The notice had been brief.

The Emperor seeks your service:

A necromancer has been discovered on the badlands of Al-Wazif, plotting evil deeds and warfare that could reignite the Border Wars.  A mission is being conscripted of known heroes to travel south across the border and vanquish this threat without provoking open hostilities.  Services of all heroes is requested, those serving in the army will have their service waived during the time of the campaign.

For weeks it had been the topic of conversation all about Raphael.  Its contents seemed dire, though juxtaposed with the fact that it was only posted at the army conscription station at the center of town seemed to suck at the marrow of its argument.  Magic was a known tool of warfare, used by few and little understood by the masses.  Many spoke of how the legions were trying to exploit the people's fears and earn free manpower to exploit and probe the Wazifi border defenses with no fear of retribution.

Enquiring further provided few details.  A time and location were provided, the southern gates at the dawn of the 8th of March but the recruiters had few other details.  And so, when the morning broke on Saturday the 8th it was a sparse crowd that gathered at the gate.  Most apparent was the mule and driver, hauling a cart filled with burlap bags.  Ahead of them a short man dressed in legion mail stood, envelope in hand with his head whisking from side to side as if waiting for the crowd to converge.  Stood off from these two, a small crowd of women and children has grown, peering on though keeping well clear enough to prevent associating them with the requested 'heroes'.

It is here, on the 8th of March that marked the beginning of the new era, a transition from the calm following the border wars into the new future of Megalos.  It is here that we meet our newest heroes of the new order.

OOC:  This is an exclusive thread for Odelia, Gustav, Magnus, and Ronald.  It is 0600 on the 8th of March.  It's a cold morning, in the low 50's F or low 10's C.  I've left things open for everyone to make their own entrance.  Ronald, you can assume Terri is with you but leave roleplaying her to me.  Thanks everyone for the patience and I'm glad we are finally getting started!
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:00, Tue 01 May 2018.

There are many different sorts of agony.

Childbirth has been described by some as a sort of agony, a bittersweet ordeal, the giver and taker and lives, the pain by which other pains are measured. Defeat also is sometime referenced as agony, the haunting knowledge of a loss, the pain of a fight fought well to no avail, and the subsequent dread over the terms or demands of the victor.

For the Minotaur than lingered about a half hours walk from the gate, the agony was the sort that comes from being at a fork in the road of life. It was a decision that he had long pondered, long felt that he had come to grips with, only to find himself hesitating when the moment was actually upon him.

He had been unable to sleep well with his nervous excitement and had clambered to his feet with the first feeble rays of dawn, broken his camp and had his morning meal. Everything was ready, his satchel sitting by the rock that he sat upon staring into the little creek that he had camped besides, but he did not move, even after he had been ready for some time.

His very posture spoke of worry, hands clasped, bent forward slightly, his black within black eyes far away beneath a furrowed brow. It was everything he had wanted, legitimate employment, the protection of the Kings Law and the coin to break the cycle of intermittent poverty that he had found himself in as he drifted from job to job at roadsides and caravan stops.

But it was also terrifying in a way, to simply stroll up to the gates of a city as if he really belonged there, to go into what could be a mass of fighting men, armed and armored, ready and eager for bloodshed. What if the Kings representative sent him away? What if the others would not have him, or worse yet, turned upon him? It would not be the first time he thought to himself grimly.

Finally, as the morning grew later, the impulsiveness of youth won the day. All the nervousness and anxiety within him spoiled and turned to a low simmering frustration, a hint of anger that stoked what meager pride he possessed and got him to his feet. He was going, whatever happened, he would not spend that night worried sick to his stomach and maudlin with guilt.

He was going.

And so he slung his bag, keeping his flanged mace out of sight within it, set himself towards the west and started walking with a purpose.

He would know soon enough, one way or another.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Thu 14 Dec 2017.

Ronald arrives, with Terri in tow. The fur undergarments show through the mail, but it is the shield and crossbow that stand out most, almost obscuring the leather pouch on his back. He looks at her and smiles, before they both step forward, bringing with them scents of salt. Their clothes are those of the Sea, and his complexion is dark, but he looks like someone you could trust.

He noted the minotaur with interest. He had met some terrible humans, and found honour amongst those regarded as beasts, so time would tell with this one. He looked over the crowd, wondering about who else there was.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:20, Sun 05 Jan 2020.

    For the last few days, it had been all everyone had talked about. The notice that called for 'Heroes" had been posted and had originally gathered a small crowd around it, and had provided the small group of children and other roguish types with the chance to ply their trade. She'd noticed the young little things working themselves through the crowd, only one of them managed to get foiled by a particularly alert member of the crowd, and it had caused a small scene as the man and his guard chased after the boy, to the laughter and jeers of the others.

   She'd moved through the small crowd in the semi-darkness and pulled the dark green robe around her rounded curves and pulled the scarf over her head a little tighter.  Even though she wore padded cloth underneath her robe, she still shivered slightly while she made her way towards the gate where the Heroes were supposed to be meeting. She wanted to get a look at what sort of Heroes that the Imperial summons would bring.

   A hand went to her mouth as she tried to stifle the yawn that came unbidden to her lips. The olive-skinned digits remained in place as her emerald eyes caught sight of the tall ... beast ... that stood head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd. The sight of the horned beast slowed her movements while she watched in semi-fascination as it moved through the crowd, parting it like water in a river. She stopped behind the small gathering of women and children, recognizing a couple of them from the gathering from a few days ago. She managed a small smile to one of them as her nose caught what smelled like the sea.

   She looked to where two others were, a pair of darker skinned people that stood close enough together that it might be considered they were either related or married. She wasn't about to assume either, but the two seemed comfortable in their own company.

   Her eyes passed from the two seafolk to where the short Imperial was, dressed in the mail she knew was commonly worn. She waited for a moment to see if there would be any others, or if the Legionnaire would speak ...

Gustav found himself in a bind of sorts ...  any attempt to teach fencing would quickly draw attention, customers and the Carinal's fiends no doubt. He didn't really know any other skills well enough to live off them and he needed to get lost to the Cardinals agents. He had planned on running off to Caithness, but he had heard enough to discount that as a safe course of action. But this group of Heroes thing ... Megalos wasn't likely to let any of it's soldiers get wasted in some stupid revenge affair as hard a time as they found recruiting. The searchers would just be told he was dead. End of pursuit ... or so he hoped.

Money was getting thin, he couldn't keep on like this, so he packed up his gear and made his way to the Southern Gates, where he surveyed those he could see ... the small crowd looking on ... the little brat running toward him, whom he fixed in his sight with a hard smile... don't even think to try... he said softly, bring the boy up short.

He looked at the Huge Creature heading toward the Legionnaire ... now that might be a damn fine ally, if he was trustworthy. He looked at some of the others hanging back watching... hen squared his shoulders and walked up to the legionnaire... Count Me In.

As the walls of Raphael came into view Magnus could feel his heart begin to beat just a little faster. By the time he could make out the individuals, mostly women and children, milling around beneath the arch of the entrance in the distance his breathing was shallow and his mouth felt suddenly dry.

He has passed others on the way in, mostly people living in the countryside heading in to do business, or out eager to start their day and be home with their loved ones, most had stepped clear of the trail and watched him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

When he finally caught sight of the Legionnaire he felt nauseous, his mind was racing, dredging up all sorts of dreadful imagined scenarios that mostly ended with shouting, drawn weapons or hateful stares.

When word of his arrival began to spread, people turning, whispering, the bile rose in his throat and there was a burning before he swallowed it. He could taste the remnants of breakfast, boiled oats, a sliced apple and some strong cider.

He lingered on the periphery of the crowd, watched one human come forward dressed in a manner that he was not familiar with...his weapons looking finely wrought  and probably worth more than Magnus had earned in his lifetime.

Even those simple words "Count me in", did more for Magnus than the man would probably ever know. The decision to move on, to continue with the business at hand was the best of all the possibilities that had haunted him the night past. Others were there, professional soldiers by the looks of them...and they had not seemed alarmed.

Hope, faint but there eased the tension in the beast man's muscles, but he did not move forward, waiting instead to see what the Legionnaire would make of his arrival.

In reply to Rondald Bertrand (msg # 3):

Ronald moves forward to the Legionairre.

"You can count on our help as well. Is this minotaur here to help too, or as a sort of introductory test?"

And so, the small group of adventurers converged on the soldier, two women, two men, and of all things a minotaur.  The man seems uneasy at first, especially with the minotaur stepping forward at the start, but as other men seem to fill the gaps, he steps forward, shaking a few hands, and as the crowd gathers he seems all the more at ease.

"Welcome Heroes!"  The man calls, a smile on his face as he seems to be playing to the crowd behind the five as much as to the so called 'heroes' themselves.  "Doubtless you have heard the call of the Emperor and have answered with unchecked fervor!  For a necromancer is in our midst."  The man casts his eyes in all directions as he wags his head back and forth slowly, now undoubtedly playing to the crowd.

"Your destination is the Fort on Three Corners whose troops have already discovered our villain.  Here,"  The legionnaire hands Ronald a sealed white envelope, stamped and addressed to Captain Nathan Brashear, Megalos Infantry.  "Take this to the fort, with our well wishes.  It is some two weeks hence, south along the River Conn and West along the Makarem.  But Rudyard will know which way to take you.  He goes once a month, bringing the mail and supplies."  The legionnaire gestures towards the man sitting at the mule cart.

"Raphael whishes you the best of luck and successful hunting!   May the Emperor's grace fair thee well!"

OOC:  Ok, everyone's introductions made, we will be off to the adventure in the near future.  The only thing separating you from a necromancer's lair is a 200 mile journey and the start of another thread :D.  The good news is that I will do my best to fast forward through the unimportant parts of the journey (the road is modestly well worn, so unless you plan on cutting corners no navigation rolls will be needed) but you will still have a few challenges in this intro thread.  Essentially, your task is to escort Rudyard, the supplies driver along the route to the south and west towards three corners where the mission against the necromancer is being staged.  Feel free to ask questions in OOC if they are relevant or private if you are unsure.  I'll give everyone 3 days (real time) to add any equipment to their sheet that they think is necessary for a 200 mile trip across grassy plains in March.  I will take food into account, so if you have not put rations into your equipment, I suggest doing so now or risk the generosity of your fellow characters.  No need to roleplay this, just PM me the things you want to buy.

edit: If you wish to see the trek you are making you can look at the mpas thread.  Three corners is very close to the southwest corner of Megalos on the second map: link to a message in this game
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:52, Sun 17 Dec 2017.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 8):

"Thank you sir. We will do our best not to disappoint. Would the merchant mind us putting our bags on his cart?

Folks, are we ready to move out? I am Rondald, respected pirate hunter, and this is my wife Terri."

He leaves his description short for now.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:43, Sun 17 Dec 2017.

As the Legionnaire grandstanded for the crowd and wished them well, Magnus felt a great weight seem to lift from his mind. The Minotaur took a shaky breath as he realized that everything had gone far, far better than expected...indeed, he could scarcely believe it and stood in something approaching mild shock as he smiled and looked around at the departing crowd.

With the space in front of the gates beginning to clear out he turned and began to make his way over closer to the cart, and took the time to look over the people that he would be travelling with, perhaps even fighting alongside here over the next few weeks.

The one with the thin sword was coming, only a professional man at arms had the coin and the pull to carry a weapon that fine about , and Magnus took some comfort in that thought as he had wondered what sorts of people the notice might attract. It just as easily could have been a pack of overeager farmhands with tools or hand-me-downs in tow.

He next looked over to the swarthy pair and smiled, even giving the couple a nod in greeting. There was something especially wholesome about a man bringing his family along on the road, for surely given their demeanor towards each other, they had to be close. They reminded him in some ways of his own parents, and he wondered if they might have children of their own.

The third was more of a mystery, obviously a woman even beneath her robes and the scarf that obscured her features. The way that she had mingled among the crowd made him wonder if she was just a well off local come to satisfy her curiosity, or perhaps some daughter of a well to do merchant or a lesser noble family. He took care not to stare at that one, just in case some dutiful escort or protector lurked nearby.

He knew he would need to provision for the trip, but for the moment he stood near the cart, peered into it for a moment to see what sort of room was left, then watched the others mill about, still a little hesitant to approach any of them directly.

The Army does not supply rations?

Gustav was discouraged by this... had he made a serious mistake here? He expected to be equipped and fed, now that didn't seem to be the case.  He'd need to get some food it seemed. Probably need a Spear too... the cart looked slow, probably take half a month to get there. He doubted he could afford that much food, nor carry it.

    Stepping from the gathering of women and children, she grunted slightly as she shouldered the pack against her back and began walking towards the gathered other members. The dark lime robe she wore might have been worn by a merchant's daughter at first, but it was now more worn and a little threadbare with use. The lighter, olive scarf looked a little better, but it too had seen wear from use. The boots and gloves she wore looked newer and seemed to be geared more to keeping her body warm from the weather than used as protection. Around her waist was a bit of leather that swayed slightly from side to side, but didn't look like a belt. A closer look showed it to be a leather whip, one that had been tied to look like a belt around her waist.

   The pack she wore appeared full and a blanket had been rolled and secured to the bottom of it. There was also a bundle of what looked like canvas that had been tied to the left side, along with a meter-length pole. For all the burden it appeared to be, the young girl carried it with little trouble.

   Green eyes looked in the direction of the Legionnaire, but her eyes never met the Imperial. She kept them down, looking at the infantryman's knees as she walked to where the cart was. Eyes just as quickly glanced at the others, only pausing to linger a moment longer on the horned male before she stepped to the back of the wagon and stood there, and waited patiently ...

While five souls (It would be a stretch to call them, men or people, or even heroes) approach the cart, it seems only Ronald had the courage to speak at first.  They are a few words of question and introduction, but never the less, they seem to take the soldier at a loss.

"Ah. Yes, I'm sure Rudyard won't mind a few extra pounds for the shared protection no?"  The man glances at the cart driver who merely grunts his acceptance with annoyance.

Several awkward moments pass, Gustav in particular spending several moments in discomfort, but it is Terri who steps forward from behind Ronald and asks the question that seems to be on more than one mind.  "Excuse me sir, but we were under the impression that this mission was funded by the Emperor...  Are you saying that we're providing for ourselves and providing protection for the cart as well?".

"Ah..."  The legionnaire retreats a step as he cements the smile on his face.  "You see, the fort itself has requested the support, and there is no doubt that it will fund your services as you say.  However, Raphael does not have the ability to purchase your services with the various forts we must resupply across the border."  Terri's face falls slightly and the legionnaire attempts a quick recovery.   "However, this necromancer is sure to have gold beyond your wildest dreams so your efforts will soon be rectified!"  Terri seems unsatisfied with the answer, though she keeps any additional comments to herself.

OOC:  Figured I would make one more post here before fast forwarding.  Answering a few questions that came up either in private or in post.  Firstly, I have closed out the character sheets because I generally use those as my scrap sheet to make any marks on your character.  I know it's easier for you guys to just subtract your own money to get your own supplies but I like to make sure the realism of equipment and supplies are played out as realistically as possible.  I've made edits for two of you with requested additional supplies, if there are any more requests feel free to get them in within the next day or so and I'll honor them.  Feel free to post again IC or not but as a general rule, my NPC's won't respond to content in your posts that are not explicitly speech or action.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 13):

Rondald picks up on his wifes concern.

"So you are saying we won't actually get PAID for our work. You are just assuming the Necromancer has not spent all of his money on equipping his undead army...right?"

Gustav makes a mirthless smile ... or did you pocket the money assigned to this task?

Gustav was irritated, his assumptions flawed; this Army is neither well organized nor well supplied, which means the leadership must be lacking. Expecting us to bite on a promise of gold that some General would steal, if it even existed. Maybe he should just walk off now while he could.

Magnus seemed to stand in direct counterpoint to some of the other "volunteers", as tense as the situation might be regarding their pay, provisions and the nature of their employment, he just could not help but smile given his palpable relief.

He did meet the robed females eyes  more by reflex than anything, but averted his own gaze immediately, leading to what some might describe as a very polite avoidance.

Not wanting to interrupt the negotiations, but perhaps fearful that he might get left behind, he waited for a suitable break in the conversation to clear his throat. "I'm gonna go try to buy some food for the trip" he interjected with a thumb over his shoulder towards the gate, his baritone rumbling in the crisp morning air as he looked between the Legionnaire, Rondald and Gustav. "I'll be right back." he assured them as he started to move in the direction of the city proper, casting a look over his shoulder by habit as he walked.

OOC: Good to move ahead whenever, if this goes on long enough I'll try to post him rejoining them, if not I guess we can pick this up on the road.

   She watched the interplay of the men with that of the Legionnaire as her shoulders shifted and shrunk slightly. She could hear the irritation and annoyance in the voices of the Seafarer as he followed what she could only assume was his woman of some sort, while the other man inferred that the Legionnaire or his superiors would line their own pockets - something that wasn't uncommon in the City.

   The dark, thin lines of her brows knitted together while she stood next to the wagon. The thick straps of the pack were beginning to dig into her shoulders and the weight was starting to become noticeable. Her lips curled into a small wry smile while she kept her head lowered to avoid her expression being seen by the others.

As Ronald restates the concerns of the five, the legionnaire wags both hands in front of him palms out as if trying to quell an egregious misunderstanding.

"No, no, no...  Of course you will be paid..."  But whatever the man was about to say next is cut short by Gustav's response.   Perhaps it had been meant as a quip, perhaps it had been meant to bring levity to the situation, or perhaps the man had never been meant to hear the comment at all but the words are said loud enough for everyone around to hear.

or did you pocket the money assigned to this task?

The legionnaire's accommodating face drops in a moment to knife-edged seriousness, his hands falling down by his waist as they grip reflexively into fists and his eyes fall directly upon Gustav.  The broadsword at his waist that had seemed somewhat ceremonial up to this point all of the sudden seems much more functional.  "Now there's no need for personal insults, boy-o."  The man starts calmly.  "We has all got jobs to do and mine is to see your crew off.  It's Three Corners what has asked for you, not Raphael.  They'll set your pay and allowances.  Did you think the Emperor was throwing gold at anyone who could read what came to the gate today?"  The man's gaze softens for a moment, his piece said, though his eyes stay focused on Gustav, waiting for a retort that might conflagrate the situation.

Magnus, knowing full well that if any hostilities were to start he would be the first one to blame, quickly takes his leave.

"Oh, don't cause trouble mister."  Terri says towards Gustav from behind.  "It won't serve anything to cause a ruckus."

OOC:  The legionnaire stands some 5 yards out in front of the others, his eyes serious though he has not yet reached for his sword.

We'll move forward as soon as we iron out this piece here.  I realize that none of you guys have gamed with me before so I'll put up some notes about the way I play in the OOC thread as soon as I'm done here.  Just realize that I play NPC's as if they were characters, if you insult them they will react, if you hit them they will fight back, and reaction checks always apply, so (for example) if you have a -4 reaction penalty, most people probably won't like you much.

Gustav responds as firmly as the legionnaire had spoken.

"So the Emperor expects us to pay our way, while guarding his supply cart to apply for a job 200 miles away? I would have thought the posting would have made that clear. And I am not a boy and not here to insult ... many men in such positions in the Army steal funds meant for other purposes. I find this situation most peculiar and that's why I question it."

His hands are near enough to his weapons, but he makes sure he does not look the least ready to go to blows or that his voice sounds at all antagonizing.  Certainly not worth fighting the whole garrison over.

The legionnaire keeps his air of seriousness for a moment, his gaze held on Gustav as the man addresses his real concerns and the unquestionable corruption of the Megalan Army.  However, after a brief moment, a hint of a smile returns to his lips.

"The Emperor expects nothing.  Ask your questions."  The man gestures goodbye to Rudyard and turns his back to the group.  "Accompany Rudyard or not, it matters little.  He has made this trip many times."

The crowd surrounding the small party starts to disperse as the legionnaire begins his walk away, though a few hangers on still wait, their eyes still peeled on the two swordsmen as if waiting for the tension to build again.

OOC:  Sorry, just one last check to make sure that nothing unexpected comes of this.  I'll move on here as soon as I'm sure everyone is on board (even if disgruntled) and there isn't any further altercation.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 20):

Rondald walks over to the cart and puts his backpack on it, then he lifts Terri's up as well. Gustav had valid concerns, but clearly this chap was not going to resolve them.

He and Terri took what was needed for the trip from their packs and prepared to accompany Rudyard.

"I guess you do not expect too much trouble on this trip. How many hours a day do we march?"

Gustav grumbles to himself, hesitates, then puts his pack on the cart. His choices were running out and Raphael wasn't a good choice anymore. He kept his spear, sword and knives and his water skin as he walked beside the Cart.

Rubs me wrong, but I don't see a better choice at this time, so what brings you all to take this desperate route?

    The woman slipped the pack from her shoulders while her shoulders dropped slightly, then rose as she lifted it up and put it into the wagon, then raised her emerald robes slightly - showing the soft cloth boots she wore and the hint of the cloth leggings as well - as she stepped up into the wagon. After a moment's work to move things to where she could be comfortable, she sat down and rearranged her robe modestly.

   She took a moment to look towards the rising sun while the morning's cold winds chilled her.  A short glance to her pack was followed by the soft bite of her lip while she watched the others before the blonde man asked about everyone's reasons for going on the trip. As she had done so far, she said nothing as she brought her pack into her lap and rested it there while she looked shyly towards the others.

It did not seem to take very long before the Minotaur could be seen exiting the gates, a large sack over one shoulder in addition to the satchel that he had arrived with. Although it was hard to gauge just how much food he might have procured, it was probably safe to assume that it would be enough for the trip.

Still seemingly unarmed and unarmored aside from his sturdy looking work clothing, the beast-man approached the wagon and gently reached over the side to nestle the sack in among the other belongings and essentials. After that had  been accomplished he nodded to the wagons driver and took one last look back at the city and the place where they had assembled, his expression thoughtful.

In reply to Magnus (msg # 24):

"We have been doing OK fighting pirates with the Empires Fleet, and looked for a step up. You new here?"

His mannerisms were matter of fact as he approached the trader.

"I think we are all here. If you are ready, lets head off and see how safe this route really is."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:45, Fri 22 Dec 2017.

Was just moving through, made a serious enemy back home and he is out to see me dead. Thought this army thing might throw him off... we'll see I suppose.

No reason to go into details, just said enough to explain where he was coming from. The woman was interesting ... certainly not typical of those he was familiar with. The Pirate hunters were as brusque as he was and the big guy seemed mellow and a little shy. Gustav expected that he could be a real handful in a fight though. Hadn't head a word from Rudyard, the cart driver, but he must have some ability to be running this route alone.

And so the six set off.  Ronald, (bearing the small sealed letter that the legionnaire had given him) Terri, Magnus, Odelia, Gustav, and Rudyard along with the mule Sadie.  Their task was simple: to deliver the cart of supplies to the Fort on Three Corners and report for their mission to destroy the Necromancer but despite its simplicity, concern had already started to grow on the earnestness of their employers.  So far they had been denied pay up front, food for the trip or any travel accommodations and that was to say nothing of the challenges they would have ahead...

Still, their journey started off easy enough.  The cool morning air was chilly at worst and refreshing as the miles began behind them began to build in the late morning and early afternoon.  The conversation starts easily enough amongst the group, Rudyard himself even proves to be chatty once their trip is underway and proves to have a wealth of information.  He lets the others know he has indeed made the trip many times, that their first stop will be the Fort Conn, which is located where the River Conn meets the Makarem some 80 miles from the start of their journey.  On the best of trips it can be made in the second day, though often it is reached in the morning or afternoon of the third.  From there the road follows the Makarem to the west and fall into disrepair some 50 miles prior to Three Corners, though the mostly easy terrain makes the trip fairly quick.  All in all the trip is just over 200 miles and usually takes a week in good weather.

As the questions bounce back and forth the group begins to get a sense of the others, Rudyard quiet but sarcastic and boisterous when engaged, Gustav curt and waspish, Magnus reserved, Ronald forthright to the point of tactlessness, and Terri accommodating and selfless.  Only the woman in full burka and veil seems to hold back and when Terri falls back to converse with her the woman only shakes her head.  Though when the group breaks for lunch the other ushers herself off, facing a small rug to the south as she commits devotions for several minutes.

Indeed, the first two days pass near seamlessly, and Rudyard wonders audibly if the group might make Fort Conn before setting camp that night.  After a short conversation with an eye off to the west where a storm is building, the group decides to push on to try and make the fort before nightfall.  And just as the sun is dimming behind the hillsides the group makes out the walls of the structure peaking out from the floor of the plains in the south.

The decision to move on proves to be a good one, for the whole group is welcomed in the fort (though Magnus swears he receives some hostile glances) and shortly after they arrive the storm hits, pelting the fort walls with fat drops of rain and crackling lightning across the skies.  Indeed, the storm seems to settle in, building and churning overhead throughout the night and the morning spitting pelting drops of rain and sending down lightening that seems to crack a mere stone's throw from the fort itself.  Rudyard decides that the group shall stay at the fort till the weather breaks, for though the cart is lightened considerably, leaving will likely result in little travel and great misery from the conditions.

Unfortunately for them, though the thunderclouds break they are followed by gale force winds that sweep across the gentle plains, carrying up the spittles of rain and sodden grass from the floor of the plains and whisking them with such force as to sting the eyes and face and to make it hard to keep the eyes open.  The wind howls with such ferocity that Sadie shakes with fear even in her stall.

A full three days the group stays at the fort, tempers flaring due to the delay and the dwindling rations of food.  Gustav had run through his supplies first, though Terri was quick to provide in the deficiency.  Ronald too, and run out of food on the third day though again Terri shares from her own supplies to make up the difference.  Though even her supplies would not meant to upkeep three persons instead of one.  Her supplies had run dry on the fifth evening, though she manages to wheedle the soldiers for enough supplies to last the afternoon.

It is as the sixth day draws to late afternoon that the six are discussing the topic of food.

"I can spend some time to fish the waters of the Makarem, but it will mean delay as we wait.  I'm sure the fish won't bite but the early morning and the dusk when we could be moving.  Though if we..."

"What's that up there?"  Rudyard cuts across the woman.

On the road ahead a barricade is stretched across, a single man in heavy leathers with the emblem of the emperor stands in front.

"Never been a crossing guard here before..."  Rudyard murmurs under his breath.

OOC:  It is 1530 on the 13th of March.  You guys are still some thirty yards off from the obstruction but it continues across the entire stretch of the road and off each side some ten feet.  While it would be easy to walk around, the cart itself would likely risk damage on the various rocks and uneven terrain around.  The guard undoubtedly sees you and is awaiting your approach.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 27):

Rondald is already a little short tempered. He had intended to supplant his rations with a little hunting each day, but weather had not been permitting. Now, a new apparent roadblock was more than a little concerning...pirates usually worked this way, and they would only have had to waylay one hapless guard to get that uniform. He beckons Terri to stay behind him, and he walks side by side with Rudyard. He checks his crossbow is loaded and ready, and checks over his gear as he approaches. Drawing the letter, he tucks it into his right hand and, allowing the crossbow to gently lower its weight onto the sling, where he could access it if needed, he readies his shield to cover both him and Rudyard a little.

"Since we are escorting you, Rudyard, I will let you talk."

Magnus slowly but surely comes to relax among the little group, although even then he could hardly be called talkative. It does not seem to come from a lack of understanding or any kind of deficiency in the Anglish tongue, but rather a habit it seems of listening far more than he speaks, although he does share a few details.

He had grown up in Megalos, his Father apparently working as a caravan guard for a close knit merchant company and his mother cooking and provisioning for the same. He seemed comfortable enough keeping pace with the wagon, his hoofed prints biting deep into the mud of the road after the storms fury. That same mud had a tendency to cake uncomfortably in his shaggy fur, up to his calves at times, which seemed to mildly irritate him as he would periodically reach down to knock the accumulation loose.

The topic of food is one that the beast-man shys away from at first. The sack that he had bought still seems to hold its shape fairly well, although after Terri's own generosity, he seemed more comfortable offering up his own. "If anybody really needs it, we can dip into mine" he had offered when it had become apparent that they still had some way to go.

As they rounded the corner and spotted the guard however his glossy black eyes widened perceptibly and he licked his lips at least once as he seemed to become a little agitated. As they grew nearer they found him drifting to the rear and the middle of the group, perhaps purposefully removing himself from the fore to avoid having to engage the man in conversation.

While at the Fort, Gustav slipped Terri 3 silver to see if she could wangle a bit of food for them to travel on. He otherwise tended t keep to himself, stretching his arms, legs and torso several times during the stop to keep himself loose and supple. He disliked the wait, but agreed only a fool or desperate man would venture out in it. He was glad to leave and stretched his legs, taking deep breaths to clear his lungs of the close, smokey air of the fort.

The fence and guard surprised him and he looked at Rudyard, his murmured comment brought Gustav, on guard ... not with weapons drawn, but with his senses paying careful attention to all around him. He placed himself on the side of the road opposite that which Ronald had taken. He kept the spears butt grounded but he could correct that in a second if need be. His eyes searched left and right and he listened very closely for unexpected sounds.

   For the first time in a long time, the emerald robed girl's shoulders had lowered when they left civilization behind. The smells, as well as the crowds, didn't seem to be a comfort to her. But once the town was behind them, she showed less tension and breathed easier as the smell of rotting garbage and filth gave way to the sweeter smells of nature. She fell asleep on top of her pack after she'd unlimbered a woollen blanket from her belongings and slept for a couple of hours at first, and awoke when she heard Rudyard talking about the details of his trip.

   She was clean when it came to things like food - cleaned up behind herself and generally tried not to make a mess, either in the preparation or eating of the food she'd brought with her. Meat, cheese and bread didn't permit much in the way of variety, but she had also brought a trio of oranges along with her, which she used a knife to halve, then quarter before she ate. Those who asked would receive a quarter for little more than a nod of her head.

   Despite her garments making her appear like a merchant's daughter, she walked on the road (mostly on the grass beside it) to keep the mud from gathering on her leather boots. Her eyes always looked around as she took in the scenery more often than not, as though she was seeing such sights for the very first time.

   As they made their way to the Fort, she never spoke a word, simply using her thin, dusky fingers to point to this or work them to try to quickly form a picture for anyone trying to follow. At first, it was Rondald's wife, Terri, who she spoke with first haltingly. She began with slow and simple gestures until the other woman had shown she understood, then moved on to more 'complex' ideas, which usually took more effort and gestures. When the men spoke, she simply stopped moving her hands and listened, content to wait until they had finished before beginning again.

   She kept her distance from Rondald - his rough demeanour and manner of speaking made the young woman wary of the Seafarer. The Horned One, who referred to himself as 'Magnus', brought the odd stare as if it seemed that she'd never seen one of his sort before. Gustav seemed to keep mostly to himself and she seemed perfectly fine with that notion.

   The arrival of the storm had made the young woman look nervous and she hurried along with the rest to the Fort and made her way inside, glad of the lack of notice that the inhabitants were giving her. When she'd recovered her things, she found the most out of the way place and remained there for a good portion of their stay at the Fort and rarely venturing outside while the crash and the rolling thunder shook the building. It was clear that she didn't like storms ...

   She was willing to share her own rations - it wasn't much, but at least it was something. She'd started to eat less as food stocks began to dwindle, finally eating little more than a handful in the morning after prayer, and in the evening when by the fire. While other tempers were shortened by the lack of food, the only indication of emotion on her features was a deepening of the crease between her dark, pencil-thin brows.

   When they'd arrived at the barricade, and the Imperial Guardsman standing next to it, she watched the others with her senses alert and eyes scanning the immediate area. If this was a trap of some sort, the 'Guardsman' was the bait, and there would be others hiding nearby with weapons drawn.

Rudyard nods at Ronald's comment and nudges Sadie on, closing the distance slowly between the group and the barricade.  Magnus, uncertain at best of the situation, starts to drift back in the group, attempting to put both distance and people between himself and the imperial guard.

Meanwhile, both Odelia and Gustaf watch feverishly watch each side of the road, looking for some hiding place for more troops in wait for an ambush.  The grasses reach their thin blooms to the sky at shin height and the slight hills roll off in all directions - yet despite their search they see no other troops in wait, and in truth see few places around them where hiding would be possible lest the disguises were complete.  Still wary, the group follows along in trail of the cart.

"Halt!"  The soldier calls as the wagon and crew stand off some dozen paces.  The man's eyes opens wide and a crossbow is snatched up to rest against his shoulder.  It is now easy to make out the scabbard of a sword hanging idly by his hip.  "What is this!?"  The man spits.  "Bring you monsters to fight against the will of is imperial majesty?"

"Easy now."  Rudyard offers and he pulls Sadie to a halt.  "We are traveling on the Emperors will ourselves to the Fort on Three Corners.  We go there to deliver supplies and armsmen to the fight against the necromancer that has been found in the lands of Al-Wazif."

"Toll is one gold mark!"  The man spits back.  "An if'n any of you so much as think to play wiv us that one is the first one to get it!  I have five men wiv me all bows a loaded an ready to fire!  Jes try and test it."

Rudyard's teeth grit as his jaw clenches.  "Highway robbery!  There's never been a toll here as long as I've run this route and even then that price is insane!"

"Den turn your ass around!"  The man shouts back, his crossbow unwavering as it points towards the group.

Rudyard's voice drops as he addresses the small group around him.  "I don't have that much coin.  To be true I have but a few pennies to my name as I'm usually paid at the end of my route with the writs from the fort.  There's never been a toll here before..."

Gustav's eyes follow a flash of color as it shifts behind the wooden barricade.

OOC:  For those of you who asked about the surrounding environment, there isn't a lot of area to hide in.  The grasses rise to just below the knee and are now green and starting to bloom.  There are few trees and none within several yards of the road.  There are some gentle hills around but hiding behind any of them would put your assailants several dozen yards away.  The only obvious place to hide is behind the barricade.  It looks mostly like the link below, though the cross braces go all the way down to the bottom, making it difficult to see through.  You guys are now about 15 yards from the barricade with the soldier a yard in front of the reinforcement.  The ground around is just grass and rock, so it would be easy to walk around, though the cart would risk damage moving from the hardened road to the soft earth laden with rock.


Barricade

In reply to Raddek (msg # 32):

Rondald places his shield on the ground as a rest for his crossbow between himself and the barricade, and he then raises his own crossbow, and as he does, he glances over at the barricade to see if there are any folk behind it.

"I assume you have some documentation to prove your legitimacy, as we do?" he calls out.

[OOC: such a barricade would be relatively easy to see through at this range. Can anyone be seen behind it?]

He aims carefully for the mans head...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Sun 31 Dec 2017.

The expression that settled over Magnus's bovine features was a little hard to read given his inhumanity. It was probably mostly guilt, guilt that his presence had led them here, and perhaps some kind of forced reservation as if he was trying hard not to open his mouth or look at the man in any particular way. The look had nothing to do with surprise, that was certain.

Slowly, purposefully, he reached down and used his fingers to loosen the strings of his belt pouch...and froze as Rondald began to raise his own crossbow, his jawline clenched and he made a noise in the back of his throat, something like a soft grunt only audible to those nearest to him. His eyes flicked back up to the guard and the beast man took a step towards the relative cover of the cart.

There are men behind the Chemin de frise. I see none anywhere else close.

He moves out to the side the height of a tall man staying on guard. His attempt is to block any line of sight through the slats in the barricade.

   With her warm blanket around her, the young lady had been reading from her holy texts when they'd come upon the barricade and the single guard armed with a crossbow on his shoulder. She quickly closed the book and put it back in her pack and listened to the man call out to the group. Her brow crinkled slightly at the mention of the toll - a gold mark - which was easily more than anyone could make in a year. She doubted that all of them could raise that sort of coin if they pooled their money together and even if they could, there was no way any of them would surrender such a sum in the first place.

   She moved to the back of the wagon, then eased herself off the end and her mud-stained boots 'splocked' on the wet road. Thin fingers went to her waist and undid the length of leather that had been cinched above the belt she wore. A moment later, the length of leather uncoiled into a whip that she drew up into three leather rings and made her way towards the front of the wagon - making sure that she wasn't seen by the 'Imperial' at the cheval de frise ...

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
14:12, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 10 using 3d6.  Stealth check to leave the wagon & keep out of sight.

---

Tensions rise as the group comes to a standstill, exposed in the road as the single visible guard demands a small fortune for their toll.  Odelia makes her way back to the front of the cart and towards the side of the road, he whip in hand while Ronald puts his shield to the ground to give himself cover.

"Now let's keep ourselves peaceable."  Rudyard offers to the man as he eyes maintain on the soldier's crossbow.  "There's no need to take things..."

"Treachery!"  The man shrieks as Ronald brings his crossbow to bear from behind his impromptu cover.  Twang!  The crossbow barks the bolt whizzing through the air directly at the cart.  Gustav twitches away as the bolt buzzes close by his left side and careens onward to Magnus.  Zizz, the bolt sizzles as it passes a fingernail's breath from the minotaur's ear.

"Shit!"  Rudyard shouts, grabbing hard on the reins although Sadie doesn't yet seem to recognize the danger afoot.

OOC:  Action is stopped immediately post the crossbow bolt being fired.  Luckily, it didn't hit anyone.  The guard now stands with an empty crossbow held it both hands.  Combat map is posted below sorry my skills at mapping technology are laughable, but at least you guys get the point.  Terri and Magnus both have partial cover (-2) and Ronald is ducked down behind his shield.  Everyone, if you haven't already stated what you have in your hands, please post it in your next response or I'll consider your hands empty.  As stated in the last post, the barrier is complete enough that you can't see through it.  Please post 3 seconds worth of action, though if anyone wants to attempt to talk the guards down you are welcome to try.  Don't forget to add your defenses, or I will assume a normal dodge for ranged attacks or a retreating dodge for melee.  Ronald does not yet have any aim bonus.

Battle Map

It all happened in an instant.

Magnus whipped his head to the side subconsciously as the crossbow released with a clack, it was not enough to have escaped the path of the bolt that blinked by in a blur had the man had been a better shot, but the beast mans fur rippled as the fletching passed and the thin barely audible hiss would haunt him in his dreams...provided he lived that long.

Every muscle tensed as he threw himself behind the cart and he cursed in a language that was not Anglish, only loud enough for Terri to hear. It was a deep, hoarse half bark made through clenched teeth that complimented the way his black on black eyes narrowed, full of rage and hate.

He shrugged out of his satchel and dumped the contents unceremoniously on the soft churned up soil of the road, little sacks, canvas, a hatchet all spilled out, a pan drum made a hollow sound as it rolled off to the roadside and settled, but among them the heavy jingling sound of a bunched up chain mail hauberk, and the dull clink of a mace hitting a half buried stone.

The mace was an ugly thing, shod with a steel head in the four sided "pyramid" design, the striking surface ran over the last eighth of the weapon and was spotted with light rust. The haft was maybe two feet of thick hardwood, nicked and gouged over the years.

He knelt and went for the hauberk first, his fingers grasping for the bottom hem as he pulled it wide and tried to shrug it on in his haste.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Tue 02 Jan 2018.

Damn, had if I stand and had if I advance ... retreating offers little advantage ... guess it's all poor choices ... God hates a quitter.

Gustav froze for only a split second, then advanced (full move at the trot), spear balanced in his right hand as his left drew the main gauche to get as close to the chemin de frise as he could get ... it offered some cover for him too, if he lived that long. As he moved he yelled Avec Sauvon   He will throw the spear at the first man with a bow who rises up...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Tue 02 Jan 2018.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 37):

Rondald crouches behind his shield, and with his crossbow braced on the shield he takes careful aim at the speakers head.

"Attack if you are asked for identification? You are no servant of the Emperor, or the Empire! Surrender now or die a thieves death! You will not be warned again!"

   Moving out from the cart, she kept the whip coiled in her right hand and her body low to avoid being seen as much as possible while moving to the right of the "Imperial". Green eyes kept moving, looking for any other places where the man's confederates might be hiding. If it were possible to either strike one of them or flank the man at the barricade, it was worth being exposed.

The small group of adventurers had not been traveling long, and even as such the conditions had been strained.  They had not expected to encounter a fight quite this early and thusly each person's response was markedly different.

Magnus and Terri stay huddled behind the wagon, Terri perhaps waiting for clarity though Magnus spews his belongings upon the ground in an effort to dawn his battle gear.

Ronald also plays a cautious route, attempting to end their encounter with words.  Odelia makes her way to the right, straying off the path in an effort to flank their opponents.

It is Gustav however, that takes matters into his own hands.  Gripping his spear in his right hand in a throwing grip he charges forward, directly at their sole assailant.

"Shit!"  The man screams as he turns on a foot and launches himself overtop of the gaps in the barricade sending himself head over heels as he tucks a single arm underneath him as he tumbles and disappears behind the obstruction.  It is only for a moment, however, that they stand there unopposed, as two more of the brutes stand up from behind the barrier, exposing their head and shoulders as well their ranged weapons.  There is a burly bearded man on the right holding a crossbow, and another hooded youth to the left holding a medium bow.  Each is pointing their weapons at Gustav.

Gustav does not hesitate but launches his spear at the one to his right, however without aiming his throw the dart whistles harmlessly wide, missing right by a mile.

"Stand fast!"  The man to the south shouts, his crossbow taking a bead on Gustav midstride.

Battle Map

OOC:  Battle map updated below.  Magnus has his mail shirt "ready" with both hands and can begin donning it next turn.  Gustav has thrown his spear and now stands empty handed.  You may attempt to leap over the barricade on this next turn, if so roll against Acrobatics (defaults to DX-6) to do a tumble like the man before you or you can roll against DX-2 to simply avoid the barricade and land prone.  Terri does not seem to be doing anything yet, and likewise, Rudyard seems to be waiting to make any action.  Odelia is hands empty and now standing off the road facing the barricade.  Ronald is crouching and has his crossbow in both hands, precariously balancing his shield in front of him as cover.  Please give me 3 more round of action.

Gustav isn’t thinking anymore, he is acting based on experience and training. To stop is to die or be captured, so it comes down to actions, the bowman is going to find it hard to track Gustav, and he can  make some efforts to evade , making it harder yet…  he wants one of the thugs between him and the bowman to further confuse the situation. Better a poor plan executed quickly than the best plan too late, already running he surges forward, somersaulting in front of the Chemin de Frise, and drawing his sword as he comes to his feet and tries to vault the barrier as had the Thug. He will come to his feet facing the back of the barrier with sword in hand, he hopes.

Unfortunately he fouls up the first summersault, barely manages to draw his sword and rises to his feet in front of the damned barricade. He’d screwed up and it wasn’t going to go well… but he swings at the man to his front, (assuming he is in range) and tries to prepare to go over the barrier.

Although only Terri could see him, Magnus was obviously in a fell state of mind as he slipped the mail hauberk over his head. As fast as he could manage he jammed his arms through the sleeves and threaded his horns through the neck opening, a feat made significantly easier by the fact that the hauberk was slightly too big for him. This was also fortunate as in his haste he had donned it over his waterskin , which left a conspicuous bulge at his left hip.

With the hauberk still bunched up about his waste, he snatched up the mace in his right hand and stood, the weight of the chain links finally pulling it down about his thighs. Once on his feet the Minotaur surveyed the barricade with murderous intent and exhaled sharply through his nose, more than likely looking for the man who had nearly planted a bolt in his skull.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Thu 04 Jan 2018.

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 43):

Rondald aims for a second at the leaders head before firing.

[OOC: GURPs does not have a generic head hit location that includes face and skull...do you have a house rule for that? If not, then I will use skull, as I rolled, but would prefer head.

He then drops his crossbow, with the weight being taken up by the sling as it swings down beside him as he picks up us shield and moves to the opposite end of the barricade as Odella is moving to.

    She hated being in the open like this - daylight was the worst of times to do anything of this kind and having as many eyes open to see her set her teeth on edge. She'd wanted to remain behind the cart, but both the woman and the Horned One were back there which left no room to keep out of sight.

    She moved as quickly as she could and kept to the crouch she was in, the whip handy to quickly disarm the man on the right side of the barricade. She kept going, jade flints flashing in her eyes as she closed in on her prey.

Gustav knows that this combat has proceeded too far to retreat back at this point, he digs his heels into the ground and rushes forward grit in his teeth as he attempts to tuck and roll over the barricade.

Twang! Ziip!

Gustav twists wildly, seeing first the crossbow pointed straight at him!  The bolt narrowly misses, but even as Gustav takes a moment to let out his breath...

Twang!

This time Gustav is not prepared and his rapid defense does not protect him, the arrow strikes a stinging blow that rips across his ribcage underneath of his left arm.  Still spinning away from the blow, Gustav finds himself off balance, trying to jump from a side-foot.  Nevertheless, his momentum is too much to get away from the attempt now.  Launching himself the best he can, Gustav finds he has miscalculated the jump poorly.

Twang!

One more time the sound rings out as Ronald shoots his own weapon at the man to the south, though his aim is off by a half a foot.

"Ooof!"  The air rushes out of his lungs as he lands mercifully between two of the stakes, the near side scraping a superficial bloody gash down his calf.  Knowing all well how exposed he is sitting atop the barricade, Gustav takes a grasp with both hands and pulls himself down, landing flat with another thud.

On the far side of the wall, his finds his opponent scuttling backward from the barricade and rising to his knees as he grasps a sword at his hip, unsheathing it even as he pulls himself to his feet and spins to face Gustav who still lays on his back.

As for the other men, the bow and arrow wielder to the north draws a further arrow from his quiver and knocks the weapon pointing down at Gustav at a range that is nearly impossible to miss...

Meanwhile Odelia has made her way south around the barricade.  She watches as he closest foe draws a sword and takes a step towards Gustav...  Things look dire indeed for the swordsman who thought it his duty to take on three attacks on his own...

OOC:  I have rushed post to get something up so if something is confusing please feel free to PM me or post in OOC and I'll try and clear it up.  Gustav is supine in the hex that previous middle foe was occupying with two empty hands.  It looks like all three of the bandits are targeting (facing) you for the moment.  He also took a stinging arrow wound across his ribcage that ripped through his light armor.  Odelia is five hexes south of the southern foe and has a ready whip in her right hand.  Magnus is standing in his previous hex with a ready mace.  Ronald is standing one hex northeast of his previous with a ready buckler in his left hand and an empty right hand.  The northern foe is drawing another arrow, the middle foe is drawing a sword and standing one hex east of his previous spot.  The southern foe has also dropped his crossbow and drawn a sword.  He is currently facing north towards Gustav and has his back to Odelia.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 47):

Rondald whips out his knife even as he closes the gap. Racing off at a sprint around the north of the barricade, Rondald knows he has not long to back up his companion, and he runs accordingly.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Sat 13 Jan 2018.

Sucks to be me Gustav thinks as he arches his back and attempts to fling himself away a little, roll and get to his feet ... It's so hard to dodge on your back

Magnus was already moving by the time the crossbows began to fire.  With most of his weight forward he came out from behind the wagon at a run, his cloven feet kicking up clods of the damp earth as he moved. With the rhythmic hard impacts and the jingling of his ring mail with every step it was hard to not hear him coming.

With Odelia to the south and Rondald looking like he was going to try and vault the barricade, Magnus took the northern side in an effort to flank whoever lay beyond it.

As he drew nearer his nostril began to flare more violently with every exhalation, his entire body trembled with fear, excitement and rage, and his shaggy hand gripped the mace with white knuckled intensity.

    She watched the man closest advance, seeing steel emerging from his scabbard. There was little time to think - most of what would be done next would be done on instinct rather than planning.

    She moved as quietly as she could towards the bandit that was advancing on the blonde-haired attacker, she let the coiled leather whip fall loose before she drew back and aimed at the leg of the man. The whip in an of itself wouldn't do much in the way of damage, but she used it for something else - to trip the man up in the hopes that causing him to fall on his face would grant the blonde a moment's respite that he could move out of the way and regain his footing as well as his weapon.

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
15:04, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 9 using 3d6-2.  Whip attack on the nearest leg (11 - 2 = 9 to attack) to trip opponent.

---

Only slowly recognizing the danger circling him from three sides and his back at a wall, Gustav kicks his legs back towards his face and kips to his feet in a moment his hands push forward to steady himself.  The motion is not a moment too soon, for even as he starts to regain his bearing another arrow whizzes just behind his back, shattering on the ground halfway between himself and the man to his right.  Ahead of him, the mail clad soldier steps and swings, though his aim too is short and Gustav feels the whistle of air brush just by his leg…  To his right, the other sword bearer takes a step closer, his sword readied for a swing.

Meanwhile, the group at the cart begins to disperse quickly.  Ronald sprints forward, his shield held out as he whips a knife from his belt, charging straight at the barricade.  Magnus shrugs his own gear into place as he sets out on a run as well.  Odelia, now nearly within striking distance sets her coiled whip in readiness.

”Yannis!”  The bow and arrow man shouts as he sees Odelia from across the length of the barricade.

OOC:  Only did one round that time as I wasn’t entirely clear in my last post.  Gustav is now standing, still in the spot where the middle bandit resided in the previous map.  He has somehow miraculously evaded being hit by both his attackers this turn.  His hands are empty, though his sword is still scabbarded and has not lost his knives.  You cannot retreat due to the position of the barricade.  The Northern bandit is still in his same position and has a ready bow in his left hand and an empty right hand after firing his arrow.  The middle bandit stands one hex to Gustav’s east with a ready sword in his right hand.  The southern bandit is two hexes south of Gustav, with a ready sword in his right hand.  Odelia is now two hexes south of the southern bandit with a ready whip.  Please note that if you wish to trip, it must be against the foot (ankle) and is a roll against skill-4 after hit penalties are applied.  So essentially if you want to knock him over it is at -8 to skill.  Rondald has moved 6 hexes due east.  Note that there is no “gap” in the barrier large enough for you to walk through, but there is a spot that is easier to jump over at the meeting of the two devices.  If you want to jump over on your next post, roll vs.  Acrobatics to tumble back to your feet or DX/Jumping-4 to simply land on your back.  You may drop either your knife or shield to give a +1 to that roll, or both to give you a +2.  It's also important to note that is where Gustav is standing at the moment, so unless he books it you are likely to plow into him as you attempt your leap.  Otherwise you can go around.  Magnus has moved his full move towards the northeast to edge around the northern side.  Please post two rounds of action this time.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 52):

Rondald again tries to go around the north end of the barricade, knowing he is not acrobatic enough to try to jump it, he hopes to pit himself at the archer this time.

[OOC: Where did people get the impression he was charging the barricade? Did I imply something I did not mean to? Oh, and full defence as before if it is needed.

Edit: Is it too ate to have him actually shield charge the guy with the bow? If not, what rolls do I make for that?]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:14, Wed 17 Jan 2018.

Magnus kept up his momentum, his pace slowing just slightly as he rounded the northern end of the barricade. There was so much going on in the mind of the beast man that it was difficult to put into words, but sufficient to say the look of co-mingling fear, anger and perhaps introspection would be familiar to those who had seen young men pressed into life or death combat for the first time.

He watched the flickering obscured shapes of people through the cracks in the impromptu blockade and heard the sounds of shouting on the other side.

A few more moments and his life would be changed forever.

[OOC: There was something in your original post, along the lines of "around the top" or "over the top" before you edited it that alluded to him trying to jump it, at least in my mind.]

OOC- GM, I am assuming the top is north, If I am where the center bandit was and he is one row east of me, he needs to be a half hex north or south, the difference could be important to me... could you clarify please.

OK Gustav draws his saber (free action since he passed the fast draw roll) and he will take an all out defense; choosing increased dodge and move ½ his movement between the two most distant opponents [Page 366 of GURPS Campaigns] . His dodge is +2 so 11. He may yet live!
  He should end up either two hexes NE or SE from his current location facing west, passing two hexes from each opponent. [I am assuming speed 6 and dodge 9 as his gear was put on the cart.]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Fri 19 Jan 2018.

Swords fly amidst the chaos, swiping this way and that as the brigands (for at least Gustav is certain that is what they are as the two previously hidden men have no markings of the emperor whatsoever) are forced into combat behind their reinforcements.

Gustav knows that standing here between the three is certain death, so he presses his shoulder forward ducking to the side as he tries to evade his closest foe.  Though the man steps in his way, swinging his sword madly, Gustav manages not only to evade the blow but also spin right by his tormentor!  Whipping his saber into his grip he continues to backpedal and is not prepared as his foe swings again and slashes him across the side, tearing his tunic and sending forth a vomiting spray of blood that slicks his hip and the ground below him!

Meanwhile Odelia finds herself in the perfect place to strike!  She swings her arm around sending the whip in a brutal arc for the man's arm.

Crack!

Though the blow hits squarely the man does little more than wince as he turns, swinging his sword in a wild arc that misses terribly.  Odelia brings back her arm to swing again though this time the two both exchange blows that miss wide.

Ronald and Magnus each run at top speed, though it is clear that Rondald is the swifter.  He makes his way to the left side of the barricade, finding himself a mere two yards from the bowman who now points his next arrow directly at him.  Magnus trails some half dozen yards back, the blood of rage throbbing in his ears.

"Terri!  Hold Sally!"  Rudyard barks as he grabs his own crossbow and leaps from the cart, sprinting off a few steps behind Magnus.

OOC:  To keep this moving guys please do me a favor and make sure you post as many round of action as I call for.  If I have to do one round every post this is going to take forever.  I promise I will stop things if any significant event changes the gravity of the fight.  The next post will be two seconds of action.

Gustav is now standing four yards northeast of where the center bandit started facing southwest.  You have suffered a major wound to the torso.  Roll vs. HT to avoid knockdown and stun.  You are at half move and dodge but you did successfully manage to get out from the middle of the three bandits with an impressive evade roll.  You have your saber ready in your right hand.  Note that your foe is wearing mail armor with the tunic over, with leather boots.  His hands and head are unarmored.

Odelia is now one hex south of the southern bandit, who is back to the same place where he started the fight.  He has a sword in his right hand and leather armor except for his hands and head.

Ronald is now two hexes north of the northern bandit, who has turned to the north to face you.  He also wears heavy leather armor with the exception of the head and hands.  He has a ready arrow in his bow pointed at Ronald.

Magnus is still five hexes west of the barrier and will get around (but won't be able to attack) next turn.

Rudyard has grabbed his crossbow, and started to move towards the barricade as well, though he lags well behind the others.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 56):

Rondald holds the shield in front of the bow to deflect the expected arrow as he charges the man, quickly closing the gap and then stabbing at the mans chest as he gets so close he can smell the bandits breath.

"Servant of the Empire my ass. We will avenge the soldier whose uniform you stole!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:41, Mon 22 Jan 2018.

Magnus rounded the corner of the barricade and immediately followed in the wake of Rondald, somewhere in the back of his mind he registered the smell of blood and felt a thrilling wave of adrenaline rush through his body, but the more pressing concern was the archer who seems just moments from launching an arrow into their midst.

The Minotaur bellowed to the sky, his mouth wide with his lips pulled back against his teeth. The muscles in his neck and his nostrils flared and his hauberk seemed to stretch as he flexed and bent forward slightly, all the while continuing to advance on the bowman.

Gustav stumbles back, struggling to keep his head clear... there is a terrible pain in his side and some numbness setting in... He glances and sees the blood ... DAMN! He thinks ... but his thoughts cloud and he struggles to keep his balance.  SWORD POINT UP AT ATTACKER goes through his mind ... they beat that into him ....  he struggles to see the attacker ... to keep his balance ... why is everything spinning so...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Sun 21 Jan 2018.

   Realising that she has lost the advantage of surprise and that her target is prepared, her left hand slipped behind her and extracted a thin blade from a hidden sheath. Eyes narrowed as she ran slightly forward towards the man, then began to circle him in an attempt to offer a shot to one of the others.

---

OOC: Will take one second to half-move and draw a weapon (dagger), then move to the man's left side to try and flank him. If he follows, he may offer a side or back hit by a missile weapon user from our side. Failing that, will attack the following turn.

Gustav, the brash swordsman who had brazenly charged the barrier, launched himself overtop, then successfully evaded to flank his foes now finds himself in a disastrous position.  His blood weeps freely from his side, his legs unable to hold him after the gruesome attack his sword clatters to the ground just moments before his body and though his eyes now only see an endless tunnel of grey, he somehow manages to cling desperately to consciousness.

Odelia too seems to have her hands full.  Standing alone against her foe she circles widely, gripping her knife in her left hand as she meditates her next blow but her attacker does not grant her a similar respite.  His sword strikes out in a frenzied arc and though Odelia twists her body away from the blow her efforts fall short and the sword cuts deep into her left leg through her padded armor.  Silently, she falls to the ground her hands clutching out behind her to soften her fall.

Even to the north, where two of our heroes stand against one, the men seem to be having their problems.  Ronald steps forward, thrusting his blade towards the man still training his bow and cutting a light blow that just digs under the man’s leather armor as he swats his shield to the side, catching the edge of the dart that had been pointing directly at him.

Twang!

The bow fires off at point blank range but due to Ronald’s excellent maneuver the thing fires off harmlessly towards the north.  Seeing his weapon now useless, the bowman grabs a knife from his belt and drops the bow stepping back a half-step nimbly as he sizes his competition up.  Rondald attempts to take advantage of the pause, but his second blow catches a stud of the man’s coat, turning the blade as Ronald’s wrist breaks from its straight thrust and bangs stingingly against the man’s armor.  The knife drops from his hand, clattering harmlessly against the path below.

Finally Magnus steps in trail of Ronald, his mace ready and his nostrils flared as he seeks the blood of these men who have downed now two of his comrades.

”Give up and you may yet live!”  One of the bandit’s shouts, brandishing his bloody sword from atop Gustav’s sprawled form.

OOC:  Rough round that time for you guys.  Let’s do another two rounds of action.

Gustav is lying prone and stunned from the previous blow, though mercifully, his foe has turned his back on him, thinking him downed for good.  Roll vs. HT to recover from your stun (+1 for fit).  If you do so, you may consider your sword back in your hand (having grabbed it last turn).  If you miss, continue rolling up to two more times and take either two actions (if you make it on the second roll) or one actions (if you make it on the third roll).  In that case you will be unarmed and will need to grab your sword.

Odelia missed her retreating dodge and took a critical injury to the left leg.  You are also lying prone, though if you make your roll against HT you can keep your weapons in your hands.  You cannot stand for the remainder of the fight and will need to roll later to determine the length of the injury.  As per above, if you fail your stun roll, attempt the roll up to two more times and you can post either one or two more actions.

Ronald scored a light injury on the bowman, though lost his knife on the second attack due to his critical miss and now only has his shield in his left hand.  He is standing at range 2 to the northern bandit (after his retreating defense).  Magnus is also at range 2 to the bandit at Rondald’s left side.

I’m realizing now that I should have prepped for the no map scenario a little better.  I’ll do my best to describe things but I know that can fall a little short of ensuring everyone understands what is going on.  Please let me know if you guys have any questions.

The northern man (bowman) is standing one hex south of his original position.  He has a ready knife in his right hand.  Ronald is two hexes to the north with Magnus in the hex immediately to the southeast, with both of them facing south.  Middle man (broadsword) is standing one hex northeast of his original position and is facing north.  Gustav is prone with his feet laying in the hex immediately to the middle man’s northeast and his torso pointed towards the northeast.  The southern man (broadsword) is standing one hex northeast of his original position and facing north.  Odelia is lying prone with her feet in the hex immediately to the south man’s southeast with her torso pointed towards the southeast.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 61):

"Surrender to bandits? Better to die, Scum! You are no better than animals, and I will see justice for their blood!"

Rondald will give a quick yank on the lanyard that is attacked to his knife, bringing it sharply back to his hand as he steps forward, shield ready, before swinging again at the torso of his attacker.

If Magnus had heard the swordsmans offer, he did not show it, nor did he slow his pace or divert his course. Indeed he seemed almost to pick up speed as he closed the last few feet.

The beast man obviously lacked the skill of the more formally trained Gustav, he had no "stance" as it were, he was not especially light on his feet and his sense of reach was not at all refined, but in his own way he compensated with sheer physicality.

He brought the heavy steel shod truncheon about with surprising speed and power, the weapon making an audible woosh as it arced through the air in a blur. He started with a somewhat reckless backhand, stepping fully into the blow as he brought the weapon towards his much smaller enemies opposite shoulder and then used the momentum to come about in a full overhand arc above his head, the tip of the mace descending from on high with another whoosh straight towards the young brigands face.

The Minotaur punctuated the attack with another guttural bark, spittle flying from his inhuman lips.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Wed 24 Jan 2018.

Gustav fights off the grey mist and comes around … he is hurt, but not dead, any aid requires these dirtbags die. He struggles to his feet, saber in hand and executes a draw cut to the middle mans unarmored neck/face. [ he is trying to cut just above any armor and slit his jugular.]

   She didn't feel the cut at first, it felt like he'd drawn a line over her leg as she'd tried to dart away, but the strike had thrown off her balance and fallen on her back to the ground. She landed with a hard sound on the ground, but not even a whimper was heard while she turned away a moment and tried to shake her head to push away the wooziness she felt.

   A grey wave washed over her for a moment and she felt her vision change as though she'd suddenly was looking down a tunnel. She blinked, hard, and a rush of thunder reached her ears as the pain lanced along where she'd been hit. She looked at the wound - it didn't look good. It hurt to move it even slightly ... but she did manage to recover her knife and was holding it in front of her against the bandit's approach, ready to defend herself despite the pain ...

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
23:19, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 15 using 3d6.  1st. recover from stun roll.
23:19, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 11 using 3d6.  2nd recover from stun roll.

---

With Odelia immobile and Gustav a hair's breath from unconsciousness, Ronald and Magnus now find themselves outnumbered and at close range to their assailants.  Gustav, making a desperate swing to even the odds, rolls into position to strike the mail clad bandit, though by the time his body is positioned the man has moved out of range.

Ready first to make his attack, Magnus steps forward to meet the archer, swinging his mace in a feverish arc that could easily shatter a man’s bones.  However he proves too nimble and darts forward, underneath Magnus’s defenses.  His knife strikes true, though the links of Magnus’ mail shirt prove to be much too sturdy for the frail weapon to penetrate.

Meanwhile, the two sword wielding attackers begin their approach.  The man farthest south makes a beeline towards Ronald, who crouches on one knee in the process of retrieving his knife.  The man swings his sword overhand with a shout, but Ronald manages to step up and away just in time, banging the side of the blade away with the rim of his shield.  Ronald makes a counter attack with his knife but the man shifts his weight back with a step, foiling Ronald’s aim.

Meanwhile the second swordsman sidesteps neatly towards Magnus’s left flank, attempting to take advantage of the two on one.  His attack is precise and swift giving Magnus little time to respond.  The sword bites clean through the steel links on Magnus’s left sleeve, drawing a trickle of blood, though it does little else than anger the minotaur.

Magnus swings his mace again at the archer and this time the man does not react fast enough.  The steel ball bashes into the man’s cheekbone, instantly shattering what little resistance it gives.  Spittle and broken teeth fly from the man’s mouth as the light fades from his eyes and he falls back to the road in a heap, his jaw hanging akimbo.

Twang!

For a moment our heroes fear that there may yet be more villains about but Ronald draws in his breath in surprise as the crossbow bolt materializes just under his adversary's eye, buried nearly all the way to the fletching.  Without so much as a cry, the man’s sword clatters to the ground before he hits as well, entirely unconscious.  Glancing to the other side of the barricade, Ronald sees Rudyard take his crossbow down from his shoulder to recock.

OOC:  Nice turn of events that time!  Magnus and Rudyard both scored significant hits to the face, resulting in both the Archer (north man) and swordsman (south man) being knocked unconscious.  The last swordsman is the mail wearer and he is standing one hex to the southeast of Magnus, putting the minotaur between himself and Ronald.  Ronald stands one hex to the northwest of Magnus, (two from the adversary with Magnus in the middle) facing south.  The only other change in position is that Gustav’s torso is now one hex to the northeast of where it previously was, he still lays on the ground prone.  Let’s do three rounds of action this time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:27, Wed 07 Feb 2018.

The sound of the steel shod truncheon colliding with the archers fragile facial bones, the feel of the skull caving in beneath his blow all seem to evoke the worst sorts of primordial impulses in young Magnus. His whole body trembled, his teeth bared, his eyes darkened...and yet he seemed to still keep himself in check, at least enough to recognize the danger of the naked blade in the grip of the armored man before him.

He still recalled that this was the man who, unprovoked, had tried to plant a bolt in his skull.

The mail on his left arm sagged, some of the rent and mangled rings losing their tenuous grip on each other with every passing moment. The fur beneath was matted slightly with blood, which mingled with the oiled steel and ruined linen shirt.

Seeming to recognize the challenge of getting through the mans chain hauberk, or possibly a padded aketon beneath, the beast man advanced with his left arm high, perhaps hoping to ward off blows with his already injured limb, while the cudgel in his right swung low and to the side, swinging again and again for the brigands more vulnerable legs as he advanced.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Sun 28 Jan 2018.

Crap, he thinks as the man moves out of his reach, He watches the other men gather to Attack; I need to help distract them as best I can. Gustav struggles to his feet using his left hand to put some pressure on his wound, and moves toward mail wearing man, paying attention to his armor, looking for unprotected places to target. When close enough, he'll swing.

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 68):

Rondald steps around the last bandit towards Gustav. His knife may be little more than a distraction, but his shield is what can make the difference and he uses it to block the last mans attacks, swinging at the mans throat with his knife. It is just as well, for his shield is like a wall, but his first two attacks are poor, but the third...

   She gathered up the whip she'd dropped and held it in her opposite hand, eyes narrowed in pain while the scarf covering her mouth moved back and forth as she breathed shallowly. A quick glance towards the wagon showed that there was little chance that she'd make it in any sort of fashion.

   She tried to move by putting her knuckles on the ground and trying to pull herself back when a searing lance of pain shot through her leg and the grey wave came back with a roar. She blinked quickly and tried to push the roaring out of her head as a tear slipped down from her eye and wetted the green muslin fabric ...

Standing alone now against his foes the bandit cedes ground step after step, twisting away from Magnus to put the massive minotaur always between himself and Ronald.  The bandit is first to score a hit, a dazzling slash across Magnus's thigh that cuts a bright ribbon of red across his skin and starts weeping blood instantly.  Magnus feels his leg buckle underneath him but only for a moment as he retorts with a swing of his mace that is strong enough to shatter bone.

"Shit!"  The man screams as the steel ball rebounds off the steel of his armor, somehow managing to retain his footing as he continues to retreat.  Magnus and Ronald each attack again, though this time the man manages to glance the mace off his sword as Ronald's knife misses badly.

Off to the side, Gustav pushes himself to his feet, gripping his sword in an effort to throw himself back into the combat.

Now it is Ronald who darts in, slashing his knife in a swift motion at the bandit's neck!  So focused is he on Magnus's mace that he only manages a brief spasm in an attempt to evade but so weighted down is he by his armor that the maneuver never had a prayer of success.  The blade bites in deep to the man's skin, slashing vocal chords and blood vessels that scream a violent stream of red that spatters both Ronald and Magnus.

But even before the cut is finished, Magnus is attacking as well.  His mace arcs overhead in a violent blast, crushing the man's left forearm with a jarring of steel and bone.  Before even a gasp escapes the bandit's lips, he falls to the path, completely defeated and unconscious.

OOC:  Congratulations on the fight guys.  Magnus sustained a near crippling blow to the left leg, though Ronald and Magnus together managed to put their opponent down.  He is losing a torrential amount of blood from the injury to his neck, and is likely dead or dying.  We are out of combat.  Though no one in your party is a magical healer, Terri is very gifted at first aid and may be your best bet for the worse injuries.  Odelia, please roll against HT for the duration of your crippling injury.

Gustav sits back down, holding his side ... then lays back ...the pain is severe ... he concentrates to remain conscious.
Hope someone can heal me ... he says softly.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 71):

"Easy, big boy. My wife is skilled at this, and I suspect the Merchant is too. Believe me, you want one of them helping you. Rest now, we got these bastards, and the guy that cut you just got his throat cut."

Breathing heavily, Rondald will remove the weapons from each of the foes and call for Terri to see to their own injured. Dropping his shield on the confiscated weapons well away (at least 3 yards) from the bandits before tearing a piece of cloth from one of the bandits, he will try to stop the blood loss from Magnus while those more skilled see to the worse injuries.

   She felt another wave of grey pass over her vision while the fight continued. She kept her eyes on anyone that might come too close and kept the knife she'd had in hand against any other attackers. When the last of the bandits dropped, the woman fell back and collapsed onto the ground and gritted her teeth against the knives of pain that lanced through her leg ...

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
19:54, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 9 using 3d6.  HT save - crippling injury

---

Magnus practically followed the bandit down, dropping to his knees with a gush of blood from the gaping wound in his leg and bracing his fall with a hand the unconscious mans chest. He paused there for half a moment, his breath coming loud through his nose, his body trembling, before he raised the mace again and brought it down to shatter the skull with a sickening pop.

Maybe it was the emotion of the moment, or maybe it was the terrible wound but he rolled over on his back in the dirt, breathing heavily, the fur at the corners of his eyes dampened with tears.

After a few moments to catch his breath he raised his broad horned head and looked to Rondald. "How bad is it?"

The small group takes stock of their situation, and finds things more than a little displeasing.  Three of their number are badly injured, at least one of which, Odelia seems to be unable to walk.  Gustav is in bad condition, though still mobile it's doubtful he'll be able to go on without some substantial medical care and even Magnus, the seeming tank of a being is rolling to his back to take pressure off his wound.

While Rondald and Rudyard go to picking up after the bandits, Terri immediately goes for those worst injured, making a beeline towards Gustav as she ushers him back down to the ground, her face sheet white as she pulls away the heavy cloth of his tunic and his underclothes.  "I think you'll be ok, so long as you don't aggravate it."  Terry goes about her work swiftly, cleaning away the fresh blood before applying a bandage and pressuring it down with a wrap.

She goes on to Odelia, putting herself up as a block to the men's vision as she pulls up the cloth around her ankles to tend to the wound on her leg.  Likewise she applies a wrap, and though her voice is not entirely confident, she nods to the other woman.  "It doesn't look like there is any damage to the bone, just the muscle, you should be up and around in no time."  Terri smiles, trying to imbue as much confidence as she can.

Meanwhile, Rondald has tended to Magnus, likewise staunching the bleeding enough for Magnus to get gingerly back to his feet.

As Terri helps Odelia back to the cart the ambulatory members of the group start assessing their small plunder.  Apart from the armor and the weapons, the men find a handful of copper and silver coins on the three men as well as an iron piton and a steel file.

OOC:  First aid is done with and everyone has gotten back 1 HP that was injured.  Odelia's leg is a temporary crippling injury, meaning she'll get use of it as soon as the HP is healed (most likely several days).  Gustav can still move (although at 1/2 move and dodge) and would likely be better off in the cart as well.  Magnus is well enough that he can walk alongside the cart at a normalish pace.

Let me know what you guys want to do from here.  You can easily move the barricade off the road with only two people lending a hand.

As for loot, you guys have the following below.

Leather armor x 2 (torso, legs, arms, hands, feet)
Mail suit (torso, arms, legs) with additional boots and leather gloves
Iron Piton
Steel file
$90 in coin
2 x Cheap broadsword
1 x large knife
2 x crossbow
1 x medium bow
16 Arrows with quiver
35 Crossbow bolts with quiver

Despite his earlier ferocity, Magnus was gentle enough with the bodies. Perhaps his mood had passed, or perhaps the reality of his first real fight, his first kill was sinking in and he moved with a solemn and pensive expression, or at least it appeared to be one on his inhuman features.

When he had piled the last of the armor onto the pile, he stood back and looked it over, still favoring his uninjured leg. "That's the last of it I think..." he said as he looked back at the stripped corpse laying just off the side of the road.

"I...uh" he paused and swallowed hard. "Not what I expected...when I woke up this morning" he admitted "Just glad nobody on our side got hurt worse than they did." he added in his baritone as he picked up his pack once more.

My Thanks Terri Gustav says as he grits his teeth at the pain of her cleaning… When she is done, he will struggle to his feet and gather his saber and sheath it.

Walking is a struggle.  He stops by Magnus and Rondald first.  How be you Magnus? I think I best learn to use a heavier sword …and the crossbow too.; My saber was all but useless.You did good work on them, both of you.

He’ll pause for a moment then struggle on heading for the cart and his gear. Good shooting Rudyard and timely. He’ll sit on the cart and rest after his exertion, but will clear a spot for Odelia as soon as he has rested briefly.

So much for all my training with the saber, a useless thing in the face of such armor. and obviously a ranged weapon is needed too. I have seriously misjudged my choices given the ancient armor and edged clubs used here. he thinks to himself

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 78):

"Yes indeed. I should use a bigger blade perhaps, but a knife is good in water, better than larger weapons. Still, I will take a broadsword, and I can teach 2 of you to use the crossbow. I suggest the third person learn the bow, unless someone already knows it."

For now, Rondald puts all of the items onto the cart and begins to move the two badly injured members there also.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:26, Thu 08 Feb 2018.

How far to this Fort, Rudyard? We are going to need the safety to heal, God knows what else is out here.

   When the other woman had approached and made sure to place herself between the Men and her prone form, the girl let out a sob and fell into a quiet bout of tears while the wound was tended to. She'd never been hurt like this before, and the pain was almost unbearable. She breathed heavily while the wound was treated, and moved slowly while she made her way back to the wagon. With some help, she made it into the bed of the wagon and found the blanket she'd brought with her, quickly pulling it over her body and tried to warm up.

   She eyed one of the crossbows - she'd seen what they were capable of against armoured foes in the City when she was younger, but they took a lot longer to pull and draw than a regular bow. Her green eyes looked away - she'd never had the size to be able to use such weapons and had preferred to use something more suited to her stature; knives and other cutting weapons.

   She glanced at each of the others, in turn, to see what was next. It looked like the man of the Sea Peoples was assuming a leadership role - perhaps he had been one at some point and was used to the idea - was gathering things up and putting them in the wagon. Once everything was loaded, she began to take time to make sure that quivers were filled and weapons were secured before they moved on. She winced periodically as she moved, but made no sound as she moved about the wagon.

   She spent most of the next while either asleep or working with her knives. Things like quickly switching from hand-to-hand or rolling the smaller knife over her scarred knuckles, making it look as effortless as she could. It was something to do to pass the time as well as keep her mind occupied.

"Thanks" the Minotaur replied with a nod, still favoring his "good" leg. "...and I can walk, at least for a bit" he affirmed, although the bleeding seemed to have stopped the bandages on his leg were soaked through with deep red, the fur beneath sticky and matted.

"I've never even held a sword" he admitted when Gustav mentioned his saber. "Against the kings law...but so is wearing armor" he added with a look down. "But maybe if I had not listened to that one...we all would have been in a better spot. It's probably something we should talk about tonight, as a group"

He looked to their driver and then both ways down the road. "Are we ready?" he asked, his mood still sober, eager to be away from the smell of blood and the sight of the corpses laying by the roadside.

In reply to Magnus (msg # 82):

"I think it might help for you to wear the guards armour that the lead brigand wore. At least it will still be in the service to the emperor...and on that note, Gustav, what armour are you wearing?

As such, I would suggest the following:

Leather Armour :Suggest Odelia and Gustav if they do not have better. Else Merchant.
Mail suit (torso, arms, legs) with additional boots and leather gloves :Magnus
Iron Piton : Whoever...
Steel file :Rondald
$90 in coin :Shared 6 ways, Rondald, Terri, Gustav, Odelia, Magnus and Merchant, $15 each
2 x Cheap broadsword : Magnus, Rondald
1 x large knife: Terri
2 x crossbow 18/17 bolts in quarrels: Magnus, Gustav
1 x medium bow and 16 arrows in quiver: Terri or Odelia?
"

Rondald will help anyone learn the crossbow that wants to, and will himself learn how to use broadswords, but will also practice with both Knife (and Crossbow, as he teaches others.)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Fri 09 Feb 2018.

In reply to Rondald Bertrand (msg # 83):

My armor, if you can address it as such, was a cloth tunic. I may be as good with a broadsword as either of you, I have studied it some. I do prefer a somewhat more handy weapon, but can use a broadsword decently.

I haven't had much chance to speak with Odelia, but we both seem to be dextrous enough to benefit from the bow, which is a bit hard to use well. Perhaps we can shoot it and see who seems more inclined.

   She watched as the Sea Farmer counted out the coins and took her share, putting them along with the rest of the coins she carried in a small pouch on her belt. She looked at the collection of leather armour piled on the wagon as her eyes narrowed. Considering the bandits who'd just wore them, she quickly shook her head no when asked about wearing it.

   A glance at the longbow was followed by a hand reaching out and taking the weapon and holding it for a moment. She pulled on the bowstring but was barely able to pull it slightly apart before replacing the weapon where she'd picked it up. She gave the crossbow a sidelong glance but paid them no further attention.

   When the blonde, Du Meseries, mentioned about the bows she shook her head slowly. A cloth covered hand flattened as she indicated the longbow, then pointed towards him, almost offering the weapon up for him to use.

Gustav looked at her and nodded, Touching his forehead, mouth and heart . That was what he had been told they did ... Mind, Mouth and Heart.  He took the Bow and attempted to flex it as she had, but his chest objected strenuously. His best guess was that it was strong, but not unmanageable.  His concern was for her weapons choice, as the whip was a complicated weapon and the knife required you to be more personally acquainted with opponents than he desired. He motioned to the Crossbow, with his hand flat much as hers had been then pointed to her.

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 86):

Taking only a steel file and his share of coins, Rondald waited while the others sorted out between themselves what would be used.

Handing one of the broadswords to Gustav, he commented.

"That is fine. I can use a knife sufficiently well."

Magnus seemed surprised at the generosity of his share, but given his somber mood, he likely would not have protested one way or the other. "That's more than fair" he agreed, and using one of the fallen mens shirts bundled up the pile of chain mail and clothing then set the broad sword, crossbow and the case of bolts beside it.

All told with his share of the coin it amounted to easily three months worth of work for him, providing that he could find the work and was fairly paid for it, and that he did not take any time to himself in between. That and there was no way that anybody would have likely sold him a crossbow, selling weapons that could punch through a cuirass to "monsters" would not sit well with most, and certainly not the sword in almost any case.

He ran one calloused finger over the crossbows stock, wondering if this was the one that had very nearly taken his life and felt a small shiver run through him. His life had changed so much in the past hour or so, and it was a little overwhelming, almost too much to think about all at once.

He looked curiously on as Gustav worked through the silent motions with the woman, who had seemed so gentle before, but now seemed even more of a mystery. Away from the crowds and having shed blood together he took a moment to examine her strange way of dress, thick arms crossed as if he was trying to figure her out. "Can you speak?" he suddenly asked a bit bluntly. "I thought at first that you did not know our language well, but...it's more than that, right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:12, Sat 10 Feb 2018.

   At the blonde's indication of the crossbow that she might use it, she shook her head once more.  As if by way of explanation, she took the weapon in one hand, and removed one of the bolts from the quiver and brought it to the weapon, then turned the bolt the opposite way before setting it into the groove. With a short glance in his direction, she shrugged her shoulders before carefully removing the bolt and replacing it back in the quiver and setting the weapon back onto the wagon. From her still-seated position, she brought her hands close together and mimicked the same gesture she had with the bow that he had performed, this time with a wince of pain as she moved too suddenly and aggravated her leg. Once again, she shrugged before putting her hands on her lap.

   When the Horned One had spoken she'd looked away, not wanting to make eye contact. She shook her head and used a hand to draw one of her smaller knives and brought it to her throat, then gently moved it from one side to the other in a simple slicing gesture ... Then, with a small flourish, she replaced the weapon back into its sheath and glanced at the One to see if he understood.

She would seem to have been seriously cut in the throat. And I gather you do not feel comfortable with the crossbow ... because it is complex? or you afraid you'd shoot yourself?

On a different subject, Magnus, do you want a sword over that mace of yours? It certainly worked very well on armor.

"Ah" Magnus nodded, seemingly content to press no further. He turned next to Gustav. "The sword? No, not really...I can't really wear it in public even if I were. Why? Do you want it?" He asked as he reached back over the side of the wagon and grabbed the scabbard, then offered the weapon to him pommel first.

No, I don't wish to deprive you, but Rondald needs to save his dagger as a back up weapon; if you wish to keep the sword, no issues, I'll give him this one and use my saber.

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 92):

Rondald called Terri over to him when she had a moment. He kissed her gently, as a way of saying thank you for her help.

"I am concerned for the other woman. She enters combat, but recent experience has shown she is ill equipped. With little armour and no ability to keep away from dangerous foes, she is likely to be badly injured in future confrontations, as she was today. Please go and talk to her to identify her strengths, so that in future we can use her in a way that does not endanger her so.

Similarly, it might be wise for you, my dear, to learn how to use a missile weapon. Either a bow or crossbow, and keep a knife as a backup weapon. I can teach you how to use them."

   Her brow crinkled slightly as she was trying to consider how to convey the thought that she wanted without making it too difficult. She looked toward the weapon once more and studied it a moment before she re-grasped it and moved the stirrup to the foot of the uninjured leg and rested the weapon on her leg before she gripped the bowstring with both hands. It moved less than a few centimetres before the crinkle on her forehead deepened to the point where something of a strangled sound was heard from underneath the covering on her mouth before she suddenly let go and the bowstring snapped back with an audible 'twang' She breathed a sigh, then unhooked the stirrup from her foot and replaced the weapon where she'd lain it before.

   With the small show of her lack of strength done, she took a moment to wipe something out of one eye and reached into a pouch to retrieve a whetstone. Palming a dagger, she began to work the edge of the blade ...

In reply to Odelia La Faelis (msg # 94):

Rondald nodded that he understood. But something needed to improve. He held up some leathers, looking at her wound.

"No, no...I insist" Magnus offered the sword again, then shook his head just slightly. "I...can't be seen with this, is what I'm trying so say. he clarified. "I don't know what it's like where you come from, but common folk here can't wear blades, they'll lock you up or worse."

He took his off hand and patted his armored chest. "I'm drawing enough attention as it is, and when we get close enough to town, this hauberk is going back in my bag. Nobody is gonna question you, and if they do, it will probably be because you're with me. I would probably just end up trying to sell it otherwise"

Gustav cocked his head at Magnus's words. I am beside you, he would cause you grief will find two to face him.
He pushed the sword toward Rondald.

Crap he thought... why do they do this, he is a strong and able fighter, just what they need, and they produce all these rules.

   She looked at the leathers that the Fisherman held up, and a thin brow rose as part of her mouth under the covering pulled to one side. Considering who'd worn it previously, it looked like it could use at least some sort of cleansing if just to get the man-smell out of it.

   Her lip curled at one end while her nose crinkled. Using a cloth covered hand, she tapped the area next to her. Taking care of the armour might give her something else to do on the journey while she recovered ...

In reply to Magnus (msg # 96):

"On the contrary, Magnus, you mis-understand. This armour is not just to defend against swords. It is the uniform of the Empire's troops, of which you are now one. I hope they do ask questions, because I have documents to back this up, so wear it with pride, with the sword if you so choose. You have earnt it, fighting for the Empire today."

He placed the armour next to Odelia with a smile.

Magnus smiled warmly, or as warmly as the inhuman creature could manage, but he clearly had his doubts. "Some how I doubt they are gonna see it the same way" he admitted. "But I appreciate it"

He set the sword back in the wagon for now and looked up and down the road. "We about ready? I'm not sure how much further we have to go, but getting there before dark sounds like a good plan to me"

In reply to Magnus (msg # 100):

"Yep. Gustav, you and Odelia might need to hitch a ride. The rest of us need to be extra vigilant to make sure we get there. May as well load up these two crossbows, too. Terri, you good to practice with the bow as we go? My good sir, is the wagon ready to continue?"

As Terri finishes the last of her bandaging, she comes to Rondald and returns his kiss, though the gesture seems more automatic than intimate.  ”I know,”  She responds to his remark about Odelia, her hands crossing over her chest as she moves her weight back to one leg in a half slouch.  ”She just ran up there.  I would have been horrified...  I was horrified.” she corrects herself after a moment, a statement that contrasts wildly with her nonchalant attitude to the smears of Odelia’s and Gustav’s drying blood splotched up and down her forearms and stained upon her shirt…  Though Rondald must admit she does look rather peaked…

”Bullshit!”  Rudyard mutters as he picks off the tunic from the chain undershirt the lead villain had been wearing.  As the others in the group look at him, he displays a single hand with a smear of black on it as the other hand holds the tunic.  ”Knew he weren’t a toll man, this ensign’s been painted on recent enough to be still damp, and it’s a rotten job to boot.  Weren’t nothing but a bunch of ruffians looking for a handout when they pointed a few weapons at us!”

After a discussion on the placement of their small bounty, the group loads their new possessions on the cart along with Odelia (who Rudyard ushers into the small driving seat) and Gustav, who has just enough room to lay back in the cart when the rest of the supplies and gear are pushed to the side.  Rondald and Rudyard team together to move the barricades to the side of the road and Rudyard takes a lead rope alongside Sally as the group continues to walk.

Rudyard makes no secret of the fact that the fort is not close and though the going is slow with Magnus wincing in pain as he moves and Sally burdened with extra unplanned weight, the road proves to be smooth enough and no further obstacles present themselves.  They make camp for the night early with the thought that any additional time spent towards rest and recuperation will only pay dividends the next day.  Terri changes the bandages on each of the injured, and only Gustav’s largest injury on his side starts to bleed again in the process which is stemmed quickly and without ado.

The evening withers away to night, the night to dawn and the small party sets off again in an early morning gloom of overcast skies and a brisk and chilly wind.  The party continues on, morning turns into afternoon, afternoon into evening.  Somewhere around midday a pelting of drizzle begins to be caught in the wind that splashes against the skin like stinging ants.  Still, the group moves on, those with food share with the ones without to keep the pace as forward leaning as possible.

For three days the conditions continue the wind brisk with stinging rain which is just enough to soften the path and slow their pace.  Despite the miserable weather, the five keep their spirits up, chatting with each other at interval and telling stories to spend the time.  Even Odelia, who remains silent, has plenty of company, for Terri walks alongside the driver’s seat, telling stories of her time at sea, storms that had caught them by surprise in Keyhole Bay and ports they had to pull anchor and run from in a trice when an overzealous first mate had barely escaped an altercation with city guards.  By the third afternoon, even Gustav feels well enough to walk for a short way, though he has to exert himself to keep up with the group and tires after an hour before returning to the cart.

”That’s enough for today.”  Rudyard grunts as he removes the harness from Sally to let her wander and eat.  ”The Fort is probably another half day but we won’t be able to get there by nightfall and we may as well make up camp a slight bit early to rest up and prepare.  Mayhap Terri could even rustle up some fish you were saying would be in the river?”

”Glad to!”  Terri responds with exuberance, grabbing a few items from her bag and walking briskly southward towards the river Makarem.  The river had serviced both as their source of water and their navigational guide for several days, being the southern border of Megalos and Al Wazif.  The rest of the crew work to set up camp the same as they had for several days, setting up their own equipment quickly as the cart is positioned for the night and the possibility of heavier rain.  After an hour or so Terri returns, a line of two fat trout hung over her shoulder as she beams a smile at the others.  ”Weren’t nothing to it!”  She shouts, anticipating an overwhelming positive response to her work.

It is perhaps an hour before dawn when the first signs of trouble stir.  The wind, which had been stiff for days, begins to howl, slapping violently at the cloth of the three small tents that each of Odelia, Magnus and Rudyard had set for themselves.  Sally brays in the darkness, even the animal’s calm is beginning to crumble.

”We can’t stay here any longer!”  Though Rudyard is shouting at the top of his lungs the sound barely carries the short distance to the rest of the group.  ”We have to move on and try to get to the fort!”  Though the words are disheartening, there is little doubt that anyone would have gotten even a small dose of sleep before the sun had risen.  The small group again gathers together their things and sets off into the howling wind.

The going is torturous. The sound of the wind is piercing and each step feels like rolling a stone up a mountain.  The pace drops significantly though stopping for breaks seems to give them little relief.  Finally, at long last the road curves northward and Rudyard shouts over his shoulder ”We are almost there!”

The fort is not much to look at, a two story stone structure that is perhaps a hundred feet wide with stone battlements at the top and meager fortifications of a ditch and outer wall it still stands as a beacon to the weary travelers.  With little ado, apart from a wave from Rudyard, the group is led through the outer walls and into the fort and on unto their destiny.

OOC:  Congrats all for finishing the intro thread.  Privates are below regarding character points and gear that is added to your sheet.  Despite the awful weather you guys rolled up no further encounters came and I decided not to add extra posts just for the purpose of role play but feel free to respond as much or as little as desired in your last post here.  Please feel free to take questions to the OOC thread, sometimes I forget that no matter how much information about my game is jumbling up in my head the players won't get any of it unless I write it down for them.  For transparency Terri took the large knife, medium bow and arrows, piton and $15, and Rudyard took 15 bolts, $15, and leather armor.

Delighted to be in out of the howling wind, Gustav checks on medical help, food and a place to sleep in that order.  Once rested, he'll start practicing a bit with the broadsword to adjust to it's weight. He looks about for what is available within the fort as well. He wouldn't mind trading this cheap broadsword for a better specimen.  He cleans and adjusts the leather armor and sees if there is anyone who can repair it.

He now considers his recent companions as HIS Group and spends time with them and stands by them if there is any sort of problem.


Odelia, Terri, do either of you have any skill in sewing up clothing, I have a nasty rip in both my tunic and my shirt I'd like to get fixed.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Tue 13 Feb 2018.

   The journey wasn't easy for the young girl with the wound she had. She helped with her own wound by keeping it clean and changing the bandage on her own - she knew enough about such while living in the City that she had dressed her own wounds in the past. She wasn't a healer, but she knew enough to get by, at least.

   The armour she wore underneath the emerald robe would have to be stitched at some point on the leg if it was going to be useful in the future. There was also the matter of the leather armour left to her. It looked worn and dirty - pretty much as she'd suspected it would in the hands of bandits. It would have to be cleaned when she was able to walk around before she could even think of wearing it. She looked at the mess of leather over her shoulder and tried to think about how to alter it.

    The weather proved to be no friend, being both cold and wet in equal measure for them all as they made the slow journey to the Fort. She tried to keep as warm as she could on the way, but all it did was make her even more miserable. The sooner that they got to where they were going, the better she'd feel.

   They couldn't have gotten to the Fort soon enough and the sight of it made her almost smile underneath the covering she wore. It might have not been much to look at, but it was something to keep the wind and weather away. And that was worth all of the trouble. But with the trapping of civilization, came the usual prejudices and once again, her eyes warily went about, reverting to her old city habits.

   When the blonde had asked about the possibility of sewing, she shook her head slowly as she shrugged her shoulders in an apologetic fashion.

Magnus likewise moved with a constant aching pain that would occasionally stab sharply, visable at times upon his face, whenever his scabbed over laceration would rupture or crack from his movement. He needed rest, and he needed to stay off it, but there was simply no time.

He bore the chill wind with far more stoicism than his wound however, not even seeming to notice it with his thick shaggy coat that shifted this way and that with the fitful gusts. That being said he was relieved when the fort, humble as it was, came into view.

Trudging up the last hill was torturous at times, but finally as they crossed the threshold he set down his bag and was able to rest for a moment, carefully lowering himself down onto a low wall to inspect his bandages.

After the excitement of their arrival began to settle he looked to more practical tasks, he could sew, not well by any means, but enough to stitch two pieces of cloth together and offered to mend Gustav's tunic if he could come up with a needle and thread. For his own errands he asked if any among them would be willing to come with him to whatever passed for an armorer, acting as an ambassador of sorts in his business to show that he was legitimate. It was rare to have men or women willing to barter on his behalf after all.

Gustav is quite willing to go with Magnus, as he has plans to go to the same place(s) ... and will look for a needle and thread as well. Likely to be needed in the future as well.

In reply to Odelia La Faelis (msg # 104):

Would you like me to get your armor cleaned and repaired when I get mine done?

   She nodded with what looked to be the presence of a smile behind the covering she wore.

OK, No Problems, I'll get both fixed.




Gustav does as much as he can to clean and fix the armor, then takes both sets to an armourer (assuming he can find one)...

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 109):

Rondald made the best of the horrible weather. He was used to the wind, but the mud was not something he relished. Supporting Terri as much as he could, he practices hunting, bow use and knife use, as well as practicing unarmed combat with whoever would tackle him. Cleaning and maintaining his equipment in the mud was taxing, but he knew it had to be done nonetheless.

The end of the trip back brought the welcome sight of the fort into view, and he visibly relaxed as he approached, and even more so as they entered. Bidding the merchant good day, hHe sought a hot wash for first his wife, and then himself after their arrival, and then all their clothes were in need of cleaning. They could keep each other warm while the linen dried, and only the next day would he see what he could find in terms of bodkin or willowleaf bolts. It was not as if he could afford anything else, but all the rest of the gear went to group members who were less well equipped. He also offered to accompany Magnus in his search for various items, and made sure the Keep commander was informed as to the alignment of the Minotaur. He also suggested that various members see what could be found in the way of shields...