Group 40 - Witch Hunt

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Marchosias
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Marchosias »

Zarathi narrowed her eyes in concentration as she was trying to follow the rapid pace of Valin's speech.
Then Clavisson took over with a calm, assuring voice. The lowborn looked away, trying to sort her thoughts.
“So he really can do that. You both say so,” she said slowly, still gazing on a small flower nearby.
A few heartbeats passed in silence.
“So you claim,” she turned to Clavisson at least, “that he can put an arm that was cut off back to the body or grow a tree from an acorn while it flies in the air.” Her words gained momentum and she was now speaking very quickly, but still in a low voice. “And you say the only thing he needs is some powder, which no one can actually see. Tell me, how is this not magic? What else can he do with just a clever powder, turn into a dragon? Raise the dead?
And by the way, how can you know so much about his work? Neither of you was too talkative in the past days.”

Zarathi took a breath and turned to Valin.
“What I don't understand is, how can you talk about it just like that? Don't you now that practicing magic by males is banned by the Witch King himself? That you commit high treason by ignoring this?”

Disbelieving Clavisson, mentioning Malekith's ban on magic.
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Calisson
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Re: Group 40 - A City in Chaos

Post by Calisson »

Well, the peasant girl might be much less naive than she looked, or even more, you never can tell.

Clavisson replied, joyfully so as to le the atmosphere becalm:
"Oh, I don't know what Valin can achieve actually.
The only thing I could determine with observation is that he can obtain some petty healing with some powders.
Anything beyond, well, we will see in due time. You know about boys, ;) they are prompt to boast about their capabilities."


Then he took his most authoritative tone, as he wrapped in his official detective clothes, looking far beyond the horizon in a grave mood.
"I know well that male magic is forbidden. I had my share of inquiries on that. This is a serious offence, investigated by serious professionals.
Once this mission is completed, if there are proofs of male forbidden practitioning, a Black Guard judge may be tasked to investigate. And the culprits should fear the consequences."


Then he resumed his most enjoyable tone and toyed with the Hadrilkar amulet.
"But for now, we have a mission, and most importantly, we are a group with a common ask. The better we know each other's capabilities, the best our mission will be fulfilled.
Let's concentrate on a difficult present issue, let's not be distracted by speculative future ones."


Chatting.
_________________
Clavisson the detective - WS3 S2 T4 D4 I5
Equipment: Staff, 4 dagger (throwing)

Inventory: Hadrilkar amulet - 1 guard's amulet - Drachau's note - diverse lighters, candles and black powder - backpack with rope, flint & tinder, a lantern, a sleeping bag/blanket, a flask, erm, other things - 10 meals initially.
Skills: Power of Hysh (1), Urban Lore
Class: Mage (Light)
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|--}
Jcitalia4
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Jcitalia4 »

They moved to leave the Drachau's presence. Given some time to take in their new companions and their warrior, if that was an as underwhelming a term for her, guide. The most inquisitorial and observant of them quickly engaged his fellows. Taldein tried his best to avoid his scrutiny in the shadows but in the end he was noticed. He returned his gaze, the shadow from his shouldered draich inappropriately passing over his face given the light source nearby (as it always did). I am Taldein. I am still uncertain as to what brought me here, but here I am.. He left it at that with the clear unwillingness to continue the conversation and moved his attention to his gear, checking that all was in order. Soon they were on their way

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They moved through the city at an even pace. The massive woman-thing knowingly guiding their path. The rain had let up a bit. That is to say, it moved from torrential to only moderate flooding. The clouds swirled over head and the light gained little ground in the city below. Taldein enjoyed the bit of darkness. He allowed himself to become absorbed in it. It gave him refuge and time to reflect on the sudden change of events that saw him on this path. It had only been a few weeks or so since he had left home. Everything was different and unfamiliar. Everything but the shadows, and the echoes of his dreams, these would always be to same to him. In these, he would always find solace.

So lost was he in his thoughts, he heard not the echoed warning from the she-beast. There was a greenish hue, he noticed, to the shadows around him. A faint metallic taste tickled the back of his tongue and throat. It was a weird sensation, not to disimilar to the magics he was familiar with. Suddenly there was a crack and then he remembers the world being very off. Things floated underneath him. His feet were walking on the air, and then darkness.

Echoed rumblings continued. Muffled and muted whispers, or shouts, he could not tell, tickled his ears. He felt very comfortable where he was. He was probably lying down. The bedding and sheets of whatever he found himself on were the softest he knew. He yearned for more sleep but a sudden crushing feeling on his chest was disturbing this. With great effort he ventured to open an eye. He saw a blurry massive shape over him and then darkness took him once again. For this he was grateful.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He awoke again and turned over immediately to empty his stomach. His head pounded and confusion wracked his brain. Devastation was all around him of collapsed structures. He felt a massive lump swelling under his helmet. A strong arm nearly pulled his arm out of socket, causing him to gasp in pain, as he was pulled to his feet. He looked around, coming to understand he must have taken a blow to the head. He stumbled a bit as the huge warrior reassembled the group to move on further.

The mage companion, who the winds of life danced about, came to him. He felt a bit of his power reach out towards him. He defensively reacted at first with his own shadows but in the end, allowed him to do his magics. The swelling on his head lessened and he was able to think straight for the first time in what felt to him like ages. His headache no longer threatened to make him collapse and passout but still felt like a torrential tapping inside his skull. He felt the worst of the damage was stymied but he would have to deal with the after effects for a while.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As they left the city, new faces were there to greet them. The autarii were as rugged and rustic as his preconceived notions were of them. They engaged in quick conversation with their guide, before presenting the group with a mixed bag of provisions to supply them for their trip. A nauglir, the beasts of the nobility, also waited for the warrior woman. They shouldered their kit and moved on to venture in the direction of their quest.

His head still ached relentlessly. Putting him in an even more dour and removed mood. For much of the journey he was silent and chose to keep himself removed of the many conversations that took place. He listened, enjoying the comraderey that was developing, but felt he needed time to understand his fellows before he allowed himself to engage them. And to be rid of this twice damned headache...

His ears perked up on their conversation of magic and males. He knew it was always best to hide his magics unless desperate. Turning to those who conversed, he edged himself a bit closer to better hear what they were saying.

Catching up on the story and then moving closer to listen in on the conversations
Cade Thanal (TN: Gaelus Stormscythe) (Group 38 warrior)
WS3 S4 T3 D4 I5
Equipment: Light Armor, Short Sword, Repeating Handbow (9/10), Helmet, Asur Short Sword, High elf Mage-prince pelt, Lion pelt cloak, Sword belt with gold buckle and sapphire, 10 gold
Skills: Disguise

Dolan Steelshorn
WS4 S5 T5 D3 I2
Equipment: Glaive, medium armor, shield
Skills: Endurance

Taldein, the Draich'Arha (CC Thread)
WS4 S3 T4 D3 I4
Equipment: Draich (EP4), Helmet (EP1), Pendant
Skills: Power of Ulgu (1)
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Minigrift
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Minigrift »

Khaela pushed the group hard and there was scant opportunity to chat with his peers, so Clavisson devoted much of his free time time to inspecting the two amulets. The regular pendant the guard wore was made of silver and had a very faint magical aura - it was easy to assume that these were mass produced, for the Drachau quickly needed many if she were to protect her soldiers - which would in all likelihood protect the wearer from anything short of direct contact with the plague; there was little the protective magic could do if someone were to be wounded by a carrier, as Clavisson had witnessed first hand. His own personal pendant, like that of his fellows, had a far stronger magical aura - though it was subdued as if shielded, he suspected it was his proximity to the amulet that allowed him to read anything at all - and was made of much finer materials: gold-plated with a platinum or adamantite core was his best guess. The magical trail left by the artifact, or lack thereof, was not present at all, something which the detective found most curious.

The group awoke around a freshly made camp-fire which kept the immediate vicinity relatively warm and comfortable enough for the group to pull together and begin conversing with one another. Se'alara also had the foresight to prepare breakfast, though it was unlikely she could feed more than a few with the food she was preparing and no one else volunteered any of their provisions to make the meal go round all eight of them.

From the western edge of the clearing the groups' guide appeared from the trees and the two shades quickly moved to intercept her. An over-sized boar, an alpha male, was slung with ease over Khaela's left shoulder. The warrior stood a full head taller and wider than both the males - who were not short of stature by any means - and they quickly had a short, ill-tempered conversation. Finally the Vaulkhar pushed the two shades aside and headed towards the group, she casually deposited the bristling beast, which had it's throat torn out, midway between the two groups. As the warrior approached the ring of adventurers she eyed them all with her usual disregard, her gaze lingered momentarily on Taldein, though if he did respond Khaela's expression would remain impassive.

She wore only the cuirass which matched the remainder of her armour, and her battle-kilt. Bandages were wrapped tightly around her feet and right arm; presumably to stop her armour from chaffing. Khaela sat next to her equipment and wiped her bloody hands on the grass.

"I brought us breakfast, though it seems I needn't have bothered." She said to no one in particular. After a few moments she picked up the six foot long greatsword as if it were a child's toy, the sun glinted off the impossibly sharp blade; despite this fact Khaela inspected her weapon fastidiously.

Sunny and Smiley began work on the boar, stripping the animal of it's flesh and salvaging anything that they might find useful. It would provide a lot of meat, certainly enough to feed all of them and have plenty spare which would be donated to feed the nauglir that was sleeping still - the smell of carcass or cooking meat would soon the wake the creature, no doubt.

"This is our plan," Khaela began, unaware or indifferent to the silence she had invoked on the camp, nor did her attention waver from the meticulous inspection of her weapon. "Daffodil would not risk detection by travelling the Black Forest, she has a healthy head start but also took the long way round. It made the shades job near impossible; they tracked her regardless. The Pale Moon believe they know her destination and our plan is to cut her off before she gets there. Hence our need for haste. If I am pushing you hard, it's for good reason. We'll stay for breakfast but we won't be stopping again for several days."


Clavisson has discerned some information on the amulets. He could potentially find more if he's willing to invest in doing so. He could detect no trace of the trail left by the artifact... Khaela has explained why.

Everyone should reduce their provisions by 3 - Se'alara by 5

Got some interesting conversation going on, don't let Khaela interrupt.
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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Calisson
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Re: Group 40 - A City in Chaos

Post by Calisson »

The giant heroin brought back a boar for breakfast. Apparently killed bare-hand. The detective started wondering whether she would pass a doping test about steroids.
The two shades knew how to prepare the meat. Soon the group would fill their bellies with fresh meat.
Clavisson got closer and asked Sunny, in a way he thought would be appropriate (he was not much versed in clan's etiquette), whether he could keep the impressive tusks. He thought you never know, it can prove useful, if no other reason, as a trinket for haggling, but he explained instead "You know, in cities, sooner or later citizens miss the raw nature, and those tusks seem appropriate to remind us about Anath Raema."

When he came back, he saw with surprise that Taldein had joined the group. This guy was so invisible that Clavisson couldn't even remember if he had made the trip with them all since they left the city. There was something decidely strange about that guy. Sure, he was certainly an excellent scout, but his ability to vanish was beyond that. Clavisson decided to try and keep an eye on him more than often.

He resumed his seat near the fire and asked Taldein:
"Don't you clean your weapon like our giant guide? That seems to be the way of the warrior."

Then the giantess spoke and gave a rare insight of her strategy.
Clavisson mage replied:
"Apreciate all that you give to us. So, whatever we can do to haste the journey, the better."
What the Hysh mage had in mind was to use his arcane talents, during daylight when they were at highest, to speed up the pace of the group.

Asking for the pair of tusks as a gift - chatting with Taldein.

_________________
Clavisson the detective - WS3 S2 T4 D4 I5
Equipment: Staff, 4 dagger (throwing)

Inventory: Hadrilkar amulet - 1 guard's amulet - Drachau's note - diverse lighters, candles and black powder - backpack with rope, flint & tinder, a lantern, a sleeping bag/blanket, a flask, erm, other things - 7 meals (after the pause).
Skills: Power of Hysh (1), Urban Lore
Class: Mage (Light)
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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Minigrift
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Minigrift »

Clavisson edged closer to the working shades before implying, as politely as he deemed necessary, that he might like the boar tusks. The Sunny-shade shot the detective a look that could not have been more venomous had he raped the shades mother. Smiley glanced up at Clavisson, his semi-permanent grimace even more grim than usual, and shook his head minutely with a look of warning in his dark eyes. If the Son of the Jail was determined to get a pair of boar tusks he would have to hunt for his own. The shades seemed more abrupt than their usual dour countenance, perhaps something Khaela had done or said had irked them over the edge somewhat.

The light mage sat once again and spoke to Khaela when she had informed them of the plan. The warrior looked up momentarily when Clavisson had finished - a glance that could literally have meant anything - before returning her apt attention to the flawless blade in her lap.



OOC: Unless asked a direct question, Khaela will more than likely just ignore you. Ask her... something (if you like) ;)
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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Drainial
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Drainial »

Se'alara was about to answer Clavisson when another conversation caught both of their attention. Said conversation troubled the khainite greatly and though it did not provide sufficient proof to act made her more and more suspicious of her companions. She already knew the Drachau did not baulk at the use of Vauvalka, the manner of her arrival in Evarin was evidence of that. Could it be that she travelled with not one but two more of such criminals? Her unoccupied hand fell to the hilt of Dusk, stroking the dull leather absently while with her other hand she allowed a little porridge to flow into her mouth.

Sadly this conversation was interrupted by the return of Khalea and the shades, it seemed they had been hunting. Although Se'alara was in no need of further feeding just now the promise of fresh meat for their next meal, doubtless hurried in the evening, was welcome as was the knowledge that the Nauglir would have a full stomach for a time. Khaine knew she didn't want the beast turning a predatory gaze on her.

That Khalea had been hunting and not bathing was something of a shame since it meant that even if they were a stream or pool nearby she would have to search it out herself and they probably did not have time for that. The neophyte instead contented herself with finishing her breakfast before heading off to find the cover of a tree to complete her morning ablutions. After the butchering was done no doubt they would be off once again, after all they had a witch to kill.

Observing, eating then going off a little way to answer nature's call and wash up as best she can with a rag and a flask of cold water.
Moding a group of Druchii.net players is much like directing the musical 'Cats' using actual cats. Frustrating, difficult, chaotic but ultimatley satisfying and a great deal of fun.

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Cananatra
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Cananatra »

Valin turned from the conversation as their commander arrived. He wasn't overly impressed with her all told. She was something of a brute lacking the finesse of a magic user. Nevertheless she brought food, which was welcome as an empty belly always intruded on thought.

In an unusually here and now frame of mind Valin thought of his companions. It was strange that one would try and cover for him, especially a servant of the law. To go so far as to actively attempt to twist his meaning into a joke would suggest he didn't want the conversation straying too far into who is and is not a mage. Valin smiled to himself as the suspicion coalesced. It would definitely account for his lack of weapons if he had some magics of his own to defend himself with. No matter his wordsmithing though, the truth would likely come out in combat. Something that Valin was rather looking forward to. If anyone took issue with his ability, well, he'd have a druchii subject to test some ideas on.

Valin is going to eat and then is ready to leave.
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Minigrift
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Minigrift »

Conversation ceased when Khaela returned to the camp and the group ate breakfast in silence. Clavisson attempted to engage Taldein but the khainite was as silent as ever. Half of the boar was donated to keep the cold ones' appetite sated though it was dubious how long for exactly. The meat was supplemented by wild mushrooms and berries provided by the miserable shades; everyone had a good breakfast and would leave the camp with their bellies full and spirits maudlin somewhere not high but not quite in the pits of despair either.

Two days later, on an eerily misty morning, the group came across a peer where a medium sized boat was anchored. Another member of The Pale Moon greeted them. Before long the heroes and their mounts were aboard and it would be a couple of hours before they would arrive at land once more. Midway across the gulf between the Sea of Malice and the Sea of Chill, the group could look to the East to see a tiny city on the horizon: the high-rising spires of the Beastmasters city of Karond Kar.

Once on the northern shore, the group quickly set off again. In a triangle formation led by Khaela the group rode into steadily growing winds, it was becoming colder up in the northern heights of the Warhammer world. The group passed equidistant between two Watch Towers, each loomed ominously out of the swirling mists.

Another day went by before the winds grew bitterly cold, tinged with ice; the land became barren and lifeless even as the skies gradually took on the colour of rust. The six of them - the shades were off scouting, as usual - approached a wide ravine which spanned, from West to East, their entire field of vision. A worn path meandered up the middle of the gradually sloping land. To their left the gentle slope ran into a sheer cliff face which rose impossibly-straight into the sky.

The silhouette of a heavily armoured figure stood atop the cliff - a Chaos Knight in all his spiky glory - watching the travellers. Khaela eyed him only for a few moments, her face as expressionless as ever, but she continued to lead the heroes through the ravine as if the presence of the watcher did not concern her in the slightest.

Half an hour later, the two shades rode back at an easy pace. They stopped within easy talking distance of Khaela, their steeds steaming in the cold afternoon air. Sunny spoke:

"An ambush lies ahead. From the east, the group waits behind a rocky outcrop when the land begins to fall again. We counted thirty or so marauders and a chaos warrior."

"Are they mounted? No other enemy nearby?" Khaela asked.

"No. Just them."

"Good. Protect our flanks. We ride to battle." The warrior kicked her cold one into action as the the Autarii spread out wide to the flanks of the triangle formation. If the adventurers weren't trained for military action their steeds certainly were and the horses rode to follow the nauglir. "When the trap is sprung, dismount, spread out and take the fight to 'em. Se'alara, Taldein, flank me, not too close or I'll probably kill you. Clavisson, Valin, hang back and support your comrades. Zarathi, stick to the left and circle the enemy, and keep an eye on those two. Leave the warrior to me."

It was obvious what Khaela meant to do; spring the ambush, though thanks to the intel provided by the shades the group were able to prepare for the fight. Only Khaela was proficient in mounted combat but it would probably be a little unfair for her to kill all the enemy before the rest of the group got a chance to fight, so she would dismount as well. The group approached the place the shades had described and sure enough, a swath of burly, muscular, sweaty, hairy men jumped up and began charging down the ravine towards the group - an armoured warrior of colossal proportions led the charge.

They dismounted in formation. Sunny and Smiley stood out far to the sides, already unleashing bolt after bolt from their repeater crossbows at the charging marauders. Armoured side facing the enemy, Khaela stood poised to meet the charge of the chaos warrior thundering down the hill, grinning, the warrior unsheathed her giant blade.

The warband closed fast, a handful at their flanks fell to crossbow bolts, and were now halfway towards the group.

"Charge!" Khaela bellowed and charged up the slope, her massive blade being dragged in her wake.


Triangle formation: Khaela is at the front, Se'alara and Taldein behind her. Zarathi is left-most at the back, alongside the two mages.

Orders: Zarathi should try and keep an eye on the two mages in case they are in danger of being charged, but otherwise gets to fight as normal - she'll be on the far left of the 'battle-line' next to, and slightly behind, Se'alara.

Se'alara is next. In the middle of the line, Khaela is out ahead of everyone with Taldein behind her and to her right. Remember to give your characters plenty of room!

Valin and Clavisson will be at the rear in support. The two shades are also at the rear but they've given themselves plenty of space.

Pick your target(s), charge that target and kill it dead! The chaos warrior is out in front, and several marauders are also out in front - if you can kill your target quickly enough you'll have a few moments to prepare before fighting the next one.



OOC: Khaela wishes to see how your characters handle a fight and whether they can take orders or not. Your taking orders just for this one fight so Khaela knows what she has to work with.

In most cases you guys will get to determine your own tactics and maybe even discuss strategies for battle prior to the fighting. Though, for the prologue and this fight in particular, Khaela is in charge - only for the prologue, though, after that you'll more or less be on your own for most other battles. Other NPC's may come and go but after the Prologue you'll more or less have to look after yourselves.
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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Calisson
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Re: Group 40 - A City in Chaos

Post by Calisson »

A single pause, a single breakfast - OK, a fairly decent one - that was all the rest that the mad giantess allowed.
Two days later, there was another scarce opportunity to lay down and rest, on the bottom of a boat, between horse legs and backpacks.
On the other shore, the meaningless journey resumed. Much less humid than previously, but icy cold.

One day, a Chaos Warrior sihouette was seen at a distance. The shades confirmed an ambush.
Showing disdain for any tactical finesse, the giantess leader decided to rush into the enemy charging at them. Clavisson nodded in disbelief. Dark Elves were supposed to be cunning, not to fight Chaos on their own terms.
But there was little choice now than to fight. Fortunately, it was full day, Clavisson could tap into ample Hysh power.
With an inspiration, he concentrated on a classic Birona's Timewarp, allowing all friends to move quicker and hit more. That shoud take the foes by surprise.
The group would feel superfast, allowing them to hit more than usual.

As long as Clavisson would feel under Birona's influence, he would just try to avoid the enemy and concentrate of the spell to last as long as possible.
In case a lone marauder would get threatening, he would dare to surprise him with a couple of hard hits coming from his trusted staff, but otherwise, he would rather outrun them.

Birona's Timewarp on the group.

_________________
Clavisson the detective - WS3 S2 T4 D4 I5
Equipment: Staff, 4 dagger (throwing)

Inventory: Hadrilkar amulet - 1 guard's amulet - Drachau's note - diverse lighters, candles and black powder - backpack with rope, flint & tinder, a lantern, a sleeping bag/blanket, a flask, erm, other things - 7 meals (after the pause).
Skills: Power of Hysh (1), Urban Lore
Class: Mage (Light)
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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Marchosias
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Marchosias »

The tree-throwing scholar was staying in silence while Clavisson was explaining that there was no need for accusations. Then Khaela arrived, Valin turned away and the conversation ceased. Zarathi challenged the suspected life mage with a sharp look, but he did not seem interested in her anymore. Dissatisfied, she turned to her breakfast, knowing they are in a hurry again. She promised herself to keep an eye on Valin in the following days.

The ride was not pleasant. The air grew colder, small clouds of vapour were appearing from the mouths of their steeds, and the group traveled mostly in silence again. Then a short sail came, but luckily the sea was calm and they arrived safely on the other shore in just a few hours. Zarathi tried not to look on the vast plains of water and instead used the time to darn a small hole in the armpit of her shirt.

Then the Chaos lands greeted them - first by a sharp cold wind, second by the silhouette of a Chaos warrior standing atop a cliff, declaring clearly who this land belonged to and warning all intruders off proceeding deeper to the north. Soon the shades told them about an ambush and Khaela commanded them to ride into battle.

“Why don't we just avoid them if they have no horses?” asked Zarathi the giantess' back. „Or we could sneak up on them.“ But there was no answer, apart from the disdainful grimace Khaela would almost surely show. The lowborn rolled her eyes and followed the warrior. Soon after, she was standing with her sword unsheathed, waiting till the muscular men run up to her. Zarathi took a deep breath. She had heard about Chaos marauders in stories before and they were always beaten by swift and cunning druchii. Besides, if she would have ran, the albino assassin could have easily found her again.

Slightly ahead of others, a barbarian with a long beard was running and lifting his large axe for a deadly blow. Zarathi waited for him in a posture of fear and inexperience. Once he got in reach, though, she suddenly threw this disguise away and hurled herself forward. With her short and light sword, she slashed quickly against the chaos worshiper's eyes in the hope to get him out of balance. Using the momentum of them both, she slammed her shield into his stomach. Then she stepped a bit back, ready to strike a few short, powerful blows to the man's neck. She hoped that before an attack of another barbarian, she would have time to glance behind what her two robed companions were doing.

Picking some reasonably positioned barbarian. Pretending fear so that the marauder gets overconfident. Quick strike against his eyes to disrupt his balance and shield slam to further weaken him. After this, it should be easy to chop him down.
Looking if the two mages are in danger.
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Drainial
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Drainial »

Se'alara did not care for the situation. Tactically their position was unsound, not as bad as it would have been without the Shade's warning but not much better. They were outnumbered more than three to one by bestial savages and had far too few fighters amongst them. To be sure Khalea's cold one and the she elf herself would cut an initial bloody swath but the warriors of chaos were not to be underestimated.

Consciously Se'alara thought all this, they should have come up with a more elegant plan to obliterate these beasts in the name of Khaine but they hadn't. All they could do now was fight and pray. Those were two things the Khaineite did well. Sliding down from the back of her horse she felt her heart begin to race, here was Khaine's true temple the sacrifices rushing to the alter. No it wasn't an elegant plan, yes she might well number amongst the victims on the pyre but that was for the will of the red god to decide.

Casting her arms back she threw off her white robe leaving her lithe body bare against the icy winds, she did not notice. With crossed arms Se'alara drew her twin daggers, the leather wrapping on Dawn had come a little loose, she did not notice. All she could think of now was the pounding in her veins, the onrushing storm of flesh and steel, and a thousand faced god. The red mist did not descend for her order did not encourage the berserker rage as many of the other temples did. Non the less the fierce joy of battle could not help but sweep into the neophyte, this would be her first taste of true war.

Without conscious thought words began to bubble up in the back of her mind, flowing into her mouth without ever touching a fore brain that was marking targets, seeking weaknesses, gaps in the line. She ran and as she ran she began to sing. It was a chant, a prayer chant and an old one. There was no musical accompaniment, this was a war-song; the beat and rhythm of mayhem and carnage would be its backdrop, screams and bellows its flute and brass.

“A black rock high on lonely isle
Through mists as white as bone
Grey and chill
Upon the hill
The chosen stands alone

His fellows have all left him
For none can stand the sight
This little spit of island
Shrouded in the night

Up from the beach and water
Frothing dark and chill
Away from life
Seeking strife
His face is wan and ill

Fair headed was his maiden
Queen of woods and flowers
Fair haired the child
Fierce yet mild
By daemons now devoured

There is no joy upon the earth
So great it cannot die
When the armies of apocalypse
Sweep daily through the sky

The walk is short
The path is long
Through death through life
Through joy and strife
To find where you belong

Here stands the shrine of marble
A dreaded welcome sight
White as the mist
The torch flames twist
Pushing back the night

Simple, unattended
None dare to think of theft
The blade of Khaine
The hope of elves
The bane of all the rest

A simple thing it seems to be
Three feet of gleaming steel
An ebon hilt
No trace of gilt
Yet its power is all too real

Reaching out the chosen's head
Is filled with all despair
To smother hope
That's lost and broke
The chosen does not care

Twice blessed
Twice cursed
Beloved of gods
Beloved by mortals all
Upon the blighted isle none sees Aenarion fall

And yet in hate he rises
Blood rushes, pours and runs
Dark gods shall quake
Great throngs shall break
Widomaker comes”


She was no Aenarion, nor was the band of marauders a mighty host of daemons yet the fight remained the same. Chaos sought to drown the world and the fury of Khaine was well suited to combating it. Unlike the lord of skulls Khaine cared deeply whose blood flowed, and why. Because his reasons were many some thought Khaine mindless, not so. One thousand faces her god wore, each one with its own reasons, its own creed. One thousand reasons to murder.

She needed only one. As she pounded towards the enemy Se'alara picked out her first victim. A broad shouldered young man with a shock of red hair longer than her own and blowing free in the wind. Armoured little more than she was he was vulnerable, there was a reason chaos warriors wore so much armour. His axe gave him a longer reach than her, he would only get to swing it once. When she was inside his guard the blood would run and Khaine would decide why.

Se'alara will charge towards the enemy in the proscribed fashion. She will dodge forwards (beneath a high stroke, to the sides of a downward blow ect) and try to get within inches of a maurauder. She will then stab both blades through his rib cage (between the ribs obviously), rip them out and slash his throat. That is the ideal plan at any rate.
Moding a group of Druchii.net players is much like directing the musical 'Cats' using actual cats. Frustrating, difficult, chaotic but ultimatley satisfying and a great deal of fun.

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Cananatra
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Cananatra »

They marched into the ambush, straight up into it despite the fact they knew it was there. The sheer stupidity of their leader shocked Valin. She actually expected to charge into the middle of a large band of chaos worshippers, on foot, leaving the horse behind and expected them to follow her, on foot, even the mages. Playing the dutiful support mage Valin joined them on foot before the charge. “And not only does she want us to get swamped by the stupid filthy barbarians but she wants us to do so while spread out,” Valin muttered to himself as he took his place.

Attuning his mind to the winds of magic he began to draw on the power he’d need, storing it within him for the first stage of the fight. It would be unlikely he’d be needed until someone was wounded or the fighters began to tire. Reaching into one of his pockets with his hand he fitted one of his poisoned darts into the blowpipe and clenched it between his teeth while keeping his staff handy. If one of the marauders broke through he’d put him to sleep.

Valin gathers energy and will dole it out if anyone takes a wound. He’ll also be ready to send any marauders which begin to get near to the mages to dreamy land.
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Jcitalia4 »

As Taldein shuffled closer to listen in on their conversation. He almost immediately regretted it as the ever watchful and perceptive inquisitorial mage noticed his movements. His head popped up and directed a question towards him about his draich and his maintenance of it. He cursed himself as he didn't quite feel ready to speak with his fellows, who might likely already feel him to be a bit withdrawn. This didn't help his feelings further at all. The shadows would still give him solace, however.

He forced himself to speak. He knew he would have to eventually anyways. As he began to mouth the words to respond to the sorceror, a flash of red caught his eye. The large warrior she-elf had returned with some game and had begun gutting and preparing the creature for breakfast and future ration. The blood oozed and splattered as she worked. Taldein hadn't noticed but he had completely forgotten about the inquisitorial mage, gotten up and moved over to Khaela. He sat down to join her in her activity but a look from her told him to enjoy it from a distance. How long had it been since he had seen the blood flow? Too long...

Dreams of the blood had come to him in fits over the next few days. Morning rousals from his companions frequently earned them sour looks as his awakenings had broken his sanguine visions. He sat reflecting on one such dream when the shades returned warning of an ambush. His old drillyard experience forced his ears to perk upon hearing Khaela's intention. Charge into a trap head-on? Folly!. Every lesson in the book on tactics and strategy knew an ambush killzone was the worst place to be. Particularly when known about beforehand, losing any kind of initiative to be gained. Either this warrior was overconfident and lacking in leadership, or truely a force to be reckoned with. Even if it was the latter, testing one's luck was not always the wisest course of action.

He thought about speaking up to the group about his concerns when a flash of red tinted his thoughts briefly. So long it had been since he had seen that nice, quick kill. His draich thirsted. He smiled under his draich's shadow Maybe not such a bad plan after all....

The ambush sprung! Marauders chased down the hill intent on destroying their prey. Khaela and the two khainites joined in recessed flank. The witch-elf let the frenzy take hold of her, bare skin to the wind, though the heat of her desire was easy to feel. He had never experienced such a frenzy, his passion for blood always controlled, always clean and deliberate. Taldein felt the winds of magic blow around him, but he could not concentrate enough just now to work any of the shadows, so strong was his desire at the moment to see the quick deaths of these marauders and the blood soaked field thereafter.

The battle was met. Khaela crashed into the motley band of northmen head on. Taldein followed but knew to give such a warrior plenty of room to work. The other khainite quickly performing a dance of death with those unlucky enough to meet her blades. In a rush, Taldein swooped to make more room for Khaela. In great arcs he drove the northmen back in an effort to prevent them from encircling the three of them to any effect. He then locked eyes with one of the poor souls. Never losing this eye contact, he brought about his draich. His blood rushed at the effect. The pleasure built inside him. Inside he was bursting and felt as he might explode as the draich came around. It exhilirated him. But not once did he smile, not once break his stoic demeanor as the weight of the swing reached its peak. This moment was for Khaine and khaine alone...

Taldein will join the battle and move to make room for his fellows in melee. He will then strike for a quick, clean kill on a marauder
Cade Thanal (TN: Gaelus Stormscythe) (Group 38 warrior)
WS3 S4 T3 D4 I5
Equipment: Light Armor, Short Sword, Repeating Handbow (9/10), Helmet, Asur Short Sword, High elf Mage-prince pelt, Lion pelt cloak, Sword belt with gold buckle and sapphire, 10 gold
Skills: Disguise

Dolan Steelshorn
WS4 S5 T5 D3 I2
Equipment: Glaive, medium armor, shield
Skills: Endurance

Taldein, the Draich'Arha (CC Thread)
WS4 S3 T4 D3 I4
Equipment: Draich (EP4), Helmet (EP1), Pendant
Skills: Power of Ulgu (1)
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Minigrift
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Minigrift »

By the time the two lines of warriors clashed the two shades had felled no less than a dozen marauders - three from each flank and a spattering of individuals from the remainder and each of these kills provided the heroes with a little more time to fell their first opponents. Now that the group was entering the cut and thrust of melee combat it was, perhaps, becoming too dangerous to shoot bolts into the fray, so both shades began to circle round the organised mob of marauders whilst still taking the odd pot-shot at enemies of opportunity.

Syn'khayl Khadathil and the Chaos Warrior were the first to collide. Khaela had a greater reach with her sword and struck first, a vicious overhead strike that could, in all probability, shatter a mountain. The warrior glided the giant-blade harmlessly to his side with the heft of his double-bladed axe as he stepped in to meet Khaela's charge with a smash of his spiked mace. The Vaulkhar was too quick even for the Chaos-blessed, lunging under the blow she deflected it with her galerus and as she brought her elbow in to knock the weight harmlessly away before a gauntleted fist shot into the Champions chest like a cannonball. As she pushed with her fist she pulled her sword round and back, left-handed, then threw her chin up to narrowly avoid the armoured fist careening towards her face. There was an extremely brief, momentary reprieve as the two combatants pushed each other away. What was to follow was all but a blur to the naked eye as the two mighty warriors fought with implacable calm and determination

Battle plans ready, Clavisson began to concentrate on gathering the necessary energies for a spell. Though cloudy there was still ample evidence of the sun, whose rays did not shine warmly, but they shone and that was all the mage needed. Reaching out to touch his companions with his gift - the shade were too far away and, around Khaela, Clavisson could feel his magic waning like it refused to work - he blessed each of them with the time-warped field. He was not in any immediate danger and could fully concentrate on keeping his spell active whilst also keeping an eye on the flow of battle.

Zarathi faced down a fearsome looking opponent, with muscular chest and flaming beard trailing in is wake like a cloak, he swung his thick handled axe at the meek shade cowering before him with a look of triumphant greed in his eyes. Aided by the time altering blessing of Birona, the shade saw her moment to strike. Discarding her cowardly guise she jumped in to meet the berserker's charge with the point of her blade, though the marauder flinched from the blinding the shade did score a cut across his cheek. Ducking aside the flailing axe of the foul-smelling man she slammed the edge of her buckler into his hairy belly. Zarathi stepped back and readied her next attack while the marauder struggled to bring his weapon to bear against his more agile opponent, she jumped and thrust her blade into the man's neck, through an artery, and felt the tip hit bone. Another warrior was scant feet away but a quick glance told the shade the two mages were in no immediate danger, but she would be if she didn't act now - a man armed with two hand weapons was quickly closing in, and others would shortly follow.

It was doubtful whether Se'alara needed the assistance of Clavisson to out manoeuvre her opponent, nevertheless she had it. The khainite saw the axe blow coming well before it was struck and easily moved from it's path, despite the time discrepancies the marauder was able to change the path of his weapon mid-swing but yet again Se'alara easily dodged from it's path by moving inside its reach. Twin blades flashed out and both weapon plunged deep into the marauders rib cage and pierced his lungs. Slowly, the marauders face cringed into an expression of shock and pain. The khainite would show the chaos degenerate no mercy. Ripping out Dusk - or Dawn - she reversed her blade and slashed it quickly across the marauders deep-veined throat. As the blood sprayed and the man toppled, another marauder armed with a large sword and shield stood forward to challenge the Se'alara.

There wasn't a whole lot that Valin could do other than gather his powers to tend any wounded either during or after the battle, though he did busy his blowpipe with a poisoned dart just in case he was required to do more than just heal. Though, for the moment at least, it seemed very unlikely that any Chaos scum would be threatening him or Clavisson.

Like Se'alara, Taldein was similarly afflicted a specific malaise; bloodthirst! His enemies were not the frenzy-crazed marauders of Khorne, but did share a glimmer of intelligence between them. As the Draick'arha danced, his tempo boosted by the powers of Hysh, one of the marauders was foolish enough - perhaps he saw an opening, or simply thought he had - to step within the khainites circle of death. The marauder carried a sledgehammer and had jumped in with a two-hand swing aimed at the twirling elf's feet to unbalance him. From his peripheral vision Taldein caught the movement and fixed his eyes on the man so Khaine could guide his blade, in a single deft movement the fledgling khainite swung his body and blade to meet the charge. His draich caught the man's shoulder as the hammer was in mid-swing, the draich severed the left arm through the bicep and cut into the chin before finally rupturing the man's heart. The now flying hammer missed the khainite by a hairsbreadth. Another marauder quickly closed in, this one armed with double-headed great axe.


15 marauders now lie dead.

Clavissons Timewarp was successful and affected everyone except Khaela (whom the spell 'chose' not to effect) and the two shades who were too far away. The spell is still strong and Clavisson has yet to lose any magic/power.

Zarathi has killed her opponent and knows the two mages are in no danger. There is another marauder closing in from just a few feet (with two hand weapons) away and there are another few marauders around but not of them are immediate threats - remember you have throwing knives, could be potential targets.

Se'alara killed her first marauder. The next one coming up is more heavily (light armour) armoured and carries a sword and shield. She can see two more behind this one.

Really wasn't much I could say about Valin - but he's been successful with all his actions.

Taldein has butchered the one marauder but has another one coming at him with a twin-bladed great axe. He can see another two behind this one, both moving to intercept him but aren;t close enough to engage him... yet.


Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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Calisson
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Re: Group 40 - A City in Chaos

Post by Calisson »

How nice was the feeling of speed! Not only moving was made easier, but also thinking, and that made comparatively those humans look slow and clumsy.
The good news was that by now, half of the Marauders were down.
The bad news was that the other half had reached the elf group. They were outnumbered by far, especially considering that two of the elves were not really combatants.
With his accelerated thinking, Clavisson realized that his companions would need more help, as they were only able to pick up one opponent at a time.
Fortunately, Light was still on their side, rather than on the chaotic Northmen's side.

Concentrating the Hysh pulse coming from the sun behind, the Master of Light whirlwinded his staff, of which the large crystal started to glow to the point of being painful to stare at.
Progressively, the intricate movements of the staff created a thin net of yellowish-orange light, like in the legends of Amyntok.
Strangely, the eerie net's trail seemed to drift towards the stunned marauders. Those who tried to cut through that net found that it required all the strength that they could give. Some of the Northmen could not even manage to get rid of the net of light, and became panicked.
The Son of the Jail smiled. He loved the feeling to limit freemen's ability to move. Even if he was not as proficent as Amyntok himself, slowing down the threatening group for a couple of minutes should give ample time for his comrades to decrease the opponent's complement down to a more even match.

Net of Amyntok. That should slow down those Marauders not strong enough to cut through, to the point of possibly wounding some of them.

_________________
Clavisson the detective - WS3 S2 T4 D4 I5
Equipment: Staff, 4 dagger (throwing)

Inventory: Hadrilkar amulet - 1 guard's amulet - Drachau's note - diverse lighters, candles and black powder - backpack with rope, flint & tinder, a lantern, a sleeping bag/blanket, a flask, erm, other things - 7 meals (after the pause).
Skills: Power of Hysh (1), Urban Lore
Class: Mage (Light)
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|--}
Jcitalia4
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Jcitalia4 »

Exhilaration erupted through Taldein just as the blood of the marauder erupted from his dismembered body. Such a release for the warrior. He allowed himself a quick, small smile. A great expression of emotion for one usually so sombre. As the body into a pool of its own lifeforce, Taldein took a quick survey of his circumstances. All around him, his compatriots seemed to be fairing well on their own with the support of the mages behind them. He felt a great boon as the winds blew in their favor.

Ahead of him, another northman charged at him, with two of his compatriots further behind seeming to be heading in his direction as well. He could smell the stink of rotten teeth and drink as the marauder bellowed a challenge in his direction. Knowing he would need to dispatch this fellow quickly before he be overwhelmed but his two fellows joining the melee, he quickly moved to answer the challenge. In a fluid step he moved to the right, providing a sweet target for the marauder. As this was his intention, he waited for the moment the marauder would show his swing. At the last he quickly spun with a swing clashing along in force with the northman's axe in the same direction it swung, propelling it in the same direction and taking the marauder off balance. In an identical movement, he pivoted and spun again with the same swing towards the marauders now exposed side. It was a move he learned and had practiced many a times when sparring with others in Ghrond when they would also wield heavier weapons and hopefully to clear the path to the other two quickly.

Taldein will try a spinning parry and strike on the marauder and move to engage the two following warriors if he is successful.
Cade Thanal (TN: Gaelus Stormscythe) (Group 38 warrior)
WS3 S4 T3 D4 I5
Equipment: Light Armor, Short Sword, Repeating Handbow (9/10), Helmet, Asur Short Sword, High elf Mage-prince pelt, Lion pelt cloak, Sword belt with gold buckle and sapphire, 10 gold
Skills: Disguise

Dolan Steelshorn
WS4 S5 T5 D3 I2
Equipment: Glaive, medium armor, shield
Skills: Endurance

Taldein, the Draich'Arha (CC Thread)
WS4 S3 T4 D3 I4
Equipment: Draich (EP4), Helmet (EP1), Pendant
Skills: Power of Ulgu (1)
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Drainial
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Drainial »

Se'alara's speed and agility running up a slope towards the incoming marauders surprised even herself, it was almost as if something was helping her. This blessing of Khaine certainly came in handy and within moment's she was through the guard of her first victim. Even as he fell to the floor she saw another almost on top of her. Clad in boiled leather and hefting a round, hide covered, shield this one would perhaps be a harder nut to crack. Better still two more filthy humans followed the first, it was a good day to kill.

That shield and the reach of his sword gave the chaos scum a considerable advantage in a frontal engagement, it would be foolish then to engage him frontally. Relying on her evasion, dexterity and speed Se'alara through herself forwards into a roll past the beast's shield arm, whipping back round to sink naked steel into the back of his legs.

Dive past the marauder on the shield side to hopefully avoid being stabbed in the face, once past slice into hamstrings. If successful give a quick kick to send him to the ground so that she can deal with the next threat.
Moding a group of Druchii.net players is much like directing the musical 'Cats' using actual cats. Frustrating, difficult, chaotic but ultimatley satisfying and a great deal of fun.

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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Cananatra »

The fight was going surprisingly well, which was almost a disappointment for Valin. It meant he didn’t get to use any of his magic to heal people. He had toyed with the idea of healing some marauders if it looked like they would die without inflicting any injuries on his companions but he held off on it. He had the feeling that it would probably irritate their leader if he actively put back together stuff she wanted dead.

Leaning on his staff with his blowpipe clenched between his teeth he watched the ensuing combat. Valin could feel someone else pulling on the winds as he did just before time seemed to slow, or he sped up, one or the other. Casting a sly glance towards Calvisson he mentally filed that away as sure knowledge of his suspicions. It of course made it far more obvious as to why he had wanted to avoid the whole magic discussion earlier. Coming right out with it now would no doubt have interesting ramifications after the battle.

He made his blowpipe bounce up and down in his vision by moving his jaw, imagining shooting the marauders which were falling before his companions. Simply to keep himself amused of course. The magic he had drawn was flickering around inside him with little need to use it, and at this point there was little for him to do.

Out of the corner of his eye he could see Calvisson attempting some other kind of magic, this one far more visible as he gathered light to himself. Which answered the question of what kind of mage he was. “You’re in for an interesting conversation later son of the jail.” he spoke around his blowpipe, loud enough for his voice to carry to the nearby mage. The amusement was easy to recognise in it.

More waiting for Valin. Same as last time, ready to dart anyone who slips through or heal anyone who gets hurt.
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Marchosias
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Marchosias »

No time to rest. There were many marauders remaining, charging with a mad bloodlust. Although the elves were faring well for the moment, they were still badly outnumbered.

No time to waste.

Zarathi looked at the nearest barbarian, a tattooed man with a bald head and a long knife in each hand. The peasang girl ran a few steps directly towards him, her sword raised for a powerful blow. Having arrived in the reach of her foe, she changed direction and jumped to the right. She felt light and airy, as if freed from the passage of time itself, it almost neared to an enjoyment of battle. Shouting a short but strong battle cry, Zarathi smashed with her buckler against the chaos worshipper's left hand weapon and ran further to his side to avoid the right hand strike. Then, the marauder's left arm would be open to a long, powerful cut and his whole side vulnerable.

She knew she had to be fast, as fast as light itself. More and more chaos worshippers were coming.

Zarathi is going to run around the marauder and thus escape one of his weapons. She will try to throw the second one away with her buckler and expose the marauder's arm this way. Then she wants to strike, first at the arm, then, if possible, at the neck.


[OOC: I know about the throwing knives, I am saving them for later displaying an unusual tactical ability. :D ]
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Minigrift »

Clavisson's concentration shifted from his Timewarp to cast another spell, this time to hinder the enemy, and though it was cast successfully it meant that Birona's gift of speed faltered rather drastically. His companions speed suddenly returned to it's normal pace even as the mages net gripped the two marauders nearest to him.

Khaela and the Warriors battle was a blur - though it looked they were simply pounding on each other with all the grace of a beached seal, something far more subtle and complex was at play. Slight shifts in stance, parries, thrusts, blocks and counters, misdirection and minute shifts in the angles of attack were all going on as the two fought like a maelstrom of destruction. The Vaulkhar, sword held in the unarmoured grip of her left hand, kicked away the warriors mace as she grabbed the heft of his battleaxe with her gauntlet. In a single, swift motion she pushed the armoured mass away as her greatsword flicked upwards to sever the axe-arm of the chaos warrior through the wrist, her sword swung high and she jumped to grab the handle two-handed, as she fell back to the earth she struck the blade at the horned helmet of the warrior. The chaos champion attempted to block the mighty swing with his mace...

Taldein was faring well, having easily slain his first marauder, and was now facing his second. The man also held a two-handed weapon but his was a far clumsier affair than the subtle grace of a draich. The khainite waited with anticipation for the marauder to make his move and was prepared to strike him down for his audacity when he did so. The great-axe swung high in an attempt to bludgeon Taldein to a squashed khainite-shaped mess, Taldein felt the wind off the blow as he swung away and brought his weapon round to glide parallel with the axe and score a deep, savage gash in the marauders stomach and kidneys. The muscle-bound man howled in agony even as Taldein did a similar move to finish the man off. The marauders momentum was such that Taldein very nearly missed, though the crunch of bone told the khainite that the tip of his weapon pierced the man as he fell to the ground.

Se'alara, too, had easily slain her first victim but the second one would prove to be more of a challenge. She could see faint net of light tightening itself around the shield-bearing marauder but it was impossible to tell whether it hampered him or not. The young neophyte knew she would have to get past the man's defence so relied on her natural speed and dexterity since the effects of the time warp were no longer aiding her assault. Diving past his shield side she quickly came to and lashed out with a dagger at the tendons in the back of the man's knee, unfortunately his shield slammed into the ground and the dagger edge scraped harmlessly across the edge of his shield. Both attacked simultaneously - him with his sword, her with a kick - but the lithe young woman was the faster of the two and scored a solid blow into the man's neck even as she narrowly avoided the swing of his longsword. With a grunt, he stepped back a step and brought his shield up to protect his chest and immediately attacked again, striking out with his shield to batter Se'alara...

Again, there wasn't much for the life-mage to do other than watch the battle and engage in a bit of competitive chat with the other magic user of the group. However, the marauder that Se'alara was fighting now had his sword side to the two mages though he was out of the maximum range of the Valin's blowpipe by a half dozen feet or so.

Clavisson could sense his net wrapping ever tighter about the same marauder but it seemed to be having little effect. Fortunately he didn't have to juggle his Timewarp and could focus on making the two nets stronger instead.

Se'alara braced herself to evade the attacking marauders shield-bash though he seemed to falter slightly with it's delivery. A mistake that she could capitulate on if she was quick enough.

Zarathi was fortunate enough to be fighting the other marauder affected by Clavissons spell, and he seemed to be struggling with it, probably because he was bare-chested and less protected by his more armoured counterpart. Birona's blessing wore off just as the shade semi-circled around the man, she slashed outwards with her buckler and the edge caught the man's wrist right in the vein so he dropped his dagger. A net-shaped vein of cuts over his right arm and shoulder appeared as he moved into the web in an attempt to halt Zarathi circling around him. The shade struck but despite the fact he was grimacing with pain he still managed to parry her thrust, then he threw caution to the winds and barged his shoulder into Zarathi. She fell back, landing awkwardly, her pride hurt more than her backside. The chaotic man ignored the ever deepening web and jumped in to finish her off...

The greatsword came down, a slight blue arc following the swing of the blade. The chaos mace and armour did little to stop Khaela's blow which shattered the heft of the weapon, smashed through the inches-thick horn of the chaos warriors helmet to carve it's way through the thick-blessed steel of the chaos armour. The blade seared through the heavily-armoured groin of the warrior and, almost delicately, sliced the icy ground on which the man stood. Khaela jumped back, pulling her sword with her, and spun, her blade spun with her in a metres-wide arc and returned to the warrior once more. The champion of chaos almost literally exploded as the impossibly sharp blade of Syn'khayl Khadathil cut through him again.

Grinning maniacally from the gruesome effects of the web which was cutting him into pieces, the marauder moved into finish Zarathi off. Suddenly he reeled and flew by the shade to land beside her on the ground with a bolt imbedded in the side of his skull. Sunny had saw an opportunity to take the man down before he could do any more harm.

Smiley had also taken a shot of opportunity and had slain one of the marauders bearing down on Taldein with a spray of several bolts that pierced into the man's lightly-armoured body.


The chaos warrior is dead as are another three marauders. That leaves 12.

Clavissons net spell was successful though it did cause his Timewarp to stop working - his aid has helped both Zarathi and Se'alara.

Taldein has killed his foe and has one marauder almost upon him. Smiley killed the farther away one.

Se'alara failed to kill her second marauder who is attacking her with a shield-bash, he is now slowed by the net so Se'alara has a chance to counter-attack before he reaches her.

Valin can move closer to help with his blowpipe if wishes to, or even attempt some magic of his own.

Zarathi also failed to kill her second target, who fought back (sixes for him!) and shoulder-barged Zarathi to the ground. Sunny has killed him for you.

With the death of their champion the three rear-most marauders have turned to flee. Both Se'alara and Zarathi have two marauders closing in on their positions so had better act quickly if they wish to gain the upper hand. Another marauder is within striking distance of Taldein.

That leaves 4... What to do with them?
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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Calisson
Corsair
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Re: Group 40 - A City in Chaos

Post by Calisson »

The Light mage being able to concentrate only on one spell at a given time, creating an arcane net resulted into a relative slow down of time.
Never mind, the opposing troop was now left to manageable size, in particular thanks to the Vaulkhar having defeated her nemesis.
Fortunately, the Chaos warriors were even worse tactically than the Elves, not having been able to build on their large numbers. Now their initial advantage was all but gone.

Clavisson's nets of Light did reach two marauders. One of them was promptly killed by a shade's bolt. The other one put Se'alara in a difficult position, though, the armourless Daughter of Khaine faced a brute hidden behind a large shield.
Having only a single net to weave made things easier for Clavisson. He oriented his staff between the sun and the target, and made more whirlwinds. Not only the net would rebuild faster than it faded away, but occasionally a sun burst would hit the marauder's eye.

Concentrating the Net of Amyntok on Se'alara's opponent.

_________________
Clavisson the detective - WS3 S2 T4 D4 I5
Equipment: Staff, 4 dagger (throwing)

Inventory: Hadrilkar amulet - 1 guard's amulet - Drachau's note - diverse lighters, candles and black powder - backpack with rope, flint & tinder, a lantern, a sleeping bag/blanket, a flask, erm, other things - 7 meals (after the pause).
Skills: Power of Hysh (1), Urban Lore
Class: Mage (Light)
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Jcitalia4
Beastmaster
Posts: 360
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Jcitalia4 »

Taldein didn't see, so much as he felt his opponent fall. The vibrations of his draich communicated to him that he had struck true as he spun. Finishing his move, he looked on. The two marauders closed in on him. Almost comically, one of them was met with a wall of bolts. The human pin cushion grunted briefly, before falling over dead. A sad and depressed look his final expression, mocking him further the manner of death.

His trained patience told Taldein to wait. He knew the marauders was relying on the momentum of his charge to give him a strong opening strike. Once the northman had closed to an appropriate distance, Taldein gripped draich true and thrust forward, lunging far as he did so. He hoped to catch marauder unawares and it would be unlikely he suspected he was yet within striking range of the draich. The marauders own momentum would make such a strike deadly enough.

Several of the northmen had begun to turn tail and run. The Vaulkhar stood over the battered body of their leader. Seeing his some of his compatriats were yet embroiled, two of which were now facing two of the enemy, he was faced with a choice. Chase down the now fleeing or support those still fighting. Caution begged to help those nearby as a chase could easily leave him isolated. He moved to assist, informing his fellows of his presence (lest they strike at him unwittingly) and began to work in tandem with their strikes.

Taldein will attempt a lunging strike to quickly dispatch his combatant. If successful, he will move to support the others
Cade Thanal (TN: Gaelus Stormscythe) (Group 38 warrior)
WS3 S4 T3 D4 I5
Equipment: Light Armor, Short Sword, Repeating Handbow (9/10), Helmet, Asur Short Sword, High elf Mage-prince pelt, Lion pelt cloak, Sword belt with gold buckle and sapphire, 10 gold
Skills: Disguise

Dolan Steelshorn
WS4 S5 T5 D3 I2
Equipment: Glaive, medium armor, shield
Skills: Endurance

Taldein, the Draich'Arha (CC Thread)
WS4 S3 T4 D3 I4
Equipment: Draich (EP4), Helmet (EP1), Pendant
Skills: Power of Ulgu (1)
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Marchosias
Assassin
Posts: 594
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 7:53 am

Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Marchosias »

Zarathi was suddenly feeling slow and clumsy. She forced her foe to drop his dagger, but her subsequent blow was parried and a few moments later she found herself lying on the ground. Although there was still much she could do, the barbarian's blow could be parried and his legs were vulnerable, she felt quite relieved when one single bolt into the marauder's head freed her of the necessity of such attempts.

Behind the falling chaos worshiper, two more were quickly approaching her and another three were endangering the witch elf - and neither Valin nor Clavisson seemed to be offering any aid. Zarathi reached for her throwing knives.

In a motion as fast as possible, she got up to a kneeling position and threw the first blade against the nearest marauder. A second knife quickly followed, flying against the other barbarian endangering her. It was doubtful she could throw more before being forced to use her sword again.

One throwing knife at each of the marauders attacking Zarathi. Wounding them so that they are easy prey afterwards is enough. If they are seriously slowed down, she will throw another knife at one of the barbarians approaching Se'alara (not the one she is fighting right now). If not, she uses the time to pick up her sword again.
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Drainial
Prophet of Tzeentch
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Re: Group 40 - Witch Hunt

Post by Drainial »

The ape was faster than he looked and Se'alara's attack was firmly rebuffed. With more of the bastards quickly closing the Khainite had to act fast and act brutally. There was no time for thought, even as the marauder's hide covered shield drove towards her Se'alara was moving sideways, into his path. Twisting aside her leg lashed out, aimed not at the man but at the inside edge of his shield, pushing it out, driving him forwards, leaving him vulnerable.

Even as she moved Se'alara saw a strange patina of light cascade across his skin, this could be no blessing of khaine, perhaps there was a shaman or warlock amongst the barbarians? The light seemed painful though, and debilitating. This would bare investigation but in the moment she would take every advantage she could get. As the marauder's momentum brought him forwards Se'alara drove into him, one blade lancing towards him sword arm to stop it dead, the other at his eyes.

Rather short but to the point. Side step (a bit forwards, diagonal) to take her out of the path of the shield, time a heel kick at the back edge of the shield as it passes to make sure he keeps going a little more than he thought he might. Use the momentum to drive daggers into him.
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