Niamh grunts as the arrows slices through her shoulder, taking a split second to gather herself through the pain before continuing up to the ledge. "Rocks!," she cries. "Throw rocks!," to anyone that might hear her.

She knows that men wait for her and does what she can to prepare to defend herself from the spears that will be coming for her. She lauanced herself up the last portion of the ladder and tried to push passed the spearman there.

She prayed that the archers will be less likely to shoot into melee if she can make it to the ledge and, eventually, the protection of the small cave.

(OOC: 07:58, Today: Secret Roll: Niamh rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,1,6.  Climb.
14:33, Today: Secret Roll: Niamh rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,1,4.  Breakfall.
15:43, Today: Secret Roll: Niamh rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,4.  Move By.

Updated to include more actions...)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Mon 05 Aug 2019.

Chang Jun climbs the last few feet to the ledge. Rolling onto the ledge he attacks the closest spearman and attempts to throw him from the ledge.

11:44, Today: Chang Jun rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,4,5.  climbing 12-.
16:26, Today: Chang Jun rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,2.  Breakfall 12-.
11:47, Today: Chang Jun rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,1,5.  OCV 5+11 = 16 (DCV 7).

Hit 9 or less

If the following are needed.

11:49, Today: Chang Jun rolled 4 using 2d6 with rolls of 3,1.  Damage.

11:49, Today: Chang Jun rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,3,4.  Location.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:55, Thu 08 Aug 2019.

Segment 3

Chang Jun -  Chang springs upon the ledge with a suddenness the spearman is ill prepared for.  Taking hold of man he pivots and tosses him from the ledge, down onto the Scree Field.  The mercenary lands flat, managing to hold on to his spear.
one spearman thrown off ledge to D10

Segment 4

Sarajen - The old man ascents further, nearing the lip of the Scree Field
full move, climb

Syssiah - The Zamoran flings the first fist-sized stone she grabs at the nearest archer still focused on his Pictish target.  The limestone strikes the man in his ungloved hand, earning a surprised yelp followed by a string of Kothic curses.
1 BODY to Archer 2

Niamh - Niamh also leaps upon the ledge, bounding to her feet and leaping just inside the cave.  She takes a swing at the mercenary as she passes but his leather breastplate deflects the blow.
move by just misses

Ludvik - The Hyperborean halts at the ladder, awaiting the pair of slaves above to make room
half move

Tiberio - Slow, attempting to avoid obvious attention, Tiberio hugs the wall of the Scree Field.  The men-at-arms' attention is not at the feet, however, the Aquilonian knows he will move into their field of vision soon.
half move

Marduke - Higher still, the Vanir matches Sarajen in his ascent.  The top of the wall is nearly within his grasp.
full move, climb

Amalric - The Nemedian likewise heeds Niamh's call for stones, hurling one of his own at Syssiah's target.  The man's leather cap catches only a portion of the lump, he tips as it bounces from his temple.  Limp he collapses where he stands.
head shot for max damage, impairing wound, archer is out cold

Speed Chart

The battle is joined, first blood goes to the rebels but the mercenaries turn comes soon.

Chang what is your next action?

Mercenaries and Slaves will follow
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:49, Fri 16 Aug 2019.

Well, posting for Segment 8 for Sarajen.

Sarajen finishes reaching the top of the escarpment, and prepares for the worst. There are spearmen and archers on the next level up. This looked like bad news, except that one soldier was already down, and two of his fellow mates were by the Ear already. There was a chance he could pilfer a bow and some arrows now. This might be quite doable. All he needed to do ... was not get pierced by arrows.


13:15, Today: Sarajen rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,2,3.  Climbing.

13:20, Today: Sarajen rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,5. Extra speed.

Sarajen will use the extra speed to allow for a climbing half-move, so he can spend the remaining half-phase on a deliberate dodge while at the lip of the level.

Chang Jun strikes out at the closest spear wielding guard.

16:45, Today: Chang Jun rolled 15 using 4d6 with rolls of 2,4,4,5.  Damage.

16:45, Today: Chang Jun rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,1,5.  Hit location.

16:45, Today: Chang Jun rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,2.  Martial strike to closest guard (5+11=16).

Chang Jun - Chang spins on the next spearman before the mercenary can bring his weapon down, striking the man in the center of his leather breastplate.
Spearman 4 takes STUN

Archers - The archer closest to Chang staggers to retrieve his bow from the red dirt now mixed with his own blood.  He begins to draw another arrow from his quiver but the stab wound from the spear slows his movements.  Meanwhile the remaining archer takes grim notice of  Syssiah and Amalric's work upon his companion.  Sighting in on the closer he looses a shaft which nearly skewers the Nemedian if not for a last second dive against the pile of stones.

Spearmen - There is a sudden scream from above, it sounds close but back slightly from the edge.  All of the mercenaries atop the Pit turn, then take up a chorus of alarm.  They jog towards the area above the Ear, their actions partially obscured from those below.  Meanwhile the trio already in the Pit struggle against the rebels.  Neither of those on the ledge of the Ear are able to score a wound against Chang or Niamh.  The fellow on the floor of the Scree Field picks himself up with a curse, spies the Khiati who tossed him down above and throws his spear.  Not to be surprised Chang flows out of the way as the weapon embeds itself in the wall of the Pit.

Slaves - The mass of bodies flows across the Slave Area, calling the workers there to join.  Emboldening them by their numbers.  The first slave ascends the ladder to the Scree Field.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:14, Fri 16 Aug 2019.

Speed Chart

A mystery above.  Enemies below.  Allies of the moment drawing close.

Declare your actions for Segment 8!
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 02:38, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

Marduke scrambles up the last of the wall and advances to the nearest pile of stones. Using the pile as cover, he picks up a heavy stone (about 20 kg) and looks at potential targets.

18:57, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,1.  Climb 13-.

18:56, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,3.  Climb 13-.

Syssiah would keep harassing the archer with stones, hoping for a lucky shot, but also to cover the other advance. Till there are enough to use it as a distraction for her own rush towards the Ear.

Rolls?

OOC :
07:33, Today: Syssiah rolled 6 (with 3 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system ((2, 2, 2)).
HIT DCV 8

Location 07:34, Today: Syssiah rolled 7 (with 3 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system.  Location Roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:34, Mon 19 Aug 2019.

Looking up, trying to stay alert while also seeing the effect the Khiati is having on the Ear. Trading from a truncheon to a spear is a fast thought.

Seg 8
HPh: 6m Run, > C17 > D16 > C15
HPh: Dodge

This message was last edited by the player at 06:14, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

Niamh attempts to shove one of the mercenary's off the ledge of the ear to clear the platform and put the man at the mercy of those below. The sooner she can clear the ledge, the sooner she can check the Ear for weapons and armor.



(She was in B9, but it looks like she now in what would be A9. The intent was to push someone off the ledge if she was in the previous position. I suppose she will shove the guy into the space with the soldier fighting Chang Jun, otherwise)

22:16, Today: Secret Roll: Niamh rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,1.  Shove.)

Sarajen - The thief scales the remaining distance and stands atop the Scree Field.  As the red-haired Vanir pulls himself over the lip only a short distance away, Sarajen takes in his surroundings and the threats they pose.
half move, prepared to dodge

Syssiah - With surprising deftness Syssiah grabs another stone from the pile and lets fly towards the captain.  Distracted by the commotion above the veteran mercenary never sees the missile until it strikes him on his arm.
1 body to captain, note you're STR limits you to 5m (~3 hexes) distance.  please pick targets within this limit

Niamn - Niamh launches herself at the closest spearman, grabbing the shaft of his weapon and attempting to shove him from the ledge.  The pair struggle briefly but the soldier was ill-prepared for ferocity of the Pict.  His eyes open wide as he realizes his backstep finds only open air.  His companion below steps aside rather than attempt to catch him.
2 down on Scree Field now, spearman takes Stun from fall, he retains hold of his spear

Ludvik - The Hyperborean curses and goads the slaves above him to climb faster.
half move, climb

Tiberio - Another sharp pain forces the horsemaster to grit his teeth to stifle any grunt or curse.  The boots of the soldiers above rain down small pebbles and dirt.  At his present rate he should reach the Ear momentarily...and the mercenaries bent in regaining control over it.
1 BODY dmg from Scree field, half move

Marduke - With a heave Marduke gains the Scree Field.  Before him two of his enemies wait just below the ledge; they appear intent upon climbing the rope ladders back up to engage Chang and Niamh further.

Amalric - Amalric rushes to the next pile of stones closer to the archer on the right.  Grabbing a chunk of limestone he lets fly.  The archer steps aside, reducing most of the impact to his leather apron.  Only then does the Nemedian notice the fresh blood on his foot
hit, no damage, 1 BODY dmg from Scree field

My apologies, I thought I was still waiting on a post.  If you'll post promptly I'll try to move things along but please do wait until I call for actions on your Segment.   I'm not organized enough to remember to look back too far. :P

Speed Chart

Chang, only 1 mercenary remains standing on the ledge of the Ear with you and Niamh.  The two you have already sent to the floor of the Scree Field will doubtless attempt to climb to your position once more.  Currently they are both in hex D10; one is prone.  Something is taking place above you but what is as yet unclear.

Declare your Segment 9 action.

Then everyone (Chang Jun included) declare your actions for Segment 12
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:45, Fri 23 Aug 2019.

Segment 9

Chang Jun grabs for the spear in an attempt to disarm the remaining mercenary.

Disarm: 1/2 Phase, -1 OCV, +1 DCV, Disarm; 23 STR to Disarm

08:33, Today: Chang Jun rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,6.  Attempted Disarm (OCV 5-1 +11 =  15).

Miss.


Segment 12

Somewhat aggravated that he failed to disarm the mercenary Chang Jun throws a kick at the man.

Kick: 1/2 Phase, -2 OCV, +1 DCV,  6 1/2d6, Strike

08:41, Today: Chang Jun rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,5,1.  Martial Kick (OCV 5-2+11 = 14).

08:41, Today: Chang Jun rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,6.  Location if a hit.

08:42, Today: Chang Jun rolled 23 using 6d6 with rolls of 4,3,1,6,5,4.  Damage.

Marduke races across the scree field, his feet protected by boots. He stops in F-10 while he removes the pick from between his teeth. With a mighty stroke the pick gouges a hole in the skull of the guard still holding a spear.

Move to F10, attack.
2 PSLs vs Hit Location (roll high shot 2d6+1)

07:55, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,6,5.  Pick tricks 12-. CSL not usable

07:55, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,1,4.  Pick tricks 12-. CSL usable.

07:56, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,3.  To hit, 6 OCV. Hits 9 DCV

07:57, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 4 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,1.  Hit location . Head.

07:58, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 5 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 4,2.  HKA damage.

Attack does 10 BODY, 25 STUN A-P

Picking another sharp stone from the ground, the naked and now covered in filth zamoran princess tosses it at the captain again.

OOC :


17:27, Today: Syssiah rolled 15 (with 4 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system.  Location Roll.

17:27, Today: Syssiah rolled 8 (with 2 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system.  Stone throw OCV  5+11- roll = DCV Hit 8

Sarajen looks at the skree field before him and realizes he can't cross without injuring himself. But that's has never stopped Sarajen before. As a matter of fact, the fact that there was often no floor never stopped Sarajen before either.

He gives the distance between his position and the hanging ropes a good eyeball, estimating the difficulty of reaching it. He is not going to get there in one jump. But he has his whip! He quickly unrolls it from around his waist. It is pliable and strong, with a few questionable stains from previous slaves. With whip strongly in hand, he takes one step back for a balancing jump, then launches himself into the air. In mid-jump he bring the whip around and aims for the ropes on the main swing arm of the crane next to the ear.

OOC:
Acrobatics Roll to aim for a good jump:
20:27, Today: Sarajen rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,5,2.  Acrobatics.
Nice, even with the Starvation -1 to all rolls, this still makes it by 4.

Attack Roll to hit ropes with whip:
20:36, Today: Sarajen rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,5,6.  Whip Attack.
Hmm... might not have hit. With Sarajen's OCV of 5 this hits DCV 3, like a regular area roll. Hopefully that's enough.

Niamh runs into the Ear to hopefully find something they can use to improve their chances. Weapons...armor...anything that could give them an edge.

(OOC: She is searching for spears and such and, if any, will take a bundle and toss them over the edge of the Ear to the gathering masses below...keeping one for herself, of course.)

Now the transfer fro above to in front of his position.pressing against the Pit wall and making his way to under the Ear. Gritting his teeth and making the best of his cuts on his calloused feet.

Seg 12
HPh: 6m Run, > D14 > C13 > B12
HPh: Dodge

Segment 9
Chang Jun - The mercenary is prepared as Chang's had darts to grab hold of his weapon; he takes a step back to avoid the lung and then presses forward again.
grab misses


Segment 12
Sarajen - Two steps and a spring bring the thief high into the air at its peak the whip reaches out and wraps around the nearest cord from the massive rock hauler.  He pulls hard, hand over hand to ascend as he swings forward.  Just managing to stay mere inches above the treacherous floor Sarajen pendulums back and forth.
it WAS enough, full move, leap & swing

Syssiah - Again the Zamoran damsel lets a smooth chunk of limestone fly.  The surprise has not left the captain's face when it impacts his leg.  An angry cry as he covers the wound, this time bringing his shield up to ward against further such missiles.
impressive, you continue to avoid armored body locations, 1 BODY

Chang Jun - Chang's heel makes a satisfying sound as he embeds it in the mercenary's chest; in answer the man's lungs release their air and his eyes seems to momentarily cross.
foe is STUNNED, major Stun loss

Niamh - Niamh turns her attention to the interior of the Ear; she finds it to be a cramped space with barely room to walk between the bedrolls running along each side.   There are 9, presumably for Nazarus and his slave drivers, with satchels or bags for personal items at the head of each.  In the back is a small, round table and an old, battered chest with an oiled padlock.  No weapons are evident.
half move + search

Ludvik - Slapping at the legs of the slave above Ludvik urges haste in ascending the ladder.
full phase delay

Tiberio - Any moment Tiberio expects a cry from the archer behind him to rise or an arrow to fly but apparently the commotion above has captured the mercenaries' attention and allows him to draw ever closer to the Ear unseen.  In fact, Amalric has the archer's attention thanks to his throwing arm.  As the horsemaster closes the distance a strange sounds, as of leather being drawn over stone, seems to grow aloft.
half move, run

Marduke - Having tasted the wood of his weapon's handle during his climb it feels good to finally hold it in his hand instead.  Rushing forward in his eagerness the Vanir overestimates the distance to his opponents; unable to immediately attack.
distance is 4 hexes (8m), your run is 12m, takes your full move to reach F10

Amalric - Amalric's own stone follows Syssiah's as he speeds it towards the archer but the distance robs it of most of its force.  Again the soldier's armor protects him from the Nemedian's missile.
chest armor absorbs dmg

Archers - Amalric can see the wicked smirk of the Pelishtim archer and prepares to dive for cover against the man's arrow...but he is too slow.  A red line of pain is his reward as the broadhead leaves its mark upon his shoulder.  The last archer has recovered enough from the stab wound to nock his arrow and again take careful aim at the Khiati who has so far eluded him.
Amalric takes STUN but no BODY.  Archer 1 Brace & Set

Spearmen - Remaining mercenary on the ledge tries to return the air to his lungs and clear his head.  Of the two below the first picks himself up sees a red-haired wildman charging.  Gritting his teeth, he attempts to bring the point of his weapon in line with Marduke's path but the Vanir is able to bat it aside.  His companion has already drawn a dagger and looked to move to the nearby rope ladder...but sees Tiberio hugging the wall in stealth.  He moves to intercept the Aquilonian who is prepared for attack and easily able to dodge the stab.  Above the spearmen seem to close around the area above the Ear.
Spearman 3 missed Marduke, Spearman 4 moved to D12 and missed Tiberio

A'ghama - With a fall of dust and a loud his a giant of a reptile looks down over the edge of the Pit.  A human foot hangs from its mouth but disappears with another swallow.  As the spears of the mercenaries press against it on all sides Abdibaal's pet is driven mad...and into the Pit where its clawed feet find purchase in the stone of the wall as it begins its descent.
and now the monster arrives, half-move to edge, half-move climb down, it is descending the wall above Spearman 5 in hex C11

Slaves - Anther slave reaches the Scree Field but is halted by the cry of fear from the first.  Pointing they wail to their fellows below that the Abdibaal's beast is loose upon all.  Fear begins to spread but the press continues; those who have not yet laid eyes upon the creature may soon loose heart once they do.  Ludvik is able to reach the Scree Field finally to also witness the fearsome reptile.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:42, Fri 23 Aug 2019.

Speed Chart

Abdibaal has ordered his A'ghama loosed upon the wretches of the Pit who dare to rebel against him; the iron collar and chain still dangle from its neck which held it in check inside its cage above.  Some poor soul has already fallen to its savagery; likely more yet will.

Turn 9 begins! Everyone declare your moves for Segments 3 & 4
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 11:17, Tue 27 Aug 2019.

Frustrated and angry at the lack of immediately usable materials, Niamh growls and charges back out to the ledge to assist Chang Jun in engaging the last spearman on the ledge.

She catches movement out of the corner of her eye and glances, realizing what was coming their way, the need for a weapon even more urgent now. She grabs at the man's spear hoping to gain control of it.

(OOC: Trying to disarm the spearman remaining on the ledge of the Ear and, if possible, take control of the spear.

23:18, Today: Secret Roll: Niamh rolled 4 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,1,1.  Disarm.)

"AAAAAEAEAEAHH!"

Sarajen's victory battle cry echoes through the pit. While hanging from the ropes, he swings the whip up and over his shoulder in a wide arc, and giving it a little tug at the end to make sure it caught the ropes. He then pulls himself up with practiced precision, making headway up to the top of the crane.

OOC: Sarajen has a working whip with which to climb the rope using Swinging as movement. Can that in any way complement his Climbing skill to make faster progress up the rope? He's aiming to go all the way up.

Just in case, I am making the necessary rolls. Let me know what is and isn't possible.

Normal Climbing Roll
09:37, Today: Sarajen rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,2,4.  Climbing.

Extra Speed
09:37, Today: Sarajen rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,1,1.  Extra Speed.

 With a mighty stroke the pick gouges a hole in the skull of the guard still holding a spear.

 attack.
2 PSLs vs Hit Location (roll high shot 2d6+1)

07:55, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,6,5.  Pick tricks 12-. CSL not usable

07:55, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,1,4.  Pick tricks 12-. CSL usable.

07:56, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,3.  To hit, 6 OCV. Hits 9 DCV

07:57, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 4 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,1.  Hit location . Head.

07:58, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 5 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 4,2.  HKA damage.

Attack does 10 BODY, 25 STUN A-P