The well has swallowed half the demons as is has so many of their victims.  But Amunet is not yet free and even now the lord of the ruins has laid hold of his giant weapon.

There is nothing between him and the helpless woman.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:56, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Marduke moves to K11 to engage the demon King. His opening blow punches through the demon's defenses.


06:23, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 11,12 using 3d6,3d6 with rolls of 4,2,5,3,6,3.  Pick tricks 13- for CSL, Pick tricks 13- for CSL. Both lvls to Damage.


06:25, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 16-3d6 with rolls of 4,1,3.  To hit OCV 5. Hits DCV 8

06:25, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 9,6 using 2d6+1,2d6 with rolls of 5,3,2,4.  Hit Location, HKA damage.
Marduke's attack hits a DCV of 8.
He hits in the Shoulder for 6 BODY 18 STUN ARMOR-PIERCING.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 00:42, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

A fast strike to the monster closest to the Princess, it opened an avenue of attack, but rather that than a shove into the Pit. The strike must force the monster back, accepting that it's collapse needs be in place, not to one side.

The shield would be counter balance and was ready as experience could make it.

T 1, Seg 8

HPh: Fast Strike v Gidim 9,

10:00, Today: Tiberio rolled 10,11,13 using 2d6,3d6,19-3d6 with rolls of 5,5,6,3,2,1,3,2.  Fast Strk v G 9 2d6, Location, 19 OCV .
Hit DCV 13, CRIT DCV 7, Chest, 12 BODY 36 Stun
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:43, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Not taking time to draw his sword Chang Jun Lashes out with his fist. Striking the creature square in the chest.

Punch: 1/2 Phase, +0 OCV, +2 DCV, 5d6 Strike
13:19, Today: Chang Jun rolled 15,10,8 using 5d6,3d6,16-3d6 with rolls of 2,4,4,3,2,5,2,3,3,3, 2.  Attack on Gidim 3.

Hit DCV 8
Location 10 (Chest)
Damage - 15 Stun 5 Body
This message was last updated by the GM at 00:43, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Segment 6
Chang Jun - Chang delivers a solid blow to the center of the demon's chest but the nightmare appears unfazed.
Hit, small amount of Stun

Segment 8
Syssiah - With a wicked smile Syssiah regards the bound Stygian, before contemplating her dagger, possibly indecisive.  In the end she shrugs and parts the straps with a quick series of slashes.
free Neferet

Niamh - The Pict recognizes the bloodlust in the eyes of the king.  Marduke is turning, moving to attack the giant but he will never reach the monster before he is upon Amunet.  With a savage warcry, Niamh charges the pit, plants the butt of her spear near its edge, and vaults across to land between the demon king and his sacrifice.  She spins and kicks out that giant's foot, hoping to topple him....but misses by a hair's breadth.
20:38, Today: Crom, on behalf of Niamh, rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,2.  Fighting Tricks: Spears 12-, -2 +10m leaping.
- made it by 4, total 16m leaping now, half-move of 8m to reach hex K9

20:42, Today: Crom, on behalf of Niamh, rolled 11 using 16-3d6 with rolls of 1,3,1.  Hit target hex of K9 with Leap, OCV 5 vs DCV 3, -0 Range Mod.
- critted her Leap...which means nothing

20:45, Today: Crom, on behalf of Niamh, rolled 4 using 15-3d6 with rolls of 5,4,2.  Trip Sadaan, -1 OCV, -2 DCV.
- missed by 1, son of a...

Sadaan - Ignoring the Pict, the demon king rounds near the pit and raises his giant club high above Amunet.  The girl cannot even manage a scream as she looks upon her death...
Sadaan will kill Amunet now.  Marduke and Tiberio have not gone yet, do you wish to try to prevent this?  You'll have to abort your declared action justify how to can intervene.

EDIT: actually Chang could abort his Segment 9 action as well to try to protect Amunet
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:02, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

This message was deleted by the player at 02:37, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Aborting previous action. Instead....

Marduke moves to K11(or just behind Sadaan) to engage the demon King. He grabs the Demon Lord from behind and throws him into the sacrificial pit.

1/2 phase move 7m
1/2 phase Grab.
Free action: throw into pit. Str vs Str? If Sadaan is hitting with a club, he isn't braced to resist a throw.

06:25, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 16-3d6 with rolls of 4,1,3.  To hit OCV 4. Hits DCV 7.

Sorry, probably should have said: You may only Abort to Defensive Actions.   You don't get your normal Phase (half move, attack), none of that.  See 6e2 p21.

Added the list of Defensive Actions to References Thread, msg#1.

Note: Dive for Cover (DEX roll -1 / 2m dived) does have the Protecting Other Characters option, meaning if you succeed you "interpose" yourself to take the damage from the attack instead of the target.

BUT...I'll allow a Dive for Cover to be used in conjunction with another Defensive Maneuver or to try to knock Amunet and the bier she's strapped to out of the way (that's gonna need a STR roll).

Unfortunately Marduke you're probably too far away unless you can think of a ranged way you can help.

I suggest letting Tiberio and Chang try 1st, if they choose, and then try a Hail Mary if they fail.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:56, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Attempt #3

Seeing the large demon about to kill Amunet, Marduke dives forward to try to block the blow with his shield.


11:29, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,5,2.  Dex roll 9- (Dive for cover). Success!



11:33, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 5 using 16-3d6 with rolls of 4,5,2.  Block, OCV 5+2(Shield)-2(Block for others).
Blocks an OCV of 5.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:50, Sat 08 Aug 2020.

Sadaan - Time seems to slow as the great club descents.  Amunet shuts her eyes.
 Neferet's frantic cry for her sister dimly echoes in the background.   Niamh is regaining her feet after her missed attempt to trip-up the king.  Tiberio and Chang remain blocked by the demons who had clearly moved to keep them from interfering in their lord's evil work.  Syssiah alone watches silently; whatever her thoughts or emotions held behind a stoic mask.

But before the mighty swing can fall a giant with red hair dives into its path.  The shield he bears catches the blow meant for soft flesh.

The sound of the impact echoes in the chamber as it sends the barbarian flying into the princess he sought to protect.  The bone bier shatters from the impact as the pair are cast sprawling upon the stone floor.

Sadaan has OCV 6, Marduke would have missed his Block.   BUT...remember those Luck points generated earlier in the adventure for rolling a 3?  They're gone now and Marduke succeeded in his maneuver instead.

08:15, Today: Crom rolled 30 using 8d6 with rolls of 3,5,2,6,6,4,1,3.  Sadaan Dmg.
- 9 BODY

08:15, Today: Crom rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Knockback.
- 2m knockback after the bier is shattered

08:20, Today: Crom rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,1.  Dmg from Knockback.
- 2 BODY 7 STUN - Amunet takes a small amount of STUN but is otherwise unharmed

Shield is Body 4 DEF 5, takes 9 Body and is destroyed.

Marduke and Amunet are both prone in M7
Marduke - please make a DEX roll to see if you retain hold on your weapon

And I stand corrected on you being too far away

Tiberio The horsemaster splits the sternum of the nightmare to his right, cleaving its wicked heart in twain.  It topples backwards as its unnatural life leaves it.
Gidim 9 very dead

Toughened Gidim - The larger demon tries to drive his ancient blade into the Khitai but Chang easily avoids the downward stroke
miss

Neferet - Momentarily stunned to see her sister escape the deathblow, Nefert rushes forward and attempts to pull Amunet to her feet.
half move

Gidim Minion - It is only a small drop of the shield but it is enough for the bronze blade to slide past.  Tiberio fells the weapon bite into his armor at the shoulder before he reacts and twists away from the force of the blow
hit, no damage

Against all odds you have preserved the life of Amunet when death was all but certain.  Yet the king of these ruins still seeks to spill her blood or that of her sister.  Is this only a momentary pause in his ritual?   Will he yet succeed?

This pit waits for the answer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:30, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

Marduke maintains a grip on his weapon. He stands and shakes the broken remnants of his shield from his arm. He whirls his pick in short defensive arcs, preparing for the next blow.

07:13, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,3.  Dex check 12- to hold onto weapon.

1/2 phase Stand.
1/2 phase attack Sadaan when he draws closer (unless I have to Abort to block)

07:15, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 5,13 using 3d6,3d6 with rolls of 1,3,1,4,5,4.  Pick tricks 13- for CSL, Pick tricks 13- for CSL.
If Sadaan attacks first, will abort to Block, putting both CSLs into OCV. If I attack first, both CSLs go into DCV.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 15:31, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Segment 9

Chang Jun lashed out with a kick aiming for the creature in front of him. But unfortunately due to poor footing or just plain bad luck the kick did not connect.

At least I think they have better than a 2 DCV

10:45, Today: Chang Jun rolled 22,6,2 using 7d6,3d6,14-3d6 with rolls of 4,5,2,3,4,1,3,3,2,1,6,3,3.  Kick aimed at Gidim 3 (OCV 11+5-2 = 14).

Segment 12

Continuing his flurry of kicks against the creature.

Possible hit, maybe?
10:50, Today: Chang Jun rolled 20,7,3 using 7d6,3d6,14-3d6 with rolls of 3,2,2,2,4,1,6,3,3,1, 2,5,4.  Kick aimed at Gidim 3 (OCV 11+5-2 = 14).
7 Body 20 Stun (4 Body 10 Stun)
Location Arm
Hit a 3 DCV

This message was last updated by the GM at 15:31, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Segment 9
Chang Jun - Chang strikes repeatedly at the nightmare, but the creature either manages to avoid or deflect the blows.
miss

Segment 12
Syssiah - Seeing Neferet run into the fray instead of staying away from it, the Zamoran mumbles a curse and flies after her.  As Marduke's bulk lays across most of Amunet her sister has made little progress in pulling her to her feet again.  With Syssiah's help the pair are able to finally free Amunet and pull her upright once more.
half move, pull Amunet out from under Marduke, 3 in 1 hex forces Neferet back into M5

Chang Jun - Still the Khitai is frustrated in his attack.  The littered floor fresh blood near the pit stymies his assault upon the larger demon.
miss

Niamh - The king is aside her but Niamh's eyes are drawn to Chang.  The giant might require a combined assault; Chang needed to his attention freed from the lesser evil.  Leaping forward she stabs the point of her spear between the ancient mail of the demon.  The creature shows little reaction but Namiah hopes they indicate pain.

Both CLS activate

08:25, Today: Crom, on behalf of Niamh, rolled 4,11,8 using 1d3+1d6,2d6,16-3d6 with rolls of 1,3;6,5,1,6,1.  Niamh vs Gadim 3, High Shot, -2 OCV +2 OCV from CSLs.
- Hit in Chest for 4, Impairing Wound (hit DCV 8 vs DCV 4), creature takes extra BODY

Sadaan - The king raises his head, arms wide, and a roars in a hoarse croaking manner, "Mooooordiggiaaaaaan!"

Niamh feels a chill on the back of her neck and spine.  Tiberio's scalp itches as he too senses a wrongness.

Wading forward the giant brushes the Pict aside easily, knocking her prone into a pile of bone.  The one who thwarted his sacrifice is in the processes of rising as Sadaan reaches him; ancient eyes look hungrily at...all 3 women, Syssiah as well, and the orbs in his desiccated face are alight with possibilities.  But looking down again to the threat to his plans he raises the giant club once more and prepares to crush the ones that would dare defy he and his God.
Marduke, you are Prone and at 1/2 DCV and -2 OCV.  Do you wish to take the hit or Abort to a Defensive Action?
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:47, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

As stated previously, Marduke uses his skill with the pick to try to block the blow.


08:44, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 2 using 16-3d6 with rolls of 4,5,5.  Block with pick, OCV 5 -2(Prone)+2(CSLs).
Blocks an OCV of 2.


Ohhhh, this is gonna hurt.


8 PD
3 rPD(Combat Luck)
4 rPD(locs 9-13)
5 rPD(Loc 5)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

The Aquilonian moves to block the club, alas, the shield is unable to alter the course of the battering weapon.


T 1, Seg 12, Abort v Sadaan Attack in 12

FPh: Abort, Martial Block, Block for Other v Sadaan

19:44, Mon 10 Aug: Tiberio rolled 5 using 20-3d6 with rolls of 5,5,5.  Abort 12, Block or Other v Sadaan 20 OCV.
Block OCV 5
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Thu 13 Aug 2020.

Sadaan continued - The king's face stretches abnormally in his husky cry as he slams Marduke back into the stone floor.  Neither the Vanir nor the Aquilonian are able to deflect the powerful blow.
19:05, Today: Crom rolled 26,9,3 using 8d6,3d6,17-3d6 with rolls of 1,5,1,4,3,3,6,3,2,3,4,5,5,4.  Sadaan vs Marduke.
- 24 STUN 7 BODY to Shoulder
almost missed, BODY will probably be negated but whatever STUN is left after you subtract your PD, Armor and Combat Luck x 3 for hit to Shoulder

EDIT: I read wrong STUN column, for N STUN it is x1 for Shoulder, see that was just a light tap

Toughened Gidim - The demon swings as Chang makes another flurry of kicks and the Khitai feels the bite of steel upon his unprotected leg.
19:17, Today: Crom rolled 5,15,7 using 1d6+1,3d6,16-3d6 with rolls of 4,4,6,5,3,4,2.  Gidim 3 vs Chang Jun.
- Hit Chang in the Leg for 5 BODY 10 STUN before defenses
I don't think you have armor there, do you?  If not, subtract your Combat Luck and then multiple by 1/2, round down for BODY damage.  Combat Luck will reduce STUN damage

Neferet - The princess pulls her sister back but Amunet is still shaken from the impact by the barbarian and the shock of the demon king.  The pair only back up a short distance to the West exit.
drag Amunet back

Minor Gidim - At the sight of the royal pair's retreat, the king points to the creature confronting Tiberio and with an loud clicking points to Amunet.  The ancient being does not hesitate as it forgets the horsemaster and moves to take hold of the princess once more.  Her feeble blows are useless as desiccated hangs take hold of supple flesh.
19:30, Today: Crom rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,5,3.  Gidim 10 Grab Amunet.
- hit DCV 3, Amunet is Grabbed

19:32, Today: Crom rolled 12,5 using 3d6,1d3+1d6 with rolls of 2,4,6,3,2.  Gidim vs Amunet STR test.
- Amunet fails to break free from Grab
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:50, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

The lord of the ruins WILL have his sacrifice to the dark god Mordiggian and woe to any who dare to stand in his way.  The Vanir has felt his wrath.  Who will be next?

Enjoy your Post-12 Recovery
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:58, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

Although the blow hurt, Marduke roars defiantly. Like a juggernaut rising, he struggles to his feet as he blocks the next club strike with a binding move. The lead demon would learn respect before it died. He says "Is that the best you can do?"

18:45, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,4.  PRE attack to get Sadaan to focus on ME.

Abort to 1/2 phase block.


17:50, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 11,11 using 3d6,3d6 with rolls of 3,6,2,5,2,4.  Pick tricks 13- for CSL, Pick tricks 13- for CSL.

Both CSLs to Block.


17:50, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 16-3d6 with rolls of 1,1,6.  Block with pick, OCV 5 -2(Prone)+2(CSLs)

Blocks an OCV of 8.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

Segment 3
Chang Jun - The creature has shrugged off or avoided his every strike, so Chang decides to try to use the monster's own momentum against it. As it advances he locks the outstretched arm, pivots over his hip, spins and releases the nightmare to the void of pit.
20:39, Today: Crom, on behalf of Chang Jun, rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,3,3.  Martial Throw Gadim 3 into Pit.
-hit DCV 6
one more down

Segment 4
Syssiah - The Zamoran moves serpentine like upon the demon, the chain from her collar undulating in time with her hips.  The outstretched arm leave holding the princess leaves the creature vulnerable, she slams the blade clean to the hilt and twists, separating the shoulder joint.
21:29, Today: Crom, on behalf of Syssiah, rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,2,6.  Fighting Tricks, Knives activate 2 CLSs 12-.
- both activate

21:33, Today: Crom, on behalf of Syssiah, rolled 5,9,9 using 1d6,3d6,16-3d6 with rolls of 5,1,2,6,3,1,3.  Syssiah vs Gadim 10, CSLs to add +1 DC .
- Impairing Wound, 4 BODY to shoulder, not dead but 1 arm is useless, -1 OCV
half move and attack

Niamh - The Pict rolls to her feet, skulls bounce upon the stone as she regains her feet and lungs at the king putting her entire weight into the strike. But the giant notices her movement and bats the spearpoint aside with one arm.
21:43, Today: Crom, on behalf of Niamh, rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,6,1.  Breakfall 12-, get to feet.
- stand up as 0 phase action

21:47, Today: Crom, on behalf of Niamh, rolled 4,12 using 3d6,3d6 with rolls of 1,2,1,6,3,3.  Fighting Tricks 12-, 1 roll for each CSL.
- both activate

21:52, Today: Crom, on behalf of Niamh, rolled 10,8,3 using 2d6,3d6,16-3d6 with rolls of 4,6,1,2,5,5,5,3.  Niahm vs Sadaan, 2 CSLs to increase dmg.
- miss

Sadaan - The king of demons steps over the prone Vanir and moves to take of Amunet, lifting her from the floor with a single, oversized hand.  He looks to the yawning pit, and tosses the woman through the air toward it.
21:59, Today: Crom rolled 11,5 using 3d6,1d3+1d6 with rolls of 4,6,1,1,4.  Sadaan Grab Amunet with casual STR.
- actually 1 hand, not Casual STR, he has 15 STR left to throw

22:12, Today: Crom rolled 7 using 13-3d6 with rolls of 1,3,2.  Sadaan throw Amunet into Pit, -4 OCV.
- hit DCV 7, Amunet will end up in the pit

Half-Move to N4, Grab and Throw unbalanced/unaerodynamic object

It wouldn't be heroic not to give you a chance to intervene.  Otherwise she will disappear into the maw of the pit.

EDIT: HOLD UP - let me double-check if he can aim his throw in same segment he made the Grab...  Nevermind aiming the Throw doesn't appear to be restricted under Grab rules

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:26, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

Marduke tries to intercept the flying Amunet, but his prone position costs him as his outstretched arm falls well short of the mark. As he watches her helplessly, a burning anger coalesces in his chest. The demon would be sent to the heart of hell for this evil act, and Marduke would personally deliver him.


00:32, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,4.  Dive for Cover, OCV 5. Hits DCV of 0. Fail.....

Marduke saw the body being flung first, Tiberio reacted, letting go his scimitar and leaping to intercept the Stygian so easily thrown as sacrifice.

01:00, Today: Tiberio rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,1,1.  Abort 4, Dive for Cover DEX -1, 11-, 7, by 4

T 2, Seg 4, Abort v Sadaan Throw, Dive for Cover

FPh: Abort, Dive for Cover, divert Amunet from Pit


This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

Sadaan continued - Marduke and Tiberio are both still picking themselves up when the Stygian princess is launched to her doom by the corrupted lord of the demons.  Perhaps still addled from the viscous blow from the great club, the Vanir is too slow.  But fortunately the Aquelonian is not, leaping high the impact sends both tumbling to the floor, skidding all too near the lip of the sacrificial pit.  Both are rattled but alive.
18:40, Today: Crom rolled 8,12,12 using 3d6,3d6,3d6 with rolls of 2,3,3,2,4,6,2,5,5.  Move Through Tiberio/Amunet, dmg, location, location.
- Tiberio take 12 STUN to the stomach, you will not get your Combat Luck against this as you could not try to Dodge.   Amunet will take the same and be STUNNED.

Tiberio finally stops in Hex N8 on the lip of the pit.  Amunet is in P8.

Tiberio, as you are in a face-down position and can see down the shaft....please give me a PER roll.

Marduke & Tiberio - Aborted

Neferet - Relieved that her sister has once more narrowly avoided death, Neferet never even glances to the nearby exit as she sprints back to her sister's side.
full move to R8

Gadmin Minion - The remaining minor demon pays no heed to its maimed arm and the Zamoran is too complacent with her blade.   At the sudden surge of attack Syssiah attempts to give ground and avoid the slash but the point rakes across her bare foot leaving a red line of pain.  She grits her teeth but does not cry out
19:46, Today: Crom rolled 6,17,6 using 1d6,3d6,14-3d6 with rolls of 6,5,6,6,4,2,2.  Gadim 10 vs Syssiah.
- 3 BODY after Combat Luck, Syssiah takes 1 BODY to foot
This message was last updated by the GM at 00:55, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

The Stygian's are free yet none have fled; the giant demon king seems determined to pursue and drag the women back.  How long can this game of cat-and-mouse last?  The giant shows no sign of weakening.

Marduke, Tiberio and Amunet are all prone.  Amunet is also STUNNED
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:12, Mon 24 Aug 2020.

Looking down the Pit

18:05, Today: Tiberio rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,2,1.
PER, down the Pit, 12-, 7, made by 5

There is a...presence...there but not.  The darkness below seems to fuzz, almost strain.  Your skin crawls as you can make out a large, worm-like form, like smoke and water.  Your eyes ache and you are forced to shut them but the image of a twisting bundle of tendrils is still visible in your mind.

And there is a hideous gibbering, similar to the horrible babbling of the demons of these ruins.  You hear it in your thoughts now but you know if the veil below is torn ALL will hear it with both their ears and minds as well.

It calls to you.  Hungers for you.  You specifically, nearly as much as you know it lusts for Amunet and Neferet...and Syssiah.  How you understand this you cannot say but you are certain you four are this charnel god's choicest of sacrifices.

And it is almost here.

21:54, Today: Crom rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,2,4.  Mordiggian Horror Mental Transformation Attack - Insanity.
- 8 points of insanity

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:05, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

Marduke stands at last and prepares to prevent any more sacrifices.

1/2 phase Stand
1/2 phase hold.


22:46, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 11,11 using 3d6,3d6 with rolls of 3,4,4,1,4,6.  Pick tricks 13- for CSL, Pick tricks 13- for CSL.
Both CSLs available
This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Wed 19 Aug 2020.