With the party outfitted including Alembos and Vranu sharing a second chariot, Koryos takes the lead. He leads the party to the north east, skirting the mountains and heading to the open plains. Their destination the outpost of Ikarthis some three days ride to the northeast.

Koryos explains that Ikarthis is little visited outpost set on the edge of the haunted lands. From there it is just a two day ride to the siggurat that the locals fear. It is thought to be an ancient Atlantean outpost but has been used by traders and such for hundreds of years, held by a local warlord.

The three day ride is uneventful, the terrain gets flatter and you travel until by the second day the idea of a mountain or even a good sized hill seems like a distant memory. On the third day the outpost comes into view.

It does look like an Atlantean structure and is in good repair. A hight stone wall surrounds what looks to be a large village. A wide gate is open to the trail.

"There is an inn in Ikarthis that we can stay in for the night. I must warn you though, this is a rough place to visit and one must guard their valuables...some of the residents are Kurgans but most are a mix of different cultures with Ikarthis being a hub of trade for the Sea of Grass and the lands to the west.

Brude sits tall on the wagon and stretches his tattooed arms, "We can hope there will be a brothel in Ikarthis as well!"

Koryos leads the small caravan through the large gate. The portculis looks heavy and the walls are very thick, undoubtedly this is an old Atlantean fort kept in a state of excellent repair.

The gate is manned by a pair of Kurgans armed with spear and bow. They nod as you all pass through, clearly used to strangers entering their walls. There seems to be a fair amount of Kurgan guards seen throughout the keep all armed the same, several patrol the single wide street and a few can be seen on the wall.

The keep itself measures around 50 yards wide and 100 yards long. Buildings line either side of the street. A large fountain can be seen in the center of the street right about midway the length of the keep.

Immediately tot he left you can see what is clearly the main structure or command post on the opposite wall lies the stables. On the same wall as the stables down a bit are what looks to be a smithy and a trading post, followed by another small gate and a stout looking small building.

On the same wall as the command post looks to be the barracks and the Ikarthis Inn.

Sadly there does not seem to be a brothel but sure there are those who ply their trade at the Inn.

Brude looks visibly deflated after he learns that there is no brothel located in Ikarthis, (See what I did there?)

He shrugs his shoulders and says, "When the Gods give you black lotus, you just have to make black lotus tea eh?"

He looks around for a moment getting the lay of the town then says,
"Best we stable our mounts here before heading to the inn.", as he drives the wagon towards the stable.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:38, Tue 27 May 2014.

Kpryos smiles as the Pict as he follows him to the stable..."I am sure you will be ok...perhaps it will be best if you safe that frustration for any Kurgans we may meet on our journey to the ziggurat?"

Upon seeing the fountain, Nkruma hoists himself down from the wagon and makes his way over. He kneels before the pool of water, singing (howling? maybe he's strangling a cat under his cloak?) a hymn to Olukun.

Nkruma finds the well to be overflowing will cool clear water. A natural spring perhaps or a remnant of ancient Atlantean technology.

In reply to Koryos (msg # 6):

Conall looks from Brude to Koryos and back, surprise on his face.  "And here I thought if we encountered Kurgans en route, they might be hostile!  It sounds quite the opposite, Brude!  It is well there was no brothel to tire you out!"  His tone sounds sincere, but his grin is mischievous.

Koryos throws his head back and laughs at Conall's comment..."That is not how I meant it but that might be another way of dealing with the Kurgan's we meet."

Fernao does not seem to understand Brude's frustration or to even hear the talk of brothels. Rather he follows the party into town, takes care of his chariot and horses, and joins them at the fountain. He begins threading together two flowers as Nkruma prays. When Conall speaks he does not look up from his work, but speaks as if to himself, "A good meal will help. And wine. Good wine will help."

Sabetha smiles absently, dipping her fingers into the water.

"Now that we're here, things will definitely get interesting," she says to no one in particular.  She pulls her fingers from the water and wipes them on her neck as if she needs some cooling.

Within a few minutes, the horses are stabled and the party finds itself at the Ikarthis Inn...a fairly nice establishment considering the location. The Scythian plains are not known for creature comforts.

Alembos pays for all meals, drinks rooms, and baths if wanted.

The morning finds a decent spread of food for the party to breakfast upon. Koryos waits in the street before the inn with all the mounts, and vehicles ready to go as soon as everyone is done eating.

Fernao eats a big breakfast making comments on the various positives and negatives of the various dishes. When he is sated he grabs his gear and joins Koryos mounting his chariot with an enthusiastic, "Good morrow, Koryos! We have had a find meal. There was much of it and it was good."

Before he exits the tavern the next day, Thamyron  inquires about any news or strangeness in the area, alert to anything that might represent danger or hint at the presence of his old enemy Ahmose.

Nkruma, who has been waiting by the pool in the square, rises as the others make their way out from the remains of the morning meal.

His large bow is in his hands, but his noble-like cloak covers his other possessions. He lifts his bag from the stones near the pool.

"I am ready," he says. A strange look is in his eyes.

Brude stops for a moment to pet and talk to the team of horses hooked up to the  wagon. He hops on the wagon and readies himself, "To the ziggurat!"

There is nothing for Thamyron to find out. No new news or anything out of the ordinary for quite some time. The locals think you mad for traveling to the ziggurat which is surely haunted but wish you well. No word of any strangers lately other than the caravans that pass through monthly.

Conall enjoys his stay to the fullest, and tramps out the next morning after a good breakfast to move out.  He's outfitted and ready with all his gear.

He gives Nkruma a quick look, and asks, "Something wrong, friend?  This should be fun!" 

Thamyron sits atop his horse, his eyes roaming over the horizon as he loosely holds his black staff in his hand.

Nkruma sniffs the wind before answering Conall's question. "Today is an inauspicious day. Still, best that we are on our way. With the will of the gods and our own strong arms, we shall overcome." His muzzle splits into a sharp-toothed grin.

"I will keep an eye out for danger," he says as he mounts the wagon, lifting the great bow to emphasize his words.

When Nkruma speaks Fernao nods from his chariot, "The Bull will join the Wolf in keeping his eyes open for danger!"

Koryos leads the small caravan through the get on northern end of the outpost of Ikarthis. The trail is relatively narrow but wide enough for the wagon and chariots. It winds down into a small canyon and crosses a shallow flowing river known as the dead river.

About twenty miles along the way a wagon can be seen in the distance on the steppe. It is traveling the other direction meaning you will meet up with it shortly. It looks ot be about a mile off at this point.

Brude from the isle of the picts stands on the seat of the wagon and shades his eyes from the sun. He looks towards the approaching wagon trying to make out numbers and if this is a threat or just a random traveler.

Nkruma sniffs the air. "Want me to jog ahead? See who might be heading our way?" His fingers twitch slightly, as if he is uneasy or full of nervous energy.

Fernao leans forward attempting to see the oncoming wagon, but says nothing otherwise.

Koryos shakes his head and answers Nkruma..."No need to go ahead right now my friend. We will know the nature of this wagon soon enough. We just should make sure we are prepared without looking aggressive."

A few minutes later it is clear that there is a lone figure on the wagon driving two tired looking horses. A man in colorful but tattered robes waves his hand and he nears. His wagon looks to be full of trade good, perhaps a traveling peddler?

Once the other wagon gets close enough to see clearly, Brude will stand on his seat once again and call out, "Hail fellow traveler! What are you doing out here on your own?"

Conall unlimbers his bow, but carries it relaxed at his side.  The man seemed harmless enough, though that may be deceiving in a land reported to be filled with dangerous tribes.

Fernao is leaning on his shield, which is affixed to the side of his chariot, with a javelin resting on his shoulder -- he is not threatening with it, but it is obviously ready to be thrown if necessary.

The peddler looks at both Conall and Fernao and notes their weapons before answering the Pict...I travel these roads to the eastern shore peddaling my wares. I have only been accosted a few times. Nothing I carry is of any particular value to brigands and the local tribes know and respect me...what brings such an odd assortment of folk out this far onto the steppe? I see only one steppe warrior among you."

The peddlers robes are thread bare and he is old, not ancient but definitely should be sitting next to a nice warm fire somewhere tot he south...which he looks like he should be from, perhaps Tharsheesh even. His wagon is decrepit as are his horses. His wares look dusty and useless as well.

Brude addresses the old man, "I am afraid we have just come from Ikarthis and have no need of any extra gear. Say old man why don't you head the outpost a get yourself a nice warm bath and a room for the night?"

He tosses a gold coin towards the old man hoping that he is a halfway decent catch.

The old peddler catches the coin with a smile on his face..."Well, if you lot are not looking to buy my wares, maybe I will do just that. It has been eons since I last set foot in Ikarthis! Take care out here and watch for the unexpected."

That said the old man cracked his whip and urged his nags forward past your party. Not ten feet past you all, he vanishes, wagon, horses and all. Upon inspection his wagon and horses left no tracks on the dusty road either.

Brude looks on as the man and his wagon disappears, "A specter? These plains are surely haunted!"

Koryos nods his shaven head, his top knot whips about with the motion..."Aye, these plains are haunted just as we had been told. At least this ghost seemed to be harmless. Next time we may not be so lucky...lets move on."

THe part continues on their journey the rest of the day. They make great time traveling across the flat grassland. As the sun begins to set Koryos points out a small stand of stunted trees on the horizon.

Brude squints his eyes as he looks to the group of stunted trees, "As good a place as any to make camp for the night!" he says as he urges the horses pulling the wagon forward.

Fernao nods in agreement but says little.

"Right then, we will camp here for the night. The ziggurat cannot be much further."

He then looks at Vranu and says..."You should take the first watch, I will need you in the early morning for a certain task."

Vranu nods his head making the wolf skin hat bob up and down unnaturally.
"Aye, the first watch it is then." he says as he moves his chariot along.

"Fernao will take whatever watch others will not.", says the Tauran warrior as he guides his chariot

When they reach the stand of trees, Brude will begin to set up camp. Being of the savage Pictish race, he is not stranger to sleeping out under the stars and getting a good fire lit with little to no trouble.

"Given that Vranu will be takingt he first watch and the fact that i am dead tired, I am going to call last watch. Once I get this fire going, with any luck Sabetha will favor us with some of her culinary magic?

Thamyron ties up his horse, then removes its saddle to let it graze peacefully. He then walks the area around the stand of trees, his black staff probing the ground as he walks around, his senses alert for anything out of the ordinary.

Brude quickly gets a fire started with some of the small scrub brush found in the stand. He wastes no time in feeding it some some of the dead fallen branches from the stunted oaks.

Thamyron walks around the stand of oaks and finds nothing out of the ordinary except for some tracks that look like they may be from a large lion but they look old and weather worn.

While camp is being scouted and settled, Fernao tends to the horses pulling his chariot and assists with the others.

As he does so a burbling sort of hum is heard issuing from him. Whether he is 'singing' to the horses or simply to himself is unclear.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Tue 15 July 2014.

The night is cool but not cold. Brude's fire is strong and the warmth is welcomed. It is a good feeling to have a warm fire and a full belly after a day on the trail.

Alembos unaccustomed to such activity is the first to fall asleep.

You hear something int he distance, perhaps the flapping of large wings, maybe more than one thing is approaching the camp?
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:06, Thu 17 July 2014.

Fernao stands with a javelin resting on his shoulder as he tries to identify the flapping, wing-y sounds he hears.

Vranu suddenly jumps to his feet but it is too late as to great talons swoop down and lift the sleeping Alembos into the air.

But there are more than one flying creature menacing the camp. In the light of the fire you can see two more flying creatures swoop down. They are the size of a lion and have heads like eagles. The second two make no contact and vanish into the night sky but you can still hear their wings flapping.

A moment later you hear a squishy thud and some gurgling about 10 feet past where your campfire illuminates.

Brude leaps to his feet and grabs his spear from the wagon. He crouches low and keeps his eyes looking up into the black night sky until he hears the thud outside the perimeter of the fires glow.

Snatching up a burning brand he heads to the source of the noise, still crouching low with his spear in his other hand.

Not actually seeing a target, Fernao does not throw the javelin, but he bellows a loud, "Alembos!" and moves towards where he hears the gurgling.

OOC: If I'm reading this correctly after the initial sightings of the Griffins (?) they've flown back into the darkness and we can no longer see them? Part of my thinking here is that Fernao is moving away from the fire, which may be inhibiting his sight.

If I'm misunderstanding, the intention is to attack as soon as he's got a target in range.

Vranu pulls a small vial from his belt pouch and hurls it into the fire. It explodes in a flash of light leaving the campfire blazing bright, like a mini-sun, illuminating the area four or five times further than the fire alone did.

Alembos's form can be seen on the ground. It is battered and twisted, he has clearly been dropped from a great height. He does still appear to be breathing though. Brude and Fernao are now close to him.

The griffins can be seen int he night sky above about 100 feet above the camp. They circle as if waiting to drop down again.

Koryos stand near the horses with his spear in hand.

"It's as if they are up there just teasing us. Griffins are cruel creatures.", Fernao says to Brude. The Tauran is keeping his eyes on the creatures above them ready to throw a javelin at the first one that comes into his range.

Seeing the area lit up so well, Brude tosses his burning brand aside and rushes to the side of Alembos saying, "Aye they toy with us like a cat with a mouse."

He gives the fallen alchemist a look over.

Fernao keeps his eyes on the Griffins, but snorts at Brude's words, "More like Griffins with Humans, Atlanteans, an Asena and a Tauran."

Conall brings up his great bow, setting an arrow to the string and eying the griffins.  "What think you?" he asks the others, not taking his eyes off the griffins.  "Shall I deliver a blow to let them know their would be prey bites back?" 

Still watching the creatures above them Fernao replies, "Yes."

Koryos raises his spear and points at the largest of the griffins and says..."feather that bird Conall!"

As Koryos speaks, the three great beast swoop down in unison to buzz the horses but only make it to about 20 feet off the ground once they spot the Kurgan wielding his spear near the mounts. They are definitely in range for the javelins of Fernao and the bow of Conall.

Fernao huffs as he chucks one of his javelins at the nearest Griffin.

OOC: I'm uncertain what I ought to be doing, so I rolled for both Initiative and an attack. If my timing on this stuff is off, I'll reroll or whatever at the appropriate time. Otherwise, as noted, this is aimed at whichever is nearest to him.

Fernao rolled 16 using 1d20. Initiative.
Fernao rolled 17 using 1d20+7. Javelin at Griffin.

Following Fernao's lead, Brude hurls his spear at one of the griffins before drawing his hand axe form his belt.

14:23, Today: Brude rolled 20 using 1d20+10. THROWN WEAPON ATTACK.

Vranu runs to where his master lays. He scoops up Alembos battered and bleeding body in a firm but gentle grip and carries him back to the relative safety of the fireside.

Conall brings up his bow, and sets the string humming as it sends one feathered shaft after another speeding towards the griffins.


OOC:

06:16, Today: Conall rolled 24 using 1d20+16.

06:16, Today: Conall rolled 19 using 1d20+16.

06:15, Today: Conall rolled 31 using 1d20+16.

06:15, Today: Conall rolled 29 using 1d20+16.

06:15, Today: Conall rolled 27 using 1d20+16. bow attack.

The three griffins seem to have misjudged how deadly the party is as all attacks launched by the defenders land with full accuracy and power. All three flying creatures are severely wounded as Koryos adds his spear to the fray, joining the spear of Brude, the javelin of Fernao as well as the five arrows of the Conall the Cimmerian.

The others tend gather around Alembos near the fire...within a minute of being carried back tot eh fire the alchemist expires on the cold dusty ground.

The griffins fly high in the sky, past the glow of the fire. They can be heard screeching in the distance as they retreat.

The Pict stands with his hatchet in hand near the fire next to the unmoving body of his employer. He looks to the sky then back down at Alembos then to the rest of the group, "Not sure where this leaves us now but clearly we must continue on to the ziggerat."

Fernao shrugs, "Why, Brood? We were going for Alembos the alchemist. He was to pay us. He is now dead. Do we know these mushrooms he was seeking if we see them? Would any other alchemist know how to use them if we did? I recall him saying that these were for a recipe he had made."

Koryos reaches up and sets a beefy hand on Fernao's even beefier shoulder and says..."The mushrooms were collected back in the VIllage of Stars my friend...Alembos did not know what fortune the ziggurat was to hold. That was our real goal, plundering this ancient Atlantean temple."

Vranu speaks as he begins to wrap Alembos body in a blanket"Aye...the temple was the goal. Alembos spoke of it to me frequently but in truth he knew very little about it past it's location and a few vague rumors."

He takes the body and places it in the chariot he drove with Alembos..."I never wish death on a man but know this. Alembos would have probably tried to swindle you out of any spoils found here. He was not an honest man, perhaps it isbetter that he is dead."

Fernao looks blankly at both Vranu and Koryos and then back to Brude and then smiles, "Oh. Okay. I forgot."


OOC: Woo-hoo! Playing that -1 Intelligence!

"The death of Alembos is unfortunate but we will press on in the morning. I suggest we keep our fire bright and a close watch on both the horses and the sky."

Conall scowls after the griffins for some time before relenting, glancing at this bow, and rejoining the others.  "I don't believe I've ever punctured a beast so many times and had it still fly away from me.  They must be quite hardy."

He looks at the broken form of Alembos.  "Aye, I do not wish death on any man who has dealt with me fairly, but if we are already so close, let us continue on, and plunder this temple!" 

Fernao considers Koryos's words, "Maybe we should not have a fire. A fire would make us easy to find... It would make our dinner cold too. Do griffins see in the dark? If they do, I wish I had the eyes of them to protect us against them. If they do not, I guess it would not matter."

He pauses pondering, "Though, Conall is right that we did hurt them. Maybe we have taught them that killing one of us is not such a good thing to do and they should go look for other supper?"

Koryos nods his head at Conall..."Aye, thiose beasts are hardy but since they are without a doubt heavily wounded, I doubt they will return but the fires are a must since those will not be the only things lurking across the Scythian plain this night."
This message was last updated by the player at 15:34, Tue 12 Aug 2014.

The night passes without incident and the party wakes up to a quick breakfast provided by Vranu. Within twenty minutes or so, Koryos asks if the group is ready to move on. It is likely that the ziggurat will be reached near midday.

Brude proceeds to load the wagon, as he does so he says, "Once I get the last of this gear packed and loaded, I am ready."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:41, Thu 14 Aug 2014.

Koryos drives the group towards the ziggurat at a vigorous pace once everyone is ready and the gear is gathered and packed on the wagon.After a few hours of travel along an established trail, Koryos directs the party off the trail to head north towards the ziggurat.

As they leave the trail they see something in the distance. It looks like bodies of both humans and pack animals as well as a damaged wagon. This is just a few hundred yards off the trail.

Nkruma, who slept like the dead through the gryphon attack, is quick to leap to his feet in the chariot.

"I can run over there, scout things out. Perhaps with one of you to back me up. And with Conall's mighty bow providing some cover as well." He looks around at the group, seeking their opinion. "If that meets with the opinions of others." His last words are tinged with a hint a guilt. Clearly he still feels the sting of sleeping through the night's danger.

Koryos looks to Nkruma then to the site of the carnage..."Aye, go take a quick look. We can decide what to do when you get back."

Nkruma leaps over the side of the chariot with bow in hand and runs with the peculiar stooped posture so common to the Asena. His eyes and nose scan the route as he heads towards the damaged wagon.

Conall readies his bow, fits and arrow to the string, and watches carefully after Nkruma.  More slowly, he follows behind the Asena, closing some of the distance to the damaged wagon.

Brude draws his own bow from where he had it stashed in the wagon and follows along behind Conall ready to give cover to the Asena.

As he creeps he looks over at Koryos and wonders why he doe not see a bow in the hands of a Kurgan, a race well known for their love of the bow.

After stooping closer to the ground several times (over each of the bodies), Nkruma does one more circuit of the wagon, his ears pressed back against his head and his nose close to the ground.

Then he rises, and waves to the others, beckoning any who wish to come closer.

---

Nkruma rolled 14 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 1. Track by scent. Wow. Glad I didn't toss in Fate to that roll.

Anything salvage worthy amidst the ruin?

Koryos urges his mount forward and looks down at the bodies, all missing their hearts..."Nethermen...that is not good. They are not smart enough to be afraid of the tales of ghosts and such that surround this area."

There does not seem to be anything of value left here. The Nethermen clearly took anything of value leaving only the lifeless, heartless bodies lying in the dust.

Conall looks down at the bodies and grimaces.  "Doesn't look like it was ghosts these unfortunates needed to be afraid of either, in that case." 

Brude looks down at the corpses and shakes his head. His eyes are drawn to the holes in their chests. He lowers his bow and says, "Looks like we have more to fear than ghosts as well but I would say that we will put up a better fight than a group of pilgrims. Why were they out here in the middle of the plains anyway?""

"Dark skin, slender build, black hair, they wear the robes of the Yalaku. Why they are so far from home is anyones guess. I find it amazing that they made it this far into Scythia from their homeland without being slain or captured and sold as slaves. Their gods must have been watching over them until just recently."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Tue 19 Aug 2014.

Nkruma nods as the others talk, running fingers over the grasses trampled under the Nethermen's feet.

"Look here," he says, rising to his feet. "These Nethermen are heading towards the same destination as we. Normally, I would say that we should stop to bury these sorrowful dead. Exu would wish it so." He turns his head towards the horizon. "However, if these scoundrels are before us, I say that instead we seek them with all due speed and put paid to their crimes. If, upon our successful return, the scavengers of this land have not already scattered the bones as well as the ghosts, then we can bury them, or erect a cairn over their remains." One of his hands strays to the bit of polished steel on a cord around his neck. "This I forswear."

Brude lets the scene soak in one moment longer then turns to Fernao and says, "They head in the direction we are already going, do I even need to ask you what you think?"

He then looks to Nkruma and says, "I swear to no one but I do agree. We should eliminate these dogs on our way to the ziggurat if we can."

Koryos nods..."Aye, to the north and the ziggurat. If we meet these nethermen then we can deal with them but mind you...they look to out number us two to one at least and will be very tough"

He looks around at the group and says..."We will have an advantage as we have a diverse skill set than they do but have no doubts, they will be a harsh test. should we encounter them."

"Koryos speaks the truth. The Nethermen Scyths as we Vir call them are a scourge on the western plains of Scythia and into Vir itself. We will be wise to keep a sharp watch on the horizon for riders."

Warnings given, Koryos leads the party to the north off the trail. It has been lightly raining much of the day but hard enough to wipe out the tracks of the Nethermen. To the Southwest a strong storm begins to rumble, to the north a pair of mountain peaks comes into view. Koryos says that these are called the fangs. The ziggurat lies between them.

As you near the ziggurat the storm does also and soon the winds howl and the lightning flashes around you. To the northeast a dust cloud can be seen...riders perhaps, maybe something else.

Fernao agreed with all that was said with the discovery of the corpses and enthusiastically directed his chariot along with the others. When they get nearer to their destination and the storm swirls about them the gold hanging from the now-dried flowers wrapped around his horns reflects lightening.

"There, to the north. That's something, eh? Riders? Let us confront them!", he shouts pointing at the dust cloud.

Conall eyes the dust and the storm, shakes his head.  "We should head for the mountains, get some shelter from that storm.  If there are riders, and they pursue us, we can set up an ambush." 

"Let us find shelter at the ziggurat. If it has stood since ancient days, this storm shall not harm it. If this storm is unnatural, perhaps the ziggurat might offer some means to make it cease." Nkruma turns his eyes towards the cloud of dust in the distance, wondering what can raise such with the wind and on-rushing rain. His nose raises in the air, attempting to catch a scent of anything other than storm.

Brude clasps a tattooed hand on Fernao's broad shoulders, "I understand you seek vengeneance for those slain pilgrims my friend but Conall and Nkruma speak wisely. Easier for us to find a defensible position and deal with whatever it is heading our way."

"I agree, let us proceed to the ziggurat."

Fernao huffs, as only a Tauran can do, in frustration, but it seems the way is set, "As you say, Bruuuude."

He keeps an eye on the riders as the party moves to the ziggurat, but says nothing more as they travel.

Koryos wheels his horse around and says..."To the ziggurat then!" Koryos leads the party to the ancient structure in the distance. He know they can only travel as fast as the wagon though so it will be a close race.

The party makes it to the walls of the ziggurat with only a few minutes to spare as the nethermen approach with great speed.

The ziggurat is the size of a small keep with high stone walls. The gate is open as the rusted portculis is up held only by a rusted chain. The gate leads into a small courtyard That the party and their mounts, wagons and chariots fit snuggly into.

The Nethermen are just a few hundreds yards away.

Once they are within the courtyard, Fernao stops his chariot with the horses facing the back walls and as he does so jumps off the thing running as quickly as his big legs will get him to the chain holding up the portcullis. Once there he uses his great strength to break the chain and bring the gate down.

Fernao easily snaps the rusted chain with one great pull bringing the rusted but still solid portculis crashing down.

Taking a quick breath, Fernao looks to see what the nethermen are doing before running back to the chariot to pull his shield and javelins.

Running to catch up to Fernao, Nkruma has his bow out and an arrow at the ready. He peers out between the bars of the gate when an idea hits him. He turns to the others, "Someone! Quickly make sure that we are not entirely trapped here. We need to make a quick circuit, such as we can, of the walls."

Vranu, who had yet to dismount form his chariot makes a quick round of the central building and is back just a few moments later..."There is but a small door in the rear of the wall. It looks to be stuck fast but I am sure if need be, Fernao could force it open."

Brude snatches up his bow and makes his way to the portcullis as well, ready to feather a netherman.

Having grabbed his weapons Fernao looks around for stairs or a ladder that might give access to the walls. If nothing he returns to the portcullis.

There are no stairs or ladders. The wall is a simple one. The whole structure is simple, a stone building set inside stone walls. The stone is smooth inside and outside of the wall...so smooth that it is slick.

The Nethermen are slowing down about 100 yards out. The storm intensifies with strong wind and great booming thunder and heavy rain.

Fernao returns to the portcullis, "I have trapped us here. I hope we find wine..."

Nkruma draws back on his bow, spending some time aiming at the lead rider.

---

Triple normal range for the bow (81-120 yards) for a -6, say double movement (?) on their mounts for another -1, use Advanced Missile Training and spend 1 round aiming for a bonus equal to triple PER for +6. Spend 1 Fire Atman for a bonus of +4 to the roll (double effect). Ranged Attack Rating is +13. Total modifier = +16

Nkruma rolled 17 using 1d20+16. Ranged Attack. (ouch)

DR 8 (not sure what armor they have nor what their DoD from Dex+Evade is)

---

As the arrow flies off into the storm, Nkruma finally looks back over his shoulder. "Don't fret yet, Fernao. There's still that bloody big building behind us. If we can find a way into that, perhaps we can hold them off just a bit longer."

Vranu leaps down off his chariot and lets an arrow of his own fly..."As I said there is a door in the back wall. it is heavily barred fromt he inside and looks rusted shut but I am sure you could break it free once unbarred Fernao."

Conall nods towards Nkruma, following his lead.  He also carefully sights in on the same rider, drawing back his great bow and smoothly releasing to send the long shaft flying towards the enemy.

OOC:  13:38, Today: Conall rolled 42 using 1d20+25. bow attack. (Base skill, plus bonus for aiming).

No DoD figured in; DR12 if that hits.  I don't have my ranges noted, I should probably do that. 

Like both Nkruma and Conall, Brude the Pict aims for the lead rider of the Netherman horde.

15:14, Today: Brude rolled 19 using 1d20+6. attack.

Fernao nods in response to Vranu as he hefts a javelin to throw at one of the attackers. As he throws he says, "I still hope we find wine here."

OOC: Fernao rolled 12 using 1d20+7. Javelin attack.

Thamyron stops inside the gate and examines it, looking for weak spots and places to reinforce with his magic.

Conall's and Nkruma's arrows speed towards their target, both hit the lightly armored Netherman who seems to be the leader. He reels and wobbles but keeps his seat until the javelin of Fernao hits his squarely in the chest and knocks him to the muddy ground.

Brude's, Koryos's and Vranu's shots fail to reach where the Nethermen are.

When the leader falls, the Nethermen begin to howl in rage and charge the gate. The cover ground quickly and are 60 meters away before the party can act again. Well in bowshot range.

Thamyron finds the while the gate is strong it does have a weak section on the left bottom where someone might be able to bends the rusted bars and enter.

Brude nocks and arrow, pulls and lets fly his second arrow. He feels confident now that the Nethermen are within distance.

12:04, Today: Brude rolled 19 using 1d20+6. attack.

With a snarl, Nkruma pulls back on his bow again. He doesn't waste time with aiming, he just pulls back on his short bow and lets an arrow fly into the midst of the Nethermen.

---

Double normal range for the short bow (41-80 yards) for a -4, say double movement on their mounts for another -1. Ranged Attack Rating is +13. Total modifier = +8

Nkruma rolled <i>20 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 12. Weapon (Ranged).

Possibly a Critical.

DR 8 (not sure what armor they have nor what their DoD from Dex+Evade is).</i>

---

"Someone see if this ziggurat fortress thing has a way in," he shouts over the sound of the approaching Nethermen. "Preferably one that will keep the wagons and chariots secure."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Thu 28 Aug 2014.

With another huff Fernao chucks another javelin at the Nethermen.

As he does so he says, "I have few of these remaining, but will throw all before I am done!"

Vranu and Conall add their bows to deal with the threat of charging Nethermen. All who either loose and arrow or throw a javelin manage to hit, all doing major damage killing a Nethermen outright and severely wounding a second, effectively taking him out of the fight. Nkruma and Fernao both hit the same Netherman, the one that is killed and the others manage to drop the other out of his saddle.

Thamyron uses his magic to reinforce the weak section of the portcullis. The entire gate glows slightly as the magic spreads.

Koryos scouts the ziggurat.

The 17 remaining Nethermen are still on full charge. You have one more round of bowshot before they are at the gate. As the get closer you can see some wear robes that look like they were taken from the dead pilgrims.

Koryos returns from scouting the main building with his spear in hand..."The entrance is in the left side of the building. A wise move since you cannot shoot bows at the door fromt he gate. The door itself is not large enough to get the wagon in and just large enough for the chariots but in truth all the mounts and such would be safe at the rear of the building. where they cannot be seen from the gate."

He does not grab his bow but readies himself at the gate with his spear ready to welcome the Nethermen.

Conall spreads a flurry of arrows among the Nethermen in the front of the pack, hoping that if one or more in the front stumbles or goes down, he will slow the others.

OOC:

Using flurry, five arrows.  Might be a crit or two in there.

21:32, Today: Conall rolled 22 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
21:32, Today: Conall rolled 31 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
21:32, Today: Conall rolled 20 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
21:32, Today: Conall rolled 27 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
21:31, Today: Conall rolled 18 using 1d20+16. bow attack.

Not clear, a total of two rounds of bow fire, or three? 

As the others let arrows fly towards the oncoming Nethermen, Nkruma will step back away from the glowing gate. "Let us get the horses and chariots away from this gate. Run them around the walls so that they are ready to charge if all goes to the hells below." He looks at the wagon for a moment.

"Maybe we can bring the wagon to the gate here. I'd hate to block us in, but if we must, we could tip it on its side to block up the entrance." He shakes his head, fur damp and dirty from the winds and rains.

He uses the time remaining to put away his bow, put on his full-faced iron helm and draw his gladius.

---

With the iron helm and his lightweight full suit of armor, Nkruma's PR is going up to 9, but he's got a -2 to his PER with the helm on.

The massive attack of bow shot Conall just let rip is the last you can make  before they hit the wall. You can always just sit back and shoot them from the gate but likely they will do a little shooting as well but maybe not, they seem enraged.

Thamyron begins chanting, focusing on reinforcing the gate with his magic. He chants , sweeping his staff and free hand in front of him, as wisps of greenish light flow out to intertwine with the portcullis. As he continues, the strands thicken, ending as a solid barrier with the portcullis.

OOC: Sorry for the delay, thought I would have internet over the weekend and ended up not.  Don't have the book right now to look if manipulate or shield is best thing here.

Edit: looks like shield is what to try. Not sure on exact size of gate.   intent was to do a PR3 barrier (-9) and add 2 minutes(-2) for a total duration of 3 minutes (30 rounds?) Total modifier is +5 (+16-9-2) . Rolled 24 (19+5).

Question:does thamyron sense any built up vril here he could tap?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Wed 03 Sept 2014.

Brude lets one last arrow fly before pulling his hatchet from his belt.

10:52, Today: Brude rolled 21 using 1d20+6.
This message was last updated by the player at 14:31, Thu 04 Sept 2014.

Ferao throws a javelin but he is too strong and it sails over the heads of the charging horsemen.

Conall kills two of the Nethermen outright, one hit with two arrows and one killed with a shot to the eye. He wounds two more as do Vranu and Brude.

Thamyron casts his spell on the gate and it glows even brighter just as the nethermen are just a few feet away. As he casts he can feel a slight amount of vril comeing from the main building.

15 nethermen are just about to hit the wall. You will have the initiative since you are waiting for them.

As they near you all hear one shout..."You have killed Krum! Our shamn hs fallen you will all die!"

OOC:  I'm a bit uncertain as to our layout again -- how high is the wall?  Obviously, Conall is going to be better with his bow than hand to hand, so I'd like to try to get another round of bow fire in.  Is the wall low enough that it looks like the Nethermen will try to come over it?  Or will they need to batter down the gate? 

The wall is high and very smooth. Without some sort of ladders it is futile for the Nethermen. They will need to batter the gate down. The wall inside is also smooth but there is debris enough to allow someone to gain the top of the wall but no cover since the wall is just a wall.

Fernao bellows in frustration at missing with his javelin and grabs his tower shield and flail. He is uncertain what to do, but readies himself to meet any nethermen that manage to get through the gate or over the wall.

Thamyron chants, arms waving as more tendrils of green energy begin to gather around him.

OOC: How close together are all the Nethermen? Looking to put together  an attack spell.

The Nethermen are crowded together starting to dismount just five feet or so away from the gate.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:54, Fri 05 Sept 2014.

In the courtyard, in full view of the Nethermen, wearing his armor and iron helm, Nkruma begins to sing. He sings in his native Ophiran, but much of the song is filled with wailing, howling, growling, and sudden sharps snaps of teeth. It is a song of blood and the gnashing of teeth and the tearing of foes. He rocks slightly on the balls of his feet, his clawed toes scratching at the earth and dust. His eyes are partially closed, but seem to be rolling about in their sockets.

---

Reaching an ecstatic state, casting an Animism spell, calling up the Spirit of the Hunting Wolf in the attempt to boost Nkruma's Weapon (Melee) skill by +5.

quote:

Blades like Talons DoD -5, Level 5 Manipulate spell.
With a howl-filled song, Nkruma feels himself filled with a wolf-spirit that makes his attacks more savage and fierce.
Add +5 to Weapon (Melee) skill for 10 rounds (1 minute)

Nkruma rolled 9 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 2. Mode +6, +3 for Order, +3 for Totem, -5 DoD.

Partial. So, +5 for only 5 rounds.

---

Maybe it's the closeness of the ziggurat. Maybe it's Nkruma's poor singing. Maybe it's just the spirits of the steppes aren't used to this foreigner.

Whatever the case, Nkruma's fur bristles, standing on end and poking out through his armor in places. He growls and howls, his song continuing, as he paces closer and closer to the gate. The paw-like hand holding the gladius keeps tightening and loosening on the grip.

One of the Nethermen leaps towards the gate with weapon in hand only to be met by Koryos's spear that licks out from between the bars of the gate. The Netherman falls back with a nasty bleeding wound in his chest.

The others howl in rage and make to charge the gate all at once.

Prepare to defend! You can sit and await their charge or do something more proactive.

Given that in their berserk state the nethermen appear to be charging the closed gate, Fernao draws his fancy iron gladius, hefts his shield and prepares to slaughter them as they do so.

Nkruma's howling song falls silent, his fur rustles in a breeze unfelt by others, and it seems that his muscles ripple beneath the skin like wolves coursing across a field.

His eyes dart from the Nethermen outside the wall to the peak of the wall itself and back. His nostrils flare as a low growl escapes his throat.

He takes a step back, then another, and then bursts into a sprint heading straight for the wall on the left side of the gate. With a mighty leap, he bounds to the top of the wall. He towers over the Nethermen below and shouts out a challenge.

"You curs! Exu will never claim your bodies, nor shall your funeral rites be honored! Know that I, Nkruma, have sworn vengeance upon you before the gods!"

---

Nkruma rolled 7 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 3. SPD+Athletics - running and jumping over the wall.

PGs 246-7 cover running and jumping. With my SPD of +2, I can move 25 meters in a round, and I can jump just over 6 meters high. Spending 2 Earth Atman for a total of +4 to that roll. Gives me a final of an 11.

Down 2 Earth, 1 Fire Atman today, leaving Nkruma with just 2 Fire Atman. And my Disadvantages don't really come into play here. I might be Tempting Fate again soon.

Also, I figure that's enough of an action. I'll wait on jumping down into their midst until next go 'round.

Fernao knows he is strong, but he also knows that he is not fast. If the enemies are charging the gate he will wait for them and poke, poke, poke them with his fancy iron gladius. "Come! Come on through this gate! It is weak! It is as weak as your shaman's bones were against our weapons!", he taunts them.

Conall again takes aim and delivers another flurry of arrows through the gaps in the bars of the gates, firing low, towards the legs of the Nethermen as they charge forward.

OOC:

Not bad!  That first one must be a critical for sure!?  Maybe open up the devil's femoral artery?

16:07, Today: Conall rolled 21 using 1d20+14.
16:07, Today: Conall rolled 28 using 1d20+14.
16:07, Today: Conall rolled 22 using 1d20+14.
16:07, Today: Conall rolled 30 using 1d20+14.
16:07, Today: Conall rolled 34 using 1d20+14. bow attack.

EDIT:  er, DR 12 on the arrows, those that hit.  Rolls already adjusted for the -2 DoD.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Tue 09 Sept 2014.

Brude still stands ready with his hatchet in hand, unable to do anything through the bars of the gate. When he sees Nkruma leap over the wall he exclaims, "he is mad! They will rip him apart."then he smiled as he saw Conall's deadly accuracy at close distance with the bow.

Thamyron pauses as he senses the vril in the area, vague but it is there.

Nkruma lands on his feet like a...wolf on the other side of the wall. Most of the Nethermen turn when they hear him growling and marvel at the pure madness of such a move. Could he be seriously expecting to fight them all?

A second later, Conall's deadly bowstring twangs five times and three of the Nethermen fall with arrows protruding from them, very fortunate placement by the Cimmerian.

Twelve Nethermen remain, two of them turn towards Nkruma and start to run at the Asena scout. You can await their charge or meet them, regardless you go first here

The twoNethermen who are stuck with arrows still fall back to remove the arrows from their flesh with the remaining eight fall upon the gate. Even though the gate is now strengthened by the magic workings of Thamyron it crumbles under the fires onslaught of the mini horde.

There is now nothing between you and the Nethermen.

Nkruma moves towards the two Nethermen who are advancing on him. He stalks towards them, not hurrying, not wasting any movement. When he nears them, his gladius darts out in rapid succession, lunging at each of the Nethermen in turn before swiping an arc between himself and them to keep them at bay.

---

CR +3, Weapon Melee +6, Enchantment +5 (3 rounds left) = +14
Second attack: -5 penalty, +3 for Gladius, +2 for SPD = -0
Third attack: -10 penalty, +3 for Gladius, +2 for SPD = -5, Tempting Fate for 2 points, +4 = -1

1st action: Nkruma rolled 33 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 19. Attack! DR 9 (possible critical)
2nd action: Nkruma rolled 16 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 2. Attack! DR 9
3rd action: Nkruma rolled 9 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 10. Attack, Tempting Fate. DR5 (or less if a miss).

Nkruma currently has a DEX+Evade of 8, so that's their DoD to hit and with the iron helm, he's got a PR of 9.

Brude throws himself at the first nethermen he can get to as the gate collapses. He brings his hatchet down on the ugly scalp of the netherman before him.

11:16, Today: Brude rolled 33 using 1d20+15.

The gate falls as he approaches it and seeing Nkruma being charged by so many of the nethermen Fernao strikes at two of the barbarians before him in an effort to get past them to help the Asena.


Fernao rolled 16+3=19 using 1d20. Initiative. [I forgot to add +3 for Gladius's Fast Bonus when I rolled]
Fernao rolled 26 using 1d20+13. Attack!
Fernao rolled 14 using 1d20+11. 2nd Attack! [-5 for second action +3 for Gladius's Quick Bonus]

With the Nethermen breaching the gate, Koryos drops his spear and pulls his axe from his belt. and leaps into the center of the marauders, his heavy axe whistling as it cuts through the air them making a totally different sound as it begins to hit flesh.

Ince i have not yet seen the cleave eature use dyet in this game, I thought i would npc it and see how it works out with Koryos behind the weapon.
12:20, Today: Koryos rolled 29 using 1d20+22. Attack with axe cleave use 1 hero point(fire) for +4 to hit.
This message was last updated by the player at 17:47, Tue 16 Sept 2014.

Dice roller loves you guys!

Nkruma catches one of the Nethermen as they close on him, zigged when he should have zagged and his head tumbled to the dusty ground. His second slash scored heavily cutting through the leather armor of his remaining attacker. His third blow sliced through the air where the first Netherman once stood.

Fernao lets his gladius cut first left then right both score heavy hits against the marauders causing blood to flow freely. Brude has similar luck as his hatchet draws blood from a deep wound in a Netherman's skull.

Koryos cuts a bloody swath through the center of the Nethermen with his axe, cleaving from a high guard nearly to the ground then back up again.

All but two of the foe are bleeding, some badly. Rather than attack they withdraw from the onslaught of the defenders of the ziggurat, leaving a trail of blood and curses as they do so.

The single Netherman who faces Nkruma does not retreat, instead he lunges forward with his mace. He lands an ineffectual blow and the haft of the weapon snaps leaving him weaponless, snarling and reaching for his belt dagger just a few feet from Nkruma.

8 Nethermen have retreated 20 feet or so back, 2 remain back digging arrows out of their own flesh and 1 last remains fighting with Nkruma.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:38, Tue 16 Sept 2014.

Nkruma howls loudly. "The gods are with us and you shall surely fall," he shouts as he renews his assault. He swings his gladius at the Netherman before him twice before leaping to the side and charging towards the now fallen-gate, not bothering to look and see if the Netherman currently before him falls or not, so sure is he in the blessings of the gods.

---

CR +3, Weapon Melee +6, Enchantment +5 (3 rounds left) = +14
Second attack: -5 penalty, +3 for Gladius, +2 for SPD = -0

First Action - Nkruma rolled 31 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 17. Attack. DR 9, possible critical
Second Action - Nkruma rolled 16 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 2. Attack. DR 9

Nkruma currently has a DEX+Evade of 8, so that's their DoD to hit and with the iron helm, he's got a PR of 9.

This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Tue 16 Sept 2014.

The Netherman crumbles in a bloody mass under the weight of Nkruma's savage attack.

As Nkruma nears the gate, the remaining ten Nethermen have decided that they have had enough and sprint back to their mounts. Letting them go or not is your decision.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:11, Tue 16 Sept 2014.

When the nethermen retreat and Nkruma fells his the Tauran lets out a bellowing huff and with little thought charges those that retreated. "No! You must finish this!!!," he shouts as he charges after them.

OOC: As previously noted, Movement is +0, so it'll take two rounds to reach them, but the blood lust is on the Bull and given his relatively low Intelligence...

Since this statement was wrong I offer...

Rolls:

[Sooooo.... I was going to do two attacks with the Gladius and that's what I rolled. Then I realized, WAIT! I'M ENRAGED! I'M A BULL! I'VE GOT HOOORRRRRRRNS! So, I dumped those two really rather good rolls and re-rolled a Bull Charge attack. I'm unclear about the dice rules in this game, but the roll was a 1, but with my Unarmed skill (-5 for the Bull Charge) it comes to 9.

I'll let you roll the effects if my roll is a botch. So, where's the china shop?

Initiative: Fernao rolled 11 using 1d20+3.
1st Attack: Fernao rolled 9 using 1d20+8
This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Tue 16 Sept 2014.

You are close enough to charge and attack int he same round. THey have only retreated about twenty feet back...smash them!

Conall picks out the most distant of the nethermen, and lets fly a deadly shot.


OOC:

16:04, Today: Conall rolled 35 using 1d20+16. bow attack.

Critical?!  Would be nice to drop another one!  DR 12...

The Pict follows closely behind the mighty and flowery Fernao brandishing his hatchet high overhead. When he closes on the Netherman Scyth he brings it down with a ferocity only a Pict could muster.


12:38, Today: Brude rolled 21 using 1d20+15. Attack.

Fernao charges and slams into the back of a retreating Netherman, not a solid hit but enough to knock the foe tot he ground where lay unmoving, most likely dead since he was already wounded by one of Conall's arrows.

Conall manages to snuff out another as he hits another of the wounded Nethermen. Brude manages to hit one with his hatchet as well. A wounded one who is now upright but not for long.

The Nethermen realizing that retreat will not be allowed, turn and fight. Fernao is hit but the mace head skitters off his thick armor. Brude is not so lucky but his armor does absorb some of the damage, the same with Vranu. For some reason Koryos takes the brunt of the attacks by the Nethermen but his armor and great parrying ability pulls him through and he only takes slight damage from a mace.

8 desperate Nethermen remain, all but one injured.

Nkruma leaps into the melee before the gate, hewing left and right as growls tumble from his muzzle. His chest heaves with exertion. He allows his blows to carry him closer to Fernao and Brude.

---

CR +3, Weapon Melee +6, Enchantment +5 (one round remaining) = +14
Second attack: -5 penalty, +3 for Gladius, +2 for SPD = -0

First Action - Nkruma rolled 26 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 12. Attack. DR9
Second Action - Nkruma rolled 28 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 14. Attack. DR9

Each attack directed at a different Netherman, spreading the damage around.

Nkruma currently has a DEX+Evade of 8, so that's their DoD to hit and with the iron helm, he's got a PR of 9. 2 Fire Atman remaining.

Fernao shakes his head after impact and lets out another bellowing huff as he turns towards the remaining nethermen his be-ringed and flower entangled, and now bloodied horns, sparkle in the afternoon sun. With another, louder, but no less enraged huff his Fancy Iron Gladius thrusts and slashes at the nearest two.


Attacking two different opponents...
Fernao rolled 25 using 1d20+13. 1st Attack.
Fernao rolled 14 using 1d20+11. 2nd Attack.

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

Conall sends another deadly shot at one of the nethermen.

OOC:

10:19, Today: Conall rolled 33 using 1d20+16. bow attack.

DR 12 (plus critical?!  :)) 

Once again the Pict hacks away with his hatchet.

10:41, Today: Brude rolled 32 using 1d20+15. attack.
DR7 +1 for strength

The wounds take their toll as the Nethermen fall like wheat before the blades of the heroes. Brude slays one with a quick and violent chop to the neck while Nkruma manages to slay two who he has hit from behind. Vranu slays one with his spear while Koryos manages to wound the only unwounded Netherman. Fernao kills one outright and wounds a second even deeper than it had previously been. Conall's shot is perfect as he takes down yet another.

Two nethermen remain, one attacks Nkruma but his mace bounces off the Asena's iron helm. While the other lunges after Conall but comes up a foot or two short.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:05, Thu 18 Sept 2014.

Chest heaving, tongue panting inside his helm, Nkruma staggers slightly from the blow to his head. His arm swings the gladius fending off the Netherman before he falls heavily upon his foe with all of his strength.

After he hews at the Netherman before him, he tosses his head back and howls from within his helm, calling to the Orixa. "Exuuuuuu, turn your eyes from these fallen foes. They deserve not your grace!"

---

CR +3, Weapon Melee +6, Enchantment +5 (last round) = +14
Second attack: -5 penalty, +3 for Gladius, +2 for SPD = -0

First Action - Nkruma rolled 18 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 4. Attack! DR9
Second Action - Nkruma rolled 31 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 17. Attack! DR9 possible critical

Each attack directed at the Netherman before him.

Nkruma currently has a DEX+Evade of 8, so that's their DoD to hit and with the iron helm, he's got a PR of 9. 2 Fire Atman remaining.

The flowers that remain threaded through the gold rings on Fernao's bloodied horns seem to flash as the final netherman drops and he throws up his arms and spins with a thundering, "Hhhhrrrrrrruuuuunggh!"

Seeming to come somewhat out of his battle rage he sighs and stretches snapping his neck, "It is the time for wine, I think."

But Fernao...there is one Netherman left...KILL IT! It is wounded and weak!

He was about to yawn when out of the corner of his eye Fernao sees that one netherman remains. With another huff of breath the Tauran's fancy iron gladius flashes into his enemy's gut.

Doh! Fernao rolled 27 using 1d20+13. Attack!

The last two wounded Nethermen are easily dispatched by the two Andamen. Clearly this was not a strong group of Nether Scyths but still dangerous. The heroes came out nearly unscathed and the trail through the plains is now a safer place for pilgrim and native alike.

Outside the gate, the dead bodies litter the ground as the twenty horses mill about.

Ever the steppe horseman, Koryos quickly runs to his horse and mounts heading out the gate he calls back..."We need to round up these horses. They are worth far too much to be left to the wild. Some actually look to be of good quality."

Nkruma nods. He pulls off his iron helm and sets it down before the gate before moving to assist Koryos herd the horses inside the walls. He remains on foot, waving his arms and occasionally barking at the horses to guide them through the gate.

Fernao pulls his sword out of the netherman's corpse and looks around when the Kurgan speaks. The look on his face is rather confused as he quickly cleans his fancy iron gladius and stands, "And then we may have wine?"


Speaking he sheaths the blade and puts his tower shield over his shoulders and on his back. If gathering the horses will bring the wine he seems his focus returns and he does whatever it is that needs to be done... To get to a wine break.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Sat 20 Sept 2014.

Seeing that Koryos most likely has enough help gathering up the horses, Brude begins to deal with the bodies. He starts by cutting whatever brushwood he can find as well as gathering kindling to make a funeral pyre for the fallen Nethermen. He hopes that Thamyron can help with fire starting or perhaps Alembos had some sort of alchemical firestarter more like was used around the fire last night.

Conall quickly moves to help Koryos with the horses, but on his way, waves off Brude.  "Perhaps Nkruma is right.  These brutes can be left as carrion for the vultures.  Though I would like my arrows back, either way," he grins.

Brude smiles at Conall, "While I have no doubt that they deserve no better. I fear leaving them out in the open like this will attract more of the griffin."

"Perhaps if we drag the bodies further from the walls," Nkruma shouts over the back of one of the thundering horses. "The griffins can eat their fill at a remove while we keep watch over this bounty from within."

While Fernao attempts to corral (?) the horses he hears concerns about Griffins and shouts, "They still have one of my javelins! I want them to come back. "Hhhhrrrrrrruuuuunggh!'"

As he speaks he is forced to dodge out of the way and falls over. Jumping back up with a clang of gear and in the cloud of dust he returns to his attempts at herding and continues attempting to help Koryos.

Conall nods, "Aye, is a good idea, Nkruma.  If the griffins come, let them feast on the scum.  It is better than they deserve." 

Thamyron stands silent, transfixed by the patterns in the vril nearby. He tries to sort out where it is stored, and how much.


OOC: Sorry for fading out, my work hours and schedule have changed making keeping up on things harder.

Brude shrugs and stops cutting wood for a pyre. Instead he begins to pile the corpses of the Nethermen onto the wagon. When he gets a full enough load of bodies he will deposit them about 100 meters from the ziggurat. He will repeat this process until the area is clean. He also goes through the belongings of the dead searching for valuables.

Fernao really wants to get to the wine drinking part of the adventure, so he helps his old friend load the corpses onto the wagon. As they check the bodies for valuables he says, "It is not so much unlike picking flowers, Broood. Even in a meadow covered with them not every flower will be worth picking. One must search out carefully for the loveliest, which are the ones one wants to weave into one's art. So, it is the same as we pick through these for things worth value, I think."

Conall sets to, jumping in to give Brude and Fernao a hand with the pile of deceased Nethermen.

Nkruma too helps with dragging the bodies of the Nethermen away. When Brude starts to go through their belongings, Nkruma starts to object. The Orixa Exu forbids the removal of items from the dead. But, then Nkruma remembers beseeching Exu to turn her face from these ragged slain and snaps his jaw shut instead. Villains such as these do not deserve the sanctity of death.

After this is done, he casts his eye around for a source of clean water. Surely this strange fortress ziggurat has some source of water, he thinks.

THe party manages to stack the bodies far from the ziggurat and gather up what little valuables the Nethermen had managed to collect. The horses have also been collected. A ple of inferiro weapons and armor as well as a small cache of coins lies within the walls of the ziggurat thanks to the hands of Brude. Ten of the horses are also recovered and are now within the walls of the ziggurat.

Nkruma fins an old well near the back wall of the structure and manages to coax some clean fresh water from it's old Atlantean pump.

Thamyron can feel the energy of the building yet no one has yet opened the oaken door.

Brude still stained with the blood of the dead Nethermen stands before the oaken door, the entrance to the ziggurat. He inspects it and looks for both traps and locks.

The door is wide, about 5 feet across and tall, nearly 10 foot. Very old and it looks thick. There is no handle of visible lock. There are a large number of shallow cuts and gouges in the wood.

Fernao moves to the door and looks at it closely, "I think I could open it. It does not look like it is trapped!"

OOC: Of course, our Tauran hasn't much in the way of theifly skills and knows nothing of engineering, so what's he know about traps?

Koryos walks over to the door and looks it up and down then looks at Fernao..."Maybe you can open it at that my friend!"

After a quick inspection is is almost certain that there are no traps connected to the large thick door. It does provide a great deal of resistance as Fernao begins to push against it with his might bovine shoulder. Seeing the trouble the great beast is having with the door, Koryos also lends a shoulder and between the two of them the door creaks open.

When the door opens it reveals a pitch black room, windowless and very very stale. You really can't see but a few feet into the building from the outside.

Upon seeing the mighty Fernao and Koryos push open the oaken door, Brude grabs a torch from his pack and flint and tinder and gets to work making a light. After a few seconds of struggle he stand, torch on his left hand held high and hatchet in his right hand ready to strike.

"Let me be the first to enter this ancient temple!"

Fernao grins, "Ah, go ahead, Broood, I'm close behind you, though!

As he speaks he is readjusting his gear and pulling his shield from behind him into a useful place on his arm.

As the Pict and the great Tauran move towards the door, Nkruma backs off. He seems to be a little spooked by the ziggurat. He was fine until now but now that the door is open he is having some seconds thoughts about this whole misadventure and a more spiritual and cosmic scale than just a bit of fear.

"Explore but take care, this place has suddenly made me uneasy. I wills tay here and watch for the Nether Scyths return."

Sabetha nods towards Nkruma..."I too will stay here on the outside and watch. I will also break into our stores and work on a  meal fit for adventurers such as ourselves."

Brude stops at the doorway and turns, "Yes Nkruma and Sabetha, stay here and keep watch. I fear the Nether Scyths will return." He then looks at the others, "Thamyron, Conall, Koryos, you will join us yes?"

The big Kurgan warrior smiles as he snatches up his axe and ques up behind Fernao, ready to enter the ziggurat. "Of course I will join you! Do you think I helped this great brute open the door so you two could get all the glory of raiding this dusty tomb alone?"

In reply to Brude (msg # 187):

A feral grin spreads across Conall's face, "Aye, this was why we came, was it not?"  He steps forward to join the others.

The party heads through the wide doorway with Brude in the lead, followed closely by Fernao, Koryos and Conall. Thamyron and Vranu bring up the rear.

They find themselves in a very large room. A statue of a strange giant lizard human crossbreed stands in the middle of the room with an ancient altar in front of it. The room seems empty besides these two items. There is a door on the opposite side of the room.

Koryos finds some wall mounted oil lamps that seem to have some oil left in them and lights them illuminating the 40'x40' room.

Now that the room is lit, there seems to be some items on the altar.

Seeing the statue b r ings Tamron to a halt.  His head snaps quickly to regard it, then moves quickly to observe the rest of the room, alert ft or signs of magic.

Fernao stands ready to defend or attack, but is uncertain what to do otherwise. After all, he's a fighter, not a thinker. At least not too much. Nor too quickly....

Koryos heads over tot he altar and takes a closer look but does not touch anything, like Fernao, he is a fighter, he will leave the artifacts for those of a more learned nature to inspect. He does turn and take a closer look at the statute standing behind the altar...it is a bit over ten feet tall and very menacing. I holds a great axe in it's claw-like hands.

Holding his torch high, Brude the Pict, joins the Kurgan at the altar.

When Brude joins Koryos at the altar something happens...he feels his left foot sink a little just as Koryos feels his right sink. They were standing with one foot on the same pavers on the floor which depressed slightly. The room shimmered for a second as some ancient magic was released and the energy filled the room.

Just a second later it became apparent to all in the room that the door had slammed shut and the great lizard man statue just a mere 5 feet behind both Koryos and Brude, was no longer just a statue.

Steam shot from it's nostrils and a dull fire burned in it's dark eyes. Much faster that it seemed possible the great lizard beast brought it's axe across in a sweeping blow hitting both Brude and Koryos. Both were able to dive out of the way but still the great blade caught them both. The armor of Koryos stopped all the damage while Brude sustained just a small flesh wound.