Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

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Drainial
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Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

This, Lady and Gentlemen, is the new thread for group 28. From now on all game play will take place in this thread and the original group 28 thread will be locked but kept for reference purposes and can be found here.

http://www.druchii.net/viewtopic.php?t=63967

The OOC thread will remain the same as it ever was (and will now utterly dwarf our game thread :D).

So without further ado let us get on with it, chartering the role of that noble band of... well not quite heroes, notables shall we say? What ever they are we shall charter their role in the invasion of Ulthuan, and may many an Asur fall.

-Drainial
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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Post by Drainial »

It was an uneasy group that trooped back down tower steps and into the real world. This plan had them all on edge and Kyran's explanations left much to be desired. Still these were matters of high strategy, a tiny part in a grand plan dictated from on high by Drachaus, Vaulkhars and the Witch King himself. It was doubtful that Kyran himself knew the full implications of what they were doing but such were their orders. It was a well known if little spoken truism that when his Dread Majesty asked you to volunteer it was not in the most conventional sense a request.

kykish understood a great deal more of the vortex and the waystones than did the others, enough she hoped to disable one when it came to it, and perhaps because of this she left with a lighter heart. Her exit managed to rile Carathyle, but small bunnies had been known to rile Carathyle. His trust would have to be earned in the fires of battle as he had proven himself to the others. To all present one thought kept rattling around in their heads

Ulthuan

The land of their fathers, of their great great grandfathers in reality. An isle of myth, the cradle of life and civilisation. A land of traitors. Few Druchii living today had ever set foot their, a few spies and more corsairs, a handful of those from other walks of life and those very few old enough to have fought in the last great invasion. They would see it soon, the fields greener than any in Naggaroth; the forests not teaming with death dealing fiends, a wind that caressed the skin and did not flay it with ice. It was in their blood.

Ulthuan's call blossomed strongest in Syjahel's over bred veins but she was the last to leave the tower. Taking her leave from Naylia with a good bye more tender than she was accustomed to she handed over one of her precious healing vials. In all probability they would not see each other again, if they did it would not be for a century or more, she would be a powerful noble and Naylia a bright young sorceress. Still the healing balms were a very useful tool and if the convents could unlock their recipe that would surely help the nation as a whole.

There were other healing balms on the market stalls though and she could pick up some of these lesser medications before the ship was set to sail. Jacks too had his eye on one or two items and with his crash course now finished he had time aplenty to browse the numerous stalls and bazars of the capital. Syjahel even took the time to find a compact toiletry bag, it would be a long voyage afterall. In this spirit she returned to the Dragon fully intending to make full use of the facilities, a massage and a few hot baths would go a long way to making her feel better about the comming task.

Carathyle took another tack, in place of baths he spent his time around the city barracks re-learning the art of the archer, he had not used a longbow in quite some time after all. The Asurite weapon caused more than a few sideways glances at the range but non chalenged him, a few Druchii did favour the longbow, though not many.

As for Cananatra he changed little over the next few days continuing his vigorous training. Now that he knew he was to be living behind enemy lines it was all the more important this he be fit and ready. A few sights seen rounded off their sojurn in the Tower of Dread, it was time to move on.

In the pre-dawn grey three days after their fateful meeting with the young lord of Nagah five elves gathered on the docks. They had come from all quarters of the city from the lofty tower of the Convent to the basement rat hole that was the broken ork. None of them looked much at their ease and the gangly sorceress least of all. Bad enough that this was her first assignment as a sorceress of the convent but she was to travel to a foreign and hostile land with the support of mercenaries she knew next to nothing of. For their part the mercenaries were far from sure of their new charge, their experience with magic users was mixed to say the least. Even Naylia, generally adored though she was, could not be said to have been an easy person to be around.

These were Druchii though any they did not let their anxieties show. Having met at the appointed place, under the weathered statue of a ship being pulled beneath the waves by a half hidden leviathan, the mercenary band moved off. The appointed dock was towards the eastern end of the harbour. Even at this hour the docks were far from silent, bustling crowds of merchants, corsairs and slaves hurried about, many screaming at the top of their lungs. Goods and supplies were loaded onto ships from coast hugging barges to grand Scourge class cruisers. A single Black Ark, the Palace of Spite, stood a little way off shore, too large to fit in any conventional berth. The vessel resting at dock fourteen was somewhere between the two.

It was clearly a corsair raiding ship, the Wave Viper was a Hell Drake class craft, sixty feet from bow to stern the two masted ship sat low in the water. Even docked she had a predatory look about her, not unlike the corsairs who scurried about, some heaving provisions aboard, others chivvying slaves to do the same. At the centre of this whirlwind of activity stood a single figure, her voice sending underlings scuttling away. Observing that this must be an elf of some note aboard the Viper the Mercenaries approached.

Before they got within five feet the she elf whirled round from admonishing a corsair and fixed them with a wild gaze
"More landlubers, dragons preserve me!" she almost howled. Quite short for an elf she seemed large, like a cat raising its hackles. Her age was difficult to tell but her mannerisms were not those of an elder. Dressed in a light shirt and trousers tucked in to fur lined leather boots she was the image of a corsair even before the cloak was taken into acount. Though scaly and rough like those of corsairs the nation over her finery was of pale gold rather than sea green. It lent her a grandeur her otherwise plain features might have lacked.

There was nothing plain about her eyes for they were wild, almost the eyes of a child. Eager, exited, eagerly enraged in all probability. Close to madness perhaps.
“Damn Guard are packing my beauty with land lubbers, no salt in any of your veins I’ll wager. Which are you then I wonder. Gideon!” this last was screamed at full volume at an elf overseeing the unloading of a large cart. The elf hurried over, his arms filled with scrolls
“Captain?” he asked in the world weary tone of an indulgent parent
“Another lot; which one are you then?” she finally addressed the mercenaries directly.

Just moving things on a little here, there is a limited amount you can do but I don’t want to rush you past everything. -Drainial
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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Post by Syjahel »

After a relaxing week - after a fashion; certainly it had included rather thorough use of the better facilities of the inn - Syjahel had gathered up her arms and equipment and made her way to the docks. With some misgivings she had not worn her armour, carrying it instead, for she would certainly need it at the end of the voyage if not before. She looked back to her hakseer cruise, and her brother's advice: if you're swept overboard, you'll probably drown. But if you're swept overboard in metal, little sister, you'll fall straight into the arms of Khaine.

Arriving at Dock Fourteen, they were met by a wild-eyed, beleaguered woman busily trying to organise a whole crew.

“Another lot; which one are you then?”
she finally addressed the mercenaries directly. She was clearly fanatical about something, you could tell that from her gaze; Syjahel decided she'd take an educated guess that it was the sea. At any rate by her demeanour and her finery this one was probably the Captain.

The young noblewoman found that she rather liked her. After all, here she was, a harassed woman trying to organise disparate elements into a single force while Fate kept throwing her new shipmates. At one time or another, the mercenary Captain could relate to everything except the watery element.

She cast a quick eye over her own small party. Kykysh was there, but the tall Sorceress was not someone she yet knew well enough to judge how she would react to the voyage. Cananatra she knew was a former Corsair, so it would be useful to take her cues from him as well as her own memory. Carathyle stood at her shoulder, armed with a longbow that she'd seen him practicing with during the last week. He seemed to be taking his expression of loyalty very much to heart, and this, she reflected, could only be to the good in such a small space as this. And speaking of mischief in small spaces Jacks stood ready to leave also. Syjahel remembered the time when she'd simply want to have him stuffed in a box marked Not Wanted On Voyage, but she'd grown used to the Shade and his strange Autarii ways. Used to Shades, in fact. It seemed odd to have only one.

With a moment's pause she jumped in, addressing the wild-eyed Corsair.

"Captain, I am the Lady Syjahel Vasht and these are my companions. I regret that I have only my hakseer cruise behind me, but I wish to taste the salt air again. You may find me little enough skilled at sea at first but willing to learn what I lack."

"This is Cananatra, a former Corsair for the Witch King, and Jacks, a close quarter fighter. Carathyle here is my retainer -"
it felt oddly new to say it, but not unwelcome - "and the lady we are escorting is the Sorceress Kykysh. We have been sent here at the request of Lord Kyran Nagah of the Black Guard."

With the barest hint of a smile she added,

"If you have nowhere we can be of use, Lady, tell us where we will be least in the way."



Woohoo, off to sea. Time to get reacquainted with small living quarters, constant motion and salt in everything ... :P

OOC: Drainial, how much do I need to knock off for healing balms and nice soap etc?

Edit: Healing Balms as listed (depends how many you want) for toiletries call it another 5c -Drainial

EDIT: Bought ten healing balms and some toiletries. 205 circlets gone but it's worth it to be prepared.
Last edited by Syjahel on Sat Feb 16, 2013 10:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Minigrift »

Meddling with the waystones was an audacious plan, perhaps even foolhardy. Messing with just a single one was a gamble, for there was no certainty that the barrier holding Chaos in check was really all that powerful. This stone could prove the weakest of the link. To meddle with it could crack the barrier and a single, forceful assault from a daemon with enough vengeful hatred behind it's push for freedom could cause that crack to shatter. A shattering which could unleash powers far beyond the means of mortals to control. Chaos was bound and, sooner or later, those chains would break. It was a small chance that their meddling would cause the rift to sunder, a small chance that apocalyptic forces would be unleashed upon the mortal realm. A small chance, then, for a real challenge. Kykish revelled in Chaos, it seemed to be the only time she could harness her gift. When everything was in flux, when the paths of shadow prodded and pulled, when all the threads of fate entwined into darkness - that was when Kykysh knew her path and walked it alone, with a smile that would melt the hearts of the most wizened of sages. Kykish could not have asked for a more interesting first assignment than the one bestowed upon her. Perhaps this was the start of her journey.

The tall sorceress left her Circle Tower in the dark of night when the moon had barely paused for breath on the tick of midnight. She had gathered up the few belongings she would need for the voyage; her trusty staff, six feet tall and made from the spine of a Dryad, it was wrapped at each end in the silvery-coloured material her skullcap was made from. An apothecaries satchel, which contains herbs and honey for her favourite herbal tea, and ingredients for various other concoctions. Last of all was her Stormcloak - if it could be called such - which barely covered the small of her back, it had been a gift from her mother at one time or another and, she was told, had woven enchantments of invisibility threaded within, but if that were true, the magic had long since dissipated.

No words were exchanged as the group approached the Viper. Though the docks were in chaos, organised chaos, Kykysh' attention was held solely by the Black Ark. Of course, all Druchii knew of such vessels and she had seen them from a distance many a time, being this close to something so huge and magically powerful sent a ripple of excitement dripping down her spine.

Kykysh ignored everyone, that was until they came across the female captain of the Wave Viper - she was young, thus, clearly not of common stock, and the look in her eyes reminded Kykysh of... herself. The sorceress liked her in an instant.

No salt in my veins, and I smile for you, little one, there is no such schism between us. We are seasoned with sodium chloride, you and I. A little bit of what we fancy is salubrious for one's health, perhaps I can enlighten you to - The odd things that people say often sent her into rhetoric monologue, thankfully, the Lady Vasht was present and handled the situation in a far more sensible manner.

Foremost in the sorceresses' mind was her quarters - for she assumed, rightfully or not, that she'd get a room all to herself. It was unwise for anyone to be cajoled into sleeping space with one of the convent, practicalities aside, it could prove fatal to one's health. However, there would be time to ask such a pertinent question and this wasn't it.

Will let Syjahel and the others handle the situation with the captain. When the time is prudent or convenient, only then will Kykysh enquire after her living arrangements for the foreseeable future.
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
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Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
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Post by Cananatra »

The ship was in good condition, a trait lacking in his previous berth which seemed to defy physics by staying afloat. As a secondary boon the captain seemed confident; though that could mean either skill or simply ignorance of her own weaknesses. In either case Cananatra was happy to let Syjahel take the lead in replying. As she introduced him he nodded to the captain. He knew he didn’t look like he had much experience aboard a ship, but he found the ubiquitous sea dragon cloaks to get in the way and so had avoided buying one. Hopefully I’m not put to work as part of the crew. Being a passenger is just fine by me for this trip.

Cananatra will just go where he is needed or told for the voyage.
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
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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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Post by Meteor »

"Heh, a wild one I see, bark like a manticore, but probably as tame as a choking cat"

He kept his wits about him, whilst he was lightly armed, being thrown overboard from a careless jest into the gaping maws of the krakens underneath was no laughing matter. Spike snorted disapprovingly, clearly dislike being looked down upon by the ship captain. Jacks gently patted her nozzle to calm her, giving the ship captain a short bow as he was greeted.

Stay silent, wait for orders, go from there.

OOC: Items and circlets updated, 1 combat dagger, 2 vials of unseen chains (4 uses total), 1 vial of dark venom (3 uses total) and two extra healing vials for a total circlet deduction of 135.
What's mine is mine, What's yours is mine.
Now that we understand each other, lets get down to business.

Jacks -Shade
- WS 5 - - S 3 - - T 2 - - D 6 - - I 5 -

Equipment
Short Sword, MC Long Sword*, Dagger, RxB & RHB [20/10] MC Shade Cloak, 4 Throwing Daggers, 3x Healing Vials, 451C, [3]Dark Venom, [4]Unseen Chains, Food, Dark Steed- Spike

Skills
Basic Stealth, Awareness, TWF, Suithenlu Khythan, Ride

Magic Item
Eye of the Jabberwock

*Magical properties possibly imbued
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Post by Carathyle maveric »

'Bloody corsairs. No common sense about nobility.' Carathyle thought, gazing down from the saddle toward the little corsair.

As usual, Syjahel took the polite approach, much more suiting to her than the reckless, "I'll punch you in the face with my metal gauntlet if you don't listen!" approach Carathyle more often took.

"Milady, are you sure this is a wise approach? We might have been requested by Lord Nagah, but isn't it our lord Malekith wish for a small disruptor force? We should be at our best before, and while, we land on the shores." Carathyle noted toward Syjahel, slowly letting the reins slide through his hand as he leaned forward and placed his arms on the neck of Sephirah, as he gazed at the corsair reaver.

'More unfamiliar faces. Just what I wished for, let's just hope we set sail soon enough for the promised lands, to Ulthuan, where the ruins of Nagarythe lay below the waves and the Asur walk the land.'

Darned the talking. Carathyle will voice his concern but remain at the background, not letting his guard down though.
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
Ws:5 S:4 T:3 D:4 I:3
Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
Age: 89
Skills: Ride, Acrobatics
*Increased Strength, holds the soul of his father
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Post by Syjahel »

Syjahel nodded, acknowledging her noble retainer's concerns. However, she seemed unphazed.

"That is indeed a valid question. But I am sure that the Captain here has received word of our arrival and will have someone making cabins ready," she said with assurance. After all, it wasn't as if she would be sleeping among the rabble and as her entourage - in the eyes of those who'd hired them, anyway - they surely wouldn't be expected to either. The young highborn felt it was probable that Kykysh, too, would be so accommodated but she wasn't sure on the rules governing Sorceresses at sea. She turned back to Carathyle.

"If the Witch King has ordained it, then I have faith it shall be so." She was sure the Corsair knew this as well as they did; no sense in ruffling the sea bird's feathers. Unless, of course, it became necessary.
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Post by Carathyle maveric »

"Then at least one of us has faith in these... creatures." Carathyle merely replied, skeptic about the Reaver, generously speaking slightly annoyed by yet another magical charge, because the last one was so easy, and yet here there were again.

"About the whole taking out the waystones, shouldn't they be decently guarded to say the least? And I can hammer on mistrusting the hag over there," Carathyle pointed over his shoulder at Kykysh, trying to do it as stealthily as he could, "but is she actually powerful enough? This plan is full of holes and carrying too much on one Druchii."

Carathyle started thinking about the whole ordeal, 'Waystones are there to keep the world safe and hospitable for us. Taking them away would weaken the barrier, and with the activity at the moment, shouldn't this be a rather dangerous? Not to mention, we didn't even get a second option from Kyran, as if this was the only way.'

"Let's put the waystones aside, milady, could you think of any other options that would occupy them without endangering the entire world and our chances of victory in this invasion?" Something dawned on Carathyle, probably something Kyran might have overseen.

Hold on, who says the daemons wouldn't just pour in through that hole all the time?
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
Ws:5 S:4 T:3 D:4 I:3
Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
Age: 89
Skills: Ride, Acrobatics
*Increased Strength, holds the soul of his father
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Meteor
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Post by Meteor »

Jacks eyed the pair of nobles with dreary eyes, always can be said Jacks was rolling his eyes at the sceptical Carathyle, it was almost too funny to keep in, the non-stop babble that was pouring forth from his mouth. It was worse than a Daemonic hoard pouring out from a tear in reality.

If you don't put a dragon egg in that hole, there'll be blood pouring through your holes very soon, then you won't even get to see daemons pouring through a rip in reality. Or I could just poison him with paralysis, that would also shut him up for a while.

He patted Spike gently, she'll keep him calm, he held his tongue as he continued to stand there waiting for something to happen. It was a great gift the old hag back in the small city gave him, the acute awareness you gained, but it was also a curse, being able to overhear their conversation.
What's mine is mine, What's yours is mine.
Now that we understand each other, lets get down to business.

Jacks -Shade
- WS 5 - - S 3 - - T 2 - - D 6 - - I 5 -

Equipment
Short Sword, MC Long Sword*, Dagger, RxB & RHB [20/10] MC Shade Cloak, 4 Throwing Daggers, 3x Healing Vials, 451C, [3]Dark Venom, [4]Unseen Chains, Food, Dark Steed- Spike

Skills
Basic Stealth, Awareness, TWF, Suithenlu Khythan, Ride

Magic Item
Eye of the Jabberwock

*Magical properties possibly imbued
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Post by Syjahel »

Fortunately, Syjahel was unaware of the unusually venomous torrent of thoughts running through Jacks' head, so she was likewise unaware of the potential for inter-group discord. However, she was aware of what was on Carathyle's troubled mind, and as a Captain she felt it her duty to address it. Not only that; the things of which he spoke had occurred to her, if not quite as they had to him. But she did share some of his worries.

Turning to her fellow noble and now retainer, she spoke in a low voice. The better such things were kept quiet, the safer for all concerned.

"I cannot truly speculate about the power of this lady, nor the reasons why she has been chosen. I personally feel that - though of course, he has not been trained to rule, but to carry out the edicts of the Witch King - Master Nagah does not have quite the same grip on the political situation as his late father. So I doubt he can furnish us with more information, even were he more than the messenger." She paused.

"I don't like this plan. I don't like it, and it is not the way I would have chosen to visit our homelands. But if it is the Will of the Witch King ..." the young highborn let the sentence trail off, spreading her hands out as if smoothing some invisible pool of blood.

"As for another, better idea -" she smiled, grimly, but with typically black Naggaroth humour, "well, I'll let you know if anything comes to me."

"After all, I shall have to find something to pass the time on that long voyage."
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Post by Carathyle maveric »

"We could always act like corsairs and drink till we pass out." Carathyle laughed it off. The troubles on his mind were present, but a quick mask to cover it up was best at the moment.

Returning to his leaning stature, Carathyle let out a sigh of boredom or out of sheer worries, 'Corsairs I half like, even unknown, at least they know how to behave in a battle. Sorceress, young Naylia excluding because... well, she's Naylia, I hate by default.' Carathyle turned his eyes in the direction of the city of naggarond, 'You better not have sent me on a suicide mission. I might return from the dead to haunt you.'
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
Ws:5 S:4 T:3 D:4 I:3
Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
Age: 89
Skills: Ride, Acrobatics
*Increased Strength, holds the soul of his father
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Drainial
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

Syjahel was left to do the talking, as usual. None of them would have it any other way though Carathyle was happy to talk the ear of their beloved leader in private. As for the corsair captain she paid cursory attention until Kykish was introduced.

"The wind mage!" her eyes lit up and now paying no attention to the others whatsoever she gave a short bob in Kykish's direction before sweeping her up by sheer force of will and hurrying her up the gangplank, chatting away about this and that. Evidently sorceresses were well regarded at sea or perhaps it was Kykish's chosen speciality that made her so welcome. This left the jilted mercenaries with Gideon, a corsair of middle years and a scholarly look about him, though his hands were as worn and the leather grip of his sword.
"You will have to forgive the captain, she can be wilful. She get's it from her father I fear, still she is a storm dancer without peer in his majesties fleet," he said the last with some pride though it meant little to the assembled warriors.
"You have been assigned a chamber towards the bow, it will be crowded, the Viper was built to store slaves and crew, not freeborn warriors," so saying he turned towards the gangplank, waving for the mercenaries to follow him
"First take your horses to the hold, there are stables there, such as we have been able to build. You will have to care for them throughout the voyage, and carefully if you want them to be in any condition when you get off." His tone suggested that he had not been born to the corsair life, or at least not its rougher end.

Gideon led them on deck to where a large section plunged downwards, he nodded towards it
"One last thing, we will have no fighting on this ship, if you must battle take it to the sparing circle. There are allot of dangerous people on the wave viper right now." His voice suggested that he liked this trip no more than they did
"Oh and breakfast is at seven," he added over his shoulder as he hurried back to the dock."

As the old lags began to settle their horses in Kykish was getting the full force of the captain's personality
"You shall have the navigator's cabin of course," she said, her voice a curious mix of excitement, authority and deference
"And we shall have no trouble until we breach the gulf, though if you could scry for storms... well I will not tell you..." she went on, often in corsair's terms Kykish barely understood. The magic she knew though, she could see the storms in the clouds, probably, it wan't an exact art. There were a hundred little things a weather mage could do to aid a ship at sea. Evidently the captain was quite keen on her doing them. She would have a busy trip.

For all that they had hurried down in the pre-dawn light the ship was not ready until mid morning, not perhaps the best run of opperations but then this was no ordinary trip. Walking the deck the mercenaries saw many who were obviously not corsairs, and others who were not obviously anything at all. Elves tall and short, armoured and lightly dressed. They talked in small groups or else kept entirely to themselves. Who they were could not be known, what they were was obvious. Kyran had talked of many other teams, no doubt the wave viper was only one of several such ships. Eventually they set off and ship life began. The mercenaries had little to occupy their time, caring for the horses was a chore but the weather was clear and fine, for the moment at least, and it took no more than a few hours a day. Never the less their steeds' were losing weight and growing irritable, such was inevitable with horses aboard ship. For Kykish things were quite different, the corsairs treated her with a wary respect but the captain often approached her for a favour, for the most part these things were easily granted, others were less so. Much time was spent in the sparing circle, it would not do to let ones' skills wane for lack of practice. Still the tension on the ship was growing, so many warriors couped up without release was an issue even if none had any cause to look for trouble.

A week went by, and then another, and another. Now they were far out into the deep blue sea and beyond site of all land save for the occasional small uninhabited island. To some it seemed as if the very world had come to an end and they were the only beings still in existence for they saw no sign of other ships. That was until at high noon more than a month into the voyage when the mercenaries were sharing a lemon to stave of the auge when the cry came down from on high. The crow's nest had spotted something on the horizon, something with white sails, something familiar.

Orders were barked and heading's changed, sheets laid on and a song begun before the mercenaries were told what was happening. Kykish was told though, by the captain herself, the Asur. A hawk ship was baring straight towards them. Large and powerful Hawk ships were no laughing matter. Larger than the wave viper for a certainty and crewed by marines' out of Cothique. There was no avoiding them, the Hawk ship was directing in the path to Ulthuan, to try and escape her would mean weeks more at sea and they did not have the provisions for that. Besides, the ancient foe had been spotted, there could be not backing down. Holding court upon the quarter deck the Captain the Viper laid in course to intercept, they had a few tricks that the hated foe could not possibly be expecting, they would play them to the full. Corsairs were sent to the rigging with their crossbows in hand, others brought the mighty reapers to bare knowing full well the the Asur would be doing much the same. They couldn't outshoot them and they couldn't out manuver them, that left but one option. They would have to board.

"We run straight and true, come across her and hook her like an otter with our harpoon reapers, draw her in and lay down the corvus" the captain proclaimed
"Then we will fight, all of you. Get your armour and your weapons. I need teams to climb the rigging and take down their archers, others to take control of the wheel, the hold and one to capture their captain. For the rest we shall defend the Viper from their inevitable counter board. Any volunteer's?" She asked the various covert killing teams.

So I am back at last, I am sure you all missed me terribly. A sea battle to get you back into the groove I think so take your positions and choose your task well. You have high elves to kill :D

-Drainial
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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Carathyle maveric
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

"I couldn't care less. Her attitude doesn't suit me one bit." he whispered, looking at Gideon from atop the horse. The words he spoke while the reaver took the sorceress aboard sounded less like a corsair, more like a common city elf. It made Carathyle wonder what a scholar-like elf was doing here on a vessel such as this, surely he wasn't that seasoned, nor was he a rookie from the glimpse of his aptitude. With the warning of the possible crowded living space, Carathyle could only grin, 'As long as they know who's in charge, I don't mind. They better listen to us, or be prepared to meet obsidian through their spinal columns.' His mind foretold of a dark desire to gut any that annoyed him, any except his companions. Trust had to be earned, and those that he couldn't trust were best kept in the realm of the dead than the living.

Settling on the ship, Carathyle stabled his horse in the quickly constructed stables and dropped into the hay, looking at the hull of the ship. 'Weeks of utter boredom and anxiety ahead, just great.' Carathyle thought, his hand running through his growing hair. 'First the blasted sorceress, now that bloody corsair reaver. I swear, I don't mind gutting her where she stood.' As talk-active as he was on the docks, the new environment made Carathyle feel uneasy, especially since he was the only one carrying Asurian weaponry with him. Closing his eyes for a second, Carathyle couldn't resist letting out a deep sigh, the anticipation of the voyage bugged him, but his concerns about what they were going to do when arriving at the shores, things didn't add up in his mind. Depending on where they arrived, Carathyle could see a possibility of traveling to the birth-grounds of his family, something that none in his linage could have done since the sundering. Jumping up on his feet, Carathyle decided to check out the place where they were going to stay, the horses didn't need tending to until the voyage started, that was something Carathyle made sure of.

With hours turning into days, days into weeks and weeks into months, Carathyle couldn't feel but agitated by the cramp space he had in the chambers which forced him to sleep in the soft hay in the stables, close to the horses yet far away from the dung to make sure he didn't catch anything, or smell like it. The training sessions were getting stale, and with his main concern toward his horse who was getting thinner and thinner, Carathyle seemed rather peaceful with how things were. Syjahel was skilled enough to fend for herself, and on a vessel the size of this one, she only needed to scream and he'd be there to stand ground, so most of his time was spend below deck.

Upon the barking of numerous orders, Carathyle jumped up and rushed onto deck toward the bow of the ship, before one of the corsairs told what was going on.

Slamming his fist against his palm, Carathyle couldn't resist to have a twisted smile on his face. Knowing the Asur, they were too proud and hateful to deny a fight. Moving toward Syjahel, Carathyle listened to the captain calling out her orders to the crew. Upon hearing any volunteers, Carathyle couldn't resist the urge of spilling blood, and shouted "I'll be boarding that ship!" It was done. Knowing that his acrobatics training could finally come in handy when boarding, Carathyle moved to the bow of the ship, making sure not to stand in the direct firing line and took the Asurian longbow from his back, laying an arrow on the string. 'Let's make sure all those hours of training weren't wasted at all, I will draw first blood!' he thought, waiting for the ship to come close into range. With a swift test back on shore against another archer with a normal longbow, he noticed that his arrows were flying faster than that of the standard issue longbow, and when an arrow flies faster, the range only increases.

DIBZ ON BOARDING! Carathyle didn't see blood flow in a month time, and considering he doesn't trust anyone onboard except for Cananatra, Jacks and Syjahel, it wouldn't be wise to pit him against others, because he'd probably just kill them as fast as possible, so now the cousins are the unfortunate victims of his violence... starting with a nice arrow through someone's head hopefully. When the ships are close and boarding begins, put the bow on his back and draw sword, leap over and start killing!
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
Ws:5 S:4 T:3 D:4 I:3
Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
Age: 89
Skills: Ride, Acrobatics
*Increased Strength, holds the soul of his father
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Cananatra
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

As they set out for Ulthuan it didn’t take Cananatra long to get his sea legs back, not that he ever particularly enjoyed travelling or fighting by sea, but the skill hardly goes away. He derived slight amusement from watching the other warriors loaded on board struggle to keep their balance in rougher swells, though the novelty quickly wore off and he spent most of his free time staring blankly out over the railings. That or rolling dice with some of the ships crew. Even he was beginning to get impatient though by the time something interesting occurred.

A High Elf Hawk ship was bearing down on them. Unlucky considering the vastness of the ocean, but the High Elves did mount regular patrols of their waters. The Hawk ship out weighed them, and carried far more canvas, though Cananatra judged they would have been able to outrun her if they turned tail, and didn’t mind spending a substantial amount of time trying to shake it. Their captain had predictably different views. This was an enemy ship and as such they might as well go ahead and sink it. Heading back to port with it on their tails would probably result in her execution anyway.

Slipping free of the coil of rope he’d been laying on Cananatra went and found his companions as the Captain called out orders. Already Carathyle had run off towards the bow, drawing his longbow and thirsting for blood. “I’d suggest we head back to the pilot deck,” he began, speaking to Syjahel. “We’re heading straight for one another and as we come alongside the captain will lash the two ships together. If we’re at the raised quarter deck we can jump down onto the enemies deck with relative ease. Our brave comrade Carathyle will have to climb up a rope to get onboard the larger ship from where he is.”

Not really caring if Syjahel agrees or not Cananatra will head back to the quarter deck and stand by the railing opposite the approaching ship. He’ll pull out his sword and ready his shield for the jump across.

As above, he’ll wait till the ships are lashed to one another and jump over with the first attackers. Rely on his weight and momentum to put any Asur right where he lands on their backsides.
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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Meteor
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Meteor »

A month went by, without much to do whilst restricted into his confines, he spent his days tending Spike, sparring against anyone who seemed strong to perfect his fighting skills. Otherwise he kept to himself, making small chat where it was suitable to his companions. With the news of Asur fast approaching them, Jacks' eyes flashed like lightning, Asur constantly reminded him of that day, he kept his cool as much as he could, but none could deny the thirst for vengeance and the power of hatred dancing in his still dark eyes. He unfolded his hands as he gazed up into the horizon from the stables, he approached Spike and patted her gently, he wanted to let her run around, but this wasn't the place for her. Spike snorted in disapproval, but nothing more, she herself knew how unbalanced the place was. "You'll have your chance soon enough partner."

With that, he strode purposefully out of the stables and onto the main deck, hiding his eagerness as much as he could. With the ship captain laying out the plan crystal clear, it was clear Jacks was going across, there was no way in hell he'll sit idle when wanted vengeance and justice. "Capture their captain eh? He better be strong." "And I'm going to carve a bloody path along the way for that matter"

"I'm going to go for the captain, I'll follow behind Cananatra, but no one better interfere."

The only way to improve is to fight against the odds and defeat stronger opponents, I will perfect this art, and I will avenge my loss! Jacks constantly reminded himself of his purpose, lest he forgot, or got soft. He drew his Repeater Crossbow out and took position safely behind a wall. He didn't want to be shot and crippled before the fight began after all. He eyed one of the Asur archers and levelled his Repeater as best as he could on these choppy waters.

This is going to be glorious

Join the firing squad in taking down some archers, then switch to dagger and short sword and follow closely behind Cananatra as he leaps across with the first wave. Back him up when he hits the deck then carve a path towards the cabin where the Asur Captain is
What's mine is mine, What's yours is mine.
Now that we understand each other, lets get down to business.

Jacks -Shade
- WS 5 - - S 3 - - T 2 - - D 6 - - I 5 -

Equipment
Short Sword, MC Long Sword*, Dagger, RxB & RHB [20/10] MC Shade Cloak, 4 Throwing Daggers, 3x Healing Vials, 451C, [3]Dark Venom, [4]Unseen Chains, Food, Dark Steed- Spike

Skills
Basic Stealth, Awareness, TWF, Suithenlu Khythan, Ride

Magic Item
Eye of the Jabberwock

*Magical properties possibly imbued
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Minigrift
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

Hag, am I? Does the fool think me a Bride of Khaine? No, more likely a lame attempt to insult me. Kykysh was still unsure of the new companions she had been saddled with, just as they were, likewise, unsure of her. Only this Carathyle made his dislike clear, which struck the tall mage as odd because he had never met her until the other day. Obviously, the stigma of being a mage was something she would have to live with outside the Circle. As far as Kykysh was concerned, the fault was all his.

The captain descended the gangplank and before the mage could object, the short captain was leading her onto the ship as she spoke hurriedly, excitedly. Kykysh was told she'd have the navigator's cabin all to herself, delightful. The captain led the way as she talked about longitude and altitude, gunwales and compasses. The mage soon lost interest, though it didn't diminish her opinion of the good captain, who, a few annoyances aside, was a delight.

Over the next weeks Kykysh would have liked to have spent more time with her companions, getting to know them better, their idiosyncracies and the like. The ship even had a sparring circle, something which Kykysh was keen to partake in since she was no stranger to actual combat. Alas, the good captain saw fit to keep her extremely busy throughout the voyage. She had evidently been given the navigators cabin because that was what she was to become - the navigator. The captain sought her advice daily and also had various tasks for Kykysh to partake in, which meant that the tall mage had very little time to herself. Not that she particularly minded, she and captain got on well.

It was inevitable that, sooner or later, they run into trouble, be in pirates, some ravenously horrendous sea creature or the enemy. It was the enemy. The Captain thundered into the mages' quarters just as Kykysh was getting dressed, the captain was too much in a hurry to even notice, it seemed. "The enemy have been sighted. Get ready and come out on deck."

It was not a prudent time to remind the rotund captain of her good manners. The sorceress quickly pulled her robes over her head, picked up her staff and followed the shorter lady outside where she immediately began shouting orders to her crew. The slenderly formed mage was unsure what was expected of her so she followed the captain around hoping for some sort of indication. She cycled through her repertoire of arcane knowledge - Ice. Wind. Fire, no. Lightning. Magnetism... not on this ship. Fog. Thunder. Earth... What? The conditions were already cold and wet, so Ice was a no-brainer. She could just sink the other ship by turning the waters both on board and bearing it aloft into ice. The ship would sink, fast, but leave the crew and passengers with no chance for the fight they were so riled up for, it would also sink any chance of looting. Not a sensible option given the circumstances.

A comet or meteor was too risky, that required precision and the enemy craft was too small a target, and again, could cause the craft to sink - assuming, of course, that it even hit the target. Kykysh formed an idea of what she could do - something to demoralise the enemy, since they had a bigger ship and there were more of them. She spread her feet apart for balance and struck her staff onto the deck as she began to concentrate. Her grey eyes began to pale as she cast her mind out to nearby storm clouds, these would provide the water vapour, the wind was already quite tumultuous - as was to be expected at sea - Kykysh would just have to encourage it a little, a prod here, a pull there.

"I have a spell or five ready, captain, just give the word."


Kykysh will attempt an Iceshard Blizzard by gathering the water vapour in the clouds into fist-sized icicles and hurling them at the enemy with the force of wind.

OOC: What is the captains name?
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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Syjahel
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

After what seemed like a long time, in which Syjahel found it perfectly possible (if a little tedious to begin with) to adjust to life at sea - sleeping, sparring on the deck, a little reading, and generally keeping her mind active while at the same time enjoying as close to a rest as she'd come in a long time, the journey was broken by their first site of the enemy. From her brother Tanathrys' tales the highborn knew that an Asur Hawkship was no joking matter, but then they were aboard a Druchii vessel. If anyone claimed mastery of the seas, it was the kin of Nagarythe.

As she'd already determined that Cananatra was the only one of 'her' band to have served as a Corsair, Syjahel was happy to take his advice.

“I’d suggest we head back to the pilot deck,” he began, speaking to Syjahel. “We’re heading straight for one another and as we come alongside the captain will lash the two ships together. If we're at the raised quarter deck we can jump down onto the enemies deck with relative ease. Our brave comrade Carathyle will have to climb up a rope to get onboard the larger ship from where he is.”

She nodded her agreement. It would also be much more sensible for an armoured warrior like herself not to start jumping about between ships still divided by the deep and very lethal waters. Gripping her shield against the inevitable hail of arrows that were to come, she found herself grinning beneath her helm as she ran to the forecastle after him to follow his advice.

"What you say makes sense. Once we're together the height advantage will be perfect. And I believe we'll even have the sun behind us to spoil their aim."

"And as for Master Maveric - only Khaine knows what he will do next, but it's sure to be suitably violent and vengeful."



Waiting with Cananatra on the quarterdeck to go across once the ships are joined and break some Asur heads.

OOC: Sorry for the wait guys. Having difficulty getting my war on.
RIP Group 28
~ We Never Slept ~
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Drainial
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

Like all good Druchii the mercenaries immediately set themselves to the bloodiest tasks, though like most good Druchii they hoped the blood would not be their own. With Cananatra's experience of navel warfare to guide them Syjahel and the ex corsair himself made their way up onto the quarter deck, the better to board the enemy when they closed in. There they were joined by several other cut throat killers with much the same idea. The two warriors slipped their shields onto their arms and waited, ready. They would be at the mercy of the enemy until they could close in.

The same could not be said for the others. Not caring about position Carathyle eagerly stringed his new bow. This would be his first chance to try it in open combat and he was determined not to disgrace himself. The Asur were masters of the longbow but anything they could do a Druchii could do better. Jacks knew that his repeater did not have the range of a longbow and lacking protective armour he first looked for a nice piece of cover. Selecting a sturdy piece of railing he took up position like an archer on the parapet of a fort. The last laugh would be his. As for Kykish, as the corsairs rushed around her, each hand to their rope or reaper, she was preparing. Weather magic of this type was not a swift matter.

The first blows of this particular contest would be struck not by bows but by the mighty reapers. The corsair teams were quick to bring them to bare on the Hawk ship but no faster than the high elven crew. Within moments of each other mighty sapling sized bolts slashed over the waves. The Wave Viper shuddered as the first bolts struck her hull, one poor unfortunate corsair was sliced clean in half, his sea dragon cloak no protection against the blade headed reaper bolt. The Viper's own reapers fired instead clusters of smaller bolts which scattered in the air dropping in a deadly circle onto the enemy deck. Individually they were almost impossible to aim but with four of the war machine's able to draw a line to the target they were able to fill the air with enough bolts to scatter the elves on deck, wounding and killing those who stayed at their posts. The next volley from the Asur ships confirm what the more experienced sailors had already known form the design of the enemy bolts, they were attempting to bring down the rigging. Large blades on the bolts ripped though rope and sail cloth, non doing irreparable damage but slowing them down. It would make them less manoeuvrable in the fight but more importantly would make it much more difficult to flee. In the High elves' minds they had already won this battle. At first glance they had reason to be confident but there few other factors in play than mortal arms.

Chanting into the wind Kykish extended her influence into the winds both mortal and divine, whipping up the waves and drawing up the vapour in the air. At first it was difficult to see that anything was happening at all, the waters of the ocean did not change easily even in so small a local. As the ships drew closer together and more volleys were unleashed however thick clouds of ice cold vapour began to draw more and more around the hull of the Hawk ship.

Closer still now Carathyle judged it time to test his bow. Placing an arrow on the string he heaved it back and released sending the arrow soaring through the air to land solidly in the bow of the ship. Cursing his aim the warrior adjusted and shot again, this time his arrow flew true, slamming into the arm of an elven sailor as he hauled on a rope. He was not the only on with a long bow in these waters however and though his master crafted bow had allowed him to have the first shot soon a dozen sea guard were ready to reply. White shafted arrows clattered onto the deck and into the crew. The corsairs drew their sea dragon cloaks around themselves protectively but it was not always enough. Some of the crew were not so well protected. One who was almost certainly a khainite of some kind from her scanty if metallic attire fell from the ship with a scream, an arrow in her stomach. Others fell as well, wounded or dead but still the reapers continued their tally. Surely the butchers' bill would have been much worse for the crew of the viper had it not been for the flurry of slush and hail assailing the deck of the Hawk ship, obscuring their aim and dampening their strings and numbing their fingers with the cold.

And still the ships grew closer, now the repeaters were in range. Picking his targets Jacks allowed for the swell of the sea as best he was able and in the haze of the ice storm engulfing the enemy vessel he shot shower after shower of bolts. Nor was he the only one, several of the corsairs had their own crossbows as did one or two of the passengers. Others had still more exotic weapons including one tall elf with a gilded rifle of dwarven make. Cananatara considered adding his pistol to the mix but knew that it was not suited to such ranges. Better to keep it for later on.

Fierce as this exchange of munitions was it was to be a mere taste of the carnage to come. As they reached optimum range the captain gave her command and the elf at the wheel pulled hard to port. They lost speed and with the damage already sustained to the rigging slowed to a crawl but it did not matter for now they were able to bring out the side reapers. The Hawk ship had matched them, hammering all the harder with their great balistae aiming many of them at the crew. Dead and dying corsairs littered the deck though no more than on the high elven side. Feeling the winds of magic begin to get out of control Kykish let them go as calmly as she was able, it was not worth risking a miscast for this and besides they were now almost close enough to be entering her ice storm themselves.

The Druchii reapers fired, not clustered arrows or bladed bolts to the rigging but the more familiar barbed bolts. Four such tree sized projectiles slammed into the hull of the hawk ship doing little damage, but these were no more ordinary bolts than any others shot in the fight. A gang of corsairs took to winches fixed to their reapers and began to heave. Several of the brave warriors perished under a hail of longbow fire but the Asur were not immune to the effects of druchii ordinance either.

Slowly, slowly, too slowly it seemed to Syjahel and Cannanatra where they stood hiding behind their shields in impotent and impatient wrath; the two ships were drawn together. If this concerned the high elves they made no show of it. Doubtless they were delighted that so weak a foe had come to them saving them frustrating days of pursuit over the great ocean. Spears and swords appeared on deck as the high elven crew gathered for the close quarters battle to come while some continued to rain death down on the smaller Druchii craft. Here and there crossbow bolts would take a fair haired mariner and Carathyle was pleased enough by his small brace of kills but the time for that was now at an end. When the ships were almost touching the captain gave another command and a large bronze sheathed plank thudded down onto the hull of the enemy ship, splintering their railings with its beaked spike and securing them together. Grapnels and ropes followed from both sides, it was finally time to board.

From their chosen position Carathyle, Syjahel and the others who had joined them were the few Druchii with an easy path down onto the hawk ship. The high elves below knew this full well and a ring of sea guard were gathered with spears at the ready in loose ranks. They presented a unified and fearsome force all clad in near identical robes and armour. There were more than a dozen of them. The forces arrayed on the quarter deck of the Viper were both fewer in number and far more eclectic in nature. Along with the two mercenary warriors were three more heavily armoured figures, though non so steel clad as Cannanatra, one khainite female clad in not very much and another elf in non de-script leather armour and a well worn cloak that seemed to twist and turn independent of the breeze. Outnumbered as they were non of the Druchii showed any restraint in leaping down onto the Hawk ship's prow with a song in their hearts and a war cry on their lips.


Back on the Wave Viper things were not so easy. Carathyle had taken up a position near the centre of the ship, a good place to fire from but one which now left with several feet below the deck of the Asur ship. This was little impediment to the corsairs who swarmed around him, ceasing ropes and tossing grapnels onto the railings to climb. Carathyle knew he could do the same quite easily but the Asur were not content merely to be boarded. As the corsairs went one way a wave of Asur went the other. Clad in light armour, a pale echo of his own, the Cothique marines were armed with sword and dagger, like a duellist, and attacked with the calm assurance of veteran warriors. These elves were professional warriors, not amateurs like most of Ulthuan's armed forces. Five such warriors hit the deck near Carathyle and attacked the corsairs waiting to repell them. Only three corsairs were close enough to engage these five and though exelent marines themselves it was clear that this would be a hard fight. For Carathyle that meant a choice, help the corsairs or move to board the ship. Either way meant spilling Asur blood, one of life's better problems.

Jacks was in a similar position to Carathyle, not being ready to board immediately he was behind his bunker and loading another clip when the Asur boarded. Altogether fifteen Cothique marines had come aboard without leave and only half that number of corsairs were available to hold them off. Several were in his sights as were many on the ship beyond but he knew that the time for crossbows was quickly coming to an end. He too would have to choose his next action carefully. They could not afford to loose either fight.

Kykish had a more immediate problem, standing amidships the Asur had instantly spoted her strange atire (she was a distinctive figure after all) and worked out that it was she who had caused the unnatural slush storm. Not being in any mood to risk magic two of the marines were heading straight for her with murderous intent. They were only half a dozen meters away, not far by anyone's reckoning.

OOC: And we finally get back to the action. Enjoy. -Drainial
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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Meteor
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Meteor »

Jacks got excited as enemies boarded their ship, he was keen on seeing his new techniques used, and he put his Repeater away and drew his Short Sword and Dagger to get ready for combat. He had wished to cross the ship with his captain and Cananatra in search for the enemy's captain, hoping he or she, was a strong opponent to test his skills again. But the environment had made such a plan difficult, nothing ever went according to plan, his adventures so far was evidence so far. Still, defeating their captain will demolarise the enemy if not subdue them, and such a thing was necessary at the look of things. His area was currently outnumbered two to one, and elsewhere that Jacks scanned, the numbers weren't in their favour. Their enemy were the Asur, he didn't like to admit it, but they would have to be just as difficult to fight as the Druchii, and on unstable ground, a simple mistake can be fatal.

"Tiarra, let this be the first step towards avenging you." he muttered with vengeance and the expression of fearsome death in his eyes. There was no need to hide, he presented himself to his enemies, strolling casually, his presence radiated confidence and hate, a strange yet sublime mix.

His gaze fixated on each of the Asur as he stood next to the Corsairs along the deck, "out of my way." he whispered, his gaze snapped into murderous focus as he charged into the foe. His whisper was ambiguous, but not his warcry, his yearn for vengeance, after all, Jacks was a Druchii, and Druchii never forget, and never forgive.

Leave Kykish to her enemies, trusting she'll have her methods of survival. The captain of the Viper wouldn't see her get harmed anyway. Jacks on the other hand, will cut his way to the other ship, taking out as many of the Asur currently confronting him and the six Corsairs with him before moving along. Jacks' goal is the Asur captain, believing defeating the captain is crucial to victory, especially when they're outnumbered.
What's mine is mine, What's yours is mine.
Now that we understand each other, lets get down to business.

Jacks -Shade
- WS 5 - - S 3 - - T 2 - - D 6 - - I 5 -

Equipment
Short Sword, MC Long Sword*, Dagger, RxB & RHB [20/10] MC Shade Cloak, 4 Throwing Daggers, 3x Healing Vials, 451C, [3]Dark Venom, [4]Unseen Chains, Food, Dark Steed- Spike

Skills
Basic Stealth, Awareness, TWF, Suithenlu Khythan, Ride

Magic Item
Eye of the Jabberwock

*Magical properties possibly imbued
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Minigrift
... And Hell Followed
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Location: Scotland

Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

It was impossible to determine what effect the blizzard of icicles had on the enemy, or indeed, if there had been any effect at all. It was small hope that the storm had maimed or injured, smaller still was the chance it had caused fatalities. It was in all probability nothing more than a hindrance to the hated foe, a hindrance easily overcome, for these sailors were undoubtedly hardened Asurii fighters on patrol protecting their homeland from hostile intent and would therefore be accustomed to such adverse weather conditions. Fist-sized icy missiles were generally not considered normal or adverse weather conditions, so perhaps they weren't so prepared for it. It was not the spells intent to kill or maim, simply to distract and demoralise the foe, to make them feel the icy chill of Naggaroth that the Druchii were so appreciative of. The only way to ascertain the truth would be to inspect the enemy ship when the battle was won.

As the two vessels drew closer Kykysh eased off her spell, it would not do her well to impede her comrades attempts to neutralise the enemy, by either accident or design. A well of magical resource had been accumulated and as she slowed the effects of one spell another was subtly gaining strength. Spellcasting was much like dancing, you had to maintain a balance to keep yourself from losing control. Kykysh had lost control once before - it had cost the mage her sanity.

The two ships crashed together and in moments were leashed to one another like voracious lovers, though there was nothing romantic about the violence that swiftly followed. Corsairs jumped the enemy with seemingly reckless abandon, while more than a dozen equally bloodthirsty Asurii swarmed over the Viper. Kykysh was in something of a quandary for her a lot of her spells were indiscriminate - weather was like that - likely to kill the dozen or so borders but equally likely to kill half the Viper's crew, something which, Kykysh was abundantly positive, the small, overly ripe captain would not appreciate. Control, that's what it boiled down to. Control.

The sorceresses' concerns were replaced by concerns of a more immediate nature - two of the Asur had somehow slipped past her stalwart guardians, the good and delightful captain included, and were bearing down upon her with vengeful hatred. Well, vengeful hatred may not have been entirely accurate, though their faces certainly bore such expressions, but what could they have been vengeful for, exactly? Regardless, now was hardly the time to ponder such trivialities. Kykysh had a spell prepared for the masses, but perhaps these two would be so kind as to test the tenacity of her chosen design?

The mage gripped her staff with her right and arced it round even as she turned to face her attackers, twirled it once in the air then brought it down to slam on the deck. The well of power was contained, she had only to reach out and extent a portion of it to deal with these two audacious clowns. As her staff hit the deck she brought her outstretched left hand up and extended her will to embrace the two Asurii. Tendrils of shock-lightning sparked out from her fingers and, drawn to the metal of their armour and weapons, enveloped her targets. Once the forks connected Kykysh increased the velocity of the charge ten-fold, frying her would-be attackers to a tenderised crisp.

The well was lessened but not depleted and sources to replenish it were abundant.

Kykysh will slay her attackers with the power of lightning, containing the spell until she's sure they are dead. If successful, she will then turn her attention to the nearest group of Asurii and attempt the same spell again, extending it's reach to kill as many as possible whilst simultaneously keeping it from harming any Druchii.
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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Syjahel
Malekith's Best Friend
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

It was time to fight. Time for vengeance. Time for blood. Syjahel's normally reserved aristocratic face held a feral grin of joy at the prospect, her grip on her sword sure, her shield raised ready to defend or strike. This wasn't time for the fancy elegance of sarija fencing but destruction, close-quarter and brutal. Cooped up in a small cabin with only her companions and Jacks' sense of humour for company, she was more than ready for violence.

Her fellow Druchii wore an eclectic mixture of armour types from good Naggaroth steel to somewhat more in the line of war-themed accessories. Syjahel had sometimes wondered at the practicality of the attire favoured by the Witch Elves, but she supposed that they had the crimson-handed regard of Khaine and bloodlust to keep them warm. The highborn was thankful that she had something more between her porcelain skin and the enemy than woad, but she did not doubt their deadly abilities. It cheered her morale still further to see a Bride among them. As for the fellow with the unusual cloak, she made a mental note to speak to him after the battle if they both survived.

Unlike her heavily armoured companion, Syjahel did not have the ability to fall like a thunderbolt upon whoever was unlucky enough to get under her feet. Keeping her shield up, she leapt lightly across onot the Hawkship. aiming to land with a sound footing and use her greater agility to her advantage. Nimbly engaging the first marine to come close, she used her arrival from a greater height and struck downward, aiming for joints in their armour and the faceplate of the helmet.


Aim for short, efficient stabbing motions into joints and weak spots, make good use of the shield to bash and unbalance enemies where possible. This isn't time for fanciness but efficiency. so she will try to keep moving, don't get hemmed in and work a narrow front with her fellow Druchii. Not forgetting the shield for defence. Keep in close to her fellow Naggorites and try to drive a wedge forward so reinforcements can join them from behind.
RIP Group 28
~ We Never Slept ~
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Cananatra
Malekith's Personal Guard
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Location: Dublin, Ireland

Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

OOC: Sorry lads

IC: The ships reached one another in a surprisingly short time. The high elves, being so confident of their it almost turned Canaantra’s stomach spent an inordinate amount of shots at crippling the Druchii vessel, to stop it fleeing. Clearly it had never occurred to them that the Druchii had decided to attack the superior vessel. Always nice when your enemy underestimates you Cananatra thought as the grapples flew. From his position he could see that the enemy deck would indeed be below him when the ship met and for some reason not a single asur arrow struck him as they closed. Not that they had much chance to penetrate his armour, but it would be expected of them to at least try.

As the ships neared one another he braced one foot against the rail and prepared to leap across. As the hulls slammed together he used the remaining motion of the ship to aid his jump and leapt across the remaining gap. The enemy for some reason chose to use spears. Smiling to himself Cananatra moved to engage them.

Press forward first as he’s the most heavily armed. Just keep moving forward blocking the spear tips with his shield (or armour) and get inside their reach before going to work slicing them up.
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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Drainial
Prophet of Tzeentch
Prophet of Tzeentch
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

It was time, at last, at long last. To bathe in the blood of the true enemy, it was a temptation that was hard to resist. Perhaps that was why Jacks, normally so coolheaded in combat, shouldered his repeater and drew his sword. Stepping out from cover he strode openly towards the nearest marine looking to cut through and board the enemy ship. Before his eyes the corsairs launched themselves into combat, curved blades meeting the elegant Asur leaf designs. They were out numbered though, Jacks would not have to scrap for a share of this particular meal. Spotting an unengaged Druchii one of the Cothique marines turned away from the duel he had been about to interrupt and with a prayer to Manan sprinted towards him. Eyes shining with fierce joy Jacks matched the enemy war cry and his pace. Half a moment later they were embroiled in the deadly dance of battle. Lunging low Jacks' blade was turned away and he barely slid aside from a thrusting dagger. Slicing close in Jacks' sword slid down the scale mail of his opponent with a screech of metal of metal but did not penetrate. Steping back half a step the Asur hacked hard at Jacks' leg, parrying the shade delivered a lightening blow to the face with the tip of his sword. Snarling the Marine stumbled away, one eye a ruined mess and half his nose missing. To his credit though he did not back down or flee, the elves of Ulthuan did produce the odd warrior of merit it seemed.

Kykish had two such to contend with and they would be on her in a matter of moments. Calling on the elemental winds she gathered the power of the storm and when her veins were pulsing with power raised her hand, fingers splayed. A jolt of lightening sprang from the tip as she chanted in the high tongue and struck the nearest Marine full in the chest. He screamed as the lightening crackled over his armour and scorched his skin, falling to the deck and convulsing. The lightening cascade leapt then to his comrade but Kykish no longer had the strength she had once commanded. The electrical bolt danced along his blade and armour, charring his clothes and the skin beneath but did not put him down. Coming on the corsair did not give her the chance to cast again, not that she had the energy for something so destructive just yet. Charging towards her the elf slashed at her side, just in time Kykish managed to block with her staff but this fight was just beginning.

So far so good for the mercenaries, though absorbed as they were it was difficult to tell how the larger fight was going. At the railings Carathyle stood in indecision, seemingly unsure weather to board the enemy ship or take the fight to the ones close at hand. In the end the decision was taken out of his hands by a pair of marines. Spotting a lone Druchii warrior the elves darted towards him, one engaging his head on with sword and dagger whilst the other circled around to take him from the side. Fending off a flurry of attacks Carathyle took a graze to his torso that was stopped by his armour. As the second marine prepared the strike from behind though Carathyle knew he would have to do something quickly if his invasion was not to be cut very short.

On the other ship Syjahel and Canantra were amongst the first to leap aboard, Syjahel with a natural grace, Cananatra with a more practiced style. Leaping about in full armour did raise a hell of a racket but there was no need to hide here. As they landed they were confronted by a wall of spears and wasted no time in attacking. They both knew full well that the eclectic Druchii force would have the advantage in a confused melee so the first order of business was to break apart the Asur formation. Pressing forward Cananatra took the lead, almost immediately a spear glanced off his shield, another thrust against his chest throwing up a shower of sparks and gauging the new paint but failing to penetrate the thick steel. Raising his shield Cananatra battered aside a third strike to his head though his opened him up to a spear point that crashed against the chain mail around his thighs, bursting several of the links and almost giving him a dead leg. Pushing on through his barrage Cana broke through the wall of points to get within striking range. Slicing downwards he battered at the head of the nearest sea guard. His blade glanced off the helm but the force knocked the elf sideways into his shield mate. There are problems though when it comes to charging shield walls, first among them being a wall of shields. In tight formation the sea guard could not reach him with their spears but this did not stop them from thrusting him back with heir sheer weight, shields overlapping they heaved him back preventing him from breaking their lines.

If he had been alone that might have been the end of it but then if he had been alone he wouldn't have charged them in the first place. Syjahel was near at hand along with their small band of killers. Charging in after Cana Syjahel talked the elf next in line, reeling from having his shield mate knocked into him. Her sword speared out straight finding a gap under his armpit and skinking into the soft flesh beneath. The fall, held up as he was by his comrades, but he was sorely wounded. A trio of spears clattered against Syjahel's shield and armour, none drawing blood. A fourth hit her helmet dazing her momentarily but did not stop her from throwing her weight at the Asur formation. The shield wall buckled but did not break.

By their side the three other armoured Druchii seemed to have similar ideas crashing in next to the mercenaries, one took a wound to the leg but another put a Sea Guard out of the fight with a single blow of his polearm. The Witchelf also showed no hesitation and her wicked blades found sweet flesh, miraculously she had not died on the spears, a testament to the skill of the Miabed, and the sea guard seemed not to know how to deal with such a foe. As for the figure in the twisting cloak he did not charge but instead stalked around the edges of the combat, eyeing up the conflict and stirring the contents of his belt pouch.

Right then, let's get this thing back on track. -Drainial
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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Carathyle maveric
Malekith's Best Friend
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

OOC: Righty, let's get the aggression out of my system at... 1AM... (*******) companies!

IC: With his sword in his hand, Carathyle couldn't seem to find the absolute in this battle. Surely, the hostile ship was there to be boarded, and it would take a lot of men to take down its crew, but at the same time there was the wave viper, and the hag to protect, a task Carathyle preferred to leave to the, seemingly incompetent, corsairs. His eyes kept glancing from the hostile crew onboard of their ship to the height difference between the two decks, Carathyle's aggression and anger could be released on both ships, but then it would mean weakening the other one. Still, the ship of the Asur called him more. But as Carathyle turned around to move closer to the side of the asur ship, his attention was drawn to something far more dangerous and attention demanding than his decision whether or not to cross over. Bearing the obsidian Longsword in his right hand, and his sturdy shield carried on his left arm, Carathyle could only react so fast to an oncoming Asur seaman. Surely, this opponent wasn't one to be trifled with, and it suited Carathyle all the more to have found a rumoured worthy opponent, instead of the estimate he had from the mercenaries outside of his warband.

Fleetly stepping back, Carathyle kept his shield up in front of him as he could swear the Asur moved a lot quicker than Ferion back in the days. As expected, the opponent elf was younger than the old swordmaster, but even if it meant for Carathyle to wait his opportunity, he wouldn't have the time for it.

Feeling a dagger hitting his armour, Carathyle let out a soft sigh as he was glad to have it in place. His old medium armour was useful, it was more protective than the light armour, but Carathyle could feel the weight difference, and it was mighty fine the way it felt. His movement was less obstructed, his mass came to a complete and dead-stop faster, he had a shorter acceleration area when he set up a sprint for the opponent, he was quicker, all these factors were to be taken into account with the change of armour. Instead of being slower than his opponent, Carathyle was equal as fast when it came to movement, and he knew that he had a longer and more powerful reach with his sword.

But as expected, the Asur Marine wasn't alone. As quick as lightning, another approached him from the back, and that was something Carathyle couldn't accept. Being forced into a defense, Carathyle couldn't seem to break free immediately, therefore, a tactic had to be forged on the spot. With his shield on his arm and his sword in his hand, Carathyle looked around while keeping his head focused on the enemy up in front. 'The railing, that boltport, that rope and then their railing... That should allow me for easy and quick way up and onto their ship.' Carathyle thought, before turning back to the first matter, in front of him. Light armour, cloak. Sword and dagger combination, get within the effective range of the dagger, too upclose for his sword, while swinging my own from the side to cut his body in half. Should work just fine!' Carathyle's judgment could be off, but it could be accurate at the same time, and nothing gained while nothing risked.

Carathyle will attack the Marine in front head on, ignoring the one at his back for the time being. If he manages to cut through or around the marine and is able to break away from combat via either death of his opponent or by outmaneuvering him, Carathyle will place his shield onto his back, sheath his sword and use his acrobatic training to scale the side of the ship in a hopefully quicker fashion.
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
Ws:5 S:4 T:3 D:4 I:3
Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
Age: 89
Skills: Ride, Acrobatics
*Increased Strength, holds the soul of his father
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