".

Elkanos - simply, "sure, he's a slave isn't he?"

In reply to Rhaskos (msg # 33):

GM NOTE - sorry, what should have been a 'private line to' got posted as a 'private message'.

At Salty Mari's (downbeat dockside tavern)

Kordan and Sallantus see Rhaskos approach a trio of rough looking types - almost certainly Thennalt country folk - sitting at a table nearby.

Rhaskos - Two skill rolls please, one for Influence (modify with your critical Culture, Own), one for Insight.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 35):

Kordan taps Sallantus' heel with his boot and gestures at the nearby table with his chin.

[ OOC: Cautiously preparing for action if something should happen that's un-neighborly. ]

[OOC:]

How large is the Syndic temple?  How many other rooms than the public one and Kortano's office?  Can I get a rough idea of the layout and what can be gleaned about people that are normally there?

How far away is the Governor's Office/Building?  How long is he usually gone when he takes such a trip?  Or a market inspection?

---

Can you elaborate slightly on Valsus' warehouse?  A bit about layout/structure/security?  I assume he normally keeps guards there?  The adjoining home, likewise?  How sizable is that?

Is Modatis perhaps easier to watch and/or gain information on?  Does he appear to reside in the home with Valsus?

---

Sanjar will at first seem reticent yet let himself be brought 'to the cause' in due course and again express his admiration for Safra and her devotion to her father and the honor of her family, before resuming his digging for information.

---

How do people feel about the prospect of some, ah, covert action in the house and/or offices of either Valsus or Kortano?  High risk... yet, possibly a master stroke in information and/or profit to be gained.

[/OOC]

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 37):

>>How large is the Syndic temple?  How many other rooms than the public one and Kortano's office?  Can I get a rough idea of the layout and what can be gleaned about people that are normally there?

It's quite sizeable, with offices, counting and meeting rooms and storage surrounding the temple space (which is barrel-vaulted and fronted by a portico with a semicircular pediment). Without knowledge of the cult of Sabateus, it would be difficult to know who is there and what they all do, but you would guess there are typically well over a dozen people around at any time. there are a lot of heavy doors about and a lack of ground floor windows in some areas. Remember there may be quite a lot of money inside in one form or another. These guys collect taxes. There are usually one or two club-weilding constables around, and more in the general vicinity. These constables are state-owned slaves, and report to Aparinaon, who is the state enforcer (acolyte of Kos).


>>How far away is the Governor's Office/Building?  How long is he usually gone when he takes such a trip?  Or a market inspection?

Take a look at the map - it's just across the main square, less than a minute's walk when not doing a lot of meet and greet on the way. So presume he is going back and forth quite a bit. If he is 'in the office', probably more than once per day.

The main plaza of thyrta does sport a lot of hangers-on who wait about hoping to pay respects to, or petition, one of the local bigwigs.

>>Can you elaborate slightly on Valsus' warehouse?  A bit about layout/structure/security?  I assume he normally keeps guards there?  The adjoining home, likewise?  How sizable is that?

More information than you can get without casing the joint and providing me with how you intend to acquire the information. but the location is available if you only ask someone at the market, and on a casual stroll by you can easily ascertain:

It is a 2 story house, tile roof, a stout front door at the centre giving directly to the street; adjoining it to the right as you look at the house, a 6-7' walled courtyard, the gates of which are open during the day as people and goods move in and out. You see a dog in the yard, a cart, and perhaps one or two hired hands, no guards. The courtyard gives access to the modest warehouse (similar height to the house, but only half the depth, which has wooden double doors to some height.

The ground floor windows are barred and shuttered, first floor windows are narrow, except for one with a little balcony that looks over the courtyard.

Judging by the position of the door and that the house has a frontage of about 30' or so (9m-10m), you would assume that it is about two room across on the inside.

Neighbouring houses are similar size and quality, but without the warehouse. If you take this further I'll sketch out a map.

That's what you can see on a walk by, without hanging around or making Perception rolls.

>>Is Modatis perhaps easier to watch and/or gain information on?  Does he appear to reside in the home with Valsus?

This isn't stuff you can glean information about on the fly.

OOC: I'm outta town for 4 days. My posting will be spotty.

Influence: success

Insight: failed

Rolls:

23:20, Today: Rhaskos rolled 81 using 1d100. Insight (31).
23:20, Today: Rhaskos rolled 30 using 1d100. Influence w/ Culture mod (31).

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 37):

Well I await what people think of this suggestion - particularly Tanek.

Kordan, Sallantus and Rhaskos are out carousing again at this point.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 40):

Likewise waiting to hear what people are thinking.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 41):

Kordan says, "I be not the sneaky type, but I be happy to keep an eye from afar with me bow.  Just in case things go as sour as week old milk left out in mid-summer."

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 42):

"So what are you thinking Sanjar?  I'm not the stealthiest, and this hoplite shield of mine will hinder covert activites.  But I'm not one to shy away from some mischief that needs doing.  The only thing I worry about is if we get ourselves seen or caught, how that would be a disservice to the Lady as we would not be available to do what we were hired to do."

If Sallantus is not down the tavern when the 'covert operation' was proposed, he would say:

"We're a group ill-suited to sneaking about a city, getting tangled in the powerful web of men who we know little. By all means let us find out more about these men. But let's not go smashing their windows just yet."

"I'm not worried about a little trouble. Once we're at sea we'll be able to handle a boat-load of touble." He grins in way that accentuates his scars. "What I am worried about is a lot of trouble. A city-worth of trouble."

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 44):

"Well now that is truly amazin' and makes everything else worthwhile.

Never thought I be seeing the day ol' Sallantus here be lookin' forward ta being back at sea!"

"Aye, but In cities I've seen men dead face down in gutters. Looks a nasty way to drown."

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 46):

Sallantus, Kordan and Rhaskos have rejoined Sanjar and Tanek after an excursion to the not-so-salubrious dockside tavern, Salti Mari's.

Meanwhile, Safra has already agreed to provide the funds to relieve Rilados the Navigator of his instructions for finding Solisand, and Sanjar has done some basic fact-finding on the merchant Valsus of Pytna.

Safra, who initially seemed quite taken with Sanjar's call to action , listens intently to the contributions from the party on the wisdom - or otherwise - of undertaking some risky escapade to crack open more information on their quest. There is a general mood of threat that oppresses the mood, perhaps above all because it is unquantified and noone is quite sure whether the threat is real and who is most to be feared.

Rhaskos had an intriguing and possibly worrying encounter to report, which may have some bearing on the matter - and the hurry or otherwise with which the party sets ut to sea...

Sanjar nods quietly for a moment, his teeth chewing uselessly at the stem of his pipe as dark smoke billows around his lips.  His eyes betray his inner thoughts only slightly as he watches the reactions of the others, including Safra, with a keen attention.  When he speaks it is in Korantine. "I am not completely in disagreement, Sirrahs.  Mmm.  Indeed not.  Yet I find myself searching for a proper avenue of employing our talents to such ends none the less.  To that end then let us focus our efforts on garnering further information of the one Valsus.  And his warehouse and the house that adjoins it.  Perhaps after a closer inspection of his affairs an opportunity to act for our cause may present itself.  In the interval however, we should proceed with gathering information and planning as if to enter his home under cover of darkness and thereupon to gather what information might be available.  And perhaps to speak with him in person on the matter.  Caution is a must, no doubt.  No doubt.  Yet neither am I willing to let the matter completely rest.  Perhaps one of you good Sirrahs might have suggestions for how we might continue to go about garnering information about our target?"

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 48):

"If I want to know about a captain, I ask a man who has sailed under his command," Sallantus says. "A man such as Valsus must have servants, or slaves. I say we begin by speaking to the members of Valsus' household for whom he has little respect. They will apply less varnish to their thoughts, and will only be loyal and discreet on behalf of a man who really deserves it."

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 49):

Rhaskos seems to have been turning his conversation with the unnamed Thennalt at Salti Mari's over in his mind, trying to make sense of it. At last his colleagues prise the man's words from him as best he remembers.

"Well, to start with, he said - gesturing at Sallantus and Kordan here - 'I'll tell you straight, your foreign friends are not long for this world, and best you keep your distance from them over there, or you won't be either. I've no wish for bad blood with you and your kin, so go home'"

Thinking more, Rhaskos continues, "Well of course I stood up to him, challenged him to tell me what foreign devil's dirty money...oh, excuse me, I mean nothing by that so far as present company...of course... Anyway, so he just laughs and says, 'Ha! A true son of the earth and no mistake!' That's not an insult where I come from, you know...Then he looks me right in the eye - right up close, and says: 'Well boy, I can see you mean no harm, and if you live to see the next month out, then perhaps we shall meet again with Theyna's blessing. I'm no foreign master's henchman, nor mistress' lackey. You need not fear me today boy, but there are others coming, who are not like us. So guard yourself well, or be on your way and quit town, by road or by sea, whichever way you decide your fate takes you'.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 50):

"Well it be seeming to me that this be a clear indication of danger.  For my part, I will contact the street boys to keep an eye out for strange Thennault and report on them.  Even if it be costing some additional money for the same info again, or not useful info, I think it be worthwhile."

[ OOC : I wish to contact the street boys and set up some sort of retainer for services.  Food, clothing, some money, etc, in exchange for them keeping a lookout for, and reporting back on the movements of, and strange / new Thennault showing up in town. ]

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 51):

OK - that's do-able - but is that something Kordan scuttles off to do tonight, or is that for the next day?


Your GM is out on the lash tomorrow night (thursday), so most likely the next steps, if any player input has been received, will be resolved Friday. Your ship is almost ready to sail...


GM NOTES:
Kordan and Sallantus with their maritime experience are quick to note that the Foamfollower is a merchant ship and not terribly suitable for beaching (doing so may cause damage if not carefully managed, and getting her to sea again afterwards is no small endeavour). She does have a small skiff with room for up to four at the oars and a couple of extras as passengers. So making a landing may need some thought (refer also to the fragmentary descriptions of Solisand you have acquired)

I'll get you info on the crew roster when I have time at the weekend - wife and kids away for a few days as school is now out, so when I am clear of work I can start filling in some more details.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 52):

I'll scuttle off to do that tonight, best to get that going (hopefully) before many show up.  Would hate to wander off in the morning and get jumped by a group that showed up at first light.

20:32, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 51 using 1d100. Banked Roll.

If the roll is an unadjusted Influence, then it's a quite solid roll vs. my 53 skill.  If there's any penalty on the roll then it's a failure.  Or if it's some other social skill.

Sallantus isn't going to be that useful an investigator, so he limits himself to keeping a keen, wary eye open while he paces around the Foamfollower, making himself busy, checking out the boat and the crew.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 54):


The Foamfollower's Crew (all from Morkesh, except where noted)

Zenduf - The ship's captain and helmsman, a grizzled seaman, perhaps 40 years or more of age

Joresh - First mate, and trusted to look out for Safra. Small and wiry with nut brown weathered skin and a lined face. Looks tough though.

Senduk - the ship's doctor but quite willing and able to pitch in to the sailing work. He's a man from The Sultanate of Perlak in Djesmirket.

Kallish, Midrim, Valosh, Vashtar and Horsum, the sailors, the core of the crew. Varying in age between early 20's and mid 30's. Vashtar and Horsum are both Taskan citizens, which is not unusual among Morkeshites, as their land is a client kingdom of the Raskan Empire.

Zebos, the ship's cook and storekeeper. He's panfully thin - just the way he is, so he says - because he's smart enough not to touch his own cooking, so say the rest of the crew.

Bessum and Zoshi, two deck hands. Bessum is a big dumb brute with little more than his musclepower to offer, Zoshi hardly more than a boy - he is 14.

The ship is 24m long and 7m wide, and can carry some 120 tons. Like most merchant ships, she has a broad, flattish bottom which helps her to settle in harbour, but she's not good for beaching and trails a little skiff in her wake which is used for landing if needed.

It has a rear deck where Zenduf usually sits at the steering oars on a raised seat.  This area is part covered by awnings, and it is decked out with all manner of little religious images, symbols and charms placed there by the crew. However it is not, like a Koprantine ship, consecrated as a temple or shrine.

The main deck has a hatch down to the hold and to the crew quarters. There is a cabin for the ship's owner (currently Safra), another area reserved to the officers (Zenduf, Joresh and Senduk). The other crew and any passengers are expected to doss down in the hold or on deck such as suits them.

Sanjar's brows raise and, in contrast perhaps to the expected reaction of being told that men are coming to kill him, he smiles.  It is a sly look, his eyes lighting up as he takes a puff from his pipe.  The dark smoke comes out over his lips accompanied by a dark chuckle as he looks down into the embers while he gathers his thoughts.  When he speaks, first his attention turns back towards Safra.  Korantine "While Kortano and Valsus are obvious people of interest to us in this endeavor, we are not at this point 'certain' that they are genuine or legitimate targets of vengeance.  As it so happens however 'someone' appears to be taking an interest in your affairs.  And ending them, no mistake.  If anyone could tell us definitively who was taking such an interest, and so allow us to proceed with more information and circumspection, such agents as Rhaskos describes would be an obvious choice.  Of course... first we would have to not only not be killed, yet subdue some of them for questioning.  Yet the information gained could be of great use.  For at current we conspire and plot to assault the house of Valsus... who could very well be an innocent man.  I find it unlikely it is so, yet I do not 'know' that he deserves vengeance to be paid upon him.  These men Rhaskos says are coming... 'they' should know at the very least who hired them, and that is much more than we know now.  Their employer, whomever they may be, gives tell to their definate involvement in this whole affair simply by the act of hiring blades.  A definate route of inquiry then could be opened up to us."

He says this watching her reaction to his suggestion, to not only wait on the arrival of their would-be assassins, yet... to plan to engage them with force.  Then he turns to gauge the reaction of the others to his suggestion.  When he speaks it is to Kordan Mardahar. Korantine "A risky endeavor.  Yet if, as you seek to do, Captain Mardahar, we can be forewarned and... engage them on our own terms instead of theirs... perhaps even hiring some additional men for the engagement... we could come away well advantaged.  It is always best to appear to be weak to an enemy.  Unless you 'are' weak of course.  Mmm.  We could very believably continue to make a bother of ourselves digging about town, concealing our preparations for this engagement as more of the same, and strike an enemy who believes us unaware by surprise.  If our act is good enough, and our intelligence strong enough.  Of course, there is the danger that our act could prove genuine rather than pretence if... things do not go our way.  I believe however that the risk is less than continuing forward uninformed and therefore consider it acceptable.  Do you disagree?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Sun 15 July 2012.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 56):

"See? I like this one, he be the crafty, sneaky type.

I be game for running this out and seeing what comes of it. Should things pan out poorly, well, those of us that be still alive can always set sail for Solisand a but earlier than expected."

Turning and grinning at Tanek, Kordan continues, "You up for busting some heads? We only need to keep one alive."

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 57):

Very cunning guys. I like it a lot.

Rhaskos' player has been moving home last couple of days - and I need to know if Tanek is still around. I think we've lost Iskander and Nikolos.

Formulate your plan...let's see if you need any additional muscle to back it up.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 57):

A smile lights up Taneks face, "Busting heads?  I'm always game for that."

But then he frowns and sinks into thought for a few moments.
"It occurs to me that if Rhaskos came across three men, and they indicated violence towards at least two of us, that we may be severely outnumbered.  Nobody who wants to live long agrees to an evenly matched straight up fight.  So any attack would be most likely to either occur at some time when we are poorly suited to defend, or else include an strong advantage in number of men."

"I think we should anticipate around eight or ten men. So we may want to obtain a few more for short term employ."

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 59):

"Who knows?  Maybe the kids be turning up valuable intel and we be ambushing the ambushers!"

"The question is, how are we going to take the initiative? We don't know who these men are or who their target is. And if Kordan's urchin's turn something up, what will be our plan?"

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 61):

If Tanek wins the day with suggestion that you have need of additional hands - then perhaps Safra can arrange some muscle from among the ship's crew.

However - GM note - let's try not to overload the complexity of the plan/number of NPCs involved, and bear in mind the PCs are the ones hired to put blood on the line. The ship's crew should, unless out of personal devotion, be kept to a secondary or less dangerous role if used.

At present, kordan last night beetled off to ask his urchin friends to look out for some surly Thennalts from the country coming into town (please correct this brief if wrong or is there anything else - e.g. Sanjar asked about Valsus' household staff, but nobody has done anything about discovering information on that score).

It is now the day following Rhaskos' disquieting conversation with the Thennalts at Salti Mari's.

There are really two plans of action here (alongside the third way of DO NOTHING) -

One is to pack up bags hurredly and quit town on the mission. The ship is so close to be prepped for sail there's no real downside to this that can't be mitigated by a bit of urgent last minute arrangements. The wind may not be ideal as yet, and that means that the sailing time may be rather longer than otherwise. There are no storms brewing, weather is fine aside from an occasional light shower which provides relief from a the warmth of the Brotomagian spring.

The other is to stay in town and devise - as suggested - some means to counter the presumed arrival of some hired thugs/killers/assassins...unless you tell me otherwise, I'll allow a long stop of 48 hours of REAL TIME to let me know what those plans are - otherwise I will simply present you with the situation and you can work your way out of it on the fly!

[OOC:]

Having the street children scout is a good first step.  I imagine that they are much more aware of things in Thyrta at a certain level of things than many others.  However, they are hardly infallible agents...

A shame we have no dedicated 'Rogue' type of person.  Mmm.  Sanjar can do little that I wouldn't think would, in short order, make it back to Kortano/Valsus as rumor.  But that isn't necessarily such a bad thing, if taken into consideration.

I have question!  The city Governor, what is there to know about him?  And his relationship, if knowable at least on the public face, with Kortano?  I am curious if he is a man of the same faction of the governor or... as I might suspect such a singularly grand grandee and man of coin to be... perhaps a man of his own ambitions, and thus of his own faction.

If so we might gain a powerful local ally simply by bringing our case before the Governor, who would gladly use us against Kortano.  And in such a case I would be quite willing to be used in order to achieve ends I already want.

If however he is close to the governor... it would raise the estimation of our mutual threat in my eyes.  Mmm.  Either way I would like to know what there is to know.

What sort of man is the governor?  A noble of Bossipa I imagine?

As for gathering information, I imagine... given the position we find ourelves in, we are ... not exactly anonymous figures.  Hiring a suitable agent for more skillfully gaining information may prove difficult with us already having the eyes of at least some of the local powers that be on us.  Mmm.

Perhaps a streetwise roll, after digging about a bit, could lend a suggestion for an approach on this venue?  Sanjar, while not 'unskilled' in this area... is not perhaps the best man for the job having a mere 30%.  Perhaps he could assist someone else as the primary information scrounger and/or agent seeker?

How many of the street kids are there?  And what is being offered as a bribe to them for this job?  How do they seem to organize themselves?  Are they 'the' street kid gang of Thyrta, or one among many?

Is there a Korantine God of Theivery/Sneaky Stuff?  Would, perhaps, someone who desired something on the shady side of things be able to make contact via such a temple/religious affiliation?

If we are to masquerade as unaware, in order to lure the enemy into the trap we devise, we need other people being our eyes and ears really.  Which, us digging about for information and/or an agent... isn't out of sorts with the role we already are playing.  But we need to make sure we find a decent one, and have a genuine deal with a guy who isn't already in someone else's pocket.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?

[/OOC]

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 63):

On the governor:
He's a career politician from Borissa, - this much Kordan and Sallantus can tell you. He is probably here because he made soem sort of political faut pas in the mother city.

You have already heard that Kortano's most predictable movements are between the Sabatean temple and the governor's offices on the opposite side of the main square

Kortano is probably the most important and influential person in Thyrta after the governor, but probably competes for influence on the governor himself with the governor's wife.

Bringing a petition or problm before the governor would be 'normal' behaviour, and you would expect to be seen - it's a question of how long uit takes to get ther audience - such things depend on the workload and the character of the governor.

Street kids
Assume a gaggle of half a dozen. They are not the only gang of urchins in the city, but you have these ones onside thanks to Kordan's gestures and kindness. There are not dozens of gangs - it's not a big enough town for that.

Frankly, a couple of silver pieces is sufficient to secure the good will and service of such feral children. 1SP will keep one small boy fed for several days, and they live a literally hand to mouth existence.


I'm presuming other questions are for your colleagues.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 63):

"Methinks we be having the kids watch the entrances to town.  Any Thennault show up, follow them if able and report back to us."

Sanjar pinches his lips together and shrugs his shoulders.  "I would not be quite so specific.  The Thennault our friend spoke to made quite a point of saying that those coming were 'not like us'.  And so while he did not say they would not be fellow Thennaults... he did not say they would be, to my recollection?  All things considered I would rather not so focus our attentions when he could have been aware of something else entirely?  Or are you privy to something seperate from me?"

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 66):

"I be having no other knowledge than you. I just figured "not like us" still meant Thennault, just not the kind that would try to talk reason into you first. I could be totally wrong."

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 67):

"Aye, I figured the same. 'Not like us', I took to mean fellow Thennault, but unlikely to offer a quiet warning."

"Regardless, we have no advantage here. The Thennault, if that is what is coming, know their job and what they plan to do. We are sitting and waiting. And if we act - if we strike first - we risk committing bloody murder by ambush in the sight of several dozen witnesses. And if that's not what we're talking about, well, I'm not trading my life for a clean conscience..."

[OOC: Do we (or any of our extended party) know anyone in the city guard? With the influence to, at the very least, inhibit a gang of rough-looking Thennault coming into town? Confiscating weapons? Searching their belongings? Reporting on their movements? Also, I'm guessing murder by ambush is a pretty nasty crime here?]

"If we are to stay in the city, I suggest that we ensure that we can be aboard the ship and setting sail at a moment's notice."

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 68):

"Well, if'n we be staying in the city there be a clear risk to us for doing so.  I be askin then, is what's to be gained by staying of sufficient value to be worth the risk?

I'm game either way, but if we don't be gaining information of significant value for our lady, then we may be allowing her into a situation of risk for no benefit."

Kordan rubs his hand through his hair thoughtfully.

"So we have knowledge of Kortano's movements, as well as some interest in Valsus' affairs and the contents his warehouse.  Do we want to break into Valsus' warehouse and look around? Chance to learn information balanced with chance to just be burglars.  Do we speak with him?  What do we be asking?"

   Rhaskos scratched his head after a prolonged period of silence- not unusual for the little hunter.

   _{"Could be I could sneak in."} he said, quietly.

   Louder, he continued, "City is not like forest, but still, I step softly when hunting.  Could be the same soft step will help us find what ever we need."

   _{"And I can read.  Long as I know what I'm looking for, I could find it."}

   Mulling it over a bit, he added, _{"What happens if I get caught?  What is my story?"} Rhaskos almost whispered.

   Then, again, in a louder voice, he said, "Oh.  And I'm also up for, uh, how do you say, uh: Bussin some heads."

   The young Barbarian grinned, hoping he had used the phrase correctly.

In reply to Rhaskos (msg # 70):

"Hrm, well getting caught is a problem, so I'd say be extra super cautious.  Tanek and I can ensure a safe retreat, but neither of us are sneaky enough to go inside with you."

Glancing to Sanjar, Kordan continues, "What do you think?  Is the risk of Rhaskos' capture worth the possible information from breaking into Valsus' warehouse?  I think it might be, if we can minimize the risk to as small as possible."

Kordan turns back to the group, "I would propose, if the terrain permits, an archer providing overhead support.  Tanek either just outside the warehouse, just inside the warehouse, or providing cover from another position - again terrain permitting.  Rhaskos goes in and looks around, with utmost care.  Retreating should security be anything greater than what one might expect from a normal warehouse.

Should security be incredibly high, we've at least learned there's SOMETHING there that's unusual.

Thoughts?"

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 71):

Tanek nods and gestrues at Kordan, "Well, when you put it that way, what is to be gained by staying?"

"The way I see it, what we still have to accomplish from our prior goals is, #1, get Sanfra a meeting with Kortano, and #2, to obtain more information about Valsus."

He then spits on the floor and curses the slave Elkanos.  "That bastard still hasn't notified us of when Kortano will be available so I don't think he's going to now.  That means our only option there would be to try to intercept Kortano in the marketplace.  If we're under threat of possible ambush, I don't think we can really risk taking Sanfra to such an indefensible location.  Does anyone disagree?"

"As far as Valsus goes.  What do we hope to learn by accessing his warehouse?  We already know he trades in Jekkarene wares, so seeing any there won't be untoward.  Sure, I'd like to know what's inside, but can anyone descibe what we might find that would be clear indication of his being an accomplice to Haliskome?"

He then leans back and shrugs.

"Without positive answers to both of those questions, and the impending threat we know we will be facing, I can't say as I can recommend against boarding the Foamfollower and departing early."

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 68):

Re CITY GUARD

The nearest thing to a constabulary are the state-owned slaves, about 30 of them altogether, who carry a club and are empowered to keep order to the extent of intervening in violent affrays, robberies and the like. They might also enforce trade and market regulations, by being on hand to force a merchant, trader or new arrival to the city to open up their goods for inspection and tax assessment.

They answer to Aparinaon, who as an Acolyte of the Korantine deity Kos is charged with law and order enforcement. So if Aparinaon arrests someone, he'll bring a couple of the clubmen along with him.

Aparinaon is based in a temple/shrine/office adjoining that of of the ruler god Anayo, where the governor Rikalos hangs out. Just across the square from Kortano and the Borissan Syndics.

Note that for civil defence Thyrta, like all Korantine city-states, relies on 'Patriotic Bands' of volunteers, supplemented by a levy of the adult male population if there's a real war on. The mercenary company you encountered when Safra was hiring - under Ivanthus - is actually a 'patriotic band' from another city and this is not uncommon.

Coming and going via the gates is so infrequent outside of citizen traffic to and from the fields around the town that the constabulary does not need to mount formal gate guard duty. The gates are open during the day, closed at night. If someone approaches the city with goods for sale, they will probably only attract officials and constables to intercept them at the gate if carrying bulk. In any event it's not permitted to trade unless they have obtained permission, dealt with duties, paid market fees etc, and someone will catch up with you at some stage unless you manage to keep it all clandestine.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 73):

CLOCK IS TICKING...

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 74):

TIME UP, ROLL THE DICE

ROLL STREETWISE
ROLL PERCEPTION
ROLL INITIATIVE (if perception failed this is -10)

When I have these rolls I will 'place' you and give you a situation description

Default position:

Unless otherwise specified, Safra, Tanek and Sanjar are in the Floundering Turtle in one of the private areas inside (map coming shortly)

Rhaskos, Sallantus and Kordan are at the same location, in or around the communal area and courtyard where the drop-in punters come to eat and drink and some of the regulars hang out.

If I have not heard back from anyone overnight (next 24hrs), I will assume they are out on an errand or private business, and be late to the party.

All characters are presumed UNARMOURED/civilian clothes and armed only with a SIDEARM (dagger, shortsword, club, falchion, mace - any S or M size medium weapon) which requires an action to draw.

The exception to this is Tanek, who being in the business of showing he is a bodyguard has his armour on, but his shield will be propped up against a wall and will take time to retrieve and equip.

Rhaskos, given his armour is self made hunting leathers, can be presumed to be wearing his jerkin and bracers (1pnt chest, abdomen and arms)

So far as I know, Safra, Tanek and Sanjar are all covered by a Damage Resistance spell provided by Sanjar (Sanjar, please confirm your estimate of current magic point count).

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 75):


12:51, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 5 using 1d100. Streetwise (17).
12:51, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 46 using 1d100. Perception (28).
12:52, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 4 using 1d10-1. Initiative (+9-10).

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 76):

Streetwise - not trained
13:20, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 13 using 1d100. Perception (23).
13:23, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 18 using 1d10+10. Initiative.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 77):

It's early evening...

Kordan is sat in the corner of the courtyard, from where he cans see everything that's going on and who is hanging out at the Turtle tonight.

Tanek has been left with Safra in the lounge where she usually keeps herself apart from the regular punters. He's quite aware that every time the team splits as people go about their business it becomes a perfect time for an enemy to strike. Right now just him and the big Korantine sailor guy are on hand. So he expects trouble. But not now, not before its even properly dark...and yet. He clocks this is when the town is pretty quiet, because the day's work is done and people have retired for refreshment and a meal. The social round doesn't really start for another hour or so. Tanek stays close to Safra and keeps his shield close to hand.

See new group 0 map

...Kordan (Perception) sees two guys sitting together - one you might guess to be an archipelagan, perhaps someone you have attempted to engage in conversation before to try out the language -  but the other is clearly not - maybe local. Keeps a fold of his small cloak over his head, so you can't really get a good look at his face, and that, in current circumstances, could be deliberate. As he wonders about this, suddenly a third man strides through the archway from the garden and heads purposefully towards the veranda and into the house.

The first two and a third - probably a Thennalt but who has not really attracted your attention because he is sat talking to two regulars (an upperclass Korantine foreigner called Melosson of Thrigos and his Thennalt buddy Bazagar) instantly rise without any communication between them and follow, glancing around as they go.

Kordan immediately knows this is trouble.

Round 1

Tanek not yet alerted to the goings on. Unless he is somehow warned of the approaching threat, when it arrives he (and your employer) are going to be at an initiative disadvantage.

Kordan is unsurprised and free to act, however seated in the corner, it will cost him an action to rise

The leading suspect is, at the start of round 1, at the top of the steps into the house, the other three men are immediately behind him.

The Four NPCs are moving at a brisk, purposeful walk and will, by the end of the round, have reached the entrance to the atrium if they maintain their current trajectory. The lounge where Tanek and Safra are stationed is one round beyond that.

Kordan stands and draws his knife.

Then at the top of his lungs, in his most commanding Ship's Captain bellow, Kordan yells out, "TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-NNNNNEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!"

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 79):

At Kordan's shout, Tanek's adrenaline kicks in and he reacts by immediately going for his shield.  (1 action to retrieve, 1 to ready I assume?)

"Lady get behind me, we've got trouble!"

Tanek then moves to blockade the entrance to the lounge.


Is my short spear around?
How many entries are there to the lounge?

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 80):

There's only one entrance, off a landing on the stairs. I'm happy to rule you keep your spear propped up against a wall too, BUT if what you plan is to block the doorway from inside, which one man with a shield can do effectively, you will be at an automatic disadvantage on weapon reach as it's too long for the job in the confined space.

If you stay back in the room to gain space to use the spear's length and hope to skewer anyone walking in, you can do that, but an opposed Evade roll will put the intruder inside the room, and allow another to step into the doorway.

If you emerge from the lounge and seek to prevent someone coming up the stairs, the spear will be fine, and give you reach advantage against sidearms and the like. The stairs are not wide enough for someone to manoeuvre round an armed man unless they take you out or down on the way.

If you grab spear AND shield and take a position on the door or stairs that will be 2 rounds (4 CAs altogether), your initiative disadvantage will have been removed in response to Kordan's bellowing shout, and everyone in the inn now knows something is kicking off.

Can you all confirm you can see the map of the inn (upper floor not included, which is all private rooms and a dormitory).

Kordan - I need a little more on action - I'm taking from your statement that you are standing, shouting, drawing knife - but not moving to intercept/chasing. The shout does not cost an action - you can move with the drawing knife action if you want to.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 81):

[ OOC: Confirming that I can see the map of the inn. ]

I'm going to move after them, but cautiously.  I'm massively disadvantaged currently due to the 4:1 outnumbering, lack of armor, lesser weapon skill (brawl vs spear), and lack of shield.

If all 4 continue, I'll be happy to launch a rear attack.

If 1 engages against me, I'll be happy to take him on.

If 2 engage against me, I'm going to be fighting very cautiously and attempting to disengage and draw away until it's only one on one.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 82):

Tanek follows up on Kordan's warning by grabbing and readying his spear, and then assumes a defensive posture at the top of the stairs.

He looks over his shoulder to Safra and says, "The captain's warning may be the only reason we get out of here alive.  If we do."

Yep, that's a very nice looking map that looks like it should be able to answer any question I might have.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Tue 24 July 2012.

[OOC: I can see the map as well.  My apologies, I've been rather busy of late.  Am I too late to get myself killed?  ;P

00:42, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 10 using 1d10+5. Initiative: 15, -10 Penalty.
00:42, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 67 using 1d100. Perception: 30.
00:41, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 17 using 1d100. Streetwise: 30.

Regarding magic, Sanjar would want to maintain his wards on Safra, Tanek, and himself... unless something out of the ordinary were planned, yes.

/OOC]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:52, Wed 25 July 2012.

   Rhaskos saw the situation developing and slid his hands into his city-bought knuckledusters.

   They were not the spear Rhaskos would have preferred, but the chance to catch a taller opponent with an uppercut and knock him out cold...held its own appeal.

   _{"Time to fight,"} the small hunter said to no one imparticular.

OOC:  sorry for the delay.  I should be able to post once every 24 hours moving forward, with the possible exception of weekends.

Rolls:

00:05, Today: Rhaskos rolled 20 using 1d10+14. Initiative.
00:04, Today: Rhaskos rolled 17 using 1d20. Perception (61).<-- Maybe we can change the default roller to d100?
00:13, Today: Rhaskos rolled 45 using 1d100. Perception (61).

No Streetwise skill.

In reply to Sanjar Zand and to Rhaskos (msg # 84 and 85):

Sanjar and Rhaskos - a D4+1 please both of you. This is your delay time from the point at which Khordan shouts [screams] his warning - when I have that result I will place you. It will include getting to the scene, although that may be sprinting, depending on where you are.

OOC:  11:30, Today: Rhaskos rolled 5 using 1d4+1. Rhaskos' idling time.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 83):

Round 1

Kordan stands, screams at the top of his voice and reaches for a dagger - making tentatively towards the four men as they head into the house. They all start at the scream - glance at each other - and the first guy nods at one of them - the local boy (Cardrerus, I supply his name for ease of recognition in the combat, this is not of course character knowledge). As the others hurry off, this one turns at the top of the steps reveals he has a shortsword in one hand as he spins, looks intently at Kordan...'don't be silly now....' he says grimly.

Round 2 - map amended

Kordan sees that one man is left to stop him and determines to try and intervene. He can close the short distance between him and Cardrerus without spending an action - or go slowly, Cardrerus letting him come on (delay) - and letting a CA pass on both sides as Kordan has initiative (18 vs 12) and will act first. Either way - make your attack roll unless you declare a different action. I'm asking whether this is a 1 CA or 2 CA of combat round for these two.

The other three men have made for the stairs, and appear at the foot at the very moment that Tanek is emerging from the lounge, cautioning Safra to keep behind him as he goes. Tanek's appearance stops them in their tracks. The man in front, with lank black hair, parted in the middle, and narrow eyes (Orinastron is his name, for ease of reference) clearly intends to close with Tanek and, you presume get round or under his spear, and he has initiative (18 vs 14). He's carrying a broad-bladed dagger. This will happen at the beginning of round 3. Tanek can choose to either evade and keep him at a distance or attack him on his way in.

The two guys behind (Tessenber, Hebdomar) can't contribute - the stairs are too narrow.

Sallantus has emerged from the garden Privy at the end of round 1, having heard the awful scream from Kordan. In the course of this round he is moving to the courtyard entrance, wondering what, by Veltis, is going on. His view is partly obscured by the patrons launching themselves out of their seats, heading for the exits etc. Exept for the Korantine aristocrat and his Thennalt friend who seem to remain rooted to their seats.  Sallantius is powerless to act as he realises his hulking friend Kordan is holding a dagger making for a fellow in a short tunic and fighting cloak weilding a shortsword.  He's just a witness this round.

Rhaskos is 100m (or so) down the street when he hears a shout. He can't actually make it out, but he knows its from the Turtle, and he knows it sounds like trouble, because he's a hunter, and he's sensitive to distress calls. He hurries his step towards the turtle, it will make no difference to his timing which entrance he is going to arrive at -  so choose which one you are going for.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:55, Wed 25 July 2012.

[OOC:

19:09, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 3 using 1d4+1. How far away 'am' I?

/OOC]

As Cardrerus is being so kind as to allow me to dictate terms, and I have initiative, Kordan will allow it to drop to a 1 CA combat round and launch his attack.

19:58, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 10 using 1d100. Brawl w/ knife (42).
20:02, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 2 using 1d20. Hit location, if attack is successful.
20:04, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 3,4 using d3+1,d4. Brawl knife damage, if successeful.

Using brute force in a rather predictable manner, Kordan launches rather obvious, but strong, probing attack to Cardrerus' right leg.

Should it happen to make it through Cardrerus' defenses, I will inflict 7 damage and choose bleed for my combat manoeuvre.

[ OOC - took a few minutes to figure out how to roll two separate dice. ]

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 88):

[ OOC - I applaud your excellent map skills.  Your map is both detailed and clutter free, which is impressive in itself.  The highlighting for the good/bad guys and directionality conveys all the information I could ask for in an easy-to-read-at-a-glance manner.

Kudos. ]

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 88):

At the beginning of round 3, Tanek will attempt to stab Orinastron as he closes.

20:46, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 13 using 1d100. Spear attack (72).

If a CM is gained, Tanek will select Bash to knock Orinastron back into his allies and hopefully prone.

20:54, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 13,8,1 using 1d20,1d8,1d2. Spear hit location and damage.

On a hit it will be 9 damage to right arm, and 2m knockback from Bash.

[OOC] Am precalling CM, hit location, and damage to save back and forth posting time, rather than following the strict combat order.

Tanek will then have 2 actions remaining.

[OOC:

I also very much like the map!

/OOC]

OOC: Being the sneaky sort, Rhaskos will attempt to enter via a backdoor, sneakily if possible, and attempt to catch someone unawares from behind.

Is it possible for Sallantus to cover the ground to the man that Kordan is fighting in round two? It looks a short distance, but the path might be crowded. If it is, Sallantus will show push people out of his way with little care.

Does Sallantus have his battle axe on him? His shield? I'd guess that he might, given that the party has been waiting for an attack, but if not he pulls his knife and advances.

Also, can Sallantus see the two guys in the atrium (and recognise them as bad guys)? Regardless, the task, as he sees it, is to help his friend Kordan, and if doing so isolates one of the bad guys, all the better.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 89):

SANJAR

Is upstairs after a spot of deep sorcerous thinking is interrupted by the alarm call, furiously tieing his breech clout back on and throwing at least a shirt over his head as an Assabian should before being seen anywhere, especially if ladies present. Assunming Sanjar is marching to the sound of the guns, he will find himself at the turn of the stairs behind Tanek at the close of round 3, with one item that could be of use in hand (unless you delay longer)

SALLANTUS
By the end of round two Sallantus is in a position to move through the courtyard and join Kordan in his fight - let's see what happens there. He has drawn his dagger. Sallantus' first action in round three will (I presume) be a Move action, to reach where kordan and Cardereus are/were - however he could declare a charge.

Sallantus cannot see past the pillars and partitions into the atrium from outside with everything else that is going on and the move from outdoor light to indoor gloom.

RHASKOS
Rounds 2-4
Rhaskos sprints for the Turtle, but on drawing near he realises the side door to the Atrium is usually locked and the route via the kitchen will deposit him into the courtyard rather than the house, and so makes for the main entrance. en route he passes/bumps Malthus the innkeeper (whom he recognises), looking terrified and clearly heading for the street. At the hall he breaks into stealth mode, and will thus try and emerge quietly from there into the atrium at the start of round 5 - at which point I don't know where people will be - but that's the direction unless you decide you want to go another way.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 96):

Round 2

Kordan steadily advances on the man acting as rearguard and wielding a shortsword. Cardrerus has close cropped hair, a short tunic, and a small cloak or mantle over his shoulders. He's tough looking, wiry. kordan sees this fellow fluff a cantrip as he closes, and makes a lunge, in which the knife in his hand is just the pointy end of kordan's massive frame. But Cardrerus deftly deflects the attack with his shortsword, no damage is done, no advantage gained on either side.

"Good effort, big man" The voice is steady (Korantine for sure - but not a local accent) clearly trying to disconcert Kordan...but the sailor may at least feel a sense of relief that his opponent seems no quicker than he...and is a lot smaller. And Kordan retains initiative

Round 3

Kordan and Cardrerus are still in combat. Kordan has initiative. He may or may not sense his friend Sallantus is now on his way to pile in at his side - hardly better armed than Kordan though. Intent please


Cycle 1 - Tanek is a bit ahead of the game here - will attempt to get everyone in sync by close of this round.

Tanek holds the stairs - as soon as the lead attacker sees him there he dashes upwards, attempting to get past the spear. But Tanek has him in his sights, delivers a spear-thrust of which his old drill master would have been proud, that rips down the lungeing foe's arm from shoulder to elbow as Tanek levers the spear to hurl him back down the stairs again. His assailant is thrown backwards, yelps with the pain, and lands amongst his friends. Orinastron is down but not out, he manages to catch his fall, and is staggered, but upright.

At this point, Tanek is still on the landing, spear at the ready. Intent for rest of round, please.

-------

Oh - and glad you like the map! no need to update for round 3 as yet, you know where you are.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 97):

---

Kordan and Cardrerus are still in combat. Kordan has initiative. He may or may not sense his friend Sallantus is now on his way to pile in at his side - hardly better armed than Kordan though. Intent please

---

Intention is to attack again, a successful combat manouevre will be a bleed.  Will attempt to parry any strike directed my way, in the event of a successful parry vs. unsuccessful attack I will opt not to spend the combat action and instead attack again.

Brawl skill: 42
Damage: d3+1 (Brawl w/ small weapon) + d4 (damage bonus)

I'm okay with you rolling on my behalf if it's expedient to do so.  I'm on the computer pretty frequently so should see any rolls that are outstanding, but just in case.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 97):

Tanek will engage anyone who attempts to close.  If nobody attempts to close Tanek will choose pre-emptive Parry as his action.

Sallantus charges, andd attempts to drive his knife into the bad guy's head (presuming that the bad guy's attention is elsewhere, so he can afford to spend all his CAs in this way).

[11:35, Today: Sallantus rolled 12(!) using 1d10+11. Sallantus' Initiative.]

[11:37, Today: Sallantus rolled 54 using 1d100. Sallantus' Attack. A success]
Combat Manoeuvre - Choose Location, Head
[11:39, Today: Sallantus rolled 5,3 using 1d6,1d4. Sallantus' Damage.]

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 100):
OK, everyone is now in the same cycle of the same round...

Round 3 - 1st Cycle (Kordan and Cardrerus)
Kordan makes a determined lunge. Cardrerus once more attempts to bat it aside with his short, leaf-shaped sword, but the big man's momentum sees him through and he delivers a deep slash across the abdomen, enough to tear through skin and muscle. Cardrerus looks momentarily stunned - that's a lot of damage for a little knife...and while the great gout of blood Kordan went for doesn't materialise (opposed Resilience vs attack roll negates Bleed), Cardrerus looks Kordan in the eye with an expression of shock and anger. "You bastard, you've killed me"...before collapsing against the pillar he was about to try and weave around. His shortsword clatters onto the steps.


Kordan probably hasn't killed before - as he shudders at what has just happened, he's brought to his senses by the sound of Sallantus screaming towards the collapsing assassin, knocking aside stools and benches on the way, his dagger held high about to smash it down into Cardrerus' head....

2nd Cycle
SANJAR appears at the stairs above where Tanek has drawn first blood of the campaign (well, Tanek and Kordan can argue over that one) - he is not ready to act this round, however if there's a spell you want to prep you can (so if a 2CA spell you can cast it on your first CA). his way is blocked by Tanek guarding the stairway from the landing outside the lounge.

SALLANTUS - is about to bury his dagger in Cardrerus' head (I'll take the 5+3 damage to 4+3, as it should be 1D4+1+D4). As a charge action, I'd say he needs to make a Persistence test to prevent himself from doing so, it's a matter of only one or two seconds from kordan's knife to the target's guts. The Charge expends Sallantus' CAs this round either way.

KORDAN - still has an action.

TANEK - you have actions in hand - two of those at the bottom of the stairs, including Orinastron whom you have grievously wounded but is not down, appear to be delaying or recovering themsleves, but one of them is practically growling with rage and bounds for the stairs with a blood curdling yell. He has a shining dagger in each hand and a wild look in his eye.

Hebdomar (definitely not from round here) will be trying to get past the end of your spear and close just as Orinastron did, requiring an opposed Evade or once again an attack on his way in. NB it's not an automatic CM situation - you need to beat his level of success with the closing Evade roll to also throw him backwards with a 'Bash' for example.

TANEK NB - In my game, the bonus CA from a shield must be used with the shield.

[GM NOTE...how jolly - forgotten how much I like a good RPG fight]

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 101):

[14:39, Today: Sallantus rolled 54 using 1d100. Sallantus' Persistence (40).]

Sallantus, adrenalin pumping, appears to be too fired up to restrain himself as Cardrerus slumps to the floor.

[OOC: hopefully, hacking into a dead man's head will be an act of sufficient savagery to make Cadrerus' companions hesitate, at least.]

[Also, the knife Sallantus is using is just 1d3+1 - it's just a nasty sailor's knife, not a dagger - I read the 'Bow' line for damage from my character sheet, which is pretty silly as I thought, at the time, 'hey, these Borissan knives do a lot of damage!']
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Fri 27 July 2012.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 101):

If Hebdomar is willing to be so obliging as to close, Tanek feels he can only be so kind as to return the favor with his spear and stab him in the gut.

06:32, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 69 using 1d100. Spear attack (72).

Oh that's a good roll :)
We'll go with a Trip if a CM is gained.

6:39, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 7,4,1 using 1d20,1d8,1d2. Spear hit location and damage.
5 damage to the abdomen.

1 Action left, usable with shield only.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 103):

Round 3 Cycle 2 continued

TANEK - This wild man rushes Tanek on the stairs, who manages to push his spearhead through the side of his torso, causing an ugly wound - and at the same time sending him sprawling forward. Hebdomar is, for the moment at least, prone. He is, however, inside Tanek's spear reach and there's no height to turn the spear up for a downward thrust...

SALLANTUS Sallantus's blow to Cardrerus' head accelerates the man's slide down the pillar and smacks him onto the floor with a deep gash on his shorn head that goes to the bone. Sallantus may well have been in such a situation before - whether in a real battle or a tavern brawl...who knows?

KORDAN - his 2nd action awaited


Round 3 Cycle 3NPC actions done - so just Tanek to act, if he feels like a shield bash (use Brawl +20%) on the prone Hebdomar. (Note that Hebdomar may be able to attack or parry if he has a CA left - would of course be at -20% just as you are at +20%. You are on equal initiative, but I will penalise his, for obvious reasons, so you go first).

Round 4I will revise the map with positions for round 4, hope to do this tonight UK time.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 104):

Tanek will spend his last action as a declared shield parry.

As a clarification, I was user the impression shield attacks were made with the same combat style used for parrying with them, rather than being part of brawl/unarmed. Was this altered in AoT and I didn't notice?

Kordan moves towards the stairs and the rest of the engagement.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 105):
Oops, I rolled 1d8+1d2 for both those damage rolls rather than 1d8+1+1d2.
I'll fix that going forward.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 106):

Sallantus tries to keep close to Kordan, shutting down the possibility of either of them being isolated.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 107):

TANEK
Shield parry then please. This fellow is 'highly aggressive', and lashed out even from his undignified position at your feet. His Hit Loc if parry fails will be D10.

GM Note...Yes I think the proper rule is you can use your "x and shield" skill for shield attack. I was getting carried away. A brawl attack just feels right in the circumstances (and you could use that skill too).

When Tanek's parry is resolved we are good to move on to round 4.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 109):

15:57, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 39 using 1d100. Shield block (72).

I noticed a rather high roll for Hebdomar's attack.  If that's a miss and my success gains a CM, I'll select change range and get back to a more advantageous position for my spear.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Fri 27 July 2012.

[OOC:  I am not exactly clear where I am here.  Is that behind Tanek, and thus he is between the majority of the fight and Sanjar?  Or am I instead seperated from Tanek/Safra and the enemy is between me and them? /OOC]

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 108):

I'll put you on the map - but you are higher up the stairs behind Tanek. other than joining the fight you know you can make a decisive intervention by applying one or more further damage resistance spells - but at this point Tanek is between you and the fight where you can help.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 110):

Yes it was a rather high roll. But it was a hit....no CM gained either side

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 113):

Round 4.

You are all placed on the map - statements of intent, please.

RHASKOS is spending this round sneaking up on the bad guys, he'll be inside the Atrium by the time he's done - Stealth Roll please

TANEK cannot currently use his spear to attack as the prone target is inside his reach, but maintains +20% advantage in his attacks with whatever he does use until the fellow gets up.

SANJAR can see the bad guys, but only has line of sight to Tanek, so far as comrades are concerned. Tanek is very much in his way.

KORDAN declared a 'move' action for his second CA in Round 3 - this brings him into the Atrium, and straight into Tessenber, a Thennalt in a leather girdle weilding a small sword. Behind Tessenber is Orinastron, who has taken an ugly wound to his arm but is on his feet and not out of the fight. You can practically smell the ozone off a bunch of 'common' magic that's been fired off.

SALLANTUS has just brained Cardrerus, and is a few paces behind Kordan and presumed to be continuing to move forward - but Kordan will somehow need to get out of the way to let Sallantus through to back him up.

Kordan's intent:

Growl "Surrender or die!"

Slight rotation clockwise to clear Sallantus' line-of-attack, then launch my own attack at Tessenber.

A manouver, if earned, will be to bash if I can knock him into his ally, of knockdown if that's not feasible. If two, bash and knockdown.

Parry any incoming attack, if attack was a miss, conserve combat action to either make another attack myself, or to parry another attack should I be double teamed.

   With no grass, twigs, or animals to startle, the silence of the approach was remarkably easy.

OOC: critical!

17:19, Today: Rhaskos rolled 3 using 1d100. Stealth (51).

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 113):

Tanek plans to hammer Hebdomar in the abdomen with his shield, hopefully knocking him out.  If so he'll advance down the stairs and engage.  Any enemies who attempt to close will be greeted by a spear.

Sallantus moves alongside his big friend (that one CA?). He will be wary of spending his remaining CAs, but will certainly stab at Tessenber, overwhelming him in combination with Kordan, if Orinastron hangs back.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 118):

Sallantus can pick up cardrerus' dropped shortsword and move for 1 CA, or move and put in an attack with his knife, assuming he can slip past Kordan.

Kordan - Orinastron is moving from behind Tessenber, slipping between pillar and pool to Kordan's left flank. Bearing in mind he is unarmoured and equipped only with a knife (and a jolly good damage bonus), let me know if this changes your statement. Kordan and Orinastron are on the same Initiative.

Tanek - you can roll your attack.

Kordan was planning on moving to his left in any case to clear the path for Sallantus.  As Orinastron is attempting to flank, I will re-declare my attack against him, leaving Sallantus a clear path to engage Tessenber, should that be his intent.

Intent
Attack vs. Orinastron
CM, if gained, will be choose location: Head.
Parry any attack that comes my way.  I will opt to conserve my CA should I succeed on my parry and my opponent misses his attack roll.  Conserved CA will be used to parry an additional attack if I am double teamed, or to attack again.  Same target if he's still up, Tessenber if Orinastron is down.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 119):

14:35, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 47 using 1d100. Shield attack (72+20).
14:36, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 3,1 using 1d4,1d2. Shield damage.
14:41, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 18 using 1d20. Hit loc if needed.

If Hebdomar doesn't avoid that somehow, the CM selected will be choose location so that will be 4 damage to the abdomen.  If he gets in a parry, it won't reduce the damage any, but it'll save the CM, so would be 4 to the left arm.

Attack vs Orinastrom
20:00, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 26 using 1d100. Brawl w/Knife (42).

If unparried.
20:00, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 19 using 1d20. Hit location.
20:01, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 2,4 using D3+1,d4. Damage.
Will be 6 damage to the head.
[ OOC - I suppose I shouldn't have rolled hit location if I was choosing location: head, but oh well. ]

Pre-rolled parry for if/when I'm attacked.
20:02, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 29 using 1d100. Buffered Parry (42).

Sallantus thinks for a moment before scooping up the sword, wondering if it might have been better to race alongside his friend and prevent him being outnumbered.

[OOC: Last time out Sallantus rolled very low for initiative. Are those rolls still in effect? Regardless, having spent 1 CA, it is likely he'll be reacting next.]

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 123):

Round 4 Cycle 1

18: KORDAN strikes at Orinastron, forcing him to parry a knife blow to the head (which he does) - Orinastron makes a weak slash at Kordan with his dagger, wielded with a blooded arm, and misses wildly

17: Tessenber takes advantage of KORDAN's attack on Orinastron, and makes a good stab at him with his shortsword. Kordan reacts fast and gets his knife arm in the way, but the knife isn't up to the parry - it takes some of the blow but Tessenber's blade skids on to rip open Kordan's (right)forerarm for 4 damage. But Kordan's a big man, and while it's painful, it won't stop him. It's enough for Tessenber right now - he turns to his left to take on Sallantus.

14: TANEK - Hebdomar in a wild fury is getting up onto his feet, only to be met by a sharp downward blow from Tanek's shield. He doesn't even attempt a parry or evade - intent, it seems, only on doing murder to Tanek. But with his abdomen already wounded, he is thumped back down and appears to have slipped out of consciousness as the wind is knocked out of him. Tanek's way is clear to advance down the stairs - other than the obstacle posed by a collapsed opponent in front of him.

12: SALLANTUS takes up the shortsword dropped by Cardereus as he fell, and hurries on to stand by his friend Kordan. He can now attack Tessenber, who is right in front of him, on his next turn

Round 4, Cycle 2

RHASKOS - glides into ther Atrium, he can now see his friends Kordan and Sallantus in desperate combat with two foes - one Thennalt and one foreigner. With his critical stealth roll he can (as people make their second cycle actions) position himself wherever he wants for an attack at the start of Round 5 (even his buddies don't know he's there!). So long as his target's back remains turned when he gets to attack, Rhaskos can gain +20 for complete surprise and another +20 for attacking from behind, for his first CA only. Rather than impose initiative penalty on the target, Rhaskos will automatically act first in Round 5 with +10 to his initiative.

KORDAN - both you and your opponent have used up your CAs for the round...

TANEK - has two CAs left (and have already fulfilled the shield CA requirement). Pick your way down the stairs (move action, 1CA, you can drop spear and draw an alternative weapon at the same time) or make an Athletics roll to leap down the stairs and land with a yell at the bottom, ready to attack now. Fail the Athletics roll and you lose your remaining CAs for this round as you pick yourself up off the atrium floor.

SANJAR - follow Tanek down, or stop on the way?

SALLANTUS - you have 2CAs, but Tessenber strikes first. I presume you are parrying if he hits, however if the parry is not required because he misses let me know whether you want to use it and try for a CM, or keep the CA in hand (before you roll, ideally ;)). And bank an attack roll, on the assumption you are still standing when you turn comes.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 124):

Seeing Tessenber slice open Kordan's arm, and the obstacle of Hebdomar on the stairs, Tanek instead hurls his spear at Tessenber in retaliation.

06:42, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 33 using 1d100. Spear attack (72).

If Tessenber fails to evade, I'll select Impale for CM.

06:44, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 14,6,2,2,1 using 1d20,1d8+1,1d2,1d8+1,1d2. Spear hit and damage.

That will result in 8 damage to Tessenber's left arm and he'll be at a -20 penalty for the impalement.

His remaining action will be to draw his hatchet while picking his way down the stairs.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 124):

Sallantus is going to parry regardless of the success of Tessenber's attack. [I know most people normally save their CAs, but I'd like to get a rare defensive CM one of these days].

[14:52, Today: Sallantus rolled 44 using 1d100. Sallantus (Combat Style 67).]

If Tessenber misses, Sallantus tries to bundle him over with the Trip Opponent CM.

Sanjar hears the yell of 'Taaaneeek!' and instantly knows there is trouble.  The dalliance with the maid can most certainly wait.  Standing, despite her protests, he wipes his face with his hands for a sparse moment before reaching for his clothes.  He girds himself minimally and hastily in his pants and shirt without donning his customary robe or belt... or indeed even his boots, quickly grabbing only his scimitar before dashing out the door.

He quickly finds himself hemmed in from the main body of the action, Tanek keeping the intruders at bay on stair.  There he surveys the action, looking back and forth for several seconds, before raising his empty hand and beginning to intone some manner of sorcerous incantation.

[OOC:  Sanjar upon his arrival, I would like to begin a Damage Resistance spell, with targets/range enough to cast on Kordan & Sallantus, once I have LOS to them.  If there are enough CAs before that happens, I'll burn them doing doubletime prep for the skill bonus, and then hold the spell to cast on them afterwards.  As soon as he has LOS to both of them he will let it fly, doubletime or no.  Otherwise Sanjar only intends to stand a rear/flank guard for Tanek with his scimitar... standing right behind him and trying to take a swipe at someone who gets past or keep him from being outflanked etc. /OOC]

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 125):

An Eventful Round 4....

2nd cycle,

Tessenber takes a swipe at Sallantus, who deftly parries with the Shortsword he has just picked up from one of the other attackers and gets in a trip. The Thennalt is overconfident and, failing to avoid the move, crashes to the floor. Moments later and before he even cash a chance to arise, a hurled spear from the staircase lands in his shoulder and lodges there.

(GM NOTE: for the record I put a net -20 on that for line of sight etc, but it's neither here nor there. And the target has no idea it's coming, so no chance to Evade).

Tessenber doesn't look happy, and uses his remaining CA to collapse - half unconscious, half resigned to his fate, a hand held weakly up in a petition for mercy.

SANJAR, Scimitar in hand, is following Tanek who has just hurled his spear and is now picking his way down the stairs past the collapsed form of another one of the attackers, a spell ready in his mind to trigger at any time. Sanjar now stands on the landing by the doorway to the lounge where he spies Safra looking feisty with a big curved knife in one hand and a small ornamental table in the other. A man is collapsed at the top of the stair up to the landing, he can continue on to the Atrium if desired. Sanjar follows Tanek, picking his way carefully down the stair past the body.


3rd Cycle

TANEK emerges at the foot of the stair, pulling his hand axe from his belt.

SALLANTUS has one CA left - his foe is more or less helpless at his feet. He can turn to his left and make an attack on Orinastron, but space here is cramped, and the only way to get to him is to more or less tread on the collapsed Tessenber. So make this attack if you wish, but take a -20 (half an unstable ground, and a full confined space penalty). Nominate a CM if you hit, as he's got no CAs to defend with.

Sallantus plants his foot in his fallen opponent's stomach, driving his short sword into Orinastron's side (CM Impale).

08:15, Today: Sallantus rolled 33 using 1d100. Sallantus' Attack (Combat Style 47)

08:21, Today: Sallantus rolled 5 using 1d20. Where does Orinastron get stabbed?

Sallantus drives the short sword deep in Orinastron's left leg.

08:25, Today: Sallantus rolled 3,1 using 1d6,1d2. Damage. [So not too deep, that was the best roll!]

Sallantus is out of CA, so he can't withdraw the sword until the next round. But Orinastron is now outmanned, so...

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 129):

Although Orinastron is unarmoured, nevertheless Sallantus' blade is slowed as it bites home. The sword still draws blood, its point lodged at least momentarily in Orinastron's thigh...

Round 5

Before Orinastron gets to react to this new attack, and the collapse of his comrade leaving him struggling alone against two foes, and before Sallantus can withdraw his blade in order to parry or strike again - as if out of nowhere Rhaskos pops up from the shadows of the Atrium, immediately behind Orinastron...

Intents please - Rhaskos' action comes before all others and may well change the set-up....
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:57, Tue 31 July 2012.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 130):

Tessenber surrendered and Hebdomar is unconscious. Tanek plans to ask for Orinastron to surrender as well; if he's still alive by the time Tanek gets his mouth open that is. Now that we have the upper hand, finishing them off isn't so much self defense as murder.  I don't have much hope for Hebdomar, he seems like a rabid zealot. But we might be able to get information out of Tessenber.

We could restrain the others and tend to Tessenber to get the spear out safely. Then move on from there.

Sallantus will growl, "Don't make me cripple you," at Orinastron. He's prepared to twist the sword in the wound and pull it from Orinastron's leg, but he'd rather not.

He's also prepared to let go of the sword and Evade, if it comes to that. Sallantus' threats are always a lower priority than self-preservation.

   Rhaskos popped up out of nowhere, delivering a crippling rabbit punch to Orinastron's kidney from behind.

   "Kneel, dog." Rhaskos growled at the man from behind.

OOC: Attack!  success!  They underestimated the sneakiness!!!  Damage: 2 Points.  Location, Abdomen.  CM: Stun Location.  If 2 CM...Stun Location, trip opponent.

 10:14, Today: Rhaskos rolled 2,9 using D3+1,d20. Damage, Location.
10:13, Today: Rhaskos rolled 30 using 1d100. Knuckleduster punch! (51+20+20=91).

In reply to Rhaskos (msg # 133):

Rhaskos' blow does no damage and the stun is, in physical terms, ineffective. But on another level, orinastron has a sword in his thigh, he's alone, and any notion he might run for it is squashed by the realization he is also now surrounded. On SR 18 he does as he is commanded and drops to his knees, dagger clattering to the floor.

This fight  seems to be over and despite being  caught with only one of the party properly armed, Kordan's sacrifice of a nasty cut to his arm appears to be the only damage done. It's an exemplary performance, and the  courage with which all parties set themselves in harm's way surely will not go unnoticed. At the very least  a new mutual respect is born within the team.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 134):

"Good work lads!"

   Rhaskos grabbed the hair of the kneeling man before him and pulled his neck straight, whispering in Thenault in the man's ear, _{"Why do you attack us?  Who sent you?"}

OOC: Good job fellas!

Sanjar stands a bit behind Tanek as things wind down, looking about with keen eyes to survey the others and make sure that there are not more enemies waiting to reveal themselves... as his knowledge of the situation was low.  After a few moments he lowers his scimitar and braves a broad grin, looking down at the prisoners.  Turning his gaze then towards Tanek he slaps the other man on the shoulder as he exclaims "Well done!" in Korantine.

A critical eye is then set upon Kordan and his wound, and he grimaces slightly.  "If that is our worst, then we have come away well.  All the same, send for a physician at once and lets get you sewn up at once.  Is it painful?" he says to the big man.  Then, to Tanek he continues.  "See about these men, will you Sirrah?  There must be a store room or the like where we could move them to and keep them a bit more securely.  Perhaps you and Sallantus could see to that, while I check on our Lady.  Set a guard on them afterwards and then come back and resume guard duty.  We shouldn't assume that this is all that will happen today, so be mindful.  Don't let down your guard."

Nodding with approval and a big smile for all, including the prisoners in a wry manner, he then turns and picks his barefoot way back up the stairs into the lounge looking for Safra.  In Djesmiri he calls out for her. "Lady?  Lady Safra?  They didn't make it to you did they?" he says as he comes back, turning his scimitar downwards in the grip of one hand as he draws closer.  He holds up one empty hand as he does so.  His manner betrays some mild concern, yet overall he seems quite enthused, pleased even.  "You are not hurt?  May I check, to be certain?  Often one may overlook an injury in the moment and for some time afterwards."  ( If she consents he will inspect her limbs and such, if not he will nod, and in either case continue speaking. ) "We have our prisoners.  Blood spilt and shed for you today.  And I think, when all is told, a great step taken towards your vengeance." he says, meeting her eyes with his own, his smile broadening slightly.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 137):

Orinastron drops to his knees and begins to squeal

"You hand me over I'm a dead man, you know that. So let me go, I'll talk. I'm not like these scum" he says, jutting his chin towards where Tessenber lies groaning nearby. His speaks Korantine, his accent pronounced. He's a Jekkarene.

Hebdomar, on the stairs, starts to stir as he is being tied up -he's still snarling, but Sanjar quickly clocks that he's under the effects of a spell -perhaps this will wear off shortly. He likewise is clearly not local - Kordan has seen his sort before. He's Archipelagan, an islander from across the ocean.

Cardrerus, out on the veranda steps, won't come round unless someone applies First Aid as he's got a head injury. Tessenber is apopleptic and foaming at the mouth into his beard, but his state is apparently natural.

As the Adventurers busy themselves variously flirting with Safra (Sanjar) or trussing up the defeated foes and looking after their wound - there is a lot of kicking and shouting as answers are demanded.

"Who sent us? We're no more than hired lackeys" Says Orinastron. "Local man sent us your way, said the woman had to be dealt with. You've heard of Varoteg, right?"

[[Everyone with local knowledge knows that name - Varoteg is basically Robin Hood round here. A freedom fighter, or a robber and bandit, depending on your point of view. Varoteg is a bit of a folk hero among those Thennalts who resent the loss of their ancestral lands to the Korantine colonists from Borissa - but who reserve their real hatred for Lord Sakrovar, a Thennalt Chieftain who has embraced Korantine culture, and whose ancestors actually allowed the Korantines to settle here in the first place. Varoteg's run-ins with, and escapes from, Sakrovar are the stuff of legend. Of course Rhaskos may or may not sympathise with such people]]

"So we had no choice you know - if Varoteg says we jump, we jump. Don't ask why, and he doesn't tell us. I've got a stash you know...let me go, and I'll tell you how to find it. The hideout, I mean. It's not much, but it's something. Nothing to you if I'm dead. Hand these other fellows over to Aparinaon. At least the Korantine fellow out there probably has some sort of bounty on his head. Me, I'm nobody. but you never know - could be useful, eh?"

Tessenber rages, helplessly, as Orinastron blurts out his information.

At this point, you find you are not alone. Melosson (Korantine Wastrel) and Bazagar (Thennalt beardy prospector), who have watched events from the courtyard, have joined in. They sat tight while everyone else scattered as the violence kicked off. now they seem curious.  Jovial, even. A few admiring comments, Bazagar looks at Tessenber, and mutters how he's a filthy useless example of his race...

"You know", says Bazagar, if you can get anything out of these people about Varoteg, Sakrovar will pay handsomely for it. Maybe you should get proper persuasive..." with which he quickly produces a little prospector's hammer from his belt. Can start with the fingers...and move on to more sensitive parts?"

Melosson intervenes - "Forgive my friend's bluntness...unseemly I know. But really, he has a heart of gold".

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 138):

Kordan can cast Heal 1, which he'll cast on Cardrerus' abdominal wound after he's tied up, to keep him from dying.  Head wound as well if necessary.  As it's not a stressful situation and common magic doesn't expend magic points on a failure (unless fumble), I don't know if you want rolls or not.

If so, here's 15 rolls.  1 fumble will waste a magic point, 5 successes will heal 1 point each.  Which should be enough to stabilize any life threatening injuries and take care of my arm, while leaving me above 0 MP's so no roll needed for fatigue or passing out.  Before going to sleep tonight, I'll take care of any leftover amount of damage to my arm.

23:25, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 46,71,79,92,25 using d100,d100,d100,d100,d100. Common magic Heal (37).
23:25, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 32,26,54,99,14 using d100,d100,d100,d100,d100. Common magic Heal (37).
23:26, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 22,89,42,66,93 using d100,d100,d100,d100,d100. Common magic Heal (37).

In regards to the prisoners, I'm not keen on torturing them.  However, I'm not too concerned with what happens to them after turning them in to Aparinaon.  Being that Orinastron is volunteering useful information to us, I'm not completely opposed to letting him go if the others (notably Safra) are so inclined.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 139):

You presume it will take at least a few more minutes yet for any constables (Aparinaon's clubmen) to appear, or any higher authority. It's not clear at this juncture whether anyone has run off to fetch them, but Rhaskos ran into Malthus the Innkeeper heading out as Rhaskos was heading in.

Safra meanwhile thanks Sanjar for his concern, and its clear from her eyes that she is beaming with excitement. She puts her knife away, but takes the little side table and strides over to where Hebdonmar lies helpless on the stairs and starts beating him with it with abandon, uttering language and curses that might make those who can understand her native Morkeshite blush.

When she has done with that, brought back to earth by Sanjar's soft words...she expresses delight at her choice of hireling. As Sanjar can translate..."What fine fellows! What courage! This Tanek here, what fine soldiers the Taskans produce!...and you, Kordan you launched yourself into the fray with nothing but that little knife!"

Decide where you go from here, and whether you hand over your prisoners 'intact', and whether you want to use the opportunity to engage with one or two of the bigwigs. There will be some talking to do around this incident, but failing that - is it set sail tomorrow, or poke around to see what goes on and what news or events may unfold as a result of this fight?

IMPROVEMENT ROLLS

2 For everyone
Tanek - bonus IR for you (so 2 total when modifier applied)
Kordan - have a Hero Point

Sanjar puts forth that holding the men prisoner ourselves for an undue ammount of time may raise the ire of the Governor.  Instead we can occupy ourselves drawing information out of Orinastron at length and then hand the prisoners over to the Governor while a very sympathetic Safra pleads for assitance from the Governor's wife and explains how very put upon she is in those whole affair regarding Kortano and Valsus... and who knows what else.  I mean, really, filthy Jekkarene assassins here in Thyrta!  However can the Governor reasonably put up with such things?

We may find him amenable to being an ally in things afterwards.  Though perhaps not.

The prospect that has been raised of getting involved in the Thennalt conflict, or perhaps ... the information that we are already involved somehow whether we like it or not, is interesting as well.  Orinastron seems to have taken his orders from Varoteg, which is... curious.

Does Safra profess to have any knowledge of the guy or any dealings/association with her father?

It raises many questions ICly about how/why such a man might be interested in her and her affairs, and provokes response that he ordered such an attack besides.

Sanjar then would think the play to most advantage would be to extract everything they can about Varoteg from Orinastron, play upon the conflict with the Governor's Wife and Kortano for acquiring an ally, and then throw the gambit before the Governor ( and/or this Sakrovar ) of having information about Varoteg ( whom he no doubt wishes would be kind enough to just die... ) and see what opens up.  I get the feeling that things may have many more angles and threads thereabouts now... a bit more complicated of a situation. ( Thank you so kindly Baron... )

Thoughts?

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 141):

For a man such as Vorteg to be interested in our affairs, and murdering Safra, there must be a conspiracy that's much deeper than we had originally anticipated.

Haliskone.
Valsus.
Vorteg.
Safra's father.

I'm at a loss to come up with something that ties all of these players together.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 142):

Yeah those are some odd connections. I don't know as if we have enough info yet to put them all together.
I think Sanjar's idea has merit. Let's try to get some info out of Orinaston since he's talking. We could use that information with the Governor and then still sell it to Sakrovar.

Was tomorrow was our expected day to set sail?  How badly would sticking around longer affect our shipping plans?  I imagine Safra wouldn't want us deviating too far from what we were hired to do unless we can figure out some way to connect one of these personages with her father.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 143):

Well - Orinastron is glancing from one face to another, wondering who is going to put him to he question or make the call on his life or freedom.

He repeats that he doesn't know why he was told to do this job, "just following orders, right?" He doesn't know what Varoteg's business is. He does say he heard Varoteg himself was in town until only a day or two ago, and thinks that's very smart. Nobody in Thyrta would recognise the famous Varoteg.

Bazagar scoffs, 'why would the man be so stupid as to walk into his enemy's town risking recognition and capture? He's either very cocky or very stupid'.

Time is ticking by. If no other comments or questions I'll assume you have the whole lot tied, brought round and ready to hand over to the authorities if and when they arrive, and will then follow Sanjar's plan to make some capital out of it all.

No pressure on the sailing unless the weather threatens to turn. But from a preparation point of view, the Foam Follower is ready to leave port.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 144):

As the other prisones seem angry at Orinastrom for talking, I'm inclined to believe he's speaking truth in order to save himself.

This may be a stretch, but as he was hired by Varoteg, can he give a good description of him?  His rumor may be false, but with an excellent description of Varoteg I'm inclined towards accepting his other offer of spoils, any other info he can provide on Varoteg or other hired men, and then let him go.

Then we can spend some time running down the description he gave us (while keeping Safra adequately safe). Who knows? We may get lucky and catch up with Varoteg and be able to make another connection in the conspiracy.

Thoughts?

OOC: What does Safra know of Varoteg?  Is there any known reason he would want to attack us, or have interest in our endeavor, as far as Safra knows.

Also, in a related, yet unrelated request, is it possible to get a "Cast of Characters" thread that has a brief list and description of the NPC's and their roles/relationships as are known to us.  Some individuals may know more than others about individual NPCs, but that could either be ignored of included in private lines.  It would help me a bit :).

I conjecture ... and think I have a decent guess at 'most' of what is going on, though I think it is largely based in some OOC knowledge from my reading and wouldn't really care to posit it for that reason.

That is also part of why I am holding back to let someone else take the lead on putting Orinastron to the question, because I don't want to ask 'leading' questions etc.

Sanjar however very much wants to play situations to best advantage.  To him the best move here is to squeeze Orinastron for as much as they can get, and then use the appearance of their situation and how it all appears to local politics to their advantage... against Kortano with the Governor, and likewise against Varoteg etc.

As to who the ultimate villain is, well... we may have to go and ask Varoteg ourselves.  Or Haliskome.  My hesitancy with Haliskome, however, would be that... she seems a capable naval sort with a warship, and we are in a trader class vessel.  I would be quite hesitant to sail into unknown waters after a ship that thoroughly outclasses us.

Do either of our nautical characters care to comment?  What do we know about the ship that Haliskome commands?  What are our chances if it came to a sea battle with it?

Someone question Orinastron and the others.  Sanjar likewise will advocate for not torturing him, or the others, as long as they play nicely.  He will however instruct that they be seperated from each other and then questioned individually, after being told that only two of them will be released.  The most cooperative two, the other two will be turned over to the governor.  After all 'someone' will need to be made a spectacle of at this flagrant disregard of the security of the city.  The governor will need to keep up appearances.  So they can decide to help us, or they can decide that 'they' will be the spectacle that the governor will need to put on.  Their choice to make.  Seperated, pressured, etc.

That is Sanjar's instructions for questioning them unless countermanded by Safra.  Mmm.  Perhaps Captain Kordan will accept that one?

Rhaskos, would you perhaps be interested in hitting the bricks and trying to find out what there is to know about Varoteg and Sakrovar from your countrymen?  I would like to know more, and get a feel for them both.  How hard to get a meeting with Sakrovar?

Tanek I think is still best right where he is, looking grim and mean next to Safra.

Sanjar will publicly ( at least, in front of the group that is ) recommend to Safra that all of those involved in the recent fighting receive a bonus for their displayed willingness to fight, bear wounds, and risk more on her behalf.  He also recommends that he himself does not receive said bonus, as he feels he contributed very little to the engagement.

---

Given the recent magical discussions I think I will maintain only on the previously warded folks and rethink my scheme a bit.  I confess that while quite an enthusiast of this system I have very little play experience with it.  Don't feel bashful about suggesting things or correcting me... that is one reason I asked.  I want to make sure I am using Sanjar's abilities to best effect.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 147):

I like the way you think.

Orinastrom has already talked, so by offering another one a chance at freedom, we can potentially corroborate what Orinastrom is saying as well as find out additional new information.

Additionally, Orinastrom may volunteer additional information to ensure he is amongst the two.

In regards to questioning, do we have sufficient private space to keep four prisoners separated from each other?  Or at the very least, keep three prisoners bound and gagged while a fourth is away potentially talking?

Also, will it be possible to hang on to the prisoners for a couple hours before turning them over?  All this is moot if the local law enforcement shows up to take them off our hands.

[ OOC so far I'm thinking along the lines of:
Who is Varoteg?
How did you come to be hired by him?
Where can he be found?
What is his interest in Thyrta?
What is his interest in Safra?
Why should I pick you as one of the two who goes free?

Regardless of their answers, sit there for 10 minutes to make it appear like they're talking.  Then go get the next one.

After all four have gone, come back and ask if anybody would like to add anything? ]

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 148):

We can surely keep them hogtied and under watch in the lounge while you drag them away one-by-one for questioning.  Safra seems like she might like to kick one or beat him over the head with something from time to time while you're questioning.

   Rhaskos is certainly up for trying to to set up a meeting. I would think, based on his character, he would be very familiar with the history of the two factions, but not really aligned with either. He would be educated on the situation, but consider the two factions "politics" and neither necessarily "in harmony with the earth." Therefore, he can speak with real sympathy to either side, but he would not buy into any rhetoric.

  Also, Rhaskos would be interested in talking to the inn keeper he passed to see if that man knew anything. I've a suspicion he was paid off and might have information.

  Finally, in real life...

I'm going to be traveling tomorrow on business for almost 16 hours out of the country, so I will not be posting for a moment.

My feeling is once I arrive there I will be able to post, but if there are connectivity problems, maybe not.

Just wanted to give everyone the heads up.

In reply to Rhaskos (msg # 150):

To Rhaskos: A little Insight roll before you go?

   Due to the fact Rhaskos spends so much time alone, he is not always keen at being able to read the hidden meanings in men's words, or the lies told by their eyes.

   He is much better with animals.

   Rhaskos thought such thoughts as the group asked the questions of their captives.

OOC: 16:23, Today: Rhaskos rolled 72 using 1d100. Insight (31).

"I imagine Safra wouldn't want us deviating too far from what we were hired to do unless we can figure out some way to connect one of these personages with her father."

Sallantus finally pipes up, "Well, unless Varoteg has some kind of grudge against one of us, these men, and Varoteg, are connected with Safra and the murder of her father."

"I suggest we seize the initiative. These men were sent to stop us, and they failed. The enemy, whoever it is, is unbalanced, even if just for a moment. They way I see it we either set sail now, before our enemies can scheme against us anew, or we turn the tables on Varoteg and track this plot against us to its source. Whatever we do, we do immediately, before the dust has settled."

"These men," Sallantus nods his head towards the captives (hopefully out of earshot), "can help us if we choose the latter. If they were to somehow... escape, we might find an honest, fresh trail easier to follow than one built from the deceptive words of frightened men."

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 153):

The team gets on swiftly with the process of picking out the would-be assassins one by one and subjecting them to some intense questioning. Safra insists on being present, and assisting in the process of applying some physical duress to add stick to the carrot of possible freedom.

"I don't know where to find Varoteg. He finds us when we're needed"

"He doesn't tell me his plans, why he wanted us to do the job - just to do it. You don't argue with the man. He has no love for this place - would rather the settlers packed up and left. Everyone knows that it won't be long before more of the region is handed over to Thyrtan farmers. But he saves his real hate for Sakrovar"

Cardrerus seems grimly resigned to a fate, and makes no bones about his chances of survival if handed over to the local authorities. "If you let me go free you save a life. I've slipped away from the executioner's hooks once before. I don't suppose Aparinaon would be so careless then next time".

He is clearly a robber by trade - you learn from him only that Varoteg keeps him and his fellow 'misfits'in supply and occasional work.

Tessenber former sense of outrage at his talkative companion's indiscretion seems to collapse when he is questioned on his own.

"Varoteg, well he's a cool one, a cunning plunderer, a first class fighter...I'm sure he sets no more store by all that Children of the Earth nonsense than I do. I don't know why he sent us here or what he's got against the woman there. And keep her off me, would you, what is she, some sort of fury? Mother Earth spat me out, my idiot people tried to as well. They don't deserve a champion like Varoteg, but fool themselves into thinking they do. no better than sheep, I tell you...A man's got to make his own way in the face of Fortune - looks like Fortune just cast the bones for me and I lost, right? But let me live, I can show you where we hide, there's stuff there you can take - worth more than you'll get for turning me in..."

Hebdomar seems to have come down off his battle fury. His korantine is rubbish, as is his Thennalt. Kordan can get some sense out of him in Archipelagan, but he's not talking. Points to the tattoos, stylized sharks and octopus chase each other around his forearms and about his wrists. "I'm a fighting man of Koremchai (the Archipelagan god of piracy and plunder) washed up on a foreign shore, and without my shipmates these men here are my family and Varoteg is my captain. So you'll get nothing out of me. Put me to the fire if you like, I won't talk. But I can handle a ship, if you need a hand at sea and someone a pirate might trade you a life for...".

Orinastron remains talkative. "Like I told you, let me live and I'll take you to our stash. I'm sure the others said the same.  But I bet that Thennalt fool didn't tell you about the 'Thing' you'll find there, bloody monster it is. Even Varoteg is ashamed of it, but we have to live with it. I'll say no more now unless you let me go".


[GM NOTE - beyond the questioning there seem to be some competing plans or at least nuances on the plan...authorities will arrive shortly, you would assume; unless I hear otherwise fairly soon I will run with Sanjar's outline as stands]
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 11:48, Wed 08 Aug 2012.

[OOC:  Does anyone else wish to continue asking questions?  Sanjar may if no one else has anything further? /OOC]

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 155):

I've got no more questions.  I'm inclined to take Orinastron up on his offer.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 156):

Unless someone makes a Culture (Korantine) roll, Melosson of Thrigos points out for the PCs that one way to secure one or more of the prisoners is to claim 'ownership' of them. If they submit willingly and the state has no prior claim either on the basis they are wanted for a crime against someone other than you, or on the basis they are citizens, then the defeated enemy becomes your property. On the whole a captured bandit, robber or murderer is not worth anything as a slave and the state is likely to pay a higher bounty than their slave value for the removal of such undesireables from society (by being handed over for a brief interview with the fellow in charge of law and order and subsequently to the executioner).

Interestingly as a Taskan, if Tanek were the 'owner' he knows the slave would be immediately given freedom if he makes it to a Zygas Taga temple and takes citizenship. But the nearest one of those is more hundreds of miles away. Also, the Jekkarenes are a 'protectorate' of the Taskan Empire, and Tanek would, unless he fails a Culture (Taskan) roll, suppose that it is his duty as a good citizen - if he is such a thing - to promise to release Orinastron from slavery at a later date, unless of course Orinastron is himself an outcast from his home nation and not due such consideration.

Of course there's a reason that criminals intent on escape don't make good slaves...

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 157):

06:54, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 20 using 1d100. Culture (Korantine) (26).
06:56, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 59 using 1d100. Culture (Taskan) (54).

(Guess I've been away from home too long.)

"It doesn't really sit that well with how I was brought up, but we could just claim ownership of whoever we feel like keeping out of the hands of the law."

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 158):

Cardrerus at least is clearly already someone the law wants to get its hands on. So it won't work in his case, you'd have to smuggle him out or let him 'escape'. Situation with the others is unknown.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 155):

Any more questions, or move on?

I vote for move on, following through with our plan to release the two that gave us the best information.  Assigning them to the Taskan as slaves has a nice touch to it.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 161):

Orinastron and which other?

I'm rather liking Hebdomar.

We don't have to let them go right away, we can make them earn it first.

Being Archipelagan, Hebdomar may prove useful when heading west.  Plus he offered to fight for us anyways.  He might prove useful to have on the crew, as long as we don't think he'll murder us in our sleep.

Does anybody else want to weigh in?

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 163):

As the evening draws in, the PCs have done with their questioning and have debated through what to do with their prisoners. A new commotion now, as a party of torch-bearers appears at the inn, clubmen escorting a stocky, middle-aged man in a short sleeved tunic. his face is stern, his thinning hair cropped short. Melcro quickly informs you that Aparinaon, the city's Protector, has arrived.

Aparinaon greets the characters, and looks over the trussed prisoners. He nods gruffly at Tanek the Taskan, pats Kordan (who towers over him) on the shoulder in an avuncular fashion, muttering something about how the future Thyrtan Navy could use such a fellow. Then Aparinaon instructs Melcro to clear the courtyard enough to make room for him to conduct his enquiry.

For non-Korantines, and perhaps for those not from the state of Borissa, it seems like a casual affair. Noone is excluded, and eventually there are people crowded on the veranda and in the garden trying to see or hear what goes on, with more joining as word gets around. Aparinaon calls for water and wine, bread and tidbits, and sits casually on a bench, in command of his impromptu courtroom, leaning his elbow on a table picking at food while he asks the facts of what has gone on. Melosson of Thrigos is happy to push himself forward to provide his account; one or two people you did not even know were in the vicinity eagerly offer overblown stories of the bloody struggle they witnessed. Kordan and Sallantus are asked their accounts, then Tanek. And then Aparinaon gets to the matter of the prisoners.

Much of the information they have given the PCs is imparted again under his further questioning. It is clear Aparinaon thinks Cardreus is a rogue he has met before; that Orinastron is some despicable foreigner, not to be trusted and potentially involved in some infamous plot. But Orinatsron maintains he is simpy an exile from his suffocating homeland, destitute and forced to do whatever it takes to make ends meet. Aparinaon thinks Tessenber may be some sort of rebel, but is not clear against what or whom. And he has no idea what to make of Hebdomar - he has Kordan intervene to do a little translation.  Aparinaon takes a weary, almost off-hand manner with Cardrerus. At the end of the interview he simply gestures to his men to drag Cardrerus away so as not to soil this fine establishment with the man's blood. Cardreus turns white as a sheet and there is terror in his eyes - but says nothing.

Finally Aparinaon pronounces that:

"If you wish to claim these two prisoners, he says, gesturing at Orinastron and Hebdomar, you may. I will otherwise incarcerate them, and perhaps sell them on to the slavers if nobody lodges a case against them in the meantime; they have succeeded in doing no harm that I am aware of. If you wish to press a suit against them for deadly assault, again you may, and be assured that it is a capital crime and I will waste no time in seeing justice done. This man [gesturing at Tessenber] appears to be useful perhaps, I know a man who would be pleased to have the chance to extract what information from him he can, and will award you 20 Silver Pieces from the public treasury for him, and a further 30 for the capture of the known criminal Cardrerus of Vestrikina."

With this, Aparinaon gets to his feet with a 'job done' attitude, and calls one of his torchbearer to hang a mantle over his shoulders as it is getting cooler. Turning to the PCs, he suggests,

"I am, I am afraid, in the dark as to why these men set upon you, and I suspect they are also. In the morning I suggest that your lady here calls at the basilica to allow the governor a chance to discuss the matter with you."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


To be continued....

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 164):

Let me know any inputs overnight - otherwise I will move on to narrate the next sequence. This will, as it goes, leave you with a straight choice between setting sail and dealing with local matters on your presumed safe return, or pursuing one or two little side quests and possible punch ups before taking to the open sea.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 165):

The next day there is a buzz around Safra Amprishad and her escort as she proceeds to the main square to find governor Rikalos at the Basilica. Sanjar accompanies to translate for her, and her other hirelings join in too, since anyone who wants to make a mark should have a gang of supporters to show they matter. Her companions, and Safra herself, are reminded that it is illegal to bear arms of any kind in the basilica unless a state official whose job it is to do so.

Led through the vaulted entrance halls, the meeting with the governor takes place in an office at the back of the building reached though areas populated by scribes and officials. The doors are open onto a small ornamental garden behind, and apart from Sanjar, Safra's hirelings are ushered out onto the veranda.

Rikalos is probably in his 40s, seems formal, polite and...unimpressive once you get past the aura of his position. His wife occasionally wanders into the room and interrupts the meeting, pausing to pass comment and in particular to make sure everyone knows she believes Safra to be some paragon of female virtue and self-assertion in a dangerous and brutish male dominated world (not a typical Korantine point of view).

As it happens the meeting appears to be a formality. Rikalos assures Safra that she has his sympathy for her loss, that she has his apologies that law and order should be so lapsed as to allow an outrage such as an attack on her life in so public a place as the Floundering Turtle. Rikalos ventures no suggestions as to why such a thing should have taken place, but if she will only tarry a while, he will introduce her to someone who has an opinion on the matter.

Some ten minutes of small talk later, a tall, slender man with a fine head of hair, a square jaw and intelligent but serious eyes enters the room with a formal greeting to Rikalos and an informal one to Rikalos' guests. He is dressed in a long tunic of fine wool that reaches to his ankles, with decorated borders.  This man is Kortano the Syndic.

Kortano explains that he understands that Safra is of the opinion her father's killing may have been on the orders of a business rival and hence suspicions have been voiced about the metic Valsus. A man like Valsus, who is prepared to heap dishonour on his own name by being the agent for the acquisition of goods from the Jekkarenes, is clearly very useful to the syndics - someone has to do it - but also someone about whom it is appropriate to harbour suspicions. The fact that those attempting to kill Safra took orders from Varoteg is the reason why Kortano is here. If a connection between Valsus and these Varoteg is confirmed, then that suggests there is much more to his plot than protecting a monopoly over Jekkarene imports.

Valsus, it may be noted, is also an exile from Himela, a city with which Borissa (and thus Thyrta) are intense rivals, and have even been at war.

So Kortano would be pleased to entertain any decisive information that Safra and her people come across in these matters, and Safra can be assured it will be acted upon. If Valsus is too adept at keeping his own business quiet, then perhaps when Safra does indeed get her hands on Haliskome as she intends...that woman has, for four years or more past, brought Jekkarene goods to Thyrta for Valsus, and if there is anything untoward in that trade, she surely will know.

This appears to be the end of the meeting.

The PCs are left with the decision to press ahead with their quest, in the hope that they may also find in Solisand some answers to questions raised here in Thyrta - or to dig around a little further. Heading out of the city to follow Orinastron's lead to wherever he has been hiding out and keeps his stash is something that would delay travel by at least another 4-5 days, and Safra is not in favour of this sidetrack (would require an opposed Influence roll). Alternatively a more 'direct' investigation of Valsus seems to have some tacit backing from the local authorities, but could perhaps be put off to your return.

Decision time.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 166):

I'm in favor of persuading Safra that following Orinastron to this stash might help us find more information about Varoteg.  That was the reason we spared him right?  But someone else would need to do the influencing.

If not, I'd vote to be on our way to Solisand and hopefully Haliskome.

I am in agreement with Tanek.  I'll volunteer to do the influence check.

Just want to hear back from the other folks before I roll, and whether it's a standard difficulty or whatnot.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 168):

Standard difficulty on the roll. It will however be opposed by her Persistence.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 169):

Kordan waxes poetic as he puts forth a compelling argument towards investigating Orinastrom's information, otherwise why did we free him?  And besides, the more we know about Varoteg the better.


19:42, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 42 using 1d100. Influence (54) check.

Sallantus bites his tongue, aware of his own limitations. He supports Kordan's decision, but knows that his own rough manners are as likely disaude Safra as they are to convince her. He limits himself to nods and murmurs of approval.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 171):

Safra listens to Kordan's entreaty to allow an expedition to follow Orinastron's guide to his lair and see what can be found - and despite needing Sanjar to translate the big man's words, she seems sympathetic. However in the end her confidence in these hirelings who only so recently have proved their worth so well is tempered by the overriding desire to see her personal mission resolved (Safra's Persistence test is modified).

She sighs and speaks as follows, with Sanjar translating:

"You are all good fellows, and I can see that you bravely hanker after the chance for immediate action and perhaps some more proper reward for the risks you have borne thus far.  However as I understand it, such an expedition would take you out of town for perhaps four days, and leave me here uncertain as to your return, not to mention relying now only on my ship's crew for my safety should another attack take place. I cannot contemplate such a delay that puts my true mission at risk."

Unless Sanjar, now her trusted advisor, has some means or argument to rescue this one, it's a no-go, and the Foam Follower will sail tomorrow.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 172):

Kordan bows his head respectfully to Safra, "Milady be knowin' best.  Me be off ta oversee the Foam Follower's prepardness so as ta be expectin' no surprises and all."

Adjusting his focus to Tanek, "Please be ta makin' sure that the Lady is assuredly protected until we be settin' sail in the mornin'."

[ OOC - did we decide what to do with the Archipelagan lad?  I'd be interested in bringing him along with us as a seamen.  Work with us while we're in the Inner Sea in exchange for his freedom.  Not sure he wouldn't murder someone and escape the moment we moored at the first island though. ]

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 173):

You still have Orinastron and the Archipelagan. Both know that unless with a clear path to escape and little chance of recapture they are better off submitting to Tanek's control - the alternative is likely terminal.

Orinastron may have uses - he speaks Korantine, a little Thennalt, and given your target is Jekkarene, he could come in handy as a translator. Alternatively you would need to give him over to someone's custody here until your return, which would involve paying over his cost of maintenance and a mark up.

Hebdomar the Archipelagan is a willing additional deck hand. Sure, he's obviously dangerous in that he's no stranger to violence - but this could be useful as he's no coward either, and an experienced seaman. Up to you if and when you arm these people.

He starts with a small piece of useful information, that nobody has explicitly asked about so far:

"The Purple Wanderer [Haliskome's ship] is a galley - but it is famously well enchanted, and can make good speed without oars. So it can sail with a small crew.  I doubt you are up against more than a hard core gang of pirates...just Haliskome and her close associates. But you can bet they are a tough and wily bunch"


GM Note: NB in some circumstances these two could provide replacement characters in event of PC death

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 174):

Since there are 4 of us, I imagine we'd split the 50sp reward up as 12.5 apiece.

As we'll be at sea, I'd like to get a good set of sling ammo, as it won't be readily available on the ground.
I'd also like to try to find a Taskan to lead me in worship to Zagas Taga.  Who knows how long we'll be gone and I don't want to neglect my pact with the Emperor. Hopefully the same person could also lead me in worship to Jarmost (to gain a blessing).


Expenditures:
1 sp to get 20 sling stones. (Updated on sheet.)
However much worship fees are.

[OOC: 20:59, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 51 using 1d100. Influence: 52. /OOC]

Sanjar spends most of his time seeming to play his role of translator and vizier appropriately and with discretion.  Once again however, when private discussions of strategy are at hand, he shares his thoughts.  "I am in favor of pursuing the matter of Varoteg, and the spoils of Orinastron.  Mmm.  I consider it the more concrete potential lead that we have in this affair.  Haliskome is supposedly the killer, indeed, yet she outmatches us at sea, and the more active trail is on those who object to your course with violence.  Will we chase Haliskome only to find another set of assassins waiting for us on this journey?  And will we be so fortunate in a future encounter?  Mmm.  I would take the fight more immediately to our foe.  They strike at us and do not fear any reprisal.  Teach them how foolish that estimation is.  Varoteg ordered your death.  Likely at the behest of another, who I would wager ordered your father's death.

The wife of the Governor clearly favors you and your cause, even if only because you call into question Kortano and Valsus.  Yet that is a moment of opportunity that may pass.  Just like this one with Varoteg and Orinastron.

If you remain here you could seek to capitalize on the good will of the governess.  To draw closer to her.  Perhaps even offer to intwine your interests with hers as you seek to pursue things further.  Meanwhile we would potentially gain greater knowledge of our enemies.  Which is what we need most.

I am willing to accompany either group, those who stay in Thyrta with you, or those who pursue this matter."

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 175):



Actually there are 5 - unless someone has slipped away when I wasn't looking: Sanjar, Khordan, Rhaskos, Sallantus, Tanek

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 177):

Safra gives Sanjar her attention. She has dismissed entreaties to tarry in Thyrta a little further, but clearly is of the opinion that her hirelings are really in pursuit of booty at whatever hideout Orinastron would lead them to.

Sanjar makes every effort to convince her that the purpose will contribute directly to her own mission. Yet there is a concern that she will be left alone in Thyrta - and in which case whether the best course is seeking the hospitality and protection of the governor (or his wife), or remaining at the Turtle, or decamping to the discomfort of the ship.

GM: Safra rolls a 34, a natural success, but with Sanjar's line of reasoning, unmodified. So Sanjar needs to beat this number with a successful Influence roll (or critical).

If Sanjar fails, that's that unless the hirelings essentially go on strike for what they want, and we'll move to the ocean.

If Sanjar succeeds then she will indulge this expedition - but how will her own safety be best assured?

She will grant 4 days to pursue the quest, and will seek alternative sell-swords if the party has not returned or sent word by the fifth.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 177):

Oops.
I probably did something dumb like didn't count myself.  I'll fix my cash.

Is this a needed check in addition to the one I referenced in my post?  Or was that one overlooked?  I'll repost the roll just incase.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 180):

[GM NOTE: Apologies - your roll noted in the post was overlooked. Contest won...]

Safra declares herself persuaded to indulge this expedition.

Orinastron notes that if the party leave quickly, they may be first to arrive at the bandit lair, before Aparinaon turns his thennalt friend over to Sakrovar who will soon have him talking. It should take no more than a day and a half if you travel light - or by setting out at first light, it may be possible to get there around nightfall.

He expects there will be no more than two or three of his comrades left at the site, an abandoned mineworking, and they may easily be scared away or captured. But there is the THING that lives with them, horrible cursed creature with the horned head of a bull. He'll have to be killed, nothing else for it.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 181):

"I be for starting out as soon as possible. The Archipelegan has yet to earn trust, so I be thinking he either come with us, or else be locked up on ship. The Lady's safety being utmost and all."

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 182):

Easily done - if Tanek is happy for 'his' property to be dealt with this way, Hebdomar can be thrown in the hold and supervised by the Foam Follower's crew.

Orinastron says that the route is more or less straight north from town, skirts the Western edge of Sakrovar's territory (called the Sakrovist Fields), then takes you to the Southern part of Oleg's hills.

Once you have passed beyond the extensive cultivation immediately around the city the terrain will transition to open country, gentle hills and vales, where scattered farms and pastures are interspersed with light woods, streams and some rougher areas of thickets or rocky outcrops. Nothing demanding special equipment. The further from Thyrta you get the fewer paths there will be and the farmland gets more and more patchy.

If you are ready to set out, then tell me:

How many days' provisions?
Any special gear or just as character sheets plus rations?
All on foot, or anyone seeking mount or pack animals?
What is your marching order, stretched over what space?
Speed - regular hiking or fast to accomplish in a day?
Travel openly or try to avoid contact with locals?
Weapons and armour on show/at ready or 'civilian' when moving (weapons concealed, slung or packed, minimal armour)?

Bear in mind Rhaskos is more or less local - at least he knows the language and customs even if this is not his neck of the woods

If you have questions to ask before you can specify the above, please let me know. This is not a major military expedition, above questions relevant if there are any 'encounters' so don't waste too much time working it all out and just give me your main points and direction. If you don't specify, I'll adjudicate if and when necessary.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 183):

My recommendation would be

• Obtain use of some sort of pack animal
• 1 weeks provisions (extra food is always good)
• Fastest reasonable travel pace
• Rhaskos in front scouting ahead
• Avoiding unnecessary contact
• Armor on pack animals until we get close to destination

Idea being to fast travel it up to nearby our destination.  Rhaskos, with his local knowledge and scouting skills, ahead to surveil the surroundings and notify us in advance if/when we need to clear trail.

Weapons for defense, but armor packed on animal to allow faster transport.  With Rhaskos' scouting, perhaps we can avoid interaction along the way.

Once arriving near destination, rest and recuperate for a bit, eat, armor up and head on in.  If Sanjar comes with us, spell up, etc.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 184):

Yeah, I'm fine with having Hebdomar tied up for now.  We'll have to come to a better arrangement in the future but I wouldn't want him to finish the job on Safra while we're gone.

I'm not sure how much armor everyone else has, but I'm just wearing soft leather for the most part.  I don't see that as much different from what I'd be wearing otherwise.  It doesn't really affect walking speed anyway.

If Rhaskos is in front and separate from the rest of us, I'll be at the front of our portion of the train.  My spear can double as a walking staff.

If we're getting a pack animal, we'll probably need some rope along with some carrying containers.

I've got metal armor myself. You low SOC people may not have seen it before :-P

Sallantus is in leather. The question might be asked, 'where does he carry his shield?' I'd guess that for a long journey, it'll be stowed in an accessible place on a pack animal. I imagine that he'd have his weapons on him, particularly given the circumstances.

As for metal armour - Sallantus likes the way it'll catch a sword or arrow. He's less excited with the way it tends to drag over-dressed seafarers to the bottom of the ocean.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 187):

LOL

XXX

A caravan-master named Athlazo rents a mule for 10SP for the week including tack and pack, but he expects 100 SP if you don't bring him back... The mule is called Bastard (yes, really).

Athlazo is curious as to where you are going and why [Insight Roll, just one of you], but moves on to tell how the country hereabouts is very fine this time of year, but the natives can be a little surly. no problem if you treat them right - not usually, anyways.

With a morning departure, a regular day's travel of 20+ miles will put you just South of Oleg's Hills - which is your destination. At that point the intention is to camp out, and make your way into the hill country on the following morning, so as to get to Orinastron's hideout in daylight.

Alternatively you can push on into the evening and arrive in the night, depending on whether you consider darkness your friend or enemy. Rhaskos seems pretty confident about making his way by night, the rest may not be so sure in unfamiliar territory. If you take this option everyone will be asked to make an Athletics test, and if this is failed, will be subject to one level of fatigue until a good night's rest is had.

XXX

ON THE ROAD

Before the morning is out you are beyond the heavily cultivated territory immediately around the city. All of a sudden Rhaskos, who has been scouting ahead, appears in the path. His hands are bloodied, and he carries something ragged. Grinning, Rhaskos explains with some pride how he completely surprised a party of hunters (local farmers), and almost literally stole their lunch. He spooked their quarry, but it came close enough to Rhaskos for him to let fly with a javelin. The encounter was ultimately good humoured, Rhaskos killed the beast they followed, but he turned it over to them in return for haunch.

XXX

Late afternoon. You have been crossing territory known to be under the control of the Thennalt lord Sakrovar, although his own hall is somewhat further to the East. The hills are before you, and it is time to make camp.

Decide whether to press on tonight as described above, or make camp here before darkness falls.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 188):

I'm game for pressing on, if it works best for timing and all. Athletics 42. Someone with a better insight than my 23 should roll.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 189):

I'm game to push on as well but will stop if requested.
I also ask that someone else make the insight check.

Who all stayed and who accompanied the 'away team'?  Safra would likely be 'much' more comfortable if Sanjar remained with her ( unless I vastly misjudge? ).  My general feeling however is that most everyone else should go on this particular romp?  How does everyone else feel about our division?

I recommend that you take 'two' pack animals.  One for all of your supplies/gear, and one for any loot and/or captives that you may acquire on the mission.

Sanjar would have urged extreme haste to attempt to reach the hideaway before any word of the failed assassination can reach whomever might be there.

How far away from Sakrovar's hall will the team be going?

How much information have we acquired, generally speaking, on Varoteg from our current captives?  My general impression has been not all that much?

If I am wrong and we know enough to at least have a worthwhile conversation on the topic with Sakrovar ... perhaps we should plan on a trip to his hall besides?

Would it be possible for Sanjar to make some sort of Lore or Education roll to see if he knows anything about 'bull-headed monstrosities'?

Assuming Sanjar does indeed end up staying behind, inbetween accompanying ( and ingratiating himself to... ) Safra, Sanjar will spend some time speaking to Hebdomar.  Trying to get a feel for the fellow, and find out about his thinking/attitudes on things etc.  He is curious about where he is from, and the strange god he mentioned being a follower of.  All of which he would ask him about.

Sanjar likewise is not the most skilled individual in Insight ( 30 ) ... though I do perhaps find it likely that Sanjar was present during the negotiations with Athlazo.  If I am the likely candidate, I'll roll?  Would it be possible to roll an Influence check to haggle him a little bit?  He is probably better at it than Sanjar, but ... Sanjar would try.  ;P

With the new variation on magnitudes/duration and such, Sanjar is really back to where he was, or worse even with the additional mp requirements.  Likely he will only be able to protect himself and Safra for now once again.  Perhaps Tanek?

Sallantus knows that he isn't a great reader of men (Insight 34). He's also not keen on pushing on through the night, figuring that we risk arriving at the bandits' lair weary (Athletics 41). Unlike in town, when we were attacked at a time (and location) of our enemies choosing, on this occassion we are the hunters and should make decisions to secure our advantage.

Sallantus is, though, wary of disagreeing too stongly with Rhaskos, respecting his expertise out in the wilds. He just needs the advantages of arriving at a fight tired spelled out to him.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 192):

Re pressing on at night or waiting until morning:

If I have it right, if Sanjar does not accompany, he could provide 24 hours of cover to a maximum two people (Duration 5 + Targets 1 + Combine 1) at a cost of 4MP, and perform this rite twice to cover 4 people. This would leave him (and Safra) very vulnerable back in Thyrta - although he could squeeze one more spell out for them, he would be at zero Magic Points and in need of taking to his bed, nothing in reserve for unforseen circumstances.

Anyway - a reasonable tactic with Sanjar back in Thyrta might at least be to cover Tanek and one other and give them serious damage resistance cover for a night attack - in the morning it would be gone.

Re Sanjar's (good) Questions:

A second mule, 10SP if required. This one Athlazo calls Bitch (his line of humour is fairly one-dimensional). These are adding up to serious money. Can try and negotiate for a rate of 5SP for each with a successful (but opposed) Influence roll, on the promise you'll be back within 3 days. But for Athlazo, a shorter deal is a less good deal, because it will net him less cash overall.

Distance from Sakrovar's hall - his home estate is in the east of his territory, within sight of the fringes of Bear Woods (he is "married" to the Dryad who lives there). So at least a day would be added to your journey to take it in on a round trip.

You have not acquired a great deal of info on Varoteg from your captives. This is not because the GM is being stingy with information...it crosses Sanjar's mind they don't know much. Why is that?

The bull-headed monstrosity is something Sanjar can speak of. Man-beast combinations come in three sorts:

1) spirits of the wilderness capable of physical manifestation - e.g. satyrs.
2) were-creatures. The Jekkarenes have a penchant for cursing malefactors with lycanthropy. Werewolves are the most famous
3) sorcerous abominations (or clever tinkering with nature, depending on your point of view). Minotaurs, Centaurs etc. Only rarely are these creatures capable of procreation, they are usually one-offs.

The sort of magic to accomplish (3) is not familiar to people from these parts, so most would assume (1) or (2). Sanjar may differ.

In no case assume these are RAW/textbook examples of the 'monster' type. for example Rhaskos can speak of Satyrs as powerful male versions of the nymphs who haunt the wilder and numinous natural features, a lot more scary and unpredictable than a fellow with hairy legs and a set of pipes.

Hebdomar - will provide some more detail if Sanjar confirms he is hanging out in Thyrta while the expedition to the hills happens.

Con: arriving in dark, unfamiliar surroundings fatigued.
Pro: arriving prior to report of failed assassination, ensuring element of surprise beyond that afforde simply by attacking at night.

Unknown: whether we'll actually arrive before word, if word even being sent. Also whether it will make any difference on our fight vs whatever must be slain.

Roughly how long after the failed attempt on Safra are we actually setting out?

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 194):

In the early hours of the second day after the attack - to use our terminology, if the attack happened on Wednesday evening, you are setting forth at the crack of dawn on Friday morning.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 195):

Well, we know for a fact that the advantage of surprise is deadly.  I would leave the decision up to Rhaskos, as he's our scout, knows the area, and is probably the most qualified to answer the following issue:

Goal - surprise and eliminate any threats found at our destination.
Day time - would we be able to approach unawares?
Night time - same question?

Unawares meaning not only unobserved, but be able to get into position quietly enough.

If he fails a lore check, doesn't have an opportunity to know, or indicates that the answer to night time unawares is "No", then I vote for arriving unfatigued, because we know someone's going to fail their check.

If day time is "No" and night time is "Yes", I would vote for pushing on, even if it means fatigue, as the benefit of surprise is huge for the initial attack, allowing us to possibly outnumber immediately.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 196):

Sallantus will agree with Kordan, more or less, but will ask - Is time too tight for us to rest tonight, travel tomorrow, set a camp a short distance from our destination, and then get the drop on whoever our enemies are by travelling the final portion of the journey after dark? With Rhaskos scouting ahead, of course.

We could even push on for a portion of the night, catch some sleep after midnight, and then sleep the first part of tomorrow night, so we're all (partially) rested before attacking after midnight.

(Or is Sallantus getting his thinking in tangles here?)

If we're going to march through the night to make up time, then better we do so on the march back to town, and relative safety, rather than the march into unknown danger.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 197):

Per Simulacrum, if Sanjar is not accompanying us on the mission, then:


That's only good if we attack at night though.

One level of fatigue is -10 to all skills, if we arrive too worn out to feel comfortable attacking then we have the option of simply resting.  However, for example, if Tanek and Sallantus both pass their athletics tests, and are covered with a DR 8 (not sure what Sanjar can actually provide), then they could wade into combat and potentially forsake defense in favor of offense.

Would it be possible to try out the draft ritual rules for extended/ritual casting and getting the bonus from Sanjar's Rites skill?

If so Sanjar could use the bonus points, allocating them to Spellcraft/Manipulation, and get another degree of manipulation out of the castings.

If this is feasible in a reasonable ammount of time another degree of duration applied could extend the effect to 12 days and give the group the option of doing more in-depth inspection/surviellance of the target before attacking... and not being forced to rush besides.

( Damage Resistance: +Combine:Enchant, +Duration:6, +Targets:1 )

So that would be 4mp for covering two people, in such a fashion for 12 days.

Sanjar is willing to cast this on the four group members departin, though it will put him down 8mp for the duration of the excursion, meaning he will be literally strained to the limit to maintain this and some defense on himself and Safra.

If the inclusion of the ritual rules is allowable it would also open up the possibility of investing in ritual sacrifice to overcome that particular limitation... so that the defenses on the departing group and on those staying behind could all be comfortably maintained... though a worthwhile sacrifice ( magically speaking ) would I think be rather expensive monetarily and likely viewed with some negative reception by our Korantine hosts.

Thoughts?

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 199):

Yeah, do we have the option to push on and see how we fare on fatigue and optionally rest, or would that require additional time?

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 199):



Yes it would, and happy to see the Ritual rules applied here. For sacrificial animals, you could look at livestock costs in the Companion and halve the Taskeen price to find the SP price. I'll get round to a Korantine-specific price list one day!

GM commentary
Adopting the RQ6 Enchant spell to produce a 'temporary enchantment' in which extended AoT durations apply is to represent making the spell a fixture of the world's 'physics' rather than an emanation of the sorcerer's will. As such the fixed (game world) time rather than POW multiple should be used. It also follows that the spell would remain in force until duration expires if (heaven forbid) the caster gets killed.

As it happens the Duration bracket it falls into at 6 points of manipulation was the most problematic - AoT setting does not so far use weeks, as it is modelled on real-world ancient norms where a 'week' is an astrological abstraction rather than something that people manage their time by. I may in future editions revise that for simplicity's sake as the game week is a handy device, and consequently use a week as the Duration 6 time, rather than the current 10 days which is approximating 1/3 of a month (round up).


In this instance the difference between 7, 10 and 12 days is fairly academic as the mission should be accomplished or not well before expiry. But it's good to settle how things will work in play prior to landing on Solisand, assuming you ever get there, as the durations may be more critical.

The RP opportunity is in my view improved with the change here. The sorcerer character has more to think about, more to consider, and the use of ritual and potentially of sacrifice for the MP fuelling adds more colour. Unless the GM keeps throwing a lot of countermagic effects and spells around (somewhat artificial in many cases), forcing the sorcerer to divert points to Magnitude rather than duration, the sorcerer with a limited spell list to reserve his MPs for can be caught in the trap of having done his job last week and be very much in the back seat when things kick off. Good for a spell-slave, bad for an adventurer.



Pushing on into the night or a forced march will, if it produces fatigue, do so as 'long term' fatigue that would require a proper rest period (night's sleep or day's rest) to recover from, as it is not the fatigue experienced from a short burst of frantic activity. So you could try it and decide to rest up somewhere rather than plunge into action if fatigue checks go badly, but it would indeed require additional time.

xxx

Anyhoo -
Sanjar: sort your casting out;
I await an Insight roll from someone (frankly, someone roll and I'll treat as a team test to save messing about);
Decide if you want to hire both Bitch and Bastard from Athlazo and negotiate if you want to (Athlazo has a 53 rolled, fail on Commerce);
I have already rolled and resolved encounters for the first part of your journey, which resulted in Rhaskos finding lunch;
Next step is what happens as the party comes into view of Oleg's Hills and darkness is approaching...

08:54, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 41 using 1d100. Insight (group check).

Let's just hire the both mules for the week (10sp x2) and not press on through the night.  I don't think our collective athletics skills are high enough, we'll likely end up with half the party (or more) fatigued.

Unless - Sanjar elects to cover the entire party with a protective spell that will expire before reaching our destination without forced march.  Should he go that route then I'm in favor of pushing it.  (in which case we should bargain for 3 days as well)

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 202):

[OK - Insight roll is a fail]

Athlazo's questioning about your direction of travel and purpose is innocent enough, he's just one of these people who can't mind his own business. But he's obviously a wrangler and caravan master rather than just a liverer.

Waiting on Sanjar's ritual work to prepare the party.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 203):

Bump - waiting on some inputs here - let me know if there's some reason you can't post for a while and I'll make a call

Well drat.  I made a nice long post earlier but it seems to have been lost to the ether.

13:24, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 28 using 1d100. Sorcery4:82.
13:23, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 64 using 1d100. Sorcery3:82.
13:23, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 22 using 1d100. Sorcery2:82.
13:23, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 88 using 1d100. Sorcery1:82.
13:13, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 74 using 1d100. Influence: 52.

I will briefly summarise, as I don't have the patience to rewrite the whole thing.

• Sanjar attempted to convince the local Korantine authorities that a suitably horrid fate for the condemned prisoners was to allow him to use them as ritual sacrifices for his sorceries to protect their intended targets etc.  Failed influence roll above.  This, instead of generating magic points, would generate points of manipulation, much more advantageous.
• Sanjar pitches the potential use of animal sacrifices and the funding thereof to Safra and/or the group at large.  If possible this will allow all to be accomplished without leaving Sanjar bedridden during the interim.
• Either way, Sanjar will set up the defenses for everyone, even if it does leave him bedridden, and stay behind with Safra.
• Sanjar advises the group on the information he has concerning beast-headed types, and that he considers a sorcerous construct the most likely given what he knows and what information they have about the creature itself.  This raises the prospect of it having or knowing something regarding some hitherto unknown local magic or sorcerer, and/or it being valuable as a prisoner for resale purposes whether as a slave/gladiator or for a lab specimen.  Sanjar does not order the capture he simply points out the potential value and leaves the decision as to whether it is worth attempting to those who will be present at the time.

What is the duration of the protective magic?  Need to know whether we need to hustle or not.

Also, not having been a recipient before, what is the nature of the protection?  Is it straight damage reduction? Or is it block all if equal to or less than (x) and block none if in excess?

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 206):

( Damage Resistance: +Combine:Enchant, +Duration:6, +Targets:1 )

So that is a 'Damage Resistance' Spell of intensity 8, duration roughly 10 days standard, 12 if going by Sanjar's POW.  The intensity 8 means, by Legend standard rules, it will totally absorb damage of 8 or less, while doing nothing for an attack that does 9+.

So no hurrying beyond what you feel is necessary for the situation, at least... no hurrying based on the spell.

Question for Simulacrum. I noticed that RQ6 damage resistance spell Is just straight reduction, but acts like armor. Whereas the Legend version is all or nothing, but I believe armor still protects if the threshhold is exceeded.

What version of the spell are we using?  If the RQ6 version the. The only benefit armor will provide is if the spell gets nullified.

[OOC: I'm still here...]

Sallantus hopes that Sanjar's protective ward lasts until the danger is over. His stomach churns a little, thinking about the practicalities of capturing a sorcerously constructed half-man, half-beast. He sharpens his axe.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 208):



Legend version, so far as spell effects are concerned. If the Damage resist is overblown, armour still applies.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 210):

Yeah I was surprised when I saw that difference since it alters how sorcery damage resistance has worked in every prior version.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 211):

After much discussion and debate, Sanjar embarks upon his plan to provide his comrades with magical protection for their journey. First he bids all members move to Safra's ship, which it has been decided shall, for the next few days, be Safra's little fortress, where her crew can take turns at keeping watch over both their mistress and the sorcerer himself, for he has determined upon a course of action that will leave him utterly exhuasted until the safe return of the expedition. Sanjar ushers everyone below decks, where he has prepared a space and laid out his magical equipment in a place away from the prying eyes of the dockside community...

Safra demures on the matter of spending many Silver Peices on an animal big enough to use for sacrifice, especially since Sanjar informs her there will be no flesh left to distribute as food after the rite. And, indeed, Sanjar's mention of blood sacrifice to the authorities in the same breath as discussing what might be done with the prisoners has caused sufficient raised eybrows and muttering about barbarous foreign customs that she is anxious to avoid a 'scene' even if the only thing injured is a goat. Nevertheless it amuses her to see Hebdomar dragged into the hold of the Foam Follower shortly thereafter, with a very worried look on his face.

Next, he impresses upon Sallantus, Kordan, Tanek and Rhaskos the need to behave with suitable solemnity while he goes through elaborate preparations, and indeed to do nothing that may prove disruptive to his task..."in fact, just do nothing"  - since they have no knowledge of the rites he will perform, and anything they do can only be a liability. This intriguing foreigner with his thoughtful and serious tone has them all standing before him in nought but a breech clout while he chants in his alien tongue, paces slowly aroud them, occasionally splashing them with droplets of water or shaking dust over them...until at last the ritual is done.

The party makes its way as soon as it can the following morning....


...The rest you know, until you reach the limit of your day's journey, and settle down to camp in sight of the hills. Only a couple of hours out of Thyrta it felt as if you passed into a more ancient landscape, hardly tamed by human hand. Farmsteads and pastures are few and far between; from late morning onwards, the hunters surprised by Rhaskos are the only people you have seen. Signs of recent human activity are there - but thinly scattered. The route in some places picks up an old trackway that once led to Bilinthus - this now seems largely disused and returning to nature.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 212):

The party settles down for the night - Orinastron has got you so far without complaint, and, it seems, without guile. He tells you that when morning comes there are no more than 3 or 4 hours to reach his camp, a disused mine working among the hills. The normal form - given the party is made up of former soldiers and sailors - is to set out at first light. This is a literal phrase - at the very break of dawn, while it is still quite dark.

In the meantime - you all decide, I presume, it is best to have someone on watch at all times, and be sure that Orinastron is in plain sight at all times. Perhaps you can tell me:

1) Do you make a fire?
2) What is your watch roster (I'll take this as normal form henceforth until told otherwise)?

"I'll take third watch" says Orinsatron, with a grin.

I'll take first watch.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 214):

I'll take second.
And I think we should not make a fire. The light and smoke would be too likely to be seen.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 215):

Darkness closes in. Tonight is a bright moon with little cloud, which Kordan takes as a good sign, particularly without the comfort of a fire. A meal of hard tack and nothing warm hasn't exactly set him up for the night. He can see Orinastron in the moonlight, and feels sure that if the fellow tries to make a break for it, he'll not take Kordan Mardahar by surprise.

The night is quiet, just the sound of bats in the twilight, then an occasional beast call or howl - so every time Bitch and Bastard decide to kick off or bray at the darkness it feels like the whole world must hear it. Kordan eventually forces them apart, tethering the brutes at opposite sides of the camp.

By the time he wakes Tanek, all is once more quiet.

Tanek is roused to the coldest hour of the night, and wraps himself up to take a position where Kordan had been. A few clouds have bubbled up in the sky starting to obscure the moon, and by the time Kordan is asleep he feels the brush of rain. There's something brewing in the air.

When first light breaks in the gloom Tanek rouses the camp and reminds his fellows of their morning military routines - something that bridges the divide between Korantine and Taskan. Heavy clouds have settled overhead. There's a rain storm coming, and it looks like it could get ugly. As if to herald the day, a peal of thunder rumbles across the sky. There seems hardly any wind to drive these black clouds away.

Right now the group is exposed to the elements. If this unseasonal storm unleashes with full fury, you can forget about making the distance that was planned for today - not without a serious struggle anyway.

As the mules are loaded and all are ready, Orinastron looks the worst prepared and most miserable of all; having no cloak to his name and borrowed a mule blanket for his sleep he seems very loathe to give it up. Sallantus looks almost relieved that for once he has his feet on dry land when the storm hits.

There may be time to make it to higher ground before the rain starts in earnest - or take shelter somewhere here and wait it out?

You may choose to bank some rolls - Drive, Survival, Athletics, Resilience - and indicate a course of action - otherwise give me a more detailed narrative and i'll adjudicate based on that...

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 216):

Can Rhaskos make some sort of regional lore check to determine the risk level of being flooded out? I would not like to take shelter and then be caught by rising water.

I'm somewhat in favor of pushing on, at least to high ground. I would not be the best candidate for drive or survival checks as both are they are 20 and 19 respectively. My athletics and resilience are 42 and 40, so decent odds there. Will be banking rolls for those 2, if one of the lesser skills is called for by me I'm fine with it being rolled on my behalf.

Any suggestions from the troop?  I also want to try to strike up a friendly conversation with Orinastrom, as he doesn't seem like a terrible guy - just bad circumstances. If he seems rather worse for wear due to weather I'll loan him the use of my cloak for a spell.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 216):

Tanek mutters, "This is what I get for neglected Sumis when catching up on my worship.  I didn't give her proper favor and this is how she repays me. Remind me to try to attend a worship sometime soon."

After making ready to go, Tanek looks out at the heavy clouds, "This rain looks bad.  It's too bad that as a civilized nation, our military training lacks good wilderness survival training."  He looks around to see if anyone wants to rise to some friendly national bragging.  It'd at least take his mind off the weather.  "I've always been stationed in at least a fortified location.  I'd be more comfortable if we pushed on to higher ground."

[OOC: Who's been taking care of the vile beasts so far?  My drive is 20 as well.]

Banked rolls:
16:43, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 8 using 1d100. Athletics (52) Banked.
16:44, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 90 using 1d100. Drive (20) Banked.
16:45, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 67 using 1d100. Resilience (55) Banked.

20:03, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 36 using 1d100. Banked Survival (18).
20:03, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 13 using 1d100. Banked Resilience (40).
20:03, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 41 using 1d100. Banked Drive (20).
20:03, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 74 using 1d100. Banked Athletics (42).

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 219):

(We better come up with a plan that doesn't require the banked rolls Kordan!)

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 220):

[Gm note: OK - no input from Rhaskos for a while, so have banked some rolls for him, and...he's done rather well. If Rhaskos wants to jump on and reroll or give some direct RP instruction all well - but meanwhile I have enough to narrate up to next 'situation'.]

The little hunter stands and stares at the sky, which seems so close and oppressive now as the droplets start to strike hard and heavy. A flash in the sky and another peal of thunder, angrier this time. No time to spare, get out of here and up to the hills before the sky pisses all over them and the hills send the run-off in our direction. Even if we don't get washed out we can find a stream where there was a path or be forced to find a long way around it. I don't know these parts. Back home we know where you can stay and where you cannot.

Suffice to say, Rhaskos' regional lore is enough to warn that when one of these storms lets loose round here it can be awesome. If you are out in it with no shelter, that's awesome in a bad way. Thankfully it usually spends its fury in a few hours...

The group grimly presses on quickly...but as you may all have surmised Bitch and Bastard are proving very troublesome and foiling every effort to make good progress. If anyone has a steer for me as to whether you will cut them loose or tether them somewhere to return later so you can make it to shelter or higher ground...let me know. Only Sallantus left to bank any rolls. At this stage a Drive fumble would be disastrous or narratively amusing, depending on your POV.

Picking between tethering them and possibly drowning them versus cutting them loose and never seeing them again, well, at least if they're alive Rhaskos might be able to find them again.

Let's see if Sallantus can save the day or fail disastrously :)

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 222):

Yeah man! Blame Sallantus if the plan fails horribly.

That's a good idea!

00:25, Today: Sallantus rolled 25 using 1d100. Drive [26].

"Bitch and Bastard! Why didn't they fit you things with oars!" Sallantus grumbles as he attempts to control the animals.

00:27, Today: Sallantus rolled 59 using 1d100. Athletics [41].

00:28, Today: Sallantus rolled 16 using 1d100. Resilience [61].

Sallantus laughs in the rain, roaring to the others, "At least the ground under our feet is steady. And if we fall, the worst that will happen is a bruised arse!"

/cheer!

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 225):

The rain is hammering down, turning everything underfoot sodden, little rivulets of watter everywhere, sometimes joining into wider streams, sometimes forming great standing puddles. The ground is getting more treacherous underfoot, the combination of the sudden heavy rain and trudging feet churns up the ground that is at times slippery, at others seeks to grasp the traveller's foot and not let go.

Rhaskos does his best to keep the party to the firmest ground he can find, but the mules are causing trouble, refuse to budge, show their teeth to anyone who tries to pull at the halter, pay no heed to the stick. Every few yards seems to be a battle with the two brutes as characters variously pull, push, beat and dodge their mean-spirited counter-attacks, and the way is getting harder with every few minutes of delay.

At last Sallantus steps up with a plan. Having observed how the mules are more aggressive to one another even than to their handlers, he sets Bitch in front, noting that Bastard is more motivated to bite at his four-legged friend than the other way round and hates to come last in anything.

"Let's apply all our work to this one, the other will seek its chance to bite its fellow's flanks and tail and follow on behind".

This seems to work - the whole party concentrates on driving Bitch through the storm, and Bastard follows behind, with Orinastron detailed now to hold him back if it appears he will to easily catch his fellow.

"Remind me of two ladies I knew once" he howls through the rain.

At last Rhaskos finds a suitable shelter in a copse some way into the hills. The rain is still driving hard, and everyone now misses a fire to dry out their rain-soaked clothes and kit.

Indeed even after finding shelter, it is another 3 hours before the sky starts to clear ever so slowly, and the rain slackens off, eventually to a drizzle. there is a band of bright sky approaching from the west, but with little wind it is taking its sweet time to arrive.

Clearly a whole day has now been lost, more or less. Six hours of torrential rain and two dumb beasts have frustrated all progress.

What's more, as the rain stops and Orinastron stands on the hillside looking out at the surrounding land, Rhaskos asks which way they must go next to their destination.

"I don't know", says Orinastron. "I think we're lost".

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 226):

< howling with laughter >

"Ah this be a mite bit o' a pickle we be getting into.  We be having three more days ta get there, deal with whatever, and get back ta Thyrta. Being lost ain't ta be helpin' wit dat.

Heyyah! Ori! Don't be supposing you be knowin' abouts any obvious landmarks or whatnot we can be looking out for?

While we be on the subject, feel like telling what valuables we be heading towards?  We be no faulting ye on account o' the weather. But if'n we be well and truly lost well, mayhap we must be weighing that benefit against out shortened time frame.

Rhaskos!  We been huntin' in these parts before? Ye be reco'nizing anything?"

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 227):

It is around midday when the rain finally abates. As the clouds begin to move, you can at least get a general bearing from the sky. Any glimpse of the moon (which is stationary and visible by day) gives you South (actually you know it is SSE of here). The sun is high, its direction of travel is not true West, so it is less help even when you can see it.

The copse is on a gentle slope, one side of a shallow vale. Quite green.

GM: Perception Rolls

To Kordan's enquiry, Orinastron:

"Well, we don't have much - wouldn't be in the business we are in if we did now, would we? But all have a bit of money, an advance on the price for...well...you know that bit.

But if you are expecting some gleaming pile of treasure to set you up in life, you are to be disappointed, and maybe you should have taken your chances on the ocean instead. But now the Thing - that horrible beast - Varoteg keeps it there, tucked away where it doesn't frighten the locals, and now and again bits of loot get stashed there as he knows nobody will try and rob it. Saved up for a rainy day. Me and the boys we thought about it many times, but never had the nerve. Not that we didn't think we could take it - but crossing Varoteg out here in his country - that's different, right? Now you boys, that's nothing to you, seeing as for some reason you already crossed him or someone who has something on him. So I think you fellows, with Orinastron's help - wee, we can take that beast, and have its treasure, right?...So long as we can find it, obviously"

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 228):

11:27, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 34 using 1d100. Perception (31).

"Three more days? Safra only gave us four and we've blown two already."

He scratches at what beard is starting to come in and peers around for a few minutes.

"I know we must be close, cause Orinastron said we could have made it there in a forced march if we had pushed on. But I'll be damned if I can even tell which way is North right now.  How likely do you think it is that the rain is done and won't come down on us like that again?"

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 228):

13:38, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 43 using 1d100. Perception (23).
Failure - unless check is easy.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 230):

GM: I rolled Perception for Rhaskos. No luck there either.

"I don't recognise this place. But look, we can't have come far in that storm - so unless we are further astray than I imagine," says Orinastron, "that if we head East then surely we'll come across some familiar ground and pick up the right trail"

Rhaskos chimes in "By the time we have dried out our stuff an' all we can still make a few hours by daylight - if we delay setting camp. But no use blundering about in the dark unless we've found our way again".

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 231):

Let's dry out and head East then.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 232):

Everyone gets back to the business of drying out clothes and taking the opportunity for a meal - cold hard rations again - to push back the need to for a stop as long as possible. Having not felt the warmth of a fire since yesterday's lunch, and feeling tired, damp and uncomfortable, nobody is in good spirits when the party sets out again. Rhaskos scouts the area and finds a trail.

"But that's not all", he says. "Look at this".

A stone's throw from where you have taken shelter among the trees is a natural rock formation; on closer inspection it is a boulder covered all over in weathered carvings, and in the sheltered spots are painted designs, some of them animals, some of them people, some of them too stylised or roughly drawn to tell. However in one place there is a crude graffito depicting a bearded (Thennalt) figure 'penetrating' a beardless (Korantine) and submissive figure wearing nothing but a surprised expression. This particular image does not look like it is very old.

"And here I be think the local Thennaults were happily welcoming the Korantine settlers."

Kordan chuckles wryly.

"Looks like we be on the right path, good work Rhaskos."

"Anyone got any paint? I'm in an obscenely artistic mood," Sallantus says.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 235):

Tanek chuckles and says, "There's plenty of mud around. You could make a temporary contribution."

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 236):

An armed man just appeared on a nearby rise, set upon an enormous shaggy horse. He sports a helmet with a pair of horns almost jutting forward, hefts a battleaxe and shield and appears to be in tooled leather armour. He is perhaps at a regular bowshot distance (assume 75-80m away), the ground between you being uneven grassy banks broken here and there by outcroppings of rocks.

Actions please, banking any rolls if your actions are likely to call for skill checks.

He's obviously quite a dangerous man, but does Sallantus have any idea of his cultural origins (and how usual it is to see a man from such a culture in full gear, etc.)?

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 238):

He's obviously a Thennalt (local barbarian bumpkins to you, present company [Rhaskos] accepted, in any event perhaps not to his face when wielding a battleaxe). Seeing anyone kitted out in such a fashion, bumpkins included - perhaps bumpkins especially - is enough to trigger alarm bells. The fact he sits astride a big hefty horse is similarly alarming.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 239):

Kordan does an active 360 degree scan for other activity, as well as a good solid tree trunk that can be stood behind to avoid a charge attack.

10:23, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 24 using 1d100. Banked Perception (23).

Also, I warily ready my bow.

"Heya, Ori!  How close are we to our destination?  Should we be assuming a fight here or possibly try communicatin' with him?

Sallantus eyes the mounted man warily, and scans the outcroppings of rock for movement. Do any hide other armed men? Could they? Would the rocks impede a man fighting from horseback?

20:48, Today: Sallantus rolled 49 using 1d100. Perception (33).

Sallantus looks to locate his shield and his bow, ensuring that he is able to get them from the back of the mule in short order. He doesn't move to draw his bow. Yet.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 241):

Tanek also looks around to see if there is more danger than just the mounted man.

14:16, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 25 using 1d100. Perception (31).

Meanwhile he's readying his sling surreptitiously and keeping an eye on his shield and spear.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 242):

None of you see anything untoward when looking nervously about (Rhaskos yet to roll, Sanjar's player covering his role, just passed him relevant stats). But there's plenty of scrub, bushes dead ground and trees about, you can't be sure nobody is sneaking up on you.

Tanek notes this warrior is riding with nothing but a blanket on the horse and a simple halter. Strange.

Tanek slips his sling from his wrist, drops a stone into his hand. He sidles closer to where his shield sits on the back of a mule, and his spear is propped against the painted stone. He finds Sallantus looking at him from the other side of Bastard, ready to lay hands on his weapons. Kordan is taking no chances, and readies his bow, trying to look nonchalant as he tests the string he set before breaking camp and fumbles to check there are arrows at hand.

The armoured man lets his great pale horse pace and snort, and seems to be calling out to you, but he's some way off.

Orinastron looks nervous - "you are forgetting we are still lost, I don't know this country", he says. "But I may know him, if he's one of the local yahoos. Hard to tell from here. But it's probably trouble, him being all tooled up like that. Means to rob us, I'd guess. I could go talk to him...tell him we're friendly, like. After all if he's one of Varoteg's boys then me and him are on the same side, right?"

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 243):

"Yeah, I'd say it would be worthwhile to try to avoid a fight for as long as possible.  Sending one person up to see if we can get our bearings from him sounds worthwhile.

Your suggestion has merit, and I appreciate your volunteering.  Unless anybody else has an objection for some reason?"

"Wait. If he's one of Varoteg's boys, then we'll have just handed the bandit another sword arm. And everything he needs to know about us."

Sallantus retrieves his bow from Bastard and readies it, though he takes care not to make the gesture that threatening.

"If he's got something to say to us, he'll ride a little closer."

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 245):

"Yeah, Orinastron has certainly been helpful. But I don't think he's earned autonomy yet.  Let's try to get closer and see if we can make out what he's trying to say."

[OOC:

06:28, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 36 using 1d100. Rhaskos:Culture(SavageMonkeys):58.
06:27, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 87 using 1d100. Rhaskos: Insight:31.
06:19, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 82 using 1d100. Perception: Rhaskos: (61).

Hoping for some insight into the nature of our new 'friend'... though it seems like little will be forthcoming. ]

Rhaskos transfers his javelins from hand to hand, redistributing them so that his shield hand holds two plus his fighting spear, and his throwing arm only holds one at the ready.  He looks at the mounted man for only a moment before turning about where he stands to look in every other direction before turning back to focus on him more intently.  Watching the others begin to walk towards the mounted man, he frowns slightly yet does likewise, pacing out to be at an angle from the others... and have an unobstructed throw for his javelins should things turn hostile.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 247):

Orinastron goes to step forward but is pulled short by Tanek. He glances at Kordan and shrugs and slips back behind the mules.

[GM Note: There's some confusion and conflicting intents here - do you wait here by the mules and your stuff, wait for him to come closer, or approach? Bear in mind that apart from Rhaskos, shields are still stowed as hands reach for missile weapons. Tanek's spear is propped against the Thennalt stone]

Rhaskos seems sure what the score is - "Orinastron is right, he's not dressed like that for fun. And his attitude is threatening. This man will issue a threat if he thinks he can take us all, and maybe offer a challenge if he doesn't. Maybe he won't observe the social niceties for a bunch of foreigners. Either way, he'll think it a dishonour not to rob us".

A steer on your movement please so I can frame the situation - stand fast and invite his approach or move forward to parlay? Or of course, just shoot him ;). no time for prolonged debate, that will burn time so is the same intent as 'stand fast'.

Sallantus makes no move towards the man, but is ready to take his lead from the actions of his comrades. He nocks an arrow.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:50, Thu 27 Sept 2012.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 249):

"Ok how 'bout Orinastron and I advance towards the rider and attempt to make contact while the rest of you cover us?"

If that's amenable, I'll wrap my sling back up and take up my spear and shield.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 250):

"That is amenable to me. I'll cover you."

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 251):

Tanek retrieves his spear and puts his shield on his arm. "Right then", he says to Orinastron, "let's see of you carry any weight with the local thieves you were so recently attached to". Tank beckons Orinastron to accompany him as he walks cautiously forward.

"I'm unarmed, don't forget" he says. "You won't be expecting any heroics if it all kicks off, right?"

Rhaskos skirts out to the right so he has a clear view, a javelin in hand. He's hanging back a little to allow Tanek to take the lead.

The mounted warrior checks himself as he sees the Adventurers approach. As they do, he dismounts, letting his great horse wander off behind him. This may be a little suprising. The next move is perhaps more so. He strikes his heel upon the the earth, then strikes a pose (a combat stance in fact)  and begins to 'surf' towards you.  Literally. His legs aren't moving, he seems to be riding a slow ripple current of churning earth beneath his feet.

He is now 30m In front of Tanek and Orinastron "It's a good trick, I'll give him that", says Orinastron coolly.

And the Thennalt stops. The ground subsides beneath his feet.

The man in the horned helmet smashes his axe against his shield, and shouts at Tanek. Tanek's Thennalt is pretty poor, and even that in a dialect spoken hundreds of miles from here. But Orinastron gets the drift.

"He's says if you dare to come and fight him, he'll make Mother Earth a gift of your brains, if you have any..although that word can also mean private parts..."

Rhaskos is in earshot (still a little out of javelin range). He knows the protocol now is to take the bait or offer something in tribute.

The Thennalt continues his rant...

"That last bit was directed at me," says Orinastron. "It wasn't complimentary. I think he knows who I am."

GM Note: Actions, please?

At any point from now, this may go to Combat Rounds. If you declare an aggressive action, Roll for Initiative and frame it as a statement of intent.

Rhaskos calls out to Tanek.  "This is the way.  He is testing you.  Your courage.  Either you pass the test and defeat him, or you give way to him.  And then he is the greater, and you owe him tribute.  If you pay him tribute he might take it and go away.  Or it might make things worse."

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 253):

13:17, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 12 using 1d10+9. Strike Rank.

"Well, bugger him and his test. I care not for it." Tanek assumes a ready posture and shouts, "Turn him into a pin cushion!" He then turns his head and says, "Orinastron, grab my sidearm. And don't screw me over."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Sun 30 Sept 2012.

21:37, Today: Sallantus rolled 18 using 1d10+11. Sallantus' Initiative.

21:38, Today: Sallantus rolled 100 using 1d100. Attack vs the Stranger (60).

Sallantus' responds quickly to Tanek's instruction, drawing his bowstring back and...

[OOC: Are we using the Legend fumble tables?]

14:36, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 12 using 1d10+6. Initiative.
[ accidental double roll for initiative, disregarded second result ]
14:37, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 66 using 1d100. Missile attack (62).

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 255):


Priceless.


Orinastron moves fast, reaching for Tanek's weapon with an initiative of 22

Tanek - awaiting your initiative roll and statement of intent, let me know if advancing or not. He's not charging at you, but then he's not acting until SR 16.

Sallantus sees Tanek turn and bark a military order to let fly, and loses his head in the excitement of the moment...

GM Note: I have to say - given the set-up, what with Sallantus taking a shot at a guy more or less the other side of Tanek and Orinastron, and rolling a natural 100 - in my world that fumble HAS to be hit friend. But make a roll on the fumble table as normal. If the result is 15-16, you hit Tanek, the 17-18 Misfire result is hit Orinastron. In either case I'll probably (certainly) be very mean and impose impale as a CM. Thank goodness for Damage Resistence. Well, so long as your name isn't Orinastron, anyways

Upon Tanek's intent and any further elaboration form Rhaskos required - I'll sketch the layout.

23:14, Today: Sallantus rolled 3 using 1d20. Sallantus' Fumble.

[Disorientated - attacker loses target and next active Combat Action]

A rush of blood to the head, and Sallantus' arrow flies wildly off target. He fumbles as he moves to draw another arrow from his quiver, the normally smooth action interrupted by his rebellious hands.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 257):

Oh sorry.  My initiative roll was 12.  I'll charge. (Based on my understanding of the much debated charging rules, my longer reach weapon will allow me to strike first.  If he dodges he'll have to evade and won't be able to strike back.  If he elects to swing back at me, his attack won't occur until after my attack's resolution.  My first CA would be to move 16m, my second would be to move the remaining distance and attack.)

16:28, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 59 using 1d100. Charging Spear attack (72). 

16:31, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 11 using 1d20. hit location.
Hit would be to the chest.

If a CM is gained, I'll select Impale. Resulting in 9 damage.
16:32, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 8,1 using 1d8+1,1d2. Spear damage.
16:32, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 5,2 using 1d8+1,1d2. Spear damage (impale).

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 259):

GM Correction - forgot to deduct Armour Penalty - opponent's Initiative is 13 (not 16).

Await initiative roll and intent from Rhaskos (Sanjar) on hearing Tanek's command from the front, but it would be good if I can resolve first cycle tonight UK time - default is I'll have Rhaskos move up enough to be in Javelin range as Tanek rushes forward, and cast his javelin as soon as he is close enough. Sallantus and Kordan are sending arrowshafts all over the place but not actually at anybody just yet, so their action are covered for first cycle.

Presume next actions are to knock another arrow unless you tell me otherwise.

On Charging

The rules unhelpfully state that Tanek can move up to 3 x his move rate in a round for a charge (but sprint is x5). I'll hand waive this and allow the (roughly, after all) 30m distance to be covered, but his hit will come at the end of the round.

Incidentally, I don't buy the 'defender only has one CA if being charged' rule, only that he only has 1 CA with which to respond to the charge itself - evade, hit back, whatever. And that if he has any left at the time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Mon 01 Oct 2012.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 260):

Yeah. I believe the longest threads on any Legend related forum always seem to be on how to resolve charging.
I think the 1 CA thing is to represent only one action as a mounted attacker charges by them.
If you'd prefer not to deal with the ambiguity, just have me approach at a standard move rate and close the distance part way.

Rhaskos will indeed move into throwing range, throw a javelin etc. as described.

I'm not sure about this as far as rules, but my personal take on tactics would be to try and put the javelin into the guy's shield and hopefully take it away from him or at least severely impede use.  So, to that end my CM choices would be Impale and/or Choose Location to put it into the shield.  Impale being preferred I suppose.

18:49, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 7 using 1d100. Javelin Throw: 71.
18:50, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 7 using 1d8+1. Damage.
18:50, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 5 using 1d8+1. Damage.

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 262):

Oh I believe that might be our first combat critical.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 263):

Tanek decides its time to take decisive action...

He bids Orinastron to slip the hatchet from his belt, growling a warning that he expects not to regret the moment of trust...and barks at his companions to let fly at this shouting warrior before him.

SR22  Orinastron reacts as quickly as can be, yanking the hatchet free... and quickly transferring it to his left hand.

SR21 Rhaskos appears level with Tanek and Orinastron, leaping forward to make a cast with the javelin prepared in his hand. The Thennalt sees the move, and raises his shield to parry - but it is exactly what Rhaskos wanted. It is a powerful and accurate throw, the javelin smashes into the warrior's shield and lodges there, both damaging the shield and yanking it down by its weight - rendering the shield useless and the foe open

(NB CMs here I have applied Pin Weapon and Maximise Damage, as that will do 9 to the shield rather than your Impale's 7, and the Pin Weapon already achieves your intent with the Impale choice)

SR18 Sallantus hurries a shot in response to Tanek's call to put arrows into the Thennalt, and fumbles...

SR13 The Thennalt shakes his useless shield from his arm and grasps his axe with two hands as he sees Tanek about to launch himself forward. SR12 Tanek lets out his best Tasken war-cry and hurls himself towards the enemy, spear levelled. He barely notices the arrow that whizzes disconcertingly close over his shoulder from behind, as Kordan looses a shaft from his powerful Kitan bow that fails to find a mark.

2nd Cycle

Tanek is commited to charging. TANEK, MAKE AN EVADE ROLL

The Thennalt warrior lets out a great booming shout. Orinastron spins about looking terrified.


ALL Party members now -10 Initiative for the rest of the round (in Tanek's case this is academic, as he has a rather singular focus and probably does not know what goes on behind him unless some other factor intervenes)

SR18 From the rocks and shrubs to the party's right, spring up three more attackers, not 50m distant. A fourth appears on the other side a little further away, and takes aim at Orinastron. The Jekkarene is taken completely by surprise, on his own in the open is immedfiately struck in the abdomen, and goes down, badly hurt with the wind knocked out of him (5 CAs Stunned!)

Kordan and Rhaskos are also struck by well-aimed slingshot, but in this case Sanjar's magical protection sees the stones bounce harmlessly away...the third shot misses Sallantus, who is yet to recover from his fumble.

Statments of intent...

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 264):

- By "appears on the other side" does that mean the 4th is to our left such that we in somewhat of a crossfire?
- Is there any cover around?
- Are the enemies wearing armor?

CA 1 - Kordan will fire at the 4th man with his readied bow.
CA 2 - reload, hunting arrow if they are unarmored, bodkin if armored.

10:05, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 97 using 1d100. Archery (62) vs. 4th.
(at least it wasn't a fumble!)

Trusting to Sanjar's magic and his own armor, Kordan will not attempt to evade incoming missile fire.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 265):

Hold on Kordan - you are still in round 1 - 2nd CA cycle (first CA was a missed shot, your second CA will be reload?)

Re questions on appearance/armour - right now, you are surprised (all but one failed their perception, and that was beaten by an opposed roll team test Stealth check), it's all rather sudden. More details will emerge in the next round.

But to answer your question - yes, there are three to your right and one to your left - I'll try get a sketch done tonight.

Next to act won't be Orinastron because he's gasping for breath on the floor...Rhaskos goes on SR11, Sallantus on 8, Kordan and Tanek (completing his charge) on 2.

Then onto anyone who has 3+CAs and still has one left


NB on round 2, when we get there, the -10 SR penalty will be removed.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 266):

Oh right sorry, yeah I'll reload.

Sallantus is too busy fumbling with his arrows (he loses his next active CA) to do anything on his next strike rank. Presumably he can still fling himself behind one of the mules if necessary...

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 268):

Quick sketch map uploaded.

Meanwhile the Floundering Turtle map is smuggled away to add the internal doorway needed between the kitchen and the rest of the house.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 264):

16:37, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 86 using 1d100. Evade (53).

Guess you were right about how single-minded I was!

Rhaskos settles back on his feet after his throw, eyes widening as he turns where he stands attempting to get a full view of all of the new arrivals.  As he turns and shifts about he shifts another javelin from his shield hand to is throwing hand, readying it for use.

[OOC: It will take him a CA to ready another javelin before he can throw again, yes?]

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 271):

Yes it will. But he can move while doing so.

He's got 3 CAs, so he'll get another go this round if there's a target in range.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 272):

SR 11: Rhaskos, aware of sudden danger,quickly grasps another javelin from behind his shield and looks about to see if there is anyone other than the helmeted warrior in range

Sallantus is fumbling with his bow, while Kordan takes another arrow and knocks it to his bow

SR2 Tanek charges on, oblivious to what is going on around him. As his comrades look anxiously on, they see the very earth between him and his adversary open up like a yawning chasm, and Tanek, still screaming, disappear momentarily within! The ground heaves and snaps shut, and for a split second he is presumed swallowed up and lost forever, but...he appears the other side, planting his spear squarely in the enemy's breast!

GM NOTE Just as I was adjudicating his hit back after yours, I realised you had under-rolled on your damage dice - charge increases the DB by one step to 1D4. I re-rolled the damage bonus...it became 4. Any increase is the same effect...bad man down

The startled Thennalt is immediately laid flat upon the ground, and his battleaxe is cast aside. Tanek is left pulling himself up short, his spear still in the adversary's breast, have struck right through his hard leather armour, wondering what on earth just happened...

GM Note. Tanek, thus far, has some smiling gods on his side. That was an astonishing moment...

Only Rhaskos left to act this round, he has a CA in hand.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 273):

Woo hoo!

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 274):

[ OOC Sarcasm - All I saw from here was him stabbing some guy with his spear, since stabbing guys with spears is what he brought to the table, I don't see anything special in it. ]

Rhaskos spends several long seeming seconds looking back and forth trying to gauge the situation.  As Tanek finishes his charge through death and destruction to fell his enemy Rhaskos seems to settle on a target, the slinger who is alone on one side.  Hefting his javeling he takes a pair of very long strides as part of his wind-up for his throw, then lets loose ... sending the weapon hurtling at the enemy quivering with the vibration of the toss.

[OOC:

CM if any is Impale.

19:25, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 26 using 1d100. Javelin Throw: 71.
19:25, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 8 using 1d8+1. Damage.
19:25, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 2 using 1d8+1. Damage.

/OOC]

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 276):

It's a low blow - Rhaskos is quick, accurate and deadly, sends his second javelin into one of the ambushers and impales him in the groin. He's down and howling.

At the end of round 1, Tanek is out front, his spear still lodged in the helmeted warrior who appears to be hors de combat. He's in a buzz of exhilaration, covered in soil from where it seemed the very earth had erupted around him and tried to swallow him up, but he miraculously passed through unscathed.

Tanek - +1 Hero Point.

Kordan has notched another arrow, Sallantus is groping for his. Orinastron is on the floor in the open gasping from the wound to his abdomen. Rhaskos has one javelin left (and his spear) but NB he also knows Multimissile (1) spell (cast at 63% if you want to).

You don't yet know what these attackers are going to do next - the probable leader is down, and so is one other. There are three left to deal with.

Round 2 - Intent

Round 2 intent

Shoot the nearest slinger that's still up by my turn.

09:03, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 1 using 1d00. Archery (62).
Bullseye!

CM 1 - choose location: Head
CM 2 (if earned) - bypass armor if target has head armor, if not then maximize damage

09:05, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 6,2 using 1d8,1d4. Damage rolls.

If 1 CM is earned, 8 damage to the head, 10 if damage maximized.

Rhaskos will ready his last javelin and manuever to flank the three remaining slingers in a long-strided jog.  Moving at an easy pace he watches the enemy as he shifts the weight of his weapons and selects which will be the best target once he is in position.

Coming to a stop on their flank he raises the javelin and shakes it threateningly at them.  "Hoh!  You there!  You fellows got the drop on me!  Hah!  Well now who is surprised?" he yells, hefting the javelin tossing it up just a bit to catch it back in his hand.  "Throw down your arms, and those of you who do can at least live!"

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 277):

Round 2 intent

Tanek removes his spear from the crumpled form, causing 5 more damage on the way out.
"Now you've been formally introduced to the Taskan Empire!"

21:21, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 17 using 1d100. Brawn (52).
21:25, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 5 using 1d8+1. Un-impale damage.

Tanek then takes cover behind his hoplite shield and starts walking towards the nearest slinger he can see.

Sallantus finally manages to nock an arrow, but will delay his CA until he sees what the ambushers are going to do.

[Is he acting before them? If not, it doesn't matter, he gets to see what they are going to do anyhow.]

If they do not make a clear move to surrender, he will shoot at the easiest target.

So, in one version of the future:

09:07, Today: Sallantus rolled 8 using 1d100. Sallantus (Archery 60). [So close]

09:08, Today: Sallantus rolled 6 using 1d6. Sallantus - bow damage. [Sorry GM, I rolled this before selecting a CM - if one will be applicable. GM, do you want to select a CM, perhaps at random? Who knows, I might have chosen 'maximise damage'...]

You couldn't have chosen maximize damage, that's only available on a crit.  You might have chosen impale though.  Still, that wouldn't be bad even if you already rolled one of the damage dice, the -10% for having an arrow sticking out is helpful for us.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 282):

No worries, will probably take the impale if a cm is awarded as best default if there isn't a specific strategy.

Incidentally I have a business trip departing Sunday morning and I'll pretty much be unable to post until at least Thursday night UK time as I'll be doing  18 hr days.

I hope before I go we know whether any of these guys are alive enough to ask directions. Party seems to have found its dice mojo.h

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 283):

Rnd 2

SR21. Rhaskos is circling the attackers position, his hunter's blood is up...his last javelin is now in his hand.

SR18. Sallantus finally looses another arrow and this one finds a mark, just as his target is leaps up as if to charge forward or run for his life - hard to tell which. Either, way Sallantus' arrow takes him in the leg and brings him down. Impale.

SR18. The two slingers left standing look like they are making a break for it, hurrying off while looking back to see if anyone is following or shooting at them.

SR12 Tanek pulls his spear from the downed foe, who expires with a sigh of air from his chest wound, and marches towards the man who took down Orinastron, who is already running for it. Tanek feels a tremor beneath his feet.

Kordan takes aim at the last man standing on the right flank, who is trying to scuttle off and is half running, half back pedalling away. The man sees Kordan loose an arrow, attempts to veer out of the way but instead walks right into the shot which from Kordan's Kitan bow is moving much faster than he though.

The enemy awards Kordan a 3rd CM as he rolls a 99 fumble for his evade.

It's a 10 point impale to the head. instant kill.

The last one is running away from Tanek as fast as his legs can carry him...

Rhaskos waits a moment to give them all a chance to surrender as he offered, then when it is plain the last standing is not... he steps forward with another powerful throw, again with the two-step windup and a quivering shaft that blurs towards the target.

[OOC:

CMs if any Impale / Trip / Choose Location Leg
21:48, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 4 using 1d100. Javelin Throw: 71.
21:48, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 4 using 1d8+1. Damage.
21:49, Today: Sanjar Zand rolled 9 using 1d8+1. Damage.

/OOC]

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 285):

Actually - there's no enemy standing in range of Rhaskos' javelin - he took one out with a javelin himself, and as he attempted to circle the ambushers immediately south of his position and call for their surrender, they, being at missile range rather than close combat range, opted for flight instead. But Kordan and Sallantus have brought them both down before they got more than a few metres.

[GM note - We're still in combat round timescale - hence Rhaskos has only moved a maximum of 8m, or more if declaring a sprint, which he'd have to to arrive on the enemy's flank by his next CA (sorry if that was the intention, I didn't read as such). When I'm responding to statements of intent and judging those of the NPCs, bear in mind that even if in sequence actions are near-simultaneous and a round is only 5 seconds].

One of the attackers is howling from the javelin stuck through his groin (even without going up to inspect the wretched fellow, Rhaskos' hunting experience knows that fellow is as good as dead if left to his own). Another is now somewhere in the undergrowth, you saw him take an arrow in the leg, so he's not running anywhere. If you want a surrender, he's your choice.

So not sure if Rhaskos wants to let fly at one of these wounded people  (and I'll apply the attack rolled) or just go deal with them in some other way.

Tanek is, or at least was, heading towards the attacker positioned to the north, but frankly this guy is now in a sprint, and nobody is going to catch him without dropping their kit and taking part in opposed Athletics contests, and the foe has a head start.

There's one arrow shot at him at -20 before he's out of sight and/or out of range, should Kordan or Sallantus want to try it at the beginning of round 3 when they are both reloaded.

07:29, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 7,2 using 1d8,1d4. Damage.
07:28, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 18 using 1d20. Hit location .
07:27, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 7 using 1d100. Archery (42).

Dunno why I rolled hit location, CM will be choose location: right leg.

-20 applied to base skill of 62.  Easy to dodge shot, but of he's not looking for it he's gonna take a big old world of hurt in his leg.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 287):

So he tried to run, but then he took an arrow to the knee?

I'll head over to where Orinastron is and see how's he's doing.


In case it's needed
08:48, Today: Tanek Sanasin rolled 66 using 1d100. First Aid (31) banked.

I'll also be travelling this weekend and will be home late Monday night. I'll have my phone with me but will be driving most of the time.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 288):

[ OOC - hopefully it was just "stun location" to the abdomen. ]