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Cananatra
Malekith's Personal Guard
Posts: 910
Joined: Fri Nov 16, 2007 8:19 pm
Location: Dublin, Ireland

Post by Cananatra »

The impact against the birds body was surprisingly soft though the armour of his shoulder. Though they stood an impressive height, they were mostly legs and neck, neither of which carried much weight and the charge succeeded in knocking the bird clear off Syjahel. His momentum carried him clean past her and after the now seriously surprised bird. Before it could rise he brought his sword down and ended its life. As he did so he could hear Syjahel clambering to her feet behind him and presumably running off to find something else to fight.

Spinning on his heel he looked behind him. All his companions were being hard pressed. Syjahel had moved from one awkward situation into a second and had three birds trying to eat her, Carathyle was pinned under a dead one with two more trying to get to him and jacks was desperately trying to see off a pair of them. Not waiting too long Cananatra loped back towards the fight just as the shade shouted for them to hurry up. From the situation he was in it was a rather amusing comment. Deciding the lightly armours shade could do with the most help Cananatra headed for him.

Cananatra will run over to help jacks, though has no problem with opportunistically cutting at any other bird on his way. He’ll then try to clear away the two attacking Jacks, either dead or just get their attention on him so jacks can start shooting again.
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
Malekith's Best Friend
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Post by Syjahel »

Cananatra's timely assistance proved to be the charge she had ducked down for and the Jub-Jub bird was knocked flying off her prone form. Syjahel had no time for thanks however as she was set upon by three more birds as soon as she leapt to her feet. Her sword and shield ready, she ran at the crowding horrors, certain that to wait for the fight to come to her was to be overwhelmed again.

She heard Jacks shouting, "We're wasting too much time here! We must be on the trail again!" but there was no way to disengage from the birds. The warrior-woman couldn't spare more than a glance for the beleagured Shade, whom she saw had tried to back off to make use of his crossbow but had likewise been surrounded by the enemy. There was a small horde here, of that she was certain, but turning her back on them just made their job easy. With a snarl as her bruised back twinged, the Lady of House Vasht brought up her shield and prepared to outface the three attacking her.

She wanted to go to help Jacks. She knew the lightly armoured Shade wasn't in a position to take much punishment if he couldn't keep outmaneuvering his foes. By the lack of any signs of life from Seijl it seemed the other Autarii was down, perhaps permanently this time. Syjahel forced herself to concentrate on the fight in front of her. Vengeance could wait, assistance would have to, simple survival was all she could think about now.


So, three birds. Try to concentrate on one at the right side, so as not to let the other two outflank her. Syjahel will use her shield as a weapon to smash one off its feet or snap its head back when it tries to lunge with its beak so as to snap its neck. Opportunistic strikes from behind the shield with her sword, not forgetting any chance to kick a bird's feet from under it. By Khaine, she really does want to learn Druchii fencing but all she's got time for is simple butchery. So let's hope it works :D
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~ We Never Slept ~
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Drainial
Prophet of Tzeentch
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Post by Drainial »

OOC: First of all sorry for the delay guys, my laptop has been in a bit of a state (using it at all now requires a large stack to books to lean against, a cooling tray with fans and quite allot of super glue.) Secondly I will be away for the next 4-5 days with no internet connection. Finally a big thank you to you all for playing the game, we have over a thousand posts which unless I am mistaken makes this the second largest thread on the site (damn group 22 taking the top spot :D ). Big thanks especially to Syjahel who has been with us from the very beginning, I will make sure to find you a really cool magic toy.

IC: Sprawled on the ground Carathyle released his grip on his prized obsidian sword. As he let go he felt a faint shudder run through him, it was almost like a small part of him was leaving with the blade, already the weapon and the warrior were becoming one. Such existential concerns would have to wait however, right now Carathyle had some birds to kill. The Dranach was on his back though and even after he heaved the heavy animal off of him it was still awkward. As he tried to sit up Carathyle was slammed back onto the hard lifeless ground by the clawed foot of one of the birds attacking him from above. Gasping as the air was knocked out of him Carathyle rolled to one side even as the claws flashed down yet again. Breathing heavily the warrior came to his feet in a crouch and unslung his long Dranach. The birds were viscous and aggressive and almost immediately one of them launched itself towards Carathyle yet again, not willing to let their 'prey' escape. Carathyle braced, and thrust. It was a simple technique, the very first a spearman learned and Carathyle did not even have to think about it. The bird ran straight onto the long blade impaling itself. With a twist Carathyle threw the bird off his spear to die a quick if agonising death while he looked for the second bird.

Jacks was in trouble, he was simply not armed or trained for this kind of warfare. Even so he was a tough fighter and far from dead yet. His cuts bled and hurt, he knew that he would need to treat them as quickly as he could to avoid infection but first of all there were enemies to be killed. Dodging away from a snapping beak Jacks pressed his handbow into the neck of the nearest bird and fired a bolt point blank, the Jub-Jub fell thrashing to the ground. The second bird he was fighting however leapt at the shade yet again; Jacks' heightened awareness served him well and he ducked under the beak. Fending off the talons was harder and Jacks new clothes gained another long rent though fortunately the skin beneath escaped unharmed this time. A hooked backslash opened up a long gash in the bird's chest but Jacks' short sword was not heavy enough to split the bird in two nor was his arm as strong as those of the warriors. Wounding the bird gave the shade respite of seconds but he knew it would soon be on him again.

Having rescued Syjahel (not that the proud captain would see it in quite those terms) Cananatra turned his attention to saving someone else. He settled on Jacks, the wounded shade clearly needed reinforcing and was least suited to this kind of combat. Battering the birds out of his way seemed to be working, despite their size they were deceptively light, in his steel plate Cananatra was decidedly heavy. It was a quick dash to the base of the tree where the rest of the mercenaries fought and once again the single-minded fury of the birds was a boon to Cananatra. The Jub-jub bird was so focused on breaking through Jacks defences that it paid no heed to the warrior until his armoured form smashed into it from the side. Startled and blindsided the Jub-jub bird fell swiftly to Cananatra and Jacks' combined blades.

Syjahel too was in trouble, unlike Jacks she was prepared for a close in fight like this but even so three to one was not good odds. This being so Syjahel was quickly driven onto the defensive, fortunately that was one thing she did well. With sword and shield she managed to keep most of the attacks at bay but even so beaks and claws skittered off her master crafted armour, without it she would surely have been wounded multiple times by now. Desperately she tried to avoid being outflanked but it wasn't easy; the birds were fast and they were more co-ordinated than one might have though, pack hunters. Occasionally the warrior princess managed to land a blow of her own but she dared not finish any of them off for fear of leaving herself out of position. Despite several painful lessons the Jub-jub birds were still aggressive and persistent.

Facing off against his last bird one on one Carathyle was confident of victory; the Dranach gave him a reach he lacked with the sword and although it would be harder to wield should the bird get past the point he did not need to fury of his father's spirit to split open the weak flesh of these strange but ultimately mortal creatures. The Jub-jub bird lunged at him, as Carathyle met its lunge with one of his own the bird veered away, maybe this was a particularly smart bird or maybe they were learning. It didn't matter, Carathyle was sick of defensive fighting and took advantage of the bird being on the back foot. Stepping forward he used the heavy blade of the Dranach like a glaive, slashing horizontally. One of the creature's wings buckled under his assault giving rise to all manner of tortured squawking and another violent attack. Carathyle was ready for it though, these beasts were predictable once you got to know their habits and a low slash ripped a terrible wound in one of its spindly legs. The Jub-jub fell to the ground where Carathyle quickly finished it off.

This victory left only Syjahel still fighting three birds that seemed not to know when they were beaten. Keen to use his new toy Jacks grasped the Eye of the Jabberwock and once again the world shifted into a patchwork of silver, gold and black. Looking up into the trees and all around Jacks could see nothing hiding close by. In the far distance however Jacks did notice something, it was faint, easily missed by those not trained to notice every little detail. A small golden blur far beyond the clearing. Whatever that might mean Jacks knew that unless the Eye did not work as he thought there were no more enemies to deal with just now apart from those attacking Syjahel.

The boys were only too happy to help their dear lady. Carathyle and Cananatra charged in to the remaining birds from either side, thus flanked and outclassed the last of the Jub-jub birds fell leaving the clearing in silence but for the strangled squawking of the injured birds.

The birds are all dead. Jacks has several minor injuries, non fatal but which could certainly use treatment. Syjahel his bruised all to buggery and Carathyle much the same though not to quite the same extent. Cananatra has no real complaints (the joys of T5 and heavy armour). The golden blur is more or less on the same path you were following before, somewhere beyond the trees, Jacks isn't familiar enough with it to tell distance very well yet. -Drainial
Moding a group of Druchii.net players is much like directing the musical 'Cats' using actual cats. Frustrating, difficult, chaotic but ultimatley satisfying and a great deal of fun.

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Carathyle maveric
Malekith's Best Friend
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Post by Carathyle maveric »

A moment of breathing was worth a token of appreciation, as Carathyle tossed most of the drawn Jub-Jub blood on the blade of the Dranach onto the ground, leaving it as clean as possible for this period of time. "Now, that's the advantage of carrying multiple weapons. I can afford to drop a weapon or two before I'm in trouble." A smile appeared on Carathyle's feature as he directed his remark toward Cananatra, who as he recalled blamed him for carrying too much. The smile however was wiped off rather fast as his mind settled back into a state of caution, realizing that, even with their best efforts, a fellow companion and even a, by Druchii standards, trusted ally had fallen.

"So, what's next? The directions stopped here, and I didn't see anything other then dead birds." Carathyle turned toward Jacks, who was gazing through a crystal. "Jacks, what's up with that crystal you're using?" Carathyle turned toward the Jub-Jub holding his priceless sword, despising the bird for forcing him to abandon it.

Placing the Dranach onto his back, Carathyle quickly walked toward the dead bird. With his hand wrapped tightly around the hilt of the sword, and his foot against the 'container', Carathyle pulled the obsidian free from the muscle and tissue of the bird, pulling the blade free from its fleshy holder. Wiping the blood off of the sword's blade onto the bird's feathers, Carathyle quickly cleaned it as much as he could, cleaning it properly would have to wait till they return to base-camp, or to either Vikarh or Naggarond for all he cared.

His main concern at the moment was their payment, and when they'd get it. It was obvious that, until Naylia was IN the city, or back in custody of Lord Sultra, they wouldn't get it. But the things that were happening wasn't the same as what he signed up for. That the convoy would have been attacked, yes, he could live with that. But this, wild goose chase wasn't your average mercenary job. His mind became concerned, and without knowing it, it forced something to happen within himself. Carathyle started, completely accidental, to hum an ancient song that both his father, his mother and his Asur tutor sang with him. A song passed down throughout the generations, still living forth in his memories. It was, however, short lived, as he caught on to it rather soon, and stopped.

Carathyle looked around, seemingly for possible opponents, before he sat down for the time being, looking around. "Is everyone alright, except for bruises and minor wounds?" The irony in his words was nearly insulting, as he turned his head toward Seijl, who lay dead on the floor. "I meant no insult." he quickly added, before sheathing his sword.

'First, we were outsized, then we were outnumbered... Are you smiling on us, Khaine? Do we satisfy your need of slaughter?' Carathyle thought, running his hand through the, slowly growing, black hair. His eyes jumped from Seijl, to Syjahel, holding there for a second, then jumped to Cananatra and to Jacks, observing. "Syjahel, I'm wondering. Why did you leave your residence, your family? You seem to me as a well-adjusted Druchii maiden, what made you leave?"

Carathyle will rest as much as he can, accepting any conversation at the moment about anything, preferably a subject that is well within the Druchii standards... so no questions about his unorthodox ways of fighting!

OOC: Yeah... I know, I'm always fast on replying. Sorry, prefer to get my things done straight away so I won't forget them....
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
Ws:5 S:4 T:3 D:4 I:3
Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
Age: 89
Skills: Ride, Acrobatics
*Increased Strength, holds the soul of his father
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Cananatra
Malekith's Personal Guard
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Location: Dublin, Ireland

Post by Cananatra »

As the last Jub-jub bird fell dead Cananatra straightened up and looked around. Jamming his sword into the ground he looked at his recently remodelled shield. It had survived the fight in quite good condition and Cananatra was quite pleased with it. As he swung the shield back upon his back he heard Carathyle speaking. Cleaning the blood off his sword he waited for him to finish before replying. “In general Carathyle, losing one’s weapon is considered bad form to begin with.” Cananatra sketched a brief salute with his own sword before sliding it back into its sheath.

Looking around his eyes fell upon the shade, now devoid of life. Pity, we could have used him for the final push to rescue the girl. Walking over to the corpse Cananatra bent down beside it and began to rifle through his possessions. The first thing he pulled clear was the field kit, turning slightly he tossed it towards Jacks. “Looks like you need this.” Reaching back down he pulled clear his purse and tucked it inside his armour before adding the null stone to his own. Might end up being more effective than one. He rose about to leave when his eyes fell on Seijls longsword. Stooping he pulled it free. It seemed exceptionally well made and a few practice strokes confirmed it. Pulling free his own longsword he stuck it in the ground at Seijls head and sheathed his new sword.

Turning from his task he saw Jacks gazing through some sort of gem. Well whatever it is it cant hurt.

Cananatra will pull the noted items off Seijl’s corpse. Pragmatic as always. He’ll then wait for whatever direction Syjahel sends them after jacks lets us know what he saw.
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Meteor
Executioner
Posts: 1956
Joined: Sun Jul 18, 2010 10:57 am
Location: Hell

Post by Meteor »

The fight seemed to had gone on forever, and judging by the dwindling light, it seems they had. Although it is hard to discern much in this environment. Jacks' body shuddered slightly as the adrenaline subsided and the tension passed, his muscles ached and his cuts burned now that he had nothing else to focus on. He surveyed the scene, it was carnage, but fortunately only one of their numbers fell. He jogged towards his fallen partner, ignoring the burning sensation in his thighs as he kneeled beside the lifeless body of Seijl.

He still refused to believe his partner was dead, dying to stupid birds seemed ridiculous.

Get up you damn one eyed Shade." He pulled out a healing vial and applied it to Seijl;s wound, even though he knew it was useless. His thoughts were interrupted by the young noble again.

That elf, how does he live for so long with such foolish brashness? Jacks wondered to himself, it kind of intrigued him to a degree.

Either way, moping about wasn't going to do any good, he folded the one eyed Shade's arms across and whispered a silent prayer for his passing soul before he sat down more comfortably to inspect his wounds.

"There's something further ahead, much along the same path we were instructed to follow to find our charge. That's probably our best bet, after we're done here. And as for this? Nothing more than a solidified eyeball of a mythical dragon. It might come in handy in the future."

With that, Jacks pocketed his artefact securely and tended to his wounds. He didn't feel like telling them it was a magical artefact, for one, Jacks knows the young noble will encourage the use of the item more than Jacks will want to. He still prefers his own senses over relying on the item. It's the only way to sharpen his own skills.

Tend to his wounds, fix up his torn clothes as best as he can and inform the others of the direction they should take.
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
Malekith's Best Friend
Posts: 1269
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:15 am
Location: UK

Post by Syjahel »

Juat as there seemed to be no end to their feathered persecutors the embattled warrior-woman was aided by her companions. Breathing their last the bloodied corpses now littered the ground, and Syjahel had time to think.

She nodded her thanks with a curt gesture; sentiment had no place on Druchii culture but there was still room for honour of a sort. Then she straightened, feeling the bruises even now colouring her back, and strode over to where the one-eyed Shade lay.

Jacks was making a valiant attempt to adress the bleeding, but Seijl had made his last ambush. Even as the remaining scout was closing the body's eyes Cananatra was removing any useful items with the skill of a fishmonger filleting a herring. He pocketed them a stood up, pragmatically returning to checking his improvised shield. Syjahel stood looking at the body for a moment in thought.

She'd had no complaints about Seijl; he'd always been practical, attending to his chosen role of scout with meticulous care. They didn't speak much - Seijl wasn't much of a talker - and there had been none of the political infighting that had characterised some of the interactions within her warband. Simply put neither had had anything to prove to the other one, and neither had wanted the other's job. It made them effective companions in arms. She shrugged a little. No-one here expected a eulogy but here was yet another of her command dead on the field. There was a welling anger within the young noblewoman, an impotent rage that she swallowed down for now, but for how long she would be able to master it, Syjahel could not say. She murmured a brief prayer to Khaine - who knew what kind of life the Shades believed waited for them in the hereafter - but he had died in battle and that was all she knew to say.

With a faint sigh she sat down next to Jacks, who was busily tending his wounds. In the background she could hear a brief snatch of some kind of song of victory from Carathyle, and a brief exchange between him and Cananatra. She shrugged. Some things don't change. With a small sigh she turned to Jacks,

"I'm sorry. He did a good job and he'll be missed." was all she wanted to say. There was no sense in dwelling on it, they had a mission to complete and Jacks was the only one close to Seijl. They were now somewhat lacking in missile capability, so she'd probably have to add her own indifferent skills to the next volley. "You look like you've taken a battering - if you need something more for it I've got some balm left." She figured that Jacks had his own wounds tended, but she needed to balance taking care of his independent streak and their need for party fitness. "I'm bruised all to kingdom come, will you see if it's as bad as it feels?" She held out one of the healing balms to him - one can hardly dress one's own back. And in any case she wanted to keep the Shade focussed and busy, since that was how he seemed to be handling his loss.

"Syjahel, I'm wondering. Why did you leave your residence, your family? You seem to me as a well-adjusted Druchii maiden, what made you leave?"
Carathyle asked as she sat. Syjahel paused for a moment; it was a fair question,

"When I was a child, I wanted to be a Corsair."
She shrugged a little, wincing at her bruised back. "But I saw no point in daydreaming. I reasoned that if I wanted to go to sea, I'd need to be an accomplished warrior. I had good tutors, but my father ... well, I am his only daughter. He was less than keen to have me take a tour of duty on the Northern walls, facing down Chaos, so I decided I'd have to go out and get some experience in a more homely field. That's why I decided I'd work for a while as a mercenary. It's nothing too scandalous," Until now, Sultra, you bastard, "and it gives you a breadth of experience with situations and people. If you aspire to be a leader at sea, you have to understand how a group works." She paused, then asked,

"What about you? You obviously come of good lineage. Highborn accent, some sahari'ja moves in your fighting style. How come you're out here with us?"
The question was an open one, as friendly as she could make it while the party tended to its wounds and moved on out.


If Jacks will take a look at her back bruises then that's good, if not then she'll do it herself as best she can. Modesty will be preserved without comment. We've just lost a companion so she's fairly sure no-one cares and she is focussed purely on the practical, but let's not draw attention. Syjahel is leaving the decision on what to do with the body up to Jacks, because she doesn't know what Shades do with their dead (maybe burn them? in which case she'll be happy to come back later if they get the chance) and there isn't any time to spare.

Chat with Carathyle while getting ready to move on as quickly as they can, it's good to get to know your fellow party members, so long as you don't get too attached.
RIP Group 28
~ We Never Slept ~
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Carathyle maveric
Malekith's Best Friend
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Post by Carathyle maveric »

Carathyle turned toward Syjahel, as she answered his question in a very reasonable way, "The life of a corsair, one that draws many a Druchii, but not me. Sure, raiding the Britonnian coasts, drinking all the wine they have, women by the dozens at a time, life that is quite attractive, but not cut out for me. The reason why I'm out here, probably a foolish one. my father drove me mad after my mother's death on Death Night, paranoid as he was, there was a core truth to it all. One rather harsh to learn but acceptable. He drove me away from my home, only memory was the very sword I am using these days, into the Army of the Witch king until I was assigned to assassinate my own father. After that, I was... disbanded from the Army upon request, but I am to remain available for the next Invasion of Ulthuan. Back in the day, my tutor was... unheard of in these lands, capable of wielding a sword like the Executioners of my hometown, yet swift as a Shade." Carathyle explained, taking the obsidian blade out of its sheath for but a small part.

"I remember you asking where one gets such a blade, but I got bad news for you if you wish for one. The obsidian in this sword comes from my Father's old Obsidian collection. As cold hearted he might have been, he had a thing for expensive pieces of art. me, and my tutor, melted enough of the collection to forge this sword, it is as unique as a sword can get. You could say that, this sword was custom made for me, by my tutor. And some hilt designs were forged later on, as passing of time demanded an increase of weight." Carathyle pushed the sword back into the scabbard. "And my linage, it dates back far before the great sundering. But, enough of that for now, perhaps a different time, in a... more private... situation. I do not wish for a sword in the back from a seeming ally, if you catch my meaning. Ow, and that song I just sang, it is not a song of celebration, and it is not a Druchii custom, not even among my family." Carathyle grinned, seemingly trusting both Syjahel and Cananatra enough to guard his back, yet not enough to keep a great secret that travels along side his heritage.

Close, but I do not trust you enough to tell a secret that surpasses the secret of Sultra. Carathyle thought. "We are both highborn, but I'll fall in line considering they trust you more then they'll trust me, milady. So, just say the word and I'll help out, just don't expect me to obey when we face that witch. I tend to have a grudge toward those that use magic against me." Carathyle quickly added, leaving not too much time between his sentences. Carathyle knows his place in a group, and if that means following orders even though he's highborn, he'll do as he's told.
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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
Executioner
Posts: 1956
Joined: Sun Jul 18, 2010 10:57 am
Location: Hell

Post by Meteor »

Jacks didn't reply, his captain's words were appreciated, but he didn't want to seem weak by adding in his own. He merely nodded and grunted in agreement, he wanted to be active, and focused on anything else other than the death of his partner. Syjahel offered him some of her medical supply, he had seen its immense healing capabilities, certainly better than what he was used to, or using for that matter. But it was the principle, hE didn't like being dependent on others, it's a sign of weakness and wasn't his style of survival.

"No thanks, captain. But I will take it for your bruises, a refined lady shouldn't wear such marks after all, doesn't make you look weak at all, or does it?. At least your armour did what it was made to do" he muttered half amused. Trying to jest to make light of the unfortunate situation for Seijl.

He sat by silently and lisened as he applied the balm on Syjahel's wounds whilst she and Carathyle conversed, lost in his own world.

Help Syjahel apply the balm into her back bruises silently as he listened in on their conversation
What's mine is mine, What's yours is mine.
Now that we understand each other, lets get down to business.

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

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

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

Magic Item
Eye of the Jabberwock

*Magical properties possibly imbued
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Syjahel
Malekith's Best Friend
Posts: 1269
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:15 am
Location: UK

Post by Syjahel »

"No thanks, captain. But I will take it for your bruises, a refined lady shouldn't wear such marks after all, doesn't make you look weak at all, or does it?. At least your armour did what it was made to do"

Or does it?! Fortunately with her back to the Autarii (a situation Syjahel never thought she'd find herself in), Syjahel wasn't in a position to swiftly backhand him for his impudence. There was also another reason she didn't object loudly to his words, the one she'd given him the job for in the first place; she knew he was feeling the loss of his partner in arms and hearing some 'typical Jacks' was as good a sign as it was annoying, So she merely rolled her eyes, and remarked dryly,

"At least I was only bruised on my back. I'd not want to cause you any blushes, Master Shade."

She glanced up and watched as Carathyle drew his favourite blade, explaining the means by which it was made and its place in his family history. As the assassin of his father he was by no means alone in Naggaroth, where death by a blade was virtually natural causes as well as a favoured means of succession. But such a matter could be politically sensitive, so she appreciated the level of trust the flamboyant warrior was showing.

"A master of the sword? Such a tutor would be valuable to any family." she noted approvingly. "Anarin Sarath would be the natural choice for me it seems but it's Sariya Fencing I really want to study when next I have time." She nodded toward the shield at her feet. pausing for a moment.

"I ... remember the Sundering. That is to say," she added quickly, not wishing to explain her - sightings? visions? inheritance? quite yet, "my family can trace our lineage back to Nagarythe before it fell beneath the waves and took our homeland from us. I have a very clear picture of those times, and that is why we do not forgive, and we do not forget." The light touch of the Shade on her back was not the spray from the waves, the ache of her remaining bruises was not from her exertions to escape the rising waters. She shook her head a little, lifting her long hair out of the way so Jacks could continue.

"So yes, in a more private time, when we are at our leisure, I would be very interested to discuss history with you, perhaps with a good Ulthuan wine?" She flashed a brief grin, recovering herself. "One of the advantages of the Corsair life. My brother Tanathrys always keeps our cellar well stocked."



OOC: Syjahel has no idea who or what Carathyle's teacher is, and she hasn't guessed any Asur connection. But she does appreciate a nice looted vintage from Ulthuan, now and again, courtesy of her brother's reaving.
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Post by Carathyle maveric »

"Best you watch your words Jacks, you might insult her by saying such a thing, she is all but weak as experience showed. Perhaps not as strong as Cananatra or myself, but she is not to be underestimate. But it's good to see you're able to work even though you've lost a friend like Seijl. What is a Autarii standard on the death of a fellow? Bury them, leave them or burn them?" Carathyle commented, seeming both at distance, yet still concerned with the possible impact on Jacks' mentality. He returned to Syjahel, as she let her bruises be attended by the remaining Shade.

"Your offer is appreciated. That we shall do, but perhaps a Britonnian would be more suitable, considering the circumstances. It has a rather bitter taste to it then the Ulthuan winery, that I can assure you." Carathyle replied, slightly grinning with the final remark. How much I would give for a wine at times like these? Abyss, Even the Dwarven beer seems to be a good idea right now. A brief moment of silence "Your knowledge of your family's history is quite amazing to say the least, many nobles have forgotten their linage before the sundering either by will or by the passing of time, only reminded of it by Malekith. Do you know what part of Nagarythe you date back to? Or is it information not to be disclosed?" Carathyle was rather concerned with that kind of information. To him, it was a necessity to find out which amount of trust he could expect from a Druchii, as well as the amount of trust he could give back in return. A sudden change of subject was most in Carathyle's interest, considering the more he asked, the more he would be asked to return.

Carathyle turned his eyes toward Jacks, then toward Cananatra, before returning to Syjahel. "I've been wondering something ever since that tree of hearts event finished, what was it you... relived?"

OOC: Syjahel, I didn't think anything of it. It's obvious a necessity to get to know a possible rival, or a good "ally" in such cases.
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
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Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
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Post by Syjahel »

Syjahel was happy to talk as long as the treatment lasted and everyone was prepared to move on - there would be no further time to spend once they were all ready to go. Carathyle it seemed was in a communicative mood. She didn't think it necessary for him to chastise Jacks, but she supposed that the Shade could (and would) speak up for himself if he felt the need, Captaincy or no. Carathyle wasn't the most tactful of Druchii but he was direct, something she could appreciate well enough. Standing up for her strength was a little unexpected, but he was a fellow highborn and seemed happy to have something in common.

"Bretonnian wine, then, if you prefer. I find some of their wines a little lacking in body, they are summer wines, but then this is the summer raiding season." Circumstances? She'd always found drinking the health of the true Elves in the vintage of their debased cousins to be suitably fitting, but to each their own taste.

For a moment, the highborn lady paused. This was not the time to elaborate on the things she had seen, the stone corridors she'd walked in dreams, the high towers from which she used - that she did not know - that she somehow both had seen - remembered - and carried with her in some visionary legacy that she had never fully understood. Especially not now. No-one needs a Captain prone to visions of the drowned lands. It disturbs morale and makes the elves-at-arms fractious and flighty if they think their leader is some kind of seer.

"Yes, I do know well where we once lived, for we have paintings and tapestries made while the exile was still fresh in our minds and one even from our castle itself. But for the time it would take to tell of it, I fear the story must wait for a future time." It was all true, which helped, but it was with a sense of relief that she heard Carathyle change the subject.

"In that accursed tree of sorcery? Believe me when we see that Dalvian Witch I shall not care who takes her head so long as her demise is swift and sure." She almost spat the word sorcery. Nothing wrong with good honest witchery as practised by the ladies of the Dark Covenant, but that tree had had the stink of Chaos about it. "Hm. Well, as a matter of fact - though I don't know, of course, how much sense your visions made to you - mine seemed a strange sort of nightmare.

"I was in my wedding dress."
She paused, silently scanning the two listening Druchii to try any hint of laughter. Especially the one behind her. "My father had arranged - actually arranged, can you believe that? - a marriage between our House and our bitterest rivals for the sake of hateful peace. I knew of course that this could never be true, that it was a phantasm. But such is the nature of Chaos that I could not be sure how much freedom I had to ignoring it without risking harm in the real world, so I was happy to fight my way free of the inevitable betrayal.

Do not misunderstand me, I would be happy to make a good marriage, but it will be when I am older and it will be of my own choosing. Luckily I know my father better than any imaginary fakery, so I am afraid you will not be receiving any invitations soon."
She finished on a lighter note, managing a small, slightly grim smile.

"So what did you receive? A tale of villainy, or some confection of the opium-fiend's art like the one I saw?"



OOC: Syjahel will never forgive the Sorceress for putting her in a fancy wedding frock.
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Post by Carathyle maveric »

I started to laugh at the final remark about the illusion Syjahel had, "What a shame. I would love to go to your wedding, especially if it's under those terms. But that's just up to you, you're too young anyways." Carathyle responded chuckling. But within seconds after the last words left his lips, Carathyle turned serious again, "I received something I wouldn't expect from a Chaos God, especially not of Tzeentch, though I do believe Tzeentch is of change, and not of illusions. Anyway, I received clarity, of why my father acted paranoid, why my mother died. Ironically, it's the same date as my sword was forged."

Carathyle however did bother with the time they were spending with resting and recovering, as his mentality now oddly enough turned toward repaying the witch sorceress for what she did so very long ago that led to this wild goose chase, "Let's move on." Carathyle raised himself to a stance, and looked around, resting his left hand around the sword's hilt just in case. Eager as it might seem, Carathyle just wanted this over so he could get paid, and so he could rest, something that he would really welcome.
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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
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Post by Drainial »

The death of Seijl made a mixed impact across the group, Jacks in particular taking the loss of his closest companion hard; he would carry on though, he was Druchii. Respect for the dead did not faze Cananatra when it came to useful equipment of that Seijl had plenty. Gold, gems and a master crafted sword superior to his own all ended up on the warrior's belt while he threw Seijl's healing supplies to Jacks. Syjahel too was in need of some healing and the party fell to talking to pass the time as rudimentary field medicine was carried out. No one was letting their guard down fully, not yet and very likely not ever. That they could tell each other any form of intimate or personal story was a sign that the mercenaries had grown to trust one another though, even if only a little.

There was only one way to go from here, Jacks' magical life vision showing the way. He did not reveal the nature of the crystal to the others but they were used to following his sense of direction particularly in woods. What did city folk know of shade wood craft anyway? When all was said and done the group set off again leaving Seijl beneath the Tum-tum tree, if Jacks ever wanted to return to perform mysterious Autarii death rites he could hardly wish for a more striking monument.

The treck through the stone trees continued much as it had before the Jabberwock attack, after the wonder and strangeness of the Tum-tum tree and its monstrous inhabitants the living stone all around could almost pass for normal but none of them could forget that they were deep into unknown territory.

It was not so very long before the stillness of the half dead forest was broken once again, not by the shattering burble of a wild Jabberwock but a soft, lilting, rhythmic sound. It was difficult to pin down at first but as they drew nearer it became clear that this was some kind of chanting. As they got closer still the sound become more distinct, soft elven voices in the harsh Druchii tongue called but the reply came from a host of guttural snarls and barks accompanied by the clattering of wood and metal. Without anything needing to be said Jacks slipped a little way ahead of the group and crept forwards. The chant was quite distinct now though he could understand less than half of what was being said. Ducking round a large willow tree Jacks stared out from under frozen branches. Beneath him stretched a large clearing in a hollow in the ground.

Instantly Jacks eyes were drawn to the centre of the clearing where a huge alter carved of the same living stone as the trees stood, a platform ten feet square surmounted by a statue at once beautiful and grotesque, its features warped and strange. On the alter the shade saw a familiar figure, Aeamli the sorceress who had caused them all such consternation. Around her four elven acolytes knelt leading the chant along with her. Surrounding the alter in an innumerable horde a host of beastmen roared, bleated and bellowed in response to the robed elves. They were clustered too close to count but Jacks estimated half a hundred at the very least. Beyond the alter though he saw several tents of distinctly elven design guarded by half a dozen elven warriors. From Jacks perch he guessed it to be twenty feet of sloping ground to get to the alter as the crow flies, the tents were almost as far away again. Having seen all there was to be seen without risk of capture Jacks returned to the others to give his report.

Jacks +1 field kit (not taking the master crafted leather armour? It might stop you getting cut up so much), Cananatra plus Seijl's gold and gems and sword. Jacks minus 1 use on the field kit, Syjahel minus one magic healing balm. Please amend your sigs as necessary.

Syjahel's wounds are gone completely, Jacks are still throbbing and a little painful but shouldn't be too much of a problem. You are all about ten feet from the lip of the hollow and hidden in the trees. The clearing is roughly circular and approximately 60 feet round.


OOC: Sorry for the late post but I didn't want to interrupt your bonding exercise. -Drainial
Last edited by Drainial on Thu Aug 02, 2012 5:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Moding a group of Druchii.net players is much like directing the musical 'Cats' using actual cats. Frustrating, difficult, chaotic but ultimatley satisfying and a great deal of fun.

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Post by Carathyle maveric »

The group of four slowly approached the edges of of the hollow, clearly hearing the chants being called out from the very center. With Jacks solid intel, one that he actually was willing to rely upon, Carathyle scratched the back of his head, "How the hell are we going through that? We got at least fifty beastmen of unknowns, whether it be gor or ungor, four acolytes, the sorceress herself and six druchii? We're outnumbered 15 to one. I got to admit I'm not very faithful on this one, not now that Syjahel owes me a drink. Jacks, could you see Naylia? She's our prime target, securing her should ease things up for Sultra's Army." Carathyle knelt down, pressing his back against the frozen tree, pausing for a second. "So... what's the plan?" Carathyle asked after his moments of silence.

Times wasting. Naylia is the target, sorceress is an optional, leaving me with the question; how the frig are we going to slaughter at least 50 Gor and still have strength left to battle the elves?! Carathyle sat down, placing the gauntlet against his face. His mind was troubled, like it was before the clarity. Father, could you give me advice? For I am in desperate need of some?

OOC: I'll wait for Drainial to add that. If you guys come up with a plan, I'll post again.

[EDIT: "Carathyle," the voice of Coreleth Maveric echoed like a breeze through the young lordlings head, unheard by others.
"Remember the words of the scholars of Nagrythe; when faced by a foe beyond your strength you must strike where the enemy is not." With that cryptic advice the voice fell silent; it was still for Carathyle to prove himself in his father’s eyes. -Drainial


"You must strike where the enemy is not?" Carathyle whispered as he moved his hand to his chin, rubbing it as he thought. Where the enemy is not? Implying on the words, where the enemy is fewest. Altar is too crowded, we'd be slaughtered on there, which... Is that wise to do? Carathyle thought, slowly thinking of the possibility. "I want to check out those tents. There was no direct sight of Naylia around the Altar, and considering there are tents near, she might be in there. Either that, or she's one of the acolytes, in which case, she'll be our enemy. I suggest we split up, either two on two or three on one. One group checks the tents for Naylia, if needed taking the guards out as silent as possible, preferably two of us all. If discovered, the other group will drop in from this side, surprising them." Carathyle explained as clear as he could get his mind.
"With luck, the first team finds Naylia before that happens and is able to extract. If that's the case, all we need to do after that is wait for Sultra's army and hand over the girl. However, if that is not the case... let's hope group two's assault packs enough punch to divert the horde from its primary target, and lets hope Sultra's army gets here before we're all dead. Anyone up for this plan?"

Carathyle will take the advice as much as it applies in this situation, which basicly means check the tents first, then, if necessary, charge at the altar from two points.
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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
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Post by Meteor »

Jacks bit back a snigger when heard his captain's vision was of a wedding dress. He held his tongue, but the trembling in his hand most probably gave away his amusement. Keeping to himself and regaining himself, he continued with his work on his captain's bruises.
------------------------------wooosh back up to date------------------

The sight was thrilling, such a horde gathered in one place. He dared not think to strike the enemy directly, and he was disheartened to be unable to sight Naylia. Such an obstacle stood in their way, but it is more than likely their trial and hunt has finally reached its peak. Naylia must be within here somewhere, Jacks guessed she was held in one of the tents if not at the altar.

Returning back to the group before he got captured, Carathyle was the first again to speak his thoughts on the matter.

"A distraction might work, if necessary. For all we know, the Sorceress might already be aware of our presence. I suspect our charge is being held within one of the tents since she is not in sight on the open field. We might need to split up to search the tents, perhaps we can disguise ourselves? It might last long enough to secure our charge."

His mind immediately went to using his artefact again, but he shook the thought away. He hasn't mastered the item yet, he dared not rely on it at such a crucial situation, especially when he doesn't know what the colours mean exactly. Having said that, he still wanted to go scan the field with it, try and learn more about the colours whilst they formulated a plan.

OOC: Jacks wants to go back to the willow tree and scan the place with his artefact. See if he can learn anything new about his item and see if there's anything of notable interest in this vision before returning back to the group for further discussion.

Jacks will suggest they use subterfuge, and disguise themselves as guards to search the tents.

OOOC: Jacks didn't take the armour, I assumed it wouldn't fit him since it was mastercrafted to fit Seijl. O well, probably too late now.
What's mine is mine, What's yours is mine.
Now that we understand each other, lets get down to business.

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

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

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

Magic Item
Eye of the Jabberwock

*Magical properties possibly imbued
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Post by Cananatra »

Cananatra crouched with the enemy army just in sight as the others spoke. He had no problem waiting for the others to voice their suggestions and as usual Carathyle dove head first in with his. Also as usual his idea was not exactly the most useful, or smartest. I have no idea how this elf ever survived in his family, noble and all.

“Do you perhaps have a death wish Carathyle?” Cananatra hissed, keeping his voice low. “The shade may have a chance of sneaking around that army, whatever sentries they have posted, and into the tent but we sure as Khaine don’t.” His thoughts lifted slightly at the irony of still using Khaines name as an expletive. “If the sorceress already knows we’re here we’re ruined anyway Jacks so no real need to worry.” Cananatra paused and looked back down at the gathered army below them. I must be insane, he thought as an idea came to him.

“Right, we need to draw the army off; that much is clear. Sneaking in alone is unlikely to work out for us. I suggest I back off a good distance and start blowing on this horn.” Cananatra patted the Dalvain hunting horn on his hip. “With any luck I can convince them I’m Sultra’s army moving up on them and they’ll charge out to meet them. I’ll try and draw them in the direction Sultra is coming from to save my own skin. Once the beastmen have cleared out, you three can move into the camp far easier than before.” Cananatra looked at Syjahel. “Not the most fun use of my time, but seemingly the best?” He finished his sentence with an implied question.
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
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Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Post by Carathyle maveric »

Cananatra was the first that was criticizing Carathyle's plan, which didn't come as a surprise to the young noble, as he got used to the Warrior's constant nagging. Waiting for a pause in the words of the warrior, Carathyle just sat and listened. "First off, yes, if that's what it takes to end this all, then I got a death wish. Second, you're calling me brash, while you're going to blow a horn, attracting the attention of the horde of at least 50, while we three charge the moment they're gone? I'm good with that, but lets have Jacks search the tents, while me and Syjahel will take care of the rest. My main concern is securing the charge, you know? The one Sultra ordered us to retrieve? And I'd rather have it in Jack's hands then to have the risk that she'll be used against us." Carathyle hissed back, suggesting to combine the two plans, but it left little room for error in the noble's mind.

"What ever we're going to do, time's running short, and arguing over the minor details isn't something that we should do right now. I'm afraid that Altar isn't going to stay unused for long, considering the chanting." Carathyle turned his head toward Syjahel, slightly nodding as if to say, "Your choice, not mine."

Altering plan; Go with what ever plan comes up, it's Syjahel's choice anyways.
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
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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
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Post by Cananatra »

Cananatra fixed Carathyle with a short look before answering. “I didn’t suggest you charge right in once the beastmen are drawn off, though if you want to I won’t stop you. Whichever you choose to do, sneak or fight, it will be far easier minus 50 odd beastmen.”
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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Post by Meteor »

Listening as the two warriors exchanged words, Jacks couldn't help but allow a chuckle to be heard as Cananatra suggested drawing out the Beastmen.

"Makes sense, might be easier to slip through in the chaos for that matter. The sorceress didn't see me when she first encountered us back at the caravan either, that'll be an advantage for us."

"But what's that sorceress going to do once the herd starts moving?"

OOC: Jacks still wants to use the eye on the army beforehand, he figures it'll be a good opportunity to learn something more about the colors amongst so much life energy.
What's mine is mine, What's yours is mine.
Now that we understand each other, lets get down to business.

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

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

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

Magic Item
Eye of the Jabberwock

*Magical properties possibly imbued
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Post by Syjahel »

Syjahel gave some thought to the options voiced by the more enthusiastic of the party. Carathyle was all for quick action; Jacks favoured sneaking. So far, so much what she'd come to expect, which was not a bad thing in itself. Already they were keenly missing the loss of the Shade. Plainly charging the group of massed Beastmen and Sorcerous acolytes was suicide, which really only left a clandestine approach.

The trouble was that the success or failure of the plan depended on Jacks. It wasn't lack of competency that Syjahel feared, rather that however competent the Autarii might be, there was only one of him. Normally something she might be thankful for, perhaps. The highborn managed a grim smile at the small jest.

If they had been faced with an ordinary foe, there would have been the possibility of some kind of elaborate offer to join them and then betray them as an admittedly small fifth column - citing being fed up with Sultra's overlordship as a plausible reason - but there was Sorcery involved and enough background treason already. No, such a plan was guaranteed to fail with magic brought into the equation. though it was a very Druchii one. The highborn reluctantly but swiftly discarded the idea and moved back to the focus on stealth.

Cananatra voiced the idea of a distraction to draw away some of the defenders while the group searched. Or rather the Shade did; there was, as he accurately pointed out, no way that anyone else would be able to perform a quiet extraction. Added to this the use of the horn might have an effect on the bestial servants of Chaos as it had in the caravan. This seemed as good an idea as they were going to get, but where did she and Carathyle fit in?

"We have terrible odds and no good solutions. However,"
there was the ghost of a smile on the Captain's lips, "as Jacks can attest I am used to this situation. It has been my daily lot when working for Sultra."


"I'd agree that our best chance of locating the child is for the stealthy amongst us to search the tents. Jacks, that is now you. I am not skilled enough in that field to help - none of us warriors are trained to be stealthy. Cananatra, I see no real role for myself and Carathyle except to aid you in your distraction. Perhaps we can lead some of them astray or more likely make more noise to add to the confusion. It would be helpful if we knew the direction of Sultra's forces, but such is our lot."

"So we are left with two groups, one to distract and let them believe the assault is beginning, one to seek the girl. Frankly, I don't like it, but we can't risk a frontal assault ourselves. I think, therefore, that that is our best plan of action. Khaine guide us."



Syjahel doesn't have a better plan. The best variant she thinks is to get Jacks to sneak in and rescue Naylia while the 3 of them make a distraction. So Khaine help us, barring better input this is what we'll try ...
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Post by Cananatra »

OOC: I’m assuming endurance would fall under toughness.

“Are you sure that you and Carathyle should come with me Syjahel? I’d wager I could continue running far longer than either of you.” Cananatra mind flashed over his natural endurance augmented by the Slaaneshi gifts. “I’ve outran an army before too, albeit Lizardmen rather than Beastmen.”

If Syjahel insists on Carathyle and herself accompanying him Cananatra will go with it. Whether alone or with the others he’ll then back off into the wood some half mile and blow the Dalvain Hunting Horn to attract the attention of the Beastmen before taking off in the other direction.
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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Post by Carathyle maveric »

"I have to agree with Cananatra on that, as well as going against him. Cananatra, both me and Syjahel wear Medium Armour, her is by the looks of it even Mastercrafted, where you are wearing Heavy armor therefore making you heavier. On the other side, Syjahel, going along with the plan of yours would mean leaving Jacks in the hands of Khaine. Even if Jacks manages to find Sultra's daughter, he could never face acolytes AND the sorceress himself without a form of back-up. The shade is competent I'm sure of, but it's the odds of magic against an Autarii and we can't afford to lose another one." Carathyle voiced his concern about the whole plan, both out of precaution of what might happen, and because he doesn't want the sorceress to escape unharmed.

"Cananatra's role is clear, as is Jacks' role. Syjahel, I suggest that we just back off a bit, taking the mass of the horde into a count, and that we adapt to the situation. If the elves remain in the hallow, Jacks is in trouble. If they leave with the horde, we can attack the horde from behind." Carathyle quickly thought, with a slight bit of help of the ambush tactics his tutor imprinted in his mind. he stop talking for a couple of seconds, looking at Syjahel and Cananatra separately.

"On the whole point of not knowing where Sultra's army is coming from, let's assume that he'll follow the path carved out for and by us. Personally, I'm in favor of Cananatra's plan, with us fulfilling a role of being easily deployable. We'll have to sit back for a while until Cananatra blows the horn and lures the beastmen off, and adapt to what ever the elven warriors are going to do." Carathyle quickly added a summary of the whole plan, considering all that was left was Syjahel's and his own roles.

If declined, he'll go with Syjahel's plan.
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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
Malekith's Best Friend
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Location: UK

Post by Syjahel »

The highborn sighed, though it wasn't the sigh of tried patience this time. The veteran was right.

"You make a fair point. Long term running is not my strength - I'm more of a sprinter. I suppose that I want as few loose ends as possible, but you are right; we will not be able to keep up so long a chase. Carathyle, I don't want to make any unfair assumptions but Cananatra served in Lustria. If he can stand the heat of such a harsh climate, the odds are he's tougher than us, at least for now." She added the last on a reflex. No Druchii likes to be second at anything.

"We can at least go the first part of the way with Jacks and make sure we're close enough for backup - in so far as that is possible without compromising his stealth. At least we can provide some kind of fixed point for him to bring Naylia to before we join up with Sultra. He probably is following our trail. I take it you'll be making your own way there." That wasn't really a question; leading Tachar's forces away naturally put Cananatra in a position where he would be separated for some while.

"Carathyle, you come with me and we'll try to at least be in a position to cover Jacks' retreat, or to make a distraction of our own if he needs it. We'll go wherever we need to be. Cananatra, Jacks - good luck."


Oh joy. Almost certain death for the sake of a centuries-old mistake.
If Syjahel was aware of the parallel to the founding of the whole Druchii state, she kept it locked away deep in her subconscious.


It makes sense for Carathyle and Syjahel to keep out of both stealth and luring missions so floating support it is. Syjahel is not thrilled about this but it makes the most sense :D
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~ We Never Slept ~
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Drainial
Prophet of Tzeentch
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Post by Drainial »

Not for the first time coming up with a plan nearly caused a rift in the mercenary band but eventually something approaching a consensus was reached. Immediately Cananatra began moving off in search of a good place to begin his diversion and promising at least ten minutes grace for the others to get into position. Jacks was no slower off the mark and headed back to the stone willow to take a better look at the situation before he started his solo mission.

Taking out the Jabberwock's crystalline eye from its pouch once more Jacks fixed his eyes on the scene bellow as his vision shifted. The sheer mass and vitality of the beastmen shone out in a lake of molten bronze. On the alter the four acolytes shone just as bright but somehow purer, closer to a golden glow. They were all eclipsed by the brilliant shining figure of the sorceress Aemilli who blazed brighter than any other. She would have been the focus of Jacks attention had he not been more interested in the tents beyond. The elven guards glowed much like the acolytes on the alter but Jacks' enhanced vision saw beyond the thin and flimsy canvas and into the tents themselves. In the tent closest to the forest on the other side of the clearing Jacks saw a glimmering figure of purest gold, less intense than the sorceress but somehow cleaner and lighter. Unlike all the others this figure was in a strange shape, maybe sitting but it was hard to tell. In all likely hood this was Naylia but how knew what traps or tricks the Dalvian cultists might have set up?

He knew that he would find out soon for he had been laying there hidden for around ten minutes, as if on cue the high blast of a hunting horn split the air. The effect on the beastman mob bellow was instant and alarming. Their sonorous if bestial chanting gave way to a cacophony of baying howls. Whatever the sorceress or any of the others elves might have been saying was buried by the sheer volume and whether she was egging them on or trying vainly to hold them back the whole mass of Gors and Ungors thundered from the clearing in the direction of the horn blast and, Jacks knew, Cananatra. Whether she wished it or not Aemili clearly didn't want the hunt to go unsupervised and three of the six elven guards quickly gave chase though the heavy feet of the city folk had trouble catching the children of Chaos. The terrible fate which awaited Cananatra should that mob catch him did not bare thinking about, so Jacks didn't, he had more important things to do. Stowing the eye he began to skirt around the edge of the clearing aiming to emerge from the woods behind the tent.

Some way away in the forest proper Cananatra had found what passed for a patch in these parts, something which might serve the city born elf well fleeing from forest creatures. Raising the horn to his lips once again Cananatra gave another short blast for luck and then let it hang back in its usual position at his belt. Blowing the horn had been an unusual experience, though he was now getting so used to various unusual experiences that normality was simply something that happened to other people. Blowing it he had felt his soul tingle with the familiar dark urges at the centre of his being, at the centre of all elves, that urge to kill rend and destroy. The beast within. As he blew however he also felt the amulet pressing against his chest burn gently, almost as if it was reasserting its authority, and the tingle went away.

The battle between the various magic items in his possession was in interesting but Cananatra knew that if the plan had worked he would soon have to move. The warrior waited only long enough to hear the bestial screams of rage coming from the clearing out of sight before he began running the other way. He had a considerable head start but the Gors had the tracking prowess of forest dwellers twined with the senses of true beasts and besides he was encumbered by thick and heavy armour. He was an elf of prodigious stamina and toughness but even so the race ahead would push him to his limit.

It was not long before the hunting herd began to close the gap. Running hard Cananatra barely registered the forest flying by; the heavy armour has chafing, the slightly lose sections rising and falling, grinding against one another and his skin, already he could feel his limbs tiring but his life was on the line and he would press through the pain. Minuets passed, still Cananatra ran on, now though the roars of his pursuers had been joined by the clatter of hooves and paws against the hard and dusty ground. They were closing in and the warrior knew that they must soon catch him unless he could do something. Casting his eyes about Cananatra saw an endless array of living stone trees, there seemed to be little else. In the maze of living stone Cananatra knew despair. The bellows behind him grew louder still and glancing round Cananatra saw that the mass was less and twenty feet away, huge gors with terrible clubs and axes ready to rend his flesh. Skilled and strong as he was the elf knew that this was a battle he simply couldn't win. He was just about considering the merits of running and preserving his life a few moment more or turning with his blade in hand to die a warrior’s death when with a jerk his whole body was yanked upwards.

Cananatra's vision switched upside down, he thrashed around in confusion until his realised that he was dangling by one leg from a rope coming from the tree above. Beneath him the beastman herd had caught up and howled their frustration as they tried in vain to reach him. It would almost have been funny if only the elf concerned hadn't been him. The situation grew even less funny when one of the Ungors thought of throwing things, it was something of an intellectual leap for the children of chaos but having a dozen of the brighter Beastmen hurling petrified twigs at his armoured body was far from fun. Brushing past the terrifying and painful part of this experience lay a question though, where had the rope come from? This was answered in part when one of the leading Gors fell to its knees with an arrow in its neck, swiftly others began to fall as well. What was going on?

Back at the clearing Jacks had made his circuit, so far he was unseen for no city elf could hope to find a shade in the woods, now though came the dangerous part of his mission. The tents were close by, the one he was aiming for some five feet away. Fishing out the eye Jacks Checked it and found that the pure golden being within had not moved, this close though he could see another figure, less bright but definitely living and humanoid. Based on his little experience Jacks guessed it was an elf though he couldn't be sure.

Carathyle and Syjahel meanwhile were feeling more than a little useless, with no clear role to fulfil they had wandered over to the willow where Jacks had been, from there they could keep an eye on the clearing. They had seen the beastmen and several of the elves run off after Cananatra but still Aemili and the four acolytes remained as did three guards and whoever was out of sight within the tents. Jacks might well need their help should he be discovered, the shade could not survive such a force for long.

Right now things have gotten interesting again. Jacks is just outside the tent from the rear, there are no doors facing his way but likewise no guards, they are all on the other side. Syjahel and Carathyle are overseeing the clearing so they kind of know what is going on. Cananatra is dangling above the ground suspended from one leg. The Beastmen are just out of reach. -Drainial
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