Group 38 - Chapter 3 - Darkness Awaits

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Nightcall
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Post by Nightcall »

Nathra waited, crouched like a cat ready to spring. One of the scouts walked slowly through the ford towards the reed beds, stooped with a crossbow loaded and ready to shoot. Steeping carefully so as not to splash the water racing past his shins, he reached the undergrowth. He nearly cried out in alarm as a flock of wildfowl took to the air, alarmed by his presence.

‘Hsst! Idiot!’ chided another of the party. Such a signal would give alarm to any in the vicinity that something was afoot. Umbra shook his head and scanned the far bank and trees beyond for signs of movement.

The female had finished examining the arches and returned to Nathra, holding a sodden piece of rope. It had once been charred. ‘Looks to me like they blew it up when they knew we were coming.’ She deduced. ‘Can’t see any sign of them now.’

It would be a good time to return to the camp and give their report. Nathra was only useful by default; the noble was uncooperative to any that would try to order her about. Like an unbridled mare, she would do things her way or not at all. The task of reporting back would fall to one of her companions.

The host was growing restless. Still filled with the adrenaline of the previous days battle, they were eager for blood. The cavalry struggled to keep their horses still, the maddened fell steeds pawing the churned mud with impatience. This was nothing compared to the battle the beastmasters were having with their hydra. The stupid beast was getting bored, and had started snapping at its own heads. A few pokes with steering rods had prevented it doing itself a mischief, but now the monster was in a foul mood. Saulk muttered under his breath, as he wondered what was taking the scouts so long.


Nathra and Umbra return to the host with the other scouts.

((Don’t worry, things will get moving along soon.))

((Smiler, JC, are you guys still in?))
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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Minigrift
... And Hell Followed
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Post by Minigrift »

The lithe shades concentration was broken by the sudden, startled flapping of many wings. Looking round, one of the khainites had disturbed a flock of birds at rest. Damn khainite. If they didn't know we're were here they likely do now. Umbra offered suitable admonishment for the (other) males foolishness, then scanned the vicinity for any hint of the enemy.

Nathra had already got measure of the place: there was no ambush waiting for them, at least not here. That didn't necessarily mean there wasn't an ambush waiting for them somewhere else, or perhaps the sabotaging of the bridge was simply meant as a delay to give the Asur time to better prepare their defences. Defences which, to Nathra's mind, should have been in place long, long before now.

As she continued to scan the horizons the other female of the group approached her. The female spoke straight to the point, which Nathra appreciated, and felt herself agreeing with the assessment. "Therein lies our only safe assumption - they know we are coming."

The raven-haired beauty motioned for the group to assemble and she eyed each of them briefly, she shook her head at the khainite who might have given their position away."We should head back and report our findings. No ambush, not here anyway. The bridge has been deliberately sabotaged so they know we are coming."

Then her piercing gaze lingered on Umbra who still seemed uncomfortable in her presence. "Umbra, you work for Thaeken so you should have no trouble reporting to him. Report what we have found and don't leave out any details." The hint wasn't so subtle that Umbra should not pick up on it, but likely neither would the khainite and he might not be as appreciative of it. Nathra would have to be careful on the return journey.

"Okay. Let's go." The noble waited for the rest to depart, suitably stealth-like, before following them. As they journeyed back Nathra wondered, was there any point in continuing to avoid the general? After all, he didn't know that she knew he was looking for her and, though it would amuse her, it could prove troublesome, for either or both them. Sigh. The game is up and all too soon. General, you had better not waste this opportunity.


Heading back to camp. Nathra will keep an eye on Umbra and the khainite, just to make sure the latter doesn't indulge himself with any funny business. If Umbra fails to report everything to Thaeken, then Nathra will.


OOC: Edited my post slightly - the general doesn't know that Nathra knows that he's looking for her so there's not much point in Nathra hiding. If however, he did know, then Nathra would hide from him just for poos and giggles!

Additionally, Nathra won't call him 'general' or 'sir', just Thaeken, since that's his actual name and she knows this will (hopefully) irritate him :roll:
Last edited by Minigrift on Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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
Jcitalia4
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Post by Jcitalia4 »

Gaelus continued to mill about at the head of the army. The scouts were bloody taking their time... or worse. It was clear that he wasn't the only one that was restless. The hydra seemed to be demonstrating its displeasure at its bindings. The standstill was giving it too much time to notice its predicament. He heard other various mutterings among the general's retinue.

If they aren't quick like, some very rash decision might be made...

The last thing they needed was for the building frenzy to lead them into a dire situation. The leaders needed to focus and steady themselves. With this thought, Gaelus moved to spread the influence of the army's standard. He briefly visited the warrior leadership Steel yourselves and focus your men. Be ready to move and much like this he said to them before returning to the general's retinue.

Killing time etc.
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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Nightcall
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Post by Nightcall »

In less than an hour the scouts had made their assessment and returned to the host. Nathra in sullen tones, reported that the way ahead was clear to the general. No bow was given, nor title, and the Druchii lord viewed her with contempt as she described their findings. As she slunk away with Umbra, he spat an insult, ‘Ignorant Autari… they have not the wits to know their betters.’

Yet his attention was now to make good speed to the Griffon Gate whilst the momentum of victory was still upon them. ‘Saulk, sound the horns. No more delays.’

The sergeant gave a crisp salute and signalled to the musician stood beside Cade, who blasted out a series of notes on a spiral-like horn. In reply, a dozen more followed, spreading a wailing cacophony of notes throughout the army. Some cheered as the march began again. Cade held the battle standard aloft, imagining how it would be received once they reached the gate.

Nathra and Umbra had disappeared within the main force. Somewhere between the great cauldron of blood being pulled by dozens of chained captives and the hydra at the rear, they were lost amidst other mercenaries and shades. The witches of the Temple danced ahead, wailing savage war songs as they praised the Lord of Murder.

Between these and the general’s retinue at the front of the host, marched the organised ranks of warriors. Well trained and disciplined forces, some wore new trophies upon their armour from the battle before. At the flanks rode the horse cavalry, the riders walking their horses forward to match the marching foot troops, their crossbows loaded and ever watchful to the forsaken forest and riven land.

The army slowed as it reached the ford. The crossing was too narrow for them to travel in rank, and so they filtered through carefully. Regrouping again on the other side of the riverbank, guards and crossbowmen were put on watch to make sure all got across safely. Despite the scouts’ report, the general had no desire to be attacked whilst they were vulnerable. By the time the entire Druchii force had crossed, the river water was churned and muddy. Some warriors paused on the other side to empty their boots of water, much to the amusement of the more lightly armoured shades and witch elves.

From there, the landscape became even more inhospitable. The host was ordered not to follow the south road; it was the obvious route. Rather, they were to traverse the hills and climb their way upwards through the pine filled slopes to the roots of the Anullii mountains. Where the land was not slick with mud, it was loose underfoot with shale and scree. Thorn bushes and briars hampered their progress, and quickly the beastmasters and their hydra were ordered to the front of the host to clear a path ahead. The struggling Asur captives groaned as they tried to heave the cauldron up the slopes, and a few unfortunate mercenaries were roped in to Khaine’s holy duty, pushing the construct from behind, and occasionally levering it free of the ruts and mud with makeshift levers made from hacked down saplings. The sound of shouted orders and cracked whips mingled with the noise of the climb. Eventually, the magic of the sorceresses was utilised to make light the cauldron and rejuvenate the slaves hauling it. With all the noise and unnatural light coming from the slopes, if the Asur didn’t know they were coming, it wouldn’t be long before they did.

Finally breaking free of the forest, the host found themselves on the sparsely vegetated mountain plain at the foot of the mountains. The Anulli rose majestically above them, forming a wall between the Inner and Outer Kingdoms. Purple heather and tough grasses grew on the meadow upon which the Druchii force had now found themselves, and as the mountains rose upwards, this gave way to gorse, and finally bare rock, covered in snow. Here and there a glacier hung in a frozen valley, and where the clouds broke against the peaks, a current of magical energy could be seen, flowing around the mountains like a river. After days in the gloom of the Shadowlands, the sight was breath-taking.

And up ahead, less than a league’s distance away, the Griffon Gate glittered, with the West Road winding across the plateau towards it from the ravaged lands through which the Dark Elf host had fought. A shimmering citadel of white marble, the gate caught the sun which lit up golden markings on the walls and gate itself which was built in a narrow pass between two peaks. From this distance, no detail could yet be seen, but the strength of the Asur defences could not be denied. Soon the Druchii would be truly tested.

((OOC: Here we go… you’re on the plateau leading to the Griffon Gate. You’ve still got about an hour’s march to go. I give you freedom to post what you like, I won’t give instructions yet… that will come in the next post. It’s a nice point to introduce the new additions to our RPG.))

((MG – I’ve kept it as vague as possible as I don’t want to post something that Nathra wouldn’t say.))

((Formation is as follows: Hydra at the front, and to the left of the General’s retinue. General, musicians, battle standard bearer (Cade) at front. Behind are 3 full units of warriors; mix of swords/glaives, crossbows, and shield and spears. Behind these is the Cauldron of Blood and Khainites. To either side of the Khainites, we have a unit of horse cavalry. Behind all these are the general Mercenary forces and Shades. Sorceresses are with the General. Time is mid-afternoon. Weather is sunny, with a cool breeze. It’s a lovely day in Ulthuan. Time to spoil it ;) ))
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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Minigrift
... And Hell Followed
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Post by Minigrift »

The beautiful shade gave her account of the brief mission in a no nonsense, straight forward manner while not omitting any of the details. During the exchange she kept her face impassive, the smirk of noble arrogance did not disrupt her features for Nathra did not wish the general to guess at who she really was. When the time was right she would show him and not a moment before. Her left hand was implanted firmly over the pommel of her longsword as it was engraved with the Sigil of House Severain, for though she'd been away from society the last decade or more and she was the last of her noble line, there was a chance that the general would recognise the rune, and Nathra was uncertain what Thaeken would do with the knowledge concerning her identity.

An amused Nathra left the Thaekens presence, her lack of due reverence had clearly irritated the general.

She followed Umbra and the other female shade down through the army, those two clearly intended to regroup with the other shades of the army. Yesterday had been an interesting day, fighting in a solid formation went against everything she had learned since leaving the academy, nevertheless, Nathra had fairly enjoyed the experience. That was an open engagement but tonight's battle was to be an assault on a fortified position, a potential siege, that meant engines of war and engines of war meant large groups of people were inviting targets.

Scaling the citadels walls under the cover of night also intrigued her, it wouldn't be the first time she had to infiltrate an enemy base, though never an imposing structure such as this. Camps and towns were easy to sneak into, but a castle had a whole different set of challenges.

Making a conscious choice to follow the female shade, for they had gotten on well during their mission, Nathra followed her and perhaps they might even have a conversation about something.

Nathra will join the shades for the time being.
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
Jcitalia4
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Post by Jcitalia4 »

The army continued to sit restlessly. Gaelus himself beginning to grow agitated at the scouting party's lethargy. Just as he was about fed up, the first of them returned, followed by the rest. Their report was quick and something about it rubbed the general the wrong way. He made an underhanded comment about one of them as they retreated. Somebody enjoys playing with fire, Gaelus thought with a grin.

With that, the army was once again on the march, and not a moment too soon. They quickly reached the river, a seemingly difficult crossing. The Asurii truly did miss an opportune moment to attack them. He looked up at his gruesome standard. Clearly your successor doesn't have a capacity for strategy. Then again, maybe neither did you..

Once they had cleared the river it was some time before the ramparts of the gate appeared before them. Gleaming atop were the Asur. For many, the druchii host would be their last memory. Gaelus hoped it was his face personally for most. Nestled into the mountain, it indeed looked a formidable task. The gate had stood the test of time. He looked forward to crushing it benith the boots of the north. Gaelus stood at the front with the general's retinue. Holding his standard in the wind so that all a top could behold their flayed prince, flapping in the wind.



Standing at the fore, awaiting orders.
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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Nightcall
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Post by Nightcall »

There was a knock on the thick oak door. ‘Yes?’

‘They’re here, my lord.’

The Asur noble closed the tome that he had been studying, and turned from his desk to the officer. ‘I see.’ He replied, ‘I had expected them to be here sooner.’ He smiled bravely, rising from his chair and stepping towards the doorway.

Lord Raelmem beckoned the officer to follow him, and the two hurried down the spiral stairs of the more southerly of the two towers that crowned either side of the Griffon Gate. Stepping out onto the wide battlement, the Asur commander was pleased to see ranks of archers and spearmen at the ready.

The Griffon Gate was enormous. Spanning a pass between two mountains, the top wall measured nearly a half mile wide. Much narrower near the base, it still was as wide at its smallest point as a black ark. Built from white marble, a great gate hung on perfectly balanced hinges in its centre. The gate comprised of two doors that when closed, made an elegant archway. These gates were made from a sheet of stone, only through the utilisation of magic could such a thing have been wrought. The gateway was eighty foot high by forty foot wide, and decorated with two rearing Griffons, that nearly touched claws when the gate was closed. Beyond this gate, a citadel had been built through the pass. Walls had been built to either side of the pass, housing soldiers and their provisions. At the far end of this, another wall stood with a gate and towers to mirror the first. Both sets of gates were sealed shut, and protected with magical wards.

Raelmem hailed from Ellyrion, and had been tasked with stopping the Druchii forces. Having lived for five hundred summers, he was wise and experienced. He had fought in the Finuvel Plain where the Asur had driven off a huge swathe of Dark Elves and their Slaaneshi allies from the North. A member of the Council of Tor Elyr, he was as fine a horseman as he was a tactician, and so when news of the Druchii attack reached the court of Ellyrion, he was given the honour of halting the enemy. The warriors that served his host were pleased to do so, even a few hundred civilian militia had joined their forces. Despite refusing them at first, they pleaded and spoke of their honour and duty, eventually bending Raelmem’s will into allowing them to follow. These Asur were positioned along the wall of the inner gate. Safe enough for now, but ready, should the Druchii breach the first defences.

His men cheered as they saw him join them, and he returned the honour with a salute back. The force sparkled as the sunlight caught their ithilmar plate armour and helms, blue plumes and cloaks caught by the breeze. The white of their robes matched the walls of the Gate, and they felt that Asuryan was with them this day.

Lord Raelmem looked to the north east, and saw a mass of darkness approaching. A swathe of Druchii. His elven eyes sensed the evil magic that played around them. Fell indeed was the enemy.

‘Brave sons of Ellyrion. Our traitor kin have returned to Ulthuan. But not to bend their knee to our great Phoenix King, Finubar… No, they come to destroy our homes, enslave our people, and take the crown of Ulthuan! Let them come, for we shall stop them!’

The host cheered again as Raelmem gave his rousing speech. The sound was carried on the wind to the Druchii host. The Dark Elf General curled a lip in disgust at the sound and spat at his herald, ‘That’s quite enough of that. Sound the advance. I want to hear them scream.’

The herald grinned, blowing a signal on his war horn and as the sorceresses were summoned to get to work, Cade was ordered forward by the General himself who explained with twisted amusement that he wanted the Asur to see his new banner.

The attack was about to begin.



((OOC – Syjahel & Reg, please feel free to drop in a post with your characters. Just a bit of fluff about why they are there, where you would place them among the ranks of the army… just so I know how to manoeuvre them in future posts. Sorry I didn’t make this clear previously))

JC, Cade gets the honour of marching at the front. Don’t worry too much for now, you’re all still out of shooting distance of the Eagle Claw bolt throwers, let alone the archers.

Mini, Syjahel’s character is a shade too. Don’t know if you two want to be working together?

Reg, forward march!


((Things will be getting a lot more specific to your characters shortly. But I need to move the story along))
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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Syjahel
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Post by Syjahel »

It was a sight to stir the blood. The huge fortress dominated the landscape in a way that the Temple-born had not expected, stamping the might of the Ulthuan forces across the land like a backhand across a slave's scarred cheek. He drew himself up at the sound of distant cheering, feeling the slow-burning hatred in his heart smoulder a little, fired by the presence of the enemy.

Where the Temple maidens danced and drank drafts of poisonous herbs and drew looping whorls of blood on their mostly-naked skin, his own preparations were less flambouyant and more secretive. Kirael had been raised to be the darkness that kills. Though he was always alert to the Will of the Hag Queens, the assassin knew that his place was on the edge of the army, drifting like smoke around the edges, watching, waiting.

Kirael edged to the far side of the force with a serpentine grace, flitting from unit to unit until he saw the trees and shrubs on the edge of the army. Even the vegetation here seemed soft, easy-living, weak. How did such soft lands nurture hardened troops, ready for war? Yet the sound issuing from the Griffon Gate was no mere mewling of cowards trying to reassure each other in the face of their doom. Whatever else they might be, the traitors of Ulthuan were not weaklings. This pleased the Temple-born; Khaine had sent him worthy foes to test his skill, and he, Kirael, would send many sacrifices to His halls to honour His name.

He made his way over close to the scouts, ready to test his skills of infiltration should they be needed. It seemed that when faced with an imposing fortress such as this, expecting and prepared for a dull-frontal assault, it would be best if someone were to try to slip in around the side.

All it takes is one hidden ally to slit a sentry's throat, to cut the string of a bolt-thrower, to open a gate ...
RIP Group 28
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Minigrift
... And Hell Followed
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Post by Minigrift »

T'was a strange feeling to be in the midst of so much palpable hatred, it seemed unlikely that most of the Druchii standing with the army had even met an Asur, so why so much hatred for them? Of course, it was drilled into each of them since birth, possibly even before then. Nathra had spent much of her life in solitude, or with a few erstwhile companions at a time, so could hold a much more objective opinion of the 'hated enemy' - she did not have the overt bitterness battered into her for her entire life.

Even from this distance, the shade had to admit, Griffon Gate was impressive. It looked almost purpose built to repel an invasion, which, now that she thought on it a little more, was not at all surprising given the everlasting enmity between the two races. Breaching that gate by brute force alone seemed unlikely, highly so, subterfuge and espionage seemed much more likely an option, a far more... interesting option. With an army this large, however, that was clearly not an option, but a splinter of that army could potentially impale the skin unnoticed.

Nathra stood not amongst the other shades, though close enough to give the impression that she belonged there. All eyes were on Griffon Gate. Soon, the order to assault would sound - how many lives would Thaeken waste testing the defences? He must surely have a more subtle plan than 'assault the gates'!


Erm... waiting with the shades.
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
Jcitalia4
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Location: Dundee

Post by Jcitalia4 »

A slight gust of wind blew across Gaelus' face. He heard his standard whip and crack along with it. Movement all along the walls of the gate showed that they were preparing for the assault. A formidable task for any army. Glory would be had this day, as would a devastating defeat. Only time would tell to whom the spoils of victory would fall. Looking up at his blowing standard he said Steady friend, soon perhaps another of your fine ilk will be joining you

The general gave the order of advance, with Gaelus right at the fore. He stood tall and defiant in the face of the white gates. The sound of boots striking in tandem, intonated by the clops of hooves and stomps of the warbeast thrilled his blood. Memories from the day prior flashed to him. His blood quickened, eager to meet their foe once again.

Away, on the top of the walls he saw the archers at the fore readying their strings. And so the battle begins...

marching
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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Nightcall
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Post by Nightcall »

The two sorceresses had begun a song of verses that were filled with hard edged words, in an ancient language that few Druchii still understood. Their hands were raised above their heads as they summoned dark powers to their bidding, and slowly the blue sky overhead began to disappear as swirling clouds were pulled down from the Annulli. From the rippling river of magic that washed around the peaks, licks of a darker colour began to appear, with an hue that was just out of the edge of vision of non-magic workers, was pulled into the cloud. A chill filled the air.

As Cade marched forwards, the sound of a whole army followed him. The ground shook as the warriors marched in unison. The unnatural wind caught the banner, and it flapped angrily as if in reply to the Druchii's remark.

'Let's see what they've got.' Thaekan mused, giving an order to one of the unit leaders. A line of mercenaries was ordered forward as they reached the point where the host would stand. Stern-faced cut-throats moved forwards, and Nathra and Umbra found themselves caught up in this mass. Umbra shambled along, somehow undecided as to how he would respond. Nathra however, had her own ideas. Looking at the citadel walls rising from the mountain-sides, she was already figuring out what she would do. To stay with these cattle was most likely a death sentence.

A volley of four bolts hit the ground, barely six feet from the mercenaries. The High Elves were testing their range, as Thaekan expected. None of the Eagle Claw crews had managed to strike a Dark Elf target, and the host jeered at them to mock them.

Thaekan rode forwards, and took his place next to Cade. His herald issued a call on his war horn.

Lord Raelmem watched the proceedings from the walls, and hearing the horn muttered, 'What now?' before peering forward.

'What sort of a welcome is this?' jeered Thaekan, shouting up to the High Elves.

'Only one that your kind would deserve.' replied Raelmem, his noble brow creased in disapproval.

'We only mean to pass, and give our respects to the Phoenix King.' A few sniggers and laughs erupted at this remark, and another bolt was issued from an eagle claw by an enraged crew member on the ramparts.

'These gates are forever sealed to you and your ilk, kinslayer!' Called back an outraged Raelmem. 'Isha weeps for your kind. This day your doom shall be sealed.'

Thaekan's herald rolled his eyes, and derogatory remarks about the manliness of the High Elves were muttered among the Druchii ranks. Thaekan gave a nod to Cade, and ordered him to step forward with the banner held high.

'It appears this fool thought the same. And look where it got him? Perhaps you would care to join your pretty mage aloft at the front of my army?' Thaekan retorted with a cruel grin. Raelmem gasped, and a few wails of grief were issued from the lips of the High Elves manning the walls.

Raelmem stormed back from the battlements and gave his orders. Thaekan shrugged and spoke to his men, 'It seems they don't want to talk to us any more. What a shame.'

The spell of the sorceresses was near completion, and soon it began to snow. A swirling blizzard was being pulled down from the mountains to strike against the warriors atop the Griffon Gate. It would blind and chill them, and moreover, disrupt their morale.

'Send men to scale the walls and kill that idiot. And release the hydra.'

((It's mid afternoon, but dark now. It's snowing over the battlefield, but winds race over the walls of the gate, blowing the snow as a blizzard over the High Elves.

The hydra and crew will be focussing on the closed gate for the time being. Foot-troops will hold back until a suitable breech is made.

Volunteers required to scale the gate somehow and wreak havoc.))

JC, you're at the front with the General. Watch out for bolts.

Reg, as you haven't posted, it's hard for me to place you. Are you with the mercenaries or the warriors? Some sort of introduction would be helpful to me.

MG, feel free to post about what Nathra would do. I'll tag Umbra along with her as an NPC so feel free to godmode him if you want.

Syjahel, the Witch Elves and Khainites won't be in play yet until there is a breech. So feel free to volunteer for the wall climbing if you fancy it.
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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Zacharius
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Post by Zacharius »

So far the assault on Ulthuan had been a general success for Asilah, her general ability to stay sane despite the mob mentality of her Khainite sisters. This was not to say she did not revel in the general slaughter and celebration of the God of Murder, the Cauldron of Blood from which her namesake was born had been well sated, the boiling blood which had long ago bleached her skin to white had been filled to the brim a multitude of times, the overflow now decorating its outer surface. Many a time her body had been bathed in the blood, her body marked and her hair mattered by dried blood, although now she was clean, ready to earn another day in the service of Khaine. Today would make for good fighting.

The Griffon Gate stood before the host, a shining monument to the soft-hearted nature of their Asur foe, an impressive defense made into a monument of pride and petty indulgence, an obsession with appearances and purity. Death would wipe it clean.

The regiments of Khainites were, in bulk, going to wait until a breach could be made in the walls, Asilah had no intention to either wait for this long or be swept up into a murderous tide through the High Elf killing grounds, arrows raining down on them. Instead, she opted to volunteer with those scaling the walls, while the odds were technically further stacked against her, this way she could make her own fate. The only matter being, how one would manage to make her way up the walls, as high as they were, across the killing fields. Walking towards the front of the host, her sea dragon cloak flapping ever so slightly in the strong weather, just about managing to life the heavy scale. Beneath it, she wore leather leggings, strapped up with a twisted belt of silversteel. Her top was simple cloth, cut away just under her chest. In the suddenly cold temperatures, this may have seemed unwise, however the chill only sharpened her mind, looking over the defenses as she approached them, the heavy darts of the High Elven bolt throwers landing close to the front ranks. First, she would need equipment, climbing spikes, a grappling hook or ladders, if the host were to use them. Equally, if they could discover some more hidden way to enter from the ground, they could fight their way up.

Asilah will join with the volunteers aiming to scale the walls, before trying to work out someway to scale them.
I'll think of something trivial and amusing eventually

Asilah Bloodhowl (Group 38 Khainite)
WS:4 S:3 T:4 D:4 I:3
Equipment: Longsword, dagger, sea dragon cloak
Skills: Two Weapon Fighting
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Syjahel
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Post by Syjahel »

Perfect. From the sidelines, Kirael watched the chest-beating of both sides with grim amusement. Both forces were essentially doing the same thing: the effete High Elves with one hand to their collective foreheads in studied grief for their wicked kin, the Druchii with the ribaldry of practiced sinners. All the while focussing attention beautifully on the gate. And while all pairs of eyes were elsewhere - well, all save one; Kirael glanced to the Northwest, the great Temple of Ghrond his marker for the Divine - it would be the perfect time to make use of the distraction.

Taking his cue from the General's underlings Kirael slipped to the edge of the host and, as stealthy as a shadow, began to flow around some of the trees and bushes, keeping a low profile. If there were watchers from the edge of the Elven defences then it would not do to become overconfident. He knew that there might be others sent on the same mission, but if each was tasked separately it would be prudent not to count on either backup or allies for now.

Keeping in cover, he worked his way around some distance from the gate, to the northernmost side, hoping to find a point away from sentries and watchmen as the battle started. Once there he would look for some shadowed lee of a tower or ripple in the wall to give him a bit of cover, something to defeat the eye. But Kirael knew that his main advantage lay in distraction and with it, surprise.


Kirael wants to head about half a mile north away from the army and then look for a way to scale the walls. Not so far that he runs into Asur patrols looking for a diversionary force, but not so close that he's in the direct eyeline of the defenders. If he can find a section that's less than perfect, great; otherwise he will use whatever he can, Daggers wedged into gaps between stones, that sort of thing, if he has them :) Keeping well back into cover until he has moved far enough away.
RIP Group 28
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Minigrift
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Minigrift »

Nathra watched, somewhat dismayed, as the coils of sorcerous clouds swept across the skies. Dark tidings indeed for the Asur who would soon be giving their lives for the glory of the Druchii. The shade would have preferred a 'clean' fight, arms against arms, with those who were skilled enough to to survive the victors whilst the weak were purged from the earth. Sorcery didn't sit well with Nathra, though, she had to conclude, things might have been different if she had the gift for such talents. We must use every advantage to win, whatever it takes, if that means we have to cheat then we'll cheat. Losing is not an option, losing is never an option!

Nathra will join the volunteers.

OOC: Probably best if you kill Umbra off at your earliest convenience. I'm finding it difficult to RP Nathra at the moment, don't think I could handle Umbra as well.
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
Jcitalia4
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Jcitalia4 »

The temperature began to drop. Gaelus noticed the sorceresses spell was reaching a pinnacle. The wind gusted and bit at his very being. The land of chill had followed the warhost to the gate. Snow soon joined the gale and lashed at the warriors faces. They, however, were accustomed to such harsh weather and Gaelus noticed many of the warriors welcomed the new conditions. He kept himself moving, both to help with fighting the cold, but also because it would be a sad thing indeed to fall so early in the battle to a stray missile.

Send men to scale the walls and kill that idiot. And release the hydra., the Lord General ordered.

Immediately the giant beast was goaded forward by its handlers. Provoked into a rage, it smashed at the massive gate. The Asur above wailed in terror of it and only some deep seeded sense of duty or strong will sergeant kept them in their place above the gate to fire on the hydra. Those that could see it in this weather at least.

"Volunteers" began to run or be ushered forward to scale the walls. Gaelus's vision was dim given the current darkness cause by the snowstorm but he was sure he saw two particularly interesting cloaks whip about in the wind. One, the harpy cloak, which he had seen several times before, worn by the shade who thought she was more than she was actually worth though a very capable and dangerous female indeed. The send that caught his eye was a sea dragon cloak worn by a khainite. It seemed like the cloak was the only thing protecting her from the cold, that and probably some frenzied zeal.

His attention returned to the gate that was being smashed asunder by the hydra. He waited for the foot to join the fight and his anticipation grew.

Observing the fight, waiting for the foot to join
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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Nightcall
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Nightcall »

The hydra was led to the gates by the beastmasters. As the crew edged purposely towards their target, they were bombarded by shots from the Eagle Claw bolt throwers mounted on the parapets above. One bolt struck true, impaling a beastmaster through the chest as his comrades leaped out of the way. Pinned to the ground, his crew could do nothing but leave him to die as they advanced. Another bolt struck the hydra, which roared in fury. One of the heads was severed, and fell to the ground, the long neck thrashing about. Poisonous blood sprayed out for a moment, causing the beastmasters again to dive for cover. Yet the jubilation of the High Elves was short lived, as two more heads grew in the place of the severed one. By the time the monster reached the gates, it was livid.

Up against the gate itself, the monster and its crew were safe from the bolts of the Eagle Claws. Arrows were shot and spears were thrown down from the battlements, along with oil, rocks, and other caustic substances. A cluster of mercenaries had been ordered to guard the beastmasters, and they raised their shields above their heads to protect their kinsmen from the worst of the barrage. The hydra shoved and butted the gates with its bulk, and spat out venom at the marble, which hissed and bubbled as it was slowly corroded by the poison.

‘It won’t be long now, Dread Lord.’ Observed the Herald. Thaekan smiled like a cat that has cornered its prey, and gripped the handle of one of his twin swords subconsciously as images of blood-spilling filled his mind.

A unit of mercenaries with crossbows were ordered to march forward, and they dug in behind the group at the gate. Their shields wedged before them, they shot through diagonal slits through the shields in reply to those High Elves upon the wall. Now and again an Asur would be hit, and plummet to the ground with a scream. Any that survived the fall would be brutally hacked to bits by the Druchii down below.


‘What fell work is this?’ cried an elf atop the battlements, as his fingers grew numb with cold around the spear he was holding. ‘Stand fast, warrior.’ Replied his unit sergeant, as the icy wind howled across the ramparts, blowing a stream of thick snow and ice against the top of the citadel. Already the south side of the mountain pass and south walls of the two towers either side of the great gate were covered with a blanket of snow, and there was no sign of it easing up. It hampered the winding of the Eagle Claws, and the archers’ aims grew dull as the cold made their limbs shaky.

‘I had not expected this.’ Remarked Commander Raelmem, the blue horse-hair atop his helm whipped back and stiff with ice. His ears picked up the foul incantations of the Druchii sorceresses upon the wind and he cursed his foes under his breath. ‘Had they not slaughtered our dear friend, we could have called upon him for his aid. I would welcome his staff above all things, here now.’ His gaze fell upon a warrior below, holding aloft the flayed hide of his old friend as a banner, seemingly wearing the pelt of a Chracian lion in mockery of the noble warriors that had died defending their kin. Grief and anger cut through him again, and it took him a moment to master his will and regain his composure. What Raelmem didn’t know was that the Mage’s staff was now being used by one of the sorceresses and had been turned against him and his kin in summoning the ice storm.

‘What can we do, my lord?’ cried another elf as the gate shook with the impact of the hydra below. ‘Persevere.’ Replied Raelmem. He nodded to the men atop the battlements and walked back to his tower. ‘Perhaps we need a little help.’


Asilah had chosen to volunteer herself for a stealth mission rather than wait out the breaching of the gate. A unit leader with a scar across his face handed her a pair of hooks and a rope. As she pondered her approach to the task, she scrutinised the gate itself. Made of smooth marble, it seemed as if there was no way of striking into the stone to climb up the walls. The host had no ladders, and her rope was not high enough to swing to the top of the battlements. Besides, as soon as a hook was discovered, the efforts of the elves on top would be focussed on being rid of the assailants. She had seen the Asur fall from the top of the battlements, and had no desire to experience that for herself. To the left and right of the great gate, the roots of two mountains thrust upwards. The wall had been built tightly against them, but the cliff faces and steep slopes would be far more manageable than the gates. It was only a matter of trying not to be seen.

Kirael slipped off, moving to the northernmost side. He had travelled past the sorceresses and their rite, and now stood behind the storm. He could taste the metallic taint of dark magic, and feel it tingling against his skin. From here he had a good view of the blizzard and the mountainside to the left of the gate. Nobody had noticed his passing; just how he liked it. It seemed he was intent on scaling the walls, but a less than direct approach might be more favourable.


THUD. The gate boomed as the hydra rammed against it once more. The face of the doors was now pitted and fizzed as it corroded with the venom that was belched upon it by numerous heads. ‘Come on, another couple should do it!’ yelled one of the beastmasters, as a fresh volley of arrows began to rain down upon them. Many hit the hydra, but bounced off its thick hide as the beast backed slowly for another shunt. THUD. Cracks appeared. The crossbowmen replied to the archers with their own volley of bolts, and the barrage from above slowed for a moment more. THUD. Small fragments of marble were beginning to come loose. The hydra reared its heads and spewed forth more streams of caustic bile.

General Thaekan’s eyes were lit with anticipation as the effort at the gate could be seen. ‘Herald! Sound the advance! We need to be ready to rush in the moment that gate crumbles.’

THUD.

With the wrenching noise of splitting stone, the Griffon Gate finally cracked, and a chunk of marble, the size of a small house fell backwards. The hydra burst through the gap and rampaged in the passage that was between the two gates. Screams of surprise and fear mingled with the noise of the monster feeding.

The general threw Cade a look as he drew a sword from his scabbard. ‘To Khaine and glory, boy. Chaaarge!’



((OOC – Map is up in OOC thread))

Reg, if you don’t post by the time I get my next Mod post up I’m afraid your character is out.

MG, don’t worry too much about Umbra, I have something in mind. I’ve placed your character, Umbra, and Asilah to the right of the gate (south west).

Zacharius, your character is to follow MG's please, to head to the south west side of the ate.

Syjahel, I’ve placed your character to the left of the gate (north east).

Cade, the gate has just been breached. You’re in the front of the main force, helping lead the charge. You need to get through quickly.


((OOC - I still need those sneaky wall climbers to try to get up to the top, wreak havoc amongst the archers and guards on the walls, and assassinate the High Elf Commander who is in the right hand tower (south west). ))
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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Zacharius
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Zacharius »

The cold continued to bite at Asilah as she made her way towards the gate, moving low and fast as to avoid detection from those above, with any luck, the majority of their focus would be on the War Hydra and the bulk of the Druchii host now approaching the gate. The elements, while wild and extreme, had little affect on one born of Naggaroth and trained against far harsher tortures. With her weapons slipped into her belt, she readied her climbing equipment, motioning those with a similar task towards the cliff, just in case any of them had the irrational idea to attempt to scale the walls themselves.

The run to the cliff was rather more heart-pounding than the previous maneuver, without any form of cover she would have been clearly visible were it not for the effect of the weather, instead she was merely obscured, it wouldn't take an elf, even a pampered asur, long to spot her if they focused. Once again she kept low, although this time, it was to reduce the extent to which her cloak would fly behind her, not only would this slow her process but it would make her easier to spot. The adrenaline fueling both her body and mind, the exciting taste of battle awaiting her, she made quick progress towards her target, although, thankfully she was able to keep a level head, the crazed state of the witch elves would hardly aid in scaling a cliff.

Once reaching the foot of the cliff, she tied the rope around her waist, knotting one of the claws to an end, before throwing it up to the most fruitful ledge, having studied the surface for a moment before deciding. With a gratifying sound of metal catching on stone, she began to haul herself up, using the other spike to form handholds when she needed them, otherwise simply climbing up the more naturally formed nooks and crannies. Now, her cloak actually provided her with camouflage, the dark surface of the protective garment better matching the stone than her own marble skin tone.

Asilah will stat to scale the cliff before her, having made others aware of such an avenue in case they hadn't worked it out themselves. She will continue to climb until she reaches a point where she can jump down onto the gate, unless approached by anyone with a better plan for her to consider during the climb
I'll think of something trivial and amusing eventually

Asilah Bloodhowl (Group 38 Khainite)
WS:4 S:3 T:4 D:4 I:3
Equipment: Longsword, dagger, sea dragon cloak
Skills: Two Weapon Fighting
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Minigrift
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Minigrift »

The biting cold and wind-blown snow felt delicious. Much like home. Perhaps mages aren't so bad... A call for volunteers sounded around the army and the beautiful shade was hesitant to volunteer herself for yet another task, however, the mission was one which would play to her strengths and though she might like to irritate the general some more, there wasn't a chance she would deprive herself of the fun to be had. Besides, when the time came to take back what was rightfully hers there was a chance Thaeken could become a valuable asset to her. But that was a quest for another time.

Their task was a simple one: climb the walls, kill the guards and the Asur commander. Spinning her harpy cloak about herself the shade began sprinting to the place where the volunteers were directed to, some of them carried climbing gear but Nathra needed none of that. Living in the wilderness, climbing was a skill she was familiar with, that said, she had never before ascended anything quite so towering. There wasn't much cover to be had, though she did use it to conceal herself wherever available, aside from that she trusted her fleet-footedness and prized cloak to get her their unseen.

Running full-tilt to where the gates merged with the mountains, Nathra was already breathing heavily as she looked up to the parapet from the walls base. It amused her slightly that her life could end before it had truly begun, one bad move and she could plummet to her death, splattering upon the ground like an elven bomb. At least it would look pretty. Grinning, Nathra began the ascent.

As skilled and athletic as she was, there were still a few simple rules to follow when climbing any considerable height. Look where you're going; don't take unnecessary risks, and the most important one of all - don't panic!

Nathra will climb where the two structures meet (the wall/gate and the mountain) and use either or both as the task demands. Once at the top she will look around cautiously for sentries and the placement of the guards.
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
Jcitalia4
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Jcitalia4 »

With a final crash, the hydra tore through the last remnants of the great gate before them. Pieces of ensorcelled wood and marble, mottled and ruin by the hydra's bashing and vomitus, flew about in all directions and the great beast ripped it's way through. Gaelus had already taken the first step of his run as the General looked towards him exclaiming something or other over the crashing sound to him. He broke full pelt towards the gate, raising the standard high for all to see as he did so. His blood was up and murderous warcry broke from his throat.

Through the remains of the gate, he followed the great beast. Using it's bulk initially as a shield from the arrows above, following and mimicking the dance of its handlers for safety, he eventually reached the other side. He could hear the rest of the footed infantry following at his heel, led on by the standard. Once clear, he broke from the beast, lest he be caught up in its rampage. Their foes waited for them on the otherside.

Renewing his charge and rallying those with him, he ran towards the nearest unit of foes to meet them in battle. Their eyes stared at the macabre figure charging towards them. Imagining brother's skin echoeing a howl of it's death throws from the winds of the snow storm, the figure carrying the standard with a face of murderous rage and a blooded white lion pelt worn in a mockery of their great warriors over his shoulder. He picked out his target, firing a few bolts from his handbow to soften his impact. At he came to the Asur battle line, he swept the standard in a great arc, blowing back a few of the initial elven infantry, giving him room to replace the handbow with his sword. At that, he got stuck in, hearing the din of battle engage as his brethren crashed into the ranks of elves with him.

Gaelus will charge through the gate and meet the foes. Initially firing into them with his handbow and then switching to the standard and sword as his weapons.
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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Nightcall
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Nightcall »

Behind the fractured gate, the scene appeared to be one of disarray and terror. The war hydra had cleared a wide swathe through the ranks of shield-bearing spearmen that had been ordered to hold the breach, and behind, the forces of Lord Thaekan flooded through like a swarm of angry ants, hacking and shooting any Asur they saw.

Cade led the charge over the rubble and through the gate with a hateful roar, sweeping the battle standard around in an arc, which gave him time to put away his crossbow and unsheathe his sword. His bolts had struck a spearman in the face between the gaps in his helmet whilst he had taken a fatal pause to acknowledge the flayed skin of one of his kinsmen that was being carried. His sweep had knocked some elves off balance, but the majority had stepped back, already keen to be out of the way of the furious hydra.

As the Druchii forces pushed forwards beyond the broken gate, Cade found himself about a quarter of the way in. At this point, Asur forces had more room to manoeuvre, and had begun to flank the Druchii. Two spearmen, vengeance in their eyes, marked him out. The would reclaim the remains of their dear Mage, and punish the one that taunted them with such cruelty. One elf stood slightly to the right of Cade. He thrust his spear forward towards his abdomen. Waiting for his comrade’s cue, the second spearman leaped up, the spear held in both hands. His intention was to bring it down through Cade’s right shoulder.

All the while, shots hailed down from the ramparts above as the High Elves attempted to staunch the flow of evil flowing into their citadel. Some struck their targets, yet many were dodged or ricocheted off shields or armour. The Eagle Claw crews had been ordered to bring down the hydra, as the beast was wreaking havoc. Already a storehouse and stables had been destroyed by the monster, and countless elves had met agonising deaths by the monster.


On the north east cliffs, Kirael had begun his climb. Picking foot and handholds in the rock wall, he slowly edged his way up. The rumble of the sundering gate was felt through the stone and seemed to shake the mountainside as the hydra burst through. With the incantations of the sorceresses, the stone was icy and the rumble caused him to lose his footing for a moment. He managed to slam a dagger in a nook before he slipped too far, and sighed with relief as he saw stones fall from his position to the ground far below. Catching his breath, he looked up and saw that he was about half-way to the wall. Nearer the ramparts, snow and winds howled, and he knew that he would have to be more careful than ever for the last part of the ascent.


Umbra had followed Nathra to the south west cliff. In his usual silent manner, he seemed to merely tag along. Yet he could not keep up with the lithe shade who made fast progress with her climb. She had found a cranny in the cliff-side that had not been so badly affected by the ice-storm, and whilst the snow blew all around, the gap in the rock had remained unfrozen. The Khainite had followed the pair, but Nathra had not bothered to wait to make introductions. She was far from fond of the Temple’s chosen. Let Khaine keep an eye on him.


Asilah had climbed up with the two shades. Keeping up with Umbra, she had used her hooks and rope to make steady progress up the cliff. The smooth white marble of the gate to the left, the craggy stone of the Annullii peaks to the right, she had done the sensible thing and wedged between the two, manoeuvring between any crags to find the safest route up. The Elves shooting arrows down at the invasion force at the gate had been a concern, but it seemed that their focus was on the ground-troops; they had not appeared to have noticed the Druchii climbing the cliffs, with intent for a stealth attack. Onwards and upwards...


Nathra’s muscles strained as she stretched and hauled herself up. The climb seemed to take forever. She only glanced down once, and that was to grin at how far behind Umbra was below. There was another with them, some female that had volunteered for the task. The higher up she had reached, the colder the chill, which refreshed and rejuvenated her body which had warmed up through exertion. Finally, she reached the point where the mountainside rose higher than the gate walls. Scrambling up an extra few feet for good measure, she checked her position, and let herself fall onto the smooth stone of the ramparts. The sounds of battle and the blizzard drowned out any sound of footfall.

Before her was a length of wall, roughly 100 meters long. From this rose a tower, and then beyond, the wall continued. She could see the second tower behind, and remembered the symmetry of the structure. Two towers either side of the gateway. At the base of the tower before her, she could make out one doorway. To get to the other side, she would have to go through this. But before that, she had to deal with the guards.

A dozen Asur stood between Nathra and the tower. Four were firing down on the Druchii forces outside the gate, seven more were firing down on the Druchii within. It seemed they were coordinated by a sergeant of some kind. She hadn’t been seen yet. In the panic, their attention was focussed on the forces below. The blizzard had hampered their view somewhat, but only gave limited cover. Nathra had to think of a strategy and act it out quickly before they noticed their visitor.


As Nathra focussed on her plan of attack, Asilah reached the point where the cliff rose above the wall. Noticing the shade already on the parapets, she lowered herself down as quietly as she could and crouched on the gate wall near enough to the other female to let her know she was there, but far away enough to keep a respectable distance. Umbra appeared to still be making his way up.


Reg, as you haven’t posted, I’m not considering your character part of this RPG any more. If you’re still interested, please PM me.

JC, your crossbow shots were successful. 1 elf dead. You have 2 spearmen trying to attack you. The one who is stabbing to the abdomen has a shield. The other has a spear only.

Syjahel, you’re on the way up the cliffs. With the chaos at the gate, you haven’t been seen yet. However, the ice isn’t helping Kirael…

MG, there are 12 Asur on the ramparts. The snow has helped cover Nathra, and the Elves are busy firing down below. Will she wait for aid, or get stuck in by herself? I’d reasonably expect her to be able to take on no more than 3 at a time, given the advantage of surprise. So the odds of her taking out all 12 in one go are very slim. It’s a long way down, perhaps she could use that to her advantage ;-) Asilah has just made it to the top as well.

Smiler, Umbra is climbing the cliff. I plan to be rid of him soon enough if you don’t post.

Zacharius, Asilah has made the climb and is on the wall ready to attack. 12 Asur on the ramparts, with a blizzard blowing about.


((We have another spot open then. I’ll advertise for more))
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

Mod, Group 38
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Syjahel
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Syjahel »

It felt good to be moving again, slipping between the trees and rocky terrain at the foothills of the Annulii. If the urban Assassin wasn't as used to such terrain, he did not pause to show it. The biting chill of the wind made it feel almost like home, for a moment. Something crackled under his boot and Kirael glanced down, wary of traps. Beneath his foot a delicate bloom had been frozen by the icy blast and crumbled, shards of petals like snow in the wind.

Advancing on the gate, the Druchii main force was a powerful distraction, and the handful of designated wall climbers did not waste their chance. He hurried on, keeping low, and was soon climbing nimbly enough up the first few feet of the glacis.

The smooth stone was treacherous, and the Khainite was forced to admit that he'd erred in choosing speed over caution. Once his hold slipped, and it was only by swift action that he managed to keep his place at all. Breathing a silent prayer to the Lord of Murder, the lithe Assassin pressed close to the rock, feeling the storm blow around him. Like home, yes, but also numbing on the fingers if one stayed still too long. With a glance upward, Kirael could see that the attention of the defenders was still on the gate. So far as any close troops could be considered, he had the advantage of being out of the sight of all but those who might look directly down. He came to a decision in a couple of heartbeats. He'd committed to a course, so he couldn't very well leap from the wall and look for another angle. Instead he opted to stay in as close to the stone as he could, and take a little more time in choosing his hand and footholds. After all, Khaine is a lover of spilled blood, not falling from heights. Taking a moment to plan his route, taking full advantage of any natural crevices and footholds, Kirael resumed his climb upwards.



Climbing up paying close attention to not falling. Taking a little more time to make sure he gets to the top, keeping in cover as much as he can and close to the rockface.
RIP Group 28
~ We Never Slept ~
Zacharius
Slave on the Altar
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Zacharius »

Just as planned, the Asur along the gate had their full attention on the Druchii force below, rather than keeping an eye out for the volunteer force that had climbed the cliff face, a mistake they would undoubtedly pay greatly for. Rather than simply cause chaos on the ramparts, they had plans to rip the heart out of the Asur defence, ridding them of their leadership and much of their long-range support atop the gate.

A dozen Asur stood atop the wall just below Asilah, evidently more than she could handle herself even with the element of surprise, however, the remainder of the volunteers were shortly behind her and she had come up in time to see the figure of a shade slide down on to the parapets, she shortly followed, remaining quiet and focused, silently thanking the fact that she had not had the witch brew forced upon her for the siege, even she could not keep a level head with the intoxicating draught running through her. Attempting to gain the Shade's attention, that is, without coming overly close to her, she motioned towards those Asur firing down at the Druchii within the gate before pointing at herself and then those firing on the opposite side. A simple enough motion she thought, dividing the elves between them so to kill as many before the element of surprise was gone. Once the Shade had at least acknowledged the communication, Asilah dropped down onto the gate, drawing her weapons as she did so. Her fighting style was a combination of Druchii and Estalian fighting techniques, her longsword for parrying while the shorter dagger would punch through at an exposed angle. She had learnt this from a human slave assigned to her in the temple, while an unorthodox treatment of a slave, it had made her that much more deadlier, a fair enough trade off.

Darting forwards immediately, her plan was simple, plunge her dagger into the back of the closest Asur to her, while immediately barreling into the next one, using her cloak as both a shield and a method to tangle the Asur, she would then attempt to push them over the side of the wall before readying both of her weapons to fight any response, hoping that the Shade would at least attempt some support, rather than just let her be dragged down.

Asilah will attack the Asur on the wall, her specific plan of attack being described just above. If the first two Asur go down as planned, she will get stuck into combat with the rest, although attempting to kill the remainder as quickly as possible, so that they can keep the Asur in general, on the back foot.
I'll think of something trivial and amusing eventually

Asilah Bloodhowl (Group 38 Khainite)
WS:4 S:3 T:4 D:4 I:3
Equipment: Longsword, dagger, sea dragon cloak
Skills: Two Weapon Fighting
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Minigrift
... And Hell Followed
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Minigrift »

Nathra scaled the wall as skilled a spider climbing it's web, she needed no tools or equipment to help her scale the dizzying heights. She waited. A dozen Asur were preoccupied by the main force of Druchii who, judging by the carnage sounding from below, had smashed through the massive gates with the hydra's help. "You took your sweet ass time!" She whispered to the first to ascend the wall behind her.

The shade had already sussed a plan for herself, but the brief interaction communicated by the other female indicated a similar course of action. Nathra nodded her agreement, giving the female khainite the illusion of going along with her plan. She then made her way to the back wall and, keeping her cloak tightly wound to conceal herself, padded silently along the shadows until she was directly behind the Asur firing from the battlements. She had been up here long enough to realise there was a sergeant of some kind directing the attacks of his fellows, this person was her target.

Trapping the Asur between two surprise elements would be fun. The khainite could surprise them at one end and distract them, Nathra could then strike from the shadows when they engaged and would least expect it. Her first two victims would plummet to their doom as she kicked them over the wall, the next would be getting a friendly tap on the shoulder.

Nathra will stick to the shadows and allow the other Druchii to distract the enemy. Once they are fully engaged then Nathra will strike, her first attack will be a double-kick to knock two Asur over the wall. She'll also keep an eye out for the mysterious sergeant dude.


OOC: Firstly, apologies for the late post. Secondly, apologies for it not being very good...
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
Jcitalia4
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Jcitalia4 »

Thwack! Thwack! The bolts hit home as Gaelus neared in his charge. Their brethren didn't have much time to react to their kins' passing as many had to step out of the way of his sweeping strike with the standard, some were not so quick and duely knocked aside. Sword now replacing his handbow, he struck out at their hated cousins. The battle was met in full and the cacophony of it all echoed in his ears. This filled his veins with adrenaline and fueled his strikes with a seemingly unending power and stamina. Time both slowed and quickened at a surreal pace. His senses were alert, like some feral beast.

Two spearmen now stepped forward to engage him. He noticed them look at his banner, hatred filled their eyes. Brilliant, he thought. Hatred was an emotion the Druchii condoned, using it as a tool in their warfighting. They were well accustomed to it's effects and using it was actively encouraged. Unfortunately for the Asur, it only served to break down their greatest strength, their fighting discipline. What would have been previously calculated strikes and footwork, was replaced by daft, albeit powerful, movements and decisions. Gaelus smiled at the pair, bowed slightly and welcomed a dance.

The first struck at his abdoment with his spear, such an ungainly weapon the movement was spotted by Gaelus, almost at the same instant, the Asur's comrade lept at Gaelus, hoping to smash his weapon down on him. In a quick step of movement, Gaelus pulled the standard over to his right shoulder and in a counterclockwise spinning movement, knocked aside the spear, moved out of the way of the other's overhead strike, and lunged out of his spin, directing his blade into a weakpoint of his attackers armor. Dispatching of the other required a far less complicated movement, with him being over extended in such a strike. Knocking spear of first elves' out of the way with a kick, he quickly closed the distance to finish off the second elf. Invigorated with his battle, he quickly drank in his efforts. Once settled, he quickly looked about him. Battle raged everywhere, he looked for a position of power. How they would quail to see the flayed standard kill their sergeants!

Gaelus will spin our of the way of both strikes and attampt to riposte the one on the right, before attacking the second. Should he be successful, he will keep fighting but seek out a battle with someone in a position of leadership
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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Nightcall
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Re: Group 38 - Carnage at the Gate - Space for 2 more, PM me

Post by Nightcall »

Kirael worked his way up the mountainside cautiously. Having experienced a close call, he picked each foothold patiently. As he climbed higher up the cliff, the wind began to pull more furiously against his body, and he had to press himself against the rock to prevent being blown away by unnatural tempest, like a leaf in the wind. His tenacity paid off, and he finally reached the point where the rampart wall levelled against the cliff. Edging carefully around, he slipped down the frozen rock and landed softly on the top of the gates. Taking note of the scene, he observed a thick covering of snow blown against the tower wall closest to him. A pile of snow had drifted against its base rising about halfway up an arched doorway through which to reach the interior of the tower. Snow howled all around him, flying almost horizontally at this point. There were no Asur on top of this section of the gate. None at least that were alive. Hunched over an Eagle Claw bolt thrower was a crew of elves. Their eyes were wide open, and as he stepped closer, Kirael realised that the four of them had been frozen to death. Another body lay against the wall further along, his cloak pulled around himself in a desperate attempt to get warm. But the sorcerous blizzard that been at its strongest at this part of the gate and had shown no mercy to those that had not taken shelter quickly enough. Kirael had little time to get out of the fell wind, or else he would share the same fate.


On the opposite side of the gate, Asilah and Nathra formed a silent plan of action as Umbra made his way onto the rampart with them. The synchronicity of their thoughts was communicated through gestures and nods, so as not to warn the Asur of their impending doom. Here, the wall was slippery with ice, the snow still coming down, yet the tower gave shelter against the worst of the storm.

Asilah was first to attack. Dashing forwards, she picked out her target amongst the elves shooting down on the troops that had made their way through the gate. Before it could be noticed, she had plunged her dagger into the back of an unsuspecting archer. With a scream, he was shovelled over the wall before he could react. The attack had announced the arrival of the Druchii, and the remaining eleven turned to face their attackers as Asilah barrelled into a second archer, sending him over to join his companion on the battlefield below. ‘Sending reinforcements?’ Joked Umbra as he joined the fray, breaking the nose of an archer before twisting his head, the neck breaking with a sickening crack. As the elf fell to the rampart floor, an elf dropped his bow and pulled out a shortsword, dashing towards Umbra to be rid of the Druchii.


Nathra had stuck to the shadows, and as the remaining nine Asur were busy, she pounced like a cat, sweeping two over the top with a couple of well-aimed kicks. Seven elves now remained, and with the element of surprise now lost, it was a matter of staying alive. A couple of Asur had taken the sensible approach of retreating far back enough towards the tower to give them the range from which to shoot arrows. Yet the shots were not clear in the scrum, and they had to pause to prevent slaying their own kin. The unit leader had drawn his sword and was shouting commands and suggestions on how to fight to his archers, one of whom had noticed Nathra, and swiped at her with a short-sword, aiming for her neck.


The Druchii force was pouring through the gate and now only a few remained outside, including the sorceresses. The Brides of Khaine and their followers were dancing among the wounded or cowardly, Asur and Druchii alike. So filled with blood-lust were they, that their blades hacked down any that came too close. This alone was incentive for the rear lines of the mercenaries to get through as quickly as they could, for a kiss from a poisoned knife would end their campaign far more suddenly than they would like.

Pushing through now towards the centre ground, Cade’s face was a mask of delicious hate. The first of the spearmen had struck his chestplate, but the armour had stopped it piercing his chest, and before enough strength could be applied to the attack, Cade spun with the standard, knocking the spear out of his way. Smoothly sidestepping the wild-eyed second spearman, he lunged forwards with his blade as the elf came down. His sword bit through chainmail beneath the elf’s armpit and came out of his throat. As he pulled out his bloody sword, the spearman fell, gargling his last breaths as his eyes looked about in terror. Cade then kicked at the first spearman, and with a backhand swipe, beheaded the elf in one smooth motion. He drank in the fury of death as the head rolled across the ground before him, and followed its course as he scanned for someone worthy of a challenge.


The hydra was now more than half way across the gate garrison, making its way towards the final set of gates to break the way through to Ellyrion. Two of the beastmasters had fallen, and those that remained, coaxed the monster forward with prods and whips; protected by the shields of a few devoted mercenaries. The monster’s hide was slashed and dotted with many arrows, poisonous blood leaving a trail on the white stone flags beneath it. Quickly the dark green blood was mingling with the spilled blood of elf and horse, and the regal finery of the Griffon Gate was only emphasising the horror that now juxtaposed the gleaming white marble and gold filigree designs of the artful Asur. Garrison buildings were ablaze, the smell of smoke mixing with the smell of horse-sweat, death, and entrails.


As Cade searched for a leader of some sort, he was assailed from the left by an eager young swordsman, who brought down a fine two-hander with an oath to Asuryan. The golden-haired elf wore an ithilmar plate tunic with a winged helm, and appeared to be a noble or princeling of some kind, judging by the expense of the armour in which he was clad. Cade stared with wild eyes and a wolfish grin at elf as he prepared to defend himself.


In the south easterly tower, the Commander of the gate made it to the very top. Through a door at the end of the spiral staircase, a small room housed a seeing stone. The windows of the room overlooked a full three hundred and sixty degrees, from the inner sea to the outer, and the lands in between. Now was the time to put the plan into action. As he approached the orb, which glowed yellow and orange like a hot coal, he prayed to Isha that he was not too late.



Syjahel, Kirael is on top of the gate now. He needs to get out of the sorcerous blizzard, he’s in danger of being frozen. There’s a door ahead but it’s half buried beneath a drift of snow. It opens outwards (that is, towards you). It is unlocked.

MG, Nathra has successfully knocked 2 elves over the wall. One of the archers is slashing at her with his sword.

Zacharius, Asilah is fighting with Umbra. Asilah has sent 2 over the wall, Umbra has killed another. One elf is attacking Umbra with his sword, 2 elves are trying to kill Asilah. It’s a bit of a scrum!


((7 elves remaining including the sergeant. 2 archers with sergeant about 20 foot back towards the tower. 1 elf attacking Umbra. 1 elf attacking Nathra. 2 elves attacking Asilah. All close combat with swords, archers taking pot-shots))

JC, Cade succeeded in slaying those spearmen. An elf with a long sword is slicing down towards him now. This dude is more skilled. Just warning you!
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

Mod, Group 38
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