Your route decided upon, your three drivers steer their wagons towards the country path. A scattering of farms progressively thinned to wilderness and while you were passing through a small hummock of pine, paused to release your prisoner.

Out from the potato sack came a blonde mess of a dwarf. Filth and straw matted his beard and head, and he cried out, despite himself, at the sudden shock of sunlight. Dwarves do just as well in the dark or outdoors, but sudden changes in light affect them more strongly than humans. There was a gag in his mouth that he quickly loosened with his bound hands, but said nothing. Instead, he lifted those same hands out to you all to be bound to one of the wagons.

Pip eyed the dwarf warily, and, as you all progressed on, kept shooting him curious looks until you stopped for lunch that afternoon. As your prisoner ate awkwardly in his bonds, the boy approached him carefully, stood, and stared. He was of a height with the dwarf, but weighed about half as much. Stanauch took a few more bites of bread, finished his cheese, and offered his apple (you still had some left over) to Pip. "Would you like it lad? my stomach can't tolerate some of the sweet things you humans eat."

Pip reached out, and tentatively snatched the apple. The dwarf continued "You should ask your friends if they're so sure I deserve the fate they're leading me to."

The Count stood off to the side of the wagons eating a loaf of bread and keeping one eye on Stanauch and the other on Wendt, though his real attention was lost in a daydream of home. His reverie had caused him to allow far more contact with the prisoner than he would have otherwise allowed, and he blinked angrily when he realized he had been so lax. He shot a glare to Maurice and inclined his head to Pip and Stanauch; Maurice, looking over with mild confusion and a mouth full of food, instantly comprehended, sighed, and plopped off his seat on the wagon, picking up the whip as he past it.

"No boy," he said patiently as he approached from behind Pip, put a flabby arm round his shoulders and steered him back to the group, "you should do as your told, and you've been told not to be around him on your own, ain'tcha? Ain'tcha? Right, there's a good lad, off you go." He sagged his shoulders, sighed again and fiddled with the coiled whip in his hands before turning around to face the prisoner.

"I'm not here to try and scare ye, and I've no interest in antagonizing ye neither, I'm just going to tell you - just this once - the way things are. That man," he pointed a finger to the Count, who looked on with his usual seething scowl, "has said that you're going to Barak Varr, and to Barak Varr you will go. It could be a pleasant walk through the country, or it could be a-whippin' to mark every mile, that much depends on you minding your manners. That means no mischief - don't look at me like that, you know what you were sayin' to the boy - and no disrespect." He looked over his shoulder at the glowering Count, then turned back a final time. "I know that look: m'lord Von Richtgraf would like me to give you a taste of this already. But I ain't. I'm gonna give us a chance to behave like gentlemen, that's what. So here, let me help ya with your food and we'll have as nice a trip as possible, eh?"

Nigel waves Pip over, "Here lad, sit a moment."

When Pip joins him he begins his lecture, "Now see here Pip, talking to prisoners isn't anything you want to make a habit of; nothing good can come of it. They will say anything, and I mean anything, to try to get on your good side. That doesn't change our job in the slightest, we will guard the prisoner and we will deliver him to Barack Var and that is all that matters for us. Whether or not he is guilty is a matter for the nobility, we follow orders. Understood?"

Bjorn watched and listened from a distance. The others seemed to have the situation well under control, but his hand never left his warhammer in case of trouble. Approaching Ogindur, he leaned in and spoke under his breath: "A query, master dwarf: What fate awaits this brigand in Barak Varr? I have but elementary knowledge of your culture."

Stanauch directed a level look at Maurice. It was clear that he wasn't the least bit intimidated. Quietly, he said "So be it human. But know this, I ain't afraid of a riding crop. I've had far worse than you could ever give."

Meanwhile, Pip nods, doe eyed at Nigel. "I weren't causing trouble Mr. Plaskitt, honest. I just thought he looked sad tis all."

[Private to Ogindur Thundersteel: Your prisoner likely awaits a hammering. A hammering comes in two varieties:
- A beating (likely what Stanauch is referring to in his conversation with Maurice) where the prisoner is unbound and thrust into a ring of hammer wielding dwarves. The hammerers then each exact one blow on the victim. The number of dwarves corresponds to the severity of the punishment, from as few as three to as many as twenty.
- An execution, where the prisoner is tied to an anvil. Each hammerer then takes turns exacting one blow apiece on the victim until he expires.]

"I know Pip, but a man in his position will say anything he thinks will work. I've had child-killers weep and cry about a case of mistaken identity only to have them try to kill a fellow guard to escape minutes later. No matter what he says, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, no matter what: Never trust a prisoner. Better to die at the hands of orcs or wild beasts knowing you did your duty, than to think about letting a prisoner loose to 'help' or anything of that sort." Nigel says, "I know it might be hard understand at your age, and believe me there are times I wish I could still trust people, but you have to protect your honor, your comrades, and your life above everything else. You can ask anyone here, they'll tell you the same."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:47, Mon 06 Jan 2014.

"Fair enough, then."" Maurice says as he holds the wooden goblet steady for Stanauch to drink from, using the same patient, paternal voice he used when steering Pip away.

Still at his post by the wagons, the Count watches on; just as the servant had known the master wished a punitive corporal punishment, so the master knew the servant would not oblige. Nik had grown up under the watchful presence of Maurice, and they had a keen understanding of one another despite being as different as fire and ice. The Count simply grunted his derision for Maurice's attempts at civility, saying nothing as he tended to his meal.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Mon 06 Jan 2014.

 He enjoyed the walk and much less the sitting on the hard benches but it did give him time to think and go over where the future lay before him. It seemed that fate had moved him into the path of these merchant warriors who were much more likely fates pawns in the constant war with the vile forces of chaos. From what he could judge it did seem that he should be there at that time for no other reason then to destroy as many of the vile creations as possible.

 He glanced at the others around him and wondered who he could trust and gave thought of what each had responded to him, either good or bad. The man Nikolaas was noble and considered that he knew much and was better then the others,still he did not shirk his duties and worked as hard as any other, he would not ask him what had driven him to these southern mountains and this harsh life style. Could he trust him?, most likely if it involved the caravan or those under his care.

 The Archer with unhuman like skill with his bow made him nervous as well as his willingness to kill with the weapon, still he was good with the boy so that counted for something. Could he trust him?, he was very unsure of the man to do what was right if it was against something he wanted to do.

 The Priest, like most he was assured that everything he did was right and therefore he could not make a mistake,still he fought alongside and risked his life against the forces of chaos, so that was to the good, still could he trust the priest?, he guessed he could on matters against the vile gods.

 The shifty one. He did what was needed and fought well enough to bring justice to the caravans enemies,so that was good. Could he trust him, he was unsure just how far the man would go to bring an end to chaos.

 Sighing he stood up and walked over to Maurice and sat down close to him. "Sir, a moment of your time. I had a thought and wanted to share it with an intelligent mind such as yours. Consider your answer before sharing it widely amongst this group
 What are the chances if this prisoner is what he is charged with, of him knowing the were abouts of this witch hunter that has been troubling your wagons?. If he has such information that is true, what would be the cost for your count to pay for that information?." He leaned back and nibbled at the coarse bread he was tasting.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Mon 06 Jan 2014.

Grigory woke up with a start among the potato sacks, having passed out there binging on his personal stock of alcohol. He was still getting used to having money regularly, and didn't know what else to spend it on.

He was glad to see that the dwarf was secured to the wagon, but not as happy as he would have been to see him still in his sack. After having a quick breakfast, joined the others. He was especially interested in the suggestion that the dwarf might have information regarding Benedikta.

"If that dwarf knows something about the Witch-hunter, I say we put his toes in the fire until he tells us. I'm sure the dwarves wouldn't mind hanging him slightly singed."

Ognindur quietly informs Bjorn of Stanauch's likely fate. Punishment in Dwarven society revolves around an ordeal called "hammering" and it comes in two varieties. In a conventional hammering, the offending dwarf is thrust unarmed and unarmored into a ring of hammer wielding dwarves. Each dwarf will make one strike upon the victim. While this can occasionally be fatal, Dwarves are very tough, and most survive the ordeal. The second form of hammering is an execution. The convict is secured to an anvil, and the hammerers each take turns delivering a blow until the prisoner is extinguished. This second punishment tends to be rare, because most dwarves convicted of a capital offense are sooner killed by grudgebearers from the wronged party.

Since Stanauch mentioned receiving worse beatings than Maurice could mete out, it's logical to suspect the other fate lies in store for him.

Lunchtime over, your group prepares to leave again. Any of you might interrogate your prisoner on the road, but time is money, and it is important to make as much progress as possible in the afternoon. It doesn't seem, though, that you'll get the opportunity right away. As you pass into a treed, and shady cleft between two steep hills, a ragged band of humans materializes in front of you, blocking the path.

Note, hammering is not Warhammer cannon, I made it up.

The area you're standing in is heavily shaded, and obscured from view of the rest of the road. The path itself is about twenty feet wide, and your enemies, about fifteen of them, are ranged in front of you about twenty feet away. Seven are on the path and four are in the trees on either side of the path in partial cover. They have not noticed Stanauch, nor has he noticed them.

Grigory, crossbow in hand, moves up behind the prisoner to silence him while the men in the road were dealt with.

"One word from you and the Dwarves will have to make do with your corpse."

Grigory's threat was reinforced by a low growl from Rufus.

09:38, Today: Grigory rolled 8 using 3d6. Intimidation Default Will-5= 8.
09:38, Today: Rufus rolled 11 using 3d6. Intimidation 13.

Hands: Crossbow

Parry: 12
Dodge:  9

HP:12/12       FP:12/12
This message was last edited by the player at 22:14, Wed 08 Jan 2014.

Am really sorry for being lax in posting again. A few know that I'm kind of having some issues atm...  but it'll all be over soon enough




Ogindur had told the warrior of Sigmar about the tradition of hammering. It was a brutal affair but it taught a dwarf the meaning of their crimes. The dwarf, nowadays, did not partake in such activities after putting one of his clan members to the ground permenantly. It was the first glimpse that Ogindur had of his own strength and he regretted it entirely.

That said, however, it was good practice; the crimes of dwarves needed punishment and prisons were a horrible way to dish it out. Ogindur, proud of his dwarven blood was determined to make his kind better.

"What yer done then?" he inquired, acting nonchalant with his words. He was curious, as always and would make his own judgements about the fate of the ragged looking beardie.

 Noticing the wagons stopping he looks around at the closeness of the tree and ventured a guess that it would a decent spot to ambush someone, so he checks both sides for skulking figures or chaos beast men hiding or attempting to hide in his sight.

 He then glanced towards the front of the caravan to see what might be going on ahead. He could see a band in the road, still that was their trouble he was going to watch the back of the wagon train so that none would use the distraction to sneak into the wagons.

Maurice was unique in the Empire, being a man in a generally good mood despite his circumstances. Even with the threat of danger nearby, even being saddled with the unsavoury responsibility of issuing the Count's punishment, he answered the mage with easy congeniality; he made no effort at correcting his being called "sir", and his brief laughter was unfeigned when Konad described him as having an "intelligent mind".

He thought for a moment, then said "As to this dwarf being in league with that witch," he spat on the ground before continuing, "I shouldn't think even Happy's luck is that bad... that is to say, m'lord's luck. But supposing he is, I think the Count would be more likely to try whipping that from him than he would be to negotiate - a noble's pride is a prickly thing, master mage, and the Count is a prickly man. But who knows? That witch" he spat again "has him rare vexed; he might try anything to get to her." He smiled at Konad as he finished up with whatever chore he had been busying himself with, but faced the ground when he finished "And you needn't worry about me sharin' my opinions around; in my experience, an indiscreet servant isn't a happily employed one."


Lunch over and the wagons again on the move, Maurice was as dutiful and high-spirited as ever, singing his dirty drover songs and basically being the opposite of his master. His song caught in his throat when the path turned a corner and they were suddenly confronted with a band of men. As though on cue, the Count dismounted the wagon and eyed the men before them.

He stood silently for a moment staring down the array of toughs, as ever unable to mask his scowl. He straightened his back with a few popping sounds then, with as unreadable an expression as he could wear on his scarred face he began a slow approach to the pack, holding up a hand to stop any of his own men that might follow him. He walked as far as he could until they made a move to stop him, coming to within easy speaking distance of any spokesman they might name.

"Explain yourselves," he said after a tense moment, unwilling to submit to brigandy without some sort of pomp. "Who are you to block this road?"

Nigel follows immediately behind the count, bow in hand, face expressionless, and mind ready to kill.

Stanauch smiled and shook his head slightly, as though Ogindur could never understand. "Nothing to deserve my fate, I'll tell you that much."

As the wagons creeked to a stop in front of this new mob of brigands, and Grigory gave his warning to the dwarf prisoner, the other nodded grimly, and made a 'lock and toss the key' motion.



"Oh, we be nothing more than poor herdsmen. But yer wagons have be damaging our land." the spokesman starts, and gestures with a sword at the perfectly normal ruts in the trail behind the party. "I'm afraid we have to collect just compensation in response."

Somewhere in the trees a baby goat bleated, and the four men on either side of the trail readied their bows.

The Count sneered - actually sneered, beyond his normal expression - and threw his demi cloak over his shoulder, revealing both the hilts of his sword and pistols... and the small coin pouch he carried along side them. The motion was quick, intended to spook the men as well as show his own disdain for the danger he was in, and the Count gauged their reactions coldly. He hefted the small bag in his hand a few times to make sure the jingle was heard, then tossed it into the dirt before the man that spoke.

"There is for your damaged land. There are ten gold crowns in that bag, along with the only offer of clemency you'll hear from me today. Now stand aside."

He gave the slightest glance over his shoulder to the other Rangers, barely perceptible as anything other than eyeing the archers in the trees, and twitched when he caught someone's glance. Maurice let out a low groan. "Oh, blood and piss... be ready boys."

14:44, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 9 using 3d6. Gesture (12).
14:45, Today: Maurice rolled 10 using 3d6. Gesture (12).

The message is:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
"any further trouble, target the archers first".

---

The ringleader eyed Nikolaas warily as he edged forward, and slowly knelt to pick up the coin purse. He didn't remove his gaze from the count until the last second when he had to glance down and grab the coin.

The leader is within 1 yard of Nikolaas, the others have stayed back. The archers in the trees have not drawn their bows back, only knocked arrows.

"Don't test our resolve on this matter. His grace has been more than generous to pay instead of bringing you to justice for your blatant extortion, make no mistake, if you do not put away your weapons and let us pass you will be the first to die." Nigel says coldly as he knocks an arrow to match the archers on the hill, "That is not a threat, but a rather a promise. I never miss."

Ogindur growled under his breath as he heard the back and forth between the count and the brigand learder."Little scum sucking brigand bast..." he continued to curse under his breath while considering the options.

He, as usual, was donned in his finest, and most available armour with shield strapped to his arm and axe ready to be retrieved (it was a 'potentially dangerous' journey afterall).

The dwarf looked about to see who would be the closest enemy, should it come to a fight. There were archers of course, but in all his years Ogindur had never once taken a wound from an arrow. This was common amongst the more wellarmoured dwarves as the vast majority of bows would not allow penetration of the lovely metal. Generally, luck or skill had to play a role in aiming for it to ever get past the well-crafted armour of the dwarves.



08:09, Today: Ogindur Thundersteel rolled 12 using 3d6. look at them.
// do any of them look strong enough to penetrate ogindur's armour?

Any reactionary dodge/block

Bjorn made his way slowly to the front, unseating his shield and grabbing his warhammer.

"Those who walk in darkness hate the light, for their deeds are evil," he said. "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness shall not overcome it."

00:25, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 10 using 3d6. Intimidation 14.

To Ognidur, it seems clear that the men are just brigands. Poorly armed and in padded cloth or leather armor. They would pose little threat to him it seemed.

As Bjorn stepped forward, the leader of the bandits literally paled, and tried to skitter away. But he slipped and went sprawling right to the ground. He recovered quickly, and got back to his feet, looking past Nikolaas, Nigel, and Bjorn apparently too afraid or ashamed to make eye contact. He mumbled "We'll be thanking you kindly. You can... pass" The last word, had been barely audible. Stanauch had taken a step or two, from around the back of the cart, until about half of him was exposed, and was staring levelly at the human.

"It's Stanauch" the man breathed without inflection. Then they all ran.

Nigel pulls back his arrow and shouts, "Orders m'lord!?"

"Ah bloody hell, you didn't give them the money!?" he said gruffly as he watched the bandits flee at the sight of their prisoner. A curious affair.

"Put a bloody arrow in the man's arm and he'll drop that purse quick enough!" he said dismissively before turning back to Staunch.

"So... why do they run at the sight of yer?" he asked with genuine curiosity.

Stanauch smiled vaguely, eyed Grigory over his shoulder and then spoke. "Because there's a lot of money for whoever offers my men knowledge of my whereabouts."

The Count eyed the peasants with his same cold disdain as they fled, taking his small purse with them; he didn't bother following the spokesman's eyes as he peered at the prisoner, nor did he turn now to see what effect this display would have on the dwarf's discipline. He simply snorted, spat into the dirt, and grunted.

"Let them go." He said with a raised hand at Nigel. He knew the archer could put an arrow - maybe two - anywhere he was ordered to, but these pathetic bandits weren't worth the effort. For one thing, it was doubtful the Rangers would be able to chase and kill every one of them, so the best case scenario was a half-finished slaughter. For another, the Count doubted they were proper bandits at all, but more likely destitute tenants too cowardly for life in the army and too angry to make any proper petitions. The 10 crowns they had would be the biggest score that band would likely ever see, and he secretly hoped it would be enough to get them back to the shrinking farms he imagined they lived on. "Just an unexpected toll road, after all."

He turned then, staring at Stanauch with a baleful glare; their presence in the countryside was now a known fact, and the peasant's reaction to his prisoner was unexpected to say the least. He stalked toward the prisoner, brushing abruptly past Maurice's attempts at diplomacy, and grabbed Staunach by the collar of his vest. "We are going to make another mile. Once we have you and I are going to have a conversation about the nature of your crimes, and if you are the least bit shy we shall test your theories about dwarvish sturdiness. Until then you are to consider that my mandate would be perfectly satisfied was you to arrive at Barak Varr without hands or feet." The Count released his grip and took a deep, steadying breath before he made his way back to his place in the caravan. "Onward lads, we ride until the midday meal. Weapons ready and eyes sharp; our passage has not been unnoticed."

Nigel relaxes his bow and stows the arrow, "As you command."

He turns and walks back to his place on Pip's wagon, pausing ever so briefly by Staunach, "I hope you were not too fond of your men. If they come the only thing they will get is an early afterlife."

He takes his seat next to Pip with his bow resting in his lap.

"Maybe we should return this dwarf to his bag, just in case that crew isn't telling everyone and their cousin already."

"Unlikely to matter," said Bjorn. "I doubt if there are many a caravan through this country." He stowed his arms and sighed. "For what it's worth, I am glad for the want of needless bloodshed. Better they send ones more deserving of death."

Your group traveled on a while more, until you come upon a sheltered hollow with a small stream babbling through it. It seems as good a place as any to make camp. Sheltered, defensible, and sporting a nearby hill from where you all can post a lookout over the plains. The wagons creak to a halt, and the drivers proceed to un-burden the mules. Stanauch stands, staring directly ahead, and not saying a word.

It was already the afternoon when the brigands waylaid you so I took you forward to the evening in case you want to do any interrogating.

You all passed the night warily, keeping a regular lookout, and guard upon your prisoner. Nikolaas and Nigel questioned Stanauch extensively, he was forthcoming on his history of banditry (extensive) but would not comment upon his 'criminal' acts in Dwarven lands.

The next day was uneventful, as was the one after that. But on the third day after you had departed, as you were traveling through a wide field of rolling, rocky, hills, the bauble that the priests of Brovska had given Bjorn suddenly started to vibrate. Your companion removed it from its pouch, cupped it in his hands and focused upon it. Immediately the image of a Witch Hunter, clad in black leather and scars appeared on the orb's shiny surface, distorted by its shape. "I'm on the trail of your vampire, the woman Benedikta, claiming to be huntress. She is holed up in the Khemrian ruins on the far road to Barak Varr. I am heading there now. Send backup if you can. She's desperate, and that means she's dangerous. Sigmar's blessing." With that, the message faded away.

The bauble only sends communication one way. That will be all the information you get from it.

The Count's breathing intensified when he heard the message, and he turned his eye down the path they followed. "Come, lads, double time! Bjorn's colleague summons us to a happy reunion." Possessed by an eagerness to avenge himself and his men but unable to spur the wagons any faster, Nik contents himself with a thorough inspection of his firearms and powder stores.

I'm assuming that by "far road" he meant the longer road, the one we're taking. If I'm wrong Nik is in danger of looking like a bit of an idiot...

"Aye! Get to bloody kill that vampire after all!" Ogindur grunted as he picked up the pace to follow the count.

His shield and axe were ready in hand at the mention of a fight. He turned to his competitive archer friend and said "A hundred for whichever one of us gets her head" the chuckle resonated in time with the clink of his armour as he jogged to keep pace.

 The idea of killing a vampire appealed to his sense of justice but the levity the dwarf was putting forth and the willingness for the others to join in the chase made him cautious.

 "I suppose the idea of your hunting dog has not found this vampire your looking for and the small coincidence that she shows up suddenly when we are transferring a known bandit to his trial might be a bit strained to believe, still it is something to consider that maybe this is a trap?."

"If we don't get there to aid this witchhunter in time, I wouldn't be surprised if she enthralls him."

The group continues rolling along after the Witch Hunter's message, at a slightly higher speed, perhaps, than they were before. As the sun was setting in the west, the Richtgraf Rangers caught a glimpse of an old, oddly shaped hill.

Wendt gestures to it with his riding crop. "That's your Ruin."

You all could reach the place an hour or so after nightfall or elect to wait until the morning of the next day.

There are several decisions to make:
- Will you head to the ruins now? or wait until the next day?
- Who will stay with the wagons?
- What will you do with Stanauch (assume the "hill" ruins are hollow and you'll have to trek through them)
- If the witch hunter isn't there yet, will you wait for him?

Nik took in the sight before him with the same grim dispassion he always held, but his eagerness for revenge continued to glow within him. He dismounted from the wagon lightly then looked back on the men, and considered their options.

He still didn't fully trust the sinister Wendt, though he had known similar men to be steady companions despite his misgivings. The locals had spotted their prisoner, and would certainly be spreading news of his presence. The witch-hunter may have already entered the lumpy hill, or he could still be on the road. There were - as ever - too many unknowns for his comfort.

I say we:
- Head to the ruins now. Maybe we can conceal the wagons behind the hill, or hope the locals are too scared to come up.
- Leave Maurice and Pip with the wagons. Honestly I don't trust Wendt or Stanauch, but our boys have guns so that should tip the balance a bit. Still, I'm not really sold on this part.
- Bind and gag Stanauch, and leave him outside. We could take him with us, but that seems like it would make things more difficult in the long run.
- Wait 1 hour for the Witch Hunter. We can have a pre-battle supper, and if he shows up fantastic; if he is already in he doesn't have to wait too long for backup; otherwise we go without him.

As always, I'm open and eager for opinions.

"If we're leaving Stanauch outside, I'll leave Rufus with Pip and Maurice. The three of them shouldn't have trouble keeping him in check."

Decisions made, you all make your way with all haste to the ruin, arriving an hour or so after sunset. It looks like the structure had been a pyramid, a favored motif of the Khemrians, which time had rounded out to now resemble a hill.

You all bind Stanauch especially tightly, and leave him, Rufus, Nigel, Pip, and Wendt in a secluded area nearby. There is no sign of the witch hunter, so your group stalks forward, ready to do battle with the vampiress that has caused you so much grief to date. With a little searching, you find a copper door that eventually gives way with your combined grunting and pushing. Stepping through it, you find a long hallway (it must stretch nearly to the other side of the pyramid) another door at the end. The walls are coated in strange, pictographic, writing that Konrad identifies as Khemrian, and notes that they were fond of writing wards into what would otherwise be innocuous text.

Any special order you'd like to travel down the tunnel in?

Grigory takes one look into the passage, then unslings his shield from his back and fastens it to his arm.

"My eyes aren't bad in the dark, and I can spot any traps the witch has left for us. Why don't I go first?"

Ogindur grunts his agreement to grigory but is unwilling to let the lad have all the fun "Aye, keep your keen eyes out for traps but stay close" he said, stepping up to stand beside the small man.

"Thanks Ogindur, with Benedikta around I sure won't be going far from the rest of you."

 With a wave of his hand that makes a arch and points within, "It matters little, since we have no idea if someone is within these burial mounds, still, someone has gone to alot of trouble to bring us here, so let us haste off to the inside to let the fell blade fall."

 Stepping within he is content to let the dwarf and vicious rat hunter take the lead

"As I have sworn before Almighty Sigmar to end this vile creature if it be in my power to do so, I elect to be the first to meet her, if it is all the same to you," said Bjorn. "The life of that precious child must be avenged to assuage the righteous indignation that burns within my soul. The charlatan will burn in eternal fire for her crimes. I will see to it myself."

As he drew his warhammer, holy energies surged over it, engulfing it in flames.

00:16, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 9 using 3d6. Flaming Weapon 15.

Despite several of you eagerly attempting to get to the front of the line and causing a bit of a traffic jam, your group eventually gets going, and progresses down the hallway. Reaching the next door, you pry it open too, and find a staircase down. Reaching the bottom, you guessed you descended about thirty feet into the ground. A hallway is in front of you, stretching both right and left. The right hand path is shrouded in total darkness. About fourty yards to the left, a torch burns where it looks like the hall rounds a corner.

Everyone give me a perception roll

 He was very tempted to let fire course ahead of him to burn out any vile creatures using the dark to hide in and to attempt to harm the team. He let his eyes work down the tunnel towards the burning torch that was still lite.

09:48, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 12 using 3d6. perception ck/unskilled

Nigel takes up the rear of the group with Nik, scanning ahead but also checking behind them periodically, the vampire could be anywhere.

07:52, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 11 using 3d6. PER 13. Success by 2.

Girgory's eyes and ears strained in the darkness, seeking any indication of the witch's presence.

Night Vision 2

10:54, Today: Grigory rolled 9 using 3d6. Perception 13, Observation 14.

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Medium Shield

Parry: 12 (14 with DB)
Block: 11 (13 with DB)
Dodge:  9 (11 with DB)

HP:12/12       FP:12/12
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Thu 23 Jan 2014.

Ogindur peered into the darkness in an attempt to get his bearings





16:55, Today: Ogindur Thundersteel rolled 6 using 3d6. per.

The priest held his warhammer out like a torch to get a good look around.

"Which way?" he said.

09:07, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 8 using 3d6. Per 13.

The Count brought up the rear alongside the Archer, his buckler and flaming sword held at the ready.

"The left," he says in answer to Bjorn, "let us see who lit that fire."

09:16, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 10 using 3d6. Per (12).

You all head towards the torch, it was slightly disconcerting having your back to the pitch black tunnel behind, but Grigory was able to keep some sort of lookout. A clicking and grinding sound started as you neared the corner, and grew progressively louder until you reached the torch.

It was indeed situated at a corner, the tunnel you were following making a 90 degree bend where the torch was lit. Ahead, by about twenty paces, to skeletal figures step out from a doorway, and turn towards you. They are quickly joined by two more. From behind, Grigory also makes out two more figures at the far end of the tunnel you had just walked down. All of them start to run at you, there eyes glowing faintly orange.

The four in front and the two behind are all about twenty yards out and are moving at move 5 towards you.

Grigory is not scared by skeletons without flesh. He lowers his shield at the two coming at the back of the party, and charges forward.

Grigory will run forward at full speed until making a Shield Rush at the closest one when he meets them.

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Medium Shield

Parry: 12 (14 with DB)
Block: 11 (13 with DB)
Dodge:  9 (11 with DB)

HP:12/12       FP:12/12

With a dour sniff, the Count hefted his buckler and flaming sword and set into a trot toward the two skeletons coming from behind the troupe.

Full Move (6) toward the oncoming Skeletons. Nigel - wanna bet I can get to them before you can drop them? ^_~

Bjorn grabs his shield and charges towards the skeletons.

1. Ready Shield
2. Move: 4

 The sight of the undead was not truly a surprise but from what he could see they were not any of the deadly ones that roam the chaos wastes in the north and the group should be able to deal with them.

 Instead he felt there should be a handler close by directing the undead bones and that is what he was looking for while staying clear of the skeletons.

If he spots the necromancer controlling the skeletons then he will shoot fire bolts at them.

Nigel does what he always does, he steps forward and sends an arrow at the eyes of one of the skeletons that Nik is charging towards.

09:41, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 7 using 3d6. Bow 18+4acc-6range-4ta eyes=12.
09:40, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 11 using 3d6. Heroic Archer 22.
09:40, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 14 using 3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16.
08:11, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 8 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage.

Bring it on m'lord. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Wed 29 Jan 2014.

 Grinding his teeth he felt the call of battle and whispered the warm ancient words as he let a flaming missle fly down the hallway towards the skeletons rushing from the eastern hall.

11:32, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 8 using 3d6. flaming missle/16 at Skeleton 2333.

FPs. 17/18
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Wed 29 Jan 2014.

Ogindur, not wanting to crowd the small corridors resigned to defending their ranged fighters.

He held his shield high and stood closer to the bright wizard and his competitor

Bjorn and Grigory immediately took off in opposing directions the rat catcher getting backup from Nikolaas. The fire from Nikolaas' sword, easily illuminates their path.

Behind them, Ogindur prepares to meet any skeletons that get by, and Konrad and Nigel unleash their missiles. Konrad hurls a fireball that falls woefully short, and splashes on the ground between the charging skeletons and the Grigory/Nikolaas duo. Nigel was a bit more lucky an arrow flying over Nikolaas' shoulder and lodging with a clatter in one of the skeleton's eyes. He pitches forward with a clatter.

Konrad, I'm thinking you mean a fireball, a flaming missile is essentially a buff you'd cast on someone like Nigel to let him shoot flaming arrows. It misses due to range.

Updated map in a moment, Bjorn might be in trouble...

Nik smiles grimly as the arrow whistles past his ear, the sensation stirring up memories of being in a line of battle - his natural environment. His pace stays even as he strides toward the remaining skeleton with Grigory at his side.

Another Move (6) forward; I could Sprint, but I want to force him to make a Move-and-Attack if he wants to try for me.

Ogindur, noted the balance on the corridors and that the ranged warriors were probably save, buffered by a flesh wall of his companions.

He noticed  Bjorn running down the corridor aiming at four of the monsters. Ogindur pressed his treetrunk legs and set off at a sprint to catch up with the Sigmarian Paladin.



Charge: Full speed into the skeletons


Shield slam :D

"You best run quickly dwarf, or you'll never match my count!" Nigel hollers as he turns to see Bjorn in need of aid, he quickly fires an arrow directly over Ogindur's head at one of the lead skeletons.

09:36, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 9 using 3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16. Success by 7.
09:36, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 6 using 3d6. Heroic Archer 22. Critical success!
09:36, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 12 using 3d6. Bow 18+4acc-6range-4ta eyes=12. Success by 0.
09:37, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 11 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage. Max Damage!

Grigory continues his charge forward.

Bjorn slowed to a hault and awaited the incoming enemies.

"Come on, dwarf. You're slow." He chuckled.

All-Out Defense (Double)

 Since the dwarf had been his comrade from before they were rescued he frowned at his miss and took off following the dwarf guessing that he might need a bit of help with that group to the north.

 Move to 02.29

Nikolaas, Ogindur, and Grigory all continued to rush forward. Konrad moves up behind the steel wall that was Bjorn and Ogindur and Nigel sends an arrow over the dwarf's head, "killing" another skeleton.

The remaining skeleton rushing Nikolaas and Grigory continues to charge forward, colliding with the rat catcher at a full sprint.

Grigory, you need to defend against the potential slam, or take 1d6 damage.

Map up in just a moment.

Grigory takes the brunt of the skeleton's charge on his shield, then slashes at the skeleton's weapon arm.

12:54, Today: Grigory rolled 12 using 3d6. Block 13.
12:57, Today: Grigory rolled 9 using 3d6. SSword Swing to Right arm17-2.
12:57, Today: Grigory rolled 8 using 1d6+2. Cutting damage to right arm.

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Medium Shield

Parry: 12 (14 with DB)
Block: 11 (13 with DB)
Dodge:  9 (11 with DB)

HP:12/12       FP:12/12

Nigel takes another step forward draws an arrow and sends it sailing into the group charging Bjorn and Ogindur.

10:14, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage.
10:14, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 15 using 3d6. Bow 18+4acc-3range-4ta eyes=15. Success by 0.
10:12, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 9 using 3d6. Heroic Archer 22. Success by 13.
10:12, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 12 using 3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16. Success by 4.

Bjorn stepped forward and swung at the nearest skeleton, but almost drops his warhammer in the process.

Attack: Deceptive Attack (-4/-2)
11:28, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 17 using 3d6. Mace 18-4(DA) = 14.
11:30, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 8 using 3d6. Critical Miss Table.
     "The weapon turns in your hand. You must take an extra Ready maneuver before you can use it again."

The Count slowed his momentum as the skeleton charged into his neighbor, looping around its side and slashing it with a pair of precision strikes.

Step to 15.33 and Attack.

13:06, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 8 using 3d6. Rapid Strike #1 [Sw] (11).
13:06, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 9 using 3d6. Rapid Strike #2 [Sw] (11).13:08, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 6 using 1d6+3. Swing Damage 1 (Cut - no fire added).
13:08, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 9 using 1d6+3. Swing Damage 2 (Cut - no fire added).

Ogundir just continued to pump his legs like a beast and charged full filt into the first enemy skeleton. his aim was to pile through it and smash up the second one too.


<orange" ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!" </orange> he screamed a battle cry


Shield Slam -3/-3(rapid strike); one against hte first skele and the next against the second one. :D


(or whatever is possible)

Rolls:
22:57, Today: Ogindur Thundersteel rolled 11 using 3d6.
22:57, Today: Ogindur Thundersteel rolled 16 using 3d6. shield.

 With a wave of his hand he concentrates and sends a wave of arcane to disrupt the threads holding these undead to a semblance of life.

Dispel the animating magic making these skeletons act alive.

15:11, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 13 using 3d6. dispel magic/16
This message was last edited by the player at 21:14, Wed 05 Feb 2014.

Grigory catches the onrushing skeleton on the face of his shield, twisting as he does so to deflect the thing's momentum. As it goes careening away, he chops down on one of the skeleton's arms. The thing isn't quick enough, or agile enough to block, and Grigory's weapon connects with bone in a CRUNCH! and ruining the limb and sending its cutlass clattering to the floor. The servitor responds with a diagonal slash at the rat catcher, with his left arm, but misses him entirely. Nikolaas takes the opportunity to beat down on the skeleton, driving it to the ground and shattering it into pieces.

Nigel drops the skeleton immediately in front of Bjorn with an amazing shot. The monster behind it immediately clambers over his fallen comrade and swings awkwardly at Bjorn, missing him entirely. Ogindur powers forward and collides into one of the onrushing skeletons, turns, and punches another with the spike of his shield.

Konrad, meanwhile, behind Bjorn's shield, prepares to dispel the magic animating the skeletons. [Private to Konad Magnos: This takes 3 seconds to cast]

Work is a bit crazy today, and I don't have time to update the map. But here's the crunch bits of what happened:

Skeleton at 15.34:
- Gets his right arm ruined
- Steps to 15.33 and then totally whiffs his attack.
- Gets the bashed to pieces by Nik and critically failed any relevant rolls to stay alove

Skeleton at 2.26:
- Dies

Skeleton at 2.25:
- Moves to 2.27
- Misses his attach on Bjorn

Ogindur
- you move 3 yards to hit the skeleton at 3.26
- I am having a hard time understanding your damage on your sheet. Please roll it for me. In case you need it, assume the skeletons have 12HP
- I'm not sure that one can shield rush multiple targets. I don't have the rules handy at the moment, can someone confirm? If you can, you may also hit the target now at 2.27

The priest re-gripped his warhammer and gritted his teeth.

Ready maneuver.

Nigel fires over Ogindur again to hit the remaining skeleton.

19:58, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage.
19:58, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 12 using 3d6. Bow 18+4acc-3range-4ta eyes=15. Success by 3.
19:58, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 11 using 3d6. Heroic Archer 22. Success by 11.
19:57, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 13 using 3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16. Success by 3.

Grigory gives a few good stomps to the remains of the skeleton near him, then hustles back to where the rest of the group is still fighting.

The Count is quick on Grigory's heels, returning to the knot of the group as quickly as possible.

Ogindur, slammed into the creature before twisting his hips and backhanding another with his shield




you may be right about the double slam thing... but i'm not sure at all.
either way.... i guess the 2nd attack would just be a hit.


Okay, damage:


02:47, Today: Ogindur Thundersteel rolled 9 using 1d6+7. shield slam.

(I get +2 for weapon master +3 for shield, +1 for spikes and 1d6+1 for the run, i think

The shield swing ==

02:48, Today: Ogindur Thundersteel rolled 20 using 4d6+9. shield swing.


This is due to weapon master, high ST, shield... and I have spikes too...
I think it may be crushing, cutting or impaling (depending how you manage the spikes)

 Seeing the undead falling so easy to his companions and the fact that the dwarf was outrunning him until he stopped to try a spell at the pile of bones, he stops his spell rather then waste the power needed to cast it.

 Raising his staff he moved forward ready to take a chance to strike one if he got lucky.

The skeletons now all put down by Dwarven shield pummeling, arrows, and a fearless rat catcher, silence once again fills the corridors. Each of the skeletons appeared to be armed with some odd sword-like thing. Likely Khemrian in make. They might be valuable to a collector, or have some arcane properties (someone would have to check).

Combat is now over, you have a choice, now, to head back the way you came and towards the rear attacking skeletons, or forward the way you all had originally been heading.

As the group gets back into formation, Nigel picks up one of the swords and puts it in his pack; ,he also gathers any arrows that are recoverable, "Is everyone alright? If so we need to press on, the sound will have alerted the witch and anything else by now."

"I'm ok. Let's move."

"No time to waste then, let's go." The Count had barely finished checking the edge of his sword for nicks when he was already making his way through the corridors again, intent on his prey.

I'm good to keep going on our original path. Any objections?

You continue down the corridor, stepping over the "dead" bodies of the skeletons you recently dispatched and eventually reach your foe's emergence point. Another tunnel opens up to your right, while the path you are on continues forward another twenty yards or so, and also makes a right hand turn. The turnoff (at around 5.13 on the map) where the skeletons had come from is also covered in magical writings and arcane hieroglyphs. It continues for about five feet, and ends in a downward staircase.

[Private to Konad Magnos: You are able to figure out that the writings on this particular corridor form into a trap spell, immobilizing anyone who tries to walk to the staircase.]

Grigory grabs one of the strange swords from the skeletons for later examination, and heads down towards the staircase.

How large are the skeleton's swords? What skill do they use?

 He calls out with firm command to who ever is ahead of the group. "Hold, these writings strike me as familiar of the devious trap glyphs. If you approach the stairs the glyphs will trigger and immobilize you. There maybe another way past it..maybe a hidden door we missed?, or the other corridor?."

Nik froze at the first word of warning; it wasn't the undead that had him on edge, but the mysterious magical hieroglyphs on the walls - he never understood magic, and the mere thought of it's workings tended to unnerve and distract him. He nodded at Konad's suggestion.

"I agree; we'd be best served by exploring the other tunnels before descending further."

The other tunnel simply loops around, and makes a circuit until you are back to where you started. It looks like you will have to find a way to wreck the enchantment, trick it, or bypass it. It may be worth it to examine it more closely and see if an idea strikes you.

Grigory waits for the wizard to examine the magical nature of the glyphs before he attempts a more physical inspection of the trap.

 With the discovery of the looping tunnels he moves closer to the magical glyphs and began to attempt to figure out how to disarm the trap before it was able to trigger itself. First thing he needed was to find where the trigger point was on the wall and then to dispel it or remove the trigger itself.

13:37, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 5 using 3d6. Magical writings/15

After some study, Konrad is able to determine three important things. One, the wards only exist on the ground in front of the stairs. A jump over it would not leave one trapped, even if it could lead to an unpleasant fall down the stairs. Two, the trap would only spring once, and trap anything in the area. After that, it wouldn't be able to obstruct anyone else. Three, its actual triggers were the presence of even the tracest amounts of blood, and a roughly humanoid shape.

 He spent a few moments intensely going over the markings before stepping back to the others. "Ok, from what i can pick out of the reading, it is set to trigger on any humanoid sized being with a trace of blood in the body, so it wont trigger on undead...unless maybe it had blood on the bones from some poor traveler?.

 We could attempt to jump over the glyphs to the stairs, still it will only be triggered once and then its no threats i judge. So any suggestions, i will be glad to listen to."

"How big will the effect be? Could we smear some blood onto one of the skeletons, throw it through to trigger the trap, and then follow after?"

 He paused and gave consideration before answering Grigory"I am fairly certain it is a one shot trap, dont see any secondary triggers, so most likely it would trigger once and be done with. I dont see any secondary wards to send a message to what ever guards or creatures of its triggering itself so should not be any warning sent to who ever built the trap.

 As to the idea of using a skeleton ?, dont really know, just that those two glyphs mean roughly humanoid shape and trace of blood within or on them, could try one maybe but how big an area it would trigger, my guess is just within the marked area."

"Humanoid, hmm? We'd have to lash these bones together somehow to meet that demand. Failing that, suppose we send a scapegoat, should wise Magnos deem the trap survivable? Properly prepared, of course - His Grace might be able to lay a blessing or three on our candidate. I will gladly nominate myself."

"No sir! I cannot allow it. If the bones don't work, I'll go through." Nigel says, "Bjorn will be able to revive me I'm sure. Lets go ready a skeleton first though."

Nigel backtracks and gathers up some bones and begins lashing them together using bits of tattered cloth from their clothing and by tearing off strips of his own.

08:28, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 12 using 3d6. Knot Tying 14. Success by 2.

Much of the skeleton actually still remained together by whatever arcane ritual had animated it, or by some remaining desiccated pieces of cartilage. The other part Nigel was able to lash together with bits of string and strips torn from your cloaks and garments.

You know have a relatively intact skeleton that Konrad judges will resonate with the trap.

The trap itself is an immobility ward, effectively layering multiple levels of "Decreased Time Rate" on the individual until they can only move over several days.

As the skeleton is assembled and moved towards the enchanted hallway, Grigory tries to find cover around a cover and quips, "That's what I like about this group. Plenty of people willing to go ahead of me through a trap."

"I said I'd go before the Count. I might've pushed you through it if you were standing closer." Nigel retorts, then he draws his long knife and cuts his arm and drips the blood onto the skull, before tying a bandage on an pulling it tight with his teeth.

"Well then let's all just hope that the skeleton works, so that won't be necessary then!" Grigory says as he tucks as much of himself as he can behind his shield.

"Agreed." Says the Count grimly as he too ducks behind whatever cover is available.

Once everyone is ready Nigel heaves the skeleton onto the trap.

There's a loud SNAP! and a tingling washes over all of you, setting your hair on end. The skeleton seems to land somewhere in mid air and remain floating. After a few moments pass Nigel gingerly walks through. There's a loud humming in the trapped area, and his whole body feels like it's on pins and needles, but he makes it through to the stairs on the other side.

The rest of you also make it through, anyone wearing a lot of armor will also notice a drag as they walk through. But none of you suffer a seriously harmful threat.

The next level down looked exactly like the first, but was teeming with zombies. Hundreds and hundreds of zombies. They all seem to be blind, and kind of shuffle around. Whenever they bump into anything, they attack it furiously until (in the case of other zombies) it is "killed" or, until they cannot fight anymore and fall to the ground(in the case of walls). Based on your observation, they cannot seem to see or hear, and only react when they touch something.

"Fweeeew!" Nigel lets out a low whistle, "I didn't bring enough arrows..."

"If we formed ranks we'd probably be able to systematically slaughter them with incident, that might actually be safer than trying to sneak through." he says, "What do you think?"

Blinking his eyes at what he was watching, was unnerving and truthfully a bit scarey.
 The fact that there were so many after tearing themselves apart was even worse, this should have been to the far northlands in the chaos waste's.

 "I could attempt to burn our way thru the mass but as the wise priest spoke, i most likely wont be able to purge that many away. So lets consider that this false witch hunter most likley would not pass thru these creatures anymore then we could unless she has a way to fly over that mass?. So maybe there is another path we could find?."

"Unless the witch created these foul things," said Bjorn. "I say we purge them. Such blight ought not be permitted to walk the earth."

He stepped forward, sliding the buckler down into his hand and grabbing the warhammer from its sling.

"What say you, count?"

Nigel stows his bow on his back, "It looks like you may yet have a chance to catch up here Ogindur, I'm not nearly so skilled with my sword."

"I'm determined to win our wager though, so lets get a move on." He says with a grin as he draws his shortsword.

"Agreed," the Count utters as he grips his flaming sword and buckler; he had never seen so many zombies at one time before - could scarcely believe so many could be in one place - but he was determined to keep his outward veneer of calm, and heartily agreed with Bjorn's sentiment.

"We will fight in ranks, with ranged support from a third rank - Ogindur, Bjorn and myself will form the first rank, with one of us resting in the second as necessary; Nigel, Grigory or Konad will make up our third, and can move up to the front line if necessary."

He holds the flaming sword up high, shedding it's light upon the countless zombies, and spits to the side. "Right, lads, let's get to reaping."

First of all, sorry I'm so late.

Second of all, I love how casual you throw out a phrase like "hundreds and hundreds of zombies" - dang!

Finally, would Tactics or Strategy be at all relevant here? I'm thinking I want to organize us like a proper 3-file squad and just use military precision to bulldoze through the hallways, but I dunno if that's actually a feasible plan.
EDIT: 10:29, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 10 using 3d6. Tactics (12) or Strategy (11). I don't know which would have been the proper choice, but either would have succeeded.

This message was last edited by the player at 17:31, Wed 19 Feb 2014.

Nikolaas carefully assessed the situation. It was likely that they could get through the fighting and moaning mass of zombies if they ran for it, but not without quite a bit of pain. So that was an option.

It also looked as though these zombies lacked all other senses apart from touch. They did not react to another's presence unless they bumped into it and, with some agile footwork they might be able to weave through them.

Finally, the zombies seemed to turn towards, and attack any sensation mindlessly. Konrad might be able to distract them all with gouts of flame, essentially herding them ahead of the party as you walked.

All options were risky, but at least there were more choices than what first appeared.

Option 1. If you all run for it, I'll subject you to multiple attacks. Since you'll be running in a tight group, and will all have to contribute to its defense, I will randomly call on one of you to make each defense roll, and, if failed, randomly damage another one of you. So, as an example:

You all are running through and attract the notice of several zombies. Grigory must dodge (shoving/steering your tightly packed group out of the way) or block the incoming blow. He misses, meaning that another random one of you takes the zombie strike. You'll have at least 10 such hits to contend with.

Option 2. I'll require all of you to make at least 10 DX rolls to weave through the shuffling mass. If you fail, you get attacked and will either have to fight (and risk other zombies) or run.

Option 3. The zombies will be attracted to flame. So long as Konrad can keep up some sort of flame jet or shape fire spell the zombies will stumble around ahead of you trying to attack the fire. This spell would obviously last only as long as Konrad's energy reserves.

Option 4. Fight it. You all will be attacked by a mass of zombies. The group can advance 1 yard per zombie killed.

 He sighed at the display of the vile chaos magic once again binding unwilling creatures to serve as the guardians of this passage. One thing he was sure of was that while the vampire could fly over these undead kin, any of her servants would not be able to do so.

 "Hmmm, perhaps if we could carry small rocks to toss ahead of us at the undead, in effect of provoking the one to turn and attack its nearest neighbor, since it appears that any touch provokes the attack?. Then i would like to see if after the fight one creature or both are dead..dead again?, do the others out of range of the fight drift back in to fill the void left by the dead again creatures?. If they dont then we can clear a pathway thru the masses and not over worry about them filling back up. Just a suggestion."

There are simply far too many zombies to effectively fight, so Nikolaas organizes you all into a line two people wide. Hopefully, if you are able to run fast enough, you can get through without too much damage. Bjorn and Ogindur take point, Followed by Nikolaas and Grigory, with Nigel and Konrad bringing up the rear.

You all take a moment to relax, and focus, before running the gauntlet, and hope that zombieism isn't contagious. Then on the count of three, you all are off at a run.

The first few zombies you pass seem to be more interested in clawing at the wall than you all, until someone accidentally kicks a pebble into a nasty looking one. It whirls immediately, flailing its arms madly. Nigel seems to be the only one to see it, and has the opportunity, with a quick sword strike, to cut it down or, with a shove, to push the group slightly out of the way.

Grigory sees the next zombie spin and come after the party member immediately behind him, Konrad. With a block or shove to the side he can save the wizard a powerful hit. As Nigel responds to the first charging zombie, Grigory sees another come after the archer. The rat catcher is the only one in position to cover his companion.

At the front of the charging group, another zombie is steamrolled over. His flailing limbs doing nothing to the two armored leaders. Grigory, now, has attracted the attention of several zombies that practically seem to dive towards him, rotten teeth and nails seeking flesh.

As Konrad moves to defend Grigory, another zombie rushes past Bjorn. If he can deflect it somehow, he knows it won't reach the Bright Wizard. Another zombie appears out of nowhere, on a collision course for Ogindur. A door looms to your right, the next passage down, you hope. As quickly as you can, you head for it, and a final zombie lunges for Nikolaas. The other zombies are getting agitated now, and boiling towards you in a wave. There's little hope of coming back out this way, unless these things get dealt with by someone else. You can only hope you'll be able to find another exit at some point, once you're done inside.

Nigel A successful dodge (shove) or a successful attack with a melee weapon will avoid an 8cr damage punch to the face for Ogindur
Grigory: A successful dodge (shove) or block will save Konrad a 6cr torso shot.
Grigory: Another dodge or block will save Nigel from 4cr damage
Ogindur: The next block would fall to you, to help Bjorn, but the damage wouldn't be enough to penetrate DR so don't worry
Bjorn: 2 defenses from you to defend Grigory from 3cr and 9 cr respectively
Konrad: The next defense falls to you. You can dodge to shove Grigory out of the way, or use an appropriate spell (either defensive or offensive).
Bjorn: a successful defense will save Konrad from 11cr
Ogindur: You must defend yourself or take 9cr damage to your torso (that may not penetrate DR I'm thinking)
Nikolaas: You must defend yourself or take 6cr

Nigel has his bow slung over and his sword out in preparation to run through the mass of hungry undead, he takes a moment to mentally prepare, he breathes in deep and tells himself that this is just another battlefield, the fact that they are zombies is irrelevant to the task at hand.

Shortly into the run he saves Ogindur from a nasty shot, but is afterward focused entirely on making it through without getting separated from the group.

14:25, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 11 using 3d6. Shortsword 14. Success by 3.

 His eyes catching a rush of the sweep of an enemy at Grigory is blindingly fast as he snaps a spell to attempt to turn the attack aside and from striking the man as he was helping another avoid damage.

18:46, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 11 using 3d6. spell/blade turn/16

Fps 15/18
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Wed 05 Mar 2014.

Grigory, having never had any formal military training, is not used to working in such tight formations. His shield is sluggish in the close quarters and he is unable to protect Konad from the lurching Zombie. He has better success with the second attack on Nigel.

Sorry Konad!

10:37, Today: Grigory rolled 15 using 3d6. Block Konad: 13.
10:37, Today: Grigory rolled 10 using 3d6. Block Nigel: 13.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Wed 05 Mar 2014.

The Count is in his element, moving in formation with a unit of men-at-arms; it was true they were "irregular" at best, but he had seen raw talent and courage conquer harsher trials than this. It was never very distinct on his ragged face, but the Count was smiling as they pushed through the mass of walking corpses.

09:23, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 8 using 3d6. Buckler Block (13).

Bjorn kept a wary eye. Any attempt at violence was met with his warhammer.

09:05, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 13,9,8 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Parry 15.

Ogindur took a hard punch to the right eye, grunting in pain, but otherwise still moving forward. He had received far worse in the past, and so had little trouble blocking one of the last zombies they passed.

The group spills down the stairs and onto the next level. It was identical to the two upper floors they had already traversed, but for the fact that they came through at a corner instead of in the middle of one of the long, straight hallways. Their corner, and the two opposite ones were lit by torches, lighting several yards on either side of the hall before fading to blackness. Set evenly every five yards there appeared to be a pair of channels (one on each wall).

"So far so good. I'm simply dying to see you all again. How I've missed each of you." an all to familiar voice echoes to you.

Nigel puts away his sword, grabs his bow, draws back an arrow, and scans for the vampire, "Why don't you show your face witch!?"

08:16, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 14 using 3d6. PER 13. Fail by 1. Dang...

The Count narrowed his eyes when he heard the familiar voice but said nothing, content to simply growl and sneer in his usual fashion as he scanned the path ahead for the hidden dangers he suspected awaited them.

Ogindur held fast his position, ensuring that his formation was held. The punch to the eye throbbed a little, and he suspected that it might turn black in a few hours... but it really was nothing to worry about.

"That is her?" he said with a level tone, his concentration on keeping the zombies at bay.

He was totally focused and ensuring that the zombies would not reach his companions.






20:24, Today: Ogindur Thundersteel rolled 4 using 3d6. random location.

20:24, Today: Ogindur Thundersteel rolled 14 using 3d6. Hit nearest Zombie.

20:24, Today: Ogindur Thundersteel rolled 9 using 3d6. Shield Defence.

 Keeping the formation which he really did not like, since we were to close together if the vampire had command of magic and could toss area affects at the group.

 Softly chanting he speaks words of arcane and moves his fingers in strange angles and touches himself.

Casting armor on myself.
16:03, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 9 using 3d6. casting armor/16
This message was last edited by the player at 23:59, Thu 06 Mar 2014.

Glad to be through the zombies, Grigory keeps his shield and sword at the ready and slowly advances towards the voice.

"COME OUT, DEMON!" said Bjorn. "ANSWER FOR YOUR CRIMES, AND I SHALL SEND YOU TO ETERNAL TORMENT!"

15:39, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 13 using 3d6. Flaming Weapon 15.

Grigory stalks forward a few paces until the toe of one of his shoes falls on the flagstones right in front of a pair of the channels set into the wall. Immediately, a huge metal blade drops from the ceiling and slams into the floor, sending up little chunks of rock.

The thing is large enough to completely block the tunnel.

As the dust settles, and the echoes die away, you can hear that same voice laughing somewhere in the tunnels. "Soon enough my pets. If you can get to me in one piece."

Grigory activated what is, essentially, a large guillotine trap. But noticed it before getting sliced in two. They're spaced evenly, as far as you can tell, all the way through the tunnels. The large blades, when they have fallen, prevent you from going beyond them.

Grigory, startled, shouts out as the blade crashes down.

"Uh, sorry about that, everyone."

He carefully steps back off the pressure plate and attempts to examine the mechanism of the trap.

13:54, Today: Grigory rolled 9 using 3d6. Traps 12.

The Count quirks an eyebrow as the blade slams into the ground, then sniffs derisively despite the near fatal accident and speaks as though Benedikta were right alongside them. "You only delay the inevitable, witch; make ready your weapons, we shall see you soon enough."

Absently brushing some stone-dust off of the sleeve of his coat, making an intentional show of aloofness in the face of Benedikta's home-court advantage, Nik is an exaggerated character of utter calm as he shines the light of his flaming sword to allow Grigory more light to work by.

As Grigory backs away from the trap, the enormous blade begins to lift up into the ceiling again, with a faint sound of grinding stone.

The trap is obviously activated when someone steps down on the flagstones in front of the channels. The blade itself isn't that sharp, and Grigory assumes the makers intended for the sheer weight of the thing to do the most damage. He'll also note that it will take a couple moments to fall, so, if someone was quick with a dodge, they would likely be able to get through before the blade falls.

The mechanisms for the trap are mostly up in the roof, or behind the walls of the cavern, making it hard to sabotage. The best way to keep the thing from falling will likely be by catch the blade as it comes down somehow.

"I think I can jump through. Then I'll see if I can take a look at the other side and see if I can break this damned thing from there, or see if there are any other tricks to watch out for."

Grigory took a few steps back to give him enough space to jump.

With a running start, Grigory easily clears the the trapped stone and the trap, landing on the other side. If not for his time spent as a ratcatcher, having to catch the slightest of details in little to no light, he wouldn't have noticed the next trap mechanism.

This time, instead of a pressure plate, there looked to be fine tripwires strung between the groves of the blade track in a web. A less observant adventurer, would have made his first jump, and then a second, tripping the wires as he leaped through, and bringing another enormous blade down upon him.

I'm assuming Grigory has jumped to 65/49

You all may assume that each of the other traps are rigged with tripwires to prevent jumps. You will have to find some way of disarming them before continuing. You will not be able to climb through/step over the tripwires. There are numerous lines interlacing each set of tracking.

Grigory quietly informs the rest of the group about the tripwires, and then turns to examine exactly how the mechanism is constructed. Specifically, he attempts to see whether it's the pulling of the wire on a moveable trigger that sets off the trap, or instead the release of the tension of the wire that releases the blade.

14:37, Today: Grigory rolled 12 using 3d6. Traps 12.

It appears as though the release of tension is what would cause the giant blades to fall.

Seeing the mechanism of the tripwires, Grigory looks for a way to keep them intact while bypassing them - either tying his own wires so that the triggers are kept in place while the existing wires are removed, or seeing if the gaps between the wires are large enough to squeeze through without breaking any of them.

You cannot see a way around the wires. You'll have to somehow trigger the trap, and then pass, or hope you can dodge through before it falls.

Grigory informs the others of his evaluation of the trap.

"Well, any ideas?"

Watching helplessly from the short distance away, the Count looks blinking to his left and right before shrugging simply. The look on his face is blank and his tone somewhat vacant, even conversational.

"Perhaps trigger it? That will at least change the situation somewhat... maybe the trigger mechanisms of the different blades are connected somehow?"

 He has to trust his agile fingered companion that it can do what he said it would do.
 Letting the vision fill his mind of how it looks like, he has to ask this question,
"if the wires are under the blade as you are meant to trip them by pulling on them then that is one thing, after all having the blades drop while your in the middle of the passage wont hit anything as i picture it. So if they are where the blades drop and swing cross wise to the passage..can we just use a table or ladder of some kind to be a bridge over the wires?. I could roll a fireball or two in there and maybe melt the wires but if they are needed to keep the blades up with the tension then releasing that tension by melting the wire does not sound too smart in my mind."

"The wires seem to cover the entire area, so I don't think a ladder will work. But let me try this..."

Grigory sheathes his well-balanced shortsword and unslings his run-of-the-mill axe. Retreating to the maximum distance he can while still reaching the tripwire, he crouches behind his shield as much as possible, and then chops one of the wires with the axe.

The wires all snap easily and silently. The blade that falls from the roof, however, is far less subtle. It plunges to the ground with a deafening crash and Grigory is just barely able to avoid getting his ax smashed away. Dust and pebbles shaken loose sprinkle around the rat catcher, but he is otherwise unharmed.

It is also obvious that, while the blade itself is still huge, it is loose in the tracking. With enough force, you all should be able to break it loose and let it fall out of the way.

Grigory is relatively pleased with the results of his experiment.

"Ogindur, Bjorn, I think I'll need your help but we should be able to get this blade out of our way. Mind that first step though!"

The Count grins an awkward, predatory grin - they were that much closer to their target, and he couldn't hide his anticipation.

"Excellent work, Grigory; come, your Grace, Ogindur: I'll help you across."

He plants his foot as close as he can to the first pressure plate and holds a hand out to his bulky companions.

I don't know if it'll actually help at all, but my thinking is to like grab their hand and assist their jump by sort of sling-shotting them a bit; Nigel won't have a problem, Konad is probably okay, but I'm concerned about stubby legs and heavy armour.

Bjorn rushed to Grigory's aid, attempting to move the blade out of the way.

With a few slams of the hammer from Bjorn, and axe blows from Ogindur, the giant blade was bashed out of its track, falling to the ground with a loud clang. The process was repeated all the way down the corridor, until the party was able to progress through, leaving the wrecked traps in its wake.

With ears ringing, you make it to the now familiar stairs downward. At the bottom of the short flight is a heavy wooden door, incongruous with the rest of the building's architecture. Affixed to it, with a knife, was a piece of paper.

I'm waiting for you.

After reading the note, Bjorn paused to pray.

"Almighty Sigmar, in this hour shall I need your strength again to vanquish this wretch."

His warhammer erupted in flames.

12:43, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 13 using 3d6. Flaming Weapon 15.

"Amen." Nigel says as he draws back an arrow, "Lets kill this bitch."

Grigory isn't so sure. "She's never stuck around for a fair fight yet, no reason she would now. We should be careful, and hope she doesn't have this whole warren rigged to collapse down on our heads or something.

"Ogindur, you've lived underground, do you know anything about why this construction would be so different? Konad, Bjorn, do you sense anything magical or cursed? I don't like this."

Grigory's beady eyes bug out as they strain to check the door for any sign of traps. Afterwards, he'll spend time examining the walls to either side of the door, as well as the floor and ceiling, for anything that might indicate a mechanism more complicated than a door hinge.

As Bjorn prays, the Count looks to the priming on his pistols before stuffing them back in his belt and hefting the uncomfortable sword. With a grim nod and an echo of Nigel's "Amen", he casts a sidelong glance to Grigory; with all the traps they had encountered so far he didn't need to say what he was thinking, but the look on his face did so for him.

When the ratcatcher had begun his search, the Count cast a leery eye to the stones supporting the ceiling above them; up to this moment, he hadn't considered the possibility of a cave-in, and he waited in tense silence for the others to voice any hesitation or for Grigory to find some sign of mischief.

 The red headed mage steps up closer to the door and concentrates on the framework before stepping back a step and muttered a harsh sounding strange vocal hmmm,that most humans would have a hard time getting their tongues to work around it.

16:42, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 13 using 3d6. spell dispell magic/16.

16:42, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 7 using 3d6. IQ/15(no perception)+3 magery

It was a good thing that both Grigory and Konrad paused to check for traps, both mundane and magical, for the door had been rigged with both. Carefully, Grigory unwound tripwires and pins from the frame of the door and Konrad, with concentration and the occasional mutter dispelled the foul magics that had been laced into the wood.

Konrad, your perception is actually equal to your IQ, so you're good there :)

The door now seems safe to open, I'll wait and see if Ogindur posts today and, if not, I'll move stuff forward Monday.

Traps and spells neutralized, Ogindur shoves his way to the front, grabs the door handle, and hauls it open. It comes free much easier than he was expecting, he loses his footing, falls, and cracks his head on the side of the dungeon wall, losing consciousness almost instantaneously.

You all are met with a totally and completely dark hallway.

If Ogindur reappears, he can regain consciousness and join in the festivities, otherwise, assume he's neutralized and will not be of any help in the fight.

Assume the hallway is about 10 feet wide, and indeterminately long (because it is devoid of light). I'll need to know what order you plan to enter in. Once I have that, I'll be putting a map up.

Note: no magic can be sensed in the immediate area, making magical booby traps unlikely)

The Count bends, slaps Ogindur a few times, then shrugs and steps over him, leaning into the doorway and shining his flaming sword as far in as he can.

"Come, leave him; he'll be fine."

Assuming Grigory can search for traps from a short distance I'll volunteer to go first, followed by Grigory checking for traps; otherwise, I think Grigory will have to lead and I'll follow him. Unless there are any objections, of course.

 Looking at the darkness within the hallway, he wanted to test the darkness for magic but it appeared the groups leader would not be content to wait for that to be done correctly.

 "Perfect spot for a pit trap i would think if i were of a mind to cause mischief to any troublemakers coming after me."

Grigory stays as close to the front as he needs to in order to check for traps.

12:58, Today: Grigory rolled 9 using 3d6. Traps 12.

Bjorn follows behind Grigory and the count, holding his mace up to shed some light.

"Fear not, mine allies. This witch shall today meet her end in this wretched place, for Lord Sigmar is with us."

Nigel's eyes flick back and forth with the shifting shadows created by the Count's sword, a few times he nearly looses his arrow, but catches himself before he wastes ammunition. He takes up the rear ready to shoot the witch whenever she shows herself, keeping silent so as not to break his concentration.

Ahead of you, in the inky blackness, sparks flash a few times with the accompanying click of flint and tinder. A small torch comes to life revealing a a black clad female figure. The upper half of her face, including her eyes, are obscured, but you'd recognize the outfit, and that smirk anywhere. You'd also recognize the outline of a cannon anywhere.

"FINALLY! I've waited ages for you imbecilic 'adventurers' to get here. You better enjoy this little surprise, it was incredibly hard to get it inside and this deep." and with that, she touched the torch to the cannon's fuse and dropped the torch.

So my understanding of the order is: Nikolaas, Grigory, Bjorn, Nigel, and Konrad.

This cannon is firing a canister of grapeshot. If you do not dodge, you will take 6d*5 pi+. Divide whatever you roll for damage by 6 before you factor in DR and wounding modifiers.

Grigory barely gets out of the way in time, but his shield is able to take the brunt of the pellets intended for him.

Once he's sure he's still whole, Grigory levels his shield at Benedikta and charges. He does not intend to give her a chance to activate another trap. As he runs, he considers that after all of Benedikta's vampire trickery and magical coercion, he would almost have to laugh at the directness of this cannon, if it wasn't so deadly.

EDIT: Move; or Move and Attack to Shield Rush if I'm in range.

I think I've done this right, but let me know if I haven't:

10:42, Today: Grigory rolled 10 using 3d6. Dodge 9 (11 with DB).
10:51, Today: Grigory rolled 22 using 5d6. Damage to Shield 6d*5 pi+.

22/6= 3.7, which does not penetrate my shield's DR of 4.

This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Tue 01 Apr 2014.

The Count's eyes widened when he made out the shape of the cannon in the darkness, instantly grasping what it was and it's payload - he had used a similar ambush himself on more than one occasion.

"DOWN!" he shouted instinctively as he dove to the cobblestones.

09:16, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 7 using 3d6. Dodge and Drop (14). Oh, thank you Buddha!

Nigel drops to the ground as ordered, getting out of the way of the cannon fire. He quickly raises himself to kneeling and scans for the witch hoping to shoot her.

09:06, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 6 using 3d6. Dodge 9+3(Drop)+2(Feverish)=14. Success by 8.
After the dodge and drop, Nigel will change posture to kneeling.

HP: 12/12     FP: 11/12

 Seeing the one they sought who was in league with the vile sources of chaos and the dangerous weapon most likely from the vermin kind, he reacted as fast as he ever had and spoke his strange arcane words and shaped the spell in front of the cannon to hopefully absorb most of the damage.

Casting force wall as near the cannons mouth as possible.

09:30, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 9 using 3d6. casting force wall/16.

Hp 11/11
FP 12/14

Bjorn dropped to the floor to avoid the shot, then rolled to his knees.

"Foul knave..."

13:23, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 8 using 3d6. Dodge and Drop 14.

With reflexes honed even sharper from the continued dangers of their trek, the party had no trouble avoiding the deadly cannon blast. Quickly recovering, they rushed forward into the dark. Eventually the firelight from Grom's and Nik's weapons illuminated the makings of a large room.

[Private to Grigory: Just ahead, like due north of 07/08 on the map, you can faintly make out a figure. It is short and stocky and obviously not Benedikta.]

map updated

Grigory advances very cautiously, his eyes straining against the darkness.

"Konad, can you throw a light? There's someone else here."

Step forward. All Out Defense (Block).

Night Vision (2)

Nigel steps forward as well, arrow drawn back, waiting for to fire at the first sign of Benedikta.

 He glanced past the cannon at the what appeared to be a room for any signs of the vampire. Lifting his hand he chants a tongue twisting sentence and a light appears in his hand.

10:33, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 10 using 3d6. burning torch/16

Hps 11/11
Fps 13/18
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Fri 04 Apr 2014.

Moving as cautiously as ever he could, the Count stepped through the cloying smoke of the cannon's blast and scanned the darkness for signs of their quarry.

"Close the door," he says over his shoulder to whoever is closest to the entrance, "she doesn't have the stomach to stand and fight."

"Come to your end, witch,"" said Bjorn, stepping into the room. "Or fear you the light so that you dare not fight in it?"

Step forward 1 yard. All-Out Defense (Double).

Obliging Nigel, Konrad conjured a crackling little fire a few yards ahead of the group. It lit up much more of the room, and you all notice that you cannot yet see the walls in any direction.

What the fire does light up, though, is a Dwarf. Naked from the waist up (and only a loincloth below), his bright orange hair and beard were filthy, obscuring his face completely. He carried a large, two handed axe limply in his right hand, the wicked head lying on the flagstone floor.

"I do so like my pets you know." Benedikta's voice came echoing through the room. "I was sad to see Agathe go, but it was really quite fortunate that you gave me another plaything. I brought him here, because I thought you might miss your dear Grom." At the utterance of his name, the Dwarf in front of you lifted his axe into fighting position.

Map updated. Let me know if I have everyone placed accurately. As I implied above, the area on the map does not represent the extent of the room but, rather, the area visible to you all.

Konrad, I think you may be saying "Burning Touch" instead of "Burning Torch" I assumed you cast "Phantom Flame" a few yards ahead of you, which would offer the illumination you're looking for.

"Grom..." Nigel says, "I..."

Nigel is momentarily overcome by emotion is unable to keep speaking, then he manages, "This ends now."

He fires his arrow directly at Grom's eyes.

09:16, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage (x4 eyes). 10x4=40.
09:15, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10 using 3d6. Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-3(range)=15. Success by 5.

With his face set in a stony mask, the Count steps forward to intercept their former companion.

Step forward to 06/09 and Wait (for Grom to come into range, at which point I'll attempt to Disarm him.)

[Private to GM: Just in case:
10:38, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 10 using 3d6. Broadsword Disarm (15).]

The Sigmarite gnashed his teeth as he approached Grom.

"Witch, you will burn in hell twice over for this," he said.

Move to 08/08.
Is there any way for me to tell if he's alive and merely enchanted or dead and zombified?
Not sure what to roll, but I'm sure it would be a secret roll anyway.

 He frowned at the sight of the stout dwarven troll slayer and remembered the others talk about his dangerous mental state. He readied a spell and waited to see what was going to take place.

While the others engage this creature that was once Grom, Grigory moves to flank.

Move to 03/08.

Grom's head snapped up at the sound of Nigel's bowstring. Carelessly, he spun his axe in front of him, knocking the flying arrow away. The movement brought his face into better view. The dwarf was missing one of his eyes, and it looked like a portion of his skull had been sucked away, skin and hair now collapsed in on itself. The dwarf continued his parry move, letting his grip slid on the axe, reversed its course, and swung at Bjorn, who now approached to one side.

Grigory now ranged out to one side, his eyes, accustomed to the dark perceiving a stalking figure in the shadows. It reached out its hand, squeezing her fingers into a fist. "Boo" [Private to Grigory: She is at what would be 01/06]

Grom successfully parried Nigel's arrow, before attacking Bjorn. Bjorn must defend or take 10 cutting damage (before armor)

Grigory Benedikta has cast Terror on you. QC against a will roll of yours to see if you resist. Benedikta succeeded by 8. If you fail to resist, you must make a fright check at -3.

Grigory's mind is a bizarre and complex thing. His years under the streets of Nuln, suffering ambushes by ratmen no one else believed existed, had rewritten many of his usual reactions to fear. So when Benedikta's spell first found purchase in his psyche, it was not able to rattle the filthy ratcatcher.

Instead, seeing Benedikta in the shadows caused him to level his shield and rush at the vampire, shouting "She's here!"

Failed the Will QC, but passed the Fright Check. I only made the shield rush check by 1, so if there's more than -1 of darkness penalty Grigory will miss.

15:27, Today: Grigory rolled 9 using 3d6. Will 13.
15:27, Today: Grigory rolled 6 using 3d6. Fright Check Will 13-3= 10.

15:35, Today: Grigory rolled 13 using 3d6. Shield rush (14 - darkness) = ?

Nigel's hands are a blur as they whip back to grab another arrow, fit it on the string, draw it back, and send it flying at Grom's remaining eye. After he fires he scans for Benedikta, but cannot see her in the darkness.

13:02, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 14,11,7 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-3(range)=15. Success by 2, 11, and 8.
13:02, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 6 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage (x4 eyes). 6x4=24.

Taking a step back, Bjorn interposed his weapon, deflecting the axe. He stepped back into range and swung his flaming warhammer at Grom's side.

"Be not deceived, Rangers; our troll-slaying friend is dead," he said.

Defense: Retreat Parry
13:36, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 9 using 3d6. Retreat Parry 16.
Offense: Step and Attack
13:37, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 10 using 3d6. Mace 18-4(DA) = 14.
     13:38, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 13 using 2d6+3. Warhammer damage 2d+3 cr. +2 burn follow-up.

The Count made to step forward and engage their former companion alongside Bjorn, but jerked his head to the side at the last moment as Grigory called out. As though in answer to his dilemma, a second arrow whistled next to him and slapped into the undead dwarf's eye, and the Count set off to lend support to the ratcatcher.

Move to 07/07; is that the direction Grigory's Shield Rush will have taken him? If not I'll want to follow along with him instead, but keep at least 1 hex between us.

Grom was clearly entering a rhythm, his movements almost like a dance. Ducking Nigel's arrow, he whirled his axe around his back and brought it up in time to parry Bjorn's blow, continuing the move first into an apparent body check on Bjorn with the haft of his weapon, before sliding his hands down into a powerful swing at the last moment.

Konrad, just about ready to hurl his fireball at Grom, sees Grigory and Nikolaas' movement at the last second. Holding the spell at the ready, he advances a few steps, hoping to get a good look and aim at this vampiress.

Grigory charges into the darkness, Nik at his heels, the fire from the count's sword illuminating more of the shadowy room. The Vampiress was clearly not suspecting the rat catcher's move and failed to get out of the way in time. Grigory crashed into her, but she was like a rock and he may as well have just bounced off.

Grom dodges Nigel's arrow, parrys Bjorn's attack and then feints with a 9 margin of success. Bjorn Please roll a QC for your preferred skill before taking your next attack.

Nik, I moved you so you're just behind Grigory. Grigory, I rolled damage for you, you got a 1 which fails to penetrate DR. if you'd prefer to make your roll, though, that's fine, I think it would be 1d of damage. Konrad, I am assuming you're charging a 2d fireball, held it this turn to get closer to the Benedikta fight.

The Count moves lightly, stepping from stone to stone and soon closing the distance between himself and the vampire with a well-aimed swipe of the flaming sword.

Step forward to 06/06, spend 1 FP for a Giant Step to 05/06, and pray to the Gods of Stabbing that I can hurt her with this...
08:56, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 6 using 3d6. Thrusting Broadsword Attack (14).
Sorry, I just remembered this sword can't stab - I guess the Gods of Slicing will have to do.
08:59, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 4 using 1d6+1. Cutting Damage (+ Flame).

HP: 12/12
FP: 11/12

Bjorn was a bit thrown off by Grom's movements, but managed to step behind him and take a wide swing. The swing went too wide and threw him off balance.

Defense:
12:27, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 10 using 3d6. QC Mace 18. Fail by 1.
Offense: Step and Deceptive Attack (-4/-2)
12:29, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 17 using 3d6. Mace 18-4(DA) = 14.
12:29, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 13 using 3d6. Critical Miss Table.
     "You lose your balance. You can do nothing else (not even a free action) until your next turn, and all your active defenses are at -2 until then."
     (That'll be a cumulative -3, including the penalty from losing the Feint.)

"Time to die, witch."With Nikolaas joining him, Grigory moved to flank

Benedikta while slashing at her.

Maneuver: Attack.

Step to 04/07, Giant Step to 03/07. Deceptive (-4/-2) swing to Target of Opportunity. Hit! 6 cutting damage to the Torso.

16:28, Today: Grigory rolled 8 using 3d6. Shortsword swing at ToO, Decept-4=13.
16:30, Today: Grigory rolled 11 using 3d6. Hit location.
16:33, Today: Grigory rolled 6 using 1d6+2. 1d+2 cutting to Torso.

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Medium Shield

Parry: 12 (14 with DB)
Block: 11 (13 with DB)
Dodge:  9 (11 with DB)

HP:12/12       FP:12/11

 Knowing that she most likely had a back up plan in place if things went wrong he held off on lobbing a fireball into the midst of the berserk rat catcher and the leader and the priest...ummm o and the vampire they were fighting.


 He tried to keep an eye on the troll slayer and the vampire while using his other senses for signs of any unwanted help strolling into the battle.

Nigel continues his barrage of arrows, Grom can't block forever.

09:38, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage (x4 eyes). 10x4=40
09:37, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 13,10,12 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-3(range)=15. Success by 3, 12, & 3.

whew, ok, I've been trying to post an update for a couple hours but work stuff kept popping up

A rapier, the same weapon that had so injured Nikolaas in the fight at the barrows, was in Benedikta's hand in a flash. She expertly flicked the sword behind her back, catching the count's blow over one shoulder, turning it aside, and bringing the weapon back around in time to parry Grigory as well.

"My my, two strong men trying to dominate me. I should be scandalized." she said with a laugh, before she and her sword darted to one side, and then in at Grigory's blade in an attempt to disarm him. The strike was clumsy, though, and ineffective.

Nik, staying on Benedikta's blind side so far did not notice, but Grigory can clearly see from his vantage point. Instead of Benedikta's one remaining eye, another flap of skin, and eye was crudely stitched. "Grom had to donate a replacement, after your bastard of an archer took my other one"

Grom looked as though he were simply twirling his axe for show. One moment it was in front of him, again deflecting an arrow from Nigel, the next over one shoulder, behind his back, striking out, coming back and then coming in hard for Bjorn's left arm. Miraculously, though, the attack faltered. The dwarf somehow missing the range, and his axe passing through open air.

Keeping up their defenses, both Grom and Benedikta miss their attacks.

Konrad, you cannot perceive anyone or anything else in the room. If you would like to launch any spells, you'd be at a -2 range penalty to hit Grom or -8 to hit Benedikta with a spell.

The sigmarite regained his balance and hefted his warhammer once again towards Grom's torso.

"Abomination, be ended!"

Offense: Deceptive Attack (-4/-2)
19:38, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 6 using 3d6. Mace 18-4(DA) = 14.
19:39, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 6 using 2d6+3. Warhammer damage 2d+3 cr. +2 burn as a follow-up.

 He was for the moment satisfied that there was nothing else hiding close by to aide the vampire so he turns and locks eyes on the stout dwarf, timing his spell he waits to get a clear shot and casts a nice burning fire spell at the dwarf.

 Cast flame jet at Grom, hopefully to end his suffering.
21:48, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 12 using 3d6. flame jet /16-2=14 success

"I'll pull Grom's eye out of your skull and return it to its proper place."

Grigory slashed twice out at Benedikta, but the swings lacked their usual strength.

Maneuver: Attack.

Step to 03/08.

Flurry of Blows, 2x Swing to ToO. Both hit the torso, both for 3 (minimum) damage. :(

09:17, Today: Grigory rolled 3 using 1d6+2. Cutting damage attack 2.
09:17, Today: Grigory rolled 3 using 1d6+2. Cutting damage attack 1.
09:17, Today: Grigory rolled 11 using 3d6. Hit location for attack 2.
09:17, Today: Grigory rolled 10 using 3d6. Hit location for attack 1.
09:16, Today: Grigory rolled 13 using 3d6. Flurry of Blows 2- Swing to ToO=14.
09:16, Today: Grigory rolled 13 using 3d6. Flurry of Blows 1- Swing to ToO=14.

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Medium Shield

Parry: 12 (14 with DB)
Block: 11 (13 with DB)
Dodge:  9 (11 with DB)

HP:12/12       FP:9/12
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Tue 15 Apr 2014.

The Count moved quickly to keep up with Benedikta's nimble attacks, working his way around in an oblique circle to try and put her directly in between himself and the crafty Ratcatcher. As he was getting himself into position he lashed out quickly with the flaming sword, the first strike licking near its target but ultimately failing to find the mark, but the other flew straight and heavy toward the vampiress.

Spend another FP for another Giant Step, this time going to 03/06 to try and cut off her mobility.

Once I'm there, give her a Rapid Attack.

09:01, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 15 using 3d6. Rapid Attack #1 (11).09:01, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 8 using 3d6. Rapid Attack #2 (11).
09:02, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 6 using 1d6+1. Cutting Damage (+ Flame).

HP: 12/12
FP: 10/12

"Dammit Grom. Stop making this difficult." Nigel mutters as he quickly sends another arrow flying at Grom's remaining eye.

18:17, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 9 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage (x4 eyes). 9x4=36
18:17, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 13,7,11 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-3(range)=15. Success by 3, 15, & 4.

HP: 12/12     FP: 12/12

Grom narrowly avoided Bjorn's hammer blow, whirled his axe again and chopped Nigel's arrow out of the air, and followed up with two quick axe swipes at Bjorn, leaving him totally open to the gout of flame that leapt from Konrad's charged fist.

Benedikta paused for half a breath, letting Grigory slash at her. The rat catcher's blade made two neat slits in her bodice but seemed to otherwise bounce off the skin. Nikolaas darted behind her back for another swipe, but again she flicked her sword over one shoulder, turned the blow aside, and then, while stepping, twisted her blade in an attempt to disarm the count.

I'm including the dice rolls for Grom this time, so you all know I'm not just fudging this! Grom dodges Bjorn, parry's Nigel's arrow, and then rapid strikes Bjorn, failing 1 roll and making another. If Bjorn fails to defend he'll take 2d damage. Grom fails to defend against Konrad, taking 4 burning damage (7burn-3DR)

Today: Secret Roll: Grom Ironsmiter rolled 6 using 3d6. Dodge
Today: Secret Roll: Grom Ironsmiter rolled 5 using 3d6 Parry Missile fire
Today: Secret Roll: Grom Ironsmiter rolled 7 using 3d6. Rapid strike 1 (success)
Today: Secret Roll: Grom Ironsmiter rolled 10 using 3d6. Rapid Strike 2 (fail)

Konrad, you can maintain this spell for as long as you wish, and have FP to spend. I'll cost 2FP per turn and each turn you'll have to roll against your innate attack to hit. Grom may dodge.

Benedikta doesn't defend against Grigory, DR prevents damage. She does, though parry Nik (I took the runaround penalty into account), and then strikes at his weapon, attempting to disarm him. If Nik fails to Parry, roll a QC against Benedikta 10 margin of success to retain your weapon  (see page 401).

I'm also including a facing direction, because it is starting to matter in this fight.

Nigel grits his teeth as Grom destroys another arrow, but he sends another one flying nonetheless.

08:26, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage (x4 eyes). 10x4=40
08:26, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 16,16,10 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-1(range)-4(deceptive)=13. Success by 0, 6, & 3. Grom defends at -2; I had my range off by a bit, didn't realize I could afford some deceptive penalties.

HP: 12/12     FP: 12/12

 He had heard that troll slayers were deadly fighters and watching the display of this one had him wondering if they could get thru this without someone dying in the fight..other then those who needed to find honor and who needed to die for her deeds.

11:16, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 13 using 3d6. maintain spell/target/16

Grigory steps forward, visibly perspiring as he moves his blade with a speed he didn't know was possible. But despite his effort he can't get any power behind his strikes. He starts to consider a change in tactics.

Maneuver: Attack.

Step to 04/07 facing 04/06.

Flurry of Blows, 2x Swing to ToO. Both hit the torso, one for 3 cutting damage, the other for 4. That is a total of 5 on 4d6 for damage in the past two turns!

13:42, Today: Grigory rolled 3 using 1d6+2. Cutting damage attack 2.
13:42, Today: Grigory rolled 4 using 1d6+2. Cutting damage attack 1.
13:42, Today: Grigory rolled 11 using 3d6. Hit location for attack 2.
13:42, Today: Grigory rolled 10 using 3d6. Hit location for attack 1.
13:41, Today: Grigory rolled 9 using 3d6. Flurry of Blows 2- Swing to ToO=14.
13:41, Today: Grigory rolled 9 using 3d6. Flurry of Blows 1- Swing to ToO=14.


Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Medium Shield

Parry: 12 (14 with DB)
Block: 11 (13 with DB)
Dodge:  9 (11 with DB)

HP:12/12       FP:7/12

Nik darted his attacks in desperately, swinging his heavy hanger sword like a haymaker and finding his efforts frustrated at every turn. When Benedikta turned her attentions on him he staggered for a moment, amazed at her speed and ability, and briefly feeling a burn in the scar that bisected his face; it was under similar circumstances he had earned that wound, a man of war humiliated by a prancing dandy, and the memory fueled his own counter-offensive.

He stepped back on the attack, screaming an insensible warcry as he slapped her blade away with his own and then brought it slashing back in; at that same moment, he stepped in closer still, bringing the buckler in for a swipe at her side. The relatively heavy weapons, nimble target, and pent up anger combined to leave both attacks hopelessly sloppy, and the Count managed to do nothing more than amuse his target.

14:47, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 12 using 3d6. Parry (12). PHEW!

Okay, the idea here is to use a Rapid Attack to Feint with my Flaming Sword, Step into Close Combat, and then Attack with my Buckler; it doesn't do as much damage as the sword, but hopefully something good comes out of this...

14:59, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 13 using 3d6. Feint with Sword (11). Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck!

Aaaaaanyway, let's see if the Buckler can do some good...
15:00, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 13 using 3d6. Buckler Strike (12). Sonuvabitchmotherfucker!

HP: 12/12
FP: 10/12

Having stepped back to parry the axe, Bjorn stepped back and took another quick swing at Grom.

Defense: Retreat Parry
12:53, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 11 using 3d6. Retreat Parry 16.
Offense: Step and Deceptive Attack
12:54, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 8 using 3d6. Mace 18-4(DA) = 14.
12:55, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 13 using 2d6+3. Warhammer damage 2d+3 cr. +2 burn as a follow-up.

Grom, this time, swatted Nigel's arrow out of the air with a hand. As he did so, though, he opened himself up and both Bjorn and Konrad seized the opportunity. The bright wizard kept up his torrent of flame, scorching more of the dwarf, and Bjorn's warhammer also found its target. The injuries were terrible, but still Grom fought on. With a growl, he ran towards Nigel, swinging his axe at the archer from close range. While the sight of the charging dwarf was fearsome to behold, he was not able to land an attack.

Nikolaas was clearly flustered at Benedikta's change in tactics. She smiled at him, amused, at his efforts, until Grigory slashed at her side. The vampire hissed in pain. "Oh you'll regret that!" she says, as she steps back and begins to mumble quietly. "Veti experimenta dureri ca acolo nu a fost niciodată, dureri de la gropile de iad în sine.

Grom is on a roll with the arrows. Including the dice roll below again so you know I'm not fudging this! Both Bjorn and Konrad hit, and Grom moves to 13/10

Today: Secret Roll: Grom Ironsmiter rolled 6 using 3d6.

Benedikta takes a bit of damage from Grigory, she steps away and begins to cast a spell.

Nigel jumps backward a yard and whips out another arrow with expert grace, he draws it back, but something goes slightly wrong with the release and the arrow whizzes right by Groms head instead of right at it.

08:39, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 6,13,16 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-4(deceptive)=14. Critical success, success by 9, and fail by 2.
Step to 13/12.

HP:12/12       FP:12/12

Seeing the witch begin another one of her hexes, Grigory levels his shield and rushes to knock her down. But the evil magicks of this sepulchre are sapping his strength, preventing him from throwing a decent strike despite the effort he is putting in.

Maneuver: Move and Attack.

Move to 05/06.

Shield Slam  with Mighty Blow. Hits! A Fearsome 2 points of damage! I think she still needs to check for damage to see if she falls down, even if DR absorbs the damage? Not sure.

10:51, Today: Grigory rolled 2 using 1d6+1. 12hpx2velocity+2DB+2Mighty=1d+1.
10:50, Today: Grigory rolled 9 using 3d6. Shield Rush 14+ Mighty Blows.

Seriously, the die roller is really pissing me off! That's another 1 for damage!

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Medium Shield

Parry: 12 (14 with DB)
Block: 11 (13 with DB)
Dodge:  9 (11 with DB)

HP:12/12       FP:6/12

The Count followed after his prey with a savage intensity borne of fear and desperation; in his heart he was unsure whether he could outfight her honestly, and with her command of magic he knew their odds would be more dismal still. Without thought to defense he charged forward, swinging the flaming broadsword in a surprisingly accurate figure-eight that crossed Benedikta's throat at the middle arc.

I'll Step forward and Rapid All-Out Determined Attack aimed at her Neck - I'm done dancing with this witch!

10:05, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 8 using 3d6. RAoA(D)@Neck #1 (10).
10:05, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 7 using 3d6. RAoA(D)@Neck #2 (10).

Holy shit!

10:06, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 3 using 1d6+1. Swing Damage 1 (Cut - no fire added).
10:06, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 2 using 1d6+1. Swing Damage 2 (Cut - no fire added).

... of course.

HP: 12/12
FP: 10/12

Bjorn turned to follow Grom, carefully lining up his attack and putting all his energy behind the swing.

Offense: Step (13/9) and Telegraphic All-Out (Strong) Targeted (Skull) Attack
14:35, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 9 using 3d6. Mace 18+4(tele)-5(skull) = 17.
14:37, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 9 using 2d6+5. Warhammer damage 2d+5 cr. +2 burn as a follow-up
     Damage is x4 after DR, unless he has No Brain.

Grom appears startled at Nigel's arrow, apparently expecting the archer to flee. Just then, Bjorn's hammer blow slams into the back of his head, and Grom is thrown to the ground, axe clattering away from his grasp as well. The fall also takes him out of Konrad's line of fire, and the bright wizard has to re-position.

On the other side of the room Grigory appeared to bounce off Benedikta, who didn't even bother trying to get out of the way. Rather, she kept chanting, with only a quick flick of the wrist to parry Nikolaas seeming to concern her. Eventually, her voice rose in pitch, she snarled, and pointed a clawed hand at Grigory.

Grom has been knocked down.

Benedikta succeeds her DX roll to stay standing, a parry of Nikolaas, and her concentration rolls to cast Pain on Grigory. Grigory can resist by beating a margin of success of 4.

Grigory cries through gritted teeth as magic wracks his nervous system. Angered by this and frustrated by his inability to injure the witch he tries a risky slice at the hand she holds her blade with, but is unable to connect.

Resist Pain with HT 12. MoS 3 = Fail! -3 to all DX-based skills until next turn.

Maneuver: Committed Attack (Determined).

Step to 05/07.

Swing to Right Hand. Misses!

I initially read Grigory's HT as 14 (Rufus' HT), so the die roller info is a bit off (I've corrected it below). Since I missed my attack I don't think it affects anything, though.

16:35, Today: Grigory rolled 9 using 3d6. Resist Pain with HT 12.
16:39, Today: Grigory rolled 12 using 3d6. Swing to right hand-4 CA+2 Dec-4-3 Pain=8.

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Medium Shield

Parry: 12 (14 with DB) - (not allowed next turn due to CA)
Block: 11 (13 with DB) - (-2 for Pain, -2 for CA)
Dodge:  9 (11 with DB) - (-2 for CA)

HP:12/12       FP:6/12

"Finish him Bjorn! I'm going to help the others." Nigel says then he breaks into a run, cutting left of the cannon, and behind Konad. He skids to a halt and in a flurry of motion draws an arrow and fires it at the back of the witch's head.

Move to 10/7 and attack -1 FP Heroic Charge
13:47, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 4,8,11 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18-5(ta skull)-2(range)=11. Critical success, success by 12, & success by 0.
13:48, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 6 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage (x4 skull). 6-2=4x4=16.

HP: 12/12     FP: 11/12
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Wed 30 Apr 2014.

Swiping his flaming sword before him as he moved, the Count steps quickly alongside his target, light and deft as a dancer from the waist down. From the waist up was another matter entirely; the sword swung back and forth like a guillotine - clumsy, awkward, heavy - and the first stroke went far wide of its mark. The second, however, was on target with deadly intent.

Spend an FP for Great Lunge, and then Step to 05/05. When I get there, Rapid Attack the Witch!

08:34, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 16 using 3d6. Rapid Attack #1 (11).
08:34, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 7 using 3d6. Rapid Attack #2 (11).

08:35, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 7 using 1d6+1. Cutting Damage (+ Flame).

HP: 12/12
FP: 9/12

Bjorn repeated his vicious attack, hoping to take Grom out once and for all.

"BE IT NOW ENDED, VILE FIEND!"

Offense: Step (kneel) and Telegraphic All-Out (Strong) Targeted (Skull) Attack
16:53, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 11 using 3d6. Mace 18+4(tele)-5(skull) = 17.
16:56, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 10 using 2d6+5. Warhammer damage 2d+5 cr. +2 burn as a follow-up.
     Damage is x4 after DR, unless he has No Brain.

 Concentrating his mind he worked to keep the purifying flames burning against the stubbornness of the slayer..of the dead slayer. He did hope he has found a feast finally with his ancestors.

 Maintaining his flame against the dwarf slayer.

Benedikta laughed at Grigory's agony. "Get used to it Grigory, there's much more where that came from in store for you."

She then quickly swept her blade upward, parrying Nick, and took an arrow to the skull while distracted. The blow snapped her head forward with the impact, but did not seem to bother her overmuch. Whirling towards the source, though, she flung a hidden knife with her offhand right at Nigel. The shot was poorly aimed, though, and simply skittered off the flagstones.

Back near the cannon, Grom met his second end in another gout of flame, and a blow to the head. All that now remained of the once proud dwarf was a pile of scorched flesh, and a skull barely recognizable as what it was.

Grom dies (again), and finally.

Benedikta parries Nik, takes an arrow to the skull (doing a bit of damage after DR), backpedals, and throws a knife at Nigel in a poorly aimed shot.

Nigel rushes a few steps forward and fires another arrow at the witch.

-1 FP Heroic Charge
08:09, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 6 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage. 6-2=4x4=16.
08:08, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10,10,8 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18-5(ta skull)-2(range)=11. Success by 6, 12, & 3.
If she's facing me, I'll target eyes instead. That'd be success by 4 and would do a little bit more damage.

HP: 12/12    FP: 10/12

The priest stood and charged the vampire.

"Now I come for you, witch!"

I believe I can make it to 11/08 on this turn.

 Now that the dwarf slayer was no longer a threat he turns and moves back towards the one who had been causing all this trouble and began moving in that direction.

The Count swung the flaming sword with every ounce of strength he had, desperately hoping to power through the witch's impeccable defense.

I'll make an All Out (Strong) Telegraphic (+4) Attack for her neck - she'll slip sooner or later, and when she does she's gonna regret it.

09:39, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 5 using 3d6. AoA(S) Tele vs. Neck (13). If that hits...
09:40, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 6 using 1d6+3. Swing Damage to Neck (Cut - no fire added).

HP: 12/12
FP: 9/12

Grigory is shaken by the pain, and makes a more modest attack than he has been during this fight. But his aim is sound and his arm feels strong again.

Maneuver: Attack.

Deceptive (-2/-1) Swing to Right Hand. Hits! 6 cutting damage to right arm. -1 to defenses (more because of facing?)

13:19, Today: Grigory rolled 6 using 1d6+2. Cutting damage to right arm.
13:18, Today: Grigory rolled 13 using 3d6. Swing at right arm -2, Dec-2=13.

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Medium Shield

Parry: 12 (14 with DB) - (not allowed next turn due to CA)
Block: 11 (13 with DB) - (-2 for Pain, -2 for CA)
Dodge:  9 (11 with DB) - (-2 for CA)

HP:12/12       FP:6/12

Benedikta tried to keep a smirk on her face, but you all could tell she was starting to get nervous. "M-my, all of you at once, that hardly seems sporting now, does it?" She taunted, ducking Nigel's arrow and popping back up, right in the path of Nikolaas' blade. The sword bit deep, VERY deep, and fire licked at the wound. A thick puff of dried blood sprayed outwards.

With an inhuman cry, Benedikta reels away, avoiding Grigory's attack, and into the gloom.

Fail she did Nikolaas! Your attack did a nasty bit of damage, and Benedikta has fled into the room. The arrow points her trajectory.

Nigel charges after the fleeing witch, a look if determination on his face as he sends an arrow flying at the back of her head. His aim off just slightly and the arrow goes between her shoulder blades instead of her head.

Heroic Charge -1FP from 10/4 into the hallway somewhere.
13:40, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10,12,12,6 using 3d6,3d6,3d6,1d6+5. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18-5(skull)-2(range)=11; Impaling damage x4 skull. Success by 6, success by 10, fail by 1 hits the torso instead, and 6 damage. I should have aimed for vitals...

HP: 12/12     FP: 9/12
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Mon 12 May 2014.

Bjorn turned to follow her into the darkness.

"Even you fear death, witch, for you know what torturous hell awaits the wicked."

Move to 10/4 facing N. The light from my flaming mace should fully illuminate a 3-yard radius and partially (-3 penalty) in a 12-yard radius (if I remember correctly). I want to say I got that from DF 2 but IDHMBWM.

Grigory peers through the darkness, his eyes trained by years spent underground.

Move to 07/03.

10:51, Today: Grigory rolled 13 using 3d6. Perception 13, Night Vision 2.

 Pausing he chants out a spell of light(torch flame) and then follows the others deeper within.

 FP 8/18
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Wed 14 May 2014.

The Count steps forward cautiously, expecting another trap or ambush at every turn; the flames from his sword illuminated the dark somewhat, and he glanced longingly at the pistols tucked into his belt. Inwardly, he knew he wasn't equal to Benedikta's skill with a blade, and he secretly wished he could simply engage her with his guns from a safe distance, but that would mean dowsing the light of the sword. He gritted his teeth, held the sword aloft, and steeled his nerves the only way he knew how.

"Come now, witch, what have you to fear from mere 'playthings', eh? Stand your ground - Agathe and Grom are waiting for you on the other side."

I'll walk along the 06/04, 07/04, etc. path, making sure to stay close enough to the others that the light of the sword keeps mingling with Konad's and Bjorn's light sources.

Nigel plugs another arrow into Benedikta's back. She hisses in pain, and stumbles into the shadows, followed closely by the rest of you. The Vampiress, head slightly crooked now, thanks to the neck wound, waits for you, a sly smile again on here face. "Come and get me"

Nik hauls up short, noticing a line drawn on the ground in what looks like blood, while Bjorn can sense the slimy, dark, magic that permeates along the same line.

Nigel, I wasn't totally clear on where you were running, back towards the hallway you all came in from?

Nigel steps next to Nik and shoots another arrow at the witch's eyes.

Step to 10/08
12:22, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 8 using 1d6+5. Impaling damage (x4 eyes). 8x4=32.
12:21, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 15,11,6 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-1(range)-2(deceptive)=15. Success by 1, 11, & 9; would've been a crit if I hadn't added that deceptive attack...

HP: 12/12     FP: 9/12

Bjorn took a step towards the vampire and charged his still flaming warhammer with a lightning spell.

"Halt!" he said. "It may be dangerous to cross the line of blood.

14:34, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 15 using 3d6. Lightning (4d-4) 15.

If Occultism or something will give me an idea what the like of blood will do, I'll roll that as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Wed 14 May 2014.

The Count bridled as he stood by the line of blood, eager to continue their assault; he shifted his weight from foot to foot in anticipation, barely able to restrain himself as he waited for Bjorn to give the all-clear.

"You only delay the inevitable, witch; come forth, and I promise you a swift entry to a hallowed grave."

As much as he hated lying, he somehow didn't feel bad about that one - he would never grant her a death without suffering, and she would be lucky to be buried in pig shit, but sometimes diplomacy was called for.

Once again, he glanced longingly at the pistols in his belt, slinging his buckler to free a hand.

"Or you may wait, and see my offer revoked."

I'll use a Ready action to stow my shield; my next action will be to pull a pistol. Do you know, now that I think of it I don't think I've fired a pistol this entire campaign? I gotta fix that.

 He moves up close to the line on the ground to examine it a bit closer(not to close) and with a wave of his fingers and a soft chant he points at the line and a shimmering takes place.


11:18, Today: Konad Magnos rolled 10 using 3d6. spell dispell magic/16 on the line on the ground.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Fri 16 May 2014.

Benedikta, though, in pain, danced a short step. "Oh humans, afraid of a little line on the ground. Afraid of this, afraid of that. Even Grom was afraid at the end. He begged me for mercy, and to let him rest in piece, but I could not grant him that. You know-EEEEEEEIIIIIAAA" She was cut short when Nigel plugged her in her new, good eye, and Bjorn struck her with lightening. Any further taunting was cut short as she fell to the floor writhing in pain.

She thrashed about for several moments, cursing you all, and screaming. "How DARE you do this to me. I Benedikta Herzlos, witch huntress, destroyer of chaos! I sacrificed everything for you humans... brought back... kill ME?!... Nurgle coming... you wait... AEIIIeee!!!!!!" Anything else comprehensible quickly dissolved into incoherence.

Then she arched her back hideously, in what seemed like a spasm. Things popped unnaturally and her face bent back to stare, unseeing, at you all. Slowly, a smile spread over her eye-less face. "Tick-tock" she whispered, and snapped her fingers. A tiny spark flared, lit what turned out to be a waiting fuse in the darkness, and Benedikta died then and there, a big, Cheshire grin plastered on her face.

Konrad, dispell magic will take at least three seconds

Bjorn, this turn you are able to sense that a powerful spell empowers the line. You and Konrad agree that it would likely cause massive fatigue damage to anyone who crosses the spell barrier.

The fuse is on the other side of the barrier.

Nigel sees the fuse light up and immediately draws and fires an arrow at it, but the fuse is tiny and Benedikta's body is in the way. "Damn!" he says as the arrow clatters off the stones.

Nigel whips out another arrow and draws it back, this time he takes a few moments. His eyes focus in on the fuse and he concentrates on his breathing. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. In. Hold... Release!

The arrow flies true this time, hopefully it will be enough to cut the fuse all the way through.

First shot missed so I left off the rolls. This post was four seconds of action: Shoot, Aim, Aim, & Shoot again.
07:47, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 9,9,8 using 3d6,3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)+1(aoa det.)+2(aim)-12(SM)-2(cover)=11. Success by 7, 13, & the shot succeeded by 3.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:31, Tue 20 May 2014.

Grigory hesitated only a moment before his true nature kicked in.

"We need to get out of here!"

Abandoning his shield for speed, he sprints back the way the party had come.

The Count stands stock-still, sword and buckler in hand, and focused on the fuse as the spark snaked along it's length.

I'm going to wait until after the results of Nigel's shot to take my action; either a huge sigh of relief and an unclenched butthole, or I'll be the last man out yelling "MOVEMOVEMOVE" behind the others.

Grigory flees, and so misses Nigel's truly amazing shot. The arrow strikes the fuse just ahead of the lit portion, severing it. A moment later, Konrad is able to bring the enchantment guarding Benedikta down, and you all appear to be safe.

Now, not having to contend with a psychotic vampire and her enthralled slayer, you are able to look around the room for the first time. Tall jars and vases lay along the walls everywhere, and the room looked as though it had been elaborately decorated at one point. Time taking the luster off of the carved hieroglyphs. Where the ceiling should be above you stretches a dark void and, by the sound of your voices echoing, the chamber you are in is truly cavernous. From above, you can hear a faint hammering sound.

After a few moments, Grigory realizes that he has been saved and slows down. After some calming breaths he begins to search the room thoroughly for signs of further traps or mechanisms, and also for signs of how long she has been living down here.

"Did she just lure us down here to trap us, or did we actually find her lair?"

10:57, Today: Grigory rolled 12,9 using 3d6,3d6. Traps 12, Search 13.

This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Thu 22 May 2014.

Nigel lets out a sigh of relief as the fuse is severed, then as soon as Konad indicates it is safe be steps in and grinds out any traces of flame left on the fuse with his boot.

He stows his bow and pulls out his shortsword as he kneels down next to the dead witch, "Bjorn, what do we need to do to make sure this is over?"

While he awaits instruction from the warrior priest Nigel takes a hold of the arrow in Benedikta's eye and yanks it out, but the arrowhead breaks off, "Damn, it would have made a better trophy intact..."

He begins to search the body, but the adrenaline catches up with him and he searches with shaky hands.

Failed my Surgery and Search roll by 1; she is dead though so I'm thinking I'll only miss anything she was deliberately hiding.

There seem to be no more booby traps in the hall, the Grigory does find a large pile of gunpowder and explosives that the fuse had been connected to. It didn't look like enough to bring the whole building down on top of them, but it certainly would've been enough to blast anything in the room into a pulp.

There are about 12 man-sized jars scattered around the room, and a quick look by Grigory reveals that they seem to be packed in with valuables. Nigel's search of Benedikta's body reveals little. A gold ring, a symbol of the Witch Hunters on a silver chain, a truly excellent set of leather armor, and her well balanced very fine rapier.

Best bet to keep Benedikta from coming back would be to burn her to ash, or cut up the body into pieces and distribute them around.

There does not seem to be any curses on the jars. Still, it is up to you as to whether or not to loot them. Ancient Khemrian religion and current religion in the empire share no similarities.

Nigel sets the rapier aside with the ring and necklace then strips the witch of her armor. He packs all the armor into his pack then gives the ring and necklace to the count and priest, "M'lord, Your Grace, I think you'll know better what should be done with these. Konad, you can burn her now."

He takes the sword in hand and tests its weight with a slash or two before handing it hilt first to Nikolaas, "A fine blade. This sword would fetch a fair amount of gold at a smithy, though I reckon they would be hesitant to accept it if they knew who it had come from and what she was."

"Okay Grom, I'll take this and bring it to our destination. Someone there will know where to send it to let your family know you've reclaimed your honor." He says as walks over to Grom and picks up his waraxe and ties it into his pack as well.

"Are we taking the spoils in the jars m'lord?" Nigel asks, "I ask because I don't want us to be unnecessarily weighed down if we should have to run through that room of undead again..."

Bjorn moved the vampire into a corner, smashed its skull into tiny pieces, and set it on fire.

"That should keep her in hell," he said.

He rejoined the others, the witch hunter trinket in hand.

Pocketing the silver chain, the priest said, "I must return this to the order."

He'll cast Burning Touch at the 1d level over and over until the corpse is reduced to ash.

The Count can't help but croak his ghastly laugh when Nigel's arrow severs the fuse, slapping the archer hard on the back before joining the others in the follow-up duties - disposing of the corpse in the most thorough way they can imagine, searching the room for traps and treasures, and otherwise doing what must be done to secure the area - including lighting any torches or candles that may line the walls.

From the recent years of mercantilism, even now Nik cannot fully embrace the thrill of victory; instead, he begins his consideration of the gear in the room, the witch's equipment, anything he can find that would turn an obvious profit. As he looks over the rapier handed to him by Nigel, he considers their options and speaks over his shoulder. "Grigory, see if you can't find us a backdoor out of this pit - it would be a shame to leave so much behind; that cannon alone would make this trip worth our time." He nods appreciatively at the blade, much less intimidating from this angle. "A very fine sword, with a very ugly history. Perhaps a worthy trophy, if we can make a profit otherwise. Come, let us inventory these jars... that is, of course, unless Your Grace would be offended?"

He stands on the verge of tipping the first jar over and emptying it's contents before assuming they may have some ancient religious significance or taboo.

It might seem like overkill, but before Bjorn lights her up I'll hack her into six discrete sections.

I'm all for bringing as much of the loot as we can back to the wagons - we can dump the load of apples or whatever in exchange for whatever we find here, if the price is good enough. I'm not sure how we're going to get it all to the surface though, beyond making a few trips back and forth. I remember we smashed our way through the guillotine corridor, but we never did clear out the zombie hallway did we? In that case, I think we might have to settle for stuffing our pockets rather than hauling our the jars.

"Could be trouble, taking spoils from the witch. But if Bjorn believes it's safe then it's ok by me."

Grigory begins methodically searching the surfaces of the walls of the room to find any other exits. He'll move out into the hall if he doesn't find one in here.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:45, Mon 26 May 2014.

"The witch can lodge her complaint from hell," said Bjorn. "Lord Sigmar has rewarded our efforts. Let us leave naught for the wicked."

 He would have enjoyed letting his flames remove the vile presence of what she had been, still he would accept the vileness be gone.

 He looked at the jars and thought back to the study's and books done by archivists on the servants of chaos and knew many would leave a curse just to get back at who ever defeated them in battle.

 "Just so it is known i have no way to remove a curse and no way to determine is any of these jars are cursed."

A careful inventory of the pots revealed that a substantial portion of the materials had rotted away with great age. Still, there were several valuable items among the burial offerings. They included several steel chakrams of good quality, a weird claw-glove thing, a small ball mace, some decorative short spears, some mace (spice) in little sacks, a small chest that held the mace, along with a few gems, a silk shawl, a pair of rose spectacles, two flying saddles, four palm sized golden scorpions that turned into the real thing when breathed upon, and about another 500 crowns worth of gold. You also notice that the jars themselves weigh significantly less than they should. With some testing, you figure out that they take away about a third of the weight put into them. Four are in good enough shape to bring with you, and you figure they could significantly reduce the overall encumbrance of the wagons.

The tapping noise then, finally, gets louder until you plainly hear the sound of stone grinding on stone above you followed by a deep, gruff, voice. "Ahoy! anyone down there?"


5x Chakrams - $50/piece
Bladed Hand - $100
Small Round Mace - $25
6x Decorative Short Spears - $90/piece
6oz Mace - $225/oz
Small chest - $100
Peridot - $67
3x Jet - $65/piece
Cats eye - $196
5x Pearls - $175/piece
Decorative silk shawl - $864
Spectacles - $600
2x Flying Saddles - $300/piece
4x magical scorpions - ???
500 crowns worth of gold - $10,000
4x magical jars - ???

The Count stood over the loot as it was being sorted, unused to dealing with lucre so directly (that's what Maurice was for, after all), and couldn't help but smiling at their hard-earned bounty. Already he had visions of the gown he would send back to Renate, the jewels, the gifts! She would know he was successful despite his brother's wastefulness and excess, that his plan had been correct all along, that Josef's vast inherited estate was nothing compared to a fortune bravely won...

Then the gruff voice pierced into the darkness, and his vision of success paled in his imagination; that useless bastard witch-hunter would likely expect a cut, and how could a witch-hunter be denied support? They still needed to transport their prisoner across who knew how many miles of dangerous open territory. The church would be due a substantial gift, rightly so, and Grom's body was also due a heroic return to his homeland. Somehow, he knew, this wasn't the end of his toiling, and he dropped the coins he had been tallying with a wistful sigh.

"Aye, Richtgraf's Rangers, alive and craving daylight! Who goes there, and where are you?"

There was a substantial pause before the voice responded. "Richtgraf's Ranger's eh? just the people I was looking fer. I be Cormac the Terrible, and am on top of this here pile of stones. Let me send a torch down." Up above you, a torch flares and then falls, illuminating the upper reaches of the room for you all, briefly, on its plunge. It appears the interior of the pyramid is mostly hollow, and the roof slopes up above you to the peak, at least a hundred and twenty feet over your head.

"Have ye found the vampiress? Or, wait, are ye the vampiress? Some of those critters can glamour a voice pretty good. Speak true, for I have plenty of powder up here with which I can blow ye sky high."

"I don't know how we can really prove to you who we are from down here, but I assure you the witch is dead.  Count Richtgraf  carved her up with his sword and I put out her eye with an arrow." Nigel shouts up the pyramid, "I'd offer to send up her head on a line, but we cut her to bits and Bjorn burned her with Sigmar's holy fire."

"What proof are you looking for?" Nigel asks.

There was another long pause as Cormac struggled to parse through what Nigel had said. "The vampiress had a rapier on her, did she not? I'll toss down a rope. Send it up. If ye do that, I'll haul you out."

Another few minutes pass, and then the end of a long hemp rope falls down from the hole in the roof.

 While he could confess that he had not traveled the world in any great distance he had studied men and he was not liking this voice up above them.

 Looking to Bjorn, who he considered at least on par with him against the dark chaos deities and their servants. "I have doubts of any truthfulness from this voice above us, it seeks certain items it would of had to know about before hand and now it wants these specific items?. It would not surprise me to take the sword and still drop the kegs down on us."

Grigory nodded along with Konad's concerns.

"Who are they and how do they know so much about the witch, is what I'd like to know."

"You're right, we don't know for sure who that is or what his intentions are... He asks straight away for the most valuable thing she had. I don't know if I trust him either." Nigel mutters, "What say you M'lord? If we send up the sword he may be a thief of goods or of glory and claim it for himself. Of course if he is the latter that may not be such a bad thing. If we are to continue our travels as a merchant caravan we needn't draw too much notoriety as slayers of the undead. If Benedikta could hide in plain site, who knows where the next vampire that will want revenge may be lurking."

"Maybe we could get proof that he's with the church first at least?" Nigel suggests, "Oh, or I suppose we could offer the witch's necklace up as proof instead if that's alright with Bjorn."

The Count considered in silence for a moment, turning the rapier over in his hand as he stared over it. In the end, it was just a sword; as far as the caravan was concerned, the jars and the coins were the real score, and personally he had always loathed rapiers as well as their users. He was about to call back that he would be happy to send the sword up when Nigel mentioned the possibility of their glory being stolen. He unconsciously scratched at the scar bisecting his face, and frowned - no. They had been too often ill used, too often mislead, as a group and as individuals; his pride demanded more.

"Cormac!" He called up, careful to steady his voice so that it was authoritative but not confrontational. "We have heard of you from your brothers in the witch hunters; two of them, one quite gray haired, who sent you to follow the witch - tell me their names, and I shall send the proof you require!"

His demand shouted, the Count looked back down to his companions with a sort of shrug as his voice echoed off the walls around them.

[Private to GM: The two warrior-priests I'm referring to are in post #598 of Chapter 2; as far as I can tell, we never actually got their names in text, but I imagine at some point we must have traded introductions. If I'm wrong, please let me know - we both know cleverness isn't my strong suit.]

"Certainly! Hildemund the Blessed, and Gruber Schloss. I've known them for years!"

I honestly don't remember if I gave you their names but, if I did, assume it was those :D

Nigel takes hold of the rope and if his employer is satisfied with the witchhunter's answer he takes the sword and wraps a figure eight knot around the hilt of the sword then gives it a tug, "Take it up!"

12:56, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 11 using 3d6. Knot Tying 14. Success by 3.

The rapier is hauled up quickly, there's a moment where Cormac is probably examining the blade, and then the rope comes back down. "Alrighty, that's good enough for me. If someone wants to grab ahold, I'll haul 'em up"

Whichever of you goes up first notes first that it is well before dawn, with only the slightest hint of grey showing on the horizon. You can't see Cormac all that well in the lamp and torch light, but he seems to be a solid man, in his early fifties, dressed in all black with a large brimmed planter's hat, missing a finger or two, and sporting several large scars on his face. He introduces himself and then says he'll leave you to the rope hauling because he wants to keep an eye on Stanauch.

By the time everyone, and the loot, comes up, the sun has already risen, and you can smell breakfast cooking on the fire below. The cannon was impossible to bring up, but everything else, including the gunpowder if you want it, can be hauled out. A capstone can then be placed on top of the pyramid, sealing it.

Cormac seems like a naturally suspicious fellow, and doesn't speak to any of you very much. He requests to keep Benedikta's rapier and, assuming you all agree, departs with a quick word of goodbye.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:56, Mon 02 June 2014.

Nigel stays at the bottom rigging up the magic jars and other loot until he is the only one down there, then he lets the others haul him out, "Pity about the cannon. Only real way to get it out would be to clear those damned zombies and bring in a crew of laborers. Might be worth it to someone else, maybe we can sell the information..."

Nigel helps load all the jars into the wagon and takes some time to show Pip a couple knots as he ties everything down and covers it up. Now that everyone is back up safely, Pip is excited by the thought of adventuring down through a crypt, where previously he had been visibly nervous to have the his friends, mentors, and employer go down to face a vampire. Nigel shakes his head as Pip continues to ask questions about everything he can think of before Nigel cuts him off, "Pip, we have been extremely lucky to make it out okay. If adventuring or war was a safe way to make money do you think I'd be guarding a caravan? No, an honest living and hard days work may not be as glamorous, but ask anyone else here and they'll tell you its better."

Pip looks like he wants to say something else, maybe point to the jars in the wagon, but he just nods his head. Nigel smiles and says, "That doesn't mean you shouldn't know how to protect yourself though. When we finish this leg of the trip I've a mind to start teaching you how to shoot. Hows that sound?"

"You are a Witch Hunter, brother Cormac?" said Bjorn. He held out the chain. "Please return this to the order. The witch no doubt stole it as part of her ruse. Sigmar's hammer upon your travels. We shall meet again."

Pip eyes Nigel suspiciously at first. "I dunno, guarding this caravan seems pretty dangerous to me..." but he positively lit up at the archer's offer to teach him how to shoot, and it was all he could talk about for the rest of the day.

Cormac accepted the chain from Bjorn, paused, and then turned back to your group. "You know... the truth is, Benedikta didn't actually steal this, or even impersonate a witch hunter. Her legend, about being captured by northmen, and subjected to the taint of chaos. Gouging out her eye to purge the mutations from her body, and her escape. All of that is true as far as the Hunters can tell. She freely joined the Hunters, and we freely let her join."

"It turned out that she had a special knack for hunting followers of Nurgle and could practically smell the taint of that god on anything. She was a great huntress for a few years. Until an accident near Grenzstadt. Though her body was never found, she was thought to have been killed, and her name was quietly struck from the roster. Then, rumors of her began popping up through Blackfire pass and it became obvious that she had chosen unlife, through some sort of dark ritual. Some say it was because she could not give up her hatred for the chaos gods, and some say that it was because the Witch Hunters' methods were too... ah, 'soft' for her purposes. That she felt that she needed to go farther in order to truly combat the taint of chaos. Regardless, her condition was an abomination. Her actions were an abomination, and the world is a better place now that the insane bitch is gone."

He turned to leave. "Sigmar remain with you all."

"Safe travels." Nigel says. As soon as Cormac leaves Nigel relaxes a bit, it's clear that the witchhunter's presence had him on edge, after all the last witchhunter they encountered turned out to be a vampire sorceress...

After all the wagons are packed up Nigel comes to Nik, "We should get a move on m'lord. We've been here too long considering that the prisoner's men may very well be searching for us or readying an ambush as we speak."

The Count stood by as Maurice and the others packed the wagons, looking over their haul with a reserved satisfaction and needlessly double-checking the bindings on both the cargo and Staunach. "Too right," he called back to Nigel as he tightened a final knot, "though it grieves me to say so, gentlemen, it is not safe to linger here. Come, stow your burdens and mount up - we will rest and boast and feast like rich men at the next roadhouse we find."

With that, you all break camp, and head back off down the road. The day is pleasant, and the scenery easy to look at. After about an hour or so, Pip speaks up. "Mr. Nigel, I don't think Stanauch is a bad man. Er- bad dwarf."

Wendt sighed loudly from the other cart. "I told the lad not to speak to 'im. Son, the dwarf is a rotten sumbitch. A killer and a murderer. For Sigmar's sake, I've been robbed by his brigands. I don't think there's a teamster in the whole of the principalities who hasn't been.". From his tone, you all take it this is a continuation of an argument that had previous taken place while you all were in the pyramid.

-----------------------------

*later*

Towards evening, you all make camp in between two hills. The landscape had progressed into a sort of grassy steppe, and you'd be grateful for the shelter the two hills offered from the wind.

Once the sun sets, it becomes obvious that there's another camp nearby, about a quarter mile off, the glow of their fire obvious in the dark.

"Dammit Pip... I told you not to speak to him." Nigel says, "Someone in his position will say anything to gain your trust, just so he can stab you in the back later."

They ride in silence a while before Nigel asks, "What did he say to you? Tell me his story so I can put your mind at ease."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Fri 06 June 2014.

"He didn't tell me his story or, at least, he didn't tell me why he left Barak Varr. He, told me about the games he played as a child and he played with me while you all were gone."

"I know he's done some bad things, but... c-can you do bad things and still be a good person on the inside?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 14:19, Mon 09 June 2014.

Nik sat quietly by their own fire, eyeing the glow of the distant camp with the same look of sour distrust he normally wore; Maurice, sensing his master's seething displeasure, slipped an apple biscuit into his empty hands hoping the snack might distract the Count but sadly the suspicious staring continued, now punctuated by a dry chewing and the occasional small cough.

Did Maurice have any interactions with Staunach or Wendt while we were away, or did he notice Pip's conversation with Staunach?

Grigory snorted. "I don't know about being a good person inside, but I know that humans don't need much to have reason to hang you. And the Dwarves have harsher laws than us. And I don't think they look kindly on men meddling in their affairs. If they say he hangs, he'll hang."

Pip seemed to accept Grigory's explanation, but still seemed unhappy.

As you all were making camp later that night, the wind shifted, and the smoke from the other, nearby fire, drifted over to you all on a shift of the wind. "Smell that?" Stanauch asked. He'd stayed quiet for most of the day's journey. "That's could be the smell of freedom for me. I'm betting some of my boys are in the grasslands. Wonder what'd happen if I started shouting?"

 He looked over and smiled a cold smile, "i suspect you would make a lovely bonfire for your boys to see and by the time the survivors got inside the camp you would be a pile of ash. No brag,just fact". Moving over he picked up his staff and made sure the others were awake.

"Ha! you can't burn a Dwarf, we're made in the forge." Stanauch chortled, quoting a popular dwarven maxim. His eyes, though, betrayed a bit of fear at Konrad's threat, through the bravado.

The Count stood, as he usually did, silently and with a scowl perpetually stuck on his face, acting as look-out and guard while the others made their own preparations for the night.

"Best to keep quiet and not find out for sure then." he said grimly in a distant reply to Stanauch's boast, his eyes fixed on the glow of the other fire. There was an unmistakable tension in the air, and Nik hated not knowing what might be across the next hill. A few more moment's contemplation and he had made up his mind.

"Grigory, Nigel - you're our finest footpads. Do you think you could make your way to our neighbors and back without being seen?"

"Indeed m'lord. We'll return shortly." Nigel says and once Grigory is ready he sets off to scout out their neighbors, bow in hand.

08:18, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 13,10 using 3d6,3d6. Stealth 14; Observation 12. Success by 1 & 2.

Grigory nodded to Nigel. He drew his shortsword and left his shield on the wagon before heading out.

11:24, Today: Grigory rolled 12,11 using 3d6,3d6. Stealth 14- Observation 14. Success by 2 and 3.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Wed 11 June 2014.

Grigory and Nigel had little trouble in getting close to the other camp. Four people sat around a large fire, talking and joking, and a motlier collection you all likely couldn't imagine. The leader seemed to be a large (about 5 feet tall) Goblin who's nose had been chopped off at some point in his past. Viscous fluids ran down his face, and gleamed in the firelight. An orc sat there too, sulking a little bit apart, from the other two, a human missing an eye, and a dark elf. Scattered around were an equally odd assortment of mounts. A horse, a Cold One snoring in the darkness just outside the fire light, a boar, and a wolf. Each of them had a red and white checkered kerchief tied somewhere on their person.

The people seemed not to particularly care about keeping a watch, but you know the Cold One and the Wolf would have acute enough senses to detect you were the wind to turn.

Grigory is relieved to see only four enemies. With a questioning look he gestures to Nigel, first pointing at the bow, then the enemies, then his eyes.

13:18, Today: Grigory rolled 10 using 3d6. Gesture 12.

Nigel shrugs and pulls out an arrow and points it toward the enemies one at a time, he intended to ask which one to kill first, but his efforts are unsuccessful, after a few moments of wagging his arrow back and forth he just knocks an arrow and takes aim at the goblin.

Unless Grigory stops him, he puts an arrow in the goblin's eye, then whips out arrow after arrow targeting the orc, dark elf, and human in turn.

10:27, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 16 using 3d6. Gesture 12. Fail by 4.
10:32, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 12,14,6,9 using 3d6,3d6,3d6,1d6+5. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18g 4(acc)+1(aoa det.)-4(ta eyes)-4(range)=15. Impaling Damage to eyes 9x4=36.
10:40, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 15,10,13,8 using 3d6,3d6,3d6,1d6+5. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-4(range)=14. Impaling Damage to eyes 8x4=32.
10:43, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10,9,8,11 using 3d6,3d6,3d6,1d6+5. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-4(range)=14. Impaling Damage to eyes 11x4=44
10:47, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10,8,13,11 using 3d6,3d6,3d6,1d6+5. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)-4(ta eyes)-4(range)=14. Impaling Damage to eyes 11x4=44

Grigory, with the simplistic morality of an uneducated human raised in the streets of Nuln, knows that all orcs and goblins are inherently evil and deserve to die and so he is happy to see Nigel agree with him.

Once any of the creatures start moving in their direction, Grigory will move to block them from getting to Nigel.

Chaos erupted in the little camp. The Goblin died with a high pitched scream, slumping down into the fire. The Human and the Dark Elf are quick to drop as well but the Orc, either through toughness, or due to his tiny piggish eyes, miraculously survives. He jumps to his feet with a roar of pain, and started to sprint towards his boar. The Cold One wakes up, and figures that this would be a good time to eat the human's horse, and the wolf bolts towards your position.

Back at the Rangers' camp Stanauch grabs a horse blanket and pitches it onto the fire, smothering it.

There is a LARGE wolf running towards Grigory and Nigel. The Orc moves from a sitting to a standing position, the Cold One assume is about 10 yards away eating the horse.

Back at the camp, you all are in near darkness, assume anything vision related is at -7

Nigel quickly fires an arrow into an eye of the charging wolf.

11:53, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 10,12,11,7 using 3d6,3d6,3d6,1d6+5. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)+1(aoa det)-4(ta eyes)-7(light)=12. Impaling damage to eye 7x4=28.

Holding his sword in both hands, Grigory sets his stance and waits for the attack.

Crouch and Wait. Stop Thrust if the wolf makes it to me.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Wed 11 June 2014.

The Count watched as Grigory and Nigel melted into the darkness then went back to his silent, contemplative brooding. He didn't know what to expect, but in the core of his being he doubted it would be anything resembling good news.

The sound of the goblin's high-pitched scream confirmed his suspicions, and he was on his feet in a heartbeat. Before he could worry about what might be happening to the scouts, Stanauch threw a blanket over the fire and smothered their camp into darkness; even as he turned on their prisoner, he knew the dwarf had taken a wise tactical precaution - had concealed their presence somewhat in the black - but that didn't change the relationship: Stanauch was a prisoner, and a prisoner must be under control. Without breaking stride Nik barreled toward Stanauch with a full body tackle, attempting to pin the prisoner down.

I just want to say, for the record and before I throw any dice, that I fully realize I'm more likely to fall on my ass than to put Stanauch on his, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

This will be an All-Out (Double) Attack; the first to make a Grapple on him, the second to attempt a Takedown. Drumroll, please!

15:06, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 4 using 3d6. AoA (Double) #1 Grapple (12). Awesome! Umm... what does a Critical Grapple even do?
15:09, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 10 using 3d6. AoA (Double) #2 Takedown (12).

The Orc, staggering from his wounds, makes it to his boar and prepares to mount. Meanwhile, the horse's screams pierce the darkness and violent thrashing can be heard as the Cold One sates its hunger.

More immediately, the wolf jukes to one side, Nigel's arrow barely missing its eye, and leaving a bright scarlet line across its snarling face. It bounds the last few yards and leaps snarling into the air at Grigory.

Back at the Rangers' camp, Nikolaas leapt into action, and slammed into Stanauch as the dwarf tried to free himself from his chains. There was a grunt of pain as the Count struck their prisoner like a charging bull. Bones crunched, and the dwarf's shoulders popped unnaturally, as his arms were jerked on Nik's takedown. He ground his teeth in pain, but otherwise did nothing to try and escape.

The orc is trying to mount up and flee. His back is to Grigory and Nigel

The wolf has pounced, triggering Grigory's stop thrust. For purposes of calculating damage, the wolf has moved 4 yards, and has 2 DR. If Grigory somehow misses or fails to defend, he'll take 1d+1 damage.

Back at the camp, Stanauch got leveled, and dislocated at least one of his shoulders.

Grigory's prepared stance did nothing to deter the enormous wolf and he was absolutely overwhelmed by the monstrous beast. His blade caught momentarily on the wolf's teeth only to fly out of his hands, and Grigory let out a cry as he collapsed under the weight of the beast's onslaught.

Wow that was some terrible rolling! Does the wolf attack hit Grigory's Torso? If so he's got decent armour there.

Stop Thrust. Critical Miss! Weapon Dropped.
Dodge Result. Critical Failure! Grigory falls prone.

Damage: [to Torso?] 1 point of injury.

10:44, Today: Grigory rolled 5 using 1d6+1. damage to Torso?
10:41, Today: Grigory rolled 18 using 3d6. Feverish+2 Dodge - SideSlip+0 =11.
10:38, Today: Grigory rolled 11 using 3d6. Critical miss result.
10:37, Today: Grigory rolled 18 using 3d6. Thrust to Vitals 17-3=14.

Right hand: Nothing
Left hand: Nothing

Parry: 12
Block: 11
Dodge:  9

HP:12/11       FP:12/11
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Thu 12 June 2014.

The Count grunted harshly as he plowed into Stanauch's side; he hadn't really believed all those stories of dwarfs having stone bones until he connected, or else he likely wouldn't have flung himself that hard - it felt like he had smashed into a barrel made of iron! Still, the tackle had worked and the prisoner was down - the next step was to make sure he was subdued.

Now that he's on the ground, I'm going to try to Pin him; with him being bound I think that gives me the "most free hands" bonus, but I don't know what effects his bum shoulder would have so I haven't calculated that into my roll. If there is such a thing as an "All-Out (Strong) Pin", that's what I'm doing.

Going for the pin - Nikomania's runnin' WILD!
09:04, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 11 using 3d6. AoA Strong (?) Pin Attempt (15).

Nigel watches the orc try to mount up and desperately wants to end him before he gets away, but there are more pressing matters as the wolf takes Grigory down right in front of him. He pulls an arrow out, back, and then shoots it right at the wolf's eye.

07:59, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 11,11,11,6 using 3d6,3d6,3d6,1d6+5. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)+1(aoa det)-4(ta eyes)-7(light)=12. Impaling Damage 6x4=24.

Bjorn stood behind the count, weapon drawn in case he needed assistance.

"Looks like you have things handled," he said, turning towards the cries of death. "Sounds like the others are having fun."

The orc swings itself up into the saddle, swaying unsteadily as its tiny brain tries to continue to function. He looks feverishly over towards Grigory and Nigel as he adjusts his posture and tries to keep the foul tempered boar under control.

The wolf collided with Grigory, knocking the rat catcher's weapon from his hand, but before its snapping jaws could lock around his throat, Nigel put an arrow into its brain and the thing collapses on top of with a howl.

Back at the camp, Nikolaas adjusted his position, effectively sitting on, and pinning Stanauch as the coals of the fire start to come back alive and burn through the blanket. "Alright, alright, mercy! dammit I'm not going anywhere."

Wolf is effectively dead. Grigory, yes, damage was to your torso.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:02, Fri 13 June 2014.

"No, Stanauch, you're not," hissed the Count, now firmly in a controlling position. He blinked as the fire began to flare back to life, trying to adjust to the light as it changed, and drew the heavy pistol from his belt.

I'll Ready my pistol this round, and from here on keep an eye out for trouble coming our way.

Relieved to see the wolf go limp, Nigel pulls out an arrow and sends it straight into the other eye of the orc, then turns his attention to the feasting cold one.

07:31, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 8,13,6,6 using 3d6,3d6,3d6,1d6+5. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22; Bow 18+4(acc)+1(aoa det)-4(ta eyes)-4?(range)-7(light)=8. Impaling damage 6x4=24.

Grigory quickly rolls out from under the wolf and gropes for his fallen blade in the dirt and wolf-blood, finally finding it.

Action: Ready. Step to switch from prone to face-up.

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand: Nothing

Posture: Lying face-up.

Parry: 12
Block: 11
Dodge:  9

HP:12/11       FP:12/11

The orc tries to duck the arrow, but his reaction time is simply too slow. The other arrow plugs him in the eye, and he falls over, limp and dead, one foot still caught in the stirrup as his mount goes prancing off into the darkness.

The Cold One still seems to contentedly be eating, but you can see little in the darkness apart from the occasional glint of scales.

To hit the Cold One, still assume a darkness penalty of -7. To do a targeted attack, though, I'm tacking on another -3.

What I'm going for here is, you can see the general vague shape of the Cold One in the darkness, but without more light, it'd be guessing at best to pick out a specific part for targeting. I don't want it to seem like I'm unfairly singling out Nigel for a disadvantage. If anyone thinks so, please let me know.

Nigel draws an arrow and pulls it back, then takes a step towards the cold one. He creeps forward another step as he aims, then a third step and releases his arrow at the cold ones eyes.

09:48, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 12,12 using 3d6,3d6. Fast Draw Arrow 16; Heroic Archer 22. Success by 4&10.
Turn 1: draw arrow + aim + step
Turn 2: aim + step again
Turn 3: step + shoot
09:58, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 7,10 using 3d6,1d6+5. Bow 18+4acc+1aoa det.+2aim-4ta eye-10light-3range=10. YEAH! Success by 3; Impaling damage 10x4=40.

With most of the camp dead, Grigory cautiously returns to his feet.

After a pause of a few seconds, he whispers to Nigel: "Are we clear?"

Turn 1: Change Posture to kneeling.
Turn 2: Wait. If Grigory spots an enemy, he'll try to Move and Attack to intercept him.
Turn 3: Wait. Ditto.

Right hand: Shortsword
Left hand:

Parry: 12
Block: 11
Dodge:  9

HP:12/11       FP:12/11

Nigel and Grigory truly were a force of destruction. In the span of only a handful of seconds they had slaughtered the entire camp and all went quiet aside from the crackling of the fire and the occasional snuffling of the boar still moving out in the darkness.

The Cold One probably had some DR, but the dice gods' favor should be respected and I'll assume a kill.

Combat is over. You all can search the camp for loot, try to find the boar, or do anything else.

Nigel quickly draws another arrow and waits for the cold one to charge. When it falls dead with his arrow in his head Nigel sighs with relief, he quickly scans the site for anything else to kill then stows his arrow and says, "We're clear."

"Douse that fire. We'll report back with the others, then come back for any goods that may be here." Nigel says, "No doubt they heard the commotion and will wonder about us."

As they slink back to camp Nigel says, "Thanks for taking that hit for me by the way."

As all goes quiet, Grigory relaxes. He dashes to the fire and extinguishes it, then returns to Nigel and they head back to the camp together.

In response to Nigel's thanks, Grigory checks his mail for damaged rings and says:
 "Thanks for killing it before it ate me. Thing was nearly the size of a horse."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:52, Mon 16 June 2014.

Nigel and Grigory come back into the camp, seeing the count brandishing a pistol Nigel calls out, "Easy m'lord, it's just us."

"Our neighbors were a group of four. A goblin without a nose, who looked the leader, an orc, a dark elf, and a man with one eye. Plus an assortment of mounts just as motley as their owners, including a cold one and a very large wolf." Nigel says, "And I definitely said 'were.' We didn't want to miss a perfect opportunity for an ambush by reporting back first, so we killed all of them. Well, almost all, the orc's riding boar took off while we killed the wolf and cold one."

Stanauch shouted something incoherent in rage, and thrashed violently, getting nowhere underneath Nik.

"Staunach, were you friends with greenskins and dark elves? No wonder the dwarves want you dead."