Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

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Minigrift
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

OOC: You're right, Syjahel. That was poorly said on my part. Apologies. Though... Kykysh wasn't 'provoking' anything that wasn't already there by intent, she was only testing his resolve to carry out his threats.


Things had quickly got our of control, the mages attempts at humour were poorly received and now Syjahel had, apparently, jumped the Kykysh-hate bandwagon. Suffice to say that was not her intention. And why was she explaining the merits of the 'I would hazard' to her as if she were a child? A simpleton (by the mages intellectual calibur) would have understood what the female warrior had meant - it appeared Carathyle was not the only one lacking a sense of humour. Two peas from the same pod, I expected Syjahel to be... different.

"What is it, exactly, do you think I am trying to do? If by me being nice you think I am trying to sew dissent, what would me actually living up to our ilks supposed reputation bring?" Kykysh shook her head, dismayed. "You condemn us all by the actions of what, two rogue mages? There are a hundred mages from my Circle alone, we are are not all... so foolish.

"It was not your command I have issue with, did I not say as much? You're a capable leader, I respect that. However, if Carathyle is going to have a tantrum every time I make a sarcastic quip this is going to a very tedious mission." As Syjahel stepped over to impose herself between the mage and Carathyle, Kykysh had one last thing to say. "We agree on many things, Syjahel, we are here to help each other succeed and there is no reason why it should be unpleasant, but I will not tolerate threats upon my person when I have done nothing to warrant such animosity. Empathy works both ways."

With a sad look in her eyes, Kykysh looked at Jacks sympathetically, even a touch apologetically, before stepping away to the exit of the compound. "I will wait outside. Inform me, please, when you are ready to leave."

The tall mage waited for the group just outside the exit to the compound, but still with earshot of further discussion between the group. Perhaps the mage had judged the situation wrongly, but a socialite she was not, she had done nothing wrong, had she? She had expected Syjahel to... empathise with her, Carathyle had exacerbated the situation with idle threats - Kykysh was only standing up for herself, as was her right - the brash warrior was the one in the wrong, but she had to pay the price. It just didn't seem fair. Though, Syjahel, too, had misjudged the situation, so there was some small modicum of comfort in that.


Kykysh will wait outside and take no further part in the discussion. She feels slighted and hurt, but will obviously not let 'them' know that.


OOC: I suppose an IC apology from Carathyle would be too much to ask... She's outside if anyone wishes to talk to her.
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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Cananatra
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

The argument raged back and forth between the mage, Carathyle and Syjahel. It was amusing to watch, with Carathyle utilising his distinctive lack of tact and Kykysh seemingly full of herself. As he glanced down to keep an eye on his prisoner he saw that she was likewise doing her best to follow the conversation, no doubt because she realised it would determine her fate. It wasn’t long before Syjahel had made quite clear what she wanted done and being of a rather indifferent mind at the time Cananatra went with it.

Without even getting her attention he drove his dagger into the chest of his prisoner, skewering her heart. It was quite a quick death. Pulling the dagger clear as the group began to drift apart to leave he jogged across the courtyard and made sure the elf he shot was dead before walking over to his horse. Leading it out of the fort he passed Kykysh and headed for where he thought the elf he threw over the wall would have landed.

kill prisoner, make sure of the one he shot, make sure of the one he tossed off the wall. Wouldn’t want any witnesses.
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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Carathyle maveric
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

Carathyle's hand had slowly reached out and wrapped around his sword's hilts as Kykysh kept being her usual annoying self. It was his luck that, even though he would have wished for her to see, the robes that he wore covered up most of his arm movement, those damned high elves couldn't know the difference between a robe and armour it seems. The words that she spoke simply annoyed him from end to end. 'You Should be in charge? You should be locked in that blasted tower of your damned Circle for all I care. I won't take orders from you even if it were a life or death situation. I don't care about Malekith and his darned ideals either, he can shove that pine full of hatred up his scorched bottom and have his mother shove it in a little deeper if that would make him happy. I'm doing this to preserve what little of nobility is left, and I do this to ensure Syjahel isn't slaughtered.' He thought, a subtle smirk displayed on his face, he remained seated on his horse, his sword slowly emerging from the scabbard underneath the robes with every word the witch spoke.

Still, it was to her luck that Syjahel intervened. Stepping forth to take command of the growing situation, the noble lady seemed to emphasize that she was in command. It seemed obvious to most that Kykysh wasn't just working on Carathyle's nerves with her supposed knowledge of everything. Syjahel explained in rather rough lines what had happened surrounding her previous, and current group of mercenaries, the first were stories that Carathyle had already heard about, the second part, he was involved in. Still, the final phrase that Syjahel spoke made him smile for at least three quarters of the way, making him whispered a few words to himself, "You forgot inability to co-exist."

After her words, Syjahel motioned to Carathyle to step away a little, making him turn the horse in the general direction and move forward a little, releasing the sword which slit back into the -quite unique- scabbard. The words she spoke were both soothing and at the same time... it made him growl in anger, the fact that they were tasked with protecting such an abomination, surely some other fool would have already struck at her. Bowing his head a little toward his lady, Carathyle spoke, "As you wish. Just don't mind me if she oversteps the boundary and get a broken bone as a result."

Carathyle was unwilling in the first place, the fact that he was here was only the result of Syjahel participating, otherwise he'd have stayed in Naggaroth in preparation of the invasion. The Witch's first impression was bad solely by her being a sorceress, her second impression was worse; she acted all high and mighty and the captain of that blasted reaver made it worse, her intervention in his battle made his respect for her drop to zero, and her overestimating her own abilities made it drop below. Where he was earlier in the mission just disapproving of her, he was now fearing that he was forced to stay his hand toward the mage, a task even harder for him than when he had the option of prioritizing Naylia over the Sorceress that disgraced him multiple times. Still, he took the mission and now that there was no way back, he was determined to see it through.

He could still start to like her, though she would have to prove herself to be worthy of this. Cananatra and himself had a small fist fight that ended up into a draw, and ever since then they didn't have much to disagree upon, after all, they knew what the other had to offer.

Turning his horse around toward the gate, Carathyle rode it to just outside and onto the road, his eyes peering left and right to see whether or not someone was coming. Outside the gate, Kykysh stood as well, which Carathyle turned his head to, "Witch. You have been warned. Don't overestimate yourself and you'll have it easier within the group. As for myself, I guess I should go easier on you. Don't get your hopes up, you have a long way before you might erase the damage done. Until then, don't be a burden to her, she has your life in the balance, she decides whether or not you're hindering us as a whole."

Carathyle will remain outside the fort waiting, his eyes checking the surroundings for any patrols or possible reinforcements. In case THAT would happen, he'll warn the others, while either playing along with the ruse(he's quite similar to an Asur in appearance, so that shouldn't be all too difficult) or attacking them by means of the art of horse-back archery(if that is possible for him, otherwise he'll simply dismount and start shooting.)

OOC: DRAINIAL! Perk idea! Horse-back Archery!
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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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Syjahel
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

Syjahel went to attend to the matter of the 'spare' prisoner (i.e. not the one with Jacks), only to find that she had been dealt with by Cananatra. Nodding at the efficiency of that, she had nothing more than an outward shrug for the corpse, and an inward slight regret at the waste of Elven blood that the Sundering was forcing on those who would otherwise make perfectly decent Druchii warriors. With the addition of more discipline, naturally. She went to get her horse ready, noting with approval that the wiry beast was already enjoying some of the lush green grass. After a sea voyage like that, Syjahel herself would loved to have relaxed and let her hair down, starting with a long bath and a good massage and then, perhaps, some wine with some agreeable company, or a play. Or both; it had been a long voyage indeed in close quarters. The songs of the sea-ravens, though some could be traced back to old, lost Nagarythe, were not the same as an evening of refined culture.

Running her hands over the beast's thinning flanks - hopefully soon to fill out a little - she reflected briefly on the events just gone. Perhaps the flighty eccentricities of mages were to be expected, but it was making her job harder. The highborn noble had no wizardry in her immediate family. Though her youngest brother, Seladakh - the seventh of her father's sons - was attuned to the Winds of Magic by birth, in keeping with the edicts of the Witch King he had taken no sorcerous training. Old Lucky Seven, she recalled with a grin, was a little short on attention span around noble ladies but he could hardly be called eccentric. Well, not fairly, at least. With a last check to the saddle she vaulted up and let the beast take a gentle wander over to Kykysh.

She was about to lean down, but she didn't really need to.

"I have spoken to my retainer, and reminded him of the need for success in our mission. To this end I have instructed that he stay his hand and you may rest easy at night." She paused. If there was one thing that Carathyle was, it was direct, and he had a strong sense of honour that the highborn lady appreciated. "Though I may assure you, that any confrontation would have been direct. We have no assassins here. What Master Maveric disagrees with, he makes plain."

Taking out the map she offered it to Kykysh, pointing out the closest watchstone with her gloved hand.

"I cannot read the subtle signs of the landscape as you can. To my eye, for the speed of the mission we should choose the closest stone. What say you? If that is our best target then we are ready to leave as soon as you have conjured your steed." Hazy on the limitations of magic, and raised on wondrous tales, Syjahel fully expected Kykysh to make herself a sorcerous mount.

While she waited for Kykysh to study the map, or else do ... whatever mages did for these matters, she reflected on what she had said before. There was something disconsolate about the tall mage's words to her when they had last spoken. Syjahel paused for a moment. Like a bolt into a repeater magazine, something clicked into place. There had been a deal of looking Master Jacks' way, no little of it with what could only be described as puppydog eyes, from the shaven-headed Sorceress. It wouldn't do for this to be a source of unnecessary friction to the group. Syjahel paused, taking a moment to lean down and speak more quietly for her ears alone.

"It's true, so far as I can reckon it, that the Shade may have had some slight ... crush ... on me, but I have no interest in standing in your way if you want him for your own." She wasn't dismissing Jacks' feelings, whatever they might be (or indeed if they still existed), but she knew how quickly rivalries could develop between nobles over those they considered handsome. Another legacy of her dear brother Seladakh. "I wish you all success in your pursuit."She paused. The Shade had been a thorn in her side sometimes with his sense of humour, but still she felt for his delicate sensibilities. "But ... he is a tender-hearted soul ... be soft in your approach, won't you?"


Consult map, ready horse, once everyone is good to go we move out. In the direction of the nearest watchstone unless Kykysh says the other is better. Oh and tell Kykysh if she wants Jacks, she won't stand in her way.

Of course Syjahel doesn't exactly know how Jacks feels anyway, but she thinks all lingering those looks his way mean something :P
RIP Group 28
~ We Never Slept ~
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Minigrift
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

Kykysh was beginning to regret coming on this mission. Her Matron had said the Guard had asked for the best and that the slender mage was well on her way to becoming an Arch Mage, one day in the far future that would be a reality. Back at the Circle, back home, she was well respected, feared and liked in equal measures. Her superiors liked her for her skill and ability, she was equal to any task set to her. The few friends she had respected her, she stood up for them when they were being bullied and would help them with their studies whenever she was able. And feared by her enemies, in the Tower she had more than a few, she had taken on two such mages from her own Tier simultaneously and soundly beaten them both - true, she had never truly recovered from the experience, but no one dared mess with her again.

But none of that was worth a damned thing out here in the real world. It felt like she had to start the near impossible climb just to be accepted all over again. She had been threatened with physical violence, not to respond would have been an admission of weakness, something which Syjahel should have understood, but the warrior-woman had, instead, automatically assumed the worst, that Kykysh was up to something sinister. She had to fend for herself, had to show them that she was strong, capable, it was the only way she would earn their respect, their trust and, perhaps, loyalty. That was no easy task when they were already predisposed to hating her simply for what she is, not for who she is.

The bald mage stood, staring off into the gentle horizon where the sea and sky met like lovers entwined, perfectly balanced, completely forgiving of each other. Only the occasional fluffy cloud danced it's way across the beautiful sight. Kykysh was startled from her reverie by the clap-trap of hooves approaching where she stood, surmising quickly that it was Carathyle, she braced herself for the worst. Given his previous angry outburst, she was somewhat surprised at how civil he was now - Syjahel's influence, no doubt.

"I consider myself duly warned, warrior. Hatred is a useful weapon, but you are wielding it at the wrong person - reserve it for the enemy. I have yet to prove myself to you, that is understandable, all I ask is that you give me that chance." She looked away momentarily, before catching his eye again, but the warrior had already moved on and there was no way she would call after him.

Situation, improved, slightly. Still, potential to work towards approval, little room for error, must be careful. Expectations, too high, maybe. It's possible. Possibility also exists that I acted inappropriately. Did I? Don't think so... Must ponder on this further. Syjahel gave me too much, must narrow information into key points. Good idea. Next time, keep mouth firmly shut, but cannot show weakness... Too many variables, difficult to predict behaviour of those possessed of lesser intellect...

Her inner monologue was interrupted, by Syjahel this time. Oh, good, apology... No, business as usual, of course. Now that Carathyle isn't threatening me she is treating me normally. She should have... understood my plight. Expectations, too high, indeed. Kykysh had, in fact, not admonished the warriors leadership, had said she was happy for the Noble-born lady to lead, the Sorceress had only reminded her that they were here as her bodyguard and escort. There was no reason for Syjahel to be angry, unless she was upset about the sorceress challenging her companions immature behaviour. There's was probably much more to it than Kykysh could predict.

"That much is obvious," she murmured, about Carathyle making his 'disagreements' plain, before taking the map carefully from the other female's grip. Ultimately, the mage was just glad they had something to talk of other than the spectacle that had just happened in the courtyard. Not wishing to cause further offence, or say anything to aggravate the already tense situation, Kykysh simply nodded her appreciation.

"Conjure my steed?" The sorceress giggled a little girlishly, but quickly put a hand to her lips to stop herself, aware that Syjahel may not take kindly to being laughed at. "Sorry. That is not my area of expertise, though, mayhap one of the clouds will consent to carrying me into battle?" The mage looked at the map intently for a few moments. "The decision is up to you, you are in charge of this mission. But might it be better to visit the farthest waystone first? If they are guarded and we inadvertently raise an alarm, it would be easier to retreat to shore than head inland into further danger. We can visit the nearest one on our return journey, if you wish it."

Satisfied with her answer, and glad that Syjahel was at least willing to speak to her, Kykysh handed the map back. But Syjahel wasn't finished yet. The spindly mages' eyes narrowed. She saw that? So much for subtlety! "I owe Jacks an apology, I couldn't give it to him in words - not with the rest of you standing around while I made a show of myself - so I had to portray it with a look. I used Carathyles trust in the shades' skill as leverage to sway you over to my way of thinking. The gambit failed."

Kykysh again looked around, just to make sure no one but Syjahel had heard that admission. But she was not yet ready to tell the warrior about her fascination with Jacks, she wasn't even sure of it herself, yet. "Would someone be so kind as to offer me a ride? I appear not to have a horse to ride on."


Ready to go if someone will offer her a ride.


OOC: Drainial, do you think Kykysh could summon a cloud to ride on? Would be awesome if she could :D
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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Cananatra
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

"You can always ride on the pack horse. No doubt less comfortable than a saddle but better than walking." Turning to Syjahel he continued. "So, which stone is it to be?"

OOC: I just remembered we got a packhorse in the previous chapter.
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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Syjahel
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

The noblewoman nodded, saying no more on the matter. Blissfully unaware of Kykysh's increasingly wild speculations, Syjahel breezed on past her 'explanation' of her wide-eyed attention to Jacks, which she didn't believe for a second and to the more socially adept highborn was all the confirmation she needed. Well, hopefully it might unwind the lithe Shade a little; she didn't know what Autarii really did for R&R, but she considered that some things must surely be universal.

"We'll take the nearest stone," she confirmed to Cananatra. "Kyran said one watchstone so one will suffice," she offered to both the group in general and the mage specifically by way of explanation. "If we have a choice of two and there is no difference, we'll take the closest. No doubt we shall have our work cut out to return to our own once even that is done."

Taking her share of the packhorse's burden so that Kykysh could ride, she waited for the warband to be ready and then set off, instructing Jacks to scout ahead and make sure the road was clear. Their appearance might pass muster at a distance, but by accent alone there was no way they could all pass as Asur for long, except ...

A sudden thought occurred to her. Bringing her horse alongside Carathyle's, Syjahel spoke to her retainer.

"Master Maveric, you know your history. I recall ..." with some effort, she concentrated on her memories of her tutors and the history she'd had drummed into her since she could read and write. "I recall that the Asur have some far-flung colonies. We may be well-spoken highborn, but we simply do not sound ... local. Perhaps - should we need to speak with any more of the enemy, which naturally I would prefer to avoid - we might pretend to come from one such. Would that assist us, do you think? I doubt many of the rank and file with have much contact with the most distant, at any rate."



Head for the nearest stone, off road where necessary otherwise using the roads for speed. Keeping vigilant as always. Credit for the plan with the foreign accent goes to Lethalis a long time ago :)
RIP Group 28
~ We Never Slept ~
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Carathyle maveric
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

Carathyle listened to the idea of Syjahel, his ear carefully selecting the words that were key in this proposal, while his brain ravaged through the piles of unorganized memories and lessons about and from Ferion, his Asur mentor. Glancing around at objects to speed the process up, Carathyle was conflicted. He did recall being taught quite a bit about the colonies, most of them being in either human, or Dwarven territory, but he did hear rumours of an Asur colony on Naggaroth, but this was a speculation that had never been verified. "Well, I recall Ferion teaching me some of the locations back in the day, but even he was unsure how far the Asur had colonies. Most known are the Dwarven and the Human colonies, and I do not believe we sound either one of them. Guess we'll notice when we try it, let me do the talking in that case, I'd rather have you not immediately stabbed if it goes wrong." Carathyle replied in all honesty, he was uncertain about it so he would recommend that Syjahel stayed back the first time and have himself in possible harm's way, he's semi-expendable without it affecting the entire group immediately.
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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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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Meteor »

The argument raged back and forth, his captain was scary enough when worked up, their mage had shown she was just as innocently frightening in the contest of sweet venom when needed as Carathyle expressed his distaste for mages. Jacks held his tongue from any attempts to jest and simply bowed silently in appreciation for Syjahel's respect of his weird quirk.

"Ma'am" Jacks replied respectfully and carefully before dragging his captive to 'The Cock', somewhat regrettably. Is it more merciful to slay her? Or to grant her life as a captive? He had no time to debate such things, the group was getting restless, and he dared not embroil himself in the mess. "Name? Jacks asked her curtly hoping she understood his butchered attempt at Ulthuan. If he can't remember her by face by the time he returns, at least he'd have a name to go by.

"Keep this captive in good shape, I wouldn't entice my captain's wrath and rage if I were you." hinting in the direction of the group before running back to join them.

As the matter settled to a degree, Jacks offered up his horse for the mage to ride on. "Someone needs to keep the animal safe while I'm scouting."

Deliver the captive slave to the ship for safekeeping, offer Kykysh his mount and move on as per instructed.
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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Drainial
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

Prisoners it seemed complicated matters, as paramilitaries on foreign soil they certainly had no time for fripperies or toys and though Carathyle argued the merits of a little questioning enhanced or not things swiftly moved from discussion to argument through to death threats. It took an unusual display of dominance from the dear captain to settle things down but still the tension was palpable.

Barely interested enough to pay attention Cananatra casually slaughtered his captive as a farmer would a sheep even before Syjahel could do the job herself. As she slid her sword back into its sheathe he was already gone, back up the ladder in search of the elf he had shot. Reaching the sentry Cananatra found him alive, barely. His breathing was ragged and blood flecked his lips, killing him was almost too merciful but ever practical Cana broke his neck with a twist and a heave. There was no point in taking chances after all. This task done the hulking warrior made his way back down to the courtyard where the rest were filing through the gate. Jacks had said very little during the raid and nothing at all during the discussion that followed but he knew sense when he heard it and he too had accepted Syjahel as his leader. Struggling to contain his prisoner much longer he hurried out first and hailed the corsairs a few feet away. Hearing his shout they stopped allowing Jacks to hand the she elf over. Spitting and cursing she struggled all the harder and almost broke free as two of the sea dogs seized her by the arms and dragged her down towards the ship. Though Gideon assured Jacks that she would be his should he ever come to claim her everyone knew that she had been granted no mercy this day. Such was the way with honour at times, great pain could come of good intentions.

By the time Cananatra had reached the others they were all mounted; Kykish perched a little precariously atop the heavy footed pack horse. The noble sorceress looked non to pleased either about her transport or the recent altercation but they were at least finally under way. Syjahel had set the course, they would head for the nearest way stone judging by the centuries old map. The way stone would certainly still be there, what might have changed in-between was more the issue. Still at least it would be a nice surprise.

They had landed on the beach barely an hour after first light; taking the fort had taken less than twenty minutes though the argument had stretched on for what felt like almost as long again. Needless to say they still had plenty of daylight to go and since being discovered next to a watch tower full of butchered guards probably wasn't the best idea they set off. Keeping to the road was as good an idea as any since the compacted dirt path would surely soon lead them to a proper high way and that according to the map would put them in the right direction. This they did riding in a frosty silence. The sun was beginning to heat up the land, hotter already in early morning than most of Naggaroth's mid summer days. After some time the dirt path came to an end and they came to a proper road. Much like those roadways of Naggaroth this highway was slightly raised, on top of a base of gravel they knew the large flagstones lay, white and grey and worn smooth by centuries of travellers. This particular stretch was not in the best of repair with some flagstones cracked and others missing entirely but it was still perfectly usable for a party as small as theirs. Wide enough for a heavy cart to move in plenty of space but not large enough for two it was not a mainstay of the road network but it would do.

Riding along some small conversation returned to the mercenaries, mostly about idle things. No one wanted to revisit the issues that had so recently almost turned to blood shed nor was there much to say about the scenery. The sky remained blue and apart from the odd rocky outcrop the land around them remained green scrubland with a great many hedges and bushes. There were trees in the distance though, further inland the way they were heading. Cothique was a largely forest covered province away from the coast and given another days ride they would be amongst those trees by the look of it.

One of Cananatra's more entertaining though now oft repeated sailor stories was cut short around mid day by the sight of fellow travellers on the road. It was a caravan, albeit a small one. Two wagons in convoy with a smattering of others walking or riding alongside. As the two parties drew closer as inevitably the had to do since the caravan was coming in the opposite direction the mercenaries began to pick out more details. Both wagons were standard enough canvas covered things pulled by oxen, sturdy and well made but possessed neither of style nor speed. Each had an elf driving it with whip and rein not that either were seeing much use as the bovines plodded steadily on. Twelve elves walked alongside mostly with simple walking staffs. Most were dressed in the robes of traders, well made cloth clearly a cut above peasant stock but a way off wealthy. Four had a look more similar to that of the Druchii in their disguise. Armour crafted of leather and steel with an assortment of weapons and loose robes over the top they were clearly guards of some sort and carried themselves with confidence and authority, how well deserved such confidence was remained to be seen. Alongside the walkers were two riders, one was a tall male dressed in a gleaming coat of scale mail, obviously expensive and excellently crafted. A plain white surcoat obscured most of his form but could not disguise the hilt of a large sword jutting over his shoulder. The second rider looked rather less noble, a weasely looking female wearing ornate robes which though seemingly tailored gave the impression of being too large for her.

It was the female who, as the two parties neared one another, hailed the Druchii with a friendly wave and a puzzled look
“Well met friends,” she said “you travel to the Tor? I knew these roads well and never before have a met a patrol moving up this way. What news from the coast has brought you in such a rush?”

We have left the watch tower. The prisoners have been disposed of one way or another. It is now several hours later and you are confronted by a trade caravan. There are 2 wagons each with a driver. Four armed guards in light to medium armour with a variety of weapons, two swords, an axe and a spear. 8 unarmed (save for belt knives) civilians. One armoured rider. One unarmed rider. You are about fifteen feet away from the front of the caravan.
Moding a group of Druchii.net players is much like directing the musical 'Cats' using actual cats. Frustrating, difficult, chaotic but ultimatley satisfying and a great deal of fun.

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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

Cananatra had mentioned that she could ride on the pack horse, but the true connotations of that never really dawned on the Sorceress until the group was getting ready to leave. In the meantime, Jacks, perhaps oblvious to her intentions towards him, offered her his horse when he was busy scouting. Kykysh was thankful that one of the group at least had some vague sense of good manners. Not trusting herself to speak, else she sound far to happy about it, she nodded her thanks to the gentle Shade.

For now, she would have to ride this half-formed stump of a creature. Having walked up to the pack-horse, the mage waved a finger at it in an appropriate imitation of authority. "Behave yourself on this journey, er, beast. No farting or shitting while I am perched atop your back, thank you very much!" Her expression turned fowl; no way was she going to let that rough and sweaty flesh touch her delicately pale skin. Opening her satchel, she pulled out a large towel and threw it across the horses back. Then, for once in her life thankful that she was so abnormally tall, she climbed onto it's back with only a little difficulty and settled onto her haunches.

The group was ready to leave. Kykysh thrust her staff in the direction they were travelling, she commanded to creature to move. "Tally forth, my steed!" She cried, not too loudly since they were in enemy territory. Alas, the horse did not move. Stupid creature! You're as bad as Carathyle! Only after much cajoling and nudging with her legs and knees did the creature, grudgingly, follow the rest of the group. Hmph. Better.

Kykysh spent the journey with only her thoughts for company. The sun was bright and warm, and she was glad that she wasn't encased in armour like the brutes she traveled with, who must have been sweating bullets in the sunny afternoon warmth. Her Asurii robe was actually very comfortable and the slight breeze rippled her skin in surprisingly tantalizing ways.

Eventually the group traversed upon a group of travelling merchants. The sorceress didn't trust her group to blag their way through this encounter, more likely the group would simply kill them all, loot the caravan and continue on their merry way. Kykysh didn't exactly agree with that notion but wasn't really in a position to argue about it. Despite the fact, back at the watchtower courtyard, she had told Syjahel that she was happy for the warrior-woman to lead, the woman still insisted on asserting her authority. Idly, the sorceress wondered if Syjahel would surprise her, though she wasn't hopeful of that.

The mage, lagging behind the rest of her entourage, sat back on the pack horse as it slowed to a stop, basking in the heat, and eyed the High Elf travelers with a friendly, welcoming smile. Now then, troops, lets see how you handle this one. I'll just sit here and enjoy the inevitable slaughter.

Kykysh is just going to sit back and let the rest of the group handle the situation in any way they see fit.
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 »

Having taken the time to remove the blood from her ensemble - only a fool would expect to wander the peaceful lands of the Asur covered in the sacrament of Khaine - Syjahel took in the scenery with a little wonder. Everything was so ... pleasant. There was none of the soaring grandeur of the Naggaroth peaks and scoured glacial valleys, no deep dark pine woods, though there were swathes of forest in the hills. The scale seemed smaller somehow. It was almost ... cosy. After a while, still scanning the terrain for further outposts, she took to listening to Cananatra's travellers' tales, blissfully unaware of Kykysh's continued negative ruminations on her appointed escort, though she did wonder, as the tall mage approached her horse, why she hadn't taken any opportunity to get herself a mount before they left the Land of Chill if she couldn't make one of magic.

The trail wound on, and the countryside was all rather ... nice. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and there were little yellow and white flowers blossoming all along the trail like a scatter of stars. All in all, it was starting to stoke the noblewoman's sense of paranoia. As one of more cynical friends used to tell her, If it seems too good to be true, it's a lie. Syjahel looked upon the lovely scenery with distrust.

Sure enough they were not the only ones abroad on the sunny afternoon, and there was a - patrol? group of pilgrims? hmm ... no, probably just travellers. The warrior-woman relaxed a little, because although there was an armed escort and a possible mage (to the paranoid Druchii, all unarmoured Elves in robes might be mages), the vast majority were clearly just citizens. And all she had to do was stay in role. There was the accent, of course, but she and Carathyle had been amusing themselves trying to manage the strange accent of the locals (did it seem a little more nasal, a tad more pinched in the back of the throat? or was it softer, as if the speaker had trouble with anything other than soft foods? hard to say), and though she hadn't mastered that yet she was aware that one had to scale back on the clipped consonants and just try to keep everything a little less ... precise. Less battlefield or parade drill, more court soiree. And ease up on the military metaphors.

First, she directed her little group off the road to stand to one side to let the wagons pass. This seemed a good polite beginning. While they did this (she hoped), she smiled in return to the woman who addressed her, nodding politely to her armed escort, the one with the sword on his back. Syjahel had a theory about what he might be, so they would need to go carefully, but then as she had already determined, all they had to do was stay in role. It was lucky that if they were indeed meeting a mage and her escort, at least their group matched the general idea for such things. These Elves were not really expecting trouble.

Syjahel had been a curious child. She remembered being taken by one of her tutors into the herb gardens on her family's summer estates. In the brief span of a Naggaroth summer, the garden had been frenetic with bees, each buzzing from flower to flower as if the frosts might return at any moment. She remembered two lessons - among those on the uses of the herbs for poisons, poultices and such; one, how the Shades were said to find wild honey (catch a bee, tie a feather to its leg, follow it home), and two, that there was a species of wasp that looked almost exactly like a bee. If challenged at the entrance of the hive, the soldier-bees would fight it to the death. But if it got inside, none of bees would challenge it, and it was free to eat all the honey it wanted. With the smell of the hive on it, it was treated like one of their own.

The lady of House Vasht knew that away from the coast, they 'wouldn't' be Druchii, so she kept her tone even and friendly,

"Well met, yet this day is ill-starred I fear. We intended to head for Tor Elessa, by way of the forest shrines. Our lady here wished to spend some time in meditation on the land." There had to be some kind of rustic backwoods temples there, she reasoned, what with their cousins' worship of the softer, less military gods. She allowed her face to cloud a little, to reflect the seriousness of her news, and paused briefly.

"There is grave news. As we passed the watch-tower down the way we found it to be empty and its beacon destroyed. There was nothing we could do - we were too late." She let her left hand curl into a frustrated fist briefly, to underscore her depth of feeling. "We caught a glimpse of black ships sailing away. We thought it best to make haste to pass on the word to whomever we might find. We will have to make a detour to Tor Quylann - they must be warned."

Reigning in her horse, she got ready to nudge it to go on past the caravan, giving them suitable space.

"Forgive us for not staying to talk but as you can see we must not linger. Asuryan guide you and keep you."

With a respectful bow of her head to the possible mage and her assumed bodyguard, she made ready to ride off.



So it turns out the reason we are heading for the woods is to allow our mage to commune with nature. Our eventual destination is somewhere far enough from here that it should take a while before we're missed there for not turning up. And we must make haste to warn the next town about the Druchii raiders. Syjahel thinks it seems plausible and is working on the premise that once inside the hive, no-one expects wasps.

If there are questions she will answer them with haste, because time's a-wasting, but she will be polite and give some information because after all, we are Asur, don't you know. And hope to get moving on down the road.
RIP Group 28
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

This would be a true test, could they truly pass as Asur to any other than dullard boarder guards shunted to a half forgotten out post or were they going to have to hack their way through half the hordes of Ulthuan? The next moments would tell. Taking up the ancient tongue of Eltharian in its pure form Syjahel had to hope, first that they understood her and second that her use of the old tongue would not be overly suspicious. Dispensing with any kind of personal back story she jumped right to their supposed purpose, a fictional pilgrimage to backwoods shrines. It would perhaps explain why their 'lady' was riding a pack horse rather than a destrier, piety did strange things to people.

“Grave news indeed,” the robed elf replied in faltering Eltharian, being but a merchant she was not so well educated as the Naggarothi nobles but she did at least take their meaning. Suspicion in her eyes the weasely faced she elf never the less did not seem to be raising the alarm just yet.
“Why would a raiding party hit a fortress but no villages?” She mused, half to her self it would seem, the Druchii declined to offer and answer, the less said the better. Behind Syjahel the others did their best, for once, not to look menacing. Their sheep's clothing was holding up so far but it was difficult not to let the wolf out presented by their hated kin. Carathyle indeed found it impossible to keep his hand from the hilt of his sword though the extra folds of his borrowed robes helped to hide it.

“We will be sure to report to the Patriarch of Tor Quylann...” the conversation pettered out, the suspicions of the elf not satisfied but she was not pushing the point and the mercenaries had no desire to do so either. With the odd awkward nod the merchant convoy started moving yet again and seeing that they seemed to be being let off the Druchii also kicked their horses into a walk. Throughout it all the tall mounted male had said nothing, his expression unreadable while the rest of the caravan looked either uninterested or frightened as news of raiders along the coast came to light. Few seemed to speak Eltharian however so baring a few looks their parting was without incident.

Now on the road heading inland towards Seithile the landscape began to become less flat and wide and more hilly and forested, vision was impaired. These roads would be a perfect place to ambush a party such as theirs, assuming anyone was looking to ambush them. It was almost two hours later when Jacks turned in the saddle
“I think we are being followed,” it was a feeling, indefinable because the simple fact was he couldn't see anyone. The terrain was dotted with trees but here at least it was thinly spread, he ought to have been able to see anyone following them and yet... nothing, just a feeling.

The bluff worked very well (sixes all round). You have travelled almost two hours up the road into a land of rolling hills and trees, rather less thick than you are used too though. Jacks thinks there is something behind you but doesn't know what or where just that it is quite close. The weather is still fair but the wind is picking up a little. - 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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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

“I think we are being followed,” Jacks said, waking Kykysh from yet another daydream. Who would dare? It was, perhaps, two hours since they had met with with Asur caravan, which Syjahel had dealt with in a satisfactory manner, without bloodshed which was mildly disappointing - though, the mage was more surprised at the apparent gullibility of the High Elves thus far. The situation was tense, with some of the Asur clearly more suspicious than others, but no one dared impede them, or question them. Why? The tall, mounted male, throughout the exchange, simply watched, his face expressionless, had he sensed something was amiss? Had he send someone to follow them? Was he more than just... Don't go off on another crazy tangent, Kykysh, find out! Make yourself useful! I have been useful! Not to them you haven't! Ah, of course.

Kykysh closed her eyes, blindfolding herself to better attune her magical senses, trusting that her steed would steer her in the right direction, which it had done decent job of so far even with it's charge not exactly being at home for most of the journey. It was following the crowd like a good little beastie. Whoever, or whatever, if indeed there was someone following them at all, was behind them somewhere, Jacks had turned in the saddle and in that direction would be a good place to start. She had already been useful to herself mapping the ebb and flow of magical aura's in the surrounding area and if what, or who, was following them had anything magical about it then that would surely be the first thing she would notice.

The sorceress was searching for disturbances in the atmosphere. People were comprised of mostly water, about eighty to ninety percent, and people had a certain body temperature, usually in the region of thirty-seven degrees. Compared to Naggaroth, it was hot here on Ulthuan, but thirty-seven degrees? Unlikely. Even Kykysh, the least dressed of the group, would wither under such heat! She cast her mind out like a web flowing in ever increasing circles, searching for a concentration of heat and moisture that would signify a person or two, perhaps even a mounted person.

Weather mages were, perhaps, the most suited to uncovering nuances in the atmosphere, since that's all weather was when you really got down to the basics; a change or a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Happy to finally have something worthwhile to be doing for the group, however insubstantial, Kykysh was determined to make it a success. If at first she did not succeed she would try and try again.

With the power of her mind, Kykysh will attune herself to the atmosphere and search for anything that might tell her they are being followed. She will keep searching until she finds something.

If she doesn't sense anything she will remain quiet. If she can sense who and/or what is following them she will tell Jacks what she has discovered.
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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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

Cananatra's eyes flicked to the shades as he made his announcement. He had no clue himself if they were or were not though he was constantly tense since landing on the shores of his ancestral home and he felt his own wariness flare. "If we wait until the road passes behind one of these hills we can ready an ambush without who or what is following us noticing." He paused for a moment in thought. "Or head cross country to throw them from our trail. It is possible they are other pathetic travelers."
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Meteor »

Jacks raised an eyebrow at the warrior's pride, whilst Jacks himself had not much remorse for these murderers, if they were indeed being followed, it can't possibly be by travellers, let alone pathetic ones, since that'd make him worse than pathetic and inferior to these Asur dogs. Jacks inhaled a sharp short breath, "Shadow Warriors?, he hated them, they were the thorn on the side of their academy when he was sent out to do jobs, always interfering and always a desperate battle to stay ahead and alive. Jacks prayed to the Dark Mother it wasn't so and he was mistaken here.

"Careful Cananatra, not everything is so straight forward, we may had faced incompetent fools and a group of clueless strays, but if we are being followed, I wouldn't underestimate their skills if they can evade my notice for so long."

Could they had sent someone to follow us? The exchange made at the road went by far too well, or did word about the watchtower reached responsive ears already? Jacks disliked feeling paranoid, nothing was ever as it seemed, he learned to not expect anything ever, especially with this group of rebels, he wished Leifon would just randomly appear in front of him screaming of his blood. Saved Jacks the need to pursue her so far and wide across the Old World in search for his prey.

"Captain, perhaps it's best we rested near the shade of the forest and let me scout ahead first. If we are indeed being followed, we're in a lot of trouble if we're ambushed in an environment like that where we can't see our attackers and on unfamiliar grounds. Besides, it's best to avoid anymore travellers, we can't keep bluffing our way through everyone." Jacks added as an after-thought after a moment of thinking of what to do about the situation.

Jacks eyed the group, and in particular Kykyish as she seemed to be either asleep or in a trance. Jacks simply shook his head Mages, as hard to understand as women, like our good Captain. Jacks let out a smirk at the thought. Good thing his Captain can't mind-read.

Suggest himself to scout ahead of the forest and look for possible trackers, Jacks is suspecting Shadow Warriors and will be focusing methods to locate such elves when scouting. Use the Eye to help him locate the trackers if any.
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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Carathyle maveric
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

Hearing Syjahel talk to the Asur travelers in high Eltharian, Carathyle could only presume the worst to happen. He doubted if any would understand, but to his surprise, the merchant seemed to be able to make up the words. 'Not as stupid as I would have guessed... for a merchant.' His thoughts went, he was more concerned with the silent man on the horse. The emblems on him were familiar, probably something Ferion had once showed him, and his two-hander on the back gave him great concerns. He knew what a swordmaster of Hoeth could do, he was trained by one after all, and over half of his current technique and style was founded from that principle. Still, Cananatra would have been the best choice for the guards, he would preoccupy the Swordmaster if he truly was from there. 'Hoeth. The birthground of Maveric nobility.' From generation in the ancient times all the way down to him, the ways of the swordmasters were passed down. His father did not care to train in the ways, so Carathyle had to rely on the old Ferion to train him. All in all, the training wasn't bad. It was top-notch if anything, but the old man couldn't keep up with Carathyle's rapid adaptation of the techniques, and as he grew up and even forged his own sword from his father's collection of volcanic glass that he uses till this very date, the man could teach him so little over time.

Moving on, Carathyle kept his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, at least until they were sure to have passed the travelers. He waited even for Kykysh to move past before traveling along at the end of the group, slowly returning to his position at the side of Syjahel. It wasn't until Jacks suddenly spat out that they were followed that Carathyle suddenly became alert of his surroundings. The wind rushed around, his hands barely holding the reins of Sephirah, and all in all the warm Ulthuan sun on his face. The white drapes helped counter the warmth, he just hoped Malekith wouldn't be stupid to send the invasion forces in without white, the soldiers would have more trouble fighting the heat than their actual opponents.

Jacks' idea made sense, Cananatra's as well, though less. And then something dawned on Carathyle. So far, every time they were ambushed, Jacks called it right before it happened, ever since the Jabberwock's death in the petrified forest. The attack that let to Vaari's death was called, the appearance of the strange wannabe birds, everything. "Master shade, it came to my notice that you have called an enemy presence time and again, nigh spot on. I must say, your skills are remarkable, I have never estimated a woodlander to possess such abilities." It was rare that Carathyle would even speak to the shade, it only happened when they were planning something, but this time, it was a compliment that showed Carathyle appreciated his presence within the group, before turning back to Syjahel, "I would advise a rest at this point. We have no clue as to what is following us, and we still have quite a way to go. I'm aware that the witch has no saddle which is why we travel slower, but if we are to keep going like this, we're surely going to be exhausted before we arrive at our destination, especially in this heat. I have a couple of things to discuss in private as well concerning events that may happen, or have already happened. I want to make myself clear to you at the very least." The fact that he spoke Tar-Eltharian, even if not entirely fluent, Eltharian and Druck-Eltharian might influence the outcome of bluffs in the near future, and someone who speaks a native language comes over more trustworthy than not.

Give an additional reason why the rest would be needed. Perhaps add that Kykysh might be hurting since she's riding bareback and a packhorse isn't the smoothest ride possible.

OOC: I believe its time for Carathyle to compliment Jacks on his cunning abilities of spotting the enemies beyond sight. He has no idea as to Jacks being in possession of a magic item that allows him to detect life.
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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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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Meteor »

Hearing Carathyle's compliments was unexpected to the wandering Shade, Jacks had always thought the young brash noble to be impossible to tame let alone speak like a noble that he was when they first crossed paths. Yet here they were, both alive, with the young noble following orders, and even enlisting himself as a retainer to another noble. Jacks nodded his appreciation.

"One must do what's needed, it's a skill that was born out of necessity more than anything, still, your words are well received Master Maverick."

Cold and straight forward may had been the message conveyed in Jacks' words and tone, but in truth, Jacks was simply not use to being appreciated for his work, it had always felt like it was expected of him to perform his tasks.

Scouting ahead was the main reason Jacks had wished to dismount, but it was also a subtle excuse to have the mage ride a proper horse in place of an awkward packhorse with no saddle. She may be an outsider to them, but she was a woman and also a group member of theirs until this job was completed. Kykyish may be a bit weird, but chivalry calls for better treatment to the mage as far as Jacks was concerned, oblivious at this point to what feelings of interest the mage have for him.

"Our brash warrior speaks some sense at times!" Jacks chuckles, "And I trust you to keep my horse tended to while I'm off Kykyish, she won't bite or run off to mischief, normally"

Jacks checked his gear in preparation to confirm his suspicion as soon as the good captain gave the order, unless the group had something else in mind to what Carathyle and himself had offered.

Check gear, offer his horse for Kykyish
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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Syjahel
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

So, they were past the merchants, if that is what they were, by the grace of Khaine. A proud noble she might be, but Syjahel had no illusions about such luck holding. For herself, she wondered if the travellers were a mage and her bodyguard, along with a more or less unwitting crowd. Paranoia is, after all, one of the Druchii virtues.

Jacks cautioned that they were being followed. Despite the lack of places to hide in the terrain nearby, she didn't doubt the Shade for one second. She had spent too long in his company to ignore his superior wilderness skills. Skills that had apparently impressed even Carathyle; she heard him compliment him on his facility with tracking and scouting. True enough words. Oblivious to the perplexed nature of the Autarii in the face of women, despite himself being a champion of all females, she voiced her own thoughts.

"I am inclined to agree with Cananatra that we should take to the hills. But I would suggest it also for reasons of looking as we say we are - travellers seeking the rustic woodland shrines - and because we do not want to run into any more people if we can possibly help it. Also it would seem the quickest and most secretive way to get where we are going." She paused for a moment.

"If we are not being followed by anyone we can see - and if you have seen anyone with your keener appreciation of these things, Master Shade, then by all means say so - could it be that we are being followed by some kind of spirit or conjuration? These lands are supposed to be lousy with the things, after all, especially near the mountains." The martial lady hoped she was wrong. "I suppose it is a touch paranoid to assume that everyone we meet can use magic, but it is possible."

She turned to Carathyle.

"I would be interested to hear what you have to say. Let us find somewhere off the road and have that private talk, Master Maveric. And while we do so, let us take what chance we have to regroup and rethink our strategy if we need to." She could probably help the Mage with a saddle-blanket, at least, if she did not just end up with the Shade's own horse. No sense in discomfort affecting the mission.

Syjahel motioned for the group to keep going towards the woods and some kind of shelter, at the Shade's discretion. Warily, glancing about her, for the idea of an invisible follower was not a good one. Who was to say they had not already been overheard?


Head for woods or else suitable spot for talking and sorting ourselves out. Really don't want to have to do the talking to Asur thing again.
RIP Group 28
~ We Never Slept ~
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Meteor
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Meteor »

Shade-casters? That'd be more troublesome than Shadow Warriors Jacks frowned at the possibility when invisible spirits and such were mentioned by his good captain.

"I...will need a moment to find out Captain." Jacks shook the paranoia and troubling thoughts away.
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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Syjahel
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

"Of course," Syjahel nodded, trusting to the Shade's knowledge of terrain and reading the landscape for ambush points. "Take what time you need." She settled back into scanning the countryside, getting her handbow ready. Though she was not a great shot, and the range was not large, it was the only missile capability she had short of throwing things.
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Drainial
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

Jacks' announcement that something unseen was watching them caused quite a stir, understandably for a band of warriors in enemy territory particularly from what was perhaps the most paranoid race on the face of the earth. To Kykish it meant a chance to test her skills, tracking was not a skill often associated with wind casters but each magical discipline had their own methods and the path of Azyr was no different. As she began to contemplate what form her spell would take and just what might be required the towering mage kept half an ear on the conversation around her. Scouting ahead was mentioned along with the possibility of making camp or at least taking a brief rest in some secluded spot. Certainly they had been on the road for a while now and in the heat both they and their horses, bread to Naggaroth, were feeling the strain. True enough Ulthuan did not bake an elf like the deserts of Araby but for people used to snow in may the pleasant rays made for a sweat filled day particularly for the more heavily armoured amongst their number.

Jacks was all for a forward scout figuring that if they were being followed an ambush was all too possible. From long experience he knew that shadow warriors could be tricky that way, of course their homeland was in the blasted remnants of Nagrythe and not the rugged hills of Cothique but with such foes one could never be too careful, besides even if those ancient arch traitors were not present woods bread woodsmen, the shade clans were proof enough of that. Having decided to go Jacks dismounted and offered his horse to the mage, pleased though somewhat surprised she accepted since Jacks' sleek mare not only looked a superior animal but also had that greatest of travelling luxuries, a saddle.

The three warriors meanwhile fell into conversation over tactics, Cananatra wanted to try and set up an ambush of their own by heading off the road and seeking out a spot from which anyone following them would be forced to reveal themselves. Though moving off the road found favour with the rest of the group the idea of setting up a counter ambush did not, they simply did not know enough about who or what may be following them and if they could not see them on the open road they must either be forest folk or possessed of other skills. Carathyle had other reasons for desiring an aside with the good captain and it was agreed that a conversation would be had when the time was right.

Just when and where that might be would depend a great deal on Jacks. Having abandoned his horse for a two legged ambulatory style the shade felt more secure and more connected to the forest around him. Checking his equipment he waited only for Syjahel's nod before heading in. These woodlands were different from the forests of Naggaroth. The trees were no younger nor smaller but in place of the endless pines in their various species a wealth of deciduous trees dominated the arboreal landscape. Beaches for the most part but elms and oaks as well, not to mention a profusion of smaller shrubs and a bounty of flowers, there was not such a scarcity of light here it seemed not with the woods being so much more open and the sunlight so abundant. Once out of sight of the others Jacks took out the Eye; he had not yet revealed it's existence, a fact that no doubt went some way to gaining Carathyle's grudging approval. As his hand closed around the smooth gem Jacks' world shifted once more from green and brown to grey, silver and gold. Through the trees over his right shoulder he could make out his companions, Kykysh outshining them all but all glimmering brightly in his sunless world. For the rest it was mostly a sea of silver, the trees seemingly bathed in the stuff, their life force strong but steady like a shuttered lantern. The flowers out shone them, little silver bells glimmering in their masses on the floor. The flora was of secondary concern however to the fauna and of that there was relatively little to be seen. Some birds up above, newly hatched chicks in their nests he guessed from their stillness and the time of year, the odd bronze flicker on the ground as lesser creatures flitted by but of larger being he saw none. Well one could not all ways find what one sought right away even with magic on side, Jacks set out to do a more thorough scout.

Kykyish too was attempting a little magical assistance, she said nothing to the others, there was no sense in exiting them with the prospect of answers and then disappointing them, respect was hard enough to come by from this lot as it was. The understanding of atmospheric forces was key to the higher studies of Azyr magic and it was this that she intended to call upon. A low level divining of the sort more usually used in the upper reaches to predict weather patterns might just do the trick though it took a few moments thought to adjust the catechisms in her mind. Mounting Jacks' horse gave her this necessary thinking room and as the others talked her face took on a look of intense concentration. This sort of magic did not take huge amounts of power but it was delicate, fiddly work, the spell kept wanting to soar into the heavens like a falcon kept too long in the mews and it took steady concentration and a firm hand to keep the boisterous spell in hand.

At first it appeared it had not been worth the effort, save for the area directly around the group all seemed the same in the immediate vicinity but this kind of detection was a thing of tiny margins, after several long moments she noticed a small patch of air not fifty yards behind them on the road that was not quite right. The air there, like the air directly over head, was slightly disturbed, only a touch but it was something. More than that it was something that she couldn't see.

A couple of hundred yards into the woods Jacks was rather more concerned by what he could see, not shadow warriors not elves or any sort but something he had thought to have seen the last of in the petrified forest. It was a bear, or had been a bear, much smaller than a Naggaroth Ripper but it would still reach a good nine or ten feet upright the shade judged. It was half way there already, rearing up with its claws and muzzle aggressively held. It could be a statue, though why anyone would want to place such a statue in an unremarkable bit of forest by an unremarkable stretch of road was anyone's guess. Logic aside though there was another reason Jacks doubted the stone bear was artificial, gazing at it through the eye of the Jabberwock it glowed a deep bronze. This thing was alive, or perhaps it merely had been alive. Either way something very strange was happening in this lush seeming landscape, perhaps Ulthuan was not quite the island paradise they had been lead to believe, there was danger here and not such from Asur patrols. Having checked the immediate vicinity well enough to assure himself there were no elven patrols waiting in ambush Jacks had a decision to make, find the source of this oddity or return to warn the others that there was more here than met even his third eye.

Not a big post for our three musketeers, sorry about that. Jacks is about two hundred yards into the trees, he had headed off the road and into the woods ahead and to the left of the path and has also crossed over to the right side about a similar distance. He has found no sign of ambushers but has found a stone bear that appears to still be in some way alive. Kykysh has determined that there is a disturbance in the air about fifty yards directly behind the group on the road. This disturbance is in clear and open view but to the naked eye there is nothing to be seen. -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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Minigrift
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

After what seemed an interminably long time the mages careful scrying of the area picked up a slight disturbance only fifty or so yards behind the group. The warriors had huddled into conversational whispers, leaving Kykysh just a short distance from them, she didn't hear or care what was being said. She did not know how long the four others of the group had worked together, but each seemed to find their place amongst their peers amiable enough. Kykysh still felt like an outsider, a feeling which would take a long time to dissolve. Jacks was the groups advance warning system, it seemed, and had parted ways to investigate the source of his gut instinct. Which left the warriors alone, and none had the talents that Jacks evidently possessed. It appeared to be a talent the warriors relied upon, for none seemed particularly concerned by the potential threat of an unseen foe.

Nonchalantly, the mage looked around from atop the shades noble steed, in a manner which a sentry might so as not to raise supicion. First, she scanned the horizon to her left, woodland and forest for the most part. She slowly scanned from left to right, her eyes a dark shade of yellow from the glaring sun, sight passing over the spot of the invisible entity but giving no signs that she had spotted anything amiss. With her slow sweep of the area finished Kykysh returned her lazy-eyed attention back to the warriors and slowly began to reduce the magical tendrils of her web, eventually focusing a few together to advance over the spot of the disturbance, to better penetrate the invisible barrier. Furthermore, the mage tuned those tendrils to the flow of the wind, if there was anything concealed within a magical banner, the wind would flow around it, giving the mage an definite indication of the shape concealed within.

Eyes see nothing. Magic... not working? Thinking a moment further, she very quickly ran through a few possible explanations. Something bends the light, perhaps, another Tiered Adept? Seems unlikely to be a natural phenomena.

For the moment, it was still fifty yards away, so hopefully not an immediate threat. In the meantime she would keep monitoring the presence for any action, threatening or otherwise.

Kykysh will keep monitoring the invisible presence for further activity. In the meantime she watch over the warriors as they discuss the situation.

OOC: Managed to get a quick post today, quite busy. Hopefully may get another opportunity to post another time.
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 »

Moving her horse (and her highborn skin) into the shade of a broad oak tree, Syjahel watched the road. But she could see nothing. Growling a little under her breath in frustration, she took a breath and let it go. The sense of paranoia didn't altogether dissipate, but she felt a little relieved. After all, Jacks was attending to the perimeter and the lithe Shade - as ever-ready as he might be with the sand for her own personal pearl-oyster - was very good at his job and had never let her down. It would probably take a skilled pain-technician to get her to admit it, but she supposed she had become somewhat attached to working with her one remaining Autarii. She walked the Dark Steed over to Carathyle's and let it nip at some of the lush grass while she talked to her retainer.

"Master Maveric, you spoke of having something to discuss," she began in low tones, speaking for herself and the other noble alone. "Matters which concern the success of our mission." She paused. She had suspicions of her own to voice.

"I have been thinking about our 'fellow traveller' back there. I may be being a touch too paranoid, but I know of the Swordmasters who train with the two-handed blade. So far as I recall, they are tasked with rooting out servants of the Ruinous Powers, but all such operatives have suspicious minds. We may be innocent of such foul taint, but you know as well as I that one cannot be too careful. For the present, my knowledge of Eltharin will I believe serve to reinforce the kind of eccentricity that is the heirloom of so many nobility, surely here as at home - but for the rest, I do not know what to suggest."

"Save that we avoid all contact, of course."
She leaned forward a little on the cantle of her saddle. "I would value your thoughts on the matter."




Talk to retainer, watch road, simmer paranoia.

Not a big post for our three musketeers,

Sorry Drainial, but Carathyle is definitely d'Artagnan. :P
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Carathyle maveric
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

Carathyle's butt hurt, all the time in the saddle was something he wasn't used to, especially in these circumstances. First the voyage, which he wasn't quite used to but where his acrobatics training came in handy concerning moving around, and fighting, now the warm weather of Ulthuan, which was kept to a minimum by the disguise he wore. But, Carathyle could handle it, it wasn't all that new to him anyways. Coming under the shadow, the burning sense of the sun stopped, and Carathyle slowly came to realize what just happened, 'We just bluffed past Asur travelers with Eltharian!' The sudden realization spurred a chuckle in him, 'It would have been even better if I'd have... Hold on, how did we understand them?! Either they spoke Eltharian, or Druhir!'

His eyes widened, that was not good news! And they fell for it without a moment of hesitation. Despite all that, Syjahel came in next to him, she had her suspicions on the male rider, which Carathyle had his thoughts about as well.

"I'm quite familiar with them, you needn't lecture me on their behavior and methods, milady." Carathyle lay down on Sephirah's neck, "However, I've just come to realize that we might have been discovered by that caravan. Remember how they approached us so casually? How were we able to understand them so easily when she should have only been speaking Tar-Eltharian?" Carathyle voiced his concerns, if it was indeed that the woman spoke Druhir-Eltharian instead of High, they were discovered on the first possible moment, thus rendering them quite flawed. "I'll be the one doing the talking from here on out. I would like your and Cananatra's assistance whether you understand it or not. If you understand it, it's Eltharian or Druhir. If he understands it, it's Druhir thus a trap for us to fall in. However, if I understand them and neither of you do, it's Tar." Carathyle returned the words with the same tone as the woman, "I speak the language quite well, I might be rusty due to the decades of not using it, but I still know the words they use, and I still know the very basic of their grammar. If you wish to know exactly why I have learned the language of our hated kin, I suggest asking now. If not, and you hate me for being tutored in it, I would suggest you to be faster in drawing your sword than I am raising my shield." Carathyle was prepared to be betrayed because of it. Not only did it mean he might have harboured an Asur from the Witch King's wrath in Naggaroth, it would only mean he withheld valuable, if not dangerous, information that would have aided in their mission.

Carathyle will keep his guard up for now, the response of Syjahel would decide whether or not any further combat would be required. If that happens, he would aim to either break away from combat or disarm her, before requesting her forgiveness and leave the group.(In order to infiltrate the Asur army, and respond to the Stone being attacked in a manner appropriate for Druchii... through destroying the army from within.)

OOC: I know it wouldn't happen, but still... he doesn't >:3
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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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