Segment 5
Syssiah - Syssiah dances away from the ragged claws that reach for her. She keeps her weight on the balls of her feet, ready to spring away from the creature's next attack.
Dodge

Segment 6
Chang Jun - At the call to fall back the Khitai does so, jabbing at the creature threatening Syssiah as he passes but dealing only a superficial wound
Gidim 27 takes BODY

Segment 6
Syssiah - Sprinting after Chang the princess leaves the nightmare where it stands.  It's head turning keep its evil gaze upon her.
Half move, half phase still available...or was the Dodge for this Phase also?

Niamh - The Pict joins the others, moving aside the demon to the group's rear and driving her spear point into its leg.  More black ichor seeps from the creature but it remains upright
Gidim 27 takes BODY

Marduke - Marduke shuffles back, his weapon ready to reap a bloody cost upon any desiccated claw that reaches for him.  Surprised the new come demon still stands he swings awkwardly, the blow not solid, only managing to open another gash in the ravaged creature.
Gidim 27 takes more BODY.  This is just getting to be cruel

Tiberio - The Aquilonian joins his companions but finds his intended space occupied by a red-haired Vanir due to the demon still upright and blocking the way.  The torchlight glints from the blade that severs the ghastly head, bouncing it from the bone facade of the tunnel wall and to the floor below.  He then prepares to meet the press once more.
Gidim 27 is dead

Gidim - The demons are slower than you, somewhat sluggish in their movements, but they close upon Marduke and Tiberio relentlessly.  The Aquilonian angles his shield to deflect rather than absorb the force of the blows so that neither bronze nor ragged claw leaves any lasting damage upon its surface.  Marduke, meanwhile, trusts to the steel of his armor, the brigantine keeping his ribs safe as the nightmare stalking him manages a sudden strike which slips past his guard.  Vaguely you realize Neferet's cries can no longer be heard.
Gidim miss or no damage, I keep rolling to hit armored areas

You fall back before the hoard.  Does it feel like a retreat to you?  Or is it a necessary strategy?  Does the difficulty in dispatching the demon from behind foretell more woe?  Those of a superstitious mind might say so.  The dead stares of the numerous, ancient skulls upon the walls around you pass no judgement and keep their counsel to themselves.

Syssiah's torch reveals only more tunnel, much the same as where you stood before.  Tiberio is unable to see much past the corner from his present position

I have not worried about END expenditure for most of you as your REC was high enough to counter the 6 END used each Turn for attacking (or you didn't attack at all like Syssiah).   But assuming you keep moving you'll start spending more than you can recovery every Post-12...barely.  Please do keep track of what you spend.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Tue 19 May 2020.

T3 S9

Chang Jun pauses to make sure the group is together as he listens for any signs of movement ahead of them.

OOC: Taking a recovery.
Regain END and STUN, 1/2 DCV until your Phase on Segment 12...fortunately you're safe

T3 S12

Chang Jun moves with the group ready to attack or switch places should anyone need relieved.
target hex?
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:21, Tue 19 May 2020.

T 3 seg 12

Marduke once more glances about for a way to end this, hopeful to find a spot to cause a cave-in. As the group shifts back, he moves with them, striking at any gidim foolish enough to close with the mighty Marduke. He conserves his strength, knowing he will need every bit of it he can muster.

08:37, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,4.  Perception 13-.

08:35, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 7,14 using 3d6,3d6 with rolls of 1,3,3,5,6,3.  Pick tricks 13- for CSL, Pick tricks 13- for CSL. 1 CSL, going to OCV.

08:36, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 6 using 17-3d6 with rolls of 5,4,2.  Attack OCV 6 DCV 6.

08:36, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 7,4 using 2d6+1,1d6 with rolls of 2,4,4.  Hit Location, HKA damage.
Attack hits a 6 DCV
Attack does 4 BODY 8 STUN ARMOR-PIERCING to the Arm.

The horde seemed endless, but Niamh still felt they had a chance. At least they were moving in the direction of Neferet and Amunet, it was only whether they could overcome the forces pitted against them in doing so.

She does her best to support the two that are covering their rear, counting on Chang Jun and Syssiah to let her know if she is needed as they continue to fight and move.


11:29, Today: Niamh rolled 5,10,3 using d6+d3,3d6,16-3d6 with rolls of 4,1;1,6,3,4,4,5.
Hits DCV 3
Chest (x3 Stun, x1 Body)
5 Damage

Continuing to pull away from the horde...

Tiberio moves back allowing a space for the ancient cadavers to advance into the timed arc of his scimitar.

The move back into stronger light allows the Aquilonian to can the ceiling looking for signs of weaker construction, where age and forces of the material have made collapse possible.

10:59, Today: Tiberio rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,3,5.  Perception v Collapse 12-.

Then come the enemy advance, and the flashing out of the scimitar

T 3 Seg 12

hPh: Move, 2m Half Move > Y 13
hPh: Fast Strike, +2 OCV, +0 DCV, +2 DC v Gidim that moves to me,
-4 Head Shot, d6+3

11:03, Today: Tiberio rolled 2,6,3 using 2d6,d6+3,16-3d6 with rolls of 1,1,3,2,6,5.  Scimitar, Head group, 16 OCV.
Hit DCV  3, Hand, 2 BODY 2 STUN
This message was last edited by the player at 18:06, Tue 19 May 2020.

Segment 9
Chang Jun - Chang takes advantage of a momentary lull and breaths deep.  Though the air of the tunnel is foul it still refreshes his muscles.
Recover

Segment 12
As the group retreats before the horde the creatures continue to follow.  The light reveals only a scant few but the sounds beyond tell of many more in the dark.

Syssiah - The torchbearer withdraws further down the tunnel, leading the group further into the unknown.
half move, Dodge

Chang Jun - Gripping his spear tightly, alert and ready, Chang Jun moves aside Syssiah as the group falls back.
half move

Niamh - Pulling back the Pict is prepared when Marduke and Tiberio bring the demons within reach.  Her spear strikes like a viper, just as one approaches Marduke.  It leaves a gaping hole but the creature barely seems to notice.
Gidim 18 takes BODY

Marduke - Marduke's eyes strain to find any sign of a weakening in the tunnel ceiling but is ill versed with tunnels or load and spies only the surrounding bones.  He takes out his frustration on the demon Niamh has stabbed, ripping the creatures arm from its socket and sending it to oblivion.
PER check fails.  Gidim 18 dead

Tiberio - Once again solid in the frontline of the group, the horsemaster prepares to meet the wave of nightmares.  An outstretched hand feels the kiss of steel, losing a tip of a finger, but still it comes for blood.
Gidim 22 takes BODY

Gidim - The demons seem to know no other tactic than to follow and attack, attack until their foes fall.  To the astonishes asshuri in the ruins this must have been a terrifying sight.  But to you, prepared, you have sent nearly a score to their final death. Their blows are either avoided or caught on shield or weapon.  As long as your strength holds you could continue this dance.  But you sense you will weaken long before these demons of Shem will falter.

Two more of the creatures enter the torchlight from the opposite side of the tunnel.
misses
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:29, Sat 23 May 2020.

Once again, more demons appear from the opposite side.  Are yet more behind them just beyond the torchlight?  Is the vice closing upon you?  How many nightmares does this ancient city hold?

My apologies on poor editing of my last post.  This is now Turn 4; please update END from Post-12 Recovery.

Chang you have a half phase delay available should you wish to use it
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:57, Wed 27 May 2020.

Marduke cries/prays aloud  as he conserves his strength and strikes with precision instead. He looks around again for a weak section to collapse as he falls back (when space is available). He delivers a devastating blow when one gidim overreaches.

08:19, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 7,13 using 3d6,3d6 with rolls of 1,4,2,4,4,5.  Pick tricks 13- for CSL, Pick tricks 13- for CSL. 2 CSLs, both go to +1 DC.

08:22, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,5.  Perception 13-. Made by 3.

08:21, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 2 using 16-3d6 with rolls of 6,6,2.  Attack OCV 5 DCV 6.

08:20, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 3,5 using 2d6+1,1d6+1 with rolls of 1,1,4.  Hit Location, HKA damage.

Ooc: bloody hell.
On the off chance that hitting a 2 DCV works,
The blow does 5 (×2) = 10 BODY 25 STUN ARMOR-PIERCING to the head.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 13:59, Sat 23 May 2020.

Niamh turned at Syssiah's gasp at more of the beasts coming from the other direction. Back to a two front fight, she pushed passed the Zamoran princes to meet the oncoming creatures. She could not bear to think of them as once being men. The corruption to turn them into this bordering on the ugliest parts of the outer dark...

She was a whirlwind with her spear as she engaged the new threat. "More behind," she said, more to Marduke and Tiberio. She was passed fear. She was driven by necessity. This would end and she grew more confident with every blow against their enemy.

Moving to AA9, Z8, or AA7...depending on how far she is allowed to go before she meets the oncoming baddies...attacking #29.

23:08, Today: Niamh rolled 3,16,13 using d3+d6,3d6,18-3d6 with rolls of 2,1;4,6,6,1,1,3.  Damage, Location, DCV hit.
Hits DCV 13 (Critical)
Legs (Stun x2, Body x1/2)
3(9) Damage (Critical)
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:59, Sat 23 May 2020.

Tiberio steps back, turning and looking at the others move, then back to see Marduke and the advance of the demons.

The shield will sweep and angle downward, to allow the scimitar to continue it's work, finding what opening these untrained creatures may leave open.

T 4 Seg 4

hPh: Move, 2m Half Move > Y 11
hPh: Fast Strike, +2 OCV, +0 DCV, +2 DC v Gidim

18:18, Today: Tiberio rolled 2,8,4 using 2d6,3d6,19-3d6 with rolls of 1,1,1,6,1,4,5,6.  Scimitar,  19 OCV.
Hit DCV 4, Arm, 2 BODY 4 STUN
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Mon 25 May 2020.

T4 S1 (1/2 phase delayed)

As soon as the two entered the light Chang Jun hurled his spear at the right most one.

20:28, Today: Chang Jun rolled 3,7,3 using d6+d3,3d6,16-3d6 with rolls of 2,1;1,5,1,6,6,1.  Spear 16 OCV.

Hit DCV 3; Arm: 2 Body 4 Stun

T4 S3

Moving past Syssiah, Ghang Jun takes up a postion where he can intercept the two should they advance.

OOC: Half move to Y7, hold half phase.

Segment 1
Chang Jun - As more of the horrors are revealed in your path Chang reacts without hesitation.  Spinning upon his heel he launches his spear at the monstrosity in the narrowing of the tunnel, missing the center of the torso but leaving a gash upon the demon's arm
Gidim 31 takes BODY, half-phase delay used

Segment 3
Chang Jun - Leaping to put himself between the Zamoran princess and the new-come threat, Chang moves close to draw the demon's attention.
half move, half-phase delay

Segment 4
Syssiah - Caught now, with threats before and behind, Syssiah could only move a few steps and watch and wait, alert should any of the demons make it past her allies and move to threaten her
half move to Y9, Dodge

Niamh - Swift to react the Pict rushes to stand aside Chang and drives her spear into the knee of the nearest creature, separating the leg and dropping the abomination to the bone-covered floor.  Broken but not dead the demon still reaches for her.
Impairing wound to Gidim 29, leg severed (Prone), dying but not dead

Marduke - Marduke chances another look back, desperate for any opportunity of escape from the seemingly unending nightmares from the dark.  As he sees Chang engage the new threat he notes the narrowing of the tunnel and scattered, broken stones which litter the ground.  And then the demons are upon him again and there is only time to block and strike back, to keep the blades and claws at bay for a little longer.
Miss

Tiberio - A short, guarded shuffle back and Tiberio is ready when the demons follow.   Patient, his blade licks out, tastes the desiccated flesh again, but only lightly.  Then the shield rises, prepared for the attack to follow.
Gidim 22 takes BODY

Gidim - Relentlessly they come, seemingly without fear or concern for the carnage wrought against their number.  Tiberio raises his shield in time by the barest of margins a bronze blade answers his strike, while Marduke is equally hard pressed to avoid another aimed at his ribs.  Niamh steps back in time as the wounded creature launches itself at her from where it lies.  Only Chang easily avoids the claws which reach for him.
All either miss or fail to overcome combat luck

Marduke has spied a possible spot to which he might put his weapon to its original, intended use though he knows only the crudest of means to bring about a collapse.  But even if he is correct, how to do so while hard pressed by the demons of these tunnels?  How to ensure none are left upon the wrong side of the cave-in?  Time is in short supply to find such answers, yet find them you must lest your bones be added to tunnel walls.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:51, Fri 29 May 2020.

Marduke says [Language unknown: "Ate vorratame haleta reableiou Bleticthe u. Comrutort ni aibe m weni sanoulint. Hebut aiicek fipe ncethehat ouicta n ore ameek ekntasma o iveur ieicne E ingticmen ant io ion."]

He waits for the chance to withdraw a few more steps, lashing out with skill to avoid tiring himself.

1/2 phase movement
1/2 phase attack

08:50, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 12,15 using 3d6,3d6 with rolls of 4,4,4,6,5,4.  Pick tricks 13- for CSL, Pick tricks 13- for CSL. 1 CSL to OCV

08:52, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,1,6.  Perception 13-.

08:51, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 9 using 17-3d6 with rolls of 3,3,2.  Pick attack OCV 6, DCV 6.
Hits DCV 9

08:51, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 5,5 using 2d6+1,1d6 with rolls of 3,1,5.  Hit Location, HKA damage.

When a gidim advances within range, a precise blow sends it to its knees. Hits DCV 9.
Does 10 BODY 25 STUN ARMOR-PIERCING. Head shot.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:07, Wed 27 May 2020.

The Aquilonian moved back, shield in covering position and his scimitar cutting to deflect, looking for advantage and positioning.

Moving back, seeing the narrowing, supporting Marduke as he moved past the narrow giving the demons no choice but to attack at the narrowest point, to be met by scimiar.

10:11, Today: Tiberio rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,1,3.  Perception 12-
16:38, Today: Tiberio rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,2,5.  PS: Builder 11-.

T 4 Seg 8

hPh: Move, 4m Half Move > Y 9
hPh: Fast Strike, +2 OCV, +0 DCV, +2 DC, High shot 2d6+1, v Gidim


10:17, Today: Tiberio rolled 3,12,7 using 2d6,2d6+1,16-3d6 with rolls of 2,1,5,6,3,2,4.  Scimitar, High shot,  16 OCV.
Hit DCV 7, Stomach, 3 BODY 12 STUN
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Wed 27 May 2020.

Niamh finishes off the creature in front of her, its angry and writhing body no match for her spear. She drove forward into its space to put pressure on the one Chang Jun was dealing with.

She was still hoping for a break in the masses, but had also noted that they shambled and if they had to run, there was a possibility of getting away...run to what, though.


22:56, Today: Niamh rolled 8,10,6 using d3+d6,3d6,18-3d6 with rolls of 3,5;5,3,2,4,2,6.  Damage, Location, DCV hit.
Hits DCV 6
Chest (x3 Stun, x1 Body)
8 Damage

Move to Z6 after blow...

T4 S5

Seeing no one in dire circumstances Chang Jun takes a swing at the thing in front of him.

OOC: Half phase held action Martial Punch.

08:00, Today: Chang Jun rolled 16,18,3 using 3d6,5d6,16-3d6 with rolls of 6,5,5,5,1,4,5,3,6,3,4.  Location, Damage, DCV Hit.

Hit to the leg, on a DCV of 3, 4 body 9 Stun.

Current DCV 8

T4 S6

Continues his attack on the creature.

OOC: Martial Punch.

08:06, Today: Chang Jun rolled 15,16,4 using 3d6,5d6,16-3d6 with rolls of 6,4,5,1,3,5,6,1,6,5, 1.  Location, Damage, DCV Hit.

Hit to the leg, on a DCV of 4, 4 body 9 Stun.

Current DCV 8

Segment 5 & 6
Chang Jun - Chang lands a rapid series of blows to the demon, targeting one of its legs as if to cripple the creature's movement.  The unnerving clicking changes in pitch, seeming to indicate that it is affected by the strikes, but it does not appear significantly worse for wear.
Gidim 31 takes STUN


Segment 8
Syssiah - Following still, the space between both fronts now shrinking until the fighting rages before and behind, Syssiah holds the torch high and bears witness to the struggle.  She remains ready to dive aside should any of the monstrosities pass her companions
assume another half-move and ready to Dodge

Niamh - The demon before her prone, its wide back an easy target, the Pict dispatches another of the demons and prepares to help Chang finish the last of those that block further retreat.
Dead, attacking always ends your segment, cannot move after attacking unless you have purchased a special talent to do so

Marduke - Marduke says something which only Naimh understands as he draws the legion of demons closer to the narrowing of the tunnel.  Perhaps bolstered by hope to collapse the tunnel he removes the head of another demon and prepares to do so again to the next that dares challenge him.
Gidim 19 is very dead

Tiberio - The Aquilonian chances a glance in the direction his Vanir companion has indicated and spies the narrow, but the learned mind and experience with road and other contruction recognizes the best way to bring the already weakened roof down.  An minutes might be needed were one to hack blindly at the area, perhaps half that with the powerful muscles of Marduke and if the shaft of the pick did not shatter from the blows.  But Tiberio recognizes that removing supporting rock from either side will speed up the process.  As his gaze returns to the nightmare at his heels, the horsemaster spills the guts of the creature at its feet.  It does not fall immediately, hardly seeming to notice its impending doom, but there is little doubt it will remain upright for long.
Impairing wound, Gidim 22 is dying

Gidim - Even as they fall more squeeze into the light to fill the gap.  But their numbers serve them poorly in the tunnel; had assuri had such an advantage perhaps they would not have been slaughtered to a man.  Instead the bronze weapons and viscous claws find no flesh and are easily avoided.  Those behind can only continue the strange clicking with an occasional moan.
All misses again
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:50, Fri 29 May 2020.

Here now is hope, nearly within reach.  It remains to be seen if you can pass the weakened ceiling and yet succeed in causing its collapse.  You have left a trail of corpses in your wake to reach this point.  How many more before you are free of the hoard?

Marduke and Tiberio have both clearly identified X6, where Gidim 31 currently stands, as a promising location to try to collapse the roof of the tunnel.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:36, Mon 01 June 2020.

[Language unknown:
"Er, whmila thotrante ss enlaas ncsapa, kor ti ounwitwitcon peven whwa-siou."]

The tone may have carried more hopeful tone than one of command, it was not earnest, it was firm.

With a goal in sight, Marduke strengthens his resolve. He keeps the same pace, withdrawing as space for his feet becomes available, and actively discouraging the living horrors by dispatching any that come too close.


1/2 phase move
1/2 phase attack OCV 6 DCV 6


00:56, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 12,15 using 3d6,3d6 with rolls of 6,4,2,5,5,5.  Pick tricks 13- for CSL, Pick tricks 13- for CSL.
1 CSL, goes to OCV.

00:59, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 7 using 17-3d6 with rolls of 5,2,3.  Attack OCV 6 DCV 6.

00:57, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 10,5 using 2d6+1,1d6 with rolls of 6,3,5.  Hit Location, HKA damage.

Marduke's blow hits a 7 DCV.
He does 5 BODY 15 STUN ARMOR-PIERCING. Chest shot.

Name moved forward to engage the creature in front of Chang Jun, new urgency at Tiberio's words. They had a plan and they needed to push through.

Her spear whirled and sang as it whipped between Chang Jun's own blows, only restraining herself enough to keep from hurting her companion.

Hits DCV 10 (critical)
Arms (x2 Stun, x1/2 Body)
2 Damage (critical)