Late morning begins to settle in as you make you way through the city. Lamp lighters are finishing up their rounds dousing the oil lamps spaced along the main boulevards. Traffic is beginning to get heavy as the shopcarts and side stalls all begin to unpack their wares for the day of business. Unlike many of the towns in Vilmir, Old Hrolmar is experiencing a rennisance of sorts. Instead of the drab and grey cities of many of the other city states, Old Hrolmar is full of colors and gadgets from every corner of the Young Kingdoms.

    After wandering through the well organized, busy, and extremely crowded, streets of Old Hrolmar you find your way to the Blunted Blade Inn. The inn is a cozy affair located along  one  of the main throughways heading out of town to the north. Music and laughter drift from the door each time it is opened, greeting each and every traveler with the promise of a good time. Bawdy songs from the Isle of Purple Towns color the mood for the evening as you approach the intended destination.

     The door opens easily hinting of the popularity of the establishment. Inside the place is crowded with people: Sweaty cattle drivers in dusty yellowed robes just in from the wilderness, local craftsmen still in the leather aprons of their trade, a small selection of the obvious night worker some of whom are finishing up with their last client of the evening. Two musicians, playing stringed instruments, provide a pretty young girl with a tune to dance to. Several appreciative patrons toss coins at her naked feet.

     Your obvious distinctive look, one that differences from the average serf present, garners a look from the bulky bartender. He reaches down grabs a few of the carved wooden mugs  and begins to clean them with a not so clean looking towel that was just recently slung over his shoulder. He nods a quick, but easy to decipher, gesture in your direction indicating for you to head towards the bar.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:53, Thu 06 Nov 2014.

Bartender finishes wiping down the mugs he as taken from below the counter and sets them down expectantly

'owdy gents, you seem to be in the wrong bar. Don' get many you 'gressive barterin' types here, jus' a few poa ranchers an rangers.

Bartender get me 3 mugs of your Dragon Jizz Beer...how much for the dancing girl?  HAHA looks over at Corvus...You look like you could use another drink...get your pecker some place it shouldn't have been?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:06, Sat 08 Nov 2014.

Bartender get the scrumptious treat that just walked in and sat down a drink too...and who you calling gressive bartering type looks over at Éclair and gives a devilish smile towards her...throws down a small handful of bronze..some still covered in Barbarian blood.  Keeps rubbing a stone on his axe to make it gleam because of its insane sharpness..
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Sat 08 Nov 2014.

"Thanks." Hraal sips his ale and absorbs the atmosphere of the modest tavern.

Taking a quick glance up as the door slams quickly, responding to a common cry of "Wine, my good man", he motions Corvus over as he turns behind him to fetch a bottle. Turning back with hand at the ready to pop the cork, waiting for the coin to appear, he takes a deep breath "Ya seem a bit fluster son, wats on yer heels?" Cracking the seal he lets the bottle breathe for a bit "One second, while this breathes"

He looks up as more and more unusual clientele start to walk in. A few more mugs begin to appear on the bar top. As Viktor saunters up to the bar and digs deep into his coin pouch and tosses a handful of coins on the table top. He is met with only a few solid thunks of a bronze. Instead the light tinkling of groats fill the air.

After sweeping in the "vast treasure" laid on the bar in front of him the bartender smiles a bit. "I'm takin it that yer all here for tha meetin" He motions to a few tables over towards where Eclair has already claimed. "I was told to get ya all over there outa the way". The barkeep turns back towards Corvus "You part of this lot too? Or is Balo yankin on yer stings?" as a "knowing" smirk dancing across his face.

"Ya all just best be heading over. I'll be there with somethin ta wet yer wistles. How many of you am I expecting today gents?" He turns and begins to fill a few of the wooden mugs with something frothy and rank from a large barrel off to the side.

Khazim comes through the door right as the bartender finishes talking. He notices the two men in strange garb and mismatched in height. He tries to take everything in but it is so loud, nothing like the small villages he knows and the relative quiet of the wastes. He takes up a position just inside the doors, leaving against the wall and watches to see what else is going on and whether his mysterious patron happens to be present.

The bartender grabs a handful of mugs and begins to escort Viktor and Hraal over towards Eclair. "Miss, I take it your part of the meeting? If yer not, I need the use of these tables, The bar has two lovely places just freshly opened and I'll get witca in a moment"

Turning back as he notices a new body near the door "Jus one moment, I'll getcha if'n you want ta just take a seat near the bar"

Khazim realizes the bartender was addressing him and concentrates on what he is saying. At first the accent is so thick he struggles a moment but gets the gist and makes his way over to the bar. He takes a seat nearby where the bartender gestures. He wonders if the bartender knows a bit more than he is letting on...

Hraal takes a seat at the table and flashes a vulpine grin at the lovely Eclair.  He quaffs the remainder of his drink, brushes a lock of hair from his face, and rests his elbows on the table.  "What's going on in this city. barkeep?"  The smile slips across his face once again. "We're enterprising men and women, us, and we're looking for opportunities to earn some coin to make our way through this dying world while it still breathes."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Sun 09 Nov 2014.

To barkeep, "Yes I am part of this crew I spose.   They can join me at my table if they must."  Addressing Viktor, "and I am more than capable of getting a drink, but thank you."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:39, Sun 09 Nov 2014.

The bartender drops off the wooden mugs to the three who remain at the corner table. Takes the towel and quickly swipes the table to catch a bit of the froth that had spilled over the mug sides as he set it down.
"Ohh there is always somethin goin on in these parts. You favor a caravan run? The caravanserai on the north end of town outside the walls is always lookin for big folks like you and the loud one. I'll be back in a second got thirsty customers."

Turning, he flings the towel back over his left shoulder and begins to make his way back towards the bar. Nodding to a few of locals as he passes, he deftly grabs handfuls of the empty wooden mugs saving a trip back once he reaches the bar. Sliding behind the bar he tosses the dirty mugs into a medium sized barrel on the floor at the edge of the opening to behind the bar. The mugs make a wooden clink, as well as a tiny splashing noise.

Sliding up to Khazim
"Welcome wastelander, what is it I can do for you, don't get much of you types in the city proper, must be something big to get you in these cramped streets" He grabs a few wooden mugs and starts to fill them from a different barrel than he used to fill the round for Viktor, Hraal, and Eclair. He looks up over Khazim's shoulder. "Bara, come get yers whilst I wait on this gentleman here" he says with a slight smile

In the background the music changes over from a bawdy Purple Town shanty to a long and windy tinkling flute and lute combo attempting to give the feel of a forlorn and barren place. The dancer adopts a languid and expressive dance where her limbs and body flex in long and fleeting style. A few of the patrons hush as they watch the dancer, nursing their pints.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:32, Sun 09 Nov 2014.

Khazim gives the bartender a grin; "You must have seen a lot over the years to guess where I am from by my dress. Anyhow, I will have an ale. I received a letter to meet someone here so I made my way from where I was and here I wait."

"Well it is fairly simple, You see there are only a handful of areas that would frequent this side of town. You don't look like the sailor type. Your dress is far more utility that that of those stuffy Ilmorians. Your skin is far to weathered and dark for those of us in fair Vilmir, that and yer not covered in soot. However, your biggest giveaway was your wear, I see wood beneath those layers. I had me a good guess that you were from the wastes to the east."

He puts a finger to the side of his nose and winks. Afterwards he reaches down below the bar and grabs another wooden mug. Turning around he begins to fill it.

"A letter you say?, hrmm would fair ta guess that is why I'm being visited by so many unusual types today. A smallish man came in a while ago and told me that several of your types would be showing up soon. Never really said exactly when though, looks like today is it."

Turning back he sets the mug down by Khazim and nods over to where the others have been ushered.

"Best bet they are all going to be havin that same scrap of paper, mayhaps you should see if any of them got the summons? "

Raises his filled mug of beer to the Gods...Ho! Ho! Ho! to the bottle I go To heal my heart and drown my woe. Rain may fall and wind may blow, And many miles be still to go, But under a tall tree I will lie, And let the clouds go sailing by.

 A rather frail looking man in a white mask entered the bar. His military style trench coat fluttered in the wind as he shut the door behind him. He was covered from head to toe in odd looking armor, and almost out of this world clothes and adornments. A large scoped rifle hung securely on the man's back.

 Pausing just a moment in the doorway, so that curious eyes could take the sight in, Spooky began to walk across the bar, his sights set upon a lone table in the back of the establishment. As he walks, Spooky takes great care at dodging his way through the crowd, avoiding contact with any of the patrons as they drank or danced or told humorous banters.

 From the table in the back, Spooky propped his feet up on a neighboring stool, and leaned his back against the wall. He kept a sharp eye out at his surroundings, but seemed to just be enjoying the atmosphere of the tavern.

Rael enter the bar just a few second after the odd man with the white mask. The odd fellow was strange enough to remind Rael that there were still people that would like to see him dead or worse.

So he figured it would be best to see the man back on not his front, he find himself a place to sit noticing the ruckus by the end table. Sell sword of one kind or another, he edge toward them. If there was trouble, one not stirred by those men, he figured it would be safer near them and not far.

Viktor attempts to drill up some shanty from old, only to be met with a few takers, but mostly a few mumbles and a bit more intense cheering for the dancing girl. She begins to twirl a bit more as the tempo of the song begins to quicken as if to represent the hastening of the wind and how it scours the barrens. With near lightning reflex's and rapid movements a few scarves begins to flow from her hands, whipping and twirling like some cyclone. That is until the door opens once more and a thin, completely out of place looking, individual enters, for a brief second her eyes locked with his and she falters a step.

She is able to regain composure as many of the patrons notice the outlandish person in their midst and suddenly fall silent. Either by luck, or misfortune as the case may be, Rael's entrance goes almost completely unnoticed in the shadow of such a strange individual.

The Bartender
"Greeting, um.. sir, and .. um.. may Arkyn bless you on this fine day" The bartender addresses Sekatus slowly, breaking the silence that even penetrates the slowly winding down music. "What is it I can offer a contriver such as yourself, that the ever knowing Church of Law does not offer?" His hands seems to only move by force of will towards the wooden mugs that are stored beneath the bar rather than the near thoughtless actions that have preceded ever other encounter. [Private to Sekatus 'Spooky' Bane: Sadly, if you do not have your "Understanding" spell active, his words will be mumbo jumbo to you at this time. Spells only take concentration to truly cast though, for the most part]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:21, Wed 12 Nov 2014.

Notices how quiet it got in the tavern after the strange man with the odd looking flute on his back walked in....looks over at Spooky...

hey white mask...what kind of flute you got on yer back? play a song for the dancing girl...hey girl show your large mounds of flesh..reaches into his pouch to throw some appreciative bronze, only to find that he pouch is empty.
*GM Edited*
[Private to Viktor: You used the last of your money on the first rounds of drinks, sent PM earlier]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:46, Thu 13 Nov 2014.

With all of the commotion, new faces, and strange contraptions that have walked through the door this day, the regulars of the establishment do their best to remain going about their normal business. Beyond the hidden peak, sideways glance, or not so obvious detour to get to the bar, the basic patron of the Blunted Blade is pretending that those who are assembled simply do not exist. The bartender is giving the group their fair attention making sure that mugs are filled as requested, as as coin appears.

The bartender pulls a tray out from under the counter and grabs several mugs from under the counter as well. One by one he begins to fill them with the frothy drink that first graced Viktor and Hraal's mugs.

"Come now sir's and lady's, when you've been a tender as long as I have, I'd hazard a guess that all your new faces are here for the same reasons. Here is a round on the house if you would all just move over there to the side and let my regulars go about their day. Nervous patrons tend to not drink as much." he voices slowly with a hint of deliberate "authority" behind it.

"I'm sure whom ever it is who summoned you will be along shortly. He had the foresight to make sure you all were gathered at the same time."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:16, Fri 14 Nov 2014.

Real noticed the rowdy mercenaries sitting at one table, it was hard not to notice them. Beside he had seen the giant man outside.

It was now or never, he moved forward standing at the table standing as straight as he could to give him every inch of height. A dozen ways to introduce himself ran pass his head. Angry with himself he just plunged in.

"Greeting," he nods looking in each of the occupants sitting and smiled a grim smile "They call me Rael, while I am no warrior I am a warrior best friend." he pat the healers bag of herbs at his side "From all the lot in this inn, I think our companionship would be mutual beneficial. May I join you?"

 Spooky politely waved off the bartender, preferring instead to just enjoy the atmosphere. He wasn't here on official business, just here to unwind, and let the weather change. His back to the wall, and his feet kicked up, Spooky looked truly comfortable. It was if he didn't even notice the strange looks he was garnering, then again, it would be impossible not to. It was more likely that he was just used to the strange looks people offered at him.

 [Private to GM: Crap! Apologies, I missed that post!]

In reply to Rael Gol (msg # 21):

Hraal's red armor groans and creeks as he leans forward and accepts Rael's hand.
"Well-met, friend."  He smiles.  "What brings you to Old Hrolmar, stranger?"

Rael grins "Oh, a trader caravan brought me here... I set out from my home seeking the roads to learn more about the world. There are many different plants and herbs with different properties and one must travel long and far to accumulate wisdom in the arts."

He pat his empty coin pouch "Alas I fear I am all out of coin so I came here looking to better my luck and fill my coffer."

In reply to Rael Gol: holds out his hand to shake also...

I am Viktor.

The bartender finishes tapping the keg with the seven mugs of bitter and moves out from behind the bar. He looks over towards Corvus, Khazim, and "Spooky"
"Come sir's, A fine drink if you an your companions would venture this way. Please A few of my other patrons have the look of heading out with far to few drinks in them."
He moves toward the table where Viktor, Rael, Hraal, and Eclair are seated. Deftly weaving through the rest of the tightly packed room you see him once again making assurances and taking new orders for the next round.

Khazim shrugs and makes his way over to the table with the eclectic assortment of characters, carrying his mug and taking a long pull from it. He looks at the assembled folk and addresses them; "I don't suppose any of you have received a strange letter in recent days?"

"Strange letter?"  Hraal raises an eyebrow.  "Yes, I did.  It was  a scrap of paper which directed me here."  The mercenary then folds his arms across his chest. "I suppose that you have too, then?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Sun 16 Nov 2014.

 Spooky looks up between his feet at the bartender, just now realizing he was speaking to him as well. Seems he didn't blend in as well as he had hoped. Spooky shrugged, then took his feet off the table and followed to where the man was pointing. Spooky had always been a go with the flow kinda guy anyways. Luckily for him, look where he ended up! It took work to manage to blend in this much, and that was none at all.

 Wondering what he had wondered into, Spooky slid through the room to the table he was directed at. As he took a seat, he looked around at the others of the table as if he were trying to put together a puzzle. Indeed, he was looking for a trend.

 Despite the situation, Spooky soon regained his typical demeanor, watching the crowds as they go and sipping the ale he was handed on his way to his new seat.

Having relaxed somewhat thanks to the wine, and the non-appearance of the pursuing guards, Corvus was somewhat shaken from his thoughts by the bartender calling him over to join some others at a table. With little better on offer he made his way across - a free ale would help pass the time, if nothing else.

But there was talk of being brought here by a patron, and letters. So something was afoot. He thought of saying that he too, had received such a missive, but knew the truth would soon be proven otherwise.

"No letter here. But who knows, perhaps a sea captain will be needed in any case - and then I'm your man."

Rael pulls a crumpled missive from his own pouch "I did get this strange missive just as I got to town. Since I am poor on both companions and coin and I was in the neighborhood I figured it would be best to come here."

Corvus gets up, and with a hearty smile on his face at the mention of free booze makes he way across the crowded tavern. He takes a brief second to swirl gracefully into and through the dance of the young dancing girl. Without missing a beat, or a drop of the precious wine, saunters his way to the table where the assembled mugs await.

Spooky, the ever present ghost, seems to have simply slunk from point A to point B. It seems that far to many of the patrons are simply doing their best to make sure they can either drink him out of existence, or downright ignoring the man in incredibly outlandish gear.

[Private to Sekatus 'Spooky' Bane: When Corvus sits down you see a slip of paper fall under his chair, roughly the same size as the one that Rael has produced from his pouch]
The Bartender smiles heartily as he slides each of the mugs off his tray and onto the table letting each of the people in turn take their own mug.
"there now gents and lady's, isn't that better? I must thank you, I can see the rest of the mood of the place has begun to pick up. Ya'll know how changes can really get people in an upset here in "good ole regular Vilmir. Speaking of good ole Vilmir, If I may ask, masked one, is that a new kind of Astrolabe for sailers you got on yer back? or maybe some new piece of surveyor gear. I heard them mines to the north are scraping bedstone to get anything from the ground."

He turns and begins to gather a few of the nearby empty mugs as he seems to passively wait for some kind of answer or dismissal.

"It looks like the worst bow I've ever seen - there isn't even a string! Still, perhaps it has some use to the masked man."

 As the bartender addressed Spooky, he seemed shocked, even pointing his index finger at himself, as if to say "Who me?" before he unstrapped the strange device, and laid in on the table so the others could inspect it. Spooky did make sure the safety was on, and guessed by their reactions, that no one other than himself would know how to make it work again. Spooky was genuinely amused, slightly wondering if they were just messing with him to get a hold of his weapon. Of course, Spooky had a plan for that instance.

 Without speaking, Spooky goes over the machine, lightly tracing it with his fingers like it was a fine woman. After a few moments, Spooky simply shrugged at the bartender, then re-strapped the rifle to his back. Taking a mug in his hand, Spooky took a long drink from the container, and waited for the others to chime in.

 [Private to GM: After Spooky sets the rifle down, hopefully distracting the others, he will attempt to grab the note that fell without anyone else noticing. Also, for your records, when I made Spooky, he was supposed to be akin to "Silent Bob" in that he was only going to speak when it would have the most effect, but the other game, we didn't have many that knew what we were doing, so I had to expand his chattiness a bit. In this world however, everyone seems to have a handle on what is going on, so, I want to play Spooky the original way he was envisioned. Though I won't let his lack of speech affect the game in a negative way!]

looks over at Spooky...
I got one of those papers too...hey white mask play a song on your flute for us.

With the rather odd, and silent, response to the inquiry the bartender shrugs his shoulders and continues to gather the mugs.

"Ahh well, Contrivers and their toys."
[Private to Corvus: While attention was focused on the instrument lying on the table, you saw the masked man make a few odd motions. On the floor you saw, for a brief second, two rolled pieces of paper. One was obviously near your chair, while the other seemed closer to "Spooky". Swiftly, almost to the point where your not sure if you even saw them, he snatched them up off the ground.]
[Private to Khazim: While attention was focused on the instrument lying on the table, you saw the masked man make a few odd motions. On the floor between Corvus and "Spooky" you swear you saw two rolled pieces of paper. "Spooky" quickly and deftly snatched both of them. If you had not happened to have dropped your eyes at that moment, best bet is that you would have missed what just happened.]
The bartender turns away and begins to make his rounds once more. The music once again takes on a happier tone as the dancing girl takes a quick break to get a bit of drink and food.

The item placed on the table looked like a jumbled mess of half weapons. One end is long and narrow, resembling a spear shaft, but obviously far to thin to be an accurate handle. The other end, large and bulky in a vague wedge shape looks more like a good business end, but the large spyglass down the middle seems completely out of place. Obviously a sighting tool of some kind as used by ship captains, the location, and seemingly uselessness of the rest of the apparatus, would make that particular item far to bulky to properly use on any seafaring ship.

A few more patrons shift about the place trying to get a look at the strange thing that had landed in their midst. Obviously their curiosity has overcome their reluctance to acknowledge the ragtag group.

Khazim looks askance at "Spooky" and Corvus for a moment then shrugs and takes a seat. He decides to see where things go. While briefly fascinated by the strange device he quickly determines it is of no use to him as he relies upon his bow for his livelihood. He scrutinizes the gathering of people, looking to see if he notices anything else that seems unusual. He drinks slowly from his mug, wanting to keep his wits about him.

Rael peek at the strange apparatus on the table with the rest of the group. He seem to be totally absorb on the thing "It's amazing..." he whispers "... may I touch it..." he asks his hands already reaching to the thing "What is it?"

With many eyes on the artifact on the table it almost goes unnoticed as another strange individual slides up to the bar. Barkeep! A round for myself as I am about to set forth and a grand adventure! The man slaps a handful of bronze on the bar top.

As your eyes settle on his, you can see that the man is not much into 20 summers. A scrabble of a beard is his attempt at looking dashing, however the somewhat mottled growth gives him far more of boy playing at a man appearance. His clothes are fine, but not to expensive, and almost completely out of place in a tavern for working folks such as this. After he receives his ale, he turns around, leans on a chair with one elbow crooked at the bar and begins to eye up the dancing girl.

"Ohh yeah, Hey, how much for a private dance?"

The dancing girl slows her dancing for a moment to take in the newcomer. she slowly turns and dances towards him, only to spin sharply, head held high, and swiftly dances away.

"Lout..." mutters Corvus, momentarily eyeing the loud newcomer. Some people just lacked the necessary...style.

But he turned back to the strange artifact that so impressed everyone around the table. Corvus was curious himself, but he had no idea what it was and when that was the case he preferred not to dwell on things. His sharp eyes had already caught some manouvers under the table, sleight of hand - or foot - and all that, but for now his gaze drifted back to the dancing girl...

 Spooky remained as he had, silent. Though as Rael reached for it, Spooky gently and slowly placed his hand over the trigger. They weren't sure what it was, but if someone accidentally pulled that switch, he would surely be labeled a 'witch' or something worse due to his 'boomstick'.

 After Spooky covered the dangerous part, he waved a hand at Rael, as if inviting him to touch it. Spooky knew he couldn't do any harm to the weapon, at least he hoped not. Considering most people thought it to be an instrument, he didn't figure anyone would want to damage the thing in the first place.

 Spooky found his thoughts wandering back to before he ended up in this strange world. He longed to be back in his home, before the Regulators came and got him. He wasn't mad, per se, but this wasn't part of the contract. He imagined the wonders of his home world, and a slight chuckle emanated from behind he mask as he thought of the reaction the people here would have if they were fortunate, or unfortunate actually, enough to see a Glitter Boy for the first time.

 Spooky turned his gaze upon the boy-man that had sat at their table. His hollow eye sockets of empty darkness pierced in his direction. He wasn't sure who the guy was, or what he was doing, but Spooky had no time to babysit, and this lad looked as though he should still be training for his future profession. Without shaking his gaze, Spooky handed Corvus a slip of paper. Those that were watching particularly close, might have noticed him pick it up off the floor. He then sat another slip of paper in front of himself, all the while still staring at the new guy at the table.

 In this establishment, the youth was either very brave, or very stupid. Hell, Spooky himself would have avoided this table were he not one of the 'freak show' asked to move,

Eclair is not sure about being with all these people.   When she got the summons, she felt an obligation to respond.    Maybe she would get some answers on this journey.   However she did not know that she would be in the company of this kind of crew.

"Yes I did get a paper like described.   Does anyone know who this strange benefactor was that summoned to this wretched place?"

That last few words seems to echo across the tavern as a slight lull the in music happen to time it self inappropriately at that moment. The music, that was about to begin, falters for a second as the feeling that the whole place took offense at the offered judgement of the bar that the locals so favored. Grumblings can be heard as well as a few sideways glances that are no longer among the wondering or admiring few.

Lucky, the tension is broken as the front door opens once again. In shuffles a tiny man, barely reaching 4' tall, wrapped in a plain brown hooded robe. The robe, reminiscent of a monastic garb, has the hood pulled over the individuals face hiding most of the strangers features. With the exception of a long hooked nose peaking out from the folds of the hood, only the glint of a pair of close-set beady eyes can be seen.

The tavern, as is standard, slow down the temp of conversation and drinking to take a quick glance at the newest stranger. After taking their their 10 second judgement they go back to nursing their tales and brews, giving the hooded strange no more a warm welcome than you yourselves received.  The man stops a few feet in the door, and slowly scans around the room taking in the faces and features off all. His eyes settle on the newly arrived youth at the bar and he begins to shuffle over. [Secret to Hraal; Viktor: Your not sure, but you swear to the higher lords that when this guy moves, there is a slight muffled tinkle bell like jingle coming from him.]

"You are the one who received the summons? I doubt it." the man's somewhat nasally voice cracks in an almost youthful pubescence itself.
"You would not even last 2 seconds against a Kerg, Begone"and he waves his gnarled hand in dismissal.

Taking a few more seconds to scan further, he firmly shoves the youth out of his way, and makes his way towards the group waiting at the table. The youth is easily shoved aside and looses his balance. With a not so graceful recovery he stammers a bit "Now See here..." The hooded man turns around and is in the face of the youth before anyone even blinks. "You are weak and pathetic, be glad I'm doing you a favor, go home and suckle at your mother some more welp."

With that, the hooded man leaves the youth dumbfounded. Beneath the hooded robe, an almost Cheshire effect happens with a snaggle-toothed grin that appears below the hooked nose. The moistness of the lips and glint in the eyes eclipse all else. His eyes once again settles on the group as he resumes his trek towards you, the obvious intended destination.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:07, Tue 25 Nov 2014.

The stranger with the mask (and stranger device) handed one of the pieces of paper that Corvus had seen him surreptitiously lift from the floor to the captain, and he momentarily raised his eyebrows before accepting.

"My thanks."

Then he sat and waited for what followed. When the small man in the hooded robe entered as he did, Corvus suspected this was the fellow for whom they had been waiting. Although he appreciated the dismissal of the youth, there was something in the manner of it that made the captain wary. But he would wait to see what the creep had to say.

Takes his stone out and starts sharpening his axe...Enough already...Why are we here? in deep dark voice...

Puts his stone back in its pocket and reaches for a small sack he had acquired...opens it up and dumps it out...
Damn barbarians...steal a bag full of money and it is full of shiny pebbles...looks over at Eclair...hey pretty girl..I have some shiny pebbles for ya...

Khazim stares at the hooded being, not quite sure what to make of it. He finds it difficult to imagine this person having anything to do with the ornate letter he received. He settles back and waits to see how everything plays out, casting his eyes around the room to see what the other patrons are doing.

The small man stops a few feet from the assembled crew. He slowly looks at each and every one of you as if he is looking at a corral of horses.

"Yes, yes, definitely those who were summoned. Good, Good."
His Eyes glint as they soak in what is offered.
"Ahh yes, a pretender, an open mind, ohh Strong, yes good."
His eyes stop on Eclair and you think you hear a sort of sniffing
"Hrrmmm, Interesting"

His "composure" is regained as he straightens up to his full 4'1" height. A gnarled hand is produced from the folds of his robe.

"You received your missives? Yes? For seeking employment with my master?"

The Cheshire grin once again returns in some sort of secret joke.

"The job is simple, yes, very simple. A mere escort needed, Big and strong escort." A slight, barely heard giggle escapes afterwards.

"Moving weapons from point A to B" His hand points to an imaginary point "A" in the air, and slowly moves across an imaginary horizon to rest at the place punctuated at imaginary point "B".
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Tue 25 Nov 2014.

Hraal folds leans on his elbows and a stifles a yawn. "What's in it for us?"

Perhaps we would open our ears with a fresh brew in my hand...sets the pebbles in front of Eclair and winks at her...

Focusing his attention on Hraal the short stranger unfolds both gnarled hands in a wide gesture.

"Why money of course, what other means of barter is universally accepted. How much it asks? Yes how much indeed. That is a matter between you and my mistress. She controls the coffer, not me her lowly servant. That is a matter best served between you two."

With that he makes a grandiosely mocking subservient bow as if he were addressing a king or queen
[Private to Rael Gol: For all his showmanship and mocking he is genuinely telling the truth that he is merely a messenger sent to retrieve you. Everything, however truthful, is tinged with an underlying mischievousness]
"If Barter is your wish, I should let you talk to the mistress yourself. You wish to barter?"
At the punctuation of the last statement the short man produces from the folds of his robes a small, delicate glass sphere about the size of an apple. By simple glancing you can tell that the sphere is made of a glass so thin, it is almost as if it were a soap bubble. In side the sphere you can see a swirling cloud like mass. Distinct swirls of just about every color slowly shift around in the globe instead of melding together.

"Shall we meet with her?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:09, Tue 25 Nov 2014.

"Honestly? I'm fine with the money."

Corvus feels his own throat getting a touch dry, though maybe for a variety of reasons.

Hraal's lips twitch into a smile. "No need to barter, my friend.  I am sure that your mistress will treat us fairly."  He scratches the back of his neck.  "I for one am prepared to meet her, if and when the rest of the is motley is will and able."

Rael Gol listen carefully to the imp tale and slowly nods at his words "I speak only for myself but I will take coin, I would like to know how much coin and what is the nature of the job."

He smiles a meritless smile "Where are point A and B are and what sort of opposition do we expect to encounter..."

He glance about "I am no warrior but I will mend your wounds and brew you potions that would restore your health should you come hurt or ill."

Ignoring the advances being made to her, she focuses on the little man.

Money is all and good, but what type of bartering is there to be had?

Eclair wonders if this may help her with her...predicament.

Looking at Eclair, the small man takes a few shuffling steps towards her. A hand outstretches outwards, fingers twitching ever so slightly, towards Eclairs covered arm. Before even going a foot or more the arm snaps back as if he remembers where he is at.
"What type indeed? Used to other payments are we? All talk of payment, money, and promises. It sounds like you are all ready to set this course going? Time to talk, meet the mistress? Yes? All answers best served by her. Lowliest of lowlies that I am is only sent to fetch."

With that, the hand with the small glass bauble swiftly extends into the air with haste. With a speed that is barely able to follow, the short man whips the bauble to the ground causing the delicate sphere to shatter into millions of tiny pieces. The multicolor smoke, finally released from the sphere combines together into a thick yellow smoke that swiftly begins to fill the area. Screams of fear and shouts of alarm from the others in the bar assail your ears from all sides. However the smoke is so thick that you can see nothing, including your short friend. The warrior in many of you cause you to stand in urgency as your instinctive danger sense starts to go off.
[Private to Hraal; Khazim: 07:45, Today: The Grey Lords, on behalf of Khazim, rolled 88 using 1d100. agility. - Fail  07:45, Today: The Grey Lords, on behalf of Hraal, rolled 69 using 1d100. agility. - Fail. You will either stumble to the ground or fall off your chairs]

The floor beneath you screeches a terrible groaning and tearing sound. You feel as if you are being pressed against the floor by some unseen giant hand. Your vision, still obscured by the thick, yellow, stinking fog, makes it extremely difficult to retain your footing. The screams and shouts of the others in the bar fade away as a fierce wind begins to whip all around you. The wind does have one benefit, the fog begins to clear a bit into a haze that you can see somewhat through. It is enough to at least see a few feet, others who were at the table are beginning to come into focus. The fog seems to be forming into a large hemisphere around you.

You begin to give thanks to whatever higher lord has calmed things down a bit when faces, hands, appendages, and other grotesque things are pressed against the outer "fog-wall" as it it were some kind of elastic skin. Slowly, but surely, things that can only be described as demons break through that thin wall. Thankfully or not, you see that as they pass through, the wall rapidly reforms keeping whatever other elements out.

Chances are, this is combat. As I asked earlier in the "Example of Combat" post send me a PM with your actions and several rolls. Over the next couple of days I will collate the actions and play out the scene. I'd like it for this first battle that you simply act (you do not know each others fighting style) in later fights feel free to use the OOC thread to coordinate actions.

Stands up and holds his axe ready to destroy anything man or demon.

Not everyone has submitted a "combat PM" so i'm holding for a bit longer.

Several "Demons" push their way through the fog from just about every direction. As you stumble to get ready you take in your opponent briefly.

Demon 1 - Large hooded snake with human arms and a human-like face
Demon 2 - Large reptilian gorilla, Scales instead of fur and more pronounced reptilian face
Demon 3 - Seething, hissing, glob of translucent green protoplasm
Demon 4 - Large black devil-like creature. Pair of horns and a whip-like tail with a barb at the end of it.
Demon 5 - Man sized Cyclops. Single horn on head above eye and main body is studded with short spikes
Demon 6 - Small, round creatures covered in bright-orange porcupine quills. One "Side" has a wide curved mouth with long needle teeth
Demon 7 - Larger than man sized Vulture/Ostrich. Long talons and a hooked beak

As you were all "in the middle" of the hemi-sphere you do have several feet to maneuver and go after a demon of your choosing. (They are arranged in an evenly spaced circle with #1 at the 12 o'clock position)

The devil-demon advances cackling a hollow coyote laugh. The barbed tail raised and it's claw out in front it moves in short twitchy bursts towards Hraal. With a cackle of glee it raises it's claw, only to have the barbed tail shoot under the raised arm hoping to trick it's opponent. Not tricked by the feint Hraal dips his broadsword in time to deflect the wickedly barbed tail.

With a guttural howl Viktor grabs his Lymorian Axe and charges forward at the snake-man thing that pushes it way through near him. With a mighty swipe he moves to take off the head of the abomination, only to have the snake-man lean to the side and swat the axe blade with just enough force to cause the mighty blow to miss.

Rael draws his dagger and backs towards the center of the hemi-sphere in an attempt to let those who are better suited for in-close fighting such as this the room they need. In an attempt to hinder the demons as they press forward from all sides he kick-slides a few chairs in their general direction in hopes of tripping up the attackers, as well as clearing open an area for the rest of the party.

The Lizard gorilla chatters as it steps through the fog. setting it's eyes on Corvus, and his well groomed visage, it spittle's a challenge at him as it takes off in a knuckle enhanced charge. Stopping a few feet short the two mighty arms raise into the air in an attempt to bring both down on Corvus's face. In a valiant effort to get out of the way Corvus attempts to dodge but is still clipped by the downward swing for a glancing blow.

As a chair slides in front of the "porcupine" it slowly hops around as if confused. It appears to be looking for something. The chairs and the lack of something to do is obviously aggravating it.

If it were not for how quick Corvus was, the blow that does connect tells him that he most definitely would have been paste. As it stands it was only a glancing shot, still able to recover he rolls off to the gorillas side and thrusts deep towards it's flank. The gorilla is unable to react quick enough and takes a small score on it's own flank as retaliation.

The snake-man demon is able to deflect the attack meant to lop off it's head. It retaliates by whipping it's tail around in an attempt to snare Viktor's wrist binding his actions. Viktor, noticing what was about to happen, loosens the target hand from the weapons shaft and deftly snatches the whip tail out of thin air. With an evil smirk Viktor quickly does a single wrap of the tail around his hand. The snake-man, for as much as it is able, gets a "worried" look on it's face as it's see's the evil intent in Viktor's eyes.

On assessment of the situation Spooky quickly slips one of his bags to his side and rips open one of the numerous side pockets from his rather outlandish satchel. Without much hesitation of searching he grabs a hand sized T with an extended "head" out the top. He thrusts this strange item before him and proudly proclaims "[Language unknown: Red fochll m Setaresan setevepro ekun]!" as a snear crosses his lips. The ostrich howls a stuttered, throaty honk in response to spooky's challenge as it lunges forwards towards the silent masked man. With an almost raptor like screech it rears it's long neck and snaps the razor beak towards Spooky. Off set by the garb, the shiny object, and the chairs that had appeared near it's feet the ostrich demon stumbles and is unable to land a successful blow as it pulls back it's attack in order to maintain it's footing.

The cyclops demon barrels forward through chairs and other debris with an obvious attempt at bear hugging the nomad. Arms out wide it lunges attempting to get past the spear is it is being brought to bear. The arms clamp down but are unable to get a firm purchase, The spikes however do scrape loudly against the wooden armor leaving etchings in the tailored wood. A near miss if only because of the armor.

Eclair stands and draws her sword as a chair goes sliding by her towards the demons emerging from the wall. Using the advancing chair as cover she takes advantage of the slow gait of the blob as it has made her it's target. Trusting to the side of the chair, she is able to make contact with the blob. As she pierces the skin a spray of fluids fly from the incision. She thinks to herself "Nothing good ever comes from something like that" as she dodges to the side. The spray hits a nearby table leg, which promptly begins to hiss as the wood begins a slow decomposition.

Scrambling back to his feet in time to untangle the spear from the chair's and other debris that the shaking and heaving have cause, Khazim is able to trust his spear into the cyclops demon shortly after dodging his own friendly hug. The spear digs deep and thick multi-hued ichor streams out. The cyclops howls in agony as the spear finds it's mark. With heavy breath he calls out in disgust at the sight of the fiends; "By the Lords of Chaos, I didn't expect this to be the kind of barter intended!"

Regaining his footing from the heaving and shaking as the "Solid" foundation rocks like a ship on the seas he is able to deflect the tail trust in the nick of time. Hraal counters with a quick inside thrust from his own broadsword after the deflection. However due to the location of the original parry, the demon is able to bring down the claw that it had originally used as a distraction and batted aside the blade in a shower of sparks as iron hard nails scrape against the serrated broadsword.

The blob continues to slither towards Eclair with as much malicious intent as a blob can muster. Multiple appendages are half formed and re-absorbed into the mass as it "claws" its way across the floor. The floor behind the blob has a slight burned appearance to it as a vapor is released from the slightly decomposing trail behind it. 2 limbs lash out in an attempt to bludgeon Eclair. The first appendage goes wide as one of the chairs that Rael had shoved around slides into the path. Seeing the second appendage Eclair quickly slides to the side dodging the second attack.

Wow, never had that many before, this wall of text may be a bit daunting in this situation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:08, Thu 04 Dec 2014.

After the initial shock of the appeared demons begins to wear off you take a quick note of the situation.

The snake-man is currently in a bad situation as Viktor currently is holding the demon by the tail. The snake-man is beginning to struggle as it slowly begins to dawn on how hindered it truly is at this point.

Hraal and the black devil are facing of sharing blows, neither seems to get the better of the other.

The lizard-Gorilla and Corvus have both decided to wind each other with bloody scores on each side. The gorilla currently has a free shot to the center of the ring, while Corvus is at it's side finishing with a nice razor slice along the gorilla's flank

Spooky and the giant Ostrich are having problems getting at each other. They currently are holding their distance from each other eye's locked waiting from the first fatal twitch

The spiked demon is circling round Khazim seeing that a simple friendly hug is not going to end it as Khazim is able to make his point about not being friends.

Eclair has discovered that the ooze that is slowly moving about is one that is as deadly alive as dead. It seems some sort of acid makes up the better part of the gelatinous insides of the blob.

Rael is holding back guarding the backs of each others helping prevent the demons from bypassing their original targets.

Last but not least the porcupine is hopping mad and is moving off slowly towards one of the other fights.

Grabs his mighty ax and puts the blade towards the demons head and starts pulling on his tail hard and pushing his body weight against the ax at the same time causing the blade to pierce into the demons head.  Lets out a deep and morbid laugh...

Viktor yanks hard on the snake-man's tail and causes it to loose it's balance. Howling, like the mad Pan Tangian that he is, he takes the opportunity to leap on to the demon's chest. The evil gleam in his eye and near psychopathic laugh is only accenting the sadistic means of which he begins to calmly lean his mighty Lymorian axe into the serpent-man's head in an attempt to decapitate it slowly.

Seeing an opening in the cyclops's defenses Rael darts forward and quickly jabs his dagger into it's side, narrowly avoiding the forest of spikes along it's torso.

Even with being clipped like he has, Corvus deftly turns, readying for a second blow. Bolstered by his earlier success he continues to slide along the gorilla's flank and darts in for a second slice at the demon's other flank in an attempt to confuse the "simple" demon. Wit a quick thrust he is able to score another long razor scar along a further flank. Corvus continues to move in and out of chairs and debris in an attempt to further confuse the demon.

The black devil sees that Hraal and it are at an impasse. Dropping to all fours it attempts to drop below Hraal's guard. Once again it lashes out with it's barbed tail. Once again Hraal easily swipes the obvious attack off to the side.

A bit more cautious due to the rather explosive nature of the gelatinous blob, Eclair quickly circles around the slowly moving amoeba so that the next attack will spray in a far more harmless direction than towards the defenders. With a quick trust she skewers the demon. As anticipated, the piercing produces a caustic spray which harmlessly shoots off to the side away from everyone.

Regaining his composure Khazim notices Rael slide from the back of the fight to quickly stick the cyclops with his dagger and once again pull back. The Cyclops, not significantly injured is somewhat distracted by this attack. Taking that opportunity to set his spear and slam the point deep into the demon's chest. With great effort the spear finally pierces through the demon and barely out the back. Spittle flies from the demons mouth as a final gurgling roar escapes his lips as he slides to the ground

Enraged at being outmaneuvered the ape demon twists and attempts to smash at Corvus once again. Hopping a short leap it attempts to bring down it's hands in a double fisted smash. Instead Corvus is able to reverse his scoring hit and is able to diffuse the attacks downward momentum to land off to the side.

Brandishing his icon before him, spooky takes a step towards the ostrich. Spooky visibly tenses up as what appears to be an eye to eye showdown. After a few moments the masked man flinches and staggers back. [Private to Sekatus 'Spooky' Bane: You establish a link and begin an attempt to wrest control of the demon. Shortly after you begin "negotiations" a mind, unlike any you have felt in a long time, swats your attempt aside as if it were brushing leaves from someone's face.]

After deflecting an anticipated tail attack, Hraal quickly reverses his parry and finishes with a quick downward thrust. Slicing cleanly into the demon's flesh opening a long gash. The demon rewards the effort with a semi-metalic howl.

Seeing distracted prey, the porcupine is able to waddle it's way through the fight basically unchallenged. Sadistic laughing draws the beast like a magnet, as it leaps towards Viktor's occupied form. With a successful leap it lands on the exposed back of Viktor. A mouth roughly half the size of it's body opens and begins to gnaw away at his armor. Metallic clicks of teeth on metal echo just under Viktor's laughter as the porcupine seems unable to pierce the thick metal skin.

The snake headed demon begins to thrash wildly attempting as best as it can to break free of the hold that Viktor has in it with little success. Wildly slashing it's claws at any exposed part of Viktor's evilly face and body to try and force itself free. In the long run, all it is able to accomplish is scratching and scuffing along Viktor's solid armor.

Seeing spooky stagger back the bird takes advantage of his lack of concentration and rushes forward in attack. The razor beak snaps down on the forearm of Spooky and begins to gnaw furiously at the limb in and attempt to remove the offending limb. Luckily, the strange armor that adorns the masked man is strong enough to only be minorly savaged by the serrated beak. However in the ensuing struggle the icon that Spooky brandished just seconds earlier falls from his grasp.

Continuing it's silent and inevitable forward crawl. The amoeba demon attempts to push Eclair into making a mistake. A single pseudopod lashes out in another attempt to savage the female defender. Eclair simply sidesteps the clumsy attempt at clubbing her.

Damn bug is scratching up my armor...laughing hysterically....come on little bugs

Combat Recap

Viktor is on the ground on top of the snake-man attempting to behead him. The porcupine demon is on his back and has successfully distracted him from finishing off the snake-man who is still struggling.

The combined effort of Rael and Khazim has finished off the Cyclops who's form is bleeding out on the floor.

Hraal and the devil are sparring with the devil suffering minor wounds

Eclair seems to be winning against the amoeba by tiny slices so that the caustic innards do little to no damage. As for how damaged the amoeba is, well who is to say.

After the initial beating by the ape-thing, Corvus is dancing around it making it angry as the ape has not landed a clean blow.

The ostrich demon has Spooky by the forearm and seems to be ready to press it's advantage that it thinks it has be immobilizing one of his arms.

[Private to Khazim: Arrows will be at point blank range, but you have enough vision to get a few clean shots. (think Legolas in the LoTR movies) No clean shots at the Snake-man or the blob due to their positioning]

Seeing the Cyclops-demon on the ground and noticing "Spooky" seized by the Ostrich-demon, Khazim pulls back 5 feet or so. He drops his boar spear next to him and pulls his bow off his back. He nocks an arrow then lets it fly at the back of the Ostrich-demon, looking to help out "Spooky" if he can.

OOC: Today: Khazim rolled 75 using 1d100. Bowshot, point-blank range.
Today: Khazim rolled 5,3 using 1d8,1d2+2. Arrow damage vs. Ostrich demon. (8 damage if it hits)
Today: Khazim rolled 60 using 1d100. Dodge #1 (if needed). (That would be a NO)
Today: Khazim rolled 7 using 2d4. Armor roll (if needed).

Still circling Corvus notices an opportunity to get under the gorilla-lizard and takes it scoring a tiny slice as the demon readies for an attack. However it is not enough to stop the demon from forgoing any true art of defense as it launches itself on top of Corvus griping him with both hands knocking Corvus on his back and landing solidly on his chest. In a Howl of rage and fury the gorilla bares its sharp fangs and sinks them deep into Corvus's shoulder armor. Luckily the armor is holding

Getting sick of the slow and daunting approach of the amoeba Eclair stands off and trusts her sword deep into the mass of the demon. Plunging her sword deep into the mass it prevents her from getting out of the way as the amoeba explodes outwards. Caustic smells and vapors begin to steam off of Eclair as it starts to eat through her clothes and armor. Stifling a scream as the acid works it's way to her skin, Eclair is able to maintain her grip on her sword.

Still circling attempting to gain an advantage, once again the barbed tail lashes out with little success as Hraal is able to easily sidestep.

The gnawing on his back makes him loosen his grip for a second the axe being used against the snake man. In that second the snake-man begins to squirm with renewed vigor and attempt to throw the bulk that is Viktor off with little success. Turning his attention back to the snake man Viktor leans all of his considerable bulk into the blade. With a resounding THUNK the axe head sheers through and into the wooden floor. Half of the demons head and hood rolls free from the body. With his attention taken from the porcupine on his back, it is able to shift and sink it's fangs behind his gorget. A spray of blood showers the porcupine as a reward.

The ostrich, knowing full well the advantage it currently wields, twists it's sinewy head wrenching Spooky's arm back and up with considerable ease. Exposing the underarm of spooky, and the thinner of the armor, a large talon tipped foot reaches up and shreds into the softer part of the armor. A twist of pain escapes from behind the mask as blood begins to slowly run down the shredded underarm along the side of his body.

Just seconds from stopping the ostrich Khazim looses an arrow into its back side. The shaft buries itself deep into the slicked feathers. A warbling angry sound issues from the demon-birds throat but it does not let go of Spooky.

Feeling high from his assistance in eliminating the cyclops demon with Khazim's help Rael moves to help. Once again he slides forth from the background to take a quick jab at the black devil who has it's attention solely on Hraal. Rewarded with a small clean slice he once again draws forth chaotic icor from the wound.

Biting back the noise that issued from his lips spooky twists and turns ducking under the ostrich's neck and gives into the pulls instead of resisting them. Not really expecting this the ostrich is somewhat startled allowing spooky to dart forward in an attempt to duck under and through the legs of the ostrich. He is able to get a considerable distance until the ostrich begins to flail it's head pulling Spooky back to where the ostrich wants him. It is obvious that the demons ability to toss spooky around has been played down till this point.

Seeing Rael move forward in an attempt to distract the devil. Hraal darts forward in an attempt to time an attack to get by the devil's defenses with little success as once again the devil bats aside the broadsword with little care.


Recap
Snake-man: Dead
Cyclops: Dead
Amoeba: Dead
Porcupine: On Viktors back biting into his neck from behind
Devil: Multiple minor scratches
Gorilla: Beaten and bloody On top of Corvus about ready to play drums with two meathook hands
Ostrich: Tossing Spooky like a Ragdoll. Good except for arrow in flank
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:35, Wed 17 Dec 2014.

Hraal smiles, laughs, and, turning for his slain enemy, attacks the porcupine demon that is biting Viktor.  He swings his serrated blade and howls with with unholy joy.

OOC:

10:39, Today: Hraal rolled 55 using 1d100. Parry.
10:39, Today: Hraal rolled 44 using 1d100. Melee.
10:39, Today: Hraal rolled 17 using 1d6+13. Initiative
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Mon 15 Dec 2014.

Continuing to focus on the demon on the masked man Khazim takes another shot, burying another arrow into its side.

OOC: Today: Khazim rolled 94 using 1d100. Bowshot, point-blank range.
Today: Khazim rolled 2,3 using 1d8,1d2+2. Arrow damage vs. Ostrich demon. (5 damage)

Laughing hysterically...is that dumb bug dead yet?
[Private to Viktor:
What are you doing and where are the rolls?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Fri 19 Dec 2014.

Hearing the death throes of the other demons sends the remaining ones into a frenzy. The devil sees the attention get taken off of him for a split second and launches himself onto Hraal, tackling him to the ground. Claws are flashing everywhere and Hraal is hard pressed to keep the razor sharp talons from shredding him. With his attention at keeping the flurry of claws from his soft parts you can see the scorpion tail poising itself for a further strike. During the struggle Hraal finds time to free a hand and hilt punch the demon. Beyond a slight look of surprise, it seems to do little.

With a howl of triumph the gorilla brings both hands down in a double smash. Corvus is able to put forth a week defense as both hands contact with his head. Corvus makes a sighing wheeze and goes limp.

Gurgle noises and blood flies everywhere as the porcupine continues to gnaw at Viktor's neck. Due to the sudden movement of it's victim it seems unable to find a second purchase and is unable to pierce the skin again. Scrabbling, it continues to gnaw at the gorget in an attempt to find the fleshy skin underneath.

An arrow once again buries itself into the giant ostrich. With a sqwak it releases spooky and lets him fall to the floor. Something else it trying to get it's attention and is doing a good job of pissing it off. Turing, it releases a long honking howl as it charges towards the nomad. Just before connecting with the offending nomad, Khazim is able to tuck and roll out of the way coming up and behind a small stand of chairs from Rael's first effort

Gritting against the pain Eclair drops her sword and begins to unfasten the smoking armor that is covered in the still active acids. Able to do little else, she slowly stumbles away from the carcass of the amoeba as more and more of the floorboards are eaten away.

Spooky picks himself up off the ground. Cradling his arm, seeing Eclair ripping pieces of clothing and armor off he moves into action. Grabbing a scrap piece of rag he moves to help wash the offending acids off. Dousing her with water and attempting to wipe off however has little effect.
[Private to Sekatus 'Spooky' Bane: 10:10, Today: The Grey Lords, on behalf of Sekatus 'Spooky' Bane, rolled 100 using 1d100. idea. - critical fail]

Rael emboldened by his earlier successes moves up behind the gorilla in an attempt to stop the attack. The gorilla plunges downwards just seconds before Rael can make his thrust between the shoulder blades of the demon. Luckily no attention was gained by this missed attack.

As Viktor finishes with the snake man he attention turns to the thing biting him on the neck. Sadly however the location it is on his back makes it impossible to get a clean swipe at it with a sword, or his free hand. Instead Viktor begins to perform a looping, grabbing, kind of dance in an attempt to free himself of the demon.

Viktor jumps up in the air and lands straight on his upper back to maybe crush the porky bug off him or at least startle it...

22:25, Today: Viktor rolled 94 using 1d100. crush or at least knock off porky bug.
22:26, Today: Viktor rolled 95 using 1d100. success to pull out both short swords.
22:28, Today: Viktor rolled 93 using 1d100. slide in both swords on either side of porky and rip porky in half
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:35, Thu 25 Dec 2014.

With a bit of cover from the chairs before him, Khazim draws another arrow and sends it streaking at the ostrich demon. He hopes that he can drop it before it gets another chance at him...

OOC: Today: Khazim rolled 65 using 1d100. Bowshot, point-blank range.
Today: Khazim rolled 7,4 using 1d8,1d2+2. Arrow damage vs. Ostrich demon. (11 damage)
Today: Khazim rolled 98 using 1d100. Dodge roll (if needed). (that would be a no...)
Today: Khazim rolled 2 using 2d4. Armor roll (if needed).

Rolling around on the floor Hraal and the demon that jumped him smash into several chairs and table legs. Doing his best to avoid the stinger at the end of the tail, Hraal attempts to get some leverage and unseat the demon with no effect. During the struggles, the scorpion tail darts down and thuds solidly into the floor where Hraal's head just sat.

The ape demon notices that Corvus has gone limp. With a howl of victory he rolls off to the side and see's two easy targets a few feet away. With a 3 knuckle, loping, charge it barrels towards Spooky and Eclair. It is hard to say ifit noticed Rael's dagger or not, Rael lashes out as the Gorilla begins his howl and charge. Hooking his dagger unseen from behind he is able to sink it deep and allow the gorilla's own momentum to disembowel itself. However it does not stop the overall charge as the now limp carcass bowls over both Spooky and Eclair knocking them both to the ground.

In all his glory and effort Viktor launches himself into the air in an effort to squash the annoying vampiric pest. As he pushes himself off, he looses his footing and tumbles to the ground instead of an elegant slam. Knocking the wind out of himself he looses track of the porcupine demon as it no longer seems to be attached. Quickly glancing around it seems as if the porcupine demon has vanished.

Not letting the circus act distract him, Khazim is able to once again deeply sink an arrow into the Ostrich demon. The ostrich takes a few faltering steps and flops to the ground with a solid, almost Goliath like, thump.

Wrap up
The Devil is on top of Hraal wrestling on the floor
Eclair and Spooky are on the ground thanks to the gorilla
The porcupine has vanished leaving Viktor looking like a turtle on his back
Khazim and Rael are up and basically free
Covus is limp on the ground

Hraal grits his teeth and struggles to push the demon off of him and climb to his feet.

OOC:

Hraal rolled 18 using 1d6+13. Initiative.
Hraal rolled 41 using 1d100. Push Demon off (Strength).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Fri 02 Jan 2015.

Attempts to get up and off his back...starts to laugh at the sight of all the glorious blood around him..

22:49, Today: Viktor rolled 59 using 1d100. gracefully get up on his back and on his feet.

Khazim puts away his bow and immediately moves over to Corvus's limp form. He checks him over and looks to provide what aid he can now that the demon onslaught is over. He lets the others see to helping people up off the floor.

OOC: Today: Khazim rolled 42 using 1d100. Physik roll. (That *should* succeed....)

Almost in unison Khazim and Rael move swiftly to Corvus's limp form. Rael slings his satchel down and works together with Khazim to review and look over the body. Corvus has been badly bruised and battered. His face and chest have taken a severe beating. He still lives and is near death, as it stands it seems as if his form had simply taken to much and sent itself unconscious.

Spooky begins to pick himself up off the ground, however Eclair does not seem to be responding.

With as much grace as a brick can muster, Viktor picks himself up off the ground and bends to retrieve his weapons. As he bends down to grab his first weapon the porcupine demon launches out from under a nearby table and latches itself onto Viktor's face and helmet. Able to keep standing at the sudden attack Viktor staggers back a bit and begins to wrestle with the demon that is attempting to chew off his face. If it were not for his rather large helmet, it would already be feasting away.

Hraal is able to get a leg out under in the demon and muscles it off into a pile of chairs. Taking the opportunity Hraal rolls off to the side grabbing his sword in the process. Getting back to his feet he finds himself in an advantageous position over the demon who is still attempting to regain it's footing thanks to the chairs and bodies that litter the area.

Figures he hasnt ate in days....starts biting the porky back and uses the handle of his mighty ax to prey off the bug.

A howl leaps from Hraal's throat as he holds his blade in in both hands and brings it down upon the demon.

OOC:

Today: Hraal rolled 90 using 1d100. Melee.
Today: Hraal rolled 16 using 1d6+13. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Wed 07 Jan 2015.

Odd thing is I could have sworn I posted this

Grabbing the initiative Hraal down cuts as the Devil begins to regain his feet. Getting a clean slice in he is able to slice open a wound along the devils thick rubbery hide. Thick neon greenish ooze slides out of the open cut as the devil hisses out in pain. In retaliation the devil widely swipes with it's iron hard talons at Hraal. Laughing at the devils feeble effort as he stands above it Hraal easily bats aside the claws with a quick swipe of his blades. As it stands it looks like Hraal has finally gained the advantage over the devil.

Gurgles, curses, and wet slapping noises emerge from Viktor as he staggers around with the porcupine on his face. Gnashing noises emerge from the porcupine as it attempts to savage Viktors face once again. Luckily, Viktors stylized helm has granted enough room from his face so that the porcupine is once again unable to so more than graze his skin. Taking those few moments to calm himself, Viktor slides one of the flat ends of his axe underneath the porcupine and begins to pry him off. With little effort Viktor is able to scrape the demon from his face. It falls with an unceremonious Plopp to the ground.

Khazim and Rael's efforts are able to do little to comfort Corvus as he is stabilized by their actions. After trying a few different things, it seems as if Corvus is beyond able to wake at this time. Magic may be the only course at this point to do more than herbs are able.


Recap
Porcupine is still bothering Viktor
Devil is on the ground with Hraal over it
Spooky and Eclair are under the corpse of the Gorilla they have not been moving since they were knocked off their feet
Corvus is unconscious with serious bruising, physik attempted, Magic next best step
Khazim and Rael have finished binding and assessing Corvus as best they could.

Realizes he is free once again and lets out a demonic laugh and grunt as he swings around his mighty Lormyrian Axe of Purity to destroy this chaos demon...


20:28, Today: Viktor rolled 63 using 1d100. swing around mighty axe to cut porky in half...right down the middle of his forehead.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Mon 12 Jan 2015.

Hraal raises the blade and plunges it into the demon, hoping to fell the beast.

OOC:

Hraal rolled 34 using 1d100
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Mon 12 Jan 2015.

The porcupine snarls an evil, yet somewhat cute, snarl as it prepares once again to leap at Viktors throat. Launching itself in the air it flies true, at least if Viktor were not actually ready this time. Using the flat of his axe he is able to deflect the porcupine, knocking it once again to the ground. In a continuing motion Viktor heaves his great axe and slices downward with a howl that  puts the statues of his homeland to shame. Burying his axe firmly into the floorboards of the tavern he slices neatly into the porcupine nearly splitting the thing in two.

Not wishing to be outdone Hraal's own throat bellows out a primal wail as he sets forth on his own Devil. The devil feebly raises it's claws to ward off any attack with no effect. Hraal sees the devil attempting a feeble defense. He kicks the raised hand and pants his feet firmly on the wrist of the demon. Standing above he reverses his grip on the blade and plunges it deep into the demons chest. Neon green icor pours from the wound as Hraal staples it to the ground and it begins to bleed out.

After witnessing the mighty blow from Viktor, the keen eye of Rael sees that the Porcupine still has some sort of unnatural life left to it. Not taking any chances at the potential cusp of victory; Rael steps forward and plunges his dagger deep into the demon that is still nearly bisected by Viktors Lymorian Axe. A brief spasm from the porcupine and all it quiet. Sadly, the quills and stickers that surrounded the body left a small open gash, similar to a paper cut, along Rael's hand.

As if the death of the last of the demons was a signal, the ground once again jerks and shakes, it feels as if a sudden wind were to have hit a sailing vessel from an alternate direction. A feeling lightness envelops you, the pit of your stomach seems to rise, and your sense of balance is once again put to the test.

---

This is the end of this chapter. For those of you who are still active in the game it is time to see if you have learned anything. On your character sheet I have placed an "X" next to any skill that you have succeeded. If you roll HIGHER than your current skill you have learned 1D10 points in the skill, If you roll LOWER then you learned nothing.
For those who already have a high skill (100 - INT = Skill Cap): You have to roll LOWER than your INT. (Say you have an INT of 15, skill cap is 85. If skill is higher than 85 you need to roll a 15 OR LESS to learn something new) PM me your results and I'll alter the sheets.

This is also a test to see who is still active in the game. The start of the next chapter I can easily drop characters and not even think twice about it. Inactive players will be purged! If to many drop. There is a spot where I can easily get a new player or two in shortly into the story and I will re-open the game.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:17, Fri 16 Jan 2015.