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Raneth
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Post by Raneth »

Her plan to head south was well received; both arcanists expressing their desire to stay hidden from the eyes of the Law as much as possible. Phalx just seemed to want to wet his blades on the foe's lifeblood, uncaring from whence it came, while the burly Corsair judged the Skaven threat in much the same way she had herself. Vryala nodded approvingly, a broad grin of renewed battle-lust hidden behind her lion facemask. The newcomer Mage then suggested leaving the wounded behind to rest; she had to stuff a cackle in response to Saldrimek's dark reply. Neither Fiat or the Khainite would allow themselves to remain idle before the battle was well and truly finished, something V knew even before the exchange began.

The Corsair wizard, who she learned was named Caraoc, didn't seem to understand the hint; damn near decrying her friends' bravery and resolve as mere foolishness. And here I was thinking one needed intelligence to become a spellslinger. Shows what I know. Before Sal and Fiat could reciprocate, or - Khaine forbid - retaliate, Vryala positioned herself between the upstart seafarer and her comrades. Enough talk, she nigh barked, we head out now. If you wish to live through this, Corsair, you had best guard your language. Some of my friends don't share my tolerant nature.

And yeah, still south.
Vryala Naïlo - WS5 / S5 / T5 / D5 / I4

Equipment: bastard sword of Speed, shield of Defence, repeater (20/20), spear, mace, dagger, Armour of Night, SDC, whip, blowpipe (9/12)
Inventory: amulet of Strength, grapple, grenade x0, smoke x11, map, mage hand, sleep oil x8, cure balms x20, Yori's balms x1, winter gear, old kit, lion mask
Mount: Dark Steed (Blanky), barding, talisman of Protection
Gold: 1735
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Anarin Sarath (2), Basic Ride
Class: Warrior
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Post by Drainial »

"Our city dies, shall we be off?" Elysian was not overly given to sentimentality but Vikrah was all he had ever known, in his life he had never yet ventured beyond the walls. Besides, defeat at the hands of Kronos and Kirathi had left a bitter taste in his mouth and if he was not quite so prone to forgetting his troubles in barrels of blood he was still a Druchii.

South
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Post by Nightcall »

Casaythe knew that Caraoc meant well, but he could not help but grin as his sea-faring friend was chided for his concern. The corsair captain shook his head and patted him on the back as he leaned his glaive over his shoulder, ready to march again. 'I think they're warming to us...' he remarked, his jovial tone edged with sarcasm. It was time to join the fun.

Still wants to go south.
Casaythe Blackstorm - Warrior (Corsair) - Group 22
Skills: Awareness, Endurance
Equipment: Short Sword, Glaive, Medium Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Repeater Crossbow, clip of bolts [11/20], 405 gold, Talisman of Darkness, Tool Kit, 2 months' rations
Stats: WS4, S4, T5, D3, I4

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Post by Kinslayer »


The group had decided to go south, and they wasted no time at all in getting moving again. They had to follow the plaza as it circled around the Tower of the Drach, stepping over dead ratmen and the occasional dead Druchii as they made their way around. They marched in a loose formation that was four across, Vryala and the so far silent Karonath taking up forward positions with Fiat and Saldrimek, as Elysian and Phalx followed a few steps behind. Here Caraoc and Casaythe fell in too, the Corsair perhaps used to being a front line fighter but for now content to follow this new group of mercenaries he and his friend had joined. Before long they were across the plaza, and heading onto the road that led to the South Gate.

The South Gate was the biggest of the four entrances into Vikarh, for it faced the great trade road which swept across Naggaroth from Har Ganeth all the way to Ghrond and Naggarond itself. Over the centuries Vikarh had gone from a small stopping point for travellers half way along the road, to a bustling City which was now seen as a trading point in it's own right. With a small harbor leading to the nearby ocean, and a large market in the south of the City, Vikarh had become a destination for many travellers rather than just a stopping point on the way somewhere else. By day, the south of the City was usually a busy swarm of activity, mercenaries coming and going as caravans stopped for supplies and messengers rode in and out from all directions.

As they neared the Commoners Market however, they could tell that even this part of the City was suffering for the attacks Vikarh now faced. The market itself was normally monitored by numerous members of the City Guard, ensuring the Drach received his taxes and everything was kept in order. Now however the only small group of guards they could see were struggling to detain several small groups of mercenaries, bandits and other citizens that had taken to looting the market. Even as they did so, the group saw other Druchii taking weapons and food from unattended stalls. Most of the traders were still present, but rather than selling their wares they had taken to defending them. Numerous Skaven corpses littered the Market Square, most of them heaped up around the stalls that sold valuable trinkets and magic stones, clearly something the rats had considered stealing.

Facing the South Gate which was still several hundred yards ahead of them, the Commoners Market opened up across the vast square on the groups' left. With most of the merchants and traders still at their stalls, it would be possible for the group to stop and purchase new supplies if they needed to, although some of the stall keepers looked ready to fight off any who dared approach in this dark hour. Those that worked for Varin knew that the streets beyond the market in the south east corner of Vikarh were mostly just residential, though the Estate of another powerful Noble was located in the very corner of the City. There Lord Black resided over a host of Nauglir pens, as well as other more dangerous creatures, being the Cities' most infamous Beastmaster. The group had already had one run in with him, over two years ago now when they stole an egg for their employer.

From their current position, turning right would take them west into the rest of the Commoners Quarter. Directly beside them were the Cities' main stables, where numerous horses were kept for travellers that were only visiting the City. Many dark steeds still stood within their confines, snarling and snapping frightfully at the chill air. The ground around the stables was still coated with thick white snow, something the group had almost forgotten despite it being deep winter as the ground elsewhere was trodden and mixed into a red sludge underfoot. Further south near the gate were the Beast Pens, where other mounts were kept as far away from the horses as possible. On more than one occasion a Cold One had tore free of its pen and eaten dozens of horses when kept too close to their favored cuisine. Further west were the docks, as well as the roughest corner of Vikarh, home to the ironically called Rats Nest and other underground bandit lairs.

The group had the choice of where they would go next, or if they would stop to make any purchases before they continued.
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Post by Dauricha »

The market was overrun, and Phalx couldn't help but smile at that. The very forces of Chaos and hell were laid against Virkarh, yet the rogues and savages of its underbelly were still ready to loot and pillage. The traders and some of the bandits had fought Skaven recently as well though, piles of the musky slashed corpses littered the blood and snow smeared streets. He needed to pick up a few things anyway, and looting a few still cooling corpses wouldn't hurt.

But where to head to? The battle was over here, though clearly still raging through this city of rogues. There were many places they could go to. Phalx didn't fancy heading underground again, he firmly wanted to keep his head in the 'fresh' air of the surface. Horses whinnied and their were loud snarls from the Beast Pens. He thought for a moment of setting those fierce beasts lose, adding to the madness and battle. If I could drive them towards the Chaos Warriors. He forgot the idea quickly.

Lets resupply before heading off, I say we check out the Rats Nest. After all, fate is quite funny sometimes.

Phalx wants to stop, take part in some middle looting, and pick up some crossbow bolts if he can. After that he suggests heading to the Rats Nest.
Phalx Tr'dasr – WS5 / S4 / T4 / D5 / I4
Equipment: Deathspitter (5/20) 4 of these poisoned (1/2x QD, 3xSD), short sword, dagger, punching dagger (Bloodthirst Rune), shade cloak, full leather armour
Inventory: thieves tools, torches x3, healing balms x5, rope and grapple, Vikarh map, dice, winter gear, orc tusk,
Mount: Dark Steed
Gold: 5829
Skills: Basic Stealth, Precision Fire, Basic Ride, Frenzy, Ambidexterity,Suithenlu Khythan (1): SP2
Class: Shade
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Post by Raneth »

Following Rhamek at a distance, the group eventually passed the Commoner's Market. The dregs of society, short-sighted miscreants and worthless drunks all, had taken to plundering now the City Guard was preoccupied with more pressing matters. Vryala sneered in disgust at these Druchii low-lifes; certainly they'd be better off having their life ended by a Skaven blade rather than continue their pathetic existence - but this was hardly the time to be fussing about it. One could only hope karma would get back at them for their disloyalty at such a critical juncture.

So ignoring the chaos around her, V sought to resupply some grenades and smoke canisters, and would gladly pay for those items. Phalx had suggested a starting point for their extermination sweep, and she reckoned it as good a place as any; that thieves' den had never been particularly well monitored, so it was anyone's guess how many Skaven burrows lay nearby.
Vryala Naïlo - WS5 / S5 / T5 / D5 / I4

Equipment: bastard sword of Speed, shield of Defence, repeater (20/20), spear, mace, dagger, Armour of Night, SDC, whip, blowpipe (9/12)
Inventory: amulet of Strength, grapple, grenade x0, smoke x11, map, mage hand, sleep oil x8, cure balms x20, Yori's balms x1, winter gear, old kit, lion mask
Mount: Dark Steed (Blanky), barding, talisman of Protection
Gold: 1735
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Anarin Sarath (2), Basic Ride
Class: Warrior
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Drainial
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Post by Drainial »

'Druchii society at its very finest,' Elysian thought as they came across the market. Every citizen served their time in the army, every one of them had a weapon in their home, by rights everyone one of them ought to have been able to help defend the city. Instead there was this. Elysian was a thief, or at least he had been, but that was in different times. Besides whisking away jewels from a guarded merchant's house without ever waking the dogs required skills that took years to master, even a cut purse had to learn the trade. These looters disgusted him. Worse still his noble compatriots seemed perfectly ready to dive right in to the mess.

"We have pressing business here, if you must indulge in base looting then do so quickly, I will have no part in it."

Roundly disgusted with the looters including those in the band itself Elysian simply waits for them to move on the rat’s nest.
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Post by Calisson »

Walking across the Commoners Market, the group witnessed cases of looting, ongoing or failed. Many dead looters were Skaven.
But there were also Druchii looters.

Caraoc closed Elysian, who seemed well introduced to the city habits.
"Cities are strange. At war, winners loot losers.
But here, it seems that looters are on both sides, not waiting for the result of the battle. Worse, some are looting their own camp.
It makes little sense for a corsair like me.
Is it a usual way of life for city dwellers?"


Asking before doing anything.

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Caraoc the pilot - WS3 S4 T2 D5 I5
Equipment: staff, short bow, repeater handbow (5/20 + 6x20), Sea Dragon Cloak,
Inventory: -
Mount: -
Gold: 100
Skills: Power of Azyr (2), Evasion
Class: Mage (Astromancer)
Winds never stop blowing, Oceans are borderless. Get a ship and a crew, so the World will be ours! Today the World, tomorrow Nagg! {--|oBrotherhood of the Coast!o|--}
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Post by Nightcall »

"Defend the city... defend the city..." Casaythe chanted to himself in his head. The chaos that surrounded them in the square posed the perfect opportunity to raid a few stalls and be off without being noticed. But then he thought that their new group might object and he recalled how good a shot that one was with the crossbow.

Bodies littered the market place, rat and Druchii alike. Shouts were thrown from all quarters in the pandemonium. They had the chance to restock their supplies or make some purchases, but Casaythe had meagre funds and was desperately trying to save them for once.

A drunk staggered by, lengths of chain stuffed down his trews and hung around his neck. He clutched in his hand an unopened bottle. 'Have you no shame?' Casaythe remarked with a tut, before smacking the fellow a blow to the back of the neck, then recovering the bottle and tucking it away. He looked to the warrioress in the lion mask. 'Damned looters.'

Milling about. He would like to search some of the bodies if the chance arises as he's trying to save his coin. Strongly resisting the urge to join the free-for-all.

OOC: Hope this is okay.
Casaythe Blackstorm - Warrior (Corsair) - Group 22
Skills: Awareness, Endurance
Equipment: Short Sword, Glaive, Medium Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Repeater Crossbow, clip of bolts [11/20], 405 gold, Talisman of Darkness, Tool Kit, 2 months' rations
Stats: WS4, S4, T5, D3, I4

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Post by Kinslayer »


The group walked across the wide square into the Commoners Market with mixed views about what to make of the opportunities now presented to them. Almost immediately they had decided they would look first at the Rats Nest, but before that they wanted to pick up a few things. Vryala was more than willing to pay for her purchases, finding a small table selling the smoke bombs she was running low on for 20 gold each. In this desperate time, he only had six of them left, the rest either sold or stolen. She wanted more fire bombs too, and he had a small crate of them containing twenty. Upon seeing the use such warriors would have for these rare items in such drastic times, he told her they were 40 gold each, twice the price of the less deadly smoke bombs.

Phalx on the other hand was more interested in getting what he could for nothing, and checked a few of the nearby corpses. On the first he found 12 gold and a crossbow clip, on the next nothing but a small dagger. The third had two more crossbow clips, as well as a purse which had already been cut and emptied. While the Shade had gone to his left, Casaythe moved over to the few bodies he could see on their right. The first one he checked had a short sword laying nearby, and a dagger firmly wedged between his shoulder blades. The next had a crossbow clip and a dagger, as well as 15 gold coins. There were two more a little further away, but he caught sight of one of the nearby City Guards turning around and eying the group with suspicion. They had just apprehended one small group of looters, and now they watched the group as they loitered on the edge of the market.

If anyone else wanted to purchase anything, or risk taking what was not theirs to take, they would have to do so quickly and then move on.


OOC - Looters / Shoppers please let me know what you actually take and then make your inventory changes as necessary.
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Post by Calisson »

While he was talking with Elysian, Caraoc was keeping an eye on the occasional corpse.
He had no arrow available for his bow.
Any dead bowman, Druchii or Skaven, would not object to remedy this.
However, with ample provision of repeater handbow clips, there was no need to spend his very scarce money on that.
Of course, more clips won't ever hurt, given the opportunity.

Looking for arrows, will pick up bolts.

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Caraoc the pilot - WS3 S4 T2 D5 I5
Equipment: staff, short bow, repeater handbow (5/20 + 6x20), Sea Dragon Cloak,
Inventory: -
Mount: -
Gold: 100
Skills: Power of Azyr (2), Evasion
Class: Mage (Astromancer)
Winds never stop blowing, Oceans are borderless. Get a ship and a crew, so the World will be ours! Today the World, tomorrow Nagg! {--|oBrotherhood of the Coast!o|--}
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Post by Layne »

Up to this point K had followed on without comment. She was not one to take to newcomers, save for with a blasted great sword, but times were strange and they were elves. She didn't speak to them, but she didn't hit them either. They were Corsairs ; or at least one was, and the other one was some kind of sailor. But he had the thing in the colour of the air about him like Elysian did - not the same colour, K thought to herself, but colour alright. And she had never heard of sailors like that. But as far as she had come from the streets of Naggarond, she had still failed to hear of many things, and found many surprises.

And it must be said, she cut a lot of them in half.

They walked through great scenes of battle in the centre of town - Bane and her lot fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Executioners against the rats - a real sight for tired eyes, as K had not seen since .. before her little trip to hell. And that little thought cheered her up a little. The worst those great hairy creatures could do is send her back to hell, and she'd been there, and done it all, and painted a few wagons there too, and she still had one of the biggest swords on Naggaroth to prove it. And all her friends too.

And now here they were, reduced to looting corpses for bolts. K stalked about watching, as they rummaged and kicked, tapping the blunt edge of her sword on one shoulder. Soon she spotted a couple of guards with much the same look, and thought, right, time to take charge. She trip-trapped over to Phalx and said gently -

Guards checking you out. She didn;t say anything to the sailors. The guards were welcome to them.
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Karonath - WS6 / S4 / T4 / D5 / I3
Equipment: Bloodfeather, heavy armour, helm, Sea Dragon Cloak, rope x 2, month rations x 2
Inventory: longspear, 2 short swords, glaive, winter gear, shade cloak,
Mount: Dark Steed (Shiny), talisman of kurnous
Gold: 2294
Skills: Ambidexterity, Controlled Frenzy, Basic Ride, Drukh Kaganth
Class: Khainite
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Post by Drainial »

It seemed that the new mage was talkative, a bad habit for Vauvalka to have though one he himself was prone to at times. He also seemed disinclined to jump in to plunder the market and for that Elysian regarded him a little more highly. He was still far from comfortable being in the presence of another magic user who was not trying to kill him, it could bring down far too much unwanted attention if someone got it into their head that any male was forming some kind of cabal. For now though they needed all the help they could get, particularly if Kirathi found them or they found her. Given that they were headed in the opposite direction that didn't seem too likely but magic was a funny thing and as a rule sorceresses were unpredictable. A similar rule applied to chaos worshipers which by any reasonable standard meant Kirathi ought to be bat shiz crazy.

"Is it a usual way of life for city dwellers?" the Vauvalka asked regarding the looting all around
"Unfortunately yes, at least to an extent. Without purpose and order the instinct to better ones situation without regard to others takes over, if these elves were in their regiments they would be the ones arresting people, most likely if these guards were off duty they would be amongst the looters. None of which will matter if the city falls and at present we are helping its plight no more than any of these wretches."

Just making conversation, with a not so subtle hint that his noble companions might want to pack it in and get going.
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Post by Dauricha »

Phalxs gloved hands patted down freezing corpses, uncaring about who saw. Lotting was looting, and more importantly who was anyone going to do to stop him? His nimble fingers found coin purses, most already cut he cursed, and a few clips of black feathered bolts. These would save him a bit of coin. Phalx would quite happily spend hundreds on hard liquor and gambling, but would never waste money on anything else if he didn't have to.

Some of the others were about the same buisness, other clearly not wishing to been seen as scavengers. Phalx didn't care. He looked at the pair who had joined them so far. A stray bolt in battle no one would notice, he thought eyeing the witch and her piratical comrade.

The snow was a wet pink, the bodies quickly turning to blocks of frozen meat. No doubt they would disappear, being put to good use before the days was done. He got up, stretching slightly his breath frosting before the Shade. He could hear the distant sounds of battle, see warriors running hither and thither, but for the moment the market was quiet.

Phalx saw the other buying this and that. He was happy to leave the coin in his purse for the moment. Prices would be terrible with the raging battle. So he waited in the cold, all senses tense for any sign of battle and death.

Phalx waits for the other to finish, keeping a watch on the market as a whole for any signs of trouble.
Phalx Tr'dasr – WS5 / S4 / T4 / D5 / I4
Equipment: Deathspitter (5/20) 4 of these poisoned (1/2x QD, 3xSD), short sword, dagger, punching dagger (Bloodthirst Rune), shade cloak, full leather armour
Inventory: thieves tools, torches x3, healing balms x5, rope and grapple, Vikarh map, dice, winter gear, orc tusk,
Mount: Dark Steed
Gold: 5829
Skills: Basic Stealth, Precision Fire, Basic Ride, Frenzy, Ambidexterity,Suithenlu Khythan (1): SP2
Class: Shade
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Post by Nightcall »

Inspecting some of the bodies, Casaythe was pleased to find a few things of use. A few extra coins for a start, payment for his trial so far. He slipped them into his own purse with a quick glance to make sure nobody was looking, then grabbed a clip of bolts and hastily fastened it to his belt along with the clip he already carried. Hastily snatching the dagger, he rose to his feet and acted as inconspicuously as possible.

Good job too, there were guards about, and they were beginning to look interested.

Casaythe takes a clip of bolts, 15 gold, and a dagger.
Casaythe Blackstorm - Warrior (Corsair) - Group 22
Skills: Awareness, Endurance
Equipment: Short Sword, Glaive, Medium Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Repeater Crossbow, clip of bolts [11/20], 405 gold, Talisman of Darkness, Tool Kit, 2 months' rations
Stats: WS4, S4, T5, D3, I4

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Post by Kinslayer »

OOC - I have to rush out tonight guys so this will be quick.

Nightcall, regarding crossbow clips in your inventory, [20/20] means 20 clips are carried, the maximum you can take in all your belt pouches, pockets and bags. Each bolt is not counted. If you shoot a whole clip you do more damage and get -1 clip to your inventory, if you do shoot single shots you are more precise and only lose a clip after several such attempts. A clip holds two dozen bolts, or thereabouts.

I meant to tell you and Calisson about this, your starting ammunition should have been [10/20] (half capacity) so now you are on 11. Caraoc has
the same amount of arrows for his bow.

At a market a crossbow clip usually costs between 4g and 10g, but they can be scavenged when found. And by the way, the Nobles Market is both better and more expensive than the Commoners Market, as you probably assumed.


IC -

The group were reforming on the road again now, some of them having made quick purchases while others looted a few of the nearby corpses. It seemed their short stay had already gained the attention of the authorities however, and as a group of City Guard began to monitor their movements they hastened their return to the road. Once all were assembled, half way between the plaza at the City centre and the South Gate, which had been closed when normally it was always open, they stepped onto the road again and checked their directions.

They wanted to visit the Rats Nest, which meant they had to head into the labyrinth that was the Commoners Quarter, and look for the roughest part. The majority of the group had been there before, sent looking for a gang leader called Darktongue many moons ago. They knew that to find the place they had to head onto the road near the gate, and follow it past the Beast Pens and deep into the part of the City where the wealthy dare not tread without an armed guard. Pickpockets and thieves were one thing, but in the poorest parts of the City people would stab you in the back just to take your clothes.

They headed closer to the gate, finding that there was a still quite a large detachment of City Guard left defending it. The wall above seemed to be manned by several dozen, and there was two groups of five or six in the square just inside ensuring the area stayed well and truly secure. They saw a highborn there too, standing amidst a handful of his personal guards, no doubt tasked with the defense of the South Gate by Bane, much as Kronus had been in the North. It took them a moment to realize who it was, his guards armoured in dark iron and wearing sea dragon cloaks of black scale, each with a whip coiled at their side as a symbol as much as a weapon.

Lord Calius Black was talking to one of the other guards at the gate, and the group did their best to sneak past without drawing attention to their faces. Casaythe and Caraoc, and even Elysian, followed none the wiser.
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Post by Raneth »

Vryala soon found her explosives racketeer, and decided money wouldn't be much of an issue - for all she knew she would not live through the night, the wrath of the City's Lord and his subordinates yet hanging over her head like the keen edge of a Draich. Nevertheless she couldn't resist a healthy jibe at the merchant; 40 gold per grenade? By Khaine man, you are no better than these looters!

Vryala buys the remaining 6 smoke bombs at 20 apiece and 6 grenades at 40 apiece.

Now leaving the Market, surveyed by the wary eyes of the few remaining City Guardsmen, the group continued their way towards the Rat's Nest, which was located beyond the open road in front of the South Gate. Upon arriving V immediately recognised the livery of Vikarh's most infamous Beastmaster, the only one in the City reported able to control a mighty Manticore. There he was, the bastard himself, standing vigil below the ramparts - such a different sight than back when his pet mauled the **** out of Sevro, tossing him around like a rag doll. Such immense force of will V could naught but respect, and rather than risking another confrontation she quietly suggested taking the long way round. Though their employer escaped free of blame, the Noble would not soon forget the faces of those who took his prized Pegasus egg...

Vryala suggests the long way round. :)
Vryala Naïlo - WS5 / S5 / T5 / D5 / I4

Equipment: bastard sword of Speed, shield of Defence, repeater (20/20), spear, mace, dagger, Armour of Night, SDC, whip, blowpipe (9/12)
Inventory: amulet of Strength, grapple, grenade x0, smoke x11, map, mage hand, sleep oil x8, cure balms x20, Yori's balms x1, winter gear, old kit, lion mask
Mount: Dark Steed (Blanky), barding, talisman of Protection
Gold: 1735
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Anarin Sarath (2), Basic Ride
Class: Warrior
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Post by Nightcall »

The group moved on; Casaythe kept a low profile and trusted that they knew where they were going. The guards were watching them with suspicion, yet none had challenged them so far which was good. Making their way to the South Gate, the corsair noted the heavy guard numbers, and some fellow his new companions seemed eager to avoid. His lips curled into a thin smile as he thought to himself, "Looks like you have a history? Not as clean cut as you first seemed." He would be interested to learn more about them if they survived the perilous situation facing them.

'So, this Rats Nest... is it a figurative name, or are we going to flush out those flea ridden ratmen?' he asked casually, trying to establish some sort of conversation as they made their way to one of the roughest parts of town.

Moving along with the group.
Casaythe Blackstorm - Warrior (Corsair) - Group 22
Skills: Awareness, Endurance
Equipment: Short Sword, Glaive, Medium Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Repeater Crossbow, clip of bolts [11/20], 405 gold, Talisman of Darkness, Tool Kit, 2 months' rations
Stats: WS4, S4, T5, D3, I4

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Calisson
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Post by Calisson »

On the way, Caraoc checked his ammunition.
Finally, after crossing the commoner's market, he founded himself with a confortable load of arrows and bolts.

The elf in dark cloak, Elysian, seemed to know a lot about the city. A good idea would be to behave as much as possible like him.
As the group remained mostly silent and low profile, so did Caraoc.

Caraoc followed the groupwith his handbow kept ready in case of a bad encounter.
As a professional pilot, he was observing carefully all the surroundings, engraving his memory with all the places they had been travelling in.

Keeping inside the group in silence. Observing.

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Caraoc the pilot - WS3 S4 T2 D5 I5
Equipment: staff, short bow (11/20), repeater handbow (11/20), Sea Dragon Cloak,
Inventory: -
Mount: -
Gold: 100
Skills: Power of Azyr (2), Evasion
Class: Mage (Astromancer)
Winds never stop blowing, Oceans are borderless. Get a ship and a crew, so the World will be ours! Today the World, tomorrow Nagg! {--|oBrotherhood of the Coast!o|--}
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Post by Drainial »

Finally the others were done with their looting, Vyrala at least having the grace to pay for her goods. Heading further to the south they caught sight of the fabled Calius Black, Elysian knew little of the man but from the tales the others had told and the way they were acting now he thought it best to follow their example and keen a low profile. That said that was his default position anyway, everything about Elysian was quiet and subdued, his gait, eyes, looks and clothes all tailored towards being unnoticeable. It was only when he opened his mouth that the effect often failed.

With every step they took the group went deeper into the commons quarter, the thief’s quarter. Here the buildings were lower, or else towered high in habitation blocks in a pale aping of noble spires. The windows were tarnished where they were not broken, the pavement cracked and dirty. The very air was different from that of the markets or the noble quarter, the sour stench of too many beings cramped too close together teamed with the rich sweet stench of horse dung. The more delicate nobles had been known to gag just entering the rats nest, to Elysian it smelled like home. His childhood, such as it was, had been spent in this part of the city, the pick pockets only ventured out to cut purses at the market before disappearing back into the elvish hive where they knew every alley way and hidey hole. While Elysian was not sorry to have moved into higher circles this place still felt more like home than Blackthorns mighty estate.

'So, this Rats Nest... is it a figurative name, or are we going to flush out those flea ridden ratmen?' one of the newcomers asked, the warrior this time rather than the mage. A talkative pair it seemed

"Figurative, usually. Today though we shall see."

Keeping his head down and going along with the rest, this is not a time to stir up an old feud, we have a city to save! :P
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Post by Dauricha »

Phalx watched the others go about buying this and that, restocking for the battle. He cracked his neck and stretched. His muscles were tired, and he felt bloody exhausted. Rest, that's what he needed, and a strong drink of course. Soon they were finished, and with a grunt Phalx slipped back to join the group.

He caught sight of Black, and his hand went involuntarily to his sword, the other gripping his dagger more tightly. Old lord Black. He remembered the fight at his old manor. The place had run red that day. Would the old bastard remember them though? He didn't want to try his luck on such a thing. The others spoke in hushed tones as Phalx remained silent, gathering his worn cloak about him.

Phalx will follow in the rear, keeping silent and ready.
Phalx Tr'dasr – WS5 / S4 / T4 / D5 / I4
Equipment: Deathspitter (5/20) 4 of these poisoned (1/2x QD, 3xSD), short sword, dagger, punching dagger (Bloodthirst Rune), shade cloak, full leather armour
Inventory: thieves tools, torches x3, healing balms x5, rope and grapple, Vikarh map, dice, winter gear, orc tusk,
Mount: Dark Steed
Gold: 5829
Skills: Basic Stealth, Precision Fire, Basic Ride, Frenzy, Ambidexterity,Suithenlu Khythan (1): SP2
Class: Shade
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Post by Kinslayer »

OOC - Sorry for the delay guys I've been busy and had a tough couple of days as our cat was hit by a car late thursday night :(

IC -

The group kept their cool and kept their heads down, moving past the South Gate whilst giving Lord Black a wide berth. They were fortunate in that they were not recognized, perhaps only because some of their faces were not known to the Beastmaster or his Black Guard, and they moved as a group. As they continued along the road towards the Beast Pens, those that knew the reason for their animosity with Black informed those that did not. A long time ago they had been sent there to steal a rare egg, which had hatched into the beast that Blackthorn now rode. Although Blackthorn ensured he was never suspected, the groups' own faces were seen and they doubted Lord Black would forget them until he had his revenge.

The Beast Pens were similar to the stables in design, but for the fact that each of them was larger and they were wrought not from wood but from iron and stone. As the group passed alongside the nearest row of pens, they saw that here too there had been acts of violence, either by Skaven or by panicking citizens looking for a way to deal with that threat. Several of the Nauglir pens had been broken into, the doors smashed off their hinges and in one case a large portion of the wall having been blown in by something which had scorched what it did not destroy. At least four of the holding pens had been breached, meaning somewhere there were Cold Ones on the loose. The fact the carnivorous raptors had not gone straight for the stables told them there was other, more interesting prey nearby.

They continued along the road unhindered, passing small crowds of Druchii and the odd mercenary or member of the City Guard, all of whom seemed to be doing their own thing. Since leaving the Commoners Market they had found no more Skaven corpses, but a few mangled Druchii remains told them that either the Nauglir had come this way, or something else had been rampaging through the streets not long before they arrived. They were traveling west, but the road they were on started to curve around to the north and head towards the City Guard Barracks and the Docks. It was not hard to find the right place to continue west however, one rough and run down looking street littered with several bodies.

They began to follow this road, and the number of bodies began to rise. Now they were finding Skaven again, as well as several dead members of the City Guard. Some members of the group had a vague recollection of where to go to find the Rats Nest, and they took a familiar looking turn on the road and began to head south again, before once more turning west. The group wove its way towards the corner of the City, but half way they suddenly recognized the street which they were looking for. There was a row of buildings on one side, most of them boarded up and falling apart. On the other side of the street, every building had been destroyed by a fire, the charred foundations left where houses were yet to be rebuilt.

Only one building still stood there, a crumbling and blackened tower that loomed over the open road, it's doorway and windows hollow where boards had burned away.

This, they knew, was the entrance. The Rats Nest spanned most of the street below them.
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Post by Nightcall »

The corsair hissed a laugh as the tale unfolded of the theft from Lord Black. "No wonder they moved on quietly." he thought, recalling the unease in the market. The story was an interesting one, and it turned out that the noble they had met at the Drach's tower was riding the hatchling of a prized egg stolen from Lord Black. Casaythe made a note of this. Knowledge was leverage. It might come in useful at a later point, or it might be more useful to forget he heard it at all.

The group moved further onwards, through the stinking slums of Vikarh. The stench of manure and overcrowding was tinged with the unforgettable reek of death which hung in the air like the smell of rotting strawberries tinged with iron. It was not a smell you experienced only with your nose, it was felt by every part of your body, the reminder of mortality a warning to be ever cautious.

As they reached the Beast Pens, signs of damage were evident. 'Looks like something's escaped...' Casaythe casually remarked, pointing out the obvious, 'or was let out.' he added, noting the ruined wall and hinges on what he thought must be nauglir pens. There were bodies everywhere, and he could not be sure which were slain through fighting, or which were mauled by beasts.

Things seemed to improve as they continued westwards, citizens and guards milling about, seemingly recovering from whatever had passed through. Chewed up corpses dotted the path, evidence of large predators passing through and having a snack. The sticky blood that he was soaked in from the unnatural storm was beginning to dry unpleasantly. He felt like he was some meal, dressed for a hungry cold one, and wondered if he would get the opportunity to clean himself up. Maybe once they reached the docks? If it came to it, he would simply wade into the river. His thoughts were interrupted by a distant scream.

'Did you hear that?' he asked Caraoc quietly.

As they followed the road that curved from the west to the north, bodies were piled all over the place now, Druchii and Skaven alike. There had been a massacre here. They headed south, then west again, the road winding to the corner of the city. A part of which Casaythe was unfamiliar with. It seemed the others knew where they were though...

They had reached a street, one side stood a row of abandoned buildings, opposite which must have been more houses. But they had been destroyed by a blaze. All but one were just blackened foundations. Above them loomed a crumbling tower, it's dark windows seemingly staring at the city before it. It too had been damaged by fire, but stood in defiance in this forgotten corner of Vikarh. The corsair took a swig from his pilfered wine flask, to wash the taste of ash from his throat. He had a bad feeling about this.

Is looking at his surroundings. Has no idea where he is.

((OOC - Sorry to hear about your cat :( ))
Casaythe Blackstorm - Warrior (Corsair) - Group 22
Skills: Awareness, Endurance
Equipment: Short Sword, Glaive, Medium Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Repeater Crossbow, clip of bolts [11/20], 405 gold, Talisman of Darkness, Tool Kit, 2 months' rations
Stats: WS4, S4, T5, D3, I4

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Post by Raneth »

OOC: sorry to hear about your cat. :( I'll post something tomorrow but atm I'm really pressed for time. Sorry guys
Vryala Naïlo - WS5 / S5 / T5 / D5 / I4

Equipment: bastard sword of Speed, shield of Defence, repeater (20/20), spear, mace, dagger, Armour of Night, SDC, whip, blowpipe (9/12)
Inventory: amulet of Strength, grapple, grenade x0, smoke x11, map, mage hand, sleep oil x8, cure balms x20, Yori's balms x1, winter gear, old kit, lion mask
Mount: Dark Steed (Blanky), barding, talisman of Protection
Gold: 1735
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Anarin Sarath (2), Basic Ride
Class: Warrior
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Post by Calisson »

As Caraoc was new to the group and new to this part of the city, he kept silent and observing (both the group and the surroundings).
Navigating through streets was easier than navigating through oceans, but it was more dangerous, too.
No initiative. Observing.

OOC. Did not even know you had a cat. More expecting snakes, lizards and other scaly pets... Anyway, that's always sad to lose a familiar animal, warm or cold blooded.
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Caraoc the pilot - WS3 S4 T2 D5 I5
Equipment: staff, short bow (11/20), repeater handbow (11/20), Sea Dragon Cloak,
Inventory: -
Mount: -
Gold: 100
Skills: Power of Azyr (2), Evasion
Class: Mage (Astromancer)
Winds never stop blowing, Oceans are borderless. Get a ship and a crew, so the World will be ours! Today the World, tomorrow Nagg! {--|oBrotherhood of the Coast!o|--}
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