In reply to GM (msg # 11):

"A fine idea," Brenna says, lowering his weapon and nursing his rapidly bruising arm for a moment before looking over at the man he'd struck several times in combat. "Are you injured?"

OOC: If I wanted to block or dodge, doesn't that cost me dice? Can I move further away and still attack, or attack and then move, without losing dice?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Tue 25 Nov 2014.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 12):

The men smile and clap you good-naturedly (and carefully) on the shoulder.

"Nothing that won't wash out with some spit and dirt," he jokes.

End Combat

(OOC:  After combat, half of all shock damage goes away from each hit location.  It will continue to go away on its own over time by resting and taking it easy.  Killing damage... is much harder to deal with.)

(OOC:  Correct... it is difficult to both defend and attack at the same time.  Doing so is a multiple-action.  You choose the SMALLER of the two pools then drop 1d and roll it trying to get 2 matches.  If you get only one match, you choose which action is successful.

This is the true power of Martial Arts, the same skill is used for both attacking and defending which means your pool is normally larger, but it's still a multiple action.

You can indeed attack while moving a little, say swing and step back... the problem is that your enemy can do the same thing so it doesn't really accomplish much most of the time.

Again, shields make blocking MUCH more effective, and also each shield has hit locations that it covers even if you don't block.)

In reply to GM (msg # 13):

I wasn't sure if I knew how to use shields, is the thing, and I certainly couldn't and used one with the bow. Ah well.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 14):

Sure, you can use Block untrained, and again some shields provide base protection no matter what you do.

This is why we train!

Take a look at your character sheet to see how damage is tracked.

[ ] denotes an un-damaged box.
[/] is shock damage
[X] is killing damage

You can then clear it all.  You have completed this portion of the training.

Please proceed to the closest suicide booth for mission debrief...

In reply to GM (msg # 15):

In a clearing in a densely wooded section of land, a local lord has erected a small obstacle course for the training and betterment of his Men-at-arms.  His knights, naturally, have their own training facilities on their own estates.

From the starting line, marked by notches in two thin saplings, there is a short jog through the woods between trees (no roll required).

There is then a series of small trenches filled with mud and water (Body + Athletics or Running).  There is also a slippery log that spans the trenches to one side which you may choose instead to cross (Coordination + Acrobatics, failure means you fall in and get muddy).

Past that is a straight section of path with a wooden training dummy at the end of it.  When you climb out of the trenches, there is a spear you can pick up and throw at the dummy (Coordination + Throw, failure means you miss).

You then jog past the dummy where there is a wall made of logs that is about your height (Coordination + Climb, failure means you cannot climb the wall and must walk around).

Past that you cannot see.  When you get to the top you can look around (Sense + Sight or Hearing).

His Eminence has permitted you to run the obstacle course if you choose.

In reply to GM (msg # 16):

OK let's try this.

He jogs down the path until he reaches the small pits.  With a roll of his eyes he easily flits over the pits

Body+Athletics- pair of 7's [7,5,4,2,7]

He then picks up the spear and launches it to stick exactly where the dummy's head would be.

Coordination- pair of 7's [10,7,2,7]

Laughing out loud he continues along the path.  He begins to sing as he travels his rich voice carrying to the nearby trees.  He sings the song of the Juggernaut and of his destruction of the city Nicea.

As he arrives at the wall he looks up, deciding if he wants to try it.  He shrugs.  Taking a step back he runs up the wall and easily reaches the summit

Coordination- pair of 8's [2,1,8,8]

At the top of the wall he pauses momentarily to survey his surroundings

Sense+Sight- fail [1,7,2,4,6]

But the same sun blinds our intrepid hero.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Tue 25 Nov 2014.

In reply to Player 2 (msg # 17):

(OOC:  Rolled amazingly!)

Player 2 does not see the swinging sandbag and takes it to his left side (2 shock to left arm and torso).

Before Player 2 is a long path which twists and turns and goes down a small hill and back up another (no roll required for run, but Body + Athletics to avoid fatigue).

At the end of that long trail is another assistant standing at a fork in the path.  He will be lazily munching an apple when you arrive.

The fork is not labeled, so you aren't sure which way to go.  Perchance the assistant does?
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:02, Tue 25 Nov 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 18):

He takes the hill but with much of the starch taken out of him from the hit.  He is clutching his injured side and gets to the top of the hill breathless and sweating.

Athletics+Body fail [4,2,1,5,9]

The man lazily munches his apple at the fork in the road.  He looks at the man munching his apple and immediately assumes a haughty posture, chin slightly up, back straight and an heir of defensive embarrassment at his failure on the course.

You there!  Thanks be to the first that there is someone in this god-forsaken forest.  Lord Braken called me over to inspect and run his accursed course, I tried to talk him out of it, take one of the children they should enjoy it!

Does he do this of course not! 

He pauses hands on knees emphasizing his discomfort.

People always love to see nobility put out.

He straightens back up.

I mean really!  If he wants to diddle the dutchess Gavony that is fine, but he doesn't need to send me on a fools errand to do so!


Clearly Lord Braken has left you hear to escort me through the rest of this course as he has not left any roadmaps.

Acting+Leadership Triple 1's [1,5,9,4,1,8,2,3,1,7]

He puts on a completely vapid but somewhat charming smile as he claps the man on his back and begins to escort him down one of the paths.

So which way to the next obstacle and what grand adventure has the Lord Braken planned for us next?!

In reply to Player 2 (msg # 19):

"The path t'the right's the one for you.  T'other is a dead-end," the man explains, swept up in Player 2's task.

(OOC:  normally, 3x1 indicates fast success but barely scraping by.)

Following the suggested path leads to a small ring formed by sharpened stakes driven into the ground.

There is a gap in the ring, beside which stand a bow, a small shield, a halfhelm and a waster (wooden sword).  There are also several arrows tipped with leather balls.  (each does Shock +1 damage).

In the ring stand two opponents.  These are large men bare but for leather breeches and metal halfhelms.  Each holds a waster of his own.

"Arm yourself, sir, and enter the ring," one announces.

(OOC:  after you pick up one or more weapons you may enter the ring.  The combat round begins when you declare your action and roll.  The men stand together about one round of movement away).

In reply to GM (msg # 20):

Continuing his affected nobility he looks scornfully at the equipment.  Then he looks at the warriors completely slack jawed.  He laughs heartily and begins to applaud.

Well the Lord Braken has done his work admirably.  Aren't you two gentlemen just the Juggernaut reborn!

The men stand up a bit straighter at the compliment.

In all honesty the Lord Braken has sent me for a demonstration of this course.  It has been... quite impressive. I assume you two fine fellows are the last challenge?

He walks slowly around the ring indicating his (current) complete non rush to get into the ring.  He presumptively sets his foot on the lower rail of the fence leaning the rest of his body on the top part of the fence, clearly a specatator.

I was told that while both of you were fine physical specimens that there was a sandy-haired gentleman

He indicates the fighter closest to him.

Could make a sword sing like Min himself.

He looks over at the darker swarthier fighter

I told the Lord that he was crazy, I would have heard of any such swordsman.  I actually laid a wager sight unseen against this unnamed warrior *appraisingly looks the warrior up and down* I believe I have made the better wager.

He points at the darker gentleman

Your name good sir if you would be so kind.

Darren Milord

And yours?

He inquires politely

Wesley, lord.

Well Darren, Wesley he says straightening up from his post beginning to look very excited.  It would give me no end of pleasure to see our wager settled by you find gentlemen in a sparring match.  I will report back to lord Braken exactly what I see in great detail.

Darren if you were to win I would have you come to the castle tonight and collect the spoils of our wager.  The money is of little interest to me it is all in the thrill of wager.

Regardless of the victor, Your deeds will be sung of in his halls tonight!  He projects actually singing the last phrase in a chord of battles and glory.

ActingPerform+Command pair of 10's [9,6,10,10,6,3,2,7,7,8]

The best way to survive combat is to never fight it.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Wed 26 Nov 2014.

In reply to Player 2 (msg # 21):

(OOC: Brilliantly done... but also wrong.  Although some skills can 'move' between different attributes, each die pool MUST be made up of an Attribute + Skill.  Perform is very fluid and could be Coordination, Command or Empathy or even Brains depending on what you're doing with it.  However it has to be with an attribute).

The men shrug.

"Makes no matter to us," Wesley says.  "We were about to play at blades anyhow."

(OOC:  good opportunity to test some things).

The two check the straps on their helmets and each seizes up a waster (shock +1) and small shield (counts as a heater) and square off.

Round 1

Wesley chooses pure attack (2x2 hit location 6) whereas Darren chooses to try to both attack and defend (2x2 and hit location 6, Darren chooses to attack).

As their shields automatically protect the left arm (5-6), both wasters bounce off harmlessly.

Round 2

They repeat their strategies.

Wesley 2x8 hit location 6.  Darren nothing.  Wesley is able to sacrifice some power for some accuracy, shifting his match to 2x6 to hit location 7, striking Darren for 4 shock to the torso.

Round 3

Again.

Wesley gets 2x6 to location 6 (dice roller REALLY likes the left arm today).  Darren gets 2x7 to hit location 1.

Wesley again chooses to reduce his match to 2x4 to hit location 7 for 3 shock.  Darren can either block it with his match or choose to sweep Wesley's leg for 5 shock, which is what he does.

Damage:  Darren 7 shock to torso.  Wesley 5 shock to R. Leg.


Round 4

Again.

Wesley gets 2x6 to location 6 (I swear to Buddah... what is going on?).  Darren gets 2x7 and 2x9 to location 7.

Wesley's waster cracks off of Darren's well-timed shield maneuver and he gets a hit across the chest for his troubles to the tune of 6 shock.

Damage:  Darren 7 shock to torso, Wesley 6 shock to torso, 5 shock to R. Leg.


Round 5

Again.

Wesley gets 2x8 and 2x9 to hit location 8.  Darren gets nothing.

Wesley uses the 2x9 and sacrifices the 2x8 to hit Darren instead in the head.  This is 6 shock, reduced by 2 for the helmet to 4 shock.

Darren shakes his head but is starting to see stars...

Damage:  Darren 7 shock to torso 4 to head, Wesley 6 shock to torso, 5 shock to R. Leg.


Round 6

Again.

Wesley gets 2x10 and 3x4 to location 10.  Darren gets 2x1 to location 1.

Wesley chooses to use his 3x4 set, which goes off before Darren's 2x1 even though it isn't as solid a blow as his 2x10.  This does 3 shock reduced to 1 shock to Darren's head and ruins Darren's set.

Damage:  Darren 7 shock to torso 5 to head, Wesley 6 shock to torso, 5 shock to R. Leg.

Round 7

Again.

Wesley gets 2x8 to location 7.  Darren gets 2x4 to location 4.  Darren's set isn't high enough to block Wesley's attack, so he chooses to hit.

Darren takes 5 shock to the body while Wesley takes 3 shock to the R. Arm.

Damage:  Darren 12 shock to torso 5 to head, Wesley 6 shock to torso, 5 shock to R. Leg, 3 shock R. Arm.

Round 8

Again.

Wesley gets 2x4 to location 4.  Darren gets 2x4 to location 2.  Both of their swings get through.

Damage:  Darren 12 shock to torso 5 to head 3 to R. Arm.
         Wesley 6 shock to torso, 5 shock to R. Leg, 3 shock L. Leg, 3 shock R. Arm.

Round 9

Again.

Wesley gets 2x8 and 3x6 to Torso.  Darren gets 2x6 to L. Arm.

Wesley uses his 3x6 to attack first, and ruins Darren's set while dealing 4 shock to Darren's torso.

That's 16 shock, Darren is too badly beaten to continue and passes out.

End of Combat

Learning Points:

1. Both were using non-lethal weapons.  Once you have a weapon that deals both killing and shock, the damage more or less doubles.

2. Although Wesley had the clear lead, I think that was less the fact that Darren split his sets and more how many dice Darren had.  Wesley got multiple sets 3 rounds out of 9 and never got nothing.  Both were working with original Body + Melee/Block pools of 6d.  It looked to me like there was a critical difference between rolling 5d and rolling 6d.  If Darren had had 7 in that pool to start with instead of 6, he may well have thumped Wesley soundly.

In reply to GM (msg # 22):

Wesley fetches some water to throw on Darren.

"Not bad eh m'lord?"

When Darren comes to his friend helps him to his feet.  Half of all shock evaporates as the two rest on the ground.

In reply to GM (msg # 22):

*thunderous applause, as much as a single set of hands can make*

Great show lads great show!  I am glad to see your skill was not exaggerated

He hums a battle hymn, the sound is deep and resonant, a marching beat.

What do you think of that for the tune?

He begins to walk over to the suicide booth as you can hear his voice wafting back to the combatants

Out in the sun the men did clash,
the wooden swords moved like a flash...


/ooc the hardest part of writing this character is going to be writing songs and poems, I suck at both, but I do think I like this character.

As far as the roll I did Command + Perform (I called it acting by mistake) but did roll the appropriate dice.  Is that correct or did I still do something wrong? /ooc

In reply to Player 2 (msg # 24):

(OOC: as long as pool is correct, don't care what you said.)

In reply to GM (msg # 25):

[OOC: here will be challenges etc. to learn the O.R.E. and test character ideas.]

In a clearing in a densely wooded section of land, a local lord has erected a small obstacle course for the training and betterment of his Men-at-arms.  His knights, naturally, have their own training facilities on their own estates.

From the starting line, marked by notches in two thin saprolings, there is a short jog through the woods between trees (no roll required).

There is then a series of small trenches filled with mud and water (Body + Athletics or Running).  There is also a slippery log that spans the trenches to one side which you may choose instead to cross (Coordination + Acrobatics, failure means you fall in and get muddy).

Past that is a straight section of path with a wooden training dummy at the end of it.  When you climb out of the trenches, there is a spear you can pick up and throw at the dummy (Coordination + Throw, failure means you miss).

You then jog past the dummy where there is a wall made of logs that is about your height (Coordination + Climb, failure means you cannot climb the wall and must walk around).

Past that you cannot see.  When you get to the top you can look around (Sense + Sight or Hearing).

His Eminence has permitted you to run the obstacle course if you choose.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

His stave grasped lightly in his right hand and serving as his walking stick and guide, a beleaguered Dmitri saunters slowly toward the obstacle course.

Physical challenges. How droll.

Dmitri strolls slowly through the woods, arriving at the muddy trenches.

I knew I shouldn't have worn my nice robes.

Body [9,6,8]

Dmitri slowly and carefully traverses the trenches with no discerinble grace or aplomb. His vibrant red robes are caked with mud and drenched with water.

Delightful.

Dmitri makes his way forward, finding the spear.

Pointy end first, I suppose.

Coordination [4,8]

Dmitri tosses the spear, missing the dummy entirely.

At least it went forward!

[Coordination 3,3]

With surprising success, Dmitri scales the wall.

That was unexpected

Dmitri lands on the other side of the wall, confronted by an open clearing.

Sense 2x7

You there, what are you about?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Wed 26 Nov 2014.

In reply to Player 3 (msg # 27):

"Oh me, sir?"  the assistant replies with a smirk, "just doing THIS!"

He then swings a sandbag at the end of a rope toward Dmitri (Coordination + Dodge to avoid 2 shock to arm and torso.  This is an easy task so +1d to your pool).

Before Dmitir is a long path which twists and turns and goes down a small hill and back up another (no roll required for run, but Body + Athletics to avoid fatigue).

At the end of that long trail is another assistant standing at a fork in the path.  He will be lazily munching an apple when you arrive.

The fork is not labeled, so you aren't sure which way to go.  Perchance the assistant does?

In reply to GM (msg # 28):

Dodge 2x1

Thankful that he'd been on edge after sensing the man in the brush, Dmitri is able to sidestep the swinging bag just before impact.

Well aren't you friendly.

Dmitri continues to plod along the obstacle course, surprised as anyone that he hasn't already failed.

Maybe there's less to this mercenary business than I'd been led to believe?

Dmitri continues to plod along the winding trail. While the going is slow, Dmitri avoids physical imposition from the journey.

Body+Endurance 2x7

Empathy+"Charisma" - 2x3

Dmitri approaches the man slowly, a welcoming smile stretched across his face.

Well met good sir. I have faced many obstacles in my journey, but I find myself bewildered most by this simple fork in the road. I am unfamiliar with these woods and must concede to needing assistance to continue my journey. Perchance can you take pity on a lost boy and point him in the right direction?

In reply to Dmitri Umbra (msg # 29):

(OOC: Charisma is not a skill.  Most likely Persuasion is the one you want.  Charisma is really closer to the Command stat, though the all-encompassing concept covered by charisma is split between Command and Empathy.  A very charismatic person would likely just have high Command.  A person who is very good one-on-one at reading and responding to people would have high Empathy.)

"The path t'the right's the one for you.  T'other is a dead-end," the man explains, swept up in Player 2's task.

Following the suggested path leads to a small ring formed by sharpened stakes driven into the ground.

There is a gap in the ring, beside which stand a bow, a small shield, a halfhelm and a waster (wooden sword).  There are also several arrows tipped with leather balls.  (each does Shock +1 damage).

In the ring stand two opponents.  These are large men bare but for leather breeches and metal halfhelms.  Each holds a waster of his own.

"Arm yourself, sir, and enter the ring," one announces.

(OOC:  after you pick up one or more weapons you may enter the ring.  The combat round begins when you declare your action and roll.  The men stand together about one round of movement away).
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:52, Wed 26 Nov 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

A completely different character saunters up to the obstacle course.

Playtime.

Body/Athletics [1,4,2,10,3]

Uldaf trudges through the mud filled trenches.

Oh I've known wet and cold before. What doesn't kill ye..

Coordination/Throw [3,6,2,5]

Uldar grabs the spear and hurls it true enough, easily smashing the rock ten feet left and behind the target that he'd been aiming for.

Success!

Climb [5,4,10]

Uldaf gets a running start and a beautiful leap up the wall, but can't maintain his grip, falling deftly into the mud and snow below.

Going swimmingly.

Finishing his climb, Xander hears a rustle in the bush.

Sense/Hearing [2x7]

Who's there? What are you about?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 31):

"Oh me, sir?"  the assistant replies, obviously irked at having been spotted again.  "Just my job."

He then swings a sandbag at the end of a rope toward Uldaf (Coordination + Dodge to avoid 2 shock to arm and torso.  This is an easy task so +1d to your pool).

A long path twists and turns and goes down a small hill and back up another (no roll required for run, but Body + Athletics to avoid fatigue).

At the end of that long trail is another assistant standing at a fork in the path.  He will be lazily munching an apple when you arrive.

The fork is not labeled, so you aren't sure which way to go.  Perchance the assistant does?

In reply to GM (msg # 32):

Block [2x8]

Uldaf spins Yggdrasil and deftly deflects the incoming bag with a timed counterstroke from the staff's mighty head.

"And what's your problem?"

Uldaf sprints by without further discussion, reaching the fork in the road and the associated man.

Athletics [9,5, 2, 10, 7]

While Uldaf clears the distance capably, the run takes its toll.

Command/Psychology [2x5]

It's the right fork. I can tell. As soon I rode up, you looked right over your right shoulder. Like you were checking on it. No sense in lying to me about it. It's the right fork.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 33):

(OOC:  Perfect use of skills!  Love it!)

"I... yes but... "  the man stammers.  "Sure it is... go on ahead... they're expecting you."

Following the suggested path leads to a small ring formed by sharpened stakes driven into the ground.

There is a gap in the ring, beside which stand a bow, a small shield, a halfhelm and a waster (wooden sword).  There are also several arrows tipped with leather balls.  (each does Shock +1 damage).

In the ring stand two opponents.  These are large men bare but for leather breeches and metal halfhelms.  Each holds a waster of his own.

"Arm yourself, sir, and enter the ring," one announces.  "I'm Wesley and this here is Darren.  M'lord said you might be wanting a few turns at the waster after your jog."

(OOC:  after you pick up one or more weapons you may enter the ring.  The combat round begins when you declare your action and roll.  The men stand together about one round of movement away).
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:34, Tue 02 Dec 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 34):

Yggy and I are ready for a scrap when you are.

Uldaf roars like a bear and charges the two men. Uldaf swipes his great club first toward the head of one man

Melee [3x9]

And grazing the legs of the other as the swing follows through

Melee [2x3]

Are you awake now lads?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 35):

(OOC:  remember, making two attacks is a multi-action and you lose 1d from the LOWER of the two pools.  Here, both pools would be Body + Melee, so you roll that pool -1d and look for two sets).

(OOC: also, if you're going to sacrifice power for accuracy, i.e. bump the 9 to 10 hit location, please include that in your post.  Otherwise I'll assume you don't.  For now, I'm assuming your "greatclub" is the same stats as a club, but we can work that out later)

Surprised by the ferocity of Uldaf's onslaught, both men attack rather than think of any sort of balance.

Wesley gets 3x9 and clocks Uldaf for 5 Shock to his torso.  At the same time, Uldaf returns the same blow to the tune of 7 shock.

The damage taken ruins Uldaf's second set and Darren whiffs.

Damage:
Uldaf 5 shock to torso
Wesley 7 shock to torso
Darren none

ROUND 2

Both Wesley and Darren will attack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:50, Tue 02 Dec 2014.