Saberak adjusts her helm before drawing her shield and kopis, placing herself between the swooping harpies and the building.  She calls out toward the harpies in Tradetalk.

"There is still time to turn back.  There is no need to hurt anyone in this place!"

OOC: I've decided to represent Saberak's currently limited facility with Tradetalk by putting anything she says through the Up-Goer Five Text Editor, which only allows the thousand most common words in English to be used.  This was a surprisingly easy message to get across.

[Private to GM: Saberak will cast Befuddle as soon as a harpy enters range, then proceed to draw shield and kopis.  If one comes close enough to the entrance of the building with hostile intent, she will strike, but won't strike before a harpy has actually attacked someone.  Feel free to roll for me.  If possible, she will attempt to get the harpies to retreat rather than fight.  She'll augment any Communication rolls that might be needed with her Earth Rune and will attempt to use her Honor passion to help her Kopis skill if it does come to blows.]

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 44):

I am very glad you are here, Tamarkorda. There is much going on, I don't know what is wrong with 'Mother', I don't know what harpies are or why they're here, and I have been seeing things that I can't understand.

Sanuzi looks around the domicile, staring into dark corners, looking through the walls...

Tamarkorda stops muttering long enough the acknowledge Sanuzi. " That troll out there had WINGS Sanuzi. A winged ploughing troll! It's not normal, and it's not just chance it's the same day Mother's had trouble.
What do you see? Are you seeing spirit world things?
Harpies are devil birds with women's faces - more things that shouldn't have wings - when they turn up it means a fight"

Combat Round 1
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: I like your comment about language.  Thank you for telling us about the app you used.]

Strike Rank 1

• The Enlo slumps in her sling on the back of the winged troll.
  [Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: Zuzorek does not seem concerned that Gulk just slumped over.]
  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: Zelda's eyes suddenly get wide, and she says in Darkspeech "By the Mother's Sacred Tits".  Your not sure if she is angry, startled, or scared.]
• At the same time, a Lune appears and surrounds the Enlo's body.
• The troll leader says something in Darktongue.
• Danbal cries out "Muster your courage! We are under attack!"
• The Winged Troll takes flight.
• Bingling Hyxloriz and Ullr Lightbane move to protect Magora (downslope of the house).
• Four Harpies move closer, one hangs back, and one moves to attack the guard tower at the top of the hill (the guard was caught unaware).

Strike Rank 2

• Bartien moves next to Inkarne
• Tamarkorda moves into Sandein's house, and Sanuzi closes the door.
• Garik, Henetha, Oligur, and Saberak move to stand between the harpies and the house (you stand with the people of Jelmine).
• Townsfolk (men and women) wielding spears begin to circle around the house, some move off to the Temple, and you hear some of them praying.
• Four Harpies move closer.

Strike Rank 3

• The harpy that hung back screeches and a sickly glow surrounds the creature, then focuses on a necklace the harpy is wearing.
• Harpies move closer.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Sandein stops drumming and opens her eyes (NOTE: It takes an hour-long ritual to discorporate; she has not had time to leave her body.)  She looks around for a moment, then says, "By the hells, what is going on?"]

Strike Rank 4

1. The sickly glow around the necklace begins to pulsate; Harpy starts to move again.
   
2. The harpies have closed on the house and it's protectors.
   
3. Three of four town's folk downslope of the house successfully cast disruption.  (Harpy #3 takes 2 HP Abdomen, 2 HP Left Wing)

Strike Rank 5

• Inkarne casts Protection 3 on Bartien.
• One harpy attacks the guard tower.  Guard dodges the dung.
• Magora casts Darkwall around the people downslope from the house (it includes herself and the trolls).
• Lead clad trolls have slings ready.
• Harpy 1 continues to move.

Strike Rank 6

1. PCs ready: Bingling (mace) and Ullr (mace).
   
2. Townsfolk cast various buff/protection spells.
   
3. Harpy 1 continues to move.
   
4. The winged troll pulls out a large blue kopis (Uz sized).
   
5. Troll Leader casts protection on herself.

Strike Rank 7

• PCs ready: Garik (Battle Axe), Henetha (Battle Axe), Oligur (Sword), and Saberak (Sheild) - NOTE:  I picked the first thing you mentioned.
• Townsfolk cast various buff/protection spells.
• Harpy 1 has closed on the house.

Strike Rank 8

1. Harpy 3 - 3M high - Drops stone on house cracking the slate roof.
   
2. Harpy 4 - 3M high - Drops stone on house cracking the slate roof.
   
3. Harpy 5 - 3M high - Drops stone on house cracking the slate roof.
   
4. Harpy 6 - 3M high - Drops stone on house cracking the slate roof.
   
5. The stones, while cracking the slate roof, have not broken through the roof.
   
6. Two townfolk throw spears at harpy 3
   
7. Two townfolk throw spears at harpy 4 - 6 to the left wing - Incapacitated, falls, 5 points to abdomen.  The harpy is not moving.
   
8. Two townfolk throw spears at harpy 5 - 2 to the head
   
9. Two townfolk throw spears at harpy 6 - In the attempt to throw the spear, one of the townspeople has twisted an ankle.
   

Strike Rank 9

• Troll 1 releases a sling bullet - Hits Harpy 3 for 6 to the abdomen.  Harpy falls, taking 5 points to Left Wing.  The harpy stops moving.
• Troll 2 releases a sling bullet - but the harpy dodges.
• Troll 3 releases a sling bullet - but misses.

Strike Rank 10

1. Winged Troll Strikes at Harpy 1 - Hitting for 10 Hp to the Right Wing.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Sandein has moved over to the hearth and said something.
 You can sense the presence of a spirit.]

Strike Ranke 11

1. Bingling and Ullr ready shields
   
2. Troll Leader readys her shield.

Strike Ranke 12

• PCs Ready:  Garik (Shield), Henetha (Shield), Oligur (Shield), and Saberak (Shield).
• Harpy 1 drops a stone on house cracking the slate roof; a hole is now open in the roof.
• A Disease spirit manifests next to Harpy 1.
• The Winged Troll says in New Peloria "Little Mistress says this distraction."
• There is a horn sounded from down the hill, and terrifying war cry.

Wrap-Up
Harpy #1 is wounded (heavy gash to right wing).
Harpy #2 is attacking guard tower.
Harpy #3 is unmoving on the ground.
Harpy #4 is unmoving on the ground.
Harpy #5 has a head wound.
Harpy #6 is unharmed.

One townsperson has twisted their ankle.

There is a hole in the roof of Sandein's house.

A disease spirit has manifested.

There has been a call that this is a distraction.

The PCs now have all weapons readied.

You can see a group of people protecting the temple.

You hear a guard horn downhill, as well as a war cry.
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You hear the war cry moving toward the ravine.  You suspect the war cry came from the brooding troll.  The horn sounds as if it comes from the guard tower closest to the ravine.]

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: You are inside the house; I assume you both are now armed.  Sandein is awake and seems to be releasing spirits to guard the house.  You suspect her fetch is also doing something.]
[Private to Tamarkorda: You can hear the heartfire speaking in flametongue.  Sandein seems to have a hearth spirit that you have not known about before.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 53):

Where is Umgar the Brooding Troll?  Also, approx where am I on the map?  I assume between the shaman hut (2) and Durten's longhouse (4).

Saberak looks to Zuzorek over her shoulder as she slides her kopis from its sheath.  She calls out in New Pelorian,

"Did Gulk happen to mention what these foul creatures are distracting us from noticing? These spirits of disease will certainly do the people of this town few favors."

[Private to GM: Saberak would love to do something to drive away or destroy the disease spirit, but I'm not sure on how I'd do that mechanically.  I know the rules dictate that only discorporate beings can initiate spirit combat.]

In reply to Ullr Lightbane (msg # 54):

Closer to Sandein's hut (Shaman).  Magora went up with everyone else and is about 12 M from the house.  The troll leader is closer.

You and Bingling wanted to stay close to Magora to protect her, so you each are within 1 M of Magora.

Statement of Intent: Move to Harpy #1, attack it with battle axe. Parry.

SR:
1-4 Move 12 M
11 Attack with Battle Axe (1+3+3)

Rolls:
22:31, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 26 using 1d100 with rolls of 26.  Attack Harpy #1. - Success
11:43, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 17 using 1d20.  hit location. - Left arm
22:33, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 12 using 1d8+1d4+2 with rolls of 6,4.  Damage.
22:34, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 72 using 1d100 with rolls of 72.  Parry. - Failure
This message was last edited by the player at 10:44, Sat 01 Dec 2018.

In reply to Ullr Lightbane (msg # 54):

Since the harpies seem to be handled move full down hill toward the warning horn.

Statement of Intent: defend 'Mother' from physical harm.

Sanuzi whispers to 'Blakaddar' (the spirit bound in snake): Help ward 'Mother' best you can.

He awaits to react to any invasion.

Saberak stalks forward, interposing herself between the disease spirit and the people of Jelmine.  She focuses on the bracelet hanging from her wrist with silver charms in the shape of runes dangling off it as she mutters a prayer to the spirits around her.

[Private to GM: Saberak is casting Glamour as she moves to interpose herself between the disease spirit and the others.  That should give her a bonus to Spirit Combat and Spirit Combat Damage. If she does engage in combat with the spirit, she'll try to use her Harmony rune to inspire her Spirit Combat skill as disease spirits attacking people is inimical to living in harmony.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 56):

Bingling will cast Strength if he has not yet (-2 MP), and otherwise bodyguard Magora.

Tamarkorda updates Sandien on developments and stands ready to dodge dropped projectiles or attack anything corporeal that enters the hut. "Bunch of trolls visited Garlin. Lunars have one with wings. Harpies are fighting everyone."
Intent: defend Sandien [Private to GM: I assume harpy 1 is also 3m above the hut so I'm awaiting developments. If the disease spirit attacks mother I'll cast distraction on it. Please roll for me as necessary]

In reply to Garik Johnton (msg # 58):

Oligur will join Garik and charge down the hill toward the commotion; if any harpie or other evil creature is within range he'll take a swing.

NOTE:  If you plan to cast a spell, especially Rune spells, give me an idea of how the spell manifests for you.

Combat Round 2
The winged troll calls out to Saberak in New Pelorian "she said to look at the ravine."

Strike Rank 1

• Saberak moves onto the roof of Sandein's house, directly under the disease spirit.
• NOTE:  Many of the houses are embedded in the hill, so the roofs are accessible from the upslope side).
• The four-armed troll then yells out in Darktongue.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: by the light of Annilla.]  His skin begins to glow a soft blue, and as it dims, so too does his body until there is nothing left.
• With a fanatic look in her eye, harpies #1, 5, and 6 descends to the roof.
• Henetha moves up to Harpy #1, and Oligur moves to harpy #5 [Secret to Oligur Jaffez: I am going to assume that Oligur also moves up to the Harpies.]
• Garik begins to move off down the hill toward the horn.  [Private to Garik Johnton; you will arrive on Strike Rank 9.  I am going to recommend that you cast Detect Enemies, and I'm going to work under the assumption that you do.]
• Farin, son of Korigon, leads a group of townspeople toward the horn.  His spear is now wreathed in flames (cast last round).

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Your snake moves off to where Mother is resting.]

Strike Rank 2

• Varinton of Garlin calls out in Tradetongue, "the winged troll said to look to the ravine."  [Secret to Garik Johnton: Garick hears this, and I am going to assume he will move off toward the ravine, but still going down toward the wall.]
• Danbal, son of Ovardul, upon hearing about the ravine, calls to five townsfolk to follow him, the implication is clear that everyone else should finish the harpies first.
• Three townsfolk move off up the hill to the guard tower.
• Bartien and Inkarne exchange a few words, but stay at Sandein's house.
• The Troll leader orders two of her Lead Clad warriors off to the ravine.  They come out of the darkness and move toward the ravine.
• Those on the roof can see a warm glow coming from inside Sandein's house.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Sandein says in spiritspeech "Yes, go help her."]
• Magora maintains the darkness around those downhill from the house, and says something in darkspeech.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: "I can feel another presence moving in the darkness."  Neither of you sense anything, but the troll leader seems to take notice.]

Strike Ranke 3

• The harpies begin to tear at the roof, trying to open it up.  They are making the hole bigger.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: I am going to assume that you will attack on your strike ranks .]
• People continue to move down the hill, toward the ravine, and over to the main gate.
• Varinton leads four members of the Garlin family toward the ravine.  They are all armed with slings; as they move, it looks as if the darkness of the night begins to cloak them in her protective embrace.
• The troll leader says something in Darktongue. [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: "That is unexpected.  Go and help."]
• Danbal beings to concentrate on something.

Strike Rank 4

• The harpies continue to fanatically tear at the roof.
• People continue to move down the hill, toward the ravine, and over to the main gate.
• The Lead Clad Troll that stayed with the Troll Leader slings a bullet at Harpy #6. It shift while frantically pawing at the roof, and the bullet missed.
• From inside of the house, Sandein points to Harpy #6.  It screeches as it takes 2 HP to the left wing.

Strike Rank 5

• Bingling finishes a spell, but it fails.
• Saberak finishes a spell (.  She glows a soft red, and her countenance changes and features soften.  She stands as a glowing sentinel of the Red Goddesses love and fury.
• Magora looks to Bingling Hyxloriz and Ullr Lightbane, and says in Darktongue, "I know you wish to protect me, but you will be more effective helping my birth father Varinton." Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: Unless you tell me otherwise, I will assume you will follow her directions.]
• Bingling and Ullr move toward the ravine.

Strike Rank 6

• Harpy #6 breaks through the roof, and lands in Sandein's house.
• Sanuzi and Tamarkorda strike at the creature, but miss.

Strike Rank 7

• Henetha strike Harpy #1 with her battle axe.  The Harpy is unmoving.
• Oligur strikes at Harpy #5 for 8 HP to the abdomen. It flays on the roof.
• Three towns people move in and stab Harpy #5, 1 HP to chest, 3 to abdomen, 3 to left leg.  The harpy stops moving.
• The troll leader moves off to the Earth Temple, but motions the troll warrior to stay here.

Strike Ranks 8-11

• There are sounds of battle coming from the guard house (sounds of victory there), at the temple, ravine and main gate.
• You can see troops moving out of the Lunar Fort toward the ravine.
• Oligur moves off to the ravine.

Strike Rank 12

• Those who have moved toward the ravine arrive, and Garik casts Detect Enemies.
• Garik immediately becomes aware of twenty-two enemies in the ravine.
• You see the Brooding Troll surrounded by twelve small creatures, but the Troll is concentrating his attacks on a bundle of twigs and debris.  He is wielding a two-handed mace that seems made of darkness.  By the light of the moon reflecting off the snow, it is clear that the troll has suffered some wounds at the hands of the small creatures (there is too much underbrush in the ravine to get a great look at them; they look like 1m tall humanoids).
• One of the small humanoid creatures is suddenly decapitated as the four armed troll momentarily appears.  Before he disappears, he begins to gain altitude.
• The disease spirit attacks Saberak, who defeats the spirit in the first round of combat, doing 7 points of damage. (Successful augment with the Harmony Rune).
• A Hearth Spirit (small Fire Elemental) manifests inside the house and moves to attack the Harpy (will be able to act next round).

Combat Round 2 Debrief

• Only Harpy #6 remains, and it is currently in the house.
• A small fire elemental, Sanuzi, and Tamarkorda are in the house defending Sandein.
• Henetha is on the room of Sandein's house.
• Garik is with the towns folk, Uz warriors, Bingling, Ullr, and Oligur looking down into the ravine.
• Lunar troops are moving toward the ravine.
• The Brooding troll is in a battle frenzy attacking something that looks like a pile of debris, and is being attacked by twenty diminutive figures.
• NOTE:  if you want to move down the ravine, it will take 6SR of movement to get to the melee.
• You hear fighting at the main gates and at the Earth Temple.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:17, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

In reply to Oligur Jaffez (msg # 63):

Sorry, just saw your message after writing out the round.  After you helped kill a harpy, I have you running off to the ravine.

NOTE:  Now that people have found where the fight is, it takes 6SR to move from Sandein's house to the edge of the ravine.

[Private to Garik Johnton: This is a note specific for you.  When you left, you started moving down the hill.  You heard a battle cry from the ravine, and you heard people mention the ravine.  Your Detect Enemy spell allowed you to hone in on where the fighting was taking place.  Without it, it would have taken an additional round to actually find and arrive at this battle.  With the Detect Enemy spell up, you have allowed the defenders to get to the fight this round.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:49, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

Garick makes it down the hill safely. He closes on the nearest dimminutive figure and attacks. Parrying with shield if necessary.


20:43, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 75 using 1d100 ((75)). dex roll
With 6 sr for running and 5 sr for battle axe SR 11

Battle Axe Attack
20:46, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 11 using 1d100 ((11)).

20:48, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 7 using 1d8+2 ((5)). axe

20:49, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 3 using 1d4 ((3))

Hit Location
20:49, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 11 using 1d20 ((11)).

If necessary Shield Parry.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:56, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 64):

Intent:
Bingling follows the lead of Varinton. If they pause for several strike ranks he will try to cast Strength again, but otherwise attacks whomever or whatever Varinton indicates.

Mechanics question:
If subject to multiple attacks, can Bingling dodge the first, parry the second with his shield, then repeat the sequence?

Intent: muster courage in the face of horror to defend my mentor.

Use Passion-Loyalty(Sandien) to boost next attack.
Dagger attack (SR=8?)
Shield parry as necessary.


07:55, Today: Sanuzi Asar-Girru rolled 39 using 1d100.  Loyalty.

07:56, Today: Sanuzi Asar-Girru rolled 90 using 1d100.  Dagger attack.

Intent: Go down the ravine to attack the humanoids. Parry if needed.

SR 1-6 move down the ravine (tumbling and hurting herself)
SR 12 (?) successful attack


14:17, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 49 using 1d100 with rolls of 49.  Parry.
14:09, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  hit location.
14:02, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 11 using 1d8+1d4+2 with rolls of 7,2.  damage.
14:01, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 25 using 1d100.  Batle Axe attack.
14:01, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 94 using 1d100.  reroll (wrong "special dice") DEX * 5 (55).

I think the people at Chaosium need some editors.  They get a little flowery in their language when they need to be clear.  They also need someone who can help them with a logical flow.  I'm saying this because there are a number of times when they have added complications because they don't lay it out in precise language.

You bring up a good question.

In a combat round, I can see a character using both Dodge and Parry.
Parry for melee and Dodge for ranged.  I already had a rule for this using the basic rules from RQG.

For every defensive action after the first, there is a cumulative -20% modifier to the defense skill being used.

Example:  You parry a blow from opponent X, then dodge (-20%) a knife thrown by opponent Y, and then attempt to parry (-40%) a blow from opponent Z.

In reply to Henetha Hofaktsdottir (msg # 69):

It will take six SR to get to the ravine edge, and then 6 SR to move down into the ravine.

(as a note, it also takes six SR to move to the temple from where you are).

Did Henetha want to go to the Ravine immediately after killing Harpy #1?
If so, I will make that change to the write-up, and you will be there ready to descend with the rest of the defenders.


In reply to Sanuzi Asar-Girru (msg # 68):

Yes, it will be SR 8 (2 for Dex, 2 for Size, 4 for dagger).  Originally was not sure which weapon Sanuzi would pull.

In reply to Garik Johnton (msg # 66):
Got it.  Thank you for calculating everything out!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:56, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

With the disease spirit's attention fully focused on her, Saberak shakes her head briefly, trying to focus on both this world and the spirit world simultaneously, before picking her way down the side of the ravine toward where the others are headed.

[Private to GM: Saberak needs to make an INTx5 check (under 85) to make any other skill rolls while engaged in spirit combat, which she intends to continue.  If she does end up engaged in physical combat this round, she'll have to make the INT roll.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 71):

Standing at the lip of the ravine, Oligur peers down the slope at the treacherous footing. Remembering the times he fell off a pony as a young child, the times he slipped in the mud in basic training, the time he tripped over his footlocker earlier today, he nevertheless barrels down the hill:
SR 1-6 Oligur charges/tumbles down the hill
Roll for maintaining balance down the ravine (if GM allows, augmented by earth rune):
18:10, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 8 using 1d100.  keep footing whilst trotting down the ravine.
OOC: special success! I was rather expecting:  https://giphy.com/gifs/quotes-...-bride-klv1G16VtTcAw

SR9 (SR 6 + size SR 1 + kopis SR 2 ) Oligur attacks nearest humanoid:
slashing attack on humanoid
18:11, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 69 using 1d100.  slashing attack with kopis on humanoid .success

Damage = 1d8+1 +1d4
18:12, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 6 using 1d8+1+1d4.

as needed will also attempt to parry:
18:11, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 6 using 1d100.  parry (just in case).

Tamarkorda continues to attack the harpy(s) in Sandien's hut [Private to Narrator: I'd worked out my Broadsword SR as 5, but maybe I was moving into position last round - please continue to roll for me]