Marie quickly notices the horse close by. As she rises she feels a tad light headed and as if something is stuck in her hair. Finding a piece of ivy intertwined, it seems curiously stuck.
The midwife rises.
"Excellent. You did f----"
Thud. A loud thus is heard and the woman gargles. An arrow pierces her throat violently and blood pours all over her dress and apron as he falls to a knee, in shock and dying from life.

A familiar character appears with his dog, and three men aside. In the thick bush from a nearby forest they stands tall, just inside.
Sheriff Wilhelm.
His grizzled feature speak volumes.
"So, the rumor was true. You were up to no good, and her...Maurina was a liability from the get go. Needless. Juno demands your presence. And...you will come with us. She awaits you in the square of town. So. Now come, don't be troublesome about it.."

The man refrains from pointing weapons at you. But their actions and vigilance proves their own and with a ruleset beyond that you know. The sheriff acts on his own as a judge and executioner.

They wait, offering for you to join in peace. For now.

Etain stays where she is on the ground next to Marie, the axe still held by the haft just below the head, besides her Roan and Eimear bare their teeth and raise their hackles.

When Marie started convulsing Jareik had his hand on the pommel of his sword.
Right if she starts sprouting tentacles then I don't care what the others say, I'm going in swinging before she turns into something real nasty.

Fortunately the lady watched over Marie still but any moment for celebration was cut short when the old woman was slain right in front of them.
In a flash he switched arms and brandished shield and blade towards her assassins but lowered his weapons when he saw it was the local "law".

"I'd say it is high time we had a meetup with this Juno we keep hearing so much about." he responded tensely, casting a glance at the woman who had helped them and paid the price.
The senseless killing proved the sheriff has gone off the deep end and he was in the right mind to take him on here and there but meeting up with his boss was too inviting to refuse.

Backing off from the sheriff for now he went to check on the revived knight and Etain.
"Say Miss Marie, you in shape to scrap again? What with you one foot in the grave not a moment ago."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:01, Tue 28 June 2022.

"The gods saw fit to grant me two feet. I can still fight until I fully step into Morr's Garden..." Marie replied fiercely, rising to her feet and keeping a protective armored arm in front of Etain.

"I seem to be unarmed however. And seeing as these honorless cowards just slew an unarmed woman from a distance, I doubt very much they would allow me to retrieve my things from Josette. But I agree, it is about time we speak with this...Juno. And see what is it about them that inspires such foul villainy," she growled, face flushed with anger despite her lingering wounds.

The men remained, armed and calm for the time being.
Glaring on you with almost an insightful concern, they kept every move in close focus.
With a sinister glee in his voice the sheriff eyed Marie.
"Ah...perhaps you need a hand? I would be happy to offer a shoulder.."
He winked, and smiled broadly.

He then turned to Jareik.
"Yes. She would be delighted to meet you. Once you are gathered, we shall go see her. Worry not about the woman...she will be treated to a burial fit for her..."
His tone changed to dour at the end, almost in resentment.

Cecla didn't have much hope this would end well one way or the other but she kept her mouth pointedly shut for the time being. She didn't need to remind the Sheriff of their history for the moment or the rabble rousing she'd done to let his prey slip the trap he'd been closing on him. The woman that had helped them sitting at the back of her mind as one more grudge to bring to bear. No good deed went unpunished as some of the more sour of her kinfolk said but by the same token she wasn't about to let an evil one good unpunished either.

Her grip tightened on the axe in her hands rather than going for the her braid. She would rather put the lot to the blade but the numbers weren't kind to them in the moment... and she had to admit to a grim curiosity about the sort of woman that could turn so many folk astray.

"Nothing more to it then." she offered bluntly in agreement with the others and holding back the question as to just what sort of burial the woman could expect.

Jarein nodded at the agreement of his fellows, seems curiosity beats caution for now.

"Allright we'll come along then. Let's see what Juno has to say for herself." He moved to the front of the group and followed the sheriff close.

For if nothing else the shot right through the throat proved the sheriff was a decent enough marksman, so Jareik made the mental note that in case of an engagement to not give him the opportunity to do so to them.

The Sheriff nodded.
"Good. No need for malicious nor struggles. Coorporation is also good. Follow along now."
The group was led down the path with a set of guards front and rear, and the sheriff near the front also.

In light of the torches, you came closer to the town square.
In the middle you see six people, in cloaks with torches in their hands. Only the small circle you come to is lit up, the rest of town is almost pitch black.
A cold wind blows as you come to the center, which is the only place lit up.
Out of the darkness, a tall, lean woman with flaming red hair cascading down her back appear.
She is beautiful to behold, even if her blazing red eyes and horns are a might disconcerting. Next to her is a creature from the abyss whose facial features seem awfully familiar..
(Int test to identify).

In a melodic, alluring voice, the woman speaks to the group:
“Come forth, brave souls. You have proven yourselves worthy of the Mother’s Embrace. You needn’t show any fear. For I will be there to help you explore your most inner being and desires in ways you can scarcely imagine. Through me, the Mother will bring you to such a state of pleasure and excitement that you will barely be able to contain yourself. Come to me."
Her voice is ambroisia and soothing like nothing else and all, regardless of gender, career and presence of mind, feels her draw..

PLEASE ROLL A WP CHECK(+0% vs CHARM effect)

Marie felt that cold thing happen to her stomach again, as all signs of danger became more and more reinforced. She knew she recognized that vile creature, it was right at the tip of her tongue...

But then the woman with the hair of fire started talking, and for a terrible, delicious moment, the Knight of the Realm found her attention being drawn into those soft words. But then her better sense, and stubborn will shook off that tantalizing voice, and she found herself back in the moment. Still surrounded by evil. Still unarmed. But with the Lady in her heart, and her companions at her side, things weren't over yet.

OOC Mechanics
08:53, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 3 -- 3 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 39.  Intelligence Test.
08:55, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 26 -- 2 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 46.  Willpower Test.

Etain stares at the beast, while she can't deny the inherent beauty of the creature, there is a underlying wrongness about it that left a knot twisting in her gut.

Grimacing at the creature she suddenly makes a face, then a gagging, phlegmy noise and hawks a thick glob of mucus at the creature and she says "Deamhan salach neamhghlan"


Etain Seanait rolled 34 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 44.  Int.
Etain Seanait rolled 24 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 41.  Vs Charm, +10 if Etiquette works.
Etain Seanait rolled 76 -- 4 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 29.  loogie.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Thu 21 July 2022.

Jareik's danger sense was tingling as they approached this illuminted circle amidst the dark, a foreboding image if there was any.

Yet he was surprised to see rather then a decripit hag or some hideously deformed being it was one of the most beautiful women he had ever laid eyes upon greeting them.
For a second, he was almost tempted to relax, after all it's not every day one sees such a woman with a gorgeous flaming mane and such striking eyes, for sure she was a wild one in the sack...

That second of temptation was cut short as he realised his mind was wandering and he thought back to the greatsword oath to refocus himself. That's when he noticed the horns.
As she spoke his hand tightened on the grip of his sword hilt, "pleasure and excitement", like he hadn't heard that line before... Yes he has seen this scene happen before a dozen times allright during the war, scores of good lads seduced by the forked tongue of liars and harlots and even the odd inhuman monster whose seductive appearance contrasted with the rotten core inside and the foul deeds they plotted.

Etain's spitting made him shift his attention to this creature beside her, now where had he seen that ugly mug before...?

17:22, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 23 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 39.  Int.
17:21, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 6 -- 4 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 46.  Wp.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:15, Fri 22 July 2022.

Red eyes such as her own weren't that much of a damning oddity and at a glance the woman may have passed for the stand in most popular lass in town, the horns however... Were an entirely different thing. For all her honeyed words, and amicable terms, there was something fundamentally wrong with her and at best she was what could be labeled as a lucky mutant. Moreover, knowingly or not, she brandished magical energies to aid her aims, which made her a mutant AND a witch at best. The Gods knew she wasn't the type to wantonly put hedge wizards to the torch but if first impressions were of any import, this one was too far gone. "I am afraid leisure is not what brought is here Juno. The only delight I may seek of you at the present is conversation."

---

21:07, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 3 -- 4 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 48.  Int.
21:08, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 38 -- 2 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 63.  Wp.

There was often so many thoughts, tidbits of knowledge, and mental esoterica that more practical or immediate knowledge might slip the proverbial gear mounting. This was sadly one of those moments as eyes fixed on the woman who emerged and spoke to them, of all things, leisure, desires and self exploration. As if the lot of them hadn't already led the first and more leg of their lives already. Her pleasures all stemmed from the drafting table, the forges, the weight of tool in hand and the company of kin-folk with a job well done. Not from some tainted witch in village too daft to realize what had been done to them with, seemingly, a whole different sort of tool in hand.

Regardless, the fact of the matter was blatantly apparent that all that was peddled here was damnation and soul rot thick enough to sink into the bedrock of what passed for this community. Ugly business and sorely in need of flame, axe, and black powder.

She took care to be slow about it as she hooked thumbs into the length of the belt about her waist and spared a glance to Milly as Etain spat at the damned thing they were chatting with. The gesture defiant in the stubborn way of the Dawi.

"If we can call chatting a delight in the present arrangement."


08:49, Today: Cecla Crownshield rolled 56 -- a simple failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 48.  Int.

08:47, Today: Cecla Crownshield rolled 40 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 52.  WP + Resistance to Magic.

Those present shy of Cecla notice the morbid thing next to her, a spawn of chaotic energy, to be familiar...the clergy...Gunnar, twisted and damned beyond words. Cecla recalls the runin with Bianca and the effect DHAR did to her...loyal and twisted to her words, the spawn moves in front of her, to protect her.
The guards turn, the sheriff remaining next to you, and create a wall before her.
All who made the INT check and notice Gunnars new shape...gain +1 IP. Do advise if you go above 6 or ((with the proper talents), as that requires additional actions from me.....

The woman, Juno smiles.
"So you are those prying into our little haven. Well...take the embrace of pleasure and joy and join the Pulsating Tower - the blessing will make you see enjoyment beyond words!
All you need to do, is to go forward, bend your head and let me bless you...as I have done with all these wonderful folk here."
The sheriff nods and pushes.
"We INSIST."
The gathered draw arms and eye you. Whatever the blessing entails, they want you to take it...and now.

Behind a wall of four guards and the spawn, stands Juno.
Next to you the Sheriff, and around you four cultists with torches and swords.
A fairly large gathering, with the intent to convert you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:12, Mon 25 July 2022.

Jareik grimaced and had to resist the urge to throw up when he saw the fate of Gunnar, it might not have been the first time he has seen such horrors but it did not make it any easier.

"I've heard offers like yours before you vile harlot and I've yet to see them end well for anyone. A blessing that turns us like ol' Gunnar over there? I much prefer not being a bloated sack of twisted flesh thank you very much. Or perhaps we are meant to be witless servants like the rest of the lads here? Not exactly enticing either." he said whilst being careful to avoid direct eye contact, one couldn't be too sure.

He matched the movements of the cultists to be opposite the sheriff, hand still on his sword hilt and ready to draw in a flash.

"Sigmar's sake man, has this...creature bewitched you so much you can't even see the monster standing next to you? What about the rest of you lot, if there is a single shred of sense left in your dulled heads, look closely at your mistress and her "pet", because that's what you will all end up like eventually."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:23, Tue 26 July 2022.

Any dwarf had a gift for glowering but Cecla seemed to be embracing it now as the Sheriff, if you could call him any kind of lawman, insisted. There was nothing on sale here that she'd give anything resembling a single ounce of coin or thought to beyond the inventive ways she could figure to bring it all crashing down given time and a workshop. Neither of those things were on hand and Jareik was making a fine point for their stance at this point.

"Not the sort of thing you'd want your ancestors to witness, is it? Lost to this mess with a grin and a smile as every last strip of good is peeled away." Cecla agreed with a grim air as the way ahead seemed set in blessed stone. Her own hand moving with a deliberate care towards the axe at her hip. The first thoughts of a prayer to her own honoured ancestors and the greatest of her number taking quick form in the back of her mind along side a hope that the guardian of that glade might take some of the matter in hand.

She wasn't counting on it... but it'd be a blessing in it's own right. You couldn't let rot like this fester anyway else it'd make a mess of anything and everything near it; grain, stone, metal, flesh. Didn't matter... It'd sink into it and ruin any good that was left.

"Yeah, we will also have to decline, she already has a beautiful redhead whose a handful as it is" she says giving Marie a quick wink "Besides if I want to get bloated and disgusting its after a long, hopefully peaceful life."

The huddled masses appear blank eyed, and fully in devotion with the flamehaired leader.
As if every word drew them in deeper and deeper and their free will was willingly handed over.

They stood around her with intent to protect - and worship her with all they can.
The sheriff never let his eyes leave you, not for a second.
The trust was never there nor wanting to risk anything.

Juno spoke in her delicate voice.
"They follow me, because they desire so. Your efforts are wasted here, they will never betray me, and in such, only one thing can happen to you - your chance to leave passed many moons ago. Now you know too much of my haven and I can not risk you damning it. Now, bow to me!"
The Sheriff and two men came closer, intent to force you towards her.
In a haughty voice she states, obiously determined based on comments to enforce her blessing on you...
"Resist all you want, my lovelies,” she taunts you.
“In time, I shall debase your bodies as I drink your souls. Not even your petty gods can protect you from the allure and seductive power of the one I embrace.”

OOC:
For tally. Sheriff has three men aside himself. Consider these as watchmen if you would, along with him as a leader of these. The citizens around her, excluding Gunnar, are 8 in total, have just a torch and dagger and pose little risk. Juno herself remain out of reach due to the wall of people before her.

OOC: quickdraw action In a movement so fast one could blink and miss it, let alone react to it, Jareik unsheathed the sword acquired from the forest.

"Last chance for anyone to rethink their mind. Lady, I don't think whatever dark patron you have is going to protect you from this little beauty." he said stony faced, the glow of the sword radiating steady warm light contrasting against the flickers of torches surrounding them.

Hold action: Attack anyone getting too close.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:52, Sat 06 Aug 2022.

Following Jareik's method of negotiation, Marie draws her weapons from the saddle of Josette, whom she had brought along with them when they had been escorted to this vile display. Holding up her blade to mirror her companion's, the Knight of the Realm looked more than ready to use her blade in combat, despite the numbers arrayed against them.

"Nor I think will your patron protect you from the wrath of a true goddess!" Marie said, voice thrumming with the power of her faith.

OOC Mechanics
Half Action: Ready - Sword
Half Action: Ready - Shield

-Rolls-
09:13, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 41 using 1d10+40.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:14, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

"My gods have kept our lands safe from your kind, how tough can you really be" she says drawing her axe and standing ready besides Marie.

OOC Mechanics:
Etain Seanait rolled 10 using 1d10+4.  initiative.
Half action: Ready Sword
Hold action: Attack anyone getting too close.

If this twisted mutant had made thralls of these people there was only one thing left for them, shake them off her charm or put them out of their misery. Taking off her hat, Milly gathered the bright wind of Aqshy and willed a fiery crown on her head.

---

That's all I can do for now if I am not mistaken.
15:23, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 50 using 1d10+41.  Initiative.
12:22, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 73 -- 1 degree of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 63.  Channeling.
12:23, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 12 using 2d10 ((4,8)). TN 8
This message was last edited by the player at 13:24, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

"Rich that you're worried about us damning any inch of this mess you've made. Ancestors have seen me through worse than you, though." Cecla offered with a wry twitch to her words that seemed to sharpen the stoic acceptance of what needed to be done now as she spread her stance and slipped the axe from it's loop at her belt. It spoke to experience with formation fighting and, unsurprisingly, battle in tight spaces but most importantly that she had no intention to budge from the course ahead.


14:56, Today: Cecla Crownshield rolled 11 using 1d10+3.  Initiative (Precautionary).
Action: Readying my axe. (Which certain people are free to have. :P)
Action: Holding to strike at the first one to get close.

The second weapons are drawn, hell breaks loose.
Juno laughs manically and points at you.
"At them! I want to feast on their soul and make them beg for mercy!"

The sergeant and his men have weapons in hand as it is, and advance in preparation to engage with you and the spawn snarls!

The torch and dagger wielding citizens stand like a wall of flesh with intent to carve you to pieces!

OOC:
Please roll initiative.
All enemies act on 48.
Juno is blocked/no line of sight due to the citizens, same with chaos spawn formerly known as Gunner.


MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...SgNwFYUT7r1Wl4Q/edit

As soon as the wicked Juno called for their deaths, Marie turned to the guard that was directly next to her, and gave two swift blows. True she was injured still from her recent near-death experience, but injury would not stay her sword arm when her comrades were in danger. That loyalty and defiance was not only bred into her by the culture of her people, and her religion, but it was her natural character. And it had been since she had organized the trek across Bretonnia in the dead of winter.

"FOR THE LADY, AND THE KING!!!" she cried, feeling the strength and certainty of her faith as she swung her sword.

Echoing her master's intent, Josette charged in, intent on defending Marie. But the Charger was too large, and the building behind the guard too close. Her shod hooves flailed wildly, but failed to strike anything.

OOC Mechanics
Wounds      : 8/15
Fate Points : 3/4
Initiative  : 41

Free Action : Spend FP - Gift of the Lady (Might of Purity)
Free Action : Preemptive Shield Parry - Success
Free Action : Preemptive Dodge Blow - Failure
Half Action : Standard Attack adjacent guard - Success
Half Action : Standard Attack adjacent guard - Success

Hit Location: Right Arm
Hit Location: Right Arm
Total Damage: 15, 11

-Josette Actions-
Full Action : Charge Attack adjacent guard - Failure

-Rolls-
09:45, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 2 -- 7 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 78. Standard Attack 1.
09:45, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 71 -- a simple success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 78. Standard Attack 2.
09:47, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 55 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 73. Preemptive Shield Parry.
09:47, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 45 -- 1 degree of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 30. Preemptive Dodge Blow.
09:48, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 92 -- 3 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 55. Josette Charge Attack.
09:49, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 15,11 using 2d10+6,2d10+6, dropping the lowest dice only.  Damage Rolls.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Mon 08 Aug 2022.