Using the shallow creekbed and destroyed carts for cover, Marduke takes advantage of the situation to creep closer, to P-16 (broken cart therr is hanging half over creekbed, granting even better bonus cover). He doesn't know what is being said, but he knows predators when he sees them.

04:51, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,5,1.  Stealth 13-.
Made it by 5.

Chang Jun glares at the leader, shifting ever so slightly as he readies himself for possible combat.

The contents of Tiberio's hand catches the mercenary's eye.  With a self-satisfied smirk he approaches the horsemaster but does not immediately release the woman.  All eyes follow the pair as they move, offering Marduke the distraction he requires to reach the wagon unnoticed (not even by the pair of archers who stand upon its bed for a clear field of fire).

Face to face now Tiberio can recognize the cold, hard eyes of this leader of scoundrels, no stranger to combat if the many scars upon his arms and face are any indication.  He maintains his hold upon the handmaiden's arm, firm but not cruel, and nods to the closed fist for a second look.  Assuming Tiberio obliges the fellow will ponder a moment before straightening and shaking his head, "A bauble, not worth the price we agreed to by half.  This and another 10 gold and our business is done."

He waits in a relaxed stance, likely emboldened by the superior numbers at his back yet...Tiberio feels certain his blade will appear instantly at the first sign of treachery.

While Niamh maintains her aim upon the mercenaries' leader, so too do their archers train their shafts upon the small band before them.

The grip of avarice is strong, stronger still, on those who seek to barter with strength they can not see.

Mitra, I ask the veil to be lifted, so the scale show truly, numbers  weighted against  strength and experience.

"The Pict warrior to my right has put an arrow into the eye of a man at one hundred paces, I have never known her to fail a killing blow at this range.

The Khitai is a warrior that carries no weapon, because his hands are a living steel

The ice barbarian can kill three men in one swing.

The Khorajan horseman will ride down men just for the pleasant sound of hooves trampling flesh.

My blade is still slick with the blood of the Shemites I beheaded earlier this day.

You stand because Mitra asks me to spare all of your lives.  Release the slave, take the gem, anything else you like, we leave it to you, and live for another day."


Roll it
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:56, Wed 19 Feb 2020.

The fellow raises an eyebrow, looks round (though Tiberio suspects he never truly takes his eyes away from him), before meeting the horsemaster's eyes again and laughing, "By the Gods you've spirit!  I've four times your number yet you'd have me believe you are sparing my men their lives.  Whether your people are as deadly as you say or you're simply a madman, the fact remains that my men and I fight for only two things:  money or our lives.  And so I believe I will accept your offer," he pushes the woman gently towards Tiberio before motioning for the item the Aquilonian holds, "and be off before more asshuri pass this way."

Assuming Tiberio completes the exchange the bauble disappears into the the folds of the man's clothing in a single, smooth motion.  Turning to go, he pauses, looks back and asks, "I am Asander.  By what name are you known?"

The handmaiden moves to Tiberio's side though her eyes are searching.  As yet seems uncertain if her lot has improved in this exchange or not.  Her veil hangs askew thanks to Asander's slap.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:19, Fri 21 Feb 2020.

Niamh breathes, but does not release her bow until and unless the archers of their group relax, as well. "Come to me, girl!," she calls out, wanting to get her away from Tiberio and the mercenary leader.

"Don't linger," she adds, her eyes searching the other group.

The woman moves from Tibero but hesitates at the sight of the Pict before checking her progress.  She regards the savage, uncertain but without fear, before her eyes flow over the rest of the strange band that has now paid to claim her from the mercenaries.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:35, Sun 23 Feb 2020.

With the bauble handed over, Tiberio waves the serving girl away from him and to  Niamh, never really taking her into account, except as a means to an end.

"When next we meet, you shall have my name."

After waiting the moments it takes the girl to get to Niamh, Tiberio walks backwards, slowly, not letting his right hand lower anywhere near his blade.

Backing to Marcian's position then turning to get to his horse and vaulting once more into the saddle.

A questioning glance to Chang Jun.

Assander simply chuckles, "As you say, madman.  Let us hope that it will be in the service of the same noble.  Yes, that would be best."

The mercenary regards Tiberio return to his mount, glances to the Pict's shaft still trained upon his breast, then shrugs and walks toward his men.  With a whistle and a hand motion, the throng noticeable relax and begin to grab their possessions."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:51, Sun 23 Feb 2020.

After the others were back to the horses Chang Jun waited long enough for everyone to mount before he withdrew, keeping a wary eye on the Asander and his men. Once at the horses he waits to see if who the handmaiden rides with.

Chang notes that, though the mercenaries relax, there are always eyes upon the group and occasional conversation between two or more with a nod to their direction.  It brings to mind wolves regarding prey.  At the moment the predators do not appear hungry.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:50, Sun 23 Feb 2020.

The eyes that meet Syssiah's are sharp, defiant as they behold the Zamoran's appearance of bondage at the hand of those she rides with.  A moment's glance toward Asander and she takes hold of the rear of the saddle and vaults to sit behind the princess.  Her decision made.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:31, Sun 23 Feb 2020.

Seeing a transaction take place, Marduke relaxes slightly, but does not reveal himself. Although it looks like a peaceful conclusion, the Leader might have one or two hotheads loathe to let an advantage slip away...so he keeps an eye on the bowmen, ready to react if need be.

20:11, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,5,4.  Perception 13-.

The Vanir will need spend at least 10 minutes under the wagon before he will be able to safely sneak away.  During that time his simple knowledge of Kothic may catch snatches of conversation which could prove useful.  Please provide PER and INT rolls to see what is overheard.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:45, Sun 23 Feb 2020.

If it appears to remain calm, with parties going their separate ways, Niamh slowly moves toward the horse she and Chang Jun share. Her bow remains notched, but she slowly relieves the tension.

She did not like being in range of their archers and crossbowmen while they made their way around, so she kept an eye on them the entire time.

It will be a short retreat. When Marduke rejoins, signs of full retreat given to all, a respectful vigilance maintained until it seeps into all present that there will be no aggression, the group will go up the hills they spied from and back down to the ruts they had been following, Marduke as tracker.

Then it is clear that realignment, questions and getting back to the task of riding hard to find the Prince.  The passage of the day being what they needed to conserve the most.

If Niamh applied her skill while others asked questions, that speeds the time until they return to the trail.

Whom will ride with who, now it was either Tiberio or Marcian that would have a second rider and for the sake of the horses, no men should double up.

Once introductions and the offer of a ration or water, questions can be asked.

To the serving girl, "What was the state of the Prince, his guard, when you were separated?"

The previously unseen barbarian, once the retreat is in full swing, casually carries pulling the cart he was hidden behind to the group. Once there he rotates it lifts the rear and says in his native tongue  Once his message is delivered he sets down the cart and awaits a decision. If it is decided to press on, he climbs back aboard his horse (with his nubile passenger) and gets back to work discerning the Prince's trail.

GM edit

The Vanir is mighty, especially for this setting, but everyone would be waiting a loooooot longer if he tried carrying the wagon the whole way back to them
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:42, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

Marduke spent some 10 minutes under the cart until he could safely sneak away. During that time he may have picked up snatches of conversation.

09:46, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,1,1.  Perception 13-.

09:46, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,5.  Int roll 12-.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:39, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

The exchange takes place upon the earth where Niamh can examine the woman for injury.  Yet dark eyes glare back from her veiled face as names are given and she refuses the touch of the savage Pict.  She regards the fierce Vanir and exotic Khitai with similar distrust.  Each of you can see only superficial abrasions upon her bared arms, though there should be a bruise forming on the cheek that felt Assander's caress, now hidden by her replaced veil.

When asked of the Prince she stands spine-straight demanding, "And what concern have you for Satabus' welfare?  Mighty Set willing he outrides the asshuri even now carrying his love to safety.  If you wish for ransom I think you will be left wanting."

Marcian is taken aback, takes hold of the white robe he wears and rips it near in half in anger, "Upon my life I will never betray my prince.  Not as Assander and his pack of dogs.  Not even in death."

Sweeping his arm to encompass all of you he adds, "And these travelers have lent aid to I and Prince Satabus' men at peril to their own lives.  Only by their swords have I reached this point in search of my prince, one of their own staying behind in the guise of the enemy to mislead any asshuri who may follow.  These horses could carry all to safer climes, yet here we stand, knowing we may face dozens of the finest of Akbitana and Shumir ere we find Prince Satabus and Queen Neferet, and still none cry stop."

His point made Marcian stands cross armed, his words finished.  The handmaiden appears unsure, her sharp stare slowly flowing over each of you in measurement.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:52, Sat 29 Feb 2020.

Eventually, Marduke sneaks back to the group. He says in broken Kothic

Niamh notes that the woman is seemingly offended by her very presence, the Pict's eyes narrowing at the snub.

Then the woman speaks in defiance only to be chastised by Marcian. They were still in grave danger as the Shemite forces were still in the area and she still had no trust in the mercenaries they had just interacted with.

She turned to Marduke.  she said to the mountain of a man in his native tongue.

 she continued.  she finished.

She turned to the maiden.  she said in Kothic.

She glanced at Syssiah before turning to Tiberio, Chang Jun, and Marcian.  she said, another glance at the maiden as she said the last.

With some effort, time an context, Tiberio heard and then understood what was said.

Still learning, the language felt awkward, however his usage of Kothic improved. Whatever
art their was to his words, it seemed to spare the Pict from the stark position they all were in.

"Speed is the whole of our tactics. Speed is what will bring us to the Prince and succor his position.
Speed will carry us further from both the asshuri and these craven mercenaries.

Speed is what was bargained for with the mercenaries. Our welfare and prospects are now carried by these horses.

We ride only as far and as fast as they allow, and their burden became one larger.

We leave the cart behind and we ride as fast as Marduke can read sign of the cart.

The handmaiden can take your place or ride with me, choose."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

Marduke tries to make sense of the diatribe. "Want Speed? No cart. Will track." Marduke tries to find some sign of the fleeing Prince.


22:03, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,4,2.  Perception 13-.

22:03, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,4.  Tracking 12-.

This message was last edited by the player at 06:04, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

Though trust is short the handmaiden agrees to ride on with the group, now holding tight to Tiberio while Marduke takes his place once more upon the same mare as Syssiah.  The trail of hoof prints left by the score or more asshuri riding in pursuit of Satabus and Neferet prove easy to follow at first, such that the Vanir's guidance is only rarely required to maintain course.

Niamh notes once more the half hidden glare upon her but it appears...softened, more wondering than resentful.  Perhaps Marcian's words have planted a seed that may yet deepen its roots.  The Pict reflects that such distaste (and even worse) has flowed from so called "civilized" persons she has encountered since her travels abroad began.  As though their soft, unnatural facade of order and enlightenment could not stand the reminder of the savagery lurking within all.

Focused as he is upon the path ahead Marduke notices none of the regard of his own savage person.

Of Chang and Syssiah there is no appearance of concern.  The initial uncertainty of the exotic Khiati has perhaps passed.  The Zamoran, appearing as a slave, is thought of as such.

As miles begin to fall away the terrain become more chaotic and rough, sloping upwards into low and jagged foothills.  Something of it tickles the subconscious of those of you with experience in survival, especially Naimh who has crossed deserts before.  The Aquilonian surmises that it is no natural landscape you travel, but the sand-covered ruins of some ancient city.  A short while later you spy carved black stone set amidst the reddish foothills.  Soon after long-collapsed structures, even stretches of flagstone streets or squared stones that marks the remains of walls poke up from the ground.  All are now aught but rubble.  Here now the tracks become more difficult; as ancient flagstone or broken stone resist hoof-print.

Everyone please make PER rolls
Marduke Tracking as well
Everyone - actions?  discussions?
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:07, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

Niamh thought little of how other thought of her...except, perhaps, her companions. Trust born of shared pain, conflict and sacrifice. The new addition to their group clearly seemed uncomfortable in her presence. Something had long grown used to in more 'civilized' lands. She had seen their concept of 'civilization' and found it largely lacking. Still, she was not in her home and she would have to make concessions, her and there...much to her loathing.

Still, she was not actively seeking enemies at this point, either. But they continued to show themselves...allies, as well, at least. Marcian seemed to have a good head on his shoulders. And who knew how this might play out should they actually manage to save this Korhajan prince and his bride. If it got her a step closer to home, it was worth it.

With the warning from things overheard by Marduke, they still had not only the asshuri to worry about, but the mercenaries they had just dealth with, as well. These things were on her mind as they continued through the canyon. Eventually clearing it into rough and jagged foothills, she noticed a significant shift in the nature of their surroundings. Remnants of manmade structures becoming more clear.

The could easily lose the ability to track in this terrain. "This will help in losing any following, but we will likely lose your prince if we are not careful through here," she said in Kothic, glacing around at the possible places for ambush.


17:07, Today: Niamh rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,1,6.  Perception 12-.

The savage Marduke pauses as he sniffs the air. He then draws back as new information flows to him about this new locale.

16:23, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,2,5.  Perception 13-.

16:23, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,1.  Tracking 12-.

The ride is a balancing act, speed and having a second, means the maneuvering is limited. Though the shield is still strapped to his left arm, it was clear that the Aquilonian was trying to speed along and pick a good path.

18:51, Today: Tiberio rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,4.
PER 12-, 13
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:53, Mon 09 Mar 2020.

This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Mon 02 Mar 2020.