Chang Jun sat quietly behind Niamh as they rode. He admittedly was far more comfortable letting the lass control the horse, his horsemanship still lacking. He watched the terrain change as the continued their trek. As the entered the ruins of what at one time was probably a large city he became more attentive watching for any signs of danger.

OOC: 08:09, Today: Chang Jun rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,6.  Percetion 11-.

At Marduke's behest the group slows its pace in mixed terrain which forces the Vanir to cast a wider eye for the tracks he seeks.  But find them he does, veering the party right along what might be an ancient thoroughfare and then over a long decayed wall.

The Pict is first to spy to white upon the reddish dust and black stone.  It resolves itself into a sturdy white Ophirian warhorse equipped in rich and opulent barding and harness, the armor gilt and the saddle of leather and wood and sturdy enough for a mounted knight.  Tiberio recognizes its hide is slick with sweat, trembling and wide-eyed with fear, nostrils and the edges of its mouth foamed with saliva.

The handmaiden grips the Aquilonian's arm, her voice choked with fear, "It is Satabus' warhorse!"

The stallion slowly turns away from strangers it does not recognize but its exhaustion prevents it from more than a weak shuffle.

Of the prince himself there is no sign.  The sword sheath upon the saddle hangs empty; the tether for his shield likewise.

It will take an animal handling roll at -2 to calm the animal enough for any interaction.

Actions? Thoughts?  Questions?

To the handmaiden, "What is his name?"

The stallion was quite the exemplar. Tiberio slowly dismounts, reaching for water and asking others to share some of their water.

To Marcian, Tiberio asks the soldier to dismount and begin speaking softly to the horse in his native tongue, while Tiberio takes the water  and slowly approaches.

No fast moves, no motion that would dominate. His hand will cup and a small amount of water will balance in it. The approach is always where the stallion can see him, pausing if it turns away or walk, circling again to be in it's eye.

When close and if the name is known and water accepted, the horse trader will speak the stallion's name in a soft and comforting manner, none here could know the trauma of the stallion's physical state better than the Aquilonian.

Tiberio heart was full of sympathy for what must have caused such a state, knowing likely it's fierce heart and training to carry the Prince.

17:45, Today: Tiberio rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,5,4.
Animal Handling 12- -2 = 10-, 13
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Tue 10 Mar 2020.

"Tiberio, I can help," she said, as she dismounted, leaving Chang Jun alone on the horse she had shared.

Slow and steady, keying off Tiberio, who she knew was very experienced with horses.

(OOC: Assisting Tiberio with Animal Handling
20:03, Today: Niamh rolled 3 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,1,1.  Animal Handling.

Wow, not sure a crit on an assist means anything, but there it is.)

When you assist someone you roll to complement the main skill user.  For every 2 points you beat your roll by you lower the difficulty by 1.  You just lowered Tiberio's difficulty by 5; hell there should be an additional bonus for rolling a crit.  Well done
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:49, Tue 10 Mar 2020.

Marduke did not know horses, but he knew men. One does not abandon a fine animal and go afoot unless he is travelling where horses cannot go. He circles the area, seeking some sign of a portal or entryway. Stairs or tunnels, something convinced the Prince to take blade and shield along.

20:34, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,5.  Perception 13-.

20:34, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,4.  Tracking 12-.

20:33, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,1,6.  Concealment 12-, complimentary roll

Chang Jun slid forward as Niamh dismounted, and took hold of the reigns as he stroked the horses neck trying to keep it calm and quiets. He looked around the area as he did unfortunately everything looked the same to him.

09:02, Today: Chang Jun rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,4.  Perception 11-.

"Tempestas," the veiled woman answered, her dread thick in Tiberio's ears over the missing rider.

As the horsemaster gathers his enticement for the great beast, Niamh moves to block the stallion's weak flight from the only aid it was likely to receive.  Black eyes roll with fright that muscles are too exhausted to put to flight.  As Tiberio approaches from behind, calling softly to Tempestas, Satabus' mount is pressed closer between the Aquilonian and Pict.

Tiberio touches Tempestas' flank at the same moment the stallion's forehead presses into Niamh's chest.  The Pict accepts the animal, whispering softly in her savage tongue as she places her hands upon it.  The instinctive twitch of the muscles Tiberio expects at his touch immediately cease; the horsemaster notes as the great chest expands in a mighty intake of breath, then releases slowly.

As he reaches Niamh and holds out the water to Tepestas, the stallion turns and accepts the liquid calmly from the Aquilonian.  The eyes are at ease and though there is still signs of exhaustion it appears to be little more than Tiberio would expect after a good, hard run.  The stallion's tail swishes as he nuzzles the horsemaster's hand for more.

Chang is left atop his unfamiliar mount.  He felt he was becoming somewhat accustomed to the saddle and attempted to offer the mare some soothing pats, but the horse moves suddenly and it is only the Khitai's quick reflexes which keep him from toppling to the ground.

Meanwhile the Vanir presses the hunt, following back along the path that Satabus' mount appeared to come from.  50 yards further and ears long trained to note the sound of snow touch ground hear the unmistakable rasp of metal from off to his left followed by a low groan of pain.  Drawn hence Marduke does find a man in plate armor, half-propped up with his back to a low wall, broadsword still in hand, the ground stained with his an other blood.  The area around him is almost a butcher's table, the corpses of asshuri and their horses strewn wildly, almost as if tossed haphazardly around.  The white robes stained crimson in gore.

Niamh can feel something deep within her at the contact with the terrified and brutally fatigued animal. The words that came felt...ancient...but natural to her in the moment. She could feel the change in it as Tiberio worked his way to the head of the beast.

She gave Tiberio a nod and small smile, not totally understanding what had just occured, but knowing how right it felt as it happened.

She glanced at Chang Jun as the beast seemed to try and leap out from under him, but she relaxed as soon as it seemed he was able to retain control after a moment.

Looking back at the Aquilonian, still stroking the head and shoulders of the magnificent horse. "He should be quite a bit better, now. He is still anxious, but that has lessened some. I don't know how connected he might be to his master, but I imagine if we can find him, it may help ease his distress," she said to the man in Aquilonian.

It is a true unguarded moment, that moment where Tiberio is witness to something he knows, has felt himself, and never thought he would see it's like from a  savage.

No words, just a comforting pat to Tempestas, his eyes now upon Niamh as if looking at her for the first time.

Now it was on to what was at hand.

Tiberio took a step back, increasing his awareness now to look at those gathered, each horse and swiveling to find the the ice barbarian.

His mind went to threats, to the horses, to each of them.

The Khitai was watching, the Zamoran still.. difficult to read.

The terrain, what was around them for cover, and the where one might get a position to overlooked this place and the way that any followers might be.

The time of day, gauging the weariness of the group, the need for rest.

The barbarian throws his arm high, waving it madly, but not verbalizing lest he attract the attention of the deserters. He risks a single word aloud in Kothic.  he says, hoping to get the group's attention.

Tiberio looks to the Khitai, looking for reaction.

Then his eyes go to the horses and the Zamoran, it was not an attack, could be distraction.

Any swift action may cause a reaction from Tempestas, and best not to risk the connection that now existed with Niamh.

Slowly Tiberio backs away form the stallion and goes to collect the reins of the horse Chang sat on, then to the horse of the Zamoran.

A hand went to hilt, but it appeared to not be necessary.. yet.

Alert but no danger manifests immediately
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:20, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

Niamh tried to continue to ease the horses anxiety as Tiberio changed his focus to their companions. "I've got him," she said calmly to the Aquilonian, understanding his intentions. She reached up, continuing to stroke and comfort the animal as a hand reached for the reins, but not putting any amount of pull on them for the moment.

She glanced over at Marduke, the man clearly had found something important. "Shhh...," she cooed to the beast, still trying to comfort the horse.

"Tempestas...," she soothingly whispered, hoping that her speaking his name would help some. "You're okay, boy," she continued, keeping her voice calm and melodious.

The stallion, although not fully recovered, appears calm and well now.  It's immediate terror stilled though its eyes do roam and an occasional snort is given as if something irritates it's senses
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:45, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

The Vanir tells the armored man  He looks around at the dead bodies, seeking shirts or other materials he can strip off the dead. Although he was unskilled at dealing with wounds, others might need something to bandage the man's midsection.


00:27, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,4.  Perception 13-.

Marduke has seen enough of battle to recognize how serious the man's condition is.  The Vanir has witnessed men die from less.

Turning to the corpses of the asshuri, Marduke does note the sign of sword or dagger wound but...also what appear to be claw marks raked upon naked flesh.  Horrifyingly the Northman recognizes that some of the bodies he searches appear to have been gnawed upon.

Only now does the low carrion stench of the area become apparent.  It strikes Marduke as odd given that these men were slain perhaps hours ago and have not yet gone to rot.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:18, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

As Tiberio took the horses reins Chang Jun slid off the side and headed to where Marduke was. Laying his helm and weapons aside he approached the wounded man and gingerly began inspecting his wounds as he attempted to stabilize the man.

OOC: 08:52, Today: Chang Jun rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,3,1.  KS: Khitai Healing 11-.


Chang recognizes that the fellow is barely conscious, barely alive, and completely unaware of his surroundings.  Protruding from his arm, leg, and shoulder are arrows, with the cut shafts of at least two others in thigh and side. The worst of it, though, is the end of a broken sword blade sticking out of his breastplate, impaling his torso.

It will be no easy feat to stabilize his condition.

See next GM post for more...

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:05, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

Other than the call from Marduke these ancient ruins are without sound or movement.  In point of fact, there is an erriness to their solitude
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:42, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

Niamh slowly starts to try and ease the animal to join the others in Tiberio's hands, gently soothing and cooing at the beast as she did so. Clearly something had her companions' attention.

Truth be told, she would be glad to be free of this place. It was...odd to her.

"What is going on?," she asked, when she got close enough to not have to speak too harshly next to Tempestas.


22:26, Today: Niamh rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,5,2.  Perception 12-.
22:26, Today: Niamh rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,2.  Animal Handling 13-.

At Marduke's call, once Chang slips to the ground and runs in answer, so the handmaid and Marcian follow in hope of finding their prince.  Swifly outpacing the pair, Chang is already examining the man when the handmaiden reaches the scene and cries, "Satabus!" flying to the prince's side.

Though she is clearly loath to disturb the tending of Satabus, she calls to him, perhaps without realizing his limited awareness, beseeching, "Amunet?  Satabus, where is Amunet?"

Marcian will gently restrain her from further outbursts but she sobs in his grip as she watches Chang work.

To save a prince:

This will require a total of 10 successes with healing/paramedic skill.  You can describe how you will approach each task, once you roll for every point you meet or beat your healing roll will count as 1 success.  You may have another character assist, they can roll their healing skill as a complementary (or vice versa if you choose to assist them) to reduce the difficulty.  For example, if your their skill is 11-, for every 2 points under their roll they make increases your skill by 1 for that roll.

Only 1 other can assist in this task.

Use of herbs, bandages or other appropriate supplies can further reduce the difficulty by 1 (ie, if your skill is 11-, using herbs makes it 12-). But you'll need more for each attempt.

If you do not beat your roll his condition may worsen.  At 6 points of failure he may even die.

Assuming you reach the 10 success mark, no further rolls will be necessary.  Each attempt will take approximately 3 minutes.  Grave as his condition is taking extra time is not an option.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:38, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

Tiberio turns, facing Niamh, but his head is a quarter turn away, his eyes, searching while he talks.

"They have found something, it would..."

The cry, followed by the beseeching tone ended the horse master's words. He need say nothing more. The circumstance that caused the reactions remain as unknown to him as the Pict.

It was time to find a place to tie the horses, a place where reins could be secured, that could resist well efforts made by horse.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

"We found our missing prince, it seems...," she said, her voice trailing off a bit.

She took in the landscape, once more. Giving a quick glance to Syssiah, the beautiful Zamoran woman, still sitting and apparently bound. Her eyes lingered a moment at just how regal she seemed while presenting herself as a slave.

"Do you have them?," she asked the Aquilonian, holding the reins to the large beast to him. "Or would you rather I take them?," she offered.

"I have them. We are due for a rest."

Tiberio will shift his eyes to follow the Pict, turning them on the Zamoran.

Breaking with Niamh, taking the stallion now to a close by spot to examine th ehorse, remove any saddle and equipment and try to find anything that could pass as a brush, let alone something to serve as a blanket to keep it warm.

Niamh nodded to the man, giving him a small tired smile. It had not been easy ever since her capture and enslavement. Even obtaining their freedom and continued efforts to remain so have proven difficult and troublesome. She hoped things would get easier soon.

She made her way to the small gathering of people...Marduke, Chang Jun, Marcian, the maiden, and Satabus. That he might somehow still be alive was impressive on its face.

She gave a nod to the large redheaded barbarian who had apparently found the prince before settling in next to Chang Jun. "How does he fair?," she asked the Khitai warrior, taking a look of her own, noting the wounds and how they might be addressed.

She waited for his response before offering a plan. "We may, yet, be able to save him," she said, gently touching here and there and thinking of the materials they had available. It would take much of them, but if he was someone valuable, they would be able to leverage that to their benefit.

Marduke continues to gather materials for rough bandages from the dead asshuri around Satabus. As he goes from body to body he looks for poultices or strong drink...anything that might help with wound closure or pain management.

OOC: Would Survival skill help in any way?

01:14, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,5,4.  Perception 13-.

You will be able to find sufficient cloth to serve as bandages after 5 minutes of searching through the bodies.  In addition there are 2 intack water skins.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:16, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

Chang Jun paused as Niamh joined him "It is a wonder the man still lives. The sword wound is the worst." he lifted the cloth and allowed Niamh a better view of the wound.

"We should see if someone could find some clean water to boil, once the sword tip and arrows are removed the wounds will need to be cleaned. Do we have any herbs left that will be of use?"


OOC: Chang Juns skills in healing are all at 11-, if Niamh's or someone else's are better he will assist them.