Familiar Faces
Nasir Vali explains the job you quite clearly, and he's hired you before, some of you at least. This time he wants you to escort a wagon of goods to a specific location and leave it there to be picked up by someone else. Simple. Only he also explains that the last few missions that he's sent people on seem to have riled up the local banditry and they're on the alert now for activity. So... this might be a little more complicated than it might have been otherwise. He tells you to be on the lookout for them and wishes you good luck on your journey.
A job is a job, and the Executor known as Khepri has no objections to such. But it is curious that the local brigands seem so agitated.
"With winter approaching," the wargolem remarks to Gramarye, "Perhaps they are seeking to steal whatever they can, either for provisions or to sell or trade for such. A hungry man will attempt desperate things to fill his belly -- or the bellies of his family."
Gramarye is outfitted once again for combat, exploration, and the usual other details of the adventuring business. She politely greets Khepri and Carver. To the latter organic lifeform, she even says, "Please do not worry. My diagnostics indicate there is a: 0.3333, repeating, of course, percent chance of the erratic state I experienced in our last outing."
Which, Gramarye never did explain what was wrong with her that last time. Very comforting, Gramarye.
With Khepri's words, Gramarye's head pivots in the direction of her fellow war golem. "And with the dearth of farming work and other occupations of seasonal demand, organic lifeforms must turn to other professions, including, but not limited to: banditry. Basketweaving. Mining. Busking in taverns. Painting."
There's a blink in her eyes as she responds, "I intend to take a class on basketweaving soon with Father." (Somewhere, Aragos groans in complaint.)
"With the cold," the bluescale comments, "iss more need for goods to go where they should go, ssa?" To him, it sounds like more desperate is the need for all involved. He then looks to Khepri, blinking once, slowly, before offering, "This one make baskets. For many many seasons. Can share, teach."
Carver's got her warpaints back on, unflattering streaks of coal, imitating some wild hunting beast. Seated astride her mount, more than comfortably so. She only uses her knees to guide its movements. A subtle press could mean speed up, or turn here, trust built up over time between her and the red-maned Deathless finding them perfectly at ease with just the most minute of commands.
Idle hands whittle away at a broad arrowhead, sharpening the cold iron's point. She does not offer to share any basketmaking tips. Likely lacks the skill that the blue-scale has mastered.
<OOC> Aftershock : https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=mv1r4slosii <OOC> Aftershock says, "Please let me know where you would like to be in relation to the wagon." <OOC> Gramarye says, "11,16, por favor" <OOC> Khepri says, "Mmm. 8,16 here" <OOC> Carver says, "10, 19" <OOC> Tlanexhuani chooses 9,18, if just to make sure nothing falls off the wagong. <OOC> Aftershock says, "Alrighty! And perception rolls please!" GAME: Gramarye rolls Perception: (12)+10: 22 GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls perception: (15)+12: 27 GAME: Khepri rolls perception: (18)+12: 30 GAME: Carver rolls perception+4: (15)+14+4: 33 GAME: Khepri rolls Will: (12)+8: 20 <OOC> Aftershock says, "Pages sent!"
Seated in the wagon, Khepri is an adequate wagon driver. Granted, the hilarity of the gangling, raven-faced war golem driving a wagon is lost on it. Abruptly, though, the yellow lenses of its face glow, and it firmly pulls on the reins. "Halt," it says in a flat tone. "There is muddy ground ahead. Too deep to be natural." A pause. "I have seen this tactic before."
Carver suddenly jerks to a stop. Or, rather, Deathless does. The smaller-sized Aduuli Red stomps their feet. At a low whistle, they give a shake of their head, and the ranger narrows her eyes... but does dismount from her steed, gently taking the reins into her hand. She does not force the creature to obey. Or drag them forward, though that would not be possible even if she had the gall to try.
She instead whispers to her friend, something soothing, something low. She kneels to check the hooves, a husky whisper finally directed somewhere else than her clearly spooked companion. "I need a moment, something is... wrong."
She does look up as Khepri speaks. Then she smiles, a little wistful and proudly at Deathless. Ah, she understands now.
Gramarye is merely seated next to Khepri, which is probably for the best. She's a tinkerer of things and maker of lovely creations, not a wagon-driver, and when Tlanexhuani suggests that he can teach how to basket-weave, she's clearly preoccupied. "Inquiry: how much do you charge for lessons for two people, and what is the expectation on providing materials? I--"
Her words are cut off by Khepri's words. Her eyes 'blink' in light, and then she adds, "I did not perceive the uneven texture ground. I applaud your keen perception, and I will endeavor to shift my focus from basket-weaving to ground-perceiving." She lifts up a hand. "Do you believe it to be a trap?"
Tlanexhuani is more long than tall as he moves, leaning upon his spear as a walking aid. This means he cannot easily watch ahead over neither horses nor wagon. He learns of things from Khepri's comment, first, and notices Carver's halt, second.
Stopping with the others, he looks from wagon then between the others, a bit confused; neither wagons nor draft animals are his forte', and even full roads were not so common to him in his upbringing. "Mud iss not good?"
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Aftershock has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Aftershock to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 25. It is now Gramarye's turn! Khepri is next! <OOC> Gramarye says, "Okay. Swift action: Arcane Armor Armor training to reduce spell failure to 0. Standard: cast Haste on errybody" GAME: Gramarye casts Haste. Caster Level: 6 DC: 19 <OOC> Aftershock salutes! <OOC> Gramarye says, "Posing!" GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 20. It is now Khepri's turn! Carver is next! <OOC> Khepri says, "Mmm. Standard: Cast Bless on the party. Swift: Activate Judgement (Protection)." GAME: Khepri casts Bless. Caster Level: 6 DC: 14 <OOC> Khepri says, "And that's all. Posing!" GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 13. It is now Carver's turn! AlexBandit is next!
Gramarye doesn't wait overlong for Khepri to reply. Her eyes glow blue as she intones, "Initiating spellcasting module. Deploying quickening magic."
A string of eldritch words leaves Gramarye as she lifts her hands, gesturing the appropriate measures as magic swells up from her and settles into herself and her allies. "Spellcasting complete," Gramarye announces. "I am prepared to act further as needed."
"Clearly a trap," Khepri replies to Gramarye. "Which is why we were hired." The golem reaches down to lock its shield into position on its left arm. "They should have found more constructive work. Grey Harpist, I request your blessing upon myself and my companions. Guide our hands so that Thy will be done." A shimmer of light, flickering outward in the wake of Gramarye's spell. Khepri's armor glimmers too, as the will of the inquisitor is brought to bear on it.
<OOC> Aftershock says, "Carver!"
"Back." Carver commands Deathless, the Aldui's crimson mane streaming behind them. She steps out to the left, already muttering to herself as she slips her bow to one hand, reaching into one of her many pouches on the baldric. A strange, porous rock the color of the moon is brought to her lips and after a brief prayer, she blows hard through it. The piercing cry of an owl at hunt shrilly rends the day; as she enchants her bow with a common Green Word enchantment. Her blood begins to pump with not just adrenaline but Gramarye's spell and?
She smiles like the cat with the canary.
<OOC> Carver says, "Er, cast gravity bow. Move 7,19. Deathless is off the map behind us." GAME: Carver casts Gravity Bow. Caster Level: 8 DC: 14 GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 13. It is now AlexBandit's turn! BrandonBandit is next! <OOC> Aftershock says, "Alex aims and fires at... >.>" <OOC> Aftershock says, "Poor Tlan :"D" GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+8: (8)+8: 16 <OOC> Aftershock says, "But you can all roll perception on his location now!" GAME: Khepri rolls perception: (2)+12: 14 GAME: Carver rolls perception+4: (2)+14+4: 20 GAME: Gramarye rolls Perception: (7)+10: 17 <OOC> Aftershock says, "Apparently his miss was not terribly impactful u.u" GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 12. It is now BrandonBandit's turn! Tlanexhuani is next! <OOC> Aftershock says, "A man appears out of a bush! He attacks Khepri with a pair of daggers! Scary!" GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+7: (8)+7: 15 <OOC> Khepri blocks :) GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls perception: (2)+12: 14 <OOC> Carver says, "look out it's ghostface!"
Something whistles through the air and bounces off of Tlan's armor. It looks like a little glistening needle. Odd. Meanwhile a man appears out of a bush to attack Khepri with a dagger but the wargolem effectively blocks the attack with ease.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 11. It is now Tlanexhuani's turn! CerberusMage is next! <OOC> Tlanexhuani will... Oh, look, there's an obvious not-nice person! Will activate armor and step up to help Khepri. <OOC> Tlanexhuani says, "Are we limited on actions this turn?" <OOC> Aftershock says, "You are hasted" <OOC> Tlanexhuani says, "Oh, yes. Move up, draw hammer, attempt to bonk" GAME: Tlanexhuani activates his Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Str GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls weapon1+1: (17)+14+1: 32 <OOC> Aftershock says, "Hit" GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls damage1: aliased to 2d6+8: (6)+8: 14 <OOC> Aftershock says, "He looks bonked" GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 7. It is now CerberusMage's turn! Gramarye is next! <OOC> Carver says, "here comes owie."
Tlanexhuani hears the -plink- of the dart ricochet, rather than see or even feel it. What he does see, though, is the man attacking Khepri. "No!" He calls. "Iss not for you!" They could be hunfry, or desperate, but that doesn't give them the right to take what is not theirs, nor harm others. He strides up next to Khepri, carrying his spear loosely in one hand as he unclips the heavy square hammer from his belt. "Leave!" He emphasizes his urging with a solid swing of said hammer into the man.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+7: (16)+7: 23 <OOC> Aftershock says, "Khepri, give me a Fortitude!" GAME: Khepri rolls fortitude: (8)+7: 15 <OOC> Khepri eeeehs. I'll reroll that (do we get a free reroll?) <OOC> Aftershock says, "Yes. Because I am the generous :D" GAME: Khepri rolls fortitude: (14)+7: 21 <OOC> Khepri says, "+4 if it's paralysis, poison, stun, fatigue, or exhaustion." <OOC> Aftershock says, "It is one of those so!" <OOC> Aftershock says, "You are fatigued." <OOC> Aftershock says, "(spellcraft to identify the spell)" GAME: Khepri rolls spellcraft: (6)+9: 15 GAME: Carver rolls spellcraft: (5)+7: 12 GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls spellcraft: (19)+10: 29 GAME: Gramarye rolls Spellcraft: (11)+16: 27
A familiar (to some of you) mage appears from around the edge of a bush looking rather furious and points at Khepri. "You made a fool of me once, but not again." Eldritch words foam from his lips and black light jolts from his fingers to find purchase in the war golem though not as much as the wizard might like.
GAME: NEW ROUND! Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 25. It is now Gramarye's turn! Khepri is next! <OOC> Gramarye says, "Oh. *This bitch.*" <OOC> Carver says, "hehe" <OOC> Gramarye says, "Alright. Gramarye is hasted, so she's gonna walk up to 8,13 and hit The Lion, the Witch, and the Audacity of This Bitch. Swift action to Arcane Strike, then hit with a power attack." GAME: Gramarye rolls weapon9-2+1: (7)+9+-2+1: 15 <OOC> Gramarye says, "Rerolllllllllllllllllll" GAME: Gramarye rolls weapon9-2+1: (10)+9+-2+1: 18 <OOC> Aftershock says, "Hit" GAME: Gramarye rolls damage9+1+6: aliased to 2d6+5+1+6: (10)+5+1+6: 22 <OOC> Gramarye says, "SWING BATTA-BATTA." <OOC> Aftershock says, "Hey Gram. Is your weapon cold iron by any chance? :D" <OOC> Gramarye says, "IT IS" <OOC> Aftershock nods sagely GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 20. It is now Khepri's turn! Carver is next! <OOC> Tlanexhuani checks his toeclaws for Fae BS. <OOC> Carver quietly hums 'Silver for Monsters'. <OOC> Khepri says, "Hmm. I saw he had long ears, and I presume getting hit with cold iron -really- stings him." <OOC> Aftershock says, "He doesn't seem to like it" <OOC> Khepri rolls a check to ID the mage? <OOC> Aftershock says, "k/nature or k/the planes" <OOC> Carver says, "I'll hold off on my check till my turn, unless you want now." GAME: Khepri rolls knowledge/the planes+3: (7)+9+3: 19 <OOC> Khepri gambles. Activate bane on my khopesh, fey. Deliberately run around dagger boy provoking just to be a jerk, so I can flank mage with Gram. <OOC> Aftershock salutes! <OOC> Khepri says, "Moving to 6,13." <OOC> Khepri says, "You moved Tlan :D" <OOC> Khepri says, "Does dagger boy take his AoO?" <OOC> Aftershock says, "He will!" <OOC> Tlanexhuani was just being nice and clearing the way for you, Khepri. :)
Combat breaks out, but Gramarye's eyes don't go red until she spots the mage that attacks Khepri with a noxious spell. At that point, her eyes glow bright red, and she speaks an octave lower. "Initiating combat module. Objective: rout the enemy."
She rushes forward on her quickened pace. "Khepri, you have been exhausted by a ray of exhaustion spell. Protocol: defend allies and friends from enemies."
Another eldritch word is intoned, making her eyes shine bright as she brings her greatsword down to bear onto her enemy, carving into him with a great blow. At which point, she intones, "I will give you one opportunity. Retreat, and you will live. Stay, and you will die." She's very, very intent on that.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Khepri swings at mage. GAME: Khepri rolls weapon9+1+1+2+2-1: (12)+8+1+1+2+2+-1: 25 <OOC> Aftershock says, "Hit" GAME: Khepri rolls damage9+2d6+2-1: aliased to 1d8+1+2d6+2-1: (1)+1+(4)+2+-1: 7 <OOC> Khepri forgot +rolling damage is a little borked. That should be 10, not 7. <OOC> Aftershock says, "Well, you did some damage!" <OOC> Aftershock salutes! <OOC> Khepri poses. GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 13. It is now Carver's turn! AlexBandit is next! <OOC> Carver says, "I don't think she can get a clear shot on the mage just yet with all the bodies, so she'll rapid fire+Deadly aim the fella with the pokies." <OOC> Aftershock salutes! GAME: Carver rolls weapon7+1+1-4: (12)+17+1+1+-4: 27 GAME: Carver rolls weapon7+1+1-4: (15)+17+1+1+-4: 30 GAME: Carver rolls weapon7+1+1-4: (11)+17+1+1+-4: 26 GAME: Carver rolls weapon7+1+1-9: (14)+17+1+1+-9: 24 <OOC> Aftershock says, "All hit"
The beam strikes Khepri, but the effect -- to drain and exhaust the golem -- is resisted by Khepri and ameliorated by the spells wound around it. The yellow eyes lock onto the mage. "Foolish. There is no escape from the Harpist's displeasure." Smoothly, the golem strides away from the melee with the dagger-wielding bandit, the blade scraping off its shield uselessly. The heavy khopesh sweeps out, and Khepri intones, "Reproach those of the First World." A shimmer along the blade edge, as the Executor flanks the mage with Gramarye, slashing at him with his sword.
GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+4+2: (3)+4+2: 9 GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+4+2: (5)+4+2: 11 GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+4+2: (3)+4+2: 9 GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+4+2: (8)+4+2: 14 GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+4+2: (4)+4+2: 10 <OOC> Carver says, "and a know/nature on the mage." GAME: Carver rolls knowledge/nature: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Aftershock says, "The guy with pokies goes down in a pokie pile." GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 13. It is now AlexBandit's turn! BrandonBandit is next!
"No fools here, just dead meat." Carver agrees. No more running. She lifts her bow, but the melee is too cramped... so let's make a little more room, shall we? He has two daggers? I count five arrows. The unsettling flailing of a body impacted no longer seems to rattle the younger ranger. Getting used to the murder. Blood in the trees and water for the earth.
<OOC> Aftershock says, "Okay the hidden bandit is going to try one last time to get Tlan from his hiding spot." GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+8: (2)+8: 10 GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 12. It is now BrandonBandit's turn! Tlanexhuani is next! GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 11. It is now Tlanexhuani's turn! CerberusMage is next!
The bandit in hiding tries another needle at Tlan but the needle can't pierce his scales.
<OOC> Tlanexhuani's scales are old, but sturdy! <OOC> Tlanexhuani says, "What did the -oh, NM, he's gone." <OOC> Khepri says, "Yeah, Carver turned him into a pincushion." <OOC> Tlanexhuani nods. <OOC> Aftershock says, "You could roll perception on the hidden guy" <OOC> Tlanexhuani may as well try that. :) GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls perception: (7)+12: 19 <OOC> Tlanexhuani may also just continue to be oblivious until the guy gives up in frustration. <OOC> Aftershock snickers. "Missed him by one." <OOC> Tlanexhuani will just pose this turn, as the mage already has personal attention. <OOC> Aftershock salutes! GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 7. It is now CerberusMage's turn! Gramarye is next! <OOC> Aftershock is going to five foot step away and cast a spell, provoking. You get an AOO Khepri.
Tlanexhuani wishes the one man had stopped; actually, he would prefer that all of the bandits had just stopped, but there sounds to be some history with the mage and some of the others. "Stop this. Wagon not worth life!" As for the needles bouncing off of his bronze splint and/or scales... perhaps it is testimony to the hidden adversary's skills of camouflage that the old sith continues to appear utterly oblivious.
GAME: Khepri rolls weapon9+1+1+2-1: (15)+8+1+1+2+-1: 26 GAME: Khepri rolls damage9+2+2d6: aliased to 1d8+1+2+2d6: (5)+1+2+(8): 16 <OOC> Khepri peers. Why the hell won't it add my str bonus? <OOC> Khepri says, "Should be 19." <OOC> Gramarye says, "I'll try and sit down with the item DB later this week to figure out what's up" <OOC> Aftershock says, "Okay so he has to make a concentration check yes?" <OOC> Khepri says, "Yup." <OOC> Khepri says, "DC 10+damage+spell level." <OOC> Khepri says, "So DC 29 + the spell level." GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+13: (6)+13: 19 <OOC> Aftershock says, "Needless to say, he failed"
The mage steps back, withdrawing and pointing his hand at Gramarye, trying to utter a spell at her, but getting smacked by Khepri for his troubles. "You- GHAH! BLAST YOU ALL!"
GAME: NEW ROUND! Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 25. It is now Gramarye's turn! Khepri is next! <OOC> Gramarye smile <OOC> Gramarye says, "5 ft step to 7,12. Swift: Arcane strike. Full action: hitting with Power Attack. Two attacks, one normal and one from Haste" GAME: Gramarye rolls weapon9-2+1: (8)+9+-2+1: 16 <OOC> Gramarye says, "I'll buy a reroll with RPP" <OOC> Aftershock says, "Spent" GAME: Gramarye rolls weapon9-2+1: (13)+9+-2+1: 21 <OOC> Gramarye says, "And second attack" GAME: Gramarye rolls weapon9-2+1: (17)+9+-2+1: 25 <OOC> Aftershock says, "Hit, hit" GAME: Gramarye rolls damage9+1+6: aliased to 2d6+5+1+6: (5)+5+1+6: 17 GAME: Gramarye rolls damage9+1+6: aliased to 2d6+5+1+6: (6)+5+1+6: 18 <OOC> Aftershock says, "He's looking well bloodied now. On his last leg practically." GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 20. It is now Khepri's turn! Carver is next! <OOC> Gramarye nodnod! Posing! <OOC> Khepri says, "5 foot step to 5,12, full attack on mage." GAME: Khepri rolls weapon9+1+1+2+2-1: (12)+8+1+1+2+2+-1: 25 GAME: Khepri rolls weapon9+1+1+2+2-1: (10)+8+1+1+2+2+-1: 23 <OOC> Khepri presumes both hit. GAME: Khepri rolls 1d8+4+2+2d6: (5)+4+2+(8): 19 <OOC> Aftershock says, "yup" GAME: Khepri rolls 1d8+4+2+2d6: (2)+4+2+(3): 11 <OOC> Aftershock says, "You take him down" <OOC> Khepri says, "Is he down, or straight up dead?" <OOC> Khepri says, "This will affect my pose." <OOC> Aftershock checks a thing.
Gramarye isn't letting a repeat of the first time happen again. She closes in. "You were offered a reprieve. The offer is now retracted." Her words are ominous as she brings the greatsword down, once, then twice, two heavy blows every time.
Blood stains her blade and her own self, some flying onto her faceplate, which is an impassive thing. "Finish it, Khepri," she intones, "or I will." Woe betide the person who ends on the wrong side of a war golem with a greatsword.
<OOC> Aftershock says, "He is dying." <OOC> Khepri says, "But not dead." <OOC> Khepri says, "OK." GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 13. It is now Carver's turn! AlexBandit is next! <OOC> Aftershock says, "Carver, there is technically a guy in a bush or tree somewhere" <OOC> Carver says, "can I perception to see Alex?" <OOC> Aftershock says, "You can try!" GAME: Carver rolls perception+4: (8)+14+4: 26
Khepri's eyes flare, as the mage tries to cast a spell and the blade licks out to disrupt it. "Enough! You seek to prey on those who have done you no wrong! You will be -stopped-!" The khopesh flashes with light, as Khepri slashes the mage once, twice, and then follows up with a shield blow that leaves the man sprawled out.
The Executor looms over the mage, ready to deliver the final blow -- and as the khopesh begins to descend, it stops. The bells tied to the pommel jingle softly, in time with the charms Khepri wears around its neck. Confused, Khepri looks at its sword. "...You would spare him, even now?"
<OOC> Aftershock says, "He's attop that tree!" <OOC> Carver ponders. GAME: Carver rolls will: (14)+5: 19 <OOC> Carver says, "Gonna go for it." GAME: Carver rolls weapon7+1-5: (18)+17+1+-5: 31 GAME: Carver rolls weapon7+1-5: (17)+17+1+-5: 30 GAME: Carver rolls weapon7+1-5: (5)+17+1+-5: 18 GAME: Carver rolls weapon7+1-10: (1)+17+1+-10: 9 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Aftershock says, "Hit, hit, hit, miss" <OOC> Carver says, "so, did forget i am +8 base attack now so deadly aim goes to -3+6 so rolling now." GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+2+1+6: (5)+2+1+6: 14 GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+2+1+6: (6)+2+1+6: 15 GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+2+1+6: (8)+2+1+6: 17 GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+2+1+6: (10)+2+1+6: 19 GAME: Carver rolls 2d6+2+1+6: (9)+2+1+6: 18 <OOC> Carver says, "Done." <OOC> Aftershock says, "He dies, falls out of the tree, and lands in a crumpled heap at the base of the tree." GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 13. It is now AlexBandit's turn! BrandonBandit is next! GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 12. It is now BrandonBandit's turn! Tlanexhuani is next! GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 11. It is now Tlanexhuani's turn! CerberusMage is next! <OOC> Tlanexhuani just poses, as things seem more than under control.
Carver's gives one last hooting owl's cry, then anyone who cares can follow where she aims to discover the last man whose biggest sin is falling in line with the crafty diabolical mage in his petty little thieving schemes; but no more fools will be suffered to live.
She lowers her bow after the work is done, fingertips trembling. Deathless trots closer, nudging into her hair.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 7. It is now CerberusMage's turn! Gramarye is next! <OOC> Aftershock will pose after Tlan
Tlanexhuani looks to Carver at her cry, then blinks slowly in surprise. By the time nictatiing membranes cycle, the one he never knew was in a tree is no longer in a tree, and instead an inert pile on the ground. He lowers his hammer and returns it to his belt before looking to Gramarye and Khepri. "This one think, is enough death one day. If that one bad things do, need punished. Dead, learn nothing?" His words are soft, yet, as they are only his opinion; the servant of the Death-singing Dragon knows more of the dead than he, of course.
"I hate this place." The mage says, his crumpled form laying on the ground bleeding slowly into the frostbitten ground. "This snow. This cold... So cold." He shivers. I never wanted to come here at all." Tears slip down his face and he looks up at the sky as the snow begins to fall slowly. It collects on his face turning crystalline.
His eyes are starting to see far-away places. Places that people see and do not come back from. His breath comes out in a crackling noise; his body broken by the battle. There's no more magic from him. He is dying.
GAME: NEW ROUND! Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 25. It is now Gramarye's turn! Khepri is next! <OOC> Gramarye says, "Hmmmmmmmmmm." <OOC> Gramarye is posing. GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 20. It is now Khepri's turn! Carver is next! <OOC> Khepri has to wait for Gram :) <OOC> Aftershock says, "Ye :D"
Gramarye has her blade still ready to strike. For a moment, it seems like she might lift it and lop off the mage's head, to finish what she started. Those glowing red eyes don't help the tension, that feeling of thread being pulled so tightly that it just might break like the man's life.
"Exiting combat module," Gramarye announces, her red eyes flickering back to their typical obsidian state, and she puts away her greatsword on her back. "Khepri. Are you able to stabilize this person and bring him back to Alexandria for questioning?"
Khepri stares at the sword in its hand a moment longer, but... there is no answer. At Gramarye's question, Khepri looks to her, before nodding. "Yes. This is unusual. We should secure him." The golem leans down, and places its hand on the mage's chest. "Harpist, grant me Your mercy to mend wounds. I seek only Your bidding." A soft glow from the golem's hand, stopping the bleeding. Keeping the mage from the Halls for now.
GAME: Khepri casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 6 DC: 14 GAME: Khepri rolls 1d8+5: (1)+5: 6 <OOC> Khepri jeez, bare minimum. But he's stable at least. <OOC> Aftershock says, "Probably for the best tbh. If he had more vigor he might think of escape :D" <OOC> Khepri says, "We'll secure him and put him in the wagon." <OOC> Aftershock says, "Is Carver and Tlan okay with this?" <OOC> Carver says, "No." GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 13. It is now Carver's turn! AlexBandit is next! <OOC> Aftershock gives Carver a chance to air their concerns! <OOC> Tlanexhuani has no issues, with it, per his prior pose(s).
"He tried to drown my friend in mud and ice." Carver's whispered dispute is obvious. She's not walking forward so much as stalking ahead, and the discipline and mercy of Khepri and Tlan is contrasted by the raw bloodlust on her painted face. If she gets close, and she's fast, she's putting a final shot into him to finish what they started.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 13. It is now AlexBandit's turn! BrandonBandit is next! GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 12. It is now BrandonBandit's turn! Tlanexhuani is next! GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 11. It is now Tlanexhuani's turn! CerberusMage is next! <OOC> Tlanexhuani ponders. <OOC> Tlanexhuani poses. <OOC> Aftershock skips Ceberus as he is unconscious at this time. GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Four - Init 7. It is now CerberusMage's turn! Gramarye is next! GAME: NEW ROUND! Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Five - Init 25. It is now Gramarye's turn! Khepri is next! <OOC> Gramarye will pose, but letting Tlan pose first.
Tlanexhuani watches as the man is tended, content for the moment. Yet it becomes obvious that all are not so and he turns to face Carver as the first between her and the mage. A claw is lifted, though not aggressively nor does he step to directly block Carver's path. Rather, he simply shares words. "This one ask: think before. After weapon, arrow fly, not make different choice."
Gramarye looks on impartially, watching Carver approach. "I only stay my blade because my own Father might, in this situation," she says, "and because our ally had implored our enemies to stop so that they could live. I will not interfere in the decision you make, as your reasoning is valid. If he dies, he dies."
Then her head pivots to the mage. "If he lives, I will prevent him from casting magic and ensure he cannot escape his bonds. It is up to you, Carver."
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Five - Init 20. It is now Khepri's turn! Carver is next! <OOC> Khepri poses.
"Tlanexhuani speaks truth. An arrow is not easy to take back." Khepri approaches the furious ranger, standing in front of her to block her shot. The khopesh is returned to its sheath. "Heed my words as an Executor of the Gray Harpist. This mage has plagued shipments before. We need information -- why, what has the brigands so agitated they strike out in this way?"
The golem leans a little closer to Carver. "He did not succeed that day. Nor did he succeed today. I implore you to stay your hand. Once he is given to Alexandria, should they decide his crime merits the ultimate punishment, I will petition to be his executioner. For I was the one who has drawn him back from the Halls, and he is my responsibility unto his end."
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order. Round Five - Init 13. It is now Carver's turn! AlexBandit is next!
"I will not waste another arrow on him. I will do as he wanted for me. I will hold his head under the mud until the bubbles stop and the legs stop twit--" Khepri is a physical barrier, certainly, but not one that causes her to stop. She did not even get to the war golem to give him the opportunity to stop her. Instead, Deathless has bit onto her furred collar and refuses to let go. She pulls hard and the larger horse simply chomps down harder and gives a stomp. No. Stop. Be better.
Her steed may not speak words they can share, but their connection is spiritual. Her anger at someone maltreating someone precious to her and Deathless's appreciation and refusal to let her resort to the brutal passion of vengeance.
Her breath spills out like a dragon's steam but she turns away. Her hands shoot up to the sky, helpless against the arguments, both verbal and non. Convinced.
Unwillingly so, but convinced.
Carver says, “Fine. Get your answers.”
With that, you manage to get the wagon to the appointed location, and from there you take the bandit back with you to Alexandria for questioning. That though, will take some time. Time for him to heal. Time for your answers to come. In the meantime Nasir is thrilled that you got his delivery through and pays you handsomely for your efforts. You spot a black cat watching you as you leave the mansion, just peering at you with golden eyes.
Strange. Seems like you've seen one before somewhere.