It did not escape Giles attention that he was the only soldier, officer or enlisted, that was in the room.  Instead, the small space was packed with a handful of civilians that had drifted to the fort over the past few days.  The process had been odd, Giles thought to himself.  When he had first returned from his mission across the border, where he had discovered the necromancer threatening the Megalan border, Giles had thought little of how a group would be put together – he was only sure that Captain Brashear would take care of the administrative requirements so that soldiers could engage the wizard and neutralize any threat to the empire.  And indeed, that was the way it had seemed to progress for some time.

Brashear became personally involved in interrogating the Wazifi prisoner, a process which Giles participated in to some degree and was able to ensure the man received fair and proper treatment as a prisoner.  Brashear himself treated the man as an equal as much as anything, questioning the man in conversations rather than any forced interrogation.  Though several days and several sessions Brasher managed to discover not only that their foe was indeed a necromancer but also the location of the small village that supported him.  Throughout the proceedings there were near constant reminders of the wizard’s half crazed war-mongering propaganda of hate which their prisoner felt obligated to stir into the conversation.  Their foe, Haj Umr ibn-Hussein abd-al-Rahman al-alim Takali, or Haj as the soldiers had started to refer to him, became personified as a racial purist and war hawk bent on eliminating the Megalan race from Yrth by any means possible.

Giles shakes the thought from his mind and returns his glance to the room about him.  The first ones to come had been the two from Azer, Finn and Judoc, the latter of which had been roommates with Giles for the brief time he had been at the Templar college.  The other man, Finn, had been hired by the Templars through the city’s mages guild specifically to hunt the necromancer.

The other five had arrived by way of the supply cart.  Rondald and Terri, a married couple who had been sailors in the keyhole bay, Magnus, a thick-muscled minotaur, Gustav, who spoke with an accent and carried a thin, curved blade unlike traditional Megalan broadswords.  The last, Odelia as the others would call her, was perhaps the oddest of all, a slim woman who wore full body coverings and veil and had the mannerisms of traditional Islam though Giles would swear he had not heard the woman say a single word since she had been there.  And himself.  For some reason, Giles was there amongst the other seven waiting for Captain Brashear to return.

And with that thought, the captain bursts through the door carrying a small roll of paper, his jaw hardened in the same furious glance he had worn the past several days.  ”Ladies and gentlemen.”  His words turn out to be much more kind than his expression.  ”I apologize to all of you for what may seem like valueless intrigue and a painful waiting game.  I have not meant to hold information from anyone, but I have been waiting on several answers as to how much leeway I have to conduct this mission.  I have come to find that I have none at all.”

Brashear glances about the faces in the room before he clears his throat and stops midpace, leaning against the wall of the office just slightly.  ”Let me take a step back.  Some months ago, an officer of mine,” Brashear nods his head towards Giles, ”Discovered the existence of a necromancer that is likely plotting harm to Megalos and this fort in particular.  Over several weeks I have looked to gain information and request permission for various possibilities from engaging some of the villages on the other side of the border to sending a full military assault on the Necromancer to keep my options open.  I have made several inquiries and received several responses, I’ll read to you all the last.”

”Captain, your persistence in this matter is wearying.  It is simply impossible to have any military involvement into an operation going into Al-Wazif.  Reigniting the Border Wars is simply not an outcome that the army is willing to entertain at this time.  I repeat that the empire has hired and shall be providing a cadre of trained and talented individuals, including two Templars as I am told to execute your surgical strike option.  You are not authorized to outfit them in any manner that would indicate they are agents of the empire.  You shall not equip them or supply them in any way that would lessen the capability of your fort which is of strategic importance.  You shall not sent any of your men to assist or participate in the endeavor.  Should you fail to…”  Brashear stops, his eyes glancing further down the page, his jaw rippling before he adds, ” and several other comments that are not pertinent.”

”Well,”  The captain continues after brining the note back down in a fist.  ”Obviously that is out of the question.  I recently have found myself with an extra officer without a position in the unit that happens to know as much on the mission as anyone else apart from myself.  Therefore I will be sending Giles as the lead on this expedition.”  Brashear nods towards Giles, taking a moment to address him personally.  ”I hope that you will take pains to keep any word of your involvement from blowing back to higher headquarters and will conduct yourself appropriately.”

”Your mission is to destroy the necromancer, through whatever means possible.  I will assist you with whatever equipment I can spare that will be helpful.  I hope each of you appreciate the limitations I am working under.  I wish to assist your mission in whatever way I can that does not unduly put me at risk.”

OOC:  Gents thanks for the patience and welcome to our first real group thread in quite some time.  For those of you just making it to the fort, you have had enough time to mend your things and heal your injuries, no rolls required.  If you wish further equipment you may opt to ‘buy’ it from the quartermaster or attempt to ask for it from Brashear.  Outlandish requests will require a fast talk roll at a significant penalty.  We can play this phase for as long or as little as you guys wish, just let me know when you are ready to move on.  One thing you will definitely need is food, which everyone is significantly short on.  Sorry again for the complete lack of a map, but Giles has been involved in the interrogation process enough to know in general where the village is you are looking for.  ‘Go there’ is enough to get us started without having to navigate our imaginary landscape.
This message was last updated by the GM at 20:44, Sat 06 Oct 2018.

"I have two questions, sir, if I may. What is this necromancer capable of? Should we expect to face hordes of vampyr, or other mythical creatures that are extremely difficult to kill, or will our regular weapons be sufficient? The other question I have concerns nearby friendly villages: are there any villages near the necromancer we can work with with whom we can ally ourselves openly, so as not to implicate this fort? As I understand, necromancers are rarely popular with everyone..."

Magnus had been keeping a low profile during his stay in the fort, allowing his leg to mend, and otherwise trying to stay out of the way of the day to day activities of the garrison. He would take his slow, careful walks around the perimeter in the mornings and evenings to stretch, and occasionally he would take up his pan drum and play a little something, but for the most part he slept a lot and kept to himself.

His cut was healing nicely, the sutures barely noticeable beneath his fur, and it seemed that he would be able to keep up with the others without much trouble on the next leg of their journey.

With the introduction of the others the Minotaur had resumed his more closely guarded demeanor. He nodded here and there to show that he was listening and his large dark eyes moved this way and that about the room, taking in the details of the more experienced additions to their company. They certainly looked like they had seen plenty of action of their own.

If he had any questions about their task, he did not voice them, and seemed content to listen to what the others had to say on the matter for the moment.

Judoc's journey had stretched across the entire Megalan Empire, from Azer in the east all the way to the southwestern border where Megalos meets Caithness and al-Wazif.  Judoc had been keen to arrive at their destination, but this opportunity to travel had filled him with excitement.  He also took the chance to acquaint himself with the wizard from the Mages Guild, a man named Finn Razzel.  Judoc hadn't had much opportunity to talk shop with a magic user who wasn't affiliated with the Battle College, and the student was keen to share experiences, though Judoc left out many details.

Judoc's other companion had been a curious surprise.  Back in Azer, the young mage had been studying alone one day in his room when, with a woosh of air, a large hawk had flown in and perched on the window sill.  Judoc had jumped up in surprise, and the hawk had stared at him.  After a few moments, Judoc had said, "Hello there," and the hawk had looked at him curiously.  Then, bizarrely, Judoc had heard it clearly say telepathically, "Hello," and Judoc had gaped in surprise.  Had Judoc attracted this magnificent creature solely on the basis of his phenomenal arcane abilities?  Or was there some other reason?  Judoc had spoken to the hawk further, first verbally, and then through his thoughts alone, and the hawk didn't seem to know why it had been attracted to Judoc, either.  A mystery.  Judoc had named her Aiah, and she seemed to stick close to him except when she was out hunting.

The three had traveled first from Azer to the coast, and then by boat to the capital.  Judoc wished he could have spent more time exploring the city, but their mission pushed them on.  From the capital, they traveled to Dekamara, and then boarded a ship for Hyrnan with a brief stopover in the goblin city of Yibyroak.  From Hyrnan, Judoc and Finn had ridden along with a merchant who was heading west, Aiah sometimes flying along overhead, sometimes riding perched in the merchant's wagon, and now they were here at Three Corners Fort.  The Templars had given Judoc and Finn enough coin to make to the fort, but now, Judoc finds the funds have run dry.   No matter.  After the group eliminates this necromancer, they will no doubt be amply rewarded for their services, and privately, Judoc wagers  the necromancer will have quite a few items of interest to a student mage.

And what a group they make.  Judoc had been expecting more soldiers, but he was pleasantly surprised to be reunited with a former classmate.  Judoc grinned when he saw Giles and had thumped him on the back.  "Giles!  Look at you!  Why, you've jumped to the head of the class, lad!  And you've already made officer?  That's fantastic!"

Judoc's goal had long been to become a battle mage himself in the Megalan Army, but now, becoming a Templar was becoming more and more attractive, though his obligation to the secret organization known as the Murderers Row dimly nags at him from the dark recesses of his mind.   Well, he'll deal with that obligation when it's necessary to do so.

The others prove an interesting lot.  He has already heard of how the group dealt with a group of bandits masquerading as Imperial toll collectors, so they could handle themselves in a fight.  The minotaur in particular looks like a formidable warrior, and the man named Gustav's blade intrigues him.  He grimaces slightly at the sight of the two women, but he remembers Mariana, and grudgingly admits to himself that women might have their place in this endeavor as long as they have the good sense to leave the important decisions to the men.  Judoc introduces himself to the others in turn as "Judoc, from the Templar College of Battle Magic in Azer."

When Captain Brashear returns to brief them, Judoc listens carefully and then frowns.  What?  No further support from the army?  Ridiculous!  He had traveled hundreds of miles for this?  Fuming, Judoc crosses his arms and continues to listen.  Well, at least the captain will be sending Giles along.  Three mages and five fighters make a formidable strike force.  Judoc by himself is worth an entire squadron of infantry, and the other two will probably be able to contribute in some way as well.  Hm.  He leans over to the minotaur and says quietly, "OK, I'm thinking I cast Great Haste, Invisibility, and Hawk Flight on you.  The necromancer will never know what hit him."

Judoc raises a hand.  In a normal voice, he says, "Captain Brashear, I was given that we were here to serve as a support unit to the Megalan army.  What about food and horses, sir?"

OOC:  I'm not sure if Judoc and Finn would have traveled together (or if the Templars would have given Judoc a travel allowance), so if they did not, let me know and I'll amend this post.

Judoc will see about acquiring food and a horse.  If he needs to pay for everything, then he'll just buy food, seeing as how he doesn't have the funds to buy a horse.



Aiah
(Ironically for a male chauvinist like Judoc, the female Harris hawk is bigger than the male.)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Fri 23 Feb 2018.

As Rondald asks his questions of the Captain, the man turns and pays his full attention, starting his answers off first with, "Rondald, is that right?  I'm afraid I have little accurate information to the necromancer's abilities.  Our prisoner tends to speak in hyperbole and gave us various graphic depictions of his master's magic, though I learned a few days ago that the poor man has actually never met Haj Umr ibn-Hussein so his knowledge is all from second hand and likely inaccurate.  I think it more likely that our foe is a highly talented wizard with a small contingent of followers.  I would approach him cautiously rather than outright to perhaps probe what actual skill he has.  As to outside help, I know that Giles has made some contact with the village of Tabuk which is less than a day's walk from al-Hassan, where the necromancer lives, though perhaps he would be a better guide as to whether they would offer any help or not.  I can tell you the general feelings in this area are against further conflagration of tensions on both sides of the border, though many of the villages in al-Wazif harbor a deep grudge against all Megalans."

Judoc is next to speak with a more direct question, to which Captain Brashear nods his head.  "Yes, we can provide some food easily enough from our own rations.  We have just restocked and I have asked Rudyard to redouble his load on his next trip.  In the meantime we will make due here at the fort the best we can by supplementing ourselves..."  Brashear sucks on his teeth slightly before he continues.  "Horses however, leave me in a slightly different situation.  I am still required to accomplish the border patrols that are the main purpose of the fort at this time.  The stables are simply not prepared to be thinned out to supply each of you.  I can however, reasonably supply you with one as a pack horse.  Giles's horse Cutlass has a ready excuse as her master will be off on assignment."  Brashear gives Giles a wink before returning his gaze.  "Thanks for the question, Judoc, are there any others?"

OOC:  I forgot to mention previously, but it is the 18th of March at 1000.

The Minotaur nodded approvingly when it became clear that they would have a pack horse on hand before he raised one hand slightly and cleared his throat. "Magnus sir" he clarified before he continued. "I don't suppose we could get some torches as well? or maybe even a lantern?" he asked, his tone not exactly hopeful that the military would be willing to part with any from their own reserves.

He knew next to nothing of their enemy, but he somehow pictured a man that trafficked with the dead residing in some place dark and foreboding.

Giles' birthday had come and gone and the past months of waiting had relivened his spirits. Time recouperating since the last trip into Wazifi land had left him with another small limp but it ultimately just added to his character. Better to have a few dents here and there than to have spent life without... well, life.


Walking into the room into which he'd been summoned by the captain, it was hard to not instantly be drawn to the mass of hair and horn. Giles tried to be non-chalent in his glancing but ultimately felt his eyes being pulled into some vaguesense of unease. He didn't like the beast, or even know what it was really; though he was sure he could smell it from across the room. Curious, could it even talk? It was something he would have to settle with if this was the assembled group.

The others were more plain, or perhaps just more what the man had come to expect of a typical set of Megalan mercenaries, and perhaps that was only when drawing comparison.

He smiled, and offered each of the assembled group a friendly nod, and small greeting. Though he locked eyes with the Judoc and beamed a genuine smile "Ah, Judoc. It has been a good while since we last met.

I've been fortunate in my service here and managed to not get myself into too much trouble he spoke casually, with the smile turning into a grin, alluding to his expulsion from the magic academy.

"It seems that you also have found your place in the world and have been doing well. It's very good to see you again he finished, resigning to having a real conversation once they had more time.

He then glanced to the WAzifi looking woman and said حسنا التقى، سعيد يمكنك with the best friendly tone he could muster. The tones were still a little off, but the gist was there, he thought to himself.

---

Well, it seemed that Brashear was right to be angry. A necromancer threatening the fort and possibly Raphael, and MEgalos would not commit any forces to its eradication. It was a tricky play, though, and the man had experienced first hand, second hand and all kinds of ways how peoples across the border hated him; another war might not be a good thing.

But a necromancer. One that messed with the dead... even the vague interest he'd shown in such arcane topics had him expelled from the academy. Taboo was too gentle of a word for it in Megalan society and so a wielder of such power had to be dealt with. An army would be nice though.


After the questions had been asked Giles stepped forward and then halted as the beast began to speak. Magnus...sir. Giles shot a quizzical glance, quite unpxpecting the vernacular.

"We'll get some communal supplies from the quartermaster, I'll be sparing in what I ask for but if he's in a good mood we can convince the man to part with some pieces that might help. As the captain said, we won't be able to take enough to hamper the fort, but something at least. Just nothing that would identify us as official.
he said.

   Odelia stepped into the room just before the meeting had started and moved to a spot near the door. Over her right shoulder was the pack she had carried her things in, which was now considerably lighter with the majority of the rations she'd carried on the journey already spent. Where the pack had been a bit difficult for her to carry before, it seemed light and easily shouldered this time. In the crook of her other arm was a small and worn rolled up mat. When she found her place, she set the pack down and knelt to open it and replace the mat inside of the bag, while her matching green eyes took in the contents of the room.

   Her eyes glanced about as she took in her surroundings and noted any exits other than the one she'd come in. She heard people talking about the prisoner they had in custody, a man they simply had called 'Haj'. With a name like that, it was expected that some, possibly most of the people living at the Fort might consider her suspect. She'd kept a wary eye out since their arrival at the garrison post and made a point of keeping out of the way of anyone that might consider her suspicious.

   Green eyes glanced at the ones she already knew and didn't linger for long - even the Horned One rated little more than half a heartbeat before she turned her attention to the newcomers. Her emerald orbs met the midnight blue eyes of the first man and caught the grimace on his features. Those same orbs were flecked with jade which sparkled as she narrowed her gaze and the pencil-thin brows eased closer together. There was a fierceness in the return gaze of the veiled woman before her attention was caught by another of the newcomers.

   The ginger-haired man was taller than she was - most men usually were - who looked younger than she was. He was beginning to make the transition into Manhood and she could see the progress in both the squaring of his jaw and the small amount of stubble that decorated it. He greeted the man with a grimace warmly, she noted and guessed that the two men were aware of one another, or were possibly were friends.

   When he approached her and spoke in Arabic, one of the brows rose up in a show of mild surprise. Not many in the Empire spoke the Tongue of the Prophet willingly, most preferred to speak in English (some frustratingly so) in their dealings with others. To encounter someone who spoke it - even if the speaker was a fire-haired young man just out of his teens - was a blessing that she was thankful for. She'd risen from where she'd knelt as he'd approached and stood in front of him and held out her hands to either side while bowing her head slightly in an indication that the man's words were understood. As she returned to stand in front of him, she brought her hands together in a prayerful pose, then parted them, one hand slowly moving over from behind the first, as if offering a gift.

   The moment was broken with the sudden arrival of the Captain as he stormed through the door. She started visibly and one hand went to the hilt of one of the daggers she carried as the Megalan passed her without thought. The hand remained on the hilt a moment longer as Brashear began speaking, then eased off slowly, while a hint of colour showed on the olive skin just above the veil.

   She listened wordlessly as the Captain outlined what the prisoner - "Haj" -
 had said about the Necromancer. The bridge of her nose crinkled at the thought - the word was an abomination alone - about what this man was doing. Disturbing the remains of good people, however, they believed, was unthinkable. The sooner that this ... man ... was brought to justice, the easier things would be for the Fort and it's surroundings.

   When the Horned One mentioned needing a lantern, she knelt slightly and reached into the pack to remove a lantern as she pulled off the gloves she wore on the other hand and knocked twice on the metal framework to get his attention. Holding it in front of her, her head cocked slightly to the right as if to imply Is this what you were looking for?

Finn Razzel was walking on air.  Not literally of course though he is a talented mage so perhaps someday.  No, he had completed quite successfully not one but two missions for the famed, notorious and secretive organization the Murderers Row.  It had been his dream for a few years to be invited and that day came.  But as is standard his invitation came with a test and naturally he passed with flying colors.

Since that time Finn took his well earned coin and used it to further his spell work, visited family, invested wisely in some new gear and lived a little.  Though still green Finn has found a love for Dragon Dice and plays every chance he gets.

And as it always does work came looking for him mid-way through his vacation but in truth Finn was ready.  He is young and ambitious, sitting idle does not suit his temperament.  His contact known only as Dirk sold him in under a minute on this most recent job.  “You'll be working with other mages and getting a foothold into the Templars son.  Something we want badly.”, he had said and that's all it took to hook the young mercenary.

Some weeks later Razzel finds himself sitting in a small office in an outpost on the edge of the frontier.  Looking around the room he is surprised to see the variety in the assembled menagerie.  He is glad for the friendship he and the other Templar have forged.

Finn cross his arms over his chest and listens intently at the speech given by the fort Captain.  He waits for others to speak then he clears his throat and stands.  He nods and smiles around the room confidently, then addresses the commander.  ”Finn.  Uhhh, excuse me sir but I'm not sure I follow some of the more...uh, subtle things at work here.  Just what are we looking at?”


OOC:
Judoc I think that's a fine idea that we traveled together from Azer as long as the GM sees fit.  If its allowed assume we've become casual friends.

Finn looks just like his picture.  Average build and just under 6 feet tall.  He is lean but not skinny.  Finn has nice clothing and fresh new armor.  He is a happy-go-lucky and cocky but not arrogant.  He is upbeat and very confident of his abilities.  After traveling with him he would volunteer that while working for the Templars he did not receive his education at their college.  He is more or less self taught and recruited by them later.

Rather than post a ton of questions here and bog us down in back and forth role play I opted to ask a lot of my stuff in OOC, that way the players or the GM can answer.

"Yes Sir, Rondald and Terri Bertrand at your service." he answers the question, then listens to the discussion that follows.

Rondald nodded in thanks at the answer, noting also the other supplies that would be catered for. It would seem that the addition of three mages to the groups would do much to alleviate some of the issues in dealing with the unnatural, though the group was clearly going to have to practice to work together to deal with the followers, which would clearly outnumber them and likely be more fanatical than any pirates he had dealt with.

After the captain has finished speaking and answering the others questions, he will add

"Good to hear supplies and a pack horse are taken care of. Ammunition can also be supplied?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:01, Sun 25 Feb 2018.

Gustav remains quiet, the few questions that occur to him are asked by others first. He catches Odelia looking at each of them and gives her a smile, then returns his attention to what is being briefed. As some ask questions, his mind wanders ...

He wonders what horrors Odelia has faced to turn her against her own so. He also wonders what he has signed up for; rather than being a soldier, he is being pushed into another situation that may be as bad as the one he was in. Playing spy was not popular business; even your own became untrusting of you in time, wondering if you may have changed sides to save your skin. More hiking in the desert, no horses. that wasn't good either. He seemed to remember the Arabs were noted for their horses; being chased by men on horse back would be an ugly situation. He felt a sense of camaraderie with those who had traveled here with him, but didn't anything about these new guys...and they seemed to know each other. Wonder what that means.  Then there was this necromancer... he only vaguely knew what that was, magic with the dead.  He remembered all the stories while growing up ... garlic was supposed to stop them, bell, bible and candles too... and silver weapons.  He wondered where they could find silvered weapons.

He came back to present and looked around... the rest didn't look all that concerned, except for Magnus, poor guy, he couldn't escape who he was, but seemed a good friend to have if things got tough.

At the mention of light sources, Judoc grins and wriggles his fingers, summoning a small ball of candlelight into existence.  He gestures to the corner of the room, and the light sphere zooms up to the ceiling and hovers there.  "Before we set out, I'll create lights for all of us that are as strong as torchlight.  I'll need something small to enchant, maybe a pebble or a knife.  The lights generally last for a few days."

"I should probably dabble in the Food college at some point," the mage continues.  "Being able to conjure up food would be useful for this kind of mission."  Or horses, he thinks wryly.  A pity the fort doesn't have more mounts to spare.  Perhaps when he returns to Azer, he can branch out in his studies.

This mission is already in the bag, he thinks.  They're more than covered on both the magical and brute force fronts.  Aiah will serve as a superb scout.  He idly wonders how quietly the others can move.  Guess he'll find out soon enough.

"Captain, another question.  What maps do you have available of the region?  I'd like to take a look at them before we go to familiarize myself with the local topography."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:51, Sun 25 Feb 2018.

Rondald leans over to Judoc and says quietly.

"If you are taking suggestions, the ability to conjure water may be more vital in the desert..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:53, Mon 26 Feb 2018.

Coloring slightly, Judoc nods his head at Rondald's suggestion.  "Regrettably, my repertoire is focused more on battlefield combat and less on logistic support.  I agree, though, a mage with the power to create water would be an asset in this case."  The young mage makes a mental note to spend some time when he returns to Azer in learning a few spells in the Food and Water colleges.

Magnus nodded and gave something of an "Ah" sound when Odelia produced the lantern. He was in truth a little surprised that she had carried such weight with her on the road, given her small frame, but he reminded himself not to underestimate the woman. She was far from her native land, had presumably been alone and hired on as a mercenary of all things...a mystery to be sure.




Magnus pushed his chair back a few inches and stared in stunned silence, his mouth slightly open as the balls of light drifted about. He knew that magic existed of coarse, had heard the word Templar and Necromancer thrown about, but it had always been in a far off sense...he had not expected to see it thrown about so casually. And this was magic, not the parlor tricks or clever fingers of some street entertainer.

He looked about the room, and when no one else reacted he felt just a little embarrassed, but could not help but stare at the lights, his mind trying to make sense of a world that seemed to be growing stranger and more dangerous by the day.

"Ah."  The captain says, rummaging around a stack of charts that litters the corners of the office desk.  "Here."  He unrolls a somewhat smallish scroll on the table, laying it out in view for everyone to see.

The chart displays the country of Al-Wazif, mostly diamond shaped with each of its borders depicted in bold.  "Here."  Brashear repeats again, pointing towards the three way intersection between Megalos, Cardiel, and Al-Wazif.  "Is roughly where the fort is.  Most of Al-Wazif to the south all the way to the mountains is plains or badlands.  To our southwest are the Pillars of Heaven, to our southeast is little but a few small villages."  Brashear points at a pen mark just east of the fort.  "This is our estimation of where Tabuk is, a little village with which Giles has become acquainted.  Our guess is that the Necromancer lives some thirty miles east of there, just at the base of the mountains."  Brashear points again at the map, towards the northwestern edge of the mountains.  "Essentially, you should expect the mountains to the south, the River Mackarem a day or so ride to the north and mostly plains and badlands to the east or west."

OOC:  I've attacked the map of Al-Wazif in the Maps thread at the bottom which is linked below.  Tabuk is essentially just above the western most peak of the unnamed mountain range (not on top of it but north).  Brashear is guessing that the Necromancer's village is just north of the second peak from the west.

link to a message in this game

Giles had stood, listening to each of the people in the room speak and offer their suggestions, they were all good - even if it did wrinkle him that they thought Cutlass could be used as a mere pack animal.

He ignored the lights, having seen plenty of examples of such things in his own training, instead just grinned "Tabuk might be helpful and give us some opportunity to get information or resupply should we have means to pay for it. Their leader seems to be reasonably well tempered and pragmatic enough to trade with a bunch of Megalan people. But I would not expect welcome, or even rely upon it too heavily.

he said, thinking, and itching the talon scars across his face. "As long as we have food, fire and water, we'll be fine on the plains. The key is finding the necromancer's place... another pause.

"The bird, I think, if it can signal the location would be a great asset to our mission


OOC:

Sorry about the slowness, I'm pretty beat up atm and really just wanting to sleep.

Magnus stood from his seat and leaned in slightly over the table to get a look at the map. With one shaggy hand on the table his large dark eyes roved over the parchment, taking in the strange names and the general references to the few things he recognized on the western border.

"Looks like horse country..." he said softly, almost to himself. His head was filled with visions of men with bows, on fine horses and he suddenly wished that he had brought a shield, or perhaps a polearm with which to defend himself.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 16):

Rondald was familiar with maps, at least for the ocean, so he came to study this one in depth. The plains suited him to some degree, much better than a desert, at any rate, but the distance into the foreign nation did concern him. He measures a few details on the map before asking for clarification.

"So how far is the village from Quazr-as-Sawh? It is in that direction, right? On the map, from the description you have given, Quazr is another 70 miles. Is that about right?"

When the captain unrolls the map, Judoc gesture with a hand toward his hawk.    Then he turns his attention to the map, doing his best to commit the details to memory.  Mountains to the south, the river to the north, and plains and badlands on either side.  Finding the necromancer should be a cinch, and with Giles already having an in with one of the local villages, supplies should be a non-issue.

"Her name is Aiah," Judoc says, grinning.  "She's at least as smart as half the new students at the Battle College.  And, well, you know what hawk eyes are like."  As much as the mage looks down his nose at women as being somehow less capable than men, he takes special pride in his new companion.  Yes, this mission is as good as completed.

   Odelia, when the Horned One indicated that he understood what she meant, replaced the lantern back into the pack and secured it. Green eyes narrowed slightly as she watched the mage create a small ball of light without much thought. So easy ...

   She watched as the Megalosian Captain unfurled a scroll that showed a rough outline of Al-Wazif. Her eyes first darted to the right side of the map where the more populous settlements and cities lay. Emerald orbs walked from the capital, Azraq, to each of the major cities - Hadaton, Shanyibad, as-Suiassi &, Qasr-as-Sawh - before her gaze met the Captain's finger where the finger indicated where they currently were. She noted the mountains on the map, unmarked as they were by Megalosian scholars. She tried to remember the name of them; she'd been told when she was younger about them, but the name escaped her at the moment. Most likely, she'd remember sometime later and before she could inform anyone.

   Listening to the banter of the men about the area where the Necromancer lived while she stood off to the side, the young woman took stock of the others.  The man who made the light was confident, almost overly so as he spoke with a smile. It remained to be seen as to how quickly and easily they might find this mage and deal with him. Inshallah, she silently hoped, Our journey will be swift ...

   The young redheaded mage sounded more grounded than his friend to her. As long as they were well supplied, the trek into al-Wazif would proceed smoothly. The Wazifi patrols, if they came upon any, might be another problem. She was the only one who looked and dressed like she belonged in the country, the others were decidedly paler than the majority of the population. It was good that the young mage understood her language - any guards would dismiss him quickly, but speaking the Tongue of the Prophet as well as having a bit of magic might make them reconsider his importance.
Whether that was a good omen or a bad one, only God would know.

   The well-dressed member of their group seemed quiet enough and had only asked one question, so it was difficult to read him, outside of the confident and devil-may-care attitude. If all mages are this confident, the Necromancer might either be as easily dealt with as the overconfident One believes... or he might be their worst nightmare ... and death at his hands would only be the beginning.

   But something else bothered her ... She brought up a hand and extended a finger to tap on the veil where her lips were and rested her elbow in the palm of her other hand, the arm resting just under the curve of her bustline. Her brow crinkled slightly in thought as she looked towards the map.

Finn relaxes in his seat with his legs straight out in front of him crossed at the ankles and his arms bent at the elbows with his hands behind his head.  He sits leisurely having taken his turn at asking questions, now he observes as the queries continue from his new comrades. He assesses them as in turn they make their inquiries.  What a strange lot they are.  But as always Finn is optimistic and he is happy with the ideas and suggestions being bandied about.

He sits with his new friend making small comments under his breath as the meeting ebbs and flows.  Though he is suspicious of the minotaur his mood does not appear mean spirited.  Just then Judoc offers that he is more of a battle mage.  Finn laughs out loud and lightly smacks his friend on the shoulder.  "Well ain't we a fine pair!  I fancy myself, I guess more a squire than a knight when it comes to my book."  Finn looks around the room at large to gauge the reactions of his new comrades and then offers them a smug wink.  "I mean my book is more for helping than fighting.  But don't you worry none.  My magic's plenty powerful."  Then almost as an after thought when the issue of coalescing the fabric of space and time into drinkable water comes up Finn smiles which fades into a non-chalant shrug.  "Yes sir.  That is a mighty useful spell.  I have it all down.  Finger movements are perfect.  There's this little trick with bending the middle finger just so and wrapping it around your index finger.  Trips most folks up but not me."  Finn frowns.  "But the damned teacher wouldn't show me the right words.  A-hole."


OOC:
I the player am a little confused as to the route we're taking to get to Tabuk.  I don't need to know it but out of curiosity how long is it by foot?  And then the Necromancers lair is an additional 30 miles beyond that?

Finn is done asking questions and making suggestions, but he is curious to know what Giles has in mind as a grand plan.  Are we going in by force?  Bullying our way all the way?  Or sneaking through the countryside till we get there?  Or trying to make friends along the way?  Or something else?

Giles looked around and then added "We made a couple of nights camp before we came across Tabuk, we were not directly headed for it though and mostly searching around the countryside for signs of a potential enemy force but a more direct path would be perhaps a day ride.

Having said that, and as you all may have expected during this original mission all members of my team were mounted and riding horse. If we'll be heading that way on foot I expect the way to the village will be few days... he said then glancing to each member and assessing their ability to hike distances ... assuming we make way at a comfortable pace.

He sat down as if to take a more casual position within the mixed group and then continued "While I haven't personally seen the location where the necromancer is reputed to be, I expect it to be an additional day of travel. With the help of Judoc's bird, I'm sure we'll have no problems finding it.

As for the plan, well this depends entirely upon what we find on arrival. From what I understand of necromancers, and I would defer to our magic users here, there is the strong possibility of it having support from non-living things and judging by intelligence we have gathered so far, I would expect there to be some level of fortification, albeit relatively mobile.

Our goal is simply to eliminate the necromancer and so precision, stealth and surprise are our strongest weapons

Then, glancing to Finn, the man cocked one side of his mouth in a half-grin and offered we'll be sure to take plenty of water too





OOC:

I basically winged all of the times for travel based on what I assume GIles' knowledge to be. If i'm wrong, please do correct me GM (and assume that GIles told it correctly).



if i missed anything out do let me know OOC and i'll amend my post - concentration is a little off atm due to some rather damaged ribs.

Brashear follows along with the conversation, looking from Giles to Rondald as the small group converses back and forth.  "No, I don't believe so."  He glances back towards the map, attempting to gain a distance between his estimate of the Necromancer's village and Quazr as-Sawh.  "Just eyeballing it I'd say Quazr is another two hundred miles easily to the east, but I'm not sure how accurate the distances on this map are.  I could easily be wrong."

The captain waits for Giles to speak, then nods along in agreement.  "I think that's all reasonable.  Maybe fifty miles to Tabuk due east and another thirty to the necromancer?  Sounds reasonable to hike in two or three days if you are moving quickly.

OOC:  Sorry for the lame post, but I wanted to get something up. It sounds like we are mostly trying to iron out small details at this point so when ever you guys are ready, I'm ready to move on.  It sounds like the things that you all want to take from the fort are:

Horses (not confirmed yet, needs a fast talk roll)
Crossbow ammo
Food

I think that was it after lights were taken care of.  Let me know if there is anything else needed on an individual or group basis.

Also, Finn, for the directions, we are working fairly small distances on the map.  Essentially, the fort you are in now is at the middle of the 'M' in R. Makarem.  if you follow the 'm' in Makarem directly south to where it touches the mountains, that's about where Tabuk is, and about thirty miles east of there (about a third of the way along the mountain ridge going northeast) is where the necromancer is estimated to be.

If you guys are ready to move on let me know and I'll cut to the next branch in your decision tree.

Giles nodded I dont think it would be a quick trek, the terrain is harsher than we're used to. I'll talk with the quartermaster to see if he has any extra things available that aren't essential. he said, inwardly grimacing at the thought of hiking across that land that he'd travelled months ago.

The prospect of being hunted by a lion did not sit too well with him, or by men for that matter, so he would see if they could get more horses - doubtful enough for everyone but something, at least.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:10, Sat 03 Mar 2018.

Rondald waited until Giles was finished before approaching him.

"Tools to repair or make bolts and arrows may be very useful as well, and a small wagon to carry injured and our equipment might do even in place of horses in a pinch. Good luck with the quartermaster. Let me know if I can help..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:10, Sat 03 Mar 2018.

Finn walks about the room casually soaking in the details of the mission as they fall into place something like sands through an hourglass. He also soaks in his feelings of these people that he will work with. It feels like a good group and that comforts him. There is wisdom here, a quiet strength and a good skill set. As always he is happy to be working and happy to be here. And that he is paired with someone from the Templars boosts his already happy-go-lucky mood.

And as the discussion ebbs and flows the assembled team seems to focus on two heavy issues. The strategy of accomplishing their mission and their lack of supplies. It is to this latter point that Finn directs his attention. He finds laying about a piece of parchment and a chalk pencil and scribbles a few lines of needed materials, then makes his way to the front of the room. He clears his throat to get the attention of the captain. Finn smiles a friendly smile and holds out the piece of parchment before him.

"S'cuse me Cap.  I've noticed that the team has pointed out a few things missing that would help us greatly. If you could do anything about this I'm sure we'd all be mighty grateful."


OOC:
On the list is horses, a small wagon or cart, a Fletching kit and food.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Wed 07 Mar 2018.

Brashear listens intently as the conversation continues with one after another of the group asking for item after item.  Brashear is at first surprised, but attempts to mount a reasonable refusal to Giles when he asks for a whole host of horses.  Just as quickly however, he is cut off by Rondald asking for armory kits and Finn asking for a cart with which to pull all their supplies.  Despite his good nature, it is easy to tell that Brashear is getting flustered.  His jawbones clench slightly as his eyes bulge darting from person to person, unsure of who to answer first.

However, it is Terri who takes the moment to speak next, her voice soft as she looks directly to the Captain.  "Please sir, we want this mission to be as successful as you do.  We are just trying to think of things that might be helpful.  We know we are all at the end of the whip here but if we don't ask for help then it is our own fault if we don't get it..."  Terri smiles softly and the anger in Brashear's face melts away in a moment.

"You are right of course."  The captain sighs.  "I wish I could give you much more, I really do but I have my own men to think about as well.  I'll let you take another horse from the stables for your supplies, and I'll talk to Rudyard, perhaps I can buy his cart outright before he leaves - he won't need to be taking anything back anyway.  As for the fletching kit, I'm afraid I have no room to budge.  Our armory has only a single set of equipment and it is imperative that we keep our own capability."

Brashear looks across the small group and smiles.  "The best of luck to all of you, really.  I will keep petitioning for more leeway in this issue and send assistance if I can do so.  But as for now I, and the rest of Megalos, are counting on you."

---

The group does not tarry overlong.  It takes some hour or so for Brashear to negotiate with Rudyard to procure his cart, for the group to check out a fortnight's worth of rations from the stocks along with a small quantity of firewood (for Tmentions how meager the flora is on the plains) and a fifty pound bag of grain for the horses before they start to actually make their way from the fort.  From the stables, the group checks out both Cutlass and another horse, Firebrand, this one a roan quarter horse with a three inch blaze running straight down his face.  There is little ceremony as the small group departs, two columns followed by the small cart driven by Finn, who seems to be the only one with much experience working with animals apart from sitting atop them.  Magnus is happy to find that the horses do not too much mind his scent, though firebrand snorts grumpily when he approaches too closely.

The thin, rolling hills of the plains are not overly difficult for the cart, though the group finds that their progress is significantly slower than the prepared surface of the path and the five miles southeast to the river passes in a painfully slow two and a half hours.

The Makarem sprawls out in front of them, its waters deceptively calm as little more than the pull of the water along the banks is visible to our adventurers.  Giles is quick to mention that though the waters are not turbulent, the current is swift, and on the two occasions he has made to cross it, the waters have been between chest deep to well over his head.

"Well, I suppose it's a good thing I've spent so much time on a ship!"  Terri interjects pleasantly.  "This shouldn't be too hard to swim across, though I wonder how well the cart is going to do..."

OOC:  It is 1400 on the 18th of March.  I have put together a thread for group loot so I can just copy and paste things there rather and try and backtrack after the fact when things are getting split up.  If any of you guys want to have some of your equipment on the cart than let me know and I will remove it from your character sheet and put it in the group loot thread.  I'm going to put some house rules together for traveling and other odds and ends that should be posted in the near future.  As it has been over a month since I looked at any of this, please QA that all of the equipment is correct.  If I have missed any equipment you guys were hoping on taking, please let me know asap so I can add it.  I won't add things once we are in the thick of the adventure.  Thanks again everyone for the patience.

One would think, given his appearance, that Magnus would possess all the robustness and stamina that one associates with big, fur clad animals...but it seemed that this was not the case.

The truth was that although he seemed healthy enough, Magnus had come of age following trundling caravans, on maintained roads over mostly level ground. Girded as he was now, with chail mail from neck to knee, an Iberian style mace and a newly acquired round shield from the fort, he moved with a lumbering stride as they plodded towards the shores of the The Makarem.

He had let the horses be, although he had at first eyed their hooves with an almost sympathetic expression, and instead walked along ahead of them, mostly silent, but at times sonorously hummed little rythmic snatches of tune to himself.

The beast man had slept fitfully after their encounter with the bandits, and although he had not spoken of it to the others he had been profoundly effected by the experience...the rest at the fort had been well received, and although he thought of it often, he had grown less anxious about it as the days had passed.

Now as he stared out across the river, he considered how bet to surmount it, and was already fetching some a spool of cord out of his satchel to secure some of the looser items to his person, and to ensure that his bag stayed tightly closed during the crossing.

"Anybody a really good swimmer?" He asked, as if wondering aloud who might go first.

Good Idea Magnus  Gustav also carefully ties his things down where they won't be washed away, using two pieces of string on the things on the cart to ensure they remain attached.

I never saw the need to swim... guess that was a poor choice on my part.

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 31):

Rondald  was getting used to this hiking thing, and as ever, his wife proving better at diplomacy. He made a point of thanking her, in private, with affection that no others had any business seeing.(And no, for you dirty minds, they do not need to get a room for that!)

Gathering what they can, he pulls the cord out of his pack and ties it to that cart, and ties his waterskin to it as well.

The hike to the river is quiet, and he takes time to listen to conversations more than talk. Upon reaching the river he asks about a ford. failing that, he looks around for trees to make a raft. Not so much for himself...he and Terri can swim...but the cart probably does not float!

During the hike, Judoc travels along beside the cart, in high spirits of the certain success to come. He looks up as Aiah flies above them.  A smile breaks across his face. She is a magnificent creature, and he longs to take to the air himself, to feel the wind rush across his face as he flies along under magical power. How grand it must be to not need even magic to fly, to simply spread your wings and soar above the green earth.

When the party reaches the river, Judoc looks out across the water, judging the distance. "The horses can swim, and I can fly across. I can carry some of your gear if you need me to. But the cart presents a problem."

Turning, he examines the vehicle to see if it is seaworthy."Hm. How much would you say this cart weighs?" Judoc sets his staff down and tries a test lift. Frowning, he says, "Giles, remember that ritual magic we performed with Loke? If you, Finn, and I work together, we just might be able to move the cart across the river without it even getting wet. Let's see, at one yard a second . . ."

Of course, there is always the chance of summoning a rogue demon or something. Judoc grimaces, and then his expression becomes more considering. He had always thought Elliot had been the weak link in their magical circle, but what if Loke had been attempting to summon demons, and Elliot just took the fall to cover Loke's own necromancy? Or had Loke already been replaced by Agares at that point?

OOC: How heavy is the cart, and how wide across is the river?

Is there a better crossing place?

The conversation rambles on as the group makes a small impromptu break while they assess their situation.  The Makarem here is some 100 to 150 yards wide, it's waters surging and swelled from the last time that Giles crossed due to the heavy rains of the season.

Giles mentions that there are no fords that cross here, there is simply not enough traffic nor trade nor indeed much civilization at all on either side of the river.  There are bridges that span farther to the east, however the closest is over 100 miles away and would likely put them two weeks behind their schedule.  Likewise, building a raft or ferry from local materials seemed an impossible cause.  The scrub brush around is blooming and green but even the largest of the bushes only have limbs wrist-thick at best with most being no thicker than a thumb.  To make matters worse, the scrub limbs bend and weave like they had been snapped and grown back together, making them impossible to lay together.

Aiah, Judoc's red-tailed hawk alights on a corner of the cart, a shaggy and dirt ridden ground squirrel clutched in one talon as she preens her feathers with her beak. 

OOC:  Sorry, I think I got most of the details you guys were asking for here, but feel free to ask more questions if needed.

Large wads of Grass wrapped in water proof skins would do it, except I think I have the only water proof skin here ... and one will not do it... do we have a long rope?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Fri 13 Apr 2018.

Finn Razzel thoroughly enjoys his time riding with his new found friends.  And what a motley crew they are.  A minotaur, a woman from far away lands and a varied assortment of locals.  Surely their talents are as varied as their backgrounds and that is a good thing.  Were they a band of soldiers they would lack magic, probably be shy of competent social skills and more.  Finn drinks up their personalities like a good wine as they travel.

As the miles pass behind them Finn focuses his attention on Judoc who he finds an instant connection with thanks to their being members of the Templars.  It is the common language they speak that puts them in a class by themselves.  Razzel flexes his curiosity by diving into stories.  ”So Judoc.  I bet you seen some real shit, huh?  What's your funniest story?  I remember this one time I was on a job.  And this lanky stupid fucker, Purvis I think was his name.  He got the incantation all wrong and instead of summoning food he turned himself into a woman”.    Finn tilts his head back and laughs heartily.

Some time later the merry group arrives at the relatively calm but powerful and wide river.  Finn stands up in the carts diving seat and rubs his chin thoughtfully.  He chances a glance back the gear stowed behind him, then at the horses and then at his comrades.    He begins expounding his thoughts on the matter.


OOC:
Due to time constraints I'll say my thoughts here instead of in the narrative.

Judoc, my story was for flavor more than anything.  I was trying to give a sense that Finn and Judoc are bonding.  No need to tell stories unless you want to.

Finn isn't sure if the cart can be moved by magic but he is willing to try if success is reasonable.  He does know some of the basics in Movement.

Finn sees the cart and horses as the greatest obstacle.  The horses in order to cross will need a good handler and it sounds like Finn is the man for the job.  But the cart is more troublesome.  If it goes through the water, being a box means it is going to trap the force of the current and need a strong force to pull it.  Finn worries about the horses being pulled under if they are tied to the cart.

His best idea is, if can manage 100 yards of rope, to get us all on one side with the cart on the far side.  We use the horses on the far side with our help to pull the cart through the water.  But as a group do we have 100+ yards of rope?  Finn has only a lousy 20 feet.

Gustav Shrugs, palms up

   The woman had spent some of her time when she wasn't attending to things like rations and replenishing her supplies for the coming journey, learning how to load and fire the crossbow she'd been given and using the targets that were provided in the small archer's pavilion. She practised usually when there were few guards about so the chance to embarrass herself was minimal. Most of the problem dealt with the fact that she simply wasn't strong enough to pull the bolt back as quickly as she'd seen some of the other crossbowmen do, and her determination to try had left her with sore fingers and a small blister on her left hand.

   Once they'd found what they needed and were ready to resume their trek into al-Wazif, she followed along behind the others, occasionally walking with the rest, while occasionally resting in the cart when her feet grew sore. She'd placed the small 1-person tent as well as a blanket into the cart to alleviate the weight of what she was carrying, and it gave the young woman a lighter spring in her step when she walked.

   As might be expected, she largely kept to herself and listened in on the conversations. Despite her feelings with regards to mages, she kept her distance from the three sorcerous members of the party. It was enough to hear their tales, either on the road or over the evening's fire. Practising, either with the crossbow or her preferred daggers, was done in the half-shadows of the evening. She also practised other talents, such as moving as quietly as possible through the grass and twirling her knives dextrously in order to keep her fingers nimble.

   When they came to the fast-flowing river, she quickly surveyed the situation. With little more than scrub and not a single tree in sight, getting across the river was going to be next to impossible. She didn't know if any of the others could swim, but it wasn't a skill one needed in the Capital of the Empire. Part of her had wondered why they hadn't traversed at a bridge earlier ... unless there was a magical way to get across, they didn't have the rope or much else to make their way over the fast-flowing water. She began to pace back and forth while she crossed her arms under her breasts and tried to think of another way to get across ...

In reply to Odelia La Faelis (msg # 39):

"Pity none of you mages specialized in shaping the earth. You could create an island and slowly move it out across the river, with us all on it. Might take a day or two, but better than 100 miles of travel...it does not look like we have a better way of getting this cart across, since we lack the rope to pull it.

Other than that, it would seem we have no choice but use a bridge."

Once he had tied everything down that could be, Magnus went about stripping himself down. The hauberk came off with a jingling racket as he bent over at the waste and shimmied out, the leggings came next, having to be carefully moved bit by bit over his hooves given his inhuman anatony.

He cast one glance behind him with his front to the river before he took off his shirt and stepped out of his sturdy work trousers, revealing (perhaps to the relief of the others) that he wore a simple linen breechcloth for comfort and to help against chaffing.

In the muggy heat it was actually a great relief to the shaggy creature, and he soon had it all, along with his mace, folded up in his pack with the straps cinched tight and knotted around the buckle.

The pack went on, and was tied with a last length of cord between the straps across his chest, before he took up his shield and began to wade into the water, sloshing as he went and kicking up mud and silt with his hooves in his passage. When he was about waist deep, he set his shield in front of him in the water boss down with the strap over his back, clutched it to his chest with both hands on the rim, and pushed off to take an experimental swim into the current...intent on heading back to shore should it prove too strong.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Sat 14 Apr 2018.

In reply to Magnus (msg # 41):

"Better get that rope ready, just in case...I don't imagine hooves are wonderful for swimming..."

Without a word, Magnus simply gets his gear together in his pack and straps it on, clinging to his shield on his front as he walks gingerly into the current.

"Oh are we going then?"  Terri asks, getting her own gear together in her bag as she looks up at Rondald expectantly.

As he sets his first hoof in, Magnus can already feel the echo of cold even before the waters lap up against his real skin.  A few more steps and the waters lap up against his calves, producing eddies that curl around the back of his legs.  The banks of the river are shallow and Magnus is a dozen yards or more in before the waters come up to his waist.  Sucking on his teeth as the shocking cold hits his nethers, Magnus never the less seals himself and plunges forward gripping onto his shield with both hands.

His shield propping him up slightly like a sort of kickboard, Magnus kicks out with his hooves, quickly chancing taking a hand off the shield to add to his stroke.  Immediately, the minotaur is swept into the current and his heading downstream.  Though the contents of his pack are heavy, Magnus manages to keep himself afloat by a combination of his stroke and kicking off the thick mud bottom when that is not enough.  As he reaches the middle of the river however, he finds that the bottom is simply too far down to be of much use.

Back on the corner of the horse cart, Aiah begins tearing the flesh of the ground squirrel, flaying away skin and bone with the sharp point of her beak and claws.

OOC:  Magnus is perhaps halfway across the river, though it is hard for everyone to tell because he's being dragged so far downriver in the effort.  Even with the pack on, Magnus seems to be making the transit with a combination of skill and improvisation.  Magnus, roll vs. Swimming (straight up) to finish the transit to the other shore.

The Minotaur, suddenly thankful for his dense undercoat, focused on puffing up his chest to add to his efforts to keep his head above water and was careful not to go so hard that he might exhaust himself before he made it across.

Balacing the shield was careful work...too much forward and it would start to sink, too far back and it did nothing and worse yet, threatened to shoot up and away from him.

Mostly among the faint splashing his horns just bobbed left to right steadily, and once he forcefully exhaled through his nose to clear some water, but for the most part he seemed fairly confident as he continued to press on across and down stream.

In reply to Magnus (msg # 44):

"Looks like he is struggling...If Gustav does not mind, I will grab his rope from the cart and take it with me, and I will go to try to make sure he makes it, and use the rope for anyone else.

Terri, we still don't have a plan for the cart, but we can't leave him alone over there either so if you could stay with the cart in case they need a reasonably strong swimmer here, I will cross over."

With that, he makes sure his crossbow and shield are secure on his back and, attaching the rope he to his back as well, he prepares to swim across.

As the group begins to separate and go about their own business to tackle crossing the powerful river Finn climbs down from the carts driving seat.  He looks over the inventory held in the rear and he walks around the cart, inspecting its construction on closer examination.  He pokes and prods the wooden frame, raps on the metal bindings for a feel of its mass.  He pauses adjacent to the rear, squats, grabs hold of the supports and grunts as he attempts to lift.  The cart does not appear to move but Finn smiles weakly when his test is over.  Ever the jovial optimist Razzel announces to the party, ”This will be no problem for me.  A lesser sorcerer, not so much.”   He winks playfully.


OOC:
Finn has decided that after all he can lift the cart all by himself and port it across the river.  It can even carry the gear stored there and maybe 1 or 2 passengers depending on their total weight.

Finn would recommend that we wait to see if Magnus makes it before he tries anything.  As Magnus was wading out Finn would relay his plan to Magnus stating that when the minotaur was safely on the other side he could guard the opposite shore, and that Finn would transport the cart across.

Finn also suggests that anyone with no ability to swim ride in the cart as it floats above the river.  Finn would would warn however that his magic is going to leave him very exhausted and he will need to rest 2-3 hours before moving on.

Once the cart and passenger (s) are ready, cast the spell and concentrate.  I will request that at least 1 person remain behind with me to guard me while I mediate back to full fatigue.  At that time I will ride the horses across one at a time.

Judoc cocks an eyebrow as Finn announces he’s going to carry the cart across all by himself.  Judoc looks back at the river and estimates the distance. ”Get on it, then, hoss,” he says. ”If something goes wrong, you’ve got me to cover for you.”

Turning to the others, he says, ”While Finn magics the wagon and a passenger or two across, I’ll cast flying or levitation spells on the rest of you to send you across. Rondald, you first, okay? This spell will last a minute, so make sure you’re across the river before then.” Judoc begins chanting a spell.

OOC: Cast Flight on Rondald so he can get across quickly in case Magnus needs him.

Terri and Odelia are probably light enough to use Levitation on instead.

   She watched as the Horned One stepped into the fast-moving river and shivered slightly as she watched him descend into what she knew was cold water at the best of times. It seemed that even though he was being pulled down the river, it seemed, at least to the young girl that he was walking across on sheer willpower. She watched, fascinated for a moment, while the magicians were working out the logistics of their plan.

   Her emerald eyes turned to regard the mildly scruffy bearded mage as he went about the wagon and knocked on its frame here and there. After his announcement that he would carry the wagon across, she regarded the man with a look of disbelief as though he'd taken leave of his senses. Magi were curious (and occasionally delicate) creatures at times ...

   She made certain that everything was secure on her person - daggers tucked tightly into their places, her backpack with assorted sundries tied together and fastened in their places to make sure nothing came loose during the trip, and the crossbow she'd been practising with fastened to the outside of the pack. The last arrangement was so that if they came under attack, it would be a simple matter to grab the weapon and begin readying it.

   With another glance towards the fast-moving water, she breathed in and out slowly in an effort to calm herself. She placed a hand on the hilt of one of her daggers as she walked to the wagon and climbed into the bed. A short look skywards followed as she awaited the magus' next move.

Terri, you go with the wagon too, I am heavier, so will wait to cross singly when the mages have the strength.

Unwilling to leave Magnus's fate to test Rondald suits himself up to dive into the river yet Judoc has other ideas.  With but the brief whisper of a few words under his breath, Judoc places a hand upon Rondald and within a moment the seafarer is hovering off the ground like a hummingbird midair.  Taking another moment or two to gain his bearings, Rondald shoots off like an arrow after Magnus, taking a bit of cordage from Gustav's equipment with which to assist the minotaur.  It does not take long before Magnus is entirely out of sight and Rondald becomes but a thick dot in the distance, hovering above the water...

Meanwhile, cocksure and full of swagger, Finn works his own magic, manipulating his hands and speaking in a sure voice as he puts his hands upon the cart, shouting Levitare! as he smiles gleefully at his own handiwork.  The smile does not last however, as the cart remains fully in place where it is along the bank...

"You forget."  Terri mentions to Judoc as he walks towards her to float her across the river as well.  "Someone has to swim across with the horses.  I figure I'm probably the best for that, unless you plan on floating them across as well?"

OOC:  I've separated you guys from Magnus and Rondald for the moment simply due to your distance.  Judoc, if you plan on upkeeping the flight spell for Rondald, let me know, but for now I'm planning on letting it lapse at 1 minute.  Judoc, I haven't marked it yet, but you are down 4 fatigue from your casting, and Finn you are down 1 from your failed casting (failed because you will never be able to levitate inanimate objects.)  Judoc with your brief experience with Ceremonial magic, you think you could probably lead the group in casting Apportation.  Let me know if you want to attempt it, who you want to include in the ceremony, and what changes if any you want to make to the cart (taking things off and whatnot).  Terri is offering to lead the horses across, but if anyone want to do something different, you are welcome to try.

Judoc watches closely as Finn attempts to move the wagon across the river. Would the other mage enhance his strength and fly the wagon across? Would he enlarge himself to carry the wagon? Or perhaps Finn knows some spell that even Judoc’s professors at the Battle College do not.

When the spell does nothing, Judoc is disappointed, but he tries not to let his disappointment show in his voice. ”Okay, Finn, let’s try my plan now.”

Terri points out a flaw in Judoc’s plan, and the mage grunts in annoyance. “Yes, well, thank you for that, Terri. Yes, somone, either you or Finn, will need to swim across with the horses.”

Turning to the others, he says, ”I’m going to need all of your assistance here. Giles, do you know Apportation? If not, you can still contribute. And Finn and Giles, do you know Apportation well enough to cast it with words alone, or gestures alone? Or do you need both? For instance, I can cast most of my spells with just works, or just gestures.”

To Odelia, Terri, and Gustav, he says, ”I’m going to need your help as well. I don’t know if you’ve ever done anything like this before, but you can give us the power to cast this spell. Chanting will work. Odelia, I don’t know - maybe use sign language or gestures during the casting?”

“Each minute, I’m going to need you to concentrate on moving this wagon.  I’ll lead the spell and draw on your strength.  This will make you a little tired, but not too much. We’ll be able to get the wagon across in three minutes, but let’s lighten the load beforehand.”

”It’s very important to all focus together. Magic can do some wonky things if we’re not all on the same page.”

”Any questions? If not, we’ll begin.”

OOC: Judoc will lead the group in casting Ceremonial Magic. He’ll depend especially on Finn and Giles, but he needs everyone’s help. For non-mages, this will drain 1 FP per minute.  It should take 3 minutes to move the wagon across the river.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Sun 15 Apr 2018.

Gustav is not so sure, but decides that it helps the group, he'll try. He holds his hand out for Odelia.

It seemed so long ago that Judoc had received his first and only lesson in this very type of magic.  That experience had ended disastrously, though looking back, Judoc had reason to suspect the whole thing had been sabotaged from the beginning, or that perhaps Andros had never been the one casting the spell at all...  Still, Judoc could remember little from the experience and try as he might he didn't remember Andros doing anything different from a normal casting.  Still, they had to make their way across and they had little time for experimentation.  Nervous of the weight, Judoc begins to clear the various items to the ground below, knowing that further castings would likely be less taxing than to move the heaviest load all at once.  The others put in a hand and within a few moments, the cart is empty and the small circle is set to begin their spell.

Gustav is unsure, Finn sulking after his own failure, Giles seems somewhat quiet for his normal, boisterous self though Odelia seems eager to join hands despite her modest tendencies.  Judoc spends several moments coaching each of them on concentration and focus before attending to his own, central part of the spell.  He performs each of the motions as he learned them so long ago, attempting to be mindful of the energy around him, and though he knows it would be near impossible on his own, he watches as the cart slowly lifts from bank, moving at a crawl just inches above the surface of the river.

The moments wear on into minutes, each of the small group being careful to maintain their concentration, only Judoc staring painfully off towards the other bank.  Once, unsure to the range, Judoc lets the cart dip just slightly though when it hits the surface of the water the mage raises it back up again.  When the cart does finally alight on the opposite bank, Judoc is swaying on his feet, his eyes bloodshot and his face paled.  When the spell is finally over he collapses to the ground in a heap, his breathing labored.  To a lesser extent, each of the others feel their own exhaustion, Finn worst of the others though a face glistened with sweat seems to be the worst of his symptoms.

"Wow."  Terri intones as the spell ends, swaying a step before she catches herself.  "Think I'll take a moment before I go into the river now, that's no easy feat."

OOC:  The cart is across, but the weight assumptions it was based on included an empty cart so I did you guys the favor of assuming you unloaded it, or at least a good chunk of the heavier stuff on it.  Judoc is exhausted, Finn bordering on exhaustion with the other members of the group mildly fatigued.  Since the cart was the most significant part of the gear to be moved across, from here we can have Finn and Judoc take turns moving the rest of the gear across after resting up before moving people, just let me know which rolls and who will be swimming/floating across.

The last time Judoc had participated in ceremonial magic like this, everyone in the circle had been a mage, and the whole thing had imploded. If Judoc had been directing the spell, and had their professor not secretly been a demon in disguise, the young mage has no doubt that the results would have been different.

Though he had already expended energy sending Rondald across the river, Judoc continues right on with the next spell rather than rest and gather his strength. Adventurers often have a tendency to overestimate their abilities, and wizards seem even more susceptible to this deficiency.

As Judoc draws on the surrounding mana and his own companions’ stength to magically lift the cart, Judoc realizes several things right away. First, he had neglected to factor in his fatigue from casting the Flight spell. Second, he had expected Finn to be more skilled. Third, Judoc realizes that Giles doesn’t know Apportation at all. No matter. As long as the others contribute to the spell, Judoc will still have plenty of energy to move the cart safely across the river.

The seconds pass. One minute, then the second, and the cart still has some distance to go.  Judoc begins to shake with exertion, his veins and arteries bulging. A trickle of blood begins leaking from his nose. Finally, the cart is safely across, and Judoc sinks to a knee. ”Well done, everyone,” he says weakly. “Giles, I’m going to have to teach you that spell. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a break.”

Sinking back on the turf, he adopts the position mages often use to gather their energy, sitting quietly, barely moving.  ”Give me thirty minutes, and I’ll be back in action,” he says weakly.

OOC: Judoc will rest up for 30 minutes.

Finn Razzel fancies himself a potent mage.  Not a master by any stretch but no hedge wizard either.  So then when he weaves his magic upon the cart and it fails to move his disappointment is clearly displayed across his face and body.  His eyes and mouth sour, his shoulders droop.  His mood sullens.  Thankfully before he can reformulate a plan Judoc intervenes and takes control.  The coordinated group effort drains the mercenary turned hero but the task is well worth it.


OOC:
Finn will use the spell Levitate to hover himself across the river.  He can carry some gear with him.  He can, if needed, send others across in the similar fashion if desired.

Finn has a very nice camp spell that he will cast when it is time.  It creates a circle of fog.  It appears as a light shimmer to us but appears as a dense fog to enemies and wild animals.  It causes a mild fear and disorientation to anyone trying to enter.  I say this because this is how Finn would explain it.

In reply to Finn Razzel (msg # 55):

With the arrival of the empty cart, Rondald is quite surprised. He asks Magnus help to haul it safely away from the river, before preparing to set up camp around it in a location that offers good visibility of the surrounding countryside, where he waits patiently for others to arrive.

Magnus, still stripped to his undergarment and damp from the swim, tucked his belongings well up onto the shore before he went back down to help drag the cart up onto dry land.

He seemed surprised as anybody to see it there, especially considering that nobody else had arrived with it. He took up the shaft that normally separated the horses and leveraged it over his shoulder before he began to drag the conveyance through the mud. He put his back into the effort and caused a great furrow in the muddy bank as he went, but before long it was done and he had returned to the shore to watch the others in their preparation to come across.

Judoc and Finn rest for half of an hour before they resume their spellcasting and in the meantime the two forms of Magnus and Rondald walk their way up the opposite bank, stopping as they reach the cart.  Magnus lays out the contents of his bag on the ground below, letting each belonging enough room to dry in the early afternoon sun.

When the mages finally renew their casting each concentrates for a few moments before sending one of their companions into the air loaded down with odds and ends for their travels: Giles with a bag of horse grain, Odelia carrying a large burlap sack of foodstuffs.  After resting for several more minutes, the mages start again, sending Gustav and then the last trip being Finn and Judoc themselves.  To the others, the process has seemed numbingly slow, a single person across for every thirty or forty minutes between bouts of resting, yet Judoc insists that trying to do the magic any faster would be self defeating at best and downright dangerous at worst.  Terri goes across at the same time as Judoc, leading Cutlass from his lead rope with Firebrand trailing on a bit of cordage from Terri's own gear.  As he did with Magnus, Rondald follows along the bank watching as his wife swims skillfully, though the horses trailing somewhat less confidently, Firebrand especially nickers and flails for a moment as he first hits the deep water.

"He bit me!"  Terry yells as she walks her way back to the camp, nursing her arm slightly though it seems not to be too much the worse for wear.  "That nag started rearing the moment his feet touched dry ground and when I tried to calm him down the bastard tried to kick me first but bit me when that didn't work."  She shoots Firebrand a filthy glance.  "I'm not sure he likes swimming much to be honest."

The whole group now across, Judoc and Finn each continue to rest.  The sun has already started to drop rapidly from the sky and it becomes apparent that no meaningful progress will be made before they are forced to move on so the non mages begin to make themselves busy, setting up personal equipment and finding the flattest spot of terrain around for their camp.  As there is little wood to spare and most of their food is dried, Giles opts not to make a fire for the night deciding to save the precious little they have for when the need truly arises.

As the sun sets across the plain, Finn begins an intricate ritual, tracing a great circle on the grass around their campsite with one of his knives as he murmurs under his breath.  After perhaps a minute he completes his work and nods with satisfaction, mentioning that no guard will be needed for the night since the area is now protected by his magic.  Though some are hesitant to trust their safety to some invisible spell, Finn eventually convinces the group and they settle in for the night without posting a watch.

The second day of their adventure passes without much fanfare.  The day is brisk with a modest wind that cuts across the cool morning like a thin-bladed knife.  Happy clouds billow high up in the sky disappearing into blue sky at interval.  The terrain remains much the same, the green, thick grasses of the plains spring up all around and climb as high as the thigh in places, rolling along on hills that seem to get taller but only inches at a time.  The pace is slow, made worse by the fact that Finn has only modest experience with horses and less with guiding them from the seat of a cart.  Stops are frequent to unstick a wheel from soft earth, or to push the back of the cart up a grade that Firebrand is unable to conquer.

Despite the slow pace, Giles manages to keep a positive demeanor, fully armored, he chats up the group from his mounted position atop Cutlass, riding ahead at times to scout for the best passes or to ensure that no threats lie in wait.

Another night and morning pass in much the same way, a slogging pace with the only sign of other life on the plains being the occasional dead rodent or bird that Aiah brings back from a hunt before devouring it.

On the third day the winds turn quickly as a the skies billow an angry gray.  There isn't a moment to spare, and even less shelter available, so Giles carves out an overhang from a hillside by magic, creating a makeshift cave roof that serves well enough to keep them from the thick of the storm.  It is a lucky thing, for the heavens pour down and lightening crashes beside them only moments after the shelter is erected.  Never the less, Firebrand whinnies and shrieks in horror as the thunder comes in close.  Finn does his best to calm the animal but Firebrand refuses to be subdued, he rears on his hind legs and thrashes out with his fore hooves, striking Finn squarely in the shoulder and sending the young thief spiraling to the ground before bolting from the small enclave.  Mercifully, Judoc is already casting as the animal flees, sending himself in flight to chase after the animal and catching with it after only a couple of hillsides before leading the terrified animal back to the small shelter for good.

As the group sets out on the morning of the 21st, the going is as bad as it has been for the entire trip.  The recent storm has slicked the grasses and soaked into the dirt below making the ground soft and slick.  Above, the skies still churn an angry gray, threatening to unload a heavy rain at any moment.

Just as they are about to break for lunch, the group comes across a small stream, perhaps a dozen yards across and up to three or four feet deep.  Giles mentions that the stream is likely one that runs north from Tabuk, a small village that Giles had encountered on his brief trek south of the border a few months ago.

OOC:  It is 1130 on the 21st of March.  Everyone roll HT-4.  Add +2 to the roll if you have a tent.  If you have a tent and a blanket or other natural temperature tolerance add a further +2 to the roll.  However much you fail by will be fatigue lost due to missed sleep for wet conditions and cold temperatures.  Make another HT-2 roll for fatigue from the hike, add +2 for fit and +4 for very fit if you have them.  As you guys had mentioned heading to Tabuk earlier I figured I'd stop here to see if you want to follow through.  Heading south will take you to Tabuk, East will bring you closer to the Necromancer.

Edit:  changed to reflect Tabuk is South rather than north.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:48, Mon 16 Apr 2018.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 58):

Rondald immediately goes to check on Terri's would as she comes out of the river, offering a bandage if she wishes and comforting words.

The hiking is tough for the seafarer, but he pushes on regardless. Day after day, they press on, until they at last reach the small creek, where he replenishes his water and has a good drink. Despite the warm undergarments, he does not sleep well due to the cold and he is utterly exhausted by the time they reach the creek. He is looking forward to staying at the town, and perhaps purchasing a tent or other equipment.

Judoc is out of sorts. Rather than spending his funds to purchase survival gear, he had spent all his money on armor, and now, without a tent or sleeping fur, he finds himself poorly suited to this life of roughing it. Too, the leather armor is heavier than his accustomed robes, and he longs to shed it and have a proper bath.

Although he has suffered no ill effects for doing without basic shelter, he is still moody and uncomfortable. Next time I set out on a bloody expedition, I’m going to bloody well come prepared, he thinks grimly as he walks along, keeping himself near the front of the group. At least he’s been able to sleep enough at night, and he’s gotten some decent exercise during the hike. Living as a student at the Templar Battle College hasn’t made him soft, and for this he is thankful.

He looks up in the air as Aiah circles.  He allows himself a small smile. He wishes he was wheeling up there with her rather than trudging along on foot. A man flying though the air would bring too much attention, however, and even as skilled as Judoc is, he cannot stay in the air indefinitely.

When the group arrives at the small stream, he looks first eastward, then north. ”Tell me about Tabuk again, Giles. Were these the people who sicced their dogs on you?” He shudders involuntarily.  There are very few things that makes Judoc pause, but he has no desire to go anywhere near a canine’s mouth.

Continuing, he says, “A group this size is likely to attract attention. We’re not obviously soldiers, but a cart, two horses, and no trade goods looks odd.  I suppose Rondald and Terri can pass for merchants and the rest of us as guards, but what would we be guarding?”

“We can spin a good story, I’m sure, but to keep a low profile, we should just keep going to deal with this necromancer. After we take care of him, we can stop at Tabuk on the way back to resupply. What do you all say?”

OOC: Judoc is eager to wrap up this business and return to civilization. He will advocate for going to defeat the necromancer first and then stopping back by Tabuk when they’re done.

In reply to Judoc the Merciful (msg # 60):

"Not all merchants are just selling something. We can be buying things too...food, tents, clothing, ammunition. If we have money. But I have only $15. At least the cart has a bunch of food and grain and other bags on it."

Magnus proved fairly robust as the days and miles passed the group by. He had learned somewhere the soldiers knack for sleeping wherever he was forced to lay his head, always on his back thanks to his horns, and he was not prone to snoring besides.

He had brought a tent, little more than a long canvas sack with enough room for him and his pack, supported by his mace and a few feet of cord...but it was enough to keep the rain off and it held some heat at least. It seemed well used and held his scent about as well as it held warmth.

And then his fur, a simple thing so common in the animal kingdom, seemed to keep him comfortable in all manner of cooler weather...and while the heat irked him, it also insulated against it somewhat and guarded against sunburn.

These things had helped their Minotaur arrive at the spring looking nearly as fresh as he had when they had first met him. His leg had healed nicely by this time despite the constant exercise and the long scab was itching and peeling in a way that most would consider healthy.

"Straight there might be best" Magnus agreed. "If they'll set their dogs on Giles...who knows that they'll do if they see me"

He looked to Odelia. "Would you be alright with that? Are these people the same sort that you grew up around?" He seemed to know little of the Muslim culture or faith.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:43, Mon 16 Apr 2018.

Finn sits in the seat of the cart holding on the reins leisurely.  As morning turns to afternoon and into night he seems at ease and happy to chat with anyone who will converse.  While the young mercenary wouldn't exactly be labeled dependent upon the company of others, the extroverted sometimes thief, sometimes mage certainly enjoys the socailization of a band.

As the intrepid party breaks for camp on the first night Finn explains the nature of his protective magic.  His spirits are high and he seems to have completely forgotten his earlier self promoting at being able to single handedly port the cart across the river.  In an attempt to foster good will he glides up to the tall, brutish minotaur.  He smiles jovially. ”So.  Magnus is it?  You speak very well.  No offense intended, but I'm...surprised.  I've never met a...”  Normally at this juncture Finn would have resorted to slang and the only ones he knows are derogatory.  Thankfully he catches himself in time.  ”...minotaur before.  Do you all speak so well?”


OOC:
Magnus, no need to play out of the dialogue on my part.  Just trying to give the narrative some flavor and demonstrate that Finn is making a gesture to accept everyone.  He will do likewise with the others not well known to him.

As for his opinion to head to Tabuk or not, I the player am lost.  Is it a place we need to go?  Is Tabuk the town said to be allied with the Necromancer?  If we don't need to go Finn would suggest we bypass it.

Let's avoid the Town, surely the Necromancer has spies there. Let's just move on toward the Necromancer. Perhaps we can be a surprise.

Gustav seems unbothered by the rain or the hiking, as he had plenty of practice in getting to The fort.

 He also mentions to the group that By the Way, I too have some ability handle horses, should you need help.

Magnus smiled slightly to Finn's question as he walked. "I'm kind of surprised more people don't ask honestly"

He took a moment to choose his words before he continued. "Truth is I've only known two other Minotaurs, those being my parents." he took a deeper breath. "They both speak Anglish, my mother better than my father, which is funny because she came to Megalos a lot later than he did" he explained with a kind of nostalgic tone to his voice.

"My father can get by, but he didn't start to learn Anglish until...well I guess he was nearly thirty. They both spoke the Northern language from birth, and we spoke it at home a lot so I know it as well, but Anglish came first. I've only ever met a few Northlanders anyway"

He looked to him with a sudden smile. "But I'll take it as a compliment...wish I could tell you more actually. My father always advised to stay out of the North...said life was hard up there, really hard, which is why he risked so much to get away"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:55, Wed 18 Apr 2018.

Judoc considers their options. ”Giles said he made contact with the village. If he wants to go have a quick talk with the village head to see if he can find out more about the necromancer, that could potentially be useful.” He looks around at the group. Other than Odelia, they all stand out as foreigners. Magnus will draw a great deal of attention, too.

He grimaces. ”But Gustav, I agree. We’ve got to weigh the benefits of what we’ll learn in the village versus the risk of word getting to the necromancer. I say we stay well away from villages, go and hit the necromancer hard, take him out, and then return to our side of the border.”

He looks up at the sky, noting the time of day. ”Let’s push on for the day. Tonight when we make camp, I’ll create some light sources for us. Unless you’re really keen to visit the village, Giles, but I’d rather preserve our element of surprise.”

OOC: Judoc will advocate for staying away from villages. We don’t want to give the necromancer advance warning. The village might have some information, but they had no trade goods or food when Giles was last there.

The bit about setting the dogs on Giles was an exaggeration. He left them on relatively friendly terms, but there could still be spies of the necromancer in the village.

Tonight, give Judoc small items he can cast Continual Light spells on to give them magical torch-strength light. Judoc will cast one Continual Light on his ring.

Gustav gives Judoc a Copper piece  Should be useful, and if wrapped, he light can be directed.

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 67):

Rondald takes the wick from his head lamp and offers it to the mage. Somehow, life at sea was much warmer, and he wishes he had something to keep dry but he is too exhausted to argue. Intending to only sit for a moment to rest, he is snoring not far into the discussion...

   Odelia, during the ceremony, had taken the hand that Gustav had offered, as she understood the basics that ceremonial magic required. Her fingers proved warm to the touch despite the weather, but there had been a tremble to them as she'd participated in the ritual. It was something that she'd only participated in once before, but the magus had been a woman and had asked her participation before she'd begun. As soon as the ceremony had concluded, she'd let go and went to recover. This time, however, the ritual had taken far more out of her than she'd expected.

   The travel after the crossing proved to be more than a challenge for the young Arabic woman. Although her robes and coverings made the chill a little more bearable, walking across the plains left the girl with the beginnings of small worn marks on the bottom of her feet. This much travel was more than she'd ever been on in her life. Thankfully a small bowl to wash her feet before she prayed in the seclusion of her tent was welcomed.

   The weather was also proving to be difficult. In the City, where one could hide in a building while the storm passed, there was little such protection out in the open like they were. She'd watched as the mage, Judoc, had flown after the animal and thinking that he was more than a little crazy to chase after the horse in the middle of a storm - the chances of him being struck were almost as great. It was a relief that the man had returned later with the horse ...

   When they reached the stream and began to talk, she listened wordlessly, then looked in the Horned One's direction as he asked her about where they were going. Her best answer was a shrug, followed by the flattening of one hand, while 'walking' two fingers along the surface with the other. After that, she moved to where the seafarer stood and reached up to pull a single worn-looking Megalan silver penny from behind his topknot, then quickly retrieved one from behind one ear, then the other before she clasped them in one hand and held them out to the bearded crossbowman.

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
12:42, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 11 using 3d6 ((4,1,6)). HT Check - +2 (Tent) +2 (Blanket) Lost Sleep check

12:46, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 9 using 3d6.  HT - 2 Check (Hiking).

13:06, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 6 using 3d6.  Sleight of hand - 4 silver pennies into her hand.

---

In reply to Odelia La Faelis (msg # 69):

Rondald smiled at her sleigh of hand. The tricks were not new, but the intention was a nice gesture.

"Thank you. I hope it will be enough."

Finn stands idle as he listens to the well muscled shaggy thing.  Razzel stares blankly at his mouth as he speaks.  Finn is mesmerised, almost stunned.  His grammar, the articulation, his vocabulary, its all so grand.  But to come from the mouth of a bull.  Those huge, fat lips.  That bulbous nose.  Finn watches Magnus from the neck up through his monologue and it is surreal.

When Magnus has concluded Finn responds.  ”So you were raised by minotaur parents?  In Megalos?  Fascinating.”  Finns amazement fades and is replaced by a smile.  ”Where did you live?  And what did your parents do for a living?”

Magnus seemed glad for the company, and although he had seemed a more reclusive sort during his convalescence in the Fort,  now he seemed more at ease as they covered the miles.

"It's kind of a long story, but I'll see if I can break it down some so I don't talk your ear off" He began with a smirk, or what counted for a smirk on his inhuman face. The range of human expression was there, but it was more subtle, and some tended to focus on the more prominent features first.

"And a lot of it is second hand, so..." He added before he continued. "But I'm told that the tribe that owned my Father was starving after a hard winter, and they had worked out a deal with a merchant by the name of Otto to escort them through part of the Northlands in exchange for food..." he gestured a little as he spoke, his mail jingling softly with every step.

"Well Otto and my Father...they took a liking to each other, so when it came time to part ways my Father just...kind of followed them home. He crossed near Mehan and he ended up working for the man for a long time. He tried other things, tried his hand at farming and as a forrester...but it never worked out with his neighbors, always ended up going back to Otto." He shrugged.

"In time he went up north and rescued my Mother, or at least that's how he puts it" he grinned. "And then they had me soon after...we all came as a package deal...my father would guide and offer protection while my mother cooked, mended and handled the horses. I helped where I could." He let out a long breath.

"We traveled all over Megalos...and when uncle Otto got too old and retired, we worked for whoever we could. As you can see I picked up where my father left off...not too many people want somebody like me living in the next house down" he chuckled, obviously used to it.

"My parents just opened an inn last year near Mehan...I'm not sure it's gonna work, but here's hopin" he ended with a few slight nods.

"How about yourself Finn?" he countered. "Where'd you grow up? How'd you get mixed up in all this?"

For many moments it seems that Giles is not even paying attention to the conversation, sitting atop Cutlass he remains quiet for several moments, only acknowledging the conversation after mulling over the information for some time.

"No I think Judoc is right.  Though they may have extra hides, they were more interested in trade than money and I can think of little that we have to spare at the moment."  Giles takes a moment to look at Rondald, the man close to falling asleep on his feet.  "We'll light a fire tonight, and perhaps set up camp early to make sure that everyone is well rested.  If the distances we talked about with Brashear are anything near correct this will be our last night away from the tower.  We'll just have to make due for the moment without the extra equipment."

OOC:  GM posting in player's absence.

And so the group presses towards the East and the necromancer.  The small stream proves to be only a minor obstacle, for though Firebrand whinnies and nickers nervously, he never gets much over knee deep in the waters and the cart itself clears the top of the water by some inches.  Each person in the group manages to get across without much more than wetting their clothes below the waist.

Overhead the clouds continue to roll and churn a foreboding blue that threatens a massive storm yet the environs remain at a deadened calm.  The group trudges on at a gruesomely slow pace, Rondald at one point asks to take the cart from Finn though it is only a few moments that he is in the seat before he is completely asleep and the cart has stopped moving altogether.  It is with some relief that the first patters of rain splash to the ground, though it has only been a disappointing few miles that they have put between themselves and the stream.

Bereft of any natural shelter, Giles works his spellcraft again to carve out a small cave from a hillside near the trough of one of the slopes, making the area just sloped enough to keep the rain rolling away from their beds.  He fashions an earthen overhang large enough to keep the rain from their heads and from the fire, which catches flame quickly on the small collection of cured wood that Giles had brought from the fort.

The rain falls heavily for a few hours but it slows to a drizzle as the sun dips towards the horizon.  Finn again casts his spells of protection and though the group posts a watch for the whole of the night it comes to little.  In the morning the group douses their coals with earth and sets off once again to the east for hopefully the last days of their travels.

The terrain, ever rockier and with steeper grades makes the going slow, however spirits seem significantly improved from the previous day.  The ominous clouds have broken up into a light grey with large patches of blue sky and sun that shine down and warm the air and ground below.  The wind too has settled, leaving only a whisper of air that rustles the grasses below.  With only short stops for the horses, the group walks until Giles is almost ready to break for the day, cursing the rough terrain and the slow movements of the cart yet just as the sun makes its trek downwards into the hills of the west, it casts a reflection of the brightest red from the hills ahead.

"Look!"  Terri shouts, pointing ahead to the glistening spot, and Giles ushers the group on, quickening his pace until they reach a close enough juncture to get a good vantage of the scene:  A high rocky face spreads upwards from the plains, perched atop is a stone tower.  At the base of the hillside is a small town, perhaps a few dozen houses with none rising above a single story with one exception.  In the center of the town, the largest building has a large dome capping the center of the flat roof.  Several farmer's fields span towards the south, their happy green tinge betrays the early growth of crops.  Cutting down from the far side of the hill and arcing lazily southward, a thick line of shrubs is the likely sign of a river or stream.

"You think that's it?"  Terri asks expectantly, looking at Giles.  "This seems like the right spot..."

OOC:  It is 1810 on the 22nd of March.  You guys are a mile or two away from the tower and see something like the picture below, obviously minus the paved road going through the scene.  The tower is actually at the top of the hill, and though the south side is rocky as depicted, the west side seems a gentler grade with a significant number of shrubs or trees growing from the earth.  The town is at the bottom of the south side of the hill and has perhaps two or three dozen buildings that you can see, though everything sort of mashes together from this distance.  The sun is quickly setting.

Tower and the Town

Despite the terrible exhaustion from the trip, Rondald actually sleeps very well this last night. The snoring may have been mistaken for thunder at one point, until Terri nudged him and rolled him onto his side, bring welcome silence.

Looking at the scene before them, Rondald suggests they find somewhere secure on the other side of the valley, behind the tower and behind cover to rest for the night.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:28, Sun 22 Apr 2018.

Judoc is in high spirits. The travel, though slow and beset by damp and cold, has proven relatively free of danger. No decayed skeletons have assaulted them while they sleep, no eldritch abominations have harrassed them as they hike towards the necromancer. Judoc has never been in the Muslim lands, and he secretly revels in the their surreptitious activity. He of course has no desire to spark the fires of war, but he takes a private kind of delight akin to his adventures beneath the Templars' castle in Azer, exploring places when he has no permission to be there.

He watches with interest whenever one of the other mages works their magic. It strikes them how different each of them is. Giles, fully a soldier now, can do things with earth that Judoc would dearly love to be able to do, as well, and Finn's magical mist is quite handy in hiding them from malevolent eyes.

When Terri calls out, Judoc strides forward eagerly to see what she has spotted. He takes in the vista before him - the plains, the tower, the town, the fields. He hadn't considered that there would be a settlement here. He considers the situation thoughtfully.

"Must be," he says, musing. "The necromancer's in his tower, and his cult or whatever is in the town." He looks at the others, judging their physical condition. Judoc himself is tired from the day's march. He looks back at the tower and listens to Rondald's suggestion.

"If we're lucky, the necromancer has no idea we're here," Judoc says quietly. "I say we rest for the night, and wake before sunrise to hit his tower at first light. No need to go to the other side of the valley, but I agree about cover. We sneak in from the west, kill him and any of his undead minions, and sneak out without alerting the town to our presence. Cut the head of the snake off, and we won't have to worry about its body." He shrugs. "No fire tonight. We don't want to give our posiiton away.

OOC: Definitely camp for the night. Try to find a secluded spot. Before dawn, head out so that we're hitting the tower right at sunrise. Stay well away from the village.

When Magnus begins Finn chuckles lightly then looks off into the distance before returning his gaze to the hulking brute.  ”Talk it off.  I aint got nothin' else planned for the day.”

Finn's brows furrow in confusion.  ”A merchant?  Otto was, human?”  As the odd looking beast-man speaks of farming and foresting Finn cocks his head to one side and takes on a far away look to his eyes.  In his minds eye he imagines a whole group of these huge, insanely muscled killing machines holding not axes, clubs and jagged saw-like battle swords but shovels and rakes.  Razzel is amazed at the notion and almost shamefully for the first time admits to himself that he has misjudged these creatures.  He saw them only one dimensionally, beings of great temper, bloodlust and savagery.

Finn follows along the remainder of the brief story and almost interjects an audacious 'You must be joking' but holds his tongue.  While he lacks a comparison the minotaurs tale does seem reasonable, and well told.  Finally, Finn accepts it as truth.  Just then the plucky thief-mage asks curiously, ”So your father spoke no tongue in common with Otto the merchant and they formed a bond?  That is miraculous.”

When the conversation turns from the minotaur to himself Finn smiles smugly.  His eyes light up and he appears comfortable being the focus of attention.   ”I've lived in Azer my whole life.  Until now I aint been much place else.  Didn't seem much reason to be, I guess.  My folks are good people.  They're still alive.  My maw says pop is too stubborn to die.”  Finn chortles at the quip.  ”Pop is a carpenter.  He does a lot of work for local merchants.  Maw took care of us growing up, now that we flown the coop she does odds and ends to help out.”

Then Finn segues into his upbringing telling short stories about being a kid in the mean streets of upper lower class Azer.  Though his stories are about events during his childhood they are sprinkled with his accomplishments.  Finn is a self described tough guy who learned at an early age that he had a keen interest and knack for what is commonly called 'magic'.  ”My parents aint rich.  So I had to learn it on my own.  I did jobs.  Just about anything that could pay for lessons.  Sometimes I did bad things.  But I never hurt good people.”  He adds with a coy wink.  ”Just before the Templars sent me here I got in.  In, if you know what I mean.”  Finn accentuates the key word but his audience does not so he lowers his voice.  ”I finally got the attention of The Row.”


OOC:
Finn is a talkative sort but only interrupts at the socially appropriate times.  Sorry if my narrative is confusing, I wrote it to read as though he is responding to Magnus as each new concept is introduced rather than waiting for Magnus to finish the whole story.

Boss, I don't see the eastern map anymore for Megalos so I'm winging my backstory.  FYI, thanks Magnus for this closer look at our backgrounds.  I haven't fleshed mine out too deeply yet but have had an interest in doing so, this is the perfect excuse.

Finn would suggest that if we can see the Tower and the town then they can likely see us, especially if he casts his protective Myst.  Finn would further suggest that we move to a place where they cannot see our camp unless they come looking for us.  Then in the morning we scout out the place rather than just walk in looking for a fight.

Indeed, we know too little to just barge in, we should scout and watch, then compare notes.

Gustav looks at the tower high over the town and the limited access to it, obviously chosen for it's defendability and view, but he wondered if the Necromancer was comfortable up there or preferred living down in the town, with it's better access to food, water and company. Of course he could order things brought to him, but that would indicate where he was too.

Magnus clarified a few things for Finn during their exchange, confirming that Otto is indeed human, but noting that the man spoke the Northern language, which is how they were able to communicate.

Overall the exchange seemed to improve Magnus's mood, and by the time they were within view of the tower he seemed in good spirits.

However as large as he was, he tried to stay out of view and relied upon their assigned leader to direct things...he seemed to be concerned about giving them away some how, even from a distance.

Giles nods along with the conversation.  "I agree with Judoc.  I say we find a camp here somewhere out of the view of the tower and we wake before dawn to attack the tower.  No fire for certain tonight, we'll simply have to do without.  In any case it's seemed to have warmed up enough not to worry."

OOC:  GM posting in player's absence.

Magnus took the orders in stride.

Once they had found their site for the evening he went about setting up camp like they had the nights prior. His tent came out, strung between two thin trees, his pack and shield were tucked away and at last he bent over and wiggled his way out of his mail Hauberk, the clothing beneath sweat stained and pungent.

But unlike most nights there was no fire, and it had become apparent early on that Magnus could see no better than his human companions in the dark. He ate his meal of hard tack and grissly sausage right out of the bag, and he looked up at the stars as he ate, quiet, pensive.

He thought about a lot of things, of the bolt that had narrowly missed his head at the outset of their journey, the way his leg had been opened up by the bandit, the way the mans skull had caved in beneath his mace.

The next day promised danger, the risk of death, dismemberment... or worse, some black art that was likely beyond his comprension. But also the chance at more money than he had seen in one place in his lifetime. Heady thoughts for a young traveler far from home.

Gustav gathered his gear from the cart and cleaned the leathers, he sharpened the swords and knives, then ate some of the hard cheese, smoked meat, dry bread with some animal fat on it and dried fruit he had brought . He washed it down with water. His mind worked at the best way to approach the tower unseen if that was possible. Likely they'd leave the cart here and spread out some so the group didn't draw attention... still, that was a formidable hill with not a lot of cover that he could see.

The others are speaking in the background, but Judoc isn’t really paying attention. He is too busy thinking about what this routing of this necromancer might mean for his career. This expedition will give him a great opportunity to sharpen his combat skills. Focused as he is on battle magic, he will certainly be able to use the spells he has learned, but this will be his first chance to engage in small-unit tactics. Nothing like hands-on training to really hone one’s skills. Idly, he hears Finn mention the Templars, but the man’s next whispered words make Judoc’s blood run cold. The Row.

He shoots a swift glance at his fellow mage. Has Finn been sent here by the Row to keep an eye on Judoc? Or is there something they want here? What do they want with Judoc? Whatever Finn’s commission, Judoc is glad that this taking place here, in al-Wazif, far away from Azer, the Templars, and Baron Graves.

He causally walks up to Magnus and Finn and says quietly, ”The Row, eh? So you’re in, are you? How’d you pull that off?” And how the hell did the Row infiltrate a Templar mission? he thinks.

He turns back as Gustav offers his assessment and Giles gives his input. Nodding, he says, ”Yes, I fully agree, Giles. Let’s make camp and set watches like normal, and then get moving early tomorrow before sunrise.”

OOC: OK, make camp in a secluded spot and follow our SOP - set watches and have Finn cast his Mystic Mist.

What are we going to do with the animals? Just leave them tied up? Can we find a good place to hide them? Does Terri want to stay behind to watch them? I’m concerned about scouts from the village finding her or the animals.

Also, wolves ate Giles’ food last time. I’d like to cache our food so wild animals can’t get to it.

And so after a short search for a suitable campground outside of the view of the tower, the small group settles in for the night, Finn again casting his spell of protection, though he insists that they leave a watch for the night regardless of his spells.  It is only a short time before all the light from the sun is gone and the landscape is plunged into the darkness of night.

---

"Wake up.  It's time."  Terri is the late watch who shakes people to wakefulness in the early morning darkness.  For most, the night passed too quickly.  Even for the lucky, the time from the sunset to their waking was not a complete night's sleep and only by force is the drowsiness cast away.

The night sky is brilliant with stars, with only a few small patches of black"Look."  Terri says as the group draws together, her expression somewhat drawn in the heavy shadows of the light cast by the several necklaces that Judoc had enchanted the previous night.  "I've been thinking.  It probably isn't too smart to take the cart with us, or the horses for that matter, they'll make a racket the likes will make a show from a mile away.  I think if we are hoping to get the jump on this wizard we are going to have to leave them behind...  Which means we'll have to leave someone with them."

Terri takes a moment for the suggestion to sink in before going on.  "I think it should be me...  It's not because I'm a coward, though I am.  I really think I'd be the least use to you all in a fight.  It'd be much more helpful I'd think keeping everything straight for the return trip.  I'm happy still to go with but it doesn't change the fact that I think the horses, and someone else should stay behind to keep them from running off."  Terri glances for a moment towards Rondald, though she quickly looks away, her expression red and flushed.

OOC:  It is 0300 on the 22nd of March.  Everyone who lost FP from the rough night two nights ago has recovered it.  However, for this night, everyone roll vs. HT-2 to fall asleep early.  If you fail, you lose 1 FP from fatigue from lost sleep.  It's a nearly pitch black night, the moon has set long ago and only the stars light the ground below.  Judoc has made 'enchanted' light necklaces for those who want to take them.  Default number is five and default people to have the necklaces are:  Judoc, Giles, Rondald, Gustav, and Magnus.  If anyone doesn't agree with that I'm happy to change it/add necklaces.  Terri is suggesting that she stay back with the horses and cart here where you guys camped.  Here is what I need to know from you guys -
1.  What you are taking (I'm assuming you are taking what you have on your sheets unless you specifically say you are taking something from the cart)
2.  Who is going.
3.  How are you getting there. (I can infer some of this, straight there is fine, just let me know if you guys are going to deviate or try and do anything sneaky.  Getting to the tower will require going through a few farmer's fields taking the direct route)

Magnus rose, yawning and bleary eyes to join the others in preparation for the pre-dawn assault. He had not slept well, his head full of thoughts, fears, and what-ifs.

He dressed quickly, his clothing still stiff from the day before, the steel rings of his armor cold in the brisk night air. The mail shirt and leggings were a comfort, and although he had sometimes cursed the burden, the chaffing and the cleaning...he was glad he had them now.

He took up his bag, then stored his tent and a few other things he believed he would not need in the cart for safe keeping and to keep his weight down.

His shield came last, hung over one shoulder on a strap.

"That's fine by me" Magnus agreed softly. He was still yawning, his arms crossed in front of his broad chest, eager to get the day started and over with one way or another
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Sun 22 Apr 2018.

Rondald also looks over the scene before sleeping, believing that going around the tower to move in from the high side is the wisest move, before trying to get some sleep, but he was worried about tomorrow.


Rondald will take his pouch from the cart. Leaving First Aid kit behind is never wise. He is loathe to leave Terri on her own as well.

"Terri, you are good at survival, but perhaps you can set a few traps around as well to ensure protection. Take these caltrops for the paths we do not use..." he says, taking the caltrops from his bag. "but set up a whole lot of other traps as well. You are a wonderful and clever woman...if it all goes pear shaped, you are much more valuable than either the horse or the cart, so make sure you survive even if the others don't." He gives her a kiss, promising to be back soon.

He turns to Judoc.

"I am concerned about her being captured. We should not leave just one person, but two, just in case. I am good with a crossbow as my main weapon, but if there is someone else not so combat orientated, they should stay with her."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:16, Sun 22 Apr 2018.

Yawning, Judoc wakes up and clambers to his feet. He had found it hard to get to sleep the night before, and had tossed and turned all night, excited at the prospect of some real combat. Though it is still dark, he knows the sun will be rising soon, and he is eager to shift to the second phase of their mission.

He listens as Terri makes puts forward her plan and is not sure whether to be pleased or displeased that she had come to the same solution as he had. Nodding his head, he says, ”Precisely, Terri. I agree, we need one person to stay behind and keep watch over the horses. Stay hidden and you should be perfectly safe.”

Turning to Rondald, Judoc nods his head. God only knows why the man had brought his wife along, although Judoc grudgingly admits she had been skillful in guiding the horses across the river. Rondald is concerned about his wife’s well-being, and Judoc understands that.

Looking around at the others, he says, ”Rondald is right. We’ll likely be facing undead, living enemies, and of course the necromancer. Maybe demons, too. We were all recruited based on our combat prowess, but if you’re not that comfortable fighting, feel free to stay here with the cart. Otherwise,  we should get a move on.”

OOC:   Judoc will bring the items on his sheet along with his empty backpack and leave the rest of his gear (food and canteen) on the cart.

I suggest all of the PCs go and leave Terri behind. Anyone who stays behind likely won’t have much to do and will have to wait a long time until we finish.

For a route, let’s approach from the west. If we can avoid farms and fields, that would be good, but I’d like to time it so we get to the tower at daybreak.

Gustav is tired, he has settled things in his mind, rolls up in his blanket and oilskin and goes straight to sleep. Waking at 3 AM is harder, it’s like waking for a watch, yet it isn’t. He dons his armor, takes bandages, the cheap Broadsword, a meal or so, water and prepares for their advance. He leaves his sleeping gear and carried items that he won’t need on the cart.

[ need to get my Character sheet up to verify what is where]

He puts the light stone in a pouch to prevent it from being seen. Probably need to hide these as I doubt the locals carry lights and they will be a dead giveaway.

He nods at Terri’s suggestion Keep a Crossbow, you are good with it.

He listens as the others speak. I will go with Judoc, his magic may yet need a swords help. The Farmers fields may be a place where people moving are expected, although meeting others may send the alarm too.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Sun 22 Apr 2018.

   Rising out of her small tent, the emerald veiled young woman emerges and blinked some of the sleep out of her eyes. Used as she was to the night, she usually took the first or second shifts in the watch order, as she wasn't usually tired until a bit before the sun rose in the morning. When Rondald's wife tapped on the front pole of the tent, she'd started awake, then quickly clapped her hands together twice to let her know she was awake. She dressed quickly, as she'd gone to sleep with her armour covering her  - it was warm, if mildly uncomfortable - and brushed her long dark hair behind her before she tied it back and wrapped the covering over it.

   After she'd emerged from the tent, she listened to the Men while she took time to quickly bring down the shelter and place it on the cart. She glanced in the direction of Rondald's wife when he spoke of his concern she might be captured and her mind returned to the disastrous fight they'd had with the bandits that had temporarily crippled her leg. Fighting was not something she was good at, not out in the open where there was little to no cover.

   She walked over to where Rondald stood and took out the four coins she'd 'pulled' from behind his ears and jingled them in her hand to get the Seafarer's attention. She waited until she was noticed, then brought her hand up, with six worn and slightly tarnished Megalan silver pieces to offer. Her other hand pointed first to herself, then to where Terri was, then her first two fingers came together before she pointed down to the ground ...

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
10:39, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 10 using 3d6.  Roll vs. Health - 2.

---

Finn chats quietly with Magnus as they prepare for sleep.  Finn is his typical jovial and loquacious self.  He is wide awake and despite his best efforts to calm his mind his mind seems to have other plans.  Just then Judoc draws near and whispers something conspiratorily.  Razzel smiles gleefully.  He nods smugly.  ”Yup.  My work got noticed and they pitched me a job.  A trial, a test.  And I aced it.”


OOC:
What is the current darkness penalty?  Without the aid of the magical lighting.

Finn either seems to miss the finer nuance of claiming to work for the Row and the Templars, or he doesn't care.

Finn would suggest that we only leave one person behind with the horses.  Since we don't know what we're facing leaving us short handed at the town and tower could get us in hot water asap.  He would also suggest approaching from the direction with the least likelihood of running into watching eyes.  Finally, he would suggest a stealthy scout to run ahead of the group.  Perhaps Judocs falcon?  Or Finn is pretty good at stealth.  He would volunteer.

Finn will leave his fishing gear behind and take everything else from his sheet.

Rondald was quick to notice the quiet woman, and gave her his full attention, but he was unsure of her meaning, so he sought to clarify.

"Are you suggesting you stay with her?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:45, Sun 22 Apr 2018.

Terri smiles and nods at the others, thankful for being spared any discussion about her lack of any real martial skill.

"Thanks Rondald."  Her smile is infectious as she takes the small bag of iron spikes.  "I should be able to work up a few traps to keep me safe long enough to pick off a few of them with this."  she pats the medium bow she took as plunder from their last fight.  "If they come with something big then I should at least be able to keep them busy enough to get away."

OOC:  Just trying to post to answer a few questions.  Light penalty is -7 right now, but that being said, you have plenty of time to make it to the tower even at a slow pace.  As Judoc suggested, anyone left behind will likely be sitting dormant for a bit until timelines realign.  I've updated everyone's gear and weigh, please double check everything and let me know if I've missed anything, if it isn't on your sheet when you depart, you don't have it.

  She looked to Rondald before she nodded her head firmly and pointed to the ground once more.

In reply to Terri Bertrand (msg # 92):

Rondald nodded.

"I think Odelia volunteered to stay as well. If she has a spare shroud, perhaps the two can disguise themselves as locals..."

He turns to Odelia.

"Thanks. I feel better knowing she is not alone. Shall the rest of us head off?"

I am as ready as  ... anyway, Lead on....

   The veiled woman simply nodded at the Seafarer's gratitude, still holding out the 6 silver pennies in the palm of her lighter-skinned hand.

A trial, eh? Judoc thinks back to the sands of the arena, when Thresher’s life had been in his hands, and the young mage had allowed his opponent to live.  Graves had been furious that Judoc had spared Thresher’s life. How would the provost react to having an actual member of the Row along for this expedition.

”Listen, we’ll talk later,” he says quietly. ”But in the meantime, be careful what you say about the Row, especially around Templars.”

***

As Odelia goes through her pantomimes, Judoc frowns, his arms crossed. ”We need one person to stay with the horses, but two? That’s excessive.” He grunts. Maybe it’s just as well. When the fighting starts, having women in the group would just slow them down.  ”Anyone else want to stay behind?” A note of exasperation is in his voice.

”If not, let’s move out. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can return and sleep in an actual bed again.”

OOC: Judoc’s ready to go. If Odelia wants to stay behind, that’s fine, but she’ll likely miss a good chunk of the adventure.

Yes, he can send Aiah ahead to scout the way.

It's not his place, But Gustav reaches out and closes Odelia's hand over the silver and shakes his head no Ya don't have to pay to not go, the two of you with crossbows may be important to our getting out of here.

Rondald is a little surprised, not expecting the coin is for him. Then, as if remembering something, he takes out the 4 silvers given earlier and offers them back to her.

"We hope to return with plenty. Perhaps it might be wise for you guys to spend the day to circle widely around the town. After we are seen, they may expect us to try to leave this way. For you to be on the other side of the valley may be safer, and you can take your time to travel well away from where you would be seen."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:45, Mon 23 Apr 2018.

Giles nods as the decision of who to take seems to be made before his final say, yet he still voices his answer to avoid any confusion.  "Good.  Odelia and Terri will stay here to guard the horses and supplies.  We'll be back before nightfall if we can, lord knows that I don't want to stay overnight in a Necromancer's lair."

With that, Giles belts his broadsword on overtop of his chain links and looks out over his companions.  "That leaves myself, Rondald, Judoc, Gustav, Magnus and Finn.  With any luck surprise will be on our side, here's to hoping we won't need it."

Everyone's gear checked and double checked, they press out ahead towards the East as Terri and Odelia wave them off.

OOC:  GM post during character's absence.  A little bit of patience for the next post please.  We'll be going into private threads that likely won't be rejoined for a little bit.  Again, please double check your gear as this is the last point I'll be changing anything on the character sheets.

   The touch of the yellow-haired warrior on her skin makes her react as if the touch was the stinging of a bee, and the hand is withdrawn before more than a touch is felt. When the Seafarer makes a motion to return the silver, she shakes her head and uses her hands in a 'give and take' fashion. With the coins in her hand, she simply returns them to the small pouch she wears on her belt, tying the pouch together before waving to the Men as they take their leave ...

And so, the small group of men depart their campsite less the women that came with them.  Judoc nudges his hawk, Aiah, hoping for her to take flight and scout the way ahead, though the animal only squirms and digs more firmly onto his shoulder. 

Ever insistent on being out in the lead, Giles sets a pace that proves easy even for the heaviest burdened of the group.  They pick their way down the hillside, using their enchanted necklaces for light only when it proves necessary to negotiate the rocky terrain.  Once reaching the bottom of the slope, Giles maneuvers his small band towards the north and the rockier terrain, staying away from the evenly tilled fields of the south.

Through an hour of travel the skies stay an inky black, speckled with stars.  The tower, stacked as it is on the top of the hillside ahead, stays constantly in view despite their course, though there is not even a glimmer of light that comes from inside.  Ever careful of their route, Giles maneuvers the small group to keep the village on the far side of the hill, hoping to avoid any chance encounters.  The tactic seems to work and after a short time the five find themselves at the base of the hillside, looking up the scruffy terrain towards the meager peak that still hovers overhead.

OOC:  It is 0415 on the 22nd of March.  You still have over an hour until sunrise and you are at the Northeastern base of a hill which you would guess is a few hundred feet high.  The slope you are facing is certainly climbable by even unexperienced hands, though the slope is steep and the ground is speckled all over with scrub brushes that get denser as the slope works its way towards the top.  I decided to move you guys forward to this point rather than to slow and discuss what you wanted to do to scout out ahead but I'll give you the option here.  If you decide to climb this face, it's likely going to be a significant grade and a tiring hike, though you'll have some cover to obscure your climb up.  Alternately, you can look to scout out another route, or just make your way around the hill as a group.  Let me know where you want to work things from here.  I'm assuming that everyone has their lights hidden unless you specifically state you are using it since Gustav was the only one who made any mention of it in the last post.

Gustav looks up the slope and to either side as best he can. He can't see any advantage to moving, since this side wasn't visible from where they were last evening, he figures it is as good as any spot.

Lets climb here and see what we can do, when we get up higher.

Magnus looked up the hill with some doubt in his big black eyes. As heavily armored as he was, hauling himself up the slope would obviously be an effort.

But he said nothing and merely nodded before he took a moment to slide the strap of his satchel through the grip of his shield, anchoring it snuggly to himself to free up his hands for the scramble.

Finn trudges along with the group, he is silent as they go.  His mind is busy wondering about the wisdom of leaving two members behind and the sheer blackness of the night.  Can undead see in the pitch black, he wonders?  Razzel admits despite being a mage he knows precious little about necromancy.  Would the evil sorcerer have his undead minions wandering out this far?

But his slowly churned ideas come to nothing as before long the group stands at the base of an enormous hill.  Do they climb or circumvent it?


OOC:
Finn is comfortable following the lead of Giles.

Before the go, Judoc cautions Odelia and Terri from moving camp. ”Better to hunker down and wait,” he says. ”The less you move around, the lower the chances of being spotting. Also, we don’t want to have to hunt all over al-Wazif for you two. In fact, if we do have to split up, let’s rendezvous back here.”

He looks up at the black sky. A pity he doesn’t know any spells to see in the dark. Well, he can always learn one when he returns to Azer. Aiah’s far-ranging eyesight will be less useful before sunrise.

Eager to learn more about what is required of a soldier, Judoc follows Giles as the new lieutenant leads the way. Lieutenant has a nice ring to it, he thinks. Perhaps not as much as Lord Commander of the Templars, but not too shabby. (Is there even a Lord Commander? If not, Judoc figures he can always be the first.) Are battlemages part of the command hierarchy, or do they operate outside it? How much do they contribute to the overall strategy of a campaign? Judoc pictures himself leading a similar intrepid group of companions, and he can’t help but feel smugly confident that he has what it takes to lead troops into battle, maybe even his own squad of battle wizards.

Now the group is at the base of the hill, debating whether to climb up. ”I’ll go scout ahead,” he says quietly. ”Meet you lads at the top.” He begins wriggling his fingers to magically power his ascent.


OOC: Judoc will fly up the hill and rest while waiting for the others up at the top.

Giles frowned at the slope and then sighed. "This way up provides us the best cover for now. We could spend some time moving around this hill to see if there's a better way, but that might take hours.

We should go up here. Once we're at the top we can pause a moment to catch breath but better to get it out of the way, eh? he said letting out a small sigh and then resigning to a cheery disposition.

He was slightly disappointed that their numbers had dwindled, In the space of the past year he'd been seriously injured at least twice and despite being companion with a number of potent individuals Giles had come to expect that favour would not be theirs; it was for that reason that he wanted to stay out of sight for as long as possible. A prepared mage was far more deadly than one caught off guard and that perhaps applied more so to ones that could manipulate the dead.

Rondald was quiet since departing camp. He kept his concerns to himself as they marched in silence, but looked at the slope ahead with some concern. He had no trouble in the darkness, almost as if he was used to it.

"We cannot use light here, obviously, but we will still be exposed. However, once we get to the top, we will want to scout around and observe, unless we are noticed. Lets keep moving straight up, before the light comes and all can see us."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:38, Thu 26 Apr 2018.

And so the five start their trek up the hill, Judoc weaving his magic and moving like a flash through the air and to the hop of the hill.  Aiah flutters off, somewhat indignant of having lost her perch as he zooms off into the air.

For the rest, the trek proves not to be quite so easy.  The slope is modest at first, though it gradually builds to a point where each of the four are using their hands as well as their feet to continue working their way up.  Though the grasses of the valley below were green and seeding, the surface of the hill is bare and dry, with only the shrubs speckling its surface at interval.  Though the feature is relatively small and the distance only a few hundred yards, it still takes most of a half hour for all four to reach the top and make their way through the curtain of shrubs that surround the base of the walls.

The outer walls of the keep stand to the height of three men, some fifteen or twenty feet in the air.  Standing at the northeast corner, the walls expand both to the west and south some hundreds of feet, with a handful of square bastions protruding from the even stone.  The tower itself rises from the Northwest corner and looks to climb over a hundred feet into the air.  There does not seem to be any easy avenue to gain access from this position...

OOC:  It is 0440 on the 22nd of March.  The skies are still an inky black and it does not look like the sunrise is yet close.  There doesn't seem to be any break or opening in the walls, though they may be climbable, especially the places where the bastions protrude out from the walls.  Everyone roll vs. HT-encumbrance or Hiking-encumbrance.  If you fail, you are down 2 FP, if you succeed by 3 or less, you are down 1 FP, if you succeed by 4 or more you do not lose any.  You may elect to rest here to regain the fatigue at 1 per 10 minutes of rest.  Note that you cannot regain your FP lost from lack of sleep.  Judoc, if you plan on doing something other than waiting for the others while they are climbing, please PM me the details and I'll either fill things in or start your own separate thread if required.

Gustav finds a spot with his back to the wall and sits... He speaks very softly ... That wore me out. Anyone see any guards?

As Aiah wings her way to a nearby tree, Judoc snorts in indignation. Figures. Just like a woman. His familiar had to be a female, didn’t she? Mentally concentrating, he sends a message to her and then continues up to the top of the hill.

Arriving at the top, he takes a swift look around, wondering if the necromancer has set out guards, but he sees none. Satisfied that the position is secure, he rests on the turf as he waits for the others to arrive. Once they reach the summit, he clambers to his feet again.

”They probably aren’t expecting an assault,” he says, speaking softly. ”I haven’t seen anyone yet.” He looks to the tower. ”Let me take a peep over the wall.” Again he waves his hands, this time in another pattern of gestures.

OOC: Cast Levitate. Move up and peer over the wall to see what’s in the courtyard.

The sound of Magnus scrambling his way up the slope consisted of the jingling of his mail, the occasional dull think of his shield colliding with a rock, or just the heavy labored breathing of him scrambling alongside the others.

At the top he threw himself down with the others and worked on controlling his breathing, the climb having obviously taken its toll on him. "Yeah..." was all he managed in agreement with Gustav's sentiments.

Rondald was tired by the time they got to the top, but this was no place to rest.

"If your magic can get me to the parapets, I can cover you with my crossbow..." he suggested.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:10, Fri 27 Apr 2018.

Finn climbs the hill along with the rest, clutching at the weak shrubs dotting the landscape to aid his efforts.  Once or twice his foot slips and his arms flail as he tries to catch his balance to keep from pitching over and rolling down the long hill, but Razzel avoids calamity.  At last they reach the top none the worse for wear.  Finn is a bit winded and does his best to breath quielty through an open mouth.  As the assembled take in the sight of the walled fortress his mind tells him to whistle as an expression of his awe but he catches himself.  Finn wonders how does a mage get his own castle anyway?  Did his followers build it for him?

Then as Judoc makes his comments the young mercenary replies with subtle indignation.  ”I think he knows we're comin'.  If he's 'a stirin' up a mess 'a trouble he's got to know.  But don't look like he cares.”


OOC:
Sit on my backpack to rest while Judoc scouts the walls.

As the adventurers reached the summit of the hill and paused for a moment to rest, Judoc again waves his magic, and with a whisper "Levitare!" he begins to float upward towards the battlements...
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:56, Sat 28 Apr 2018.

”I won’t be long,” Judoc says as he propels himself upward to reconnoiter the courtyard. A swift glance around reveals little of concern, but someone appears to be awake. He floats back down to the others and, hovers a few inches above the ground, speaking quickly and softly.

”I didn’t see anyone in the courtyard, but someone’s awake in the tower. I saw light coming from one of the arrow slits - maybe a sentry with orders to fire on anyone in the courtyard.”

“There’s a pathway that seems to end in the wall. Maybe a secret entrance, but maybe not - it seems too obvious. There are a number of smaller buildings, too, maybe servants’ or guards’ quarters.”

“The gate’s in the south wall. It looks shut up pretty tight.”

He looks to Giles. ”Any idea for an assault on the tower? We want to stay out of sight of any sentries, but maybe there’s just the one. I can make someone invisible, although they’ll need to act fast. I figure we can climb over the wall, but we need to beware of any eyes in the tower.

In reply to Judoc the Merciful (msg # 116):

"I don't know much about magic, but is there any chance to use magic to get us to the top of the tower, even if we go up the walls where there are no slits..." he says very softly.

Magnus nodded slightly to Judocs report as he continued to try and catch his breath. The prospect of a single sentry did not seem so bad...but if they were found out, how many within would stir? And how quickly?

He was also considering the human obsession with climbing! They had fingers on their feet after all, and boots of supple leather if not. They seemed almost made for climbing while his hooves seemed more ideal for hard use and bearing a lot of weight...not scampering up the side of towers.

"What's the plan if we are seen?" He asked in a whisper..

Giles listens in to Judoc's assessment and nods along with the others questions.  "I'm loathe to having us split up so early, but getting to the top would certainly let us get the jump on them.  Getting over the walls is the first step though.  Magery, climbing, the front gate..."  He lists off the options aloud.  "Does anyone have a rope?  If we get a couple of people up in the first place we could simply lift the rest of us up."

As Magnus asks about being seen, Giles shakes his head.  "It's hard to know what forces are at work against us within.  We must kill the necromancer, but there is nothing else that fixes us to stay.  I don't know what we'll do if we are seen, nor does it seem that we have a good avenue of escape at the moment...  One thing at a time.  For now we stay together and we can decide as we get more information."

OOC:  GM posting during player absence.  Just trying to keep us from stalling.  Conversing is fine, but I'm not going to move things forward until I hear some action words from you guys.  Judoc has his spell active, and is about to roll over to the next minute (Note Judoc that you are not spending fatigue to keep it active but you will if you pick up much of anything.

His backpack firmly on the ground Finn Razzel rests his lean buttocks on the soft worn leather bag while he looks skywards.  It is still dark, very dark and he thought his eyes were pretty good after the sun went down, until tonight that is.

But his moment of self-reflection and relaxation is interrupted when the group leader speaks. Finn scratches his beard and responds in a humble tone.

”I ain't no expert on Wizards but I do know one thing, they don't get to havin' a stone fort  without puttin' in some book work and takin' some lumps.  If he's worth his salt he's gonna know we're comin'.   Maybe just cuz he knows he's pissin' people off.  Maybe the lack 'a guards is to draw us in.  But I guess it don't matter.  We gotta kill him and we ain't gonna to do it sittin' out here.” .  Finn stands and grabs the strap of his backpack.


OOC:
No action.  Finn volunteers to levitate people over the wall, or levitate himself and find something to anchor the rope.  He himself has only 20 feet of rope.  If has casts several spells to get the group over he will want to rest before moving on.

If you can get me up on the wall, I can can try and hold the spot for others.

"Perhaps we should levitate the strongest one who cant climb, Magnus. I dont have a rope though."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:18, Tue 01 May 2018.

When Giles says not to split up, Judoc nods his head empathically. ”Agreed,” he says softly. ”No need to get fancy. They won’t even know what hit them.”

Judoc crosses his arms and looks at the wall again, judging its height. After a moment, he softly says, ”OK, here’s the plan. I levitate Magnus and myself to the top of the wall. We use Finn’s rope to get the rest of you up and over. Then I levitate Mags back down to the other side.” Doing a few calculations in his head, the young mage looks the minotaur over consideringly. ”How much do you weigh with all your gear, Magnus? Less than 400 pounds, right? Shouldn’t be a problem. Okay, get ready.” Gesturing with his hands, Judoc begins to replicate the same spell he cast on himself a minute before.

OOC: Okay, the plan is to levitate Magnus and Judoc to the top. Haul each person up and over using Finn’s rope, and then send Magnus and then Judoc down the other side.

"What about the tower?" Rondald asks, concerned.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:30, Tue 01 May 2018.

Magnus shook his head slightly, his horns wagging back and forth. "Not sure that's gonna work Judoc." he sad softly, then glanced to Rondald. "I was telling Rondald here, back when we were crossing the river...my father always told me that our blood is strong against witchcraft..." he shrugged a few inches.

"You probably know more about it that I do...but that's what I was told. We can try it if you want...just wanted to warn you." his tone was serious, but soft.

With Finn removing his rope from his bag, Judoc whispers a few words and now both he and Magnus go airborne, floating to the top of the battlements.  Letting the slack end of the rope over the side, the two pull up first Finn, who barely seems to need help at all as he scales the rope easily, then Rondald, and lastly Gustav.  The whole process takes several minutes which gives Finn some short time to creep around the high path and look around the courtyard.

There is little in the way of danger that he uncovers, though there are many more details that he manages to flush out.  Just below the party, on the northeastern side of the courtyard is a large garden, with a great lot of greenery flourishing about.  The most northern bit of the growth is fenced off from the rest, with a small shed perched just below where the party is resting.

The tower itself is rectangular at the bottom, continuing up to about the third or fourth story where the southern end stops short into a sloped roof, just twenty or so feet above where the adventurers now rest.  However, the northern two thirds continue up another forty feet or so into to the air before the tower finally stops climbing all together.  What looks to be the main opening of the building is on the eastern wall, at the southern end.

There are two sets of stairs that lead down from the battlements, one on the eastern wall and one on the southern, just west of the main gate.

The largest building besides the tower is what looks to be a two-story barn, tucked against the western wall.  The upper story loft has a doorway, though it is closed...  From this vantage there is little else to be made out.

OOC:  It is now 0450 on the 22nd of March.  The dawn still seems to be a ways off as the stars still twinkle without a hint of the sun on the horizon.  Everyone please roll perception -7, with benefits from night vision if you have it.  I'm still assuming that the lights are put away, please let me know if they are out.  Note the continued loss of fatigue for those casting spells and that no one has regained any fatigue yet.  Please excuse the crappy hand drawing of the courtyard as there were a few details from the original that I wanted to both emphasize and omit.  Besides, the two CP from guessing the module is still up for grabs.  You guys on the north east corner at the top of the walls, where there is a small (4 foot wide or so) path that makes it's way across the top of the fortification.  The small buildings to the south are what Judoc was talking about earlier, basically five-man sized tent buildings, some of which are open walled.  It's hard to make out details from this far away.  The "Roof" section of the tower goes up another 20 or so feet from where you guys stand, so you can't see what is on top of it, just that it seems to end thereish on the eastern wall (and you assume it is like that the whole way across)  Let me know if there are any questions.

Courtyard
This message was last updated by the GM at 06:06, Mon 30 Apr 2018.

Finn says nothing as he watches the big minotaur float to the top of the wall and lower his own rope down.  Grinning, thankful that one of his specialties has come into play so early, Razzel snatches up a handful and rope and begins footing his way up the wall with ease.  When he reaches the top his eyes scan the distance.  It is about what he expected, a keep full of buildings.


OOC:
If Finn needs to speak he will do so in whispers for now.  If anyone tries taking out their lightstone he will advise against it.  As one of his mentors used to say, “A sniper can see a hot cherry four hundred yards away”.  Finn is speaking of a lit cigarette but same thing here.

I cannot see the link for the pic, so I'm not sure what we're up against.  For the time being Finn will scout just a tiny bit around the group as the rest climb up.  He will stay very close by and move stealthily.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:29, Mon 30 Apr 2018.

Rondald is next. He climbs up the rope easily enough, like climbing a ships rigging. Once at the top, he looks around for some cover on to of the wall, readying his crossbow as he looks for an entrance to the tower from atop the wall, whilst looking for any movement. He keeps his lights well hidden for now, and his shield on his back.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:29, Tue 01 May 2018.

Judoc cocks an eyebrow when Magnus says “witchcraft” has trouble working on him. ”No worries, Magnus, I’m no witch,” he whispers, grinning in the dark, as he follows Magnus up to the top of the wall.

Looking around in the pre-dawn darkness, Judoc notes the distance from the tower to the walls. He looks to Giles and then at the others. He points to the door in the tower and then gives a thumb down sign.  He then points to the tower and shades his eyes with one hand.

OOC: Judoc’s light is inside his shirt.

Whatever Magnus was thinking, his eyes were even wider than usual and he moved awkwardly through the air, practically grasping at the top of the wall below him as he drew nearer to it. It was obviously not his natural state.

When he lands he stays there for some time, his breathing more controlled, but stock still as he stares out into the black.

Judoc signals the others with a rudimentary sign language before lifting off the ground again and floating towards the tower.  Without a word, he lifts up off the ground, over the walls, where he pauses by the bastion for several moments before he lifts himself up over the walls and weaves his way out of sight...

OOC:  Judoc is taking a moment to notice the windows which appear to be on the second story of the tower, sorry for not noting them until now.  There are four in total along the eastern wall, diamond shaped and are about 4 yards wide in the middle.  They are reinforced with decorative iron latticework.  They are about level with where you stand on the little walkway, however, the closest window is more than 10 yards south of the end of your walkway.  From the bottom of the windows to the courtyard below is about a 15 foot drop.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:59, Mon 30 Apr 2018.

Gustav is the last one up, he arrives on the wall  somewhat awkwardly and squats out of the way. He looks around and can’t seem to make out very much detail at all.

Magnus, for those that could see him, seemed to be as blind, if not more so than the rest of them.

Although he keeps his light in his shirt, he does not move an inch.

After a few minutes, Judoc returns to the others. Pitching his voice low, he says quietly, ”It looks like the tower has five floors, based on the rows of arrow slits. I saw some windows, but they’re reinforced, and getting in through one will make a lot of noise. There’s a path up the hillside to the western wall with a door in the wall. Might be a servants’ entrance. I bet it’s guarded.”

He pauses and looks at the tower. ”No brilliant plans immediately come to mind. I bet they’re not expecting an attack from within the keep, but once they know we’re here, things will get messy. Shall we storm the courtyard entrance, subdue everyone there, kill the necromancer, and get out of here?”

He drops down to rest. ”How are you guys, energy-wise?” he asks softly. ”I could use a breather, but I’m good to keep going if you’d rather strike now.”

OOC: Judoc will rest while we formulate a plan. He’s fatigued from his spellcasting but doesn’t have to rest unless others need to.

If we got to the roof of the tower, how hard would it be to fight down rather than have to fight up? At least two of us might be able to cause a lot of damage coming down from above. And it catches them between us.   Gustav whispers

"I'm ready" Magnus replied I'm a whisper. To those that could see him he was still breathing with his mouth open from the scramble up the hill, but his heavy exhalations had stopped at least.

"Once we start...I'm thinking that we should probably try to get up there as soon as possible...before people have time to wake up, get dressed..." He trailed off.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Tue 01 May 2018.

”Whatever we do, we should stay together,” Judoc says quietly. ”I can magic us all up to the top-“ He looks at Magnus. ”Well, Magnus might prove difficult. But still, there’s strength in numbers. The six of us should be able to utterly defeat anything short of a dragon or something.” He looks at the tower. Five floors, probably a guard or two, but he bets the guards aren’t expecting attackers flying though the air.

Sure, fight their way down, take out all opposition, kill the necromancer (who’s probably near the top), and just waltz out when it’s done. Simple.

OOC: Keep resting.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 05:18, Tue 01 May 2018.

A plan begins to take shape amongst the most vocal of the small group.  Surprisingly, Giles, highest ranking and only military member of the group stays mostly silent and nods along with the others.  Slowly member of the group feels their fatigue from the climb simmer away, even Judoc manages some rest as they discuss their plans.

As the conversation goes on, the skies in the east turn the darkest of blues, the stars on the horizon starting to dim against he backsplash of the early dawn.  It will not be long before the sun comes up.

OOC:  it is 0510 on the 22nd of March.  The beginnings of the dawn is breaking in the east and the skies are slowly turning from black to dark blue on the horizon.  We are going to do this plan one at a time.  Judoc, if you wish to levitate Rondald (or whoever apart from yourself), let me know how long you want to rest first, and then make a perception roll (darkness penalties will be included, but I'm not sure what they will be at that point.  Whoever is being levitated, roll vs. IQ.  If Finn goes first, then the rolls apply there instead.

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 135):

"The advantage of attacking from above is that missile fire from us is more deadly. Hell, Magnus could even drop rocks...and my specialty is very much with the crossbow, so I would very much prefer to snipe from withing those cross slits. Once we are sure the necromancer is dead, we could use a rope to leave, but I was also promised his gold, so I would not object to getting a good payout either."

The young Battle Magic student nods his head and grins. ”Defintely. I’m looking forward to the rewards of this little adventure myself. Okay, Rondald, I’ll begin with you,” Judoc says. ”Once you’re at the top, raise your hands for the all clear, and I’ll send Magnus up next.”

Judoc begins waving his hands and flexing his fingers as he concentrates on lifting Rondald up the tower. Determined to get the group up to the top of the tower before daybreak, the mage races the rising sun.

OOC: Judoc will start right away. He’ll lift Rondald up first. Once he gets the all-clear from Rondald, he’ll let the Levitate spell lapse and work on sending Magnus up with a Flight spell. After (if) Magnus is safely up, Judoc will cast Levitate on himself and Levitate himself up.  Finn, you send Gustav and Giles up, okay?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Tue 01 May 2018.

"Just be careful" Magnus implored him, obviously anxious about the proposed aerial assault. The few seconds it had taken him to get to the top of the battlement had tried him, but the prospect of floating, via something he did not even begin to understand, five stories up did not seem to sit well with him.

While Judoc flies off seeing what he can see Finn sits on his soft leather pack happy to rest and think.  His mind wanders.  This job.  His last job.  Other jobs before he met Derek.  And then to a woman he knew in his late teens.  She was a freelancer, like him.  Working for whoever paid today.  Neither of them thought about careers or politics or allegiances.  They were two ships who passed in the night and for each held the loneliness of their world at bay for a time.

He can see her pretty face.  The soft edges of her cheeks and chin.  Her almost almond shaped bluish green eyes.  Her strawberry blonde hair that would have fallen down past her shoulders had she not tied it up in a bun.  He remembers admiring the curves of her dancers body as she slowly undressed.  He didn't understand it then as a young man but she was trying to seduce him, and it worked like a charm.  Finn was putty in her hands, thankfully the only thing she wanted from him was his passion.  Finn relives this happy memory as best he can and then Judoc returns.


OOC:
Finn will rest while Judoc does recon.

Finn will follow Judoc's plan.  Once Rondald gives the all clear Finn will cast levitate on Gustav, then Giles, and then himself assuming all goes well.  Finn will caution (in whispered tones) that he will probably need rest when they all reach the top.

Looking to make as short of a route to the top as possible, Judoc moves to the base of the tower and Giles ushers the rest of the group to join.  After only his short rest, Judoc weaves his magic again, this time with Rondald as a subject.  The massive crossbowman and seafarer quickly rises from the battlements, moving swiftly up the tower walls.  Though Judoc is deep in concentration, he manages to slow Rondald's ascent as the man reaches the top, stopping him close enough to the edge for the man to be able to pull himself over.

OOC:  We are about 20 seconds into Judoc's levitation spell.

After only a moment's pause at the top of the walls, Rondald is moved over the edge and out of sight.  With only a moment's hesitation, Judoc sees the wave of a hand from over the side and begins his casting upon Magnus.  Unsure of the effect of his magic upon the minotaur, Judoc decides to switch his spell, and as he knew it would be, the effect is instantaneous.

Magnus is nearly overwhelmed by the feeling, that he can move himself upward, sideways or any such ways with just a thought of his mind.  With only a brief test to settle his balance, Magnus zooms to the top of the walls and over the edge.

The spell has exhausted Judoc, who's countenance has entirely paled, sweat rivulets dampening his shirt around the collar.  He sits for a moment beside the walls to regain himself, as Finn takes his own turn to lift Gustav and Giles.  There is only a brief moment of uncertainty, as there is a thump above followed by Giles's foot hanging over the edge, scraping at the walls to push himself back up.  Giles pushes himself back to safety however and it is only another few moments before Finn and Judoc together lift themselves by spellwork to the top of the tower.

It is readily apparent when the two cross over the top, why Giles had difficulty.  The roof is not a flat surface as expected but rather slopes down from the center on all four sides.  It seems to be a slate construction with only a modest slope with little variation for about the next twenty feet.

However, in the center of the roof there is a large, glass, four sided pyramid which rises from the center of the tower.  With the dim light around it is impossible yet to see what is inside and the mages seem too drained to make much movement yet anyway.  Both Finn and Judoc rest, Finn sprawled out with his legs flat and resting on his palms while Judoc is eyes closed in a meditative pose.  To the East, the sky warms from light blue to yellow, from yellow to orange before the curvature of the sun crests above the distant hills and starts its trek towards the top of the sky...

OOC:  Sorry for the lack of waiting here but a bit of clarification and about a dozen dice rolls has allowed me to fast forward to here.  It is now 0545 and the dawn was perhaps fifteen minutes ago.  The light penalty is now at 0.  Your group is sitting at the top of the tower on the northeast corner with everyone resting up to this point.  Everyone roll vs. Perception.  If you plan on heading up to where the glass pyramid is roll vs. DX+2.  Everyone should be full fatigue (minus sleep loss) apart from Judoc and Finn who are still somewhat winded.

Roof
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:46, Tue 01 May 2018.

Magnus's adventure with flight, although short lived, was as much of a life changing experience as a way to the roof. Not only was he soaring through the air being supported by nothing but Judocs good will and reassurances, but what he had heard from his father had also been called into question.

If Judoc could work such wonders, could the Necromancer that they had come to kill also work his dark arts upon him?

This thought and others occupied his mind as he stood there taking it all in, the dawn over the countryside, their impending assault... everything.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Tue 01 May 2018.

Gustav peers carefully over the side, shielding his head behind whatever parapet, crenellation or whatever there is, he gets some dust in his eye and lowers himself, cleans his eye and goes to look down into he tower below.

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 146):

Rondald remained ever vigilant for trouble, his crossbow ready. He looked around the roof and the glass pyramid for trouble, going up to the pyramid to look inside, but keeping low the whole time.

Finn is glad that this portion of their espionage is over.  Upon the roof Razzel is curious about the view down to the ground but he is sufficiently in need of rest to get right to it.  Finn sprawls out on his ass with his legs out in front of him and his palms flat on the roof.  Occasionally his eyes close as he rests from his extended casting.


OOC:
Rest.

If the situation weren’t so serious - infiltrate a necromancer’s tower, kill him, and get out in one piece - Judoc could allow himself to have fun with the task of sending the team to the tower’s roof. He has to admit that Rondald’s idea is a good one, of attacking from the top down. The necromancer and his minions will never know what him them.

Judoc feels no resistance from Magnus as the Templar student casts a Flight spell on the minotaur. Judoc knows of course, as any properly trained wizard does, that some individuals are more resistant to magic than normal. Magnus’ description of his father’s words sounds like minotaurs have some kind of racial innate resistance to magic, but Judoc credits his own considerable talent with magic as granting him the ability to bypass such restrictions. But the cost of sending Magnus winging his way to the top of the tower is heavy, and by the time Judoc levitates himself up to the top, he is breathing heavily. his face covered in sweat from the exertion of spellcasting, he immediately drops to his favorite meditation position.

”Look for a way in,” he says softly. ”We can use Finn’s rope to lower us down into the interior of the tower.”

Leaving the others to their investigation of a means of ingress, the young mage quiets himself and stills his mind, letting the surrounding mana flow back into him to replenish his used energy. Is Aiah nearby? He briefly reaches out with his mind to her.

OOC: Rest as long as the others’ investigation lasts - maximum 15 minutes.

After a brief rest, the brawn of the group gets restless for movement though Finn and Judoc remained fixed to their spots.

"Well, we might as well do something.".  Giles whispers as his glance goes back and forth between the crystal pyramid and Judoc who still sits in a meditative position.  "Gustav, you look to see if there is any way in on the north side, Magnus and Rondald, you two check out that glasswork and I'll look on the south side.  If you find anything, keep it quiet, who knows if there will be people outside at this hour?"

And with that, the four set upon their tasks, looking for a way in, or any front that might pose a danger.

Gustav starts his search around the northern edge of the tower and finds quickly that staying near the edge is uncomfortable at best.  The roof is graded enough that with the slate surface, balance is precarious and leaning over the edge much more than a hair begs a fate of falling to a certain doom.  Though he dares a few glances, he finds nothing on the northern wall apart from the same arrow slits that decorate the eastern wall, which are practically impenetrable to anything much larger than a sparrow.

Magnus and Rondald head towards the glass pyramid, which is perhaps forty feet square at the base and rises to a point some twelve feet above the base.  The glass is the same reinforced stuff from the windows below with iron grating across the middle and reinforcing the edges of the inside.  Though the rising sun makes it difficult to see through the eastern wall, the short trip to the opposite side makes the interior stand out much more clearly.  Indeed, there is a staircase going down along the northern side of the room.  Also along the northern 'wall' are two cabinets on either side of the stair which are strewn with various objects, though making out any degree of detail is difficult.  Along the southern wall is a desk which has only a few open books.  In the center of the room stands a large sphere set upon a stand, some four feet in diameter and made of bronze.

As for Judoc and Finn, the two keep resting.  Aiah, Judoc's redtailed hawk swoops down to perch upon the mage's shoulder from seemingly out of nowhere, preening itself vainly as soon as the bird has its claws on solid ground. 

Giles makes his way back around from his observations, speaking to the mages and any others who have come back.  "The roof to the south is some twenty feet down...  I'm not sure there is any easy way in from there, though there are two chimneys on the south side that might lead in...  I wouldn't envy the person who would have to climb down to find out though..."

From under the southeast side of the tower, a blackbird flutters up to one of the battlements, perching as it scours the forest below as though looking for food.  Judoc sucks his teeth in a sharp breath as he looks upon the bird below...  And the blackbird turns its head high and left, looking back up at him...

Sphere

OOC:  I'm a stickler for details, so if there is something that you want to look at or examine specifically, please state so and roll vs. Perception.  No extra time has passed, basically I'm making up for the time I already allotted to rest for Judoc and Finn.

Instantly, Judoc realizes what has happened, even as he winces in pain from Aiah’s strong talons. ”The blackbird’s his spy. We need to kill it!”

Speaking hurriedly to the others, the young wizard says rapidly, ”We have to get off this roof! We’re exposed up here, and he knows where we are now!” Standing, the mage makes his way to the glass pyramid and looks down. ”We have to get in. Anyone have any brilliant ideas?” He checks the glass, looking for panes they can remove big enough so they can all get down to the floor below.

OOC: Get up and examine the glass. Look for a way inside.

Since the windows offered no entry, Rondald instead attempted to slowly remove a slate tile from the middle of the roof instead.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:14, Wed 02 May 2018.

Finn Razzel sits leisurely on the tower roof, his eyes half open in a druken daze as if he were enjoying a lake side picnic with a lover.  And then all hell seems to break loose.

In the light of the morning sun a small black bird appears in the near distance and perches within the keep.  Only the village idiot would miss that this bird is some kind of servant for the Lord of the manner, or said Lord himself.  Then Judoc cries out that we need to move, kill the bird and asks for smart ideas.

Pausing only a second to concoct his own plan Finn reaches over his head and pulls the hunting bow from his shoulders. As soon as it is free he begins to wriggle into a firing position while he pulls a feathered shaft from his quiver. Then he looks to Judoc with serious eyes and mumbles quietly, "We have a Minotaur."


OOC:
Step into a position to easily fire upon the Blackbird.  Aim until I have maximum aim. Fire at the Blackbird.

Moments after the somewhat urgent notice that they needed to move, Magnus had begun his preparations in earnest. His shield was fastened to his arm, the leather thong on his mace knotted around his wrist, and then with little ceremony, he swung the bludgeon overhand as hard as he could into the side of the glass pyramid.

C'est Bien! Let us see who comes...

Gustav draws his saber and Main Gauche from habit and heads into the opening (first, second...doesn't matter). He moves straight to the stairs, looks down to see if anyone is in sight and if not he heads down the stairs, bending over to see the next floor as soon as he can unless company arrives first.

It is only something so small as a bird that sets our adventurers into a panic.  Judoc is certain this blackbird in a minion of their foe and perhaps he is right, for even as he asks Aiah to attack the thing, he can feel his familiar's mental shudder at being asked to come any closer.

Still, attack Aiah does.  With little more than a dip of her head, the hawk is already in a dive so fast that Finn can barely keep the bird in sight while he attends to readying his bow.  Aiah reaches out with her claws, grasping straight for her foe, but the bird launches itself in the air with a hop and a beat of its wings, landing some foot away.  Aiah is gone in a flash and out of Finn's sight, but he is stuck with a haunting impression that something is wrong.  Aiah is a large bird and the thing below dwarfs her in size.  Though it looks nothing like it, Finn would guess that the bird is more the size of a vulture.  The bird follow's Aiah's path with his head, though it quickly loses interest...

Judoc of course, knows little of this, for as soon as his hawk dives from his shoulder he has sprinted up to the top of the roof, where the glass pyramid rises from the slate, searching with his eyes and hands for anything that could get them away from this exposed position.

Magnus, for his part, takes not even a pause but dons his shield and mace and slams the latter down on the northern wall.  The glass cracks with an earsplitting boom as the whole panel of the wall shudders, sending a spider's web of glitter spreading across the surface, but the surface holds.  Again, and again, Magnus strikes, sending the cracks further across the glass as he punches a small portion of the window through to a power of glass on the floor below, though the iron mesh still holds an effective boundary...

And Lo!  As Judoc reaches desperation at the bottom of the eastern panel he finally finds something that catches his eye.  The ironwork that supports the glass at the bottom of the panel is fitted with hinges!  This panel was meant to be folded out!  As Judoc stands he realizes that Giles seems to have come to the same conclusion for he is trying to pry his fingers between the Northern and Eastern panes, though he seems to be having no luck.  "I can't lever it out!"  Giles calls in a panic.  "How do we get in?"  Gustav stands ready by the side, his sword and knife posed to attack anything that gets in their way.

Rondald, meanwhile has given up on the pyramid and puts two hands on one of the slate tiles.  The thing is enormous, and much heavier than he expected with the weight of the others on top of it.  For though he tugs with all his might the thing stays firmly in place.

Still standing by the edge, bow in hand, Finn takes a careful aim at the vulture-bird down below.  His eyes still off and searching for Aiah, Finn takes full advantage honing the near straight-down angle in for a killing blow.  With a Twang! his bow unloads straight and true for the bird and hits the thing square in its body, the shaft penetrating to at least haft-deep.

Celebrating self-righteously, Finn waits for a death caw, a fall, anything to denote that their foe is dead or injured beyond use.  Instead, the thing cranes its head towards the tower, staring full at Finn with solid red eyes.  The thing screams in defiance, for it can be called nothing else, and it beats its wings with slow and strong motions as it slowly takes to the air...


OOC:  So this is the first example of me being an asshole with detail.  While you guys saw the panes of glass and probably thought you had fully looked them over because I had given a good bit of detail on them, no one noticed that they are hinged until Judoc specifically said he was going to look them over.  Each of the panels is hinged on the bottom and can be folded outward (staying connected on the bottom, where the hinges are).  However, because they fold outward (and you are on the outside) it's hard to get any real force on them to pull them outwards.  Giles is attempting to pry one of the panes open from the side, although he can't seem to get any leverage on it.  Judoc, you don't note any latch or anything during your investigation, so you think it is just the weight of the glass that is keeping them down/together.

Magnus, you have managed to punch a fist-sized hole through the northern pane near the middle, and with each hit you are making it larger.  However there is still an iron grating behind which as yet is unmoved.

Rondald, your attempt to move a slate tile has failed, but you can reattempt with a ST-4 roll.

Finn, your shot was about as good as it gets, but it seems to have little effect on the beast.  The arrowhead is completely buried, but it is still getting airborne, albeit extremely awkwardly with a foot and a half of arrow shaft sticking out of its skin.

Judoc raises an eyebrow as Finn points out the obvious and Magnus begins to attempt to smash his way inside. ”Nothing like the direct approach,” he says, and then gives his attention to the glass, searching for a way into the curious glass pyramid.

Even as Magnus begins hammering the glass, the minotaur’s blows kicking up a massive racket that destroys any element of surprise the group might have had remaining, the sharp-eyed mage is carefully examining the glass structure. The reinforced metal will hold even if the glass is shattered, but with a surge of exhilaration, Judoc realizes these panes of glass can open!  Concentrating, he begins channeling mana to force the glass open.

The thought from Aiah chills him. What wicked thing is currently winging their way?  To the others he says, ”She says it’s not a bird, maybe not even from this world! We need to get inside, now!”

OOC: Begin casting.

His efforts to enter subtly no longer relevant, Rondald gets ready for a fight.

"So much for subtlety...if that is no bird, what IS it?" Rondald asks in alarm, aiming carefully for the creatures head and crouching down, pulling his shield to use it as a brace, and cover if need be. He swaps the bolt for a silver one, just in case.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:41, Sun 06 May 2018.

Finn smiles at his shot.  He has messed around with hunting bows since he was a boy but only recently took them in earnest.  Still his skill is adequate, he is far from mastery.  However he is quite pleased with the shot and watches as the true arrow strikes the black bird dead on.  Finn is sure the thing will fly away or fall over and flail in an injured state.  Instead though to his dismay Razzel spies the bird take his arrow and glare at him with beady red eyes, then take flight.

Finn suspects this things origin even before Judoc comments.  As the young mercenary draws another arrow he says with a tinge of worry to his voice, "Whatever you're gonna do, do it fast.  I think I pissed it off."


OOC:
Repeat last sequence.  Take an arrow and aim to max then fire, unless the thing closes before then.  In that case fire at the last second.

BOOM

Magnus drew back again, planted his feet like he was chopping wood and let fly.

CRACK

Whatever material the "glass" was made of, Magnus had not seen its like, but he had gouged it, pieces coming loose from the impact.

CRUNCH

As it becomes evident that his breaching attempt is going to be more difficult that he thought, Magnus noticed Giles efforts to open the thing in a more conventional way.

Magnus followed suite and let his mace dangle from it's tether, before with one big gloved hand, he reached into the hole he had made to grasp the iron mesh with his fingers.

Once he believed he had a good grip, he jerked his arm back in an attempt to fold over the triangular pane on it's hinges.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:58, Thu 03 May 2018.

Gustav stood back, confused, as the glass had not behaved as glass should. He gathered something else was wrong from Finn's and Judoc's words and stepped away from Rondald as he obviously was thinking of shooting something ... he looked where Rondald aimed to see what it might be.

Magnus rears back for one last blow, hoping to make a the hole in the glass large enough to get a handle on the iron webbing.  The mace crushes again, this time shattering most of the panel for six or seven feet around sending shards scattering across the floor of the small room near the staircase.  Not wanting to jump through the still jagged edges, Magnus lets the mace drop from its strap and grabs the iron grating below, heaving back as he pulls the northern panel with a herculean strength.  It moves slowly at first, though once it arcs enough that most of the weight is supported by the hinge, the thing pulls easily back until it bounces across a stop some twenty degrees past perpendicular.

Seeing the opening, Gustav launches himself between two of the panels, his sword and knife in hand as he carefully walks towards the staircase leading down...

Judoc near simultaneously has the same idea and forces his spellwork against the top corner of the southern pane, pushing the panel outward.  The effort is more than he expected but though his brow is soaked with sweat, Judoc manages to lever his body over the pane and into the room within followed closely by Giles.  "Come on!"  Giles calls as he turns to face the monstrous bird donning his shield and sword in case the thing approaches.

Finn and Rondald hold up the vanguard, each firing an arrow at the ungainly 'bird' though as the thing begins to gain air underneath its wings a successful shot starts to become something of an impossibility.  The bird moves quickly an despite the steep downward angle, Rondald misses badly, his shot slung well over the outer walls.  Finn's comes much closer, the arrow buzzing through the air the bird had inhabited moments ago.

In large arcs the blackbird slowly climbs the height of the tower, Finn's imbedded arrow bobbing absurdly with each stroke of the thing's wings.  Even higher he climbs with slow, powerful strokes until he is the one looking down on our adventurers, his eyes boring down on the rooftop.

From nowhere, Aiah screeches down again, clipping the beast on its wing though it seems the animal barely even notices the hit as its eyes and head continues to dart from person to person.  The hawk continues plummeting past, missing Judoc altogether before angling herself down the stairway leading below. 

OOC:  We aren't really in combat here so I need general intentions rather than specifics.  Gustav it sounds is already headed down the stairwell with the others following, but if anyone wants to stay on the roof or in the little room please let me know.  The Northern and Eastern panels are now folded out like a lotus flower, though they only go about 20 degrees past vertical before they hit a stop on the hinge.  It makes a hole big enough for egress, though it doesn't really seem that the design was built for getting people in and out of the tower.

Magnus hurdled the opening with no small effort, the sheer amount of metal on his body making every action that much more exhausting. But once inside he gathered up his mace by its tether and then glanced up only once as he moved to follow Gustav.

The sheer audacity of what they had just done seemed to linger on his flat face, and his expression seemed to shift from anxious, to excited, to concerned all within a half minutes span.

He lingered at the top of the stairwell and glanced back for the others, waiting as if to see if they were going to gather together again before advancing.

"Finn, get into the Pyramid, and I will follow!" Rondald falls back as he does so, intending to follow Finn inside, probably quite closely, but keeping the crossbow aims at what he believes would be its vitals. If it gets to 5 yards, he will let it have it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:40, Sun 06 May 2018.

Gustav stops near the bottom of the stairs and bends down to look around in the next level, if he sees nothing, he goes to the bottom and waves the next person down, then makes a quick check of this floor before going to the stairs down to the next level.

Finn stands confidently on the roof of the tower gripping the bow tightly in his left hand. He watches his shot fly wide with little disappointment. Hitting a bird from fifty paces so that it can become dinner is one thing, hitting a bird in flight while shooting down on it is difficult even for a master. And while Razzel has mastered other things, bow and arrow remain on his list to be conquered.

The dark evil looking thing flies up and stares at them one by one. Finn can feel its malevolence upon him like a wet cloak. It is an uncomfortable feeling.

Thankfully his sour moment is broken by a call to get inside. Seeing that Rondald is covering their retreat Finn nods and heads for the glass opening.

OOC:
Keep my bow out.  Do not draw another arrow.  Move to get inside the tower through the opening in the glass with a balance of speed and safety.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:40, Sat 05 May 2018.

Straining with the weight of the glass, Judoc channels mana into his spell, willing the panel to open. He gasps a bit as the heavy pane finally swings open, and he hurried through the opening into the interior room. Out of breath, sweat soaking his clothing, he pauses for a moment to glance around the room before descending the staircase.

The others are already heading down to the floor below, but Judoc spares a moment to glance swiftly around him. Whether the creature will follow them into the room remains to be seen, but perhaps there is something here that can be of use.

OOC: Look at the desk first, and then open the cabinets one at a time to hurriedly look through them. Finally, take a moment to try to understand what the sphere is.

Gustav and Giles hasten towards the stairs, running down towards the platform to the next level, though Gustav hesitates for a moment halfway between the two floors.  Below he sees an open room with a handful of columns rising from the center.  Two large work tables spread out to either side from the center of the room and there seems to be some large circle painted in the center ahead.

Magnus also lingers, though at the top of the stairway, with Finn and Rondald making their way in.  Rondald hesitates, his crossbow lifted skyward in case the bird attacks the group from above.

Judoc it seems however does not hurry to the floor below but scours the top floor of the tower hastily, searching to see if there is anything of importance.  The table on the south side seems mostly empty, though there is a small journal written in fresh ink in a scrawl that Judoc does not recognize.  The sphere in the has a small globe in the center with several rings making their way outwards in ever expanding, and off axis, orbits.

The cases on the north side, though sprinkled with shattered glass, prove to be the most interesting.  Laid across the floor is a large pole, some twenty feet long that spans near the entire western wall.  There are various angular instruments, thin cylindrical tubes, wide circular disks with various patterns, several books, a mask, inkwells and writing equipment, along with various charts.

Rondald watches his crossbow aimed skyward, though the black bird only seems to circle higher still with little interest on attacking those below.  As Gustav and Giles head below, the bird circles around for one last pass, and then seems to head in a straight line off to the West.

OOC:  I buckled and just went for an imagur account, so hopefully the image issues should be solved from now on.  Judoc though you are no student of astronomy yourself, nor mathematician you have a decent chance of having come across them at school.  Roll vs. IQ, on a failure of 2 or less you will recognize at least the Quadrants and Protractors that don the shelves.  On a regular success you will be able to put together that the equipment has to do with planetary motion and recognize the telescope and on a success by 2 or more you will recognize the disks as Astrolabes and the sphere as an Armillary Sphere.  Gustav, the floor below is significantly darker than the floor above coming out to a light penalty of -3, and you are on the platform on the northern end of the stairs.  You don't see any people or anything else of real significance below you.  Rondald, roll vs. IQ.

Roof Floor

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:05, Sun 06 May 2018.

A fascinating array of items meets Judoc’s eye. They have come to kill a necromancer, not to rob him, but the young mage can’t help but wonder what all of these instruments are for. Some he recognizes as having to do with geometry, and the telescope intrigues him. Perhaps this necromancer is also an astrologer, or even an astronomer.

Judoc grabs the journal and mask and stuffs them in the backpack he has brought along for this purpose. Perhaps after they kill the necromancer, they can return for some of the other intriguing apparatuses here. In particular, he’d love to see what is in those books.

OOC: Take the journal and mask, and then walk toward the staircase.

Magnus seemed possessed of the sort of excitement that comes from doing something that for his entire life had been prohibited. Sneaking around, breaking into a tower, Judoc already starting to loot. The sheer freedom that came with operating with impudence within enemy lands was a heady notion, and it appealed to some dark primal side of him.

But it was co-mingled with fear, and the knowledge that behind every corner could lirk the first signs of true resistance.

He tried to serve as a "middle point" as their group continued to get strung out between the pyramid and their men heading deeper into the tower, for the moment just trying to keep as many of them in sight as he could.

Gustav goes down to the lower floor, staying close to the wall, he moves around to the next staircase down and listens at it, but does not go down.  If he hears nothing he continues around the outside of the circle looking at what is laid out, but touching nothing to start. After a complete trip around he’ll again listen at the stairs; if he still hears nothing, he’ll sheath the Main Gauche and return to inspecting things. His interest is money/jewels, weapons and other stuff in that order. He will be very careful with single jewels, as he knows they can be enchanted.

As Rondald watches the thing fly off, something occurs to him.

"Guys, quiet! I don't think that thing was hostile to us...after being hit, its first reaction, apart from glaring at us for shooting it, was to rise up out of range of the archers below, and fly away. Actions easily attributable to someone who had been caught in the wrong place. Also, I cannot hear any guards, suggesting it did not raise the alarm. They might be here soon, but probably attribute the raucous to that thing if it did not belong here."

He moves down the stairs, replacing the silver bolt with a normal one and looking for arrow slits or windows in this room.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:41, Sun 06 May 2018.

As Finn steps through the glass pyramid he casts one glance back at the black bird with the red eyes.  His head cocks to one side and his face shows a curious expression.  He was sure the thing which seems unnatural was going to attack them when it lifted off from below.  Where can it be going he wonders to himself.

Then Rondald speaks of an accidental encounter.  Finn shrugs.  ”Perhaps.  But you bring up a good point.  Why no alarm?  Clearly...we are intruding.”

OOC:
Thanks for investing in the Image thingie.  I can see the posted image just fine now.  There are some free sites.  I use Tinypic.com.

Move through the room observing the objects.  Do not take anything.  Stay with the group.  Bow is in left hand.  Draw an arrow and knock it.

Gustav hastens down the stairwell, following Giles who has now taken point, though the soldier makes his way into the room with his sword and shield raised, searching through each of the corners to ensure that no enemy waits there.  Turning his head as he reaches the next floor to look down the next stair, Gustav searches with his ears for any noise from below though all he picks up now are the footsteps of Giles and an odd, metallic tinkling that buzzes from somewhere in the room.  Taking his eyes from the stairwell down, Gustav searches the room with his eyes.

Spreading across the floor in front of his eyes, Gustav makes out a large, red, pentagram fixed into the floor that bridges the distance between two long worktables.  The tables themselves seem mostly uncluttered besides a few books here and there and a set of flasks.  The tables are four inches thick with the whole top composed of a single planed piece of wood which is saturated here and there with stains and burns.  Against the walls are several cabinets, a pair of lecterns and bookshelves, all of which are neatly organized.  In the Northwest corner, a large skeletal crocodile hangs from the ceiling, its mouth agape displaying hundreds of razor teeth, its eye sockets empty and gaping towards the floor.

The thing that draws Gustav's attention most however, is a stage set up along the eastern wall where Giles now stands utterly motionless in a stare at the events before him.  Two two-foot tall mechanical knights stand locked in a slow motion battle.  On the left side, a knight in all black plate armor wields a foot-long claymore against a knight on the right clad in all white.  The second figure holds a shorter sword and round shield emblazoned with a red sun.  Though the two have slow and mechanical movements, their motion and fidelity is astounding... the white knight comes forth with an overhanded swing which is met by its opposing blade in a clash but the white knight continues on, bashing its shield into the armor of the black.  The foe staggers back several paces before renewing its own attack with a two-handed swing that clashes off the sun splattered shield with a clang.

"It's incredible."  Giles murmurs as the black knight batters away his opponent's sword and sends a return cut that hits the white on his shoulder, making the metallic puppet sink almost to his knees as he brings his shield back up to bear.

Gustav can't help but agree but it is at that very moment that he hears much bulkier clanging from the stairs below.

"They come!" Giles manages, waving the others into the room and pointing each compatriot to their fighting place.

OOC:  Giles is suggesting that you guys set an ambush at the top of the stairs, with Giles and Magnus on either side of the top step to bash the first thing that gets up and Gustav close behind to play clean up.  Rondald, Finn, and Judoc would be standing further in the room to give them the ability to fire ranged attacks down the stairs as their attackers come.  Giles is receptive to other tactics.  If you wish to change the plan, please say specifically what you are trying to do in OOC and roll vs. tactics (defaults to IQ-6).  As before, lighting penalty is at -3 due to the small amount of light entering from the arrow slits.


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:36, Tue 08 May 2018.

Gustav just follows Giles guidance.

Winded from his casting thus far, Judoc hurries down the steps as fast as he can. His face is drawn, and he would like nothing more than to take even five minutes to catch his breath, but he knows that the necromancer’s men will be here any moment. Taking a swift glance around the room, he notes the pentagram on the floor, the tables, the crocodile. This last draws his attention for a moment, the reptile’s great jaws making the creature seem poised to bite. He smiles grimly, imagining the skeleton lurching to life, snapping at Judoc with its terrible incisors.

Seeing the drama unfolding on the stage makes him gape with wonder. Never has Judoc seen such skill. Were the knights truly artificial? The craftsmanship required to make such a display staggers his imagination.

And then Giles begins giving orders, and Judoc obeys instinctually.  Although the mage is tired, he is still a formidable wizard and more than a match for any necromancer’s minions.  Concentrating, he sends Aiah a brief message.

Taking a deep breath, he begins squeezing his hand in a fist, summoning mana to form fire.

OOC: Begin casting.

Magnus watched the display in muted awe, wondering perhaps if it might be some intricate clockwork, or if the arts of those that dwelled within could really give the semblance of life to mere pieces of metal.

His answer was perhaps nearer than he knew, and the moment he was requested to the staircase he made his way up, and then turned with his shield held out before him. As his large eyes peered over the rim he watched for any sign of movement, and tried in vain to slow his heart as he listened to the clatter issuing from below.

In reply to Magnus (msg # 178):

Rondald was last into the tower, replacing his silver bolt with a regular one as he entered. Folk were already progressing down the next level. He looked around briefly before following down to the next level.
.
"Perhaps someone should bash that crocodile skeleton lest it be animated." he suggests as he sets up his shield as both cover and a brace for his crossbow, the latter of which he begins aiming down the stairs, in accordance with the tactics Giles suggested.

"Mages, best to save your energy in case this is easily dealt with by surprise instead."

Finn is quite content with the goings on.  This group, who is mostly unknown to him, flows smoothly.  They work well as a team despite their brief time together and varied backgrounds.  Razzel has worked with others in the past who either through personal pride or their own agenda cause friction for the overall mission or in the worst of cases work directly against the party.

The young mercenary peers up at the hanging frame of the crocodile, noting its huge mouth and reptilian teeth.  As a fleeting thought he wonders if the thing can be animated but his more conscious thought is what kind of mage has something like this in his lair?  How powerful does one need to become to accumulate a tower full of books and trappings nestled abreast of a small town swarming with followers.  When will Finn have such a stronghold?

Settling his mind from such temptations Finn focuses on the noises coming from the stairwell.


OOC:
Do as suggested.  Stand near the rear of the group.  Watch the skeleton for signs that it comes to life.  Train a knocked arrow towards the stairs but do not draw the arrow back until I see something come up.  When I do begin to take Aim.

All that noise... sounds almost as if he has mechanized guards too... how would we defeat those?


Gustav looks around for sand, gravel, marbles or anything that might clog up the works of such a machine.

Gustav takes a few moments to search the room, looking for powder or marbles or anything that might trip up a mechanical rival such as the two that play out the scene on the stage to the right.  Gustav searches through the cabinets and shelves, though as the heavy metallic clanking approaches yet closer, Gustav finds nothing that fits his description, only shelves of dry leaves and various bottles, mostly made of dark clay pottery though some clear bottles show thick samples of fleshy organs soaking in various agents.

As if mocking his attempts, the two knights battle on, the white swinging wildly from one knee as he attempts to make his way back to his feet, although the black slams into the white's shield sending him over onto his back.  The black knight follows on with a savage two handed chop, though amazingly the white rolls away just in time and makes his way back to one knee.  It is here where the white's luck ends however, on one knee as the black lunges forward, his claymore clutched in both hands as it slides clean through the armor, chest, and back of the white.  The white shudders and groans, his weight falling as his shield slips and his sword clattering to the stage below.

From the stairwell below emerges a thing of horrors.  A featureless colorless man... if it can be called that.  It stands perhaps six feet tall, its features a monotone grey and its eyes solid black spheres reset into it's flat face.  Its whole form is thickset, larger than Magnus or even Rondald, though it is hard to tell for its whole body is covered in plate armor from sollerets to gauntlets to a pothelm which drapes down to the to the things neck.  It carries a bastard sword in a single hand, emotionless as it climbs the stairs one at a time, hardly seeming as if it sees the six adventurers at all...

To their side, the black and white knight bow and depart through a trap door in the stage.

OOC:  Everyone can consider their weapons, shields etc. equipped and readied as desired.  Rondald, you have either your crossbow or your shield ready, not both, although your shield can be next to you on the floor to be readied in one turn (after crouching).  Everyone essentially has partial cover right now based on your location.  The monster is clothed entirely in plate, though the eyes and face and neck can be targeted at normal penalty for no DR.  Please post three rounds of combat.

Monster


Combat Map

Gustav moves to the wall beside the stairs and a little away from the stairs, hoping to be able to get in behind this thing. It has to have some weakness... I hope I can find it quickly.

Holding a ball of flame in his right hand and his unreadied staff in his left, Judoc warily eyes the behometh. Monster or golem, the thing is supremely protected with plate armor.  Is it alive or a construct like the mechanical knights? Where is its master? Whether the creature is alive or only animated, Judoc intends to see if the thing can burn.

OOC: Aim. Take a step forward.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:10, Wed 09 May 2018.

Magnus steeled himself as he heard the lumbering armored footfalls advancing up the stairs, his mace in a white knuckled grip. They had travelled so far, trudged for days in armor and equipment for this, for the moment of truth.

But even then he was not prepared for what he saw. He had expected something like the restless dead perhaps, or a scaled up version of what they had just seen in pantomine. This hulking armored servant seemed implacable.

He muttered something in the guttural northern tounge and felt the urge to rush down the stairs to meet it rear it's head. This time his blood almost seemed less eager to meet this strange threat, and it relented to allow him to think more clearly.

Finn listens to the clomping sounds coming up the stairs.  He isn't nervous, Captain Braesher has assembled a fine team with a broad range of skills.  Each man here is competent and alert in his own right.  Not to mention Finn is a highly talented mage, brute and sneak.  They don't come any better.  What could go wrong?

In the blink of an eye his mind puzzles over this place.  What an odd home.  The wizard is nowhere to be seen.  Or have they seen him and not recognized him?  And what of the diminutive combatants?  Are they meant to entertain while the necromancer boringly pours himself over his lab work from sun up till sun down?  Or a distraction for would be looters and assassins?  Most curious.

And then the creature comes into sight as its head, shoulders and keen blade bob into view.  Finn looks down at his pitiful small arrow.  Only a miracle shot is going to hurt this beast he thinks matter of factly.  The mercenary frowns, wondering what he can do.  Then an idea sparks in his mind.

He calls out, ”Go for the legs!”, as he moves to his left.


OOC:
Bow is still in left hand.  Hold the arrow in a finger there.  Right hand is empty, for balance.  Move to my left.  Stand 1 hex from Judoc, in front of him but not blocking his LOS.  Protect him without interfering with his magic.

In reply to Finn Razzel (msg # 186):

Rondals aims carefully for the head of the creature as it approaches. at 7 yards, he fires, unsure if it will do much, but determined to find out.

Gustav waits until the monster has passed then moves closer to the staircase to look at it's back, specifically at the back of knees, ankles, neck and for any joints that might be exploitable.

It is with slow and determined steps that the armored monster ascends the stairs with the tromp and clatter of his steel coverings echoing up the stone stairwell and into the room above.  Though the group of six are plainly in view, the thing seems not to focus on any of them, but simply putting one foot in front of another, it's massive sword at the ready.

Rondald, seeking to steady his aim, leans his body and his crossbow against the solid form of the table leaning slightly over in order to aim.  Twang!  Though his bolt is the first to fire, Rondald's shot sails high and right and shatters on the stone wall of the tower behind it.

Both Giles and Magnus wait for the beat at the top step, hoping to get the jump on their foe.  Magnus steps with his mace, throwing it in a brutal overhand arc but the thing steps and attacks in nearly the same moment, swinging the bastard sword directly towards Magnus with vicious force.  Magnus slings his shield up just in time as he twists his body out of the way.  The sword bites into the rim of his shield, sending a crack running through the boards.  The motion spoils his aim, his mace well wide of its target, though mercifully Magnus is no worse for wear.

Giles manages to take advantage of his foe's flank, swinging his sword in a high arc that impacts the monster just above the collar, digging savagely through the monster's skin, though no cry of pain, no sign of weakness, not even a trickle of blood leaves the thing's body.  It only turns it's head, readying its arm for another vicious swing on a new target.

To make matters worse, another of the monsters clatters onto the stairwell below, also clad in plate and holding a warhammer between it's two massive hands.

OOC:  Judoc's dimly illuminating fireball eliminates the -3 light penalty now for everything within 1 yard and dims from there.  The monster is still at a -2 light penalty.  Magnus and Giles have both hands occupied with weapon and shield, Gustav with two weapons, Judoc with staff (unreadied) and fireball.  Finn is holding his bow and arrow with his left hand with his right hand open and Rondald has his left arm resting on the table with his left hand on his crossbow with his right hand is now empty.  His crossbow is uncocked and unloaded.  Anyone with a magic light and an empty hand can take it outside their clothes with a 'ready' maneuver.  Gustav, I'm a little confused by your post, but the monster has stopped short at the top of the stairwell so 'getting behind' it will essentially require an evade maneuver until it moves forward.  Note that there is a full wall between the stairs going up to the roof and the stairs going down to the floor below.

The blow landed upon the refurbished Imperial shield with inhuman force, and caused a numbing shock to travel up Magnus's left arm as he was forced back half a step. The sound of the impact itself caused a slight ringing in his ears as it echoed about the chamber.

But even as his body twisted to the left to absorb the impact, his right hand came about in full extension, the head of the mace angled so that the last few inches swung with a woosh towards the right side of the creatures helmeted head.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:37, Thu 10 May 2018.

Seeing how ineffective his crossbow is, Rondald puts it on a table, removing the sling with one hand while grabbing his shield up with the other.

"Lets try to overbalance him to make him fall on his friend...a good shove might be better than the mace, Magnus, especially as it makes you so close to him as to make it impossible for him to hit you...unless our mages have a better idea. This thing clearly is not human...or alive. Finn, could you side step to give me a path..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:40, Sun 13 May 2018.

The creature or golem or whatever it is seems impervious to pain, and worse yet, another is coming up the stairs behind it!  And where is the necromancer they’ve come to destroy? No doubt he’s lurking somewhere close at hand, fearful to come out and face their full might. Well, no matter. After his creatures are dealt with, the necromancer will be the next to fall.

The ball of flame is held in Judoc’s hands, cocked back and ready to throw. With an overhand lob, Judoc sends the flame hurtling toward the creature.

OOC: When Judoc has a clear shot, attack the creature with the fireball.

OK, sorry, misread the map/diagram. The black area beside the stairs is solid as well?

Looking for an opening, no question as to how I would fare in a direct stand up fight with this thing... I am going to have to find another way. I look about for a rope or rope like object ... or maybe a rug or drape to blind the thing.

Finn nods as he hears his companion make an emboldened speech from behind.  Instantly his keen eyes scan the space to his left and he frowns.  Fighters need room to dodge and duck and hop out of the way of incoming steel and he spies precious little room there.


OOC:
Move to my right just enough to not block Rondald.  If there is time take my bowstring in my right hand and Aim at the lead monster.  If I see an opening fire.

The monstrous humanoid flails his sword in a sideways arc, directly towards Giles who has only a moment to throw up his shield before the bastard sword barks against the face and rebounds back with force.  Giles swings his own sword in return though the thing brings his own sword to bear and the two weapons clang against each other loudly.

His aim as ready as it can be, Judoc throws his spell forward and the lemon-sized ball of flame flies to the armored wretch, hitting the thing on the gauntlet as it flares up and vanishes in a gust of heat.

At nearly the same moment, Magnus swings his mace down and dealing a crushing blow to the monster's left shoulder that caves in the pauldrons of its armor.  Without a scream, without even a whisper the light blinks from the demon's eyes and he falls backwards to the stairs, his sword clattering from his hands as he slides down the steps towards the landing.  His copy behind does not seem to falter however as it steps over, its weapon of war readied in both hands as it looks for a target to swing on.

OOC:  This last post was just one second of combat so we didn't get to everything in your guys posts.  Rondald is crouched next to his shield.  Gustav has turned and is facing west, heading towards some of the shelves on the western wall.  No dice rolls here if you are looking for things to throw/use.  Please let me know where you plan on heading.  The northern case along the eastern wall is a wood framed cabinet, the southern is a bookshelf.  If you want to head to the southern wall there are more cabinets, some open with jars and bowls exposed.  Finn you have a ready bow with no aim bonus.  To answer your question Gustav, the farthest left part of the stairs depicts the stairs wrapping around in a left spiral heading down to the next floor.  Not depicted is the stairs going up to the roof which would be in the same place.  The black wall in between the two sets of stairs is a full wall and you can't stand on the one to attack someone on the other.  Please post 3 rounds of action.

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:45, Wed 16 May 2018.

Judoc hurls his ball of fire forward, and the expertly thrown shot hits the creature right in the face. The mage grins with satisfaction as with one mighty swing, Magnus brings down the creature. This is going to be even easier than Judoc had first thought. A bit like ten pins, really.

Concentrating, his right hand waving counterclockwise, he begins summoning another fiery sphere.

OOC: Begin casting again.

Magnus helped the hulking servant on its way down the stairs with a shove from his shield arm and shoulder before he took one step back and bellowed, spittle flying from his lips and moist nose. The sound reverberated off the walls and down the stairwell, and although Mangus knew in his heart that their foremost enemy would not care in the least, it felt good, really good.

His morale riding high he slammed his mace twice against his shield loudly and flexed to the point where his chain sleeves strained against their links then shook his head and prepared for the next one.

"Let it up a little!" Magnus urged Giles as he backed up along the wall, obviously anticipating that with the reach of the warhammer they would be caught on the uneven ground of the stairwell, and that they would be unable to flank it.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Fri 11 May 2018.

Gustav has an idea he sheathes both his weapons and removes his cloak, he steps to the side and indicates his intent to try and blind the monster. Holding the cloak in his left hand so he can spread and throw it, he draws the Broadsword.

Finn readies a wicked smile as he watches the brutish Minotaur's mace collide hard with the sentry.  Gleefully he witnesses metal crunch and bend at the sheer power behind the blow and Razzel thinks, Thank the stars he's on our side.

Rebounding to his original plan Finn draws back his bowstring.


OOC:
If there is room move a little more to my right to give Rondald a better opening.  If I can Aim at the 2nd guard.  If I get a clear shot with at least 1 round of Aim then fire.  If not, hold my shot until such an opportunity presents itself.

In reply to Finn Razzel (msg # 199):

As the first critter goes rolling down the stairs, Rondald smiles.

"So they can be killed after all..." he mutters

His crossbow now on the table, picks up his shield and whips out his knife as he does so, standing ready to charge the next thing when it gets to the top of the stairs.

The thing continues up the stairs, stepping heavily over the disanimated form of his brother as he climbs the stairs into the Necromancer's workroom.  Magnus steps back, hiding his form from the thing and hoping to get a free swing as it pops into view from behind the wall, though Giles stands ready eyeing the monster warily as it draws ever closer.  With it's massive weapon, the monster strikes first, a brutish two handed arc with enough force to kill a man instantly.  Though Giles is taken by surprise by the speed of the attack, he manages just at the last moment to swing his shield into place, knocking the warhammer aside with the rim and a heavy thunk.  Now within range of his own attack, Giles swings his sword high, again targeting the small opening between the thing's helm and it's collar and again he connects with enough force to shatter a collarbone though the thing shrugs off the blow as if nothing had happened, only eyeing ahead at the rest of the small group.

Magnus leaps in, his mace cast in a vicious swing, though he mistimes the stroke and misses the monster's knee by just fractions of an inch...

Further back, the others add their own support, Judoc again produces a small sphere of fire which dances and glows in a flickering red light, he rears his arm back, waiting to strike.

Finn however, does not take such time, his bow unloads with a thung! and the arrow buzzes across the room in a flash, though it causes little effect, ricocheting off the monster's armguard without so much as leaving a dent.

Rondald stands from his crouch, his shield and longknife ready, his strong and limber body ready to strike.

Gustav pauses in his race around the room, turning as he sheathes his saber and knife, a plan unfolding in his mind...

"Shit!"  Giles screams as he prepares himself for the thing's next strike.  "There are two more coming up behind it!"

OOC:  Since Giles is really the only one that has a clear view of the other two, I'll refrain from posting their weapons and equipment just yet though they are on the map.  Judoc has a 1 point fireball with two turns of aim on the lead monster.  Finn has an unloaded bow and an empty right hand.  Rondald has a readied buckler in his left hand and a ready and lanyarded longknife in his right.  Gustav, it takes 2 seconds to sheath a weapon, though since your main gauche is so wide at the base, it makes sense that it would be able to be sheathed faster (since you have a wider target to hit, not to mention a shorter distance to slide it home).  You are currently in the same hex facing east with both sheathed, though your cloak and broadsword are not yet ready.  Three more rounds of action please.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 195):

"The lets push the bugger back down, so we only deal with one at a time! Coming through!"

Rondald steps back between the tables to aim for the critter, before rushing forward with all his strength, shield up, aiming to collide with the creatures upper chest in order to force it backwards. Once colliding, his next action will be dependent on what the creature does, but he hopes to remain so close to it that it cannot use its massive hammer against him, and hopefully those behind it might swing at him and hit their friend, so he will ditch his shield and attempt to grapple on the next round (unless the thing actually falls over!)
This message was last edited by the player at 08:47, Sun 13 May 2018.

The first behemoth had fallen easily to the group’s magic and steel, so Judoc expects the second will fall just as quickly. When Giles yells that two more are advancing up the stairs, though, Judoc’s jaw drops.  How many more of these things are there?  And there’s no doubt some evil wizard behind it all. He still aims his fireball at the lead creature, but he wonders if he should not make it bigger. Well, no matter. Four or one hundred and four, they’ll fall all the same.

OOC: Aim.

In the chaos of the melee, and with the din of stomping golems, steel on steel and his own heartbeat pulsing in his ears Magnus was only simply aware that others were on the verge of joining the fray.

After his last swing collided with a flagstone and left a chalky white mark upon it, Magnus had to completely cock back the heavy truncheon again before he stepped in again and swung low, keeping his shield high as he did so.

When Rondald did come charging in Magnus lent his strength to the effort, letting the head of the mace fall into his shield hand he used the haft to try to check the golem back just as Rondald collided.

Finn's mind wanders lazily like a schoolboy yearning for class to be over.  His thoughts drift to the small village surrounding the keep. Do they know of these wonders?


OOC:
If Rondald is moving to the top of the stairs then Finn will not risk shooting. However, if Rondald is not blocking him repeat the earlier process - draw an arrow, aim, fire if nothing is blocking my shot.

Gustav continues with his planned actions.

How quickly does the small room of the necromancer's descend into chaos!  The armored golem roars forward, swinging his warhammer on at a new foe, that of Finn who seems altogether surprised by the move though he darts back just in time for the weapon to shatter a stone tile that had been at his feet, just as quickly as he does the thing shifts it's gaze to Judoc, the next one on in the line.  Seeing the thing looking his direction, Judoc lobs his ball of flame directly at its face, though his aim is just off and the missile impacts at the collar, flaring into nonexistence upon the chestplate.

Before the thing can bring its weapon again to bear it is thrashed at both flanks by Giles and Magnus.  The human's sword cuts just shy of another devastating blow, though Magnus's aim is true and crashes straight into the monster's thigh, warping his steel leg guards like flimsy rice paper.  Yet somehow the thing rushes on!  It steps ahead again, swinging it's weapon down towards Judoc, though mercifully again the spike falls wide, smashing into the stone floor with an earsplitting crash.

Just then the seaman Rondald bellows a barbaric yawp, hurdling himself forward into the thing, shield first with a crash!  Though his shield buckles and cracks with the effort, he rams the thing just off balance forcing it a step back.  Magnus pushes hard from the side with his own shield shoving the thing off balance in yet another direction.  This time the monster does not catch his balance, but falls straight down towards Giles, who dives to the side just in time, his sword lashing out as he does, rending a huge gash in the massive pauldrons.  Like his brother before him, the life is emptied from this vessel all at once and he lays still on the ground, his massive weapon trapped beneath him...

Off to the side, Gustav has managed to ready his cape and broadsword...

OOC:  Nice two rounds there guys, I stopped you because the situation has changed fairly significantly.  The closest golem on the stairs is equipped with mace and shield, the farthest on the left with sword and shield, both garbed in the same plate armor as the others.  The golem that just fell is essentially laying across the two hexes at the top of the stairs, Rondald essentially in close combat with the thing's feet.  Any retreating defense or failed defense from those hexes will automatically require a DX roll to avoid falling over.  Judoc, you have a 2 point fireball ready with no aimed target yet (nor clear shot).  Finn, the thing attacked Judoc even with you standing partially in the way.  Luckily the hit wasn't close enough for both of you to need a defense.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 207):

Rondald steps over the fallen one and attempts to close in behind the net golem's shield, ready to dodge the weapon he expects to come his direction. He meets with the next one relatively gently, managing to avoid tripping as he does.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Wed 16 May 2018.

Magnus recovered his balance from his shove, but had no time to appreciate the beauty of Giles diving strike. With two more coming up the stairs, his attention was still needed elsewhere, and he could not trust their amazing luck to hold.

He took a long breath, forcing the air out and in as he realized that he had been holding it instinctively, then adjusted the grip on his mace just slightly...

When Rondald was suddenly back in the fray!

Not willing to risk braining his companion in the chaotic melee, Magnus took a step back to allow Rondald to execute whatever clever plan he was attempting.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Wed 16 May 2018.

Gustav steps up, taking Giles place, as Giles struggles to his feet. He is ready to throw the cloak when the monster reaches the step before the top.
His cloak doesn’t di as he had planned, but his follow up swing is delivered regardless.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:42, Wed 16 May 2018.

The young mercenary dances about as the most recent adversary reaches the top of the stairs and strikes out against he and Judoc.  Nimbly does Finn bob and weave away from danger, his keen senses keeping him on high alert.


OOC:
Do not draw another arrow.  Continue trying to stay between the thing and Judoc without interrupting his aim.

Ah, now this is why one fights in a team, Judoc realizes. With his potent magics, he has no doubt he could best one of these unliving creatures in one-on-one combat, but with people around him to help him fight, Judoc is even more unstoppable. His musings on the golem’s inability to reach him are rudely shaken, however, when the creature swings its massive hammer right at Judoc!  Surprised by the sudden assault, Judoc responds with a fistful of fire, but his aim is rattled, and the fireball splashes harmlessly against the stone sentinel’s plate armor.

Stepping back, Judoc readies another fireball even as his allies make short work of the second golem. But then, two more advance on their position. ”Kill one, and two take its place,” he murmurs, frowning, half talking to himself. ”I pray these constructs are not as resourceful as the Hydra.”

Now he searches for a fresh target, his attention focused on the stairs.

OOC: Wait until the next golem is in sight, then Aim at it.

The two hulking masses of clay and steel continue their approach up the stairs, though Rondald has thoughts to send them back down.  Setting himself for another charge he pushes off, his shoulder bared for center mass of the closest of the two.  He weaves as he runs, twisting his body wildly away from the mace blow aimed at him and pivoting on his foot to avoid the sword slash that comes slowly after.  But his last movement causes his step to falter, and rather than bringing a strong shoulder to the thing's chest he is twisting dangerously to the side and sorely off balance.

Wham!

The foe lashes forward with his shield at the last moment, slamming into Rondald and sending him stumbling backwards.  He catches his heel on the legs of the fallen golem and falls backward to his back, the chain links of his shirt clinking against the stone floor below...

OOC:  No new map this time, as there isn't a whole lot of movement.  Magnus has taken one step back and Gustav has moved 4 hexes forward, so that he is in the hex just behind Magnus.  I realize now that the way I wrote Giles's action last round made it sound like he was actually diving to the floor, though in reality he was more just jumping out of the way, he is still standing in the same hex, waiting for a clear shot.  Judoc, you have one round of aim on the golem on the right (mace weilder) and a clear shot at the moment.  Rondald is supine with his feet facing the golem, basically in the same location he is now.  Let's try two rounds of action this time.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 213):

Rondald will twist slightly and roll backwards, away from the creature, keeping a careful eye on the thing to avoid any attacks. Once out of range (assuming it does not follow him) he will start to get up.

"DUMB FRIKIN ROCK< THAT THE BEST YOU CAN DO? YOU GOT ROCKS FOR BRAINS, YOU HEAR ME!"

Magnus was not sure what he had expected, but when Rondald was sent stumbling back, uttering curses as he went, Magnus's eyes went wide.

Quickly he rejoined the fray, and swung across and low as he had before at the legs, which he hoped would be less easy to cover with the enemies broad shield. It was almost as if he were meeting his unloving twin in some kind of duel, armed as they were for equal combat.

Had it been some mortal for they faced, the steel shod cudgel driven by Magnus's sheer physicality might have shattered femurs and pulverized knee caps, but against these armored sentinels, it was hard to say.

Finn Razzel, ever the happy-go-lucky individual, thinks nothing of their predicament – entering an unknown enemy tower and running headlong into an unknown number of magical servants dressed in heavy armor.  For the young mercenary it's just another day navigating the world of trading his skills for coin.

But when he sees Rondald go down Finn feels compelled to do something.


OOC:
Reach out to Rondald.  If it looks like he is going to be attacked and I can intervene without hindering him, grab Rondald and attempt to pull him out of the way.

Having accomplished nothing with his last swing, Gustav strikes for the Monsters right arm, hoping to deprive it of its weapon.

These creatures must be immensely strong, Judoc thinks, but they move slowly. The mage has a clear shot at the closest of the two, so seeing his opportunity, Judoc hurls his ball of fire at the closest animated golem. Just as quickly as he launches his flaming projectile, he begins summoning another from the mana around him.

OOC: Attack the golem with the fireball.

Flat on his ass, Rondand shoves himself back with his heels digging into the stone floor for every bit of traction he can muster.  "Dumb frikin rock..."  He manages to spit out before the mace comes crashing down fast and hard, and only because he holds a shield the size of a small horse in front of him is he able to deflect the blow.  Crack!  The thin and wide planks splinter and break, the handle smacking against his hand painfully, though thankfully the structure and rim of his aegis manage yet to hold...

Finn is quick to realize Rondald's dire predicament and steps forward as he reaches down, grabbing the man by the collar as he pulls pulls back, trying to aid the man as he crabwalks backwards feverishly.

Likewise, Magnus comes to Rondald's defense, stepping forward with a swing of his own mace, though this new foe proves to be somewhat more skilled than the last, bringing his own shield up to bear which rebounds the mace with only minor complaints.  It is only moments that Magnus has to spare however, for the second monstrosity steps up from below, swinging its sword outward with deadly accuracy.  Magnus leaps to the side just in time, the arc of the weapon cleaving through air just shy of a deadly strike.

Drunken with his success, Giles slashes out again with his sword, though this time his attack cuts just shy of his target striking nothing but air...

From behind, Judoc lobs his ball of flame directly at the nearest monster's face.  His aim is good, and the attack surprises it enough that it isn't able to raise it's shield in time.  The fireball bursts into a puff of light and heat singing the stone and earth of its face sending it's aim off entirely as its mace crashes into the stone floor below rather than Rondald's legs.

Gustav rushes to the scene, his broadsword cut in an expert overhand arc, thought the steel only rattles off the armguard of the golem, leaving a sizable dent and the monster turns his body to face the new threat...

"[Language unknown:  Nd eau atsti!]"  A voice calls from down below.

OOC:  Two rounds of combat that time and we have a new map posted below.  Gustav, you just managed to get close enough to swing your sword on the second turn, and that was your first real attack of the fight.  Magnus, you hit twice, but both were successfully defended.  Giles missed twice, Gustav had one hit which failed to penetrate DR.  Rondald is still on his back, though it seems as though his foe has been pulled off of him for the moment.  Finn is standing with Ronald grappled with his right hand.
 Judoc, you have a 1 point fireball ready with no aim at this time.  Rondald, roll vs, IQ-4, Finn roll vs. IQ-3.  In the map, the mace wielder is to the south facing southwest, the sword wielder to the north, facing west.  Let's try another two rounds of combat.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 219):

Rondald called out to Finn

"Help me up and at him..." as he struggles to his knees, then springs up and at the torso of the monster, flinging his shield aside as he does so and grabbing the torso of the rock, drawing himself inside the monsters shield and putting his face a mere inch from the stony or clay features of the creation.

Seeing the Monster face him, Gustav takes a step back and goes to all out Defense (two defenses -Parry and Dodge). Hopefully this will give Giles a clear back shot, as the other monster seems to be engaging Magnus.

As soon as the Monster attacks, he will step forward and swing at it's weapon arm in an all out attack (Strong), +2 to damage.

Finn is an eternal optimist and thank the heavens for it.  For it he weren't he might be on the verge of loosing hope.  After all, how long could they keep this up?


OOC:
If I can pull Rondald to his feet.  If I am attacked let go of Rondald so I can do a Retreating Dodge.

Magnus's confident look faltered as the blade whipped by mere inches from him, and his nostrils flared with the effort of staying out of reach.

But as soon as the blade passed Magnus matched it with his own. The mace came about opposite and came down towards the golems right shoulder, before he rebounded and came back on a full arc around up towards what he hoped would be an unprotected groin.

Although they could not feel pain, he hoped for the sake of mobility that whatever protection was there might be thinner than the plate around it.

The fire flickers in Judoc’s hands as the battle rages in front of him. Two of the stone creatures had fallen easily enough, and only two remained. But was that a voice in Arabic calling out from below? Judoc frowns. He does not like not knowing something. Perhaps when he returns to the College, he should spend some time studying various languages.

For now, he focuses his attention on the nearest golem.

OOC: Aim.

Bedlam rules as the group of six seek to swarm the two golems.  Magnus flings his mace in an angry chop, and though the shield block is just off, the blow clangs against the plated armguard, causing a savage dent but little real damage.  The Golem strikes back with his sword, and though Magnus leaps back to avoid the blow, the edge catches the rim of his shield, cutting several inches deep into the wooden base before the monster recovers it.

Gustav too is on the defensive.  He holds his sword ready, his body limber to leap out of the way, though the golem's blow is short, hitting Gustav with little but a mild breeze.  Giles too, misses his mark, his sword clanking off the steel at the back of the golem's collar, denting the plate but leaving the foe beneath unscathed.

Feeling the upper hand, Gustav hacks back with his broadsword, thought the golem raises his shield with plenty of time, swatting the sword away as it unleashes an attack of its own.  Gustav is taken completely by surprise and the the mace collides with his chest with bone crushing force!  Ribs crackle beneath the blow as the wind is entirely sucked from Gustav's lungs!  So brutal is the blow that Gustav is thrown back several steps before he falls to the ground, his sword clattering down to his right as his cloak too slips from his fingers.   His eyes bulging and his chest heaving, Gustav struggles to regain his breath...

"Shit!"  Giles cries as he watches his friend falter before him, his foe still standing even with its back turned this entire time.  "Eraaaagh!"  He lashes out again with his sword, this time finding his mark, the steel severing the clay neck deep enough to sever a normal being's spinal column.  His head lolling off to the side, the monster crashes forward to the ground, Giles barely clearing his sword free from the carcass as it falls.

The sword weilder swats his weapon at Magnus, though the blow is short and Magnus comes back for an immediate counter-stroke.  Though the strike is true, the monstrosity bats the mace away with such force that the mace slips from Magnus's grip tumbling downward before it comes to hang from his wrist limply on it's lanyard.

With the help of Finn, Rondald is helped to his feet, thankfully without further harassment.

OOC:  Eventful turn for both sides.  Gustav, you have been hit with a heavy wound to the chest that has knocked you back a hex and stunned you.  Roll vs. HT, if you succeed, you may take action on the Second turn this post, failure means unconsciousness.  You are now laying on your back with your head in the hex on the map and your feet in the hex to the right.  You have dropped both your broadsword and cloak.  Let's do another two seconds of combat.  The 'G' hexes have collapsed golems in them and as such do not have good footing.

The fireball glows in Judoc’s hand as he takes aim at his next victim, but the creature falls at Giles’ well-placed sword swipe. However, Gustav has been wounded, too, badly by the looks of it. Without taking the time to aim, Judoc throws his fireball right at the last standing golem’s face and then turns to see to Gustav’s wounds. And still there is the voice from below to contend with . . .

OOC: Throw fireball at fourth golem.

In reply to Judoc the Merciful (msg # 226):

Rondald thinks for a second about charging in and grabbing the creature, before deciding otherwise. Glancing at Giles, who has been so effective from behind it, he steps back beside Finn, sheathing his knife and grabbing his crossbow from the table, slinging it.

"Did anyone understand from the voice how long before we have more company?" he half growls, half asks in a low voice.

Magnus's shield squealed in protest as the Golem effortlessly pryed it's sword from the Minotaur's bulwark.

The Horned One, as their unfortunately absent companion might have called him, was still in the fight, but was being worn down fast from his time on the front line. His head and neck were damp from sweat and his mouth hung open with his nostrils flaring with every breath.

His next blow was weaker than his previous ones, and the one after that was batted from his hand with such force that it launched his weapon straight out of his hand! But thankfully he seemed to have at least some experience with the realities of combat and his tether jerked taut, and had turned a disaster into an inconvenience.

He scrambled to snatch up his mace with his weapon hand, making a circular motion to catch it, as he continued to be pressed back by the golems onslaught.

Razzel sees their first sign of real trouble and it isn't a conscious thought but there is the fleeting awareness that the team is impressive.  Six men who have never worked together before, magicking their way into the heart of an enemy fortress and battling not one animated guards but upwards of half a dozen.

Finn ignores Rondalds inquiry as he has naught to contribute, instead focusing his attention upon the fallen comrade.  The young mercenary-mage reaches out trying to grab the collar without getting his hand lopped off.


OOC:
If possible without suffering severe injury myself the goal is to grab Gustav and drag him from the fray, then cast healing on him.

Gustav Takes a second to gather himself... he hurts to breathe and he has to think for second ... MONSTER!!! ... Gods! He is vulnerable!  He looks to see it sagging to the ground ... so Giles was able to take advantage of the distraction, Thank The Spirits for that ... damn he hurts, that freaking Monster moved far faster than he had given it credit for ... He tries to push with his feet to slide back ... it takes everything he has, but he slides back a foot or so ... the pain is incredible .. he pauses before trying again.

THERE ARE NO VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS IN THIS POST

Magnus struggles to regain the mace to his hand, while his shield is held high ready for an attack from his heavily armed foe.  And the attack does come... not once but twice!  Swinging the sword with gargantuan force, the golem presses forward, his blade slashing out towards Magnus who leaps back, narrowly missing the treacherous arc and leaning away just in time as he swings it again.  Giles too leaps forward, his sword arm swinging fiercely, though again the weapon only clang's off the monster's pauldron.  Judoc too tries his hand against the beast, launching his fiery weapon high for an open target, though yet again he is foiled, this time striking across the chestplate as the fireball flashes back to nothingness.

Free for the moment from an oppressor, Gustav scuttles back on hands and feet trying to get free of the melee.  The small action causes him no small discomfort, and each breath is shallow and wracked with a crushing, hollow pain.  Finn dashes over to assist the swordsman, gripping him under the arms to help drag him from the fight.

Rondald, for his part, puts his mind towards the future, running back to the table to grab his crossbow in preparation for the next foe to ascend the stairs.

His weapon finally back in a firm grip, Magnus renews his own offense, his mace crushing into the golem's armguard just above the level of his shield.  Again, the steel of the armor warps to an impossible angle with force that would easily break bone, though the golem hardly seems to notice.  Giles too makes his attack count this time, slicing his weapon in a savage and all-encompassing attack which strikes the monster again at the nape, cutting deeply into his flesh.

Though Giles's attack is not enough... he presses too hard and he pays the price.

The monster's sword whips around, taking Giles completely by surprise.  It cuts deeply into his mail-linked shirt at his side, sending a ribbon of blood falling to the floor.  Yet the weapon comes down a second time!  It tears into the links at Giles's shoulder, yet somehow Giles manages to keep his feet, his form hunched over and looking ready to topple.

Below the din, Judoc whispers a few words of power, reaching out with his staff towards Gustav with his staff.  Instantly, the swordsman's pain eases, his breathing eased enough to allow a full breath.

OOC:  Gustav has been healed for a significant amount and is no longer in danger of passing out.  Technically, that is also Judoc's third turn, though there is nothing stopping him at this point so I played it out.  Gustav is also at full move and dodge though he is still unarmed and supine, with his cloak and sword one hex to your right on the map.  Giles has been hit for two moderate blows which put him at half move and dodge though he is not yet in danger of unconsciousness.  Magnus has a ready mace.  Please note your dwindling fatigue.  Rondald has his crossbow 1/2 slinged, it will take one more turn to throw it over your shoulder.  It is not cocked nor loaded.  Finn has Gustav grappled with his right arm, your bow is still in your left hand.  Let's do another two seconds.  The G's in the picture are the unconscious golems, the S is Rondald's shield.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 231):

Rondald wastes no time slinging his bow and drawing back the drawstring. Whatever injuries the others were suffering, they did not need other arrivals to distract them, so he keeps an eye out as he moves towards the top of the stairs as he prepares his weapon.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:41, Thu 24 May 2018.

On the battle rages, the last golem providing a stouter opponent than the first three. His companions fight wonderfully, though, and Judoc is not concerned with their odds. And where did Giles learn to fight like that? His martial prowess is quite impressive. Then the golem gets two lucky hits in, and Judoc winces with the effect of the blows.

Staff extending, Judoc reaches out and heals Gustav of some of the man's injuries. Then, he sidesteps and reaches out across one of the fallen creatures to do the same for Giles.

OOC: Step 1 yard east and stretch out Judoc's staff to heal Giles.

Magnus, although miraculously unharmed as of yet, had obviously reached the point where he had to worry about exhausting himself. Clad head to hoof in steel links, and whipping his heavy shield and mace this way and that in his struggle was simply exhausting.

And then, in the blink of an eye, Giles...the one who had been holding the opposite flank, the one who had fought side by side with him at the top of the stairs on the front line was opened up, not once, but twice with ugly looking sword wounds.

Magnus could smell the blood now in a way that he had not when Gustav had been crushed, and thankfully continued to display some degree of rational thinking despite his more primal instincts urging him on.

With the things back turned he stepped in as quick as he dared to capitalize on it. But would it be enough?

Finn Razzel is an extraordinary wizard, thief and warrior but alas, he doesn't know everything.  This whole scene seems odd but he can't put his finger on why.  The golems coming in ever increasing pairs, why wouldn't the wizard begin sending his strongest?  Finn supposes its a chess game, perhaps the necromancer doesn't wish to part with his strongest guardians...but, still something seems off.   And then something catches Finn's eye.

Letting go of the now healthy Gustav Razzel darts past the group with excitement adorning his face.

"Finn, The East Wall Flickers ... what is it?"

Gustav struggles to his feet and draws Saber and Main Gauche, coming on guard and eyeing the East wall, as well as quick looks around them.

Crunch!

Magnus's thick balled mace crashes into the golem's back between his shoulder blades, crushing and buckling the thick plate and tearing into the soft flesh below.  In a blink, the life is gone from the monster and its plated form falls forward towards Giles.  Bloodied and in a stupor, Giles attempts to stumble backwards, though his movements are sluggish and inefective.  The golem's shoulder catches the man just above the hip, as it falls and takes Giles down with it.  The two armored warriors crash to the ground in a tinkling of chain links and steel plate.  Giles's breath expels in a sigh as his eyes crash shut, the massive form of the golem trapping his legs below.

Meanwhile, Finn leaps over the frenzy to see what is causing the flickering light upon the wall, though before he makes it entirely around the column, what he sees causes him to stop.  Dancing midair, and entirely by itself is a fireball not unlike the ones that Judoc has been conjuring.  Though where Judoc's had been something the size of a lemon and rather benign, this one is as large as a grapefruit and sparkles with electric light...



OOC:  Sorry for the short and crappy post, the weekend has been eventful and I'm highly distracted,  however, I wanted to get things moving again.  Giles was pinned when the Golem fell, forcing a HT roll to stay conscious, which he failed.  Judoc has successfully healed him for 4 points, though he is still unconscious.  Gustav has made it to his feet and has successfully drawn his saber and knife.  Rondald has put the sling around his shoulder and has is 1/2 the way through cocking his crossbow.  The Map is mostly the same as the last post, though Magnus, the golem and Giles are all 1 hex to the right (with the Golem and Giles lying down and unconscious) and Finn is now standing in the hex NE of the NE column.  The Fireball is at range 1, in the hex immediately east of the column.  Finn, roll vs IQ to avoid mental stun for 1 second.  Everyone, please roll a Perception roll at +1 and if successful, a defense roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:44, Mon 28 May 2018.

Gustav looks at the fireball and backs away trying to use his Main Gauche, with it's full hand guard to parry it.

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 238):

Rondald is busy loading his crossbow and does not notice the ball of fire in the room.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Mon 28 May 2018.

Finn skids to a halt stunned by the sudden appearance of a ball of flame.  He knows easily that mages can conjure and manipulate the mana around them to transform the mystical energy into flame, but then, where is the mage bending the mana?  Or is this ball of fire created from some item?  Objects can after all be permanently imbued with the power to change matter.  But what?

As Razzel stares at the thing hovering in front of him he hears the sounds of another plated golem fall and wonders silently how may more there are.


OOC:
So am I understanding correctly?  I am NE of the NE most column, and a grapefruit sized fireball has appeared 1 hex to the east of me?

Like some sort of surreal eclipse, as the hulking body of the animated servant collapsed beneath the impact of the mace, so did it reveal the magical sphere burning in the East.

Magnus, his faith in the proof of his blood against magic shaken, hurled himself to the ground, making an effort to utilize the fallen Golems and his vicinity to the staircase to his advantage.

Finn stands fast for a moment, staring at the ball of flame that dances midair in front of him.  The light reflects and dances across the column ahead and the opposite wall, making it apparent that the flickering he had seen on the wall was just a reflection of this magic.  Finn looks behind him, expecting another golem, barely recognizing the movement as it flashes in front of his face.

Finn jumps back just in time as the fireball just misses his right shoulder on its way across the room.  Magnus and Judoc do not look twice as they see the thing hurtling towards them, but dive to the ground in a desparate effort to get out of the things way.  Gustav alone stands fast, leaning forward with his main-gauche, thinking to smack the thing in a deflection off course.  However the fireball veers low, short even of Gustav's feet and he readjusts his weight, leaning back and forsaking the projectile to try and discern just where the thing came from.

KA-BOOM!

Gustav is completely unprepared for the blast, which explodes just shy of his toes and sends a concussion which lifts him off his feet and throws him backward like a rag doll.  Though his weapons are cast from his hands, Gustav is barely aware, such is the pain that shoots upward through his shins and knees.  Gustav crashes back down to the earth, slamming onto his back as he gasps for breath.

Shards of the fire splash onto Magnus too, burning clear through the links on his chain leggings, though thankfully they only smolder shallow in the skin, causing pain but little in the way of real damage.

Finn's head snaps back as a voice screams out from just ahead of him.  "[Language unknown:  Esbut weth ilicsace, wheessect la semour a omlo Thi trfoulutat thatiooutomeeau tedencpro Acomla!]"

OOC:  Updated battle map is posted.  Finn, sorry for the confusion, but the fireball originated one hex to the SE of you, or just east of the column.  You are facing SE right now and the shouting voice came from immediately in front of you.  You still have your bow in your left hand with an empty right hand.  It is apparent to you now that the flickering that you saw on the eastern wall was just the reflecting light from the fireball, (which you couldn't see until you got around the column) there is nothing flickering on the wall at this point.  Gustav, so sorry about the turn of events.  You have taken a life threatening injury to the legs and Torso.  Roll vs. HT to stay conscious.
 If you succeed that, you are still stunned for a round.  Roll an additional two HT rolls, the first labeled HT-conscious, the second labeled HT-stun.  If you succeed both of those you may act normally on the second turn, though at half move and dodge.  Your right leg is temporarily crippled for the fight and your left has been seared and is in extreme pain.  Rondald, your Crossbow is fully cocked and you have a bolt in your right hand, ready to load.  It will take 1 more turn to load, and then another to ready the crossbow.  Both Magnus and Judoc are Prone in the hexes depicted.  Niether seems significantly injured.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 242):

There is some advantage to standing back: it gives one the chance to see what is going on better. The source of the voice was just ahead of Finn, but there was nobody there! But Rondald had fought in darkness enough to know to never completely trust his eyes, and with what he heard and now had seen with regards to magic, now was such a time. Realizing the enemy was closer than he first thought, he finishes loading his crossbow, just in case, before dropping it to swing down beside him on it's sling to draw his knife, slashing out at the source of the sound in a smooth motion as he steps to the square ahead of Finn.

Imagine a group of heavily armed strangers, sneaking into your home at dawn, shooting at your dire murder eagle, stealing your possessions and destroying your four golems you have so lovingly crafted. Life as a necromancer has its ups and downs. On the positive side, if you're ever lonely, you can just raise up some new friends. On the negative, nations tend to get uneasy about dark arcane arts, especially those that may potentially power an undead invasion.

"He's invisible!" Judoc shouts. "We speak Anglish, not Arabic!" he yells to who he is sure is the necromancer.  He switches to Latin in case the necromancer speaks that language. 

Once more reaching out with his staff, Judoc lunges for Gustav this time as the mage whispers a few words of a healing incantation.

OOC: Cast on Gustav.

It seemed a miraculous thing that a person could spent nineteen years on Yrth, and for the most part be restricted to the mundane affairs of every day life, and then suddenly be thrust into the kind of fantastic stories normally reserved for childrens tales and especially drunk raconteurs.

Hulking clay men, tremendous birds, magic circles and then now...now whatever witchcraft this was. It resembled in some ways Judoc's craft, the little hot balls of magical flame, but bigger and more ominous

Layered as he was beneath steel ring mail, his padded arming garments and a dense coat of fur, Magnus felt himself well insulated...the sweat dripping from him was proof of that. But He still threw himself down, not really expecting much, not really knowing to expect.

The blast of heat, like a roaring bread oven, and then the painful pinpricks of flame that shot over and around the gap in the bottom of his leggings, the fur on his hooves. He suddenly reeked of singed hair.

But, at least as far as he could tell, he was not really harmed.

The Minotaur hauled himself up, using his shield and mace for balance as he rose to one knee amid a clatter of ring mail.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:27, Fri 01 June 2018.

In all of this chaos; the screams, the clanking of armor and weapons, the relative quietly mumbled words in an arcane tongue, part of Finns mind contemplates the dire situation of being an established sorcerer.  It takes years to acquire the knowledge to gain the reputation of being a wizard, not just some apprentice, novice or journeyman.  And to say nothing of the trappings.  A thick tome of varied and powerful spells, followers, magical items, reagents, land which you can defend, a pet and more.  It almost boggles the mind.  Razzel had once upon a time thought about all of this in the sense that children imagine being grown ups.  They fantasize about all the fun and glory while forgetting about the work, the responsibility and the strife.  This man, this necromancer, whatever his crime, is now under siege by a hostile force and Finn philosophically debates the notion that no matter what you do its possible someone will not like it and label you an enemy.

But part of his mind is fixated on the here and now.  This unseen voice so close to him that the young mercenary could nearly reach out and touch him. And that's just what Finn does.


OOC:
Drop bow as a free action.  Move towards where I heard the voice and attempt to grapple.

Gustav's Mind Races ... or more correctly spins as he makes a bad choice. " Holy Crap !" he manages as he hits the floor ... he struggles to bring his mind under control, but he gets a blue screen instead.

Gustav's body stiffens for a moment as he gasps in a ragged breath, his eyes wide and horror-struck.  The ball of flame has devastated his front side, searing a hole in the thick leather leggings which reveals a blackened char beneath that issues a thin steam.  It is only for a moment however that he struggles before his body slackens and falls limply to the floor.

Distraught by the carnage he sees in front of him, Judoc reaches forward with his staff, whispering a few words of power as he attempts to channel the mana into healing the massive wound.  But his exhaustion confounds him and the mana slips from his concentration the spell falling apart even before it is cast.

Meanwhile, Rondald loads his crossbow, placing the bolt in the groove as he steps forward and lets the crossbow swing to his back, pulling out his knife as he rushes forward to meet this invisible foe.

Finn too rushes forward, dropping his bow as his arms swing wide in an attempt to grab the invisible foe in a great bear hug.  His left hand just barely grabs at a bit of cloth and arm, though the contact takes him by surprise and as he clutches his fist tight it barely slips out of his grasp.  "You are dogs!"  The invisible voice shrieks out as a meaty thwack rings out on the back of Finn's left thigh.  He sucks his teeth in pain, though thankfully his armor takes the brunt of any real damage.

OOC:  Finn has stepped forward one hex (now east of the column).  Rondald has loaded his crossbow and run forward to assist, though held his strike as he isn't sure where to hit at this point.  He is standing one hex southwest of Finn.  The voice seems to be coming from ahead of you somewhere.  Rondald, roll vs. IQ.   Magnus is now in a standing position in the same hex he is depicted on the last map.  Judoc is kneeling in the same hex as depicted.  No map this time, as it saves me time and you don't really know where the enemy is anyway.  Let's do 3 rounds of combat.  I'll stop things if there is any significant change.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 248):

Rondald continues moving towards the sound, hoping to run into it and swinging wildly, trying to hear where the invisible mage is. His efforts would be comical if it were not for the dire situation, making him look like a rank amateur, and he clearly is aware of the fact.

"Coward hiding behind magic, huh? I would suggest you show yourself but I know you are too much of a coward for that!"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:40, Fri 01 June 2018.

When it became evident that Finn was trying to catch their attacker, and that the mage was in fact invisible Magnus hauled himself up to help.

But while he was eager to lay hands on the master of the tower, the fight with the clay men had sapped much of his vigor, he drew deep ragged breaths and sweat dripped from his nose, his posture was slack and he moved as if carrying an even greater weight than he already was.

He shuffled towards the sound of the voice, and then looked distractedly at Rondald before he brought a single fat finger to his lips, indicating that he wanted some silence. It seemed that the Minotaur was going to try and hear where their attacker was.

Few mages are gifted with as much raw potential as Judoc is. On top of being naturally intelligent and quick to grasp abstract theories, he has a deep abiding affinity with the natural world. Mana flows through him like a subterranean river. He can do many things with his abilities, and the powestone Baron Graves gifted him extends his capabilities even further, but even Judoc has limits.

Now, looking down at the mangled, charred form of Gustav, he remembers the classroom instruction of Baron Reisalter on the finer points of healing magic. Though the Fire College is Judoc’s area of expertise, the young mage is a gifted healer as well, but in his haste to cast, he neglected what Reisalter had said about healing spells. One of the quirks of the Healing College is that many spells resist being cast multiple times per day. It is fortunate for Gustav that Judoc knows more than one Healing spell, though, for he concentrates on summoning more mana to repair some of the damage caused by the necromancer’s fireball.

OOC: Cast again on Gustav.

“You are dogs”, the words ring over and over in his mind as Finn searches out the unseen source of the voice and the fist or object that has struck him.  Razzel nods ever so slightly in agreement.  After all this band has traveled miles to invade someone's home and destroy their guards.  But, this is business.  Feeling no guilt Finn tries again to lash out at the apparent necromancer.


OOC:
Same as before.  Move towards where I heard the voice and attempt to grapple.

What a scene the adventurers make, Rondald slashing about at the air with his knife as if fighting an imaginary foe and Finn, swinging his arms around as if trying to hug a woman who is always running away.  Magnus steps forward too, his shield readied and still holding his mace, trying to determine where to send his own attack.

Judoc stands to his feet, reaching out his staff again towards Gustav, and this time the char on Gustav's wound crackles and breaks open as it dries, looking no better than before, though Judoc knows that this spell is a success.

Aiah  The birds cry sounds just as her name as she swoops across from a corner of the room, landing on a table behind Judoc. 

Lunging forward, Finn grasps both hands at the air again and cries aloud in surprise as his hands clutch down, though the shout turns into one of alarm as his foot slips out from under him and he stubles to the ground below, his arm hanging as if suspended by the wrist from a rope.

As if to put an exclamation point on his bad luck, another of the balls of flame appear directly above his head, as if ready to drop on him and burst him into flame...

OOC:  Judoc, please note your exceedingly low FP.  You are currently half move/dodge/ST.  Rondald didn't manage to get any hits, but neither did he get attacked, so it's a wash.  Magnus has stepped forward, though hasn't really gotten a good idea where the mage is until now.  You still have your mace ready in your right hand.  If you plan on making an attack, please give details as to where you are stepping, and where you are attacking.  Also please include any appropriate defenses.  Note that you will get a full defense from dodging/blocking/parrying the fireball since you can see it.  Everyone roll vs. perception (hearing) please.  Lets do another two rounds of combat.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 253):

Rondald tries to move around behind the fireball, swinging wildly in a ridiculous display of extremely poor skill that is more likely to kill random insects than to worry the invisible mage.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Sat 02 June 2018.

There are a lot of things in this world that Finn Razzel hasn't done.  He's never tasted far off exotic food.  He's never danced with nobility.  He's never made love to twins.  He's never ridden on a wyvern.  And he's never wrestled with an invisible man while they're dancing away in an attempt to avoid being held.  And he's never done these things because, well, they're pretty difficult.  Turns out that last one isn't so hard after all.  For Finn anyway.

The plucky optimistic young mage grabs hold of something that feels like cloth, robes he's guessing.  Just as he's celebrating his victory the necromancer pulls back causing Finn's foot to slip but the Bravado doesn't give up, he holds on tight.  His eyes widen as he spots another ball of flame form from nothing and grow bigger and bigger.  Remembering what happened to Gustav Finn screams excitedly, ”Kill him!”

Sweat rolls down Judoc's face. The mage is barely standing after his healing attempts, and the invisible necromancer still roams the floor, summoning more of his explosive fireballs. Judoc recalls his battle with Thresher, how Judoc had pushed himself to near the point of passing out, how his bluff with more fireballs had made the costumed Death surrender. Now, Judoc finds himself on the receiving end of another fire magic practitioner, an invisible one at that. He had been meaning to learn how to see invisible enemies, but he hadn't gotten around to learning that spell yet, to his dismay.

Aiah screeches in his head, just like a woman, and Judoc grimaces in pain, but he knows she is right. He takes a few steps back, keeping an eye on the fireball and trying to listen for the mage.

OOC: Ready staff. Step back. All-out defense.

Magnus's broad head swiveled this way and that as if trying to catch the sound of the mage moving among them. The sound of his own hooves on the tile and the jingling of his armor did not help, but he seemed to think he was closing in.

Then suddenly, when Finn was upended and the ball of flame sparked into existence, he lurched forward and cocked his mace back, spurred on by Finn's plea.

Rondald steps ahead, slashing out with his knife again towards where he thinks the invisible sorcerer stands again and again, he hits nothing though and his frustrations begin to boil over.

Even as he attacks though, the ball of flames drops directly down, plummeting towards Finn, though Finn kicks his body out of the way of the fireball, it strikes the ground below him, exploding on impact!  Embers tear through his new leather armor and sit against his skin, scalding and smoldering against his ribs and side.  Rondald, too takes flakes of burning ember that shear into his unprotected legs, searing in pain and sending his next attack wide of its target.  A third scream too, joins the chorus, and the small of scalded leather, hair and skin begins to spread throughout the small laboratory.  Somehow, unbelievably, Finn holds on, though his grips slips and his arm slithers down the cloak to grasp somewhere around the hemline.

Magnus steps forward towards the fray, swinging his own mace as he arrives once, twice, though like Rondald before him his is unable to make the swing count.

Barely clutching onto the hemline of the garment, Finn feels a sharp tug, though he tightens his grip and manages to keep a bit of garment in his grasp.

Judoc keeps his face towards the fray, though he retreats towards the back wall, attempting to escape the melee. 

OOC:  Rondald, Finn, and Magnus have the hex where they believe the spellcaster to be surrounded on three sides (Finn on the west, Rondald to the southwest, and Magnus to the northeast).  However Finn is still laying down.  Finn took a major wound to the torso, Rondald a light wound to the legs.  Finn you are now at half move and dodge.  As a reminder, if you want to spend a hero point, I will reroll your attack up to three times if you don't hit on the first try.  It does not give you an automatic success.  However, this might be the time to employ one if you have it.  Both Finn and Rondald are not suffering from the effects of shock (which I employed the last turn).  Let's do 2 more turns.  Also note that an all out attack will still give you a +4, as will Telegraphed, although you add a +2 to the defense.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:29, Mon 04 June 2018.

Rondald cried out in pain as the burning embers bit into his leg. The smell of burning flesh was never nice, particularly when it was his own. He noticed Finn holding something, or someone, and imagined the person he was holding following the cries of pain from the invisible source that must also have been burnt, he cut short his own cry to focus on the source of the invisible cry of pain, and slashed out at it. It seems to strike something at last! Following the drops of blood, he makes a much more determined attack, this time caring little for his own welfare...
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:08, Tue 19 June 2018.

Fire licks every part of Finn.  He scowls and groans in pain as he hangs on out of sheer stubbornness.  He's heard the expression before, 'hanging on for dear life', and he supposes it could apply here.  If this necromancer could wield his magic while invisible the man could take them all out one at a time, and possibly Razzel freezing this man in place could be the turning point they need.  Though Finn doesn't think of it as saving his own life but all of theirs.

However the young chipper mercenary knows that he cannot weather more of this terrible magic, not head on at any rate and so quielty Finn releases his grip and begins to achingly roll away.

Judoc winces as the fireball comes crashing down, burning Finn, Rondald, and a third unseen person, probably the necromancer they've been sent here to kill, though Judoc wonders why the man would allow himself to be hit by his own magic. Judoc is going to have his hands full healing everyone after this is all over, but first things first, eliminate the remaining hostiles.

Concentrating, the mage summons another small globe of fire. Judoc cannot hit what he cannot see, but perhaps an opportunity will present itself.

OOC: Take one hand off the staff. Begin casting again.

"Hold on Finn!" Magnus exhorted the wounded man as he lashed out again and again. He tried to imagine how the mage might be standing, how he might be looking at them from his magical hiding place and attempting to evade their efforts. Surely he knew that the day was lost? That they were bound to get him eventually? Was this just spite? or did he have some plan to try and evade or evict them for good?

Clutching on with all his strength, Finn feels another pull at the robes he is clutching onto begin to slip once again from his grasp.  This time, the tug is so firm that the bit of cloth slips out of his hands entirely.  He rolls away, crying out involuntarily as he puts pressure to the wound on his back.  He stops just far enough to keep himself out of the fray.  Head clouded in pain, Finn begins a few short words and hand gestures to help ease his own pain.

Meanwhile Rondald and Magnus press the attack, Rondald swinging his blade with deadly accuracy at the place he feels sure the necromancer is standing, though with a swish of cloth it seems the wizard evades and Rondald's weapon makes no purchase...  Magnus too swings his mace to where he thinks the necromancer stands though his weapon makes no impact.

Another whoosh of air sounds as Magnus and Rondald hear the man rushing towards them.  Each swing again with their weapons, though neither impact and they suspect their aim was too late as the rustle of a cloak and the rush of air in the wake of a body passes just between them...  Each of the fighters strain to hear their foe, but it seems like an eternity before anything sounds above their own labored breathing... one of the fallen Golems stirs and then is still, a small clink of his armor meeting meeting at a joint as if an elbow or a shoulder had been flexed...

OOC:  Judoc, roll vs. Hearing -2.  You may attempt throwing your fireball if you wish, though it would be unaimed and you would be at both ranged and invisibility penalties... so good luck.  Same deal goes to anyone who wishes to throw a weapon which can be used as a ranged weapon.  Finn has rolled away from the mage and successfully cast Major healing on himself which is reflected on your character sheet.  Finn is now half move/dodge/ST (also Judoc).  Two more rounds.  If the fighters want to chase, you have two options, either move towards where you think the mage is going (in which case, tell me which hex you want to move to and describe any other actions you want to take) or roll vs. Hearing and I will move you towards the location of where you think the noise is coming from on your next turn.  While the map isn't entirely accurate, it's quickly losing it's usefulness so again I'm leaving off that 30 minutes of work to try and get something up in a more timely manner.  Please note for future reference that if you want to take an action that would affect your roll you must make it clear in the dice roll or it will not be counted.  I will not allow someone to roll '3d6 - swing bastard sword' subsequently fail by 7, and then post 'All out Attack - determined +4, Telegraphic +4, succeeded by 1'.  Instead you will be counted as having missed and will be given a normal defense.  If you want those modifiers, please roll 'Telegraphic +4, AOA +4 swing bastard sword'...  Same goes for hit location, put it in your roll if you want it counted.

Rondald initially thought he heard a noise over on the tables, but when he rushed over there it turned out to be just wind rustling some papers. He stops again and listens, trying to pick where the invisible killer is now...
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:07, Tue 19 June 2018.

Finn rolls a short distance and begins twitching his fingers as he murmurs a few choice words.  Instantly the mana is pulled from his surroundings accelerating his own body's natural recuperative properties.  Skin mends and the brownish, dried color fades leaving a glowing pink.  Hair regrows and he feels almost tip top again, if not for the incredible exhaustion that now plagues him.

Sweat beads on his brow and his breathing comes in ragged bursts.  Finn drags himself to one knee slowly, then the other.  But fight on he must, their mission is close at hand but not yet over.

Judoc stands perfectly still, the small globe of fire burning brightly in his right hand. Somewhere in this room is an invisible mage capable of burning the lot of them to a crisp, but unfortunately for that mage, Judoc is also here. Judoc the Perceptive listens carefully, his fiery projectile ready to be hurled at a moment's notice.

OOC: Wait and listen.

Magnus turned and was silent for a moment. As much as he tried to still his heavy breathing, he could not as his oxygen starved body demanded more and more of the hot foul smelling air. He swiveled his head this way and that and listened along with Judoc for any sign of their quarry, intent on pursuing it if he caught anything substantial enough to make him certain of the effort.

Thinking he hears the wizard slinking around near the pile of bodies that decorate the entrance to the room, Judoc hurls his ball of flames, but the missile merely strikes against the stone edge of the stairwell, sending a sudden puff of light and heat that wash across the room.

Rondald too acts first, jumping towards a noise that turns out to be just the flapping pages of a book, stirring in a slight breeze that sweeps across the room.

Finn makes his way to his feet, his eyes darting this way and that as he scrapes his way to a standing position, though he feels sure that he has already missed his chance to grapple on for another hold.

Magnus perhaps is the only one truly stopping to listen but with the din of noise all around it proves more than difficult to make note of anything that is out of place.  Even when the others of the group have ceased their own moves a crackle of energy barks from behind them and Magnus looks over to the east wall and where the stage sits that the two knights had previously been dueling, there is now a two foot automaton completely draped in a floor length black robe who is sending crackling bolts of energy across the stage at his own foe, a blue and green speckled dragon nearly six feet high and perhaps even longer who barely fits on the width of the stage.  Retorting in kind, the dragon breathes forth a wrist-thick line of fire across the stage which stops just inches short of the half-sized wizard, the bitter ends of the flames licking around the edges of some invisible defensive sphere that the puppet seems to have conjured with a wave of his arm.

Several moments the group stands in as much silence as is possible while the two mechanical foes duel each other but they detect nothing of their real villain, who seems to have well and truly vanished.

OOC:  It is now 0600 on the 22nd of March.  Everyone waits and listens for several moments, though you near nothing apart from the weird puppet show to your side.  It doesn't take much to realize that most everyone in the group is either exhausted or unconscious, though I must commend you guys on taking down the four golems so skillfully.  We are officially out of combat and for now you can make regular posts.  For your info no one has really done an in depth search of the room yet.

The puppet show transfixes Judoc. He marvels at the skill required to construct such an amazing display. Could the wizard they seek not be a necromancer at all, but an enchanter? If so, have they made a grievous mistake, attacking a man without knowing all the facts? But no, Giles had uncovered evidence of a potential attack, and the men he had captured claimed a necromancer was here.

Scanning the room, Judoc looks for anything that might help them.  "We have to find the wizard," he says quietly.  "We can't afford to let him escape." Though Judoc is incredibly fatigued, he immediately begins searching the nearby tables for anything that might help them, potions, scrolls, or any other magical items that they can use.

OOC: Search this floor. Look for any useful items.

Rondald looks around at the display, but looks away quickly when he realizes what it is, clearly worried the mage might be nearby and using it as a distraction. He slowly goes to pick up his shield, looking and listening in case the mage is still around, before checking the tables for any small or large bags, such as flour.

"I agree. Dust of any description would be incredibly useful for that dissapearing trick..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:08, Tue 19 June 2018.

The rich pinkish hue is gone from Finn's face now replaced by an eggshell color, an off-white.  He is breathing heavily and dots of sweat adorn his brow and forehead.

Slowly does he climb to his feet but the young mercenary manages to stand sturdily.  He glances around the room to gauge the actions of his companions, then for a brief moment he is transfixed upon the stage.  He smiles as a joke comes to mind but he wisely keeps his teeth together for the benefit of quiet, tempting as the levity is.  His mind wanders over the purpose of the puppets.  Is this entertainment or is there something sinister behind their appearance?


OOC: See PM.  Once I am done with that listen for signs of the person we assume to be the necromancer.  If I detect nothing help Rondald in his plan to find something to toss in the air to detect invisible beings.

Though the small group is reeling from their wounds and fatigue they quickly move to action to take advantage of any time they have before a renewed attack.

Finn brushes himself off and walks towards Giles's unconscious figure, pulling him free from the mass of bodies before lifting up on the chain-mail shirt to work his mundane healing before setting about on his magics.  All in all, Finn finds that the twin wounds are not as bad as he had expected, that the chainmail shirt had likely done much to save the soldiers life.  Without a kit, Finn makes the best of what he has available, tearing off large chunks of Giles's undershirt to put pressure on the wound.  Finishing the patchjob, Finn places his hands on Giles's chest, working the mana around as he surges his magic forward.  Giles coughs and splutters, looking around and at Finn before muttering in a semi-coherent stammer, "What did I miss?"

Meanwhile, Rondald makes his way to the tables, looking for some substance or powder to make use on their invisible foe...  Though it becomes plain quickly that this is not a table for the use of eating or cooking.  Burns and scars spread across the surface and the few items that remain on the top are a few books, measuring scales, a mortar and pestle, and various glass equipment.  He stops towards the end of the table where an odd set of items catches his gaze, two golden tiles, perhaps four inches across.  Each of the tiles has an embossed image, one of a bull, his horns lowered and ready to charge, the other of a tiger.  Just next to the two tiles sits a rather large tome, open and with the page partially full with a loopy, slanted handwriting in a language that Rondald cannot read.

Judoc makes his way towards the sides of the room, looking for any scrolls or potions that may be use.  He stops by a lecturn, scanning for scrolls though skimming the titles as his eyes move across.  Most of the writing is foreign to him, though one title does stand out...  Though the title is in Latin, The Lesser Keys of Solomon still sends a chill down his spine in memory of a rather horrifying night some three months ago.  Not now Judoc chides himself as he stands and moves on to the next area.

In a glass cabinet near the lecturn, Judoc finds something of what he was looking for, though it seems to be more ingredients than anything else.  Small jars of powders, glasses with bits of flesh suspended in fluid, and large containers of various dried roots, leaves, dead insects and a few small stones of various color.  Set off to the side, Judoc sees three stoppered bottles and a salve, each of which are unlabeled, even in Arabic.

Finn makes his way over towards Gustav, the other of their party who is still unconscious.  Again, Finn attempts to make the best of his normal healing, though this time he finds his skills bested.  The burns that dot his legs are deep and small as if the man had been stabbed by various burning shards.  To make matters worse it seems like the blast had done significant trauma to his left leg and Finn is mostly certain that the leg is broken if not worse.  Finn does his best to splint, he finds himself quickly out of real options beyond waiting for more magical healing...

OOC:  Moving on as this is my last week before heading back to the boat.  Giles is awake and seems to be in full function with a good majority of his lost HPs healed.  Gustav on the other hand is in rough shape.  He's likely suffered a broken leg, has significant burns and damage across his chest from the sword injury.  While it isn't life threatening, it doesn't look good and he's still unconscious with shallow and faint breathing.  Rondald, there aren't really any large bags of powder to be had in the room.
 The small jars that Judoc sees aren't really more than a handful, though great idea.  Most of what is in this room is alchemical gear and a vast trove of books, not to mention the puppet who are still fighting each other on the stage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:14, Thu 11 July 2019.

In reply to Raddek (msg # 272):

Rondald stuffs the mortar and Pestle and scales into his bag, along with the gold tiles.

"Some of you mage types might find this book interesting, but I cannot read it. Some of us need to head off in pursuit of the necromancer before he recovers, while it seems others need to leave as best you can, unless there is some magical healing salves around, or something similar, but I am not sure if those that deal with the dead would keep such stuff around. Magnus and Judoc, you guys good to come with me to pursue him? Finn and Giles, you guys able to carry Gustav out, once we clear the way to the exit? Or should we stay here all day and leave under cover of darkness?"

Finn Razzel is a man barely hanging on.  He is weaker than he's felt in a long, long time and until now he's forgotten just how draining the experience of changing nature can be.  Its a wondrous thing accelerating the bodies natural healing capacity or redirecting the energy around us to lift a man several hundred feet and the effort is like catching a falling tree and holding it in place for hours.

The plucky young man looks around as if he's trying to be helpful but secretly he's hoping for a nap.

In answer to Rondald Finn merely shrugs.  ”I'm about as tired as a bear in mid-winter.  I'd prefer if we stay together but if the group votes against me I wont fuss it.  Someone needs to run down that wizard.”
This message was last edited by the player at 05:53, Wed 13 June 2018.

Judoc's eyes devour all the wondrous items in the wizard's workshop. He's certain this is where the necromancer performs his experiments. His heart skips a beat when he sees The Lesser Keys of Solomon. "Right now, the wizard may be going to the town below for reinforcements. We must catch him before he does."  He looks down at the gravely injured Gustav. With time, Judoc can mend the man's wounds, but not now, not as exhausted as Judoc is.

"Chase him as far as the gates, but don't go too far. Finn is right, we shouldn't split up, at least not for long. I can't keep up with you. We need to catch him, and quickly. I'll see what's in these bottles."

He picks up the three stoppered bottles and the salve. Gingerly, he tests each of the three bottles and the salve to see what their effects are. First, he takes the first stopper out and sniffs the bottle.

OOC: Judoc will test the three bottles and the salve. He will unstopper each bottle and smell it. If it smells okay, he will dab a couple of drops on his tongue from each. He will smell the salve and then dab a tiny bit on his arm.

Judoc will also put the large book written in the loopy handwriting and The Lesser Keys of Solomon and put them in his pack. He will hold the gold tiles to see if they are magic and put them in his pack, too.

Rondald takes little time stuffing the scales and mortar into his bag, thinking of little more than taking his money's worth out of this adventure.  He stops little longer over the gold tiles, pondering their worth, though it does not take him long to shove them together, thinking of stacking them before grabbing the two tiles to stuff as well into his bag.  Though an odd happening gives him pause... When the two tiles touch at the side they form together with a barely audible click, forming a new single piece.  The picture too has changed somewhat, the boar and tiger still exist, though the two are locked in combat.  The tiger lays upon it's back, the boar straddling the body as he forces his tusks threateningly forward.  Though the tiger itself seems just as deadly with its fore-claws dug into the boar's shoulders, his hind-claws sunk into the animal's chest from below.  Rondald picks up the tile for a better view in the light and the the two animals stay locked in their silent, motionless combat.  Putting only a bit of pressure on the sides, the tile snaps in the middle, creating again the two golden tiles with each animal secluded to its own separate tile, each hunched over, ready to charge.  Rondald stacks the tiles together, wary of wasting more time and stuffs them into his bag, leaving the book to the table where it lies.

Judoc, after stuffing the Lesser Keys of Solomon into his own bag, focuses his attention on the four bottles of elixir in the small cabinet of alchemical ingredients.  He tastes the first bottle, just a drop or two, which spread like a tonic across his tongue, feeling wonderful and invigorating sense of rejuvenation.  The second bottle is the salve, which he runs in a smear up his arm, though it does not seem to do much of anything against his skin...  Judoc test the third elixir by smell first, nearly doubling over with sickness as the foul stench reaches his nose.  However, undeterred, Judoc presses the liquid to his lips, which tastes quite as putrid as it smells.  Stifling his gag reflex for a moment, Judoc passes on to the fourth elixir, which has no smell to it whatsoever, though when it the single drop of it hits his throat, his urge to spew is settled in a moment and his stomach turns docile as a lamb.

Giles pushes himself to his feet, gripping his fallen sword to his hand as he stands and looking quite directly at Rondald as the other makes his way towards the stairway.  "I believe I'm fit enough to go down with you."  He starts.  "We can take the others out with us when we go, but I believe that Judoc is right, if we let the necromancer bring in reinforcements we may yet be lost.  Better we press the fight.  So who goes now?  Rondald and I?  Who else?"

Judoc rushes over towards the tables, looking at the writing in the book on the tables.  He does not recognize the script, though he does realize the wetness of the ink, and realizes that whatever the book does say was likely written within the last 12 hours.

OOC: I was sort of hoping that Magnus would get in a post here or there, though it doesn't seem like he has the opportunity at the moment.  Judoc, based on the amount of time it took to taste test all the elixirs, you didn't have a chance to "feel" the tiles for magical content, though the "magic" in them seems plain to Rondald as he puts them together.  That being said, if you did feel them, they wouldn't seem to you like a normal "magical" item.  The few drops you take of potion 1 makes you feel energetic and slightly giddy.  the salve does not seem to have any effect.  Potion 3 smells foul and thusly I decided not to have you taste test it.  Potion 4 does not seem to have any particular effect either.  If you wish to roll a default "detection" roll, you may do so for potion 1 (IQ-4).  You did not taste potion 3 due to it's foul smell.  Also of importance here, is Rondald splitting from the group?  Giles is willing to go with you, though Judoc, Finn, and Magnus are all in various stages of exhaustion.  Let me know how you want me to play the group and I will NPC accordingly.

Finn turns his bearded head this way and that spying the room at large for dangers but quickly his keen mind drifts to more worldly things, money.  Hungrily he notes companions about the room pocketing various treasures and Razzel is eager to get in on the game.  Surely, a paycheck and the thanks of your employer are valuable commodities in this world, after all one job will pay the rent today but a series of jobs can sustain a decade of living high on the hog.  But more than a steady job a man can get rich from confiscating the ill gotten goods of evil doers.

The young mercenary offers his thoughts on the matter of chasing after the wizard then sets his sights on loot.


OOC:
As I said in OOC Finn is willing to go chase down the wizard assuming that he's making a play for reinforcements.  That said Finn is very tired and will move at a pitiful pace, about half of his normal walk/run.

The Minotaurs shoulders heaver with ragged breaths as he struggled to catch his breath. He was miraculously uninjured, at least as far as he could tell, and he paced around the fallen automatons as the others conversed...embarrassed perhaps that he should be so exhausted among a company of professional mercenaries.

Eventually he did come nearer as the topic of going after the Necromancer was broached. He knew they were all tired, and some still suffering from the fight, but he felt compelled to help where he could.

"I'll just slow you down" Magnus admitted with a touch of shame to his voice. As tired as he was, and as heavily armored, he knew it was a bitter truth.

Several moments pass after Giles's question in which Magnus answers only a few dejected words and Finn offers his help, although immediately after he professes his own near uselessness in his current state.  Judoc seems occupied with his scouring of the room and Gustav still lays, utterly unconscious, pushed back into a corner of the room.  The silence dominates for several uncomfortable moments.

"Well, then."  Giles pierces the quiet.  "Just us two then.  Not to worry, we'll be quick with it.  Back before you know it as soon as we catch the wizard and have dealt with him.  If we find ourselves in a scrape we can't manage, we'll run back up too."

And with that, Rondald and Giles head down the steps, Giles with his shield bared, making quick work of the steps though his eyes are narrowed and focused ahead.  "Oh bugger this,"  He mutters, pulling his own glowing pendant from under his shirt, letting it's light spill over the stairway before he turns about the corner and is gone...

The other three, each exhausted from their various works, continue to look about the room for anything of use.  By far the most abundant thing is books.  Finn searches about a small bookshelf about the east side of the room, finding tomes in various states of decay and likely written in several languages.  Though he cannot read the writing of any of them, for they are not written in Anglish, he does manage to identify a few by the pictures on their cover.  Here seems to be a book on potions with a illustration of a bottle inscribed onto the leather on the front, another seems to be star charts and atlases... though many evade detection by their lack of pictures...

Judoc looks up from his view of the small alchemical cabinet, the sound and heat of another breath of fire drawing his attention back to the stage.  The dragon has attacked the wizard again, though this time, the magical shield falters and fades, allowing tufts of flame to dance through it's many cracks.  Only for a moment does the wizard turn away, shielding his face from the blast and heat, but it is long enough for the dragon to strike his killing blow.  The neck snaps forward like the strike of a snake, the whole open mouth teeming with fangs half as long as his index finger.  The magician is barley able to register a scream as the open mouth claps down with a snap halfway down the mages body, sinking his teeth deeply into the legs just where his robe flares out, the whole upper half enclosed in the thing's mammoth mouth.  The mage ceases his movement's immediately, sagging into dormancy as the dragon crawls slowly backwards into a trap door in the stage a puff of flame and smoke escaping his nostrils as his head pulls through and the trap door closes, leaving the stage empty once again...

OOC:  Ok, I'm not sure if I'm jumping ahead of people or if I'm the only one who feels that the questions are a little unresolved, though I've decided to what I think will force some decisions and split the groups.  Finn and Judoc, at this point I've pretty much described everything in the room.  Judoc and Finn feel free to describe searching other areas if you wish and roll vs. perception if you want to look for anything new.  By far the most abundant resource is books and charts.  Judoc is now standing by the alchemical cabinet, where there seems to be all sorts of equipment for making potions like the four that are sitting out.  Judoc, you still owe an IQ-4 roll if you want to try and identify the purpose of the first potion, though the other three you can't tell without actually having the alchemy skill (or reasonably applying them in a way that would give you a chance of identifying what they do).

Judoc watches Giles and Rondald head downstairs after the necromancer and then turns back to the potions. He's not sure about the salve and one of the potions, and another seems like it may be poisonous.  However, the taste from the first potion fills Judoc with renewed energy.

 "I think this first potion might be helpful," Judoc offers. "At the least, it should get some of us moving again. We shouldn't stay separated, given what our adversary can do. Finn, maybe you and I should split this potion? It may not work on you, Magnus."

He turns to the other books on the bookshelves and spies one that seems to be a book of potions. He takes this one, too, for his pack.  The sound of the stage play grabs his attention, and he looks curiously at the stage. "I wonder - " he says curiously, and steps forward to take a closer look at the stage.

OOC: If Judoc can figure out what the potion will do, he will use it. He will also examine the stage play briefly to see if there is something more to this display than just extraordinary craftsmanship.

After taking a slight taste, Judoc swigs down a half a bottle of the first potion, closing his eyes as his face displays a rapturous expression.  He feels the worst of the exhaustion leaving his body and though he longs to finish the whole thing, he passes what remains in the bottle to Finn, who finishes it off.

Feeling somewhat invigorated, Judoc moves over towards the stage to investigate the incredible automatons.  He finds a lid built in to the back of the stage which is most of a foot set out from the stone wall behind it.  Lifting off the top, Judoc sees all the familiar characters crammed into the little nook, the two nights, the dragon (neatly coiled up so it no longer looks nearly as big as it was), as well as the wizard who seems to have been spit out and is little the worse for wear from his battle.  Next to them, on the right side of the small nook are six more automatons much the size of the two knights and the wizard.  Three of them are dressed in ballet dresses, their tiny hair wrapped up in buns atop their small heads, the other three dress in men's ballet wear.

It is hard to tell much detail apart from the tops of the dolls heads due to their tight squeeze in the small box that makes the back of the stage, but from what Judoc can see, he is extremely impressed with their craftsmanship.  Each individual hair seems to be fashioned and installed, with no marks or holes of its insertion.  All of the dolls are utterly still as Judoc looks upon them apparently waiting for their time to take to the stage...

OOC:  The first potion was indeed a fatigue restoring draught.  If you want to test the others in any other manner, let me know.  I'll assume that unless you guys specifically post that you are doing something, that you are resting until Rondald and Giles return.  Judoc, let me know if you want to do a more detailed search of the books or anything else.

Relief floods Judoc, washing away some of his fatigue. "Much better," he says with a smile, though the potion only partially rejuvenates him.

Crossing to the stage, he briefly examines the constructions. Were they magical golems like the larger creatures they had fought, or were they mechanical, perhaps clockwork? Fascinating.

"I'm going to see if I can go help Giles and Rondald," he says. "Together, we should be able to defeat our invisible adversary." He concentrates on speaking telepathically to Aiah.

OOC: Follow Rondald and Giles downstairs.

While the others ransacked the chamber, Magnus examined their fallen enemies. Not only was he interested in potentially salvaging some of the armor, the possibility of real weapons that could be used or sold appealed to him.

So as he caught his breath he checked over the fallen clay men, tried to see what animated them, and picked through the gear with an eye towards that which may still be useful.

Finn Razzel watches in earnest as Judoc the wizard trots off after the pair of hirelings who are tasked with running down and vanquishing the foul beast who corrupts these lands.  The dreaded necromancer.  A wee bit sorrowfully does the mercenary watch his counterpart run off to fame and glory.  If Finn were only further along in his career then he might be more efficient in channeling the surrounding energy to power his magics and he would not be so tired.  But for the time being and owing to shoddy training, not his own fault, Finn is resigned to stay back due to extreme exertion.

And so the unusually plucky and upbeat mage and expert sneak sets his sights about the scene of the battle taking it in, in all its glory.  The after math as it were.  Several golems burdened with armor and weapons lay about, there is a treasure trove of books, scrolls and alchemical tidbits, and the strange puppet stage all which compete for his attention.  But truly there is no contest.  Finn is thinking of future spell work and the teachings don't come cheap.


OOC:
Its easier to write my directions here as opposed to trying to do several paragraphs of narrative.

First, Finn is a bit nervous of the clay golems.  He would ask Magnus for help in disabling them, just in case they have the ability to come 'back to life'.  Finn plans to cut their feet off.  If necessary remove the armor around their feet or ankles and then chop the ankle.  Also as a precaution move all the weapons they were using far out of their reach.

Second, Finn would like to see what potential valuables remain.  I skimmed back through the thread.  Looks like the bronze plates, the potions/salve and the scroll of Solomon is already looted.  Sorry boss, other than what I assume is alchemy ingredients is there anything left of value (aside from the clay golems weapons)?  If so Finn would spend some time searching and looting starting with books and scrolls, then the alchemy table and then the stage.

Third, Finn would spend a minute examining the puppet stage.  Something seems weird about that but he can't put his finger on it.

Fourth, he would make the room as defensible as possible.  Block/lock doors.  Set traps or alarms if we have the available materials.  Position ourselves in hard to ambush places, etc.

Once all of that is accomplished, rest.

Judoc peers into the small cabinet behind the stage which hides the thigh-high automatons, wondering about their origin, whether it be mundane or magical.  He touches one of the dancers, moving an arm just slightly back and forth and he feels just the hint of its gears churning with the motion.  As if to answer him, the whole troupe of the six dancers start to move out of the trapdoor in the stage.

The girls depart first, flitting and pirouetting across the stage until they are three wide across the front, moving in perfect unison, they kick and twirl along to some unhearable music.  The men depart second, leaping across the stage until they are behind and offset from their ladies offering a hand and lifting, each in a pair as they continue their dance...  But Judoc does not linger, this small exposure is enough for Judoc to be sure, he can even hear the faint whirring of their gears now that he is close enough, that the contraptions are mechanical and have not a trace of magic upon them.

Aiah screeches from her perch on the table as Judoc makes his way to the stairs to descend, though she does not linger and flits her wings to climb to the floor above as Judoc's feet clatter upon the stairs going down.

As for the other two, their immediate concern is the presence of their four fallen foes, the works of magic that had attacked them up from the floors below.  Though Magnus's ideals are more financial in nature, they both work together to meet their common goals.

Finn starts with the Golem already resting at the top of the stairs, removing it's sollerets, gauntlets, and helms with minimal work before getting to the grisly work of ensuring the thing doesn't move again.  Though a single touch from Finn is enough to know that all the magic in them is gone, he still worries that a well placed spell may put them back in the same situation.  With help from Magnus, the two remove the golem's feet, a laborious process to cut through the dense, wet clay, Finn using his own exquisite knife and Magnus borrowing one of the despoiled swords to hack brutally through the earthen flesh.

One after another, the two repeat the process until all the Golems have had their feet removed, though not a one of them seems to make any motion or protest throughout the process.

From there, Magnus gathers the weapons and armor while Finn makes his way around the room, placing the oldest and most expensive looking of the books into his bag, along with the one on the table, the ink of which is still drying.

OOC:  It is now 0615 on the 22nd of March.  Finn, of your priorities, you are through 1 and 2.  Judoc spent a moment looking at the stage, though you can go there next if you wish.  4 seems to be a fairly straight forward task of moving the golems on top of each other to block the stairway, although things are fairly heavy and if you want to remove their armor first it is going to take some time.  The following are what you can salvage from the four clay golems:

1 bastard sword
1 broad sword
1 warhammer
1 Mace
2 Medium shields (both of which are slightly dented but highly serviceable)
4 Pot helms
4 Sollerets
4 Steel Gauntlets
4 Plate Arms
4 Plate Legs
3 Steel Corselet (1 disfigured beyond use)
These all have the normal weight (and price) per the basic book.  Note that the gloves and sollerets are easy to remove, the legs and arms will take several minutes each and the chest pieces will likely require completely dismembering the golems (which will take a half an hour or so each to get them off).  You have not yet looted any of the arms/legs/corselets so let me know if you want to take them (and how you want to carry them).

Finn the 3 potions not consumed are still sitting in the cabinet, one salve and two in liquid form.
 You can attempt to use them if you wish.  Your looting of the books has given you a total of 5 tomes, which makes your bag very hefty.  Let me know what you guys want to keep or where you want to go from here as time and timelines may hinge upon it.

When Finn was a younger man and first learning the art of magic he happened upon a wondrous tome, a book of Alchemy.  The thing was massive and after thumbing through it he thought it must contain every idea and fact ever conceived on the subject.  It even had pictures of the trappings used in the science.  How thrilling it could be, to mix up some sludge and stuff it into a bottle and the contents within contain the same magical power as the cantrips he could wield.  To carry a physical manifestation of spell work in one's pocket.  Why it simply boggles the mind. But life is a cruel mistress and the craft proved too expensive so Razzel decided that later in life he would take it up, after he established himself as a potent mercenary worthy of commanding high salaries for his services.

It is such things that run through the chipper mages mind as he works.  It is owing only to his lack of intimate knowledge on the alchemical principles that Finn is uncertain why the potion did not have a greater effect on him.  He does feel better following his half serving but still, it is magic.  He thought he'd be ready to sprint after the fleeing necromancer, not winded and yearning for a nap.

Putting the sad state of his beleaguered body from his mind Finn resumes the drudgery of his tasks, determined to faithfully carry them out despite being his own master.


OOC:
I don't want to further burden myself so I will leave my pack in a safe spot.  I don't want to be lugging it around, especially with the added weight of the books.

I don't want to loot anything else as of yet but thanks for the gear and weapons list.  I can't bear the weight.  When and if we have decided that the mission is complete I will revisit carrying away some weapons and armor to sell later.

Finn will continue with his goals, attempting to do 3 & 4.  I don't want to spend a ton of time doing these things.  Once finished I will turn my attention to the 3 potions.  I will test them by sniffing and tasting a tiny amount of each one.  Find something about the size of a needle and use that to get a drop.

After this my plan is to rest.


This message was lightly edited by the player at 07:21, Wed 04 July 2018.

His curiosity unsatisfied, Finn heads towards the stage, attempting his best not to gawk at the half dozen dancers still performing on the half-sized stage.  The dancers, both men and women still perform, their movements are slow for sure, and likely aided by some sort of mechanical or magical help.  Still, Finn has difficulty placing the origin of their movements and the puzzle beckons him beyond the search of the room.  He watches, nearly rooted unto his spot with curiosity, as the six pirouette and twirl until the six dancers start back into the stage at the opposite end that they began their dance.

Satisfied for the moment, Finn moves towards the giant, armored lumps of clay that lay transfixed in various places about the room.  Though their armor is still valuable, Finn feels much more moved by their defensive qualities, their steadfastness and the formidable weight of their earthen corpses.  Luckily, most of them are already close to in place to block the stairway coming up.  Finn grabs one of the golems two feet-less legs and hauls the thing with some difficulty until it's bulk is lain torso to torso with another of the things which already lays at the top of the stairs, so that it's legs drape over the second thing's shoulders.  It provides a short barrier, perhaps a foot high and wide, blocking the top of the stairs, that would at least give them ample opportunity to push someone back who was trying to climb over.  Finn thinks for a moment that perhaps they could stack the last two of the golems on top, though he doubts the construction would be very sturdy and it would certainly require a large portion of work to pick them up, armor and all.

Lastly, Finn heads over to the alchemy cabinet, looking at the three substances that Judoc had left behind as he headed down to follow the others.  Finn sniffs all three, the first potion smells foul, like spoiled milk fortified with alcohol, though the liquid is a clear brown with no obvious sediment.  The second seems to smell like nothing at all.  It is a clear translucent liquid that seems to be no different than simple water.  The third, a thick creme or rub smells rich like butter, though it also has a sharp, herbal smell like mint.  One at a time, Finn tests tiny amounts of the liquids, first testing the brown concoction, which causes him to sputter and cough, even in this small dose.  It has no immediately apparent affects, though he is sure that in order to swallow the whole thing, the one taking it would have to be able to stomach just about anything.  It is mostly unintentionally that Finn glances up at Magnus as he thinks this.

Finn moves on to the second potion, placing a few drops on his tongue and it takes a moment before he realizes anything at all.  The potion tastes like nothing at all, like air had been splashed in his mouth and immediately vanished into nothingness.  But as he thinks, he realizes that the sour taste in his mouth from the previous elixir is also gone... removed as if it had never been there in the first place.

Lastly, Finn takes the cream and dabs just the tiniest bit on a bare spot of skin on the back of his hand. This time, truly it seems that the concoction does nothing, for it absorbs quickly into his skin, but does not seem to have any lasting effects...

OOC:  It's only been about five minutes.  Magnus has been resting on one of the bench seats at the table as Finn has gone about and attempted his last few ideas.  You have a modestly effective barrier, just at the top of the stairs, so it essentially makes the last step about 18 inches to climb over and then back down (making it much easier to shove someone backwards down the stairs).  You can put the other two golems on top if you wish, though the process will take somewhere along the lines of 5 minutes + plus a ST roll from both of you, any failure would add 1 minute for each point failed by.  You could also add +2 to this roll by taking all their armor off first, though that would take several minutes in itself.

Finn, roll twice (IQ+Magery-4) to recognize the effects of the potions, label them Potion 1 and Potion 2.
 Unfortunately, it's still impossible to know about the salve without having the alchemy skill, or without using it in a way where it's effects could become aparent.

Razzel moves about the room as an old man.  The expression on his face is full of determination and zeal, but his ragged and haphazard movements are those of an aging white haired bent over cripple.  He moves slowly but at least he moves.

He believes that the stage has kept its secret, that some hidden magic or purpose behind the automated show lurks to spring itself upon the watchers, but Finn is stymied.  He cannot for the life of him deduce what is going on and truth be told other more pressing matters pull at his attention.

With the faux wall in place Finn lingers at the potions and the salve.  After his meager investigations he believes that he has correctly divined the function of the two.  But, how to test them?  How indeed.  His gaze drops to the unmoving, unconscious form of poor Gustav.


OOC:
Not taking any action yet.

Magnus, although still weary in a way that he had seldom been before, seemed to catch on to Finns intention and forced himself to stand. He was very nearly spent, his legs leaden, his breath had to catch.

He picked the pieces of armor that he felt would fit him best, or we're in the most service condition and set them aside. One corselet, one set of plate greaves, the pauldrons and vambraces...he did not know these words of course only that they were likely better than what he had. He set the warhammer aside as well, more of a curiosity than anything at this point.

After was accomplished he bent his broad back to helping to stack the remains to form a barrier. He moved sluggishly, but his guilt at having to decline to chase their quarry drove him to spend what strength he had.

"Hopefully we don't have to use this..." He said aloud to Finns as he patted the clay flesh of their fallen enemy.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Fri 03 Aug 2018.

The two founder about the room, near exhaustion as each makes their attempt to salvage what they can from the room.  Finn, pattering drops of potion across his tongue and scouring his knowledge to place their effects, while Magnus peels the armor from the thick-limbed foes, hoping for a match to his own size.

Though Finn suspects that the first potion is in fact harmful, the more he broods on the matter, he realizes that the taste was really the only thing that affected him negatively...  Finn puts the bottle to his nose again, taking but the briefest of smalls and nearly gags at the close proximity... the contents smell like the wet refuse at the bottom of the week's rubbish but in truth, if Finn he had to say anything about how he actually felt it would be energized if anything...  Still, he can discern no inner purpose to the second potion.

As for Magnus, he finds one of the creations that matches his size best, for though they are all tall enough to match him, they are also thicker in parts than his own arms or legs.  Magnus is surprised and pleased that the equipment is not worn in like normal gear would be, the leather straps and fittings are not even remotely damp... while Magnus's own equipment he knows is drenched in sweat.  Apart from minor dents here and there from a stray hit from the battle, it seems that the gear is as new as if he had just purchased it from the store.  Magnus sets the gear aside, moving on to the task of fortifying their barrier.

Dragging another of the thick clay corpses along the stone floor, Magnus places it right beside the others before grappling it about the chest and lifting the upper body atop the two others, then swinging the legs around to keep it stable atop the pile.  Magnus repeats the process, pulling the last of the four alongside the others so that it's chest is on the far side from the previous.  Again, and with significant strain, Magnus lifts the last one into place and repositions it for balance.  Taking a step back, Magnus admires his work, a solid wall of steel and clay some three and a half feet high that covers the whole length of the top of the stairs and which appears to be in no immediate danger of toppling over.

OOC:  Thanks again for the patience guys.  Finn, your guess is that the first potion is not a poison but rather some sort of energy concoction with particularly nasty ingredients...  You have no real idea about the second one is however.  If either of you take the first potion, please roll vs. HT.

Finn stares down at the small bottle in his hand for what feels like a long moment.  Its one of those situations where he is expecting to have a flash of inspiration.  That lightning bolt moment where suddenly a truly inspired idea just miraculously pops into your head.  Then Razzel's mouth frowns slightly as nothing comes.  He has guesses and while his instincts are usually correct they are in a tight spot, and it doesn't do to make circumstances worse by guessing.

Finn shoves a hand into his belt pouch not once but thrice as he casually strolls around the room one last time, then nods in response to the huge beast who is more manlike than some humans he's known.  ”Aye.  Lets hope so.”


OOC:
Finn will pocket the 2 potions and the salve for now.  He isn't willing to risk an oops at this delicate stage.  He will find a good position to sit and rest.  Preferably facing doorways to the room, he doesn't want to be ambushed.  And in sight of the stage.  He doesn't trust those damned puppets either.  Bow is knocked but the string is relaxed.

The Minotaur let out a weary groan as he let himself sit back to survey their work. He looked very human just then, his forearms on his knees, nostrils flaring, back hunched. There was no posturing or ego there, just a tired mercenary (on his first real job no less) hoping against hope to make it out of  there in one piece.

After a few moments he scooted over next to Finn, more or less "back to back" and then took a swig from his lukewarm water skin which he swished around in mouth before he swallowed.

"So..." he said after a few moments. "Back at the fort...you were serious about the Row? or were you just puttin on?" he asked as he craned his neck around slightly.