Group 22

Post by **Kinslayer** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 11:56 am

As the guard approached the disguised mercenaries and called out to them, both of them felt a shiver of anticipation run down their spines. If he realised they sounded different, noticed they looked different or otherwise came closer to bar their entry to the guest house they would have a fight on their hands. And not an easy one, no doubt. Even with backup, there could be a dozen more guards within earshot and Khaine only knows how many others around the estate. Hoping he would be able to play it off using confidence as his only real aid, Elysian took the initiative and responded to the guard in as flat and ordinary sounding voice as he could muster. For a moment the guard just stood and blinked at him in response, and they were sure their plan had been thwarted.

"Better you than me" the guard finally said with a short chuckle, turning on his heel and pacing back towards the gate.

Elysian was already testing the guest house door, not willing to give the guard a second chance to realise his mistake. Vash'nir stood with him and watched as he tried the door and found it open, commenting on his nice work and thanking Khaine for their luck. From above, Phalx lost sight of the pair as they moved into the guest house, but continued to patrol the wall as the stand in for the slain guard. If the guards down below saw him give something away and suspected anything now, his comrades would be stuck in the guest house and surrounded. Vash'nir pushed the door to the guest house open slightly, taking in the small entrance hall within, and slipped inside quickly as to not alert the guards behind them to their stalling. The Mage followed him in, shutting the door behind them.

Saldrimek suddenly spotted two more guards heading along the rear wall of the Estate towards their position, having just emerged from the opposite tower. He moved back away from the doorway and told Vryala and Karonath that they were approaching. They were confident they could bring them down again, but without Elysian in the tower to cloak the doorway in shadow they would be seen before the guards reached them if they were not careful. Preparing to fight off the guards also meant their watch over the courtyard was interrupted, the last thing they saw being Vash'nir and Elysian entering the guest house. They could only hope their friend and ally did not need them right away.

Vash'nir and Elysian stood just inside the door to the guest house and looked out upon the entrance hall, a roughly square room warmed by a blazing log fire on the far wall. Several comfortable chairs were seated around a round oak table in the centre of the room, and a doorway beyond spoke of more room towards the back of the house. There was also a stairway just to their left leading up to the second floor. More concerning was the human slave crouched on the floor beside the oak table, scrubbing away with a dirty rag. She half turned her head as they entered, glancing up no higher than their shins to take them in. They guessed she was forbidden from looking upon her masters. Still, she stood inbetween them and their prize.

Raneth · Post by **Raneth** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:36 pm

Vryala could well see the yard below, but just as the newly-armored stealth squad disappeared behind a wall Saldrimek informed her of two more complications of their own. The sneaky pair would have to fend for themselves for a short while, it seemed, V exchanging her repeater for the sword in preparation for the bloodshed that was sure to follow.

V hides in the shadows, intending to strike out simultaneously with whomever too felt the need for killing. As one!

Post by **Drainial** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:47 pm

Well they were in, so much for the easy part. Now they had to find Faulin and kill him without bringing down the whole estate on their heads. Unfortunately a slave was in the way of that, unfortunately for the slave.

Unless Vash'nir has any objections Elysian will walk up to the slave, knock her on the head and slit her throat while she is sleeping.

Dauricha · Post by **Dauricha** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:06 pm

Phalx was getting bored. Here he was stood on the wall patrolling like some common brute, when all his comrades were down in the grounds getting up to who knows what fun. Maybe they would burn the place down again, like they did the last time they had sneaked into a manor. Sure there was no sign of fire breathing lizard, but it was a very likely possibility none the less. His trigger finger was getting itche, he wanted to be doing something.

Would a distraction aid his allies at all? He thought as he carried on striding back and forth. If a fire started in one of the towers, surely it would make their job easier. It would be terrible for me not to, he convinced himself, eyes the tower he was now walking towards. It would be a distraction, before he could think of it further he saw two gaurds walking along the wall to where his friends were hidden in the tower. Hey lads, he called out in his mouth buck toothed 'guardish' voice (That was not to dissimilar from his hired goon voice) what you doing up here then?

Phalx hopes to distract the guards, so his comrades can have the element of surprise on them, or to move them away from a fight altogether.

Post by **Kinslayer** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:17 pm

OOC - Going to have to move things on guys, please do try to post every day and I will do the same. (Usually it's only weekends when I sometimes can't.)

IC -

Up in the tower, Vryala took a look down the wall at the new threat that Saldrimek had just announced, and drew her sword in anticipation. Sal and K moved back behind her, seemingly trying to stay out of the guards' line of sight whilst perhaps also preparing an ambush like their warrior friend. However, just before the pair of guards reached the tower the heavily disguised Phalx called out to them. Trying to sound and act innocent with his face hidden behind his stolen visor, the Shade held his breath and waited for a response. The two guards shared a curious glance to one another, then hurried into the tower. Phalx cursed under his breath, perhaps the guards had not recognised him, or perhaps it was uncommon to call out in such a fashion. Either way, the guards seemed to be heading closer to investigate or perhaps just come and talk to him.

Inside the tower, Vryala and the Khainties' suddenly found themselves with unwanted company as the two guards jogged into the tower one behind the other, swords drawn and shields up.

Down inside the guest house within the estate, Elysian decided to make a quick job of killing the slave lest she realise something was amiss and alert her masters. With no objections from Vash'nir, the Mage strode forwards and clouted the startled human girl over the head with the butt of his staff. She fell to the floor with a startled grunt and gasp of air, knocked unconcious by the heavy blow. Elysian bent down beside her and drew his dagger across her throat, ensuring she would be of no further hinderance to them. With the human slave dead, all that remained was to pick a destination. Listening out with their keen elven ears, the pair picked up on voices further down the hall behind this room, but also on movement up the stairs to their left. They could either split up, or investigate each direction one at a time.

Post by **Drainial** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 4:30 pm

Killing the slave girl was just good common sense, a necessary evil but no more terrible in Elysian's eyes than dealing with a meddlesome guard dog and a good deal easier. Standing he looked back over at Vash'nir
"Plenty of people about," he said in hushed tones "we had best stick together, maybe they will all keel over and die as easily as this one," he gave the corpse a gentle nudge with his foot "but I doubt it. Downstairs makes most sense since we will have to come back this way in any case.

Elysian wants to stick together and investigate the ground floor first but is willing to change if Vash'nir raises strong objections.

Raneth · Post by **Raneth** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 6:10 pm

The ambush set, V waited for the guards with a Khainite on either side. But as should be expected, Phalx just had to open his damn mouth and alert the sentries to... well, something being out of place. The well-drilled pair quickly moved into their position, and Vryala realized the stealth bit of this mission had just about ended. Just as well, she thought with a smile, eager to put her enhanced abilities to the test. Hello boys.

Vryala charges the two guards with a shield slam of her own, aiming to immobilize them and keep the fight inside the tower, hopefully keeping it somewhat obscured to outside eyes.

Sidorio · Post by **Sidorio** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 8:04 pm

OOC - Sorry Kinslayer, I know my posting has been somewhat sporadic recently, its just works sort of hit the busy season and at the end of the day I'm just plain stuffed. I'll try posting in the mornings out to see if it works better

IC - Vash'nir stared nonchalantly at the body of the slave before shrugging boredly. Her death hardly bothered him as she'd have just caused complications if left alive, complications he'd rather avoid while within the estate.

Sounds like a reasonably plan to me, I do wonder if we should hide the body though. Someone finding it here might raise an alarm. Despite his voice being a whisper he was still cautious about not being heard, certain that in a palce like this there'd be someone listening in.

See about hiding the body then go with Elysian

Dauricha · Post by **Dauricha** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:24 pm

The guards ignored him for whatever reason, so they had chosen to die on his comrades blades, he shrugged and turned away heading to the other tower. He was getting bored, maybe he would find something fun to do in the tower.

Phalx will head to the tower nearest in which his comrades aren't in, and see whats is in there etc.

Khel · Post by **Khel** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 3:25 pm

The guards were approaching, their weapons almost ready for something that they somehow picked up on. No matter how strange the guard’s behaviour, Sal kept himself to the corner of the room. They outnumbered the guards here and they couldn’t have known that they were there. Keeping to the corner of the room and to the side of the guard’s entrance, Sal readied himself and watched as Vryala charged in with her shield. The sound of battle would be clear, at least inside the tower. Sal made sure that they wouldn’t be able to call an alarm of any sorts.

Keeping to the corner of the room and hopefully out of the vision of the two new guards, Sal will wait for Vryala to crash into the guards before moving in quickly from behind and chopping at the guards, quickly yet messy.

Post by **Kinslayer** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 7:38 pm

OOC - Sorry Dauricha, I wasn't sure if you wanted to go ahead and have Phalx try to start a fire or not. Don't get bored though, your time to shine has arrived...

IC -

The two guards were so intent on racing through the tower and out onto the wall the other side to see what Phalx was up to, that they barely registered the three mercenaries in the tower upon entering. The lead guards' eyes went wide in suprise a moment before Vryala shield-bashed him from the side, slamming him in against the wall with a clash of metal on stone, his head bouncing off the inside of his helmet. The second guard was right behind him, and just as suprised as the first he ran headlong into the back of the first as they were stalled by Vryala. Clearly well trained however, the guards barely took a moment to reorganise themselves and bring their weapons up to defend themselves.

Saldrimek stepped forth from the corner behind the guards and lashed out at the first with his twin scimitars. The guard twisted to meet him, deflecting one blow but taking the second in the shoulder with a hiss of pain, the blade biting into his armour and the flesh beneath. No sooner had Sal struck than the guard threw his weight into his shield, shoving Saldrimek back a step before lashing out with his own sword. The heavy blade came down hard in a diagonal stroke which Sal blocked with matched precision, curling his lip into a cold sneer as the guard glared at him from beneath his visor. Beside him, Vryala continued her assault on the first guard as Karonath moved up in support, closing the gap behind the guards so they could not retreat back the way they had come. Metal clashed on metal as Vryalas' blade was blocked and then turned aside, before she had to bring her own shield up to stop a sideways blow. If the fighting continued, they were sure they would be heard.

Out on the wall, Phalx was getting restless, pacing in mock imitation of the guard they had already killed in a bid to keep the guards down below content in thinking that all was still well. He was just heading to the opposite tower to take a look inside and perhaps start a fire if a distraction became necessary, when he realised their plan was about to be jepoardised. The clash of sword on sword ran out from the tower where his friends lay in ambush, echoing across the estate no more than a minute after Vash and Elysian had entered the guest house down below. Without giving himself away, Phalx halted and looked out over the estate. There were still four guards by the gate, but now they were all looking up at him as the sounds of the fighting reached them.

One of the guards, no doubt the one in charge, thrust an outstretched finger in the direction of the corner tower and bellowed an order to Phalx that was lost on the wind. Clearly he thought Phalx was still the guard that had been slain, and he was calling for him to investigate. What's more, the guard then set about issuing orders to the other three that stood with him at the gate. Nodding in confirmation, they suddenly set off in different directions, running like moving targets under Phalxs' gaze. One was heading straight for the mansion, no doubt sprinting to alert Lord Faulin of the danger. Another ran straight for the nearby guard house, and would no doubt be summoning reinforcements momentarily. The last jogged over to the guest house, and was instantly lost from Phalxs' line of sight as he moved under the shadow of the roof.

Inside the guest house and unaware of all that was transpiring outside, Vash'nir stepped over the body of the dead serving girl before stooping to grab a handful of her hair. He dragged her into the darkest corner of the room, dumping the body behind one of the cushioned chairs beside the fire. Blood still stained the carpet where she had fallen, but the pair had no time to worry about such things. Choosing the downstairs path, they wove their way around the furniture and headed as silently as possible into the hallway beyond. There were voices coming from the rooms beyond, but still they stopped to inspect every door along the way as to ensure they left no danger behind them lest they need to escape.

Vash'nir quietly opened a door and pushed it wide enough to glance inside, it was nothing but a storage cupboard filled with the tools of the slaves. The next door was on the right, and Elysian fumbled with the handle only to find it locked. He focused his mind and drew upon the wind of Chamon, bending the metal inside the lock until it clicked and snapped. He gave the handle another try and this time the door swung open, revealing an empty feasting chamber. The next door led to another empty lounge, and the fourth and final door opened into the kitchens. It was here that the voices had been coming from, but Vash'nir and Elysian were dissapointed to learn that it was just a few more house slaves. The human and elf servants were quickly put to the sword, ensuring their silence as their mission continued.

And then they heard a shout. A guard burst into the guest house through the same front door they had used to enter, and called out in warning. Had they been discovered after all, or had someone else given the group away? Their minds rushed to find an answer as the guard called up the stairs to Draco and his guards, warning them of some possible danger from outside. Confused shouts and the thunder of armoured boots down wooden stairs came in answer, and then a moment of relative silence as the guards talked in hushed tones at the door. Without hearing what was said, it quickly became apparent that they had been discovered. The guards from upstairs knew nothing of the two new arrivals, and perhaps they had spotted the blood staining the floor as well. It would be a matter of moments before the guards came looking for them, and in that time Draco could well leave the house.

Things had suddenly gone from good to bad, and the group found themselves once more fighting for their lives.

Dauricha · Post by **Dauricha** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 8:09 pm

A new idea came to Phalx as he stood on that tower, below him like scurrying ants went the guards, a cruel grin coming over his face. He would have time to hit one of them he thought, the other would escape, but maybe he could work that to his advantage. One was running to the guard house, there only seemed to be one door, and he could set up quite nicely here and keep his eye on that with old Deathspitter. Tossing aside the shield and helmet, he gripped his reliable crossbow and went to work.

Phalx will aim to shot down the guard heading for the manor, and then will lie down, reload Deathspitter and aim at the guard room door, shooting everything and anything that comes out, hoping to keep the guards pinned down in their for as long as he can.

Khel · Post by **Khel** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 8:44 pm

The guard’s well honed instincts saved them for the moment, one of the guards narrowly avoiding death but only receiving a large, deep gash dug deep into his shoulder blade. Blood spraying across his new scimitar as well as spotting parts of his arm, Sal would savour this kill, but he knew in his mind that he could only work quickly. An opponent with a shield and a sword wasn’t new to him, Sal feeling as if he had been in this situation many times before. He couldn’t overcome the guard’s defence in a pure strength contest, he knew that much. So he would seclude and occupy the guard’s sword arm before pushing in for a crippling strike. Oblivious to whatever was going on outside the tower, Sal gritted his teeth as he stared down his guard opponent, Sal noticing the man’s desperate eyes through the visor.

Sal will take advantage of his two weapons and force a sword block from the guard by bringing his scimitar around the elf’s head in a swift, large arc. If the blade is caught by the sword arm, Sal will follow up by exploiting the guard’s shield manoeuvrability and take off the guards sword arm at the joint with his other scimitar from below.

Post by **Drainial** » Sun Jun 26, 2011 1:03 am

Well the ground floor was clear and that was something though there were a few more innocent bodies on the ground than he would usually have liked, for evidence purposes as much as anything. That aside they needed to move on, Faulin's son was in this house somewhere and if it was not down here then it must be upstairs.

All of this was fine until the silence recently won by their blades was broken by the sound of the front door being flung open, shouting and boots on stairs. Something had gone wrong, most likely they had been discovered, maybe it was something else but the fact remained that this mission had just got much harder. Well he had never expected an easy ride when he wrangled himself this job and there were a thousand things that might have gotten the guards lathered up.

Standing around while a search party was organised and the target escaped was not an option which Elysian was keen on taking, for better or worse they had to take the bull by the horns; find out what was going on and try to salvage the situation preferably whilst retaining all of their life blood.

"We should go and see that all the fuss is about and deal with it if we can. If the target is as jumpy as Blackthorn says he might well be out of the door soon. What do you think?"

Elysian wants to go and investigate the noise and unless there is overwhelming force beyond to try and contain it so that Faulin junior doesn't have an easy exit (I am assuming there is no back exit as we would have seen it sweeping the ground floor). If they can assess the situation first without being seen then all the better, if not then the guard disguises will have to work overtime.

Raneth · Post by **Raneth** » Sun Jun 26, 2011 2:03 am

Lord Faulin had spared no expense in his guards' training, V didn't manage to get a single hit through. Thoughts of Vash and Elysian were far away as she roared an angry battle cry to accompany her renewed assault - unlike Sal she was more than willing to engage in a contest of strength, and that is exactly what she did. She figured the one before her was still slightly dazed from having his head slammed into a wall, and would not be able to dodge the living missile Vryala had now turned herself into.

V rams her shield into the guy's face, and tries to use her momentum to land a vital blow.

Post by **Kinslayer** » Sun Jun 26, 2011 8:53 pm

Phalx watched the two guards running off in different directions down below and cast his guard helmet aside. The time for subtlety was at an end. He decided to let the one heading for the guard house go, he would be able to pepper the entrance with bolts if anyone came out in response. He turned his sights on the guard running for the mansion, clicking Deathspitter onto single shot mode as he brought the magical crossbow up to fire. He took a deep breath and aimed at his target, who was hindered somewhat by his heavy armour as he tried to run for aid. This allowed Phalx the precious seconds he needed to aim a perfect shot, and when Deathspitters' firing mechanism clicked and launched a black fletched iron bolt screaming across the courtyard, it brought a savage grin to Phalxs' face. The bolt hit the guard in the back of the head, sending blood and brain matter up in a gory erruption. A moment later the guard fell flat on his face a dozen paces from the mansions doors. He wouldn't be getting back up.

In the tower, Karonath continued to block the retreat and let her companions do the majority of the fighting. Vryala bit back a snarl of rage as her attack was deflected, but opted to push on harder with renewed strength and vigour rather than give the dazed guard even a moment to gather his wits. Her shield slammed up into his jaw, knocking him back and causing his sword to flail wildly in defence. She pounced on him as he fell, smashing his sword aside and embedding her blade in the side of his neck between the armour and the helmet, flecks of red splashing up the stone wall beside her as the guard was brought down. Saldrimek too continued to exchange blows with his target, swapping the strength on strength approach for one of speed. His two blades rained down blows, and in a matter of seconds he caused the guard to extend his shield sideways before lopping off his lower arm with a savage upwards cut. The guard recoiled in pain, and Sal seized the opperunity to step in closer and finish him off, sending his head rolling across the stone floor.

Inside, Vash'nir followed Elysians' lead as the Mage headed back into the hallway that led to the front room. If the guards were making the danger known to their target then Draco was likely going to flee, and they knew it was down to them to get in his way. As expected, they came face to face with a trio of guards. One of them had run over from the gate, and Elysian recognised him as the man who had called out to him only minutes before. The other two had come down from upstairs, and although they had their helmets off and did not carry their shields, each had a sword at hand and drew a second, smaller blade as the pair approached from the back of the house. A brief silence accompanied the stillness that took over the room as the two parties looked at each other for a moment, before one of the guards suddenly called out angrily.
"Imposters! Kill them!"

Vash'nir and Elysian were suddenly confronted by the three guards, who came at them like a pack of wolves, the two from above with paired swords fanning out to come around the flanks while the guard from outside with his sword, shield and helmet completing his heavy armour strode straight towards them. For Karonath, Vryala and Saldrimek the fighting had come to an end, but a glance outside quickly told them that all was not well in the Estate anymore. The guards knew of their presence, and some of their comrades were trapped inside the guest house. They would have to step in and intervene. For Phalx, the taste of victory in silencing the running guard was short lived, for no sooner had he reloaded and switched Deathspitter to its multiple shot setting than he caught the first signs of movement from inside the guard house doorway as the enemy reinforcements arrived.

Post by **Drainial** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 12:29 am

Right then, now we're in trouble, Elysian thought as the guards attacked. Drawing his sword the mage reflected that as plans went there’s clearly had been flawed.

The sword was not his favoured weapon but he remembered his mandatory training; Malekith wouldn't have a single one of his subjects unable to give good service if called to arms besides which sensei had insisted that he should be able to use whatever was to hand to defend himself with. Elysian was thankful for that since he could hardly use his staff with a shield.

This was all very well but they were still left with the problem of being outnumbered by guards who were doubtless far more comfortable wearing this kind of gear.
No good waiting for them, he thought hesitation just gives them the momentum and time is against us.

Time wasn't the only thing that was against them but that couldn't be helped. Meeting the attack of the guard with a shield Elysian engaged trying to test him, to take his measure. As he attacked however he was already preparing a spell which might just tip the balance of the fight if he used it at the right time, and if he could keep himself alive.

Elysian will draw his sword and attack the guard with a shield engaging him from a relative distance and keeping mobile. If and when he has the opportunity to strike a telling blow he will try to ensorcell his own sword for a few moments just long enough to help cut through the guard's armour.

Raneth · Post by **Raneth** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 2:10 am

OOC: Spellcasting in heavy armour? Interesting...

IC:

Well-trained though the sentry may have been, Vryala would not suffer him alive and pounced on him with almost predatory intent. The guard was forced to the ground, then had V's blade wrenched inbetween the armour plates shielding his neck, and died shrieking in pain. As the blood spattered upwards, V just caught Sal ending his own bout with a tad more style. Well then, no sense in pretending there's still a point to skulking around. We have to help the sneaks!

Karonath, Saldrimek, we're going to bust in. It's not pretty, but obviously stealth isn't working out for us this time. Let's go!

Leads the charge into Faulin's guest house, hoping Phalx can keep enemy reinforcements at a minimum.

Dauricha · Post by **Dauricha** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 9:07 am

He watched the bolt fly, its smooth curved arc as it turned in the air, the spin made it more accurate. The blossom of the blood red flower from the back of the guards head, the crumple of brain matter and skull, the slow deathly thud as the heavily armored guard hit the floor of the grounds. A smile crept over him. This was living, this was where he was king, this was what he was made for.

He did not have much time to enjoy the moment, for the one he let get away was bringing more lambs to the slaughter it seemed. There was only one door as he could see, if he kept relaxed, his breathing steady, he should have no problem holding the guardsmen in their pen for a few precious moments. The longer he could keep them in one place the better. He positioned himself, for the best accuracy, and view of the yard below . Work was to be done, and he would go to it with joy.

Phalx will position himself to take down any guards who tried to make it out of guards barracks. Single shot if he can keep them back, but will change to multi for one solid spray if he has to make a run for it. He'll head to the tower he was originally going for, and start a fire.

Sidorio · Post by **Sidorio** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 11:20 am

Somehow he knew this would happen, as it was it was bound to occur eventually given their history and the task at hand. Still there was no reason that it should be a problem for them, he didn't know about the mages history but he had faced far worse than three guards and lived to tell the tale and so help him Khaine he'd do so again.

Damn it. He muttered this under his breath as watched the other two guards.
Blasted armour, I'm not used to fighting with all this junk on. He found himself with alot more respect for those that fought in the stuff as he realised his movements would be more restricted than normal. Still now was not the time to moan. Wihtout wasting another moment or breath he held his blades low and leapt towards the closest guard, hoping to catch him off guard. The other one he could worry about in a minute.

Attack the closest of the guards with 2 blades striking at the unprotected head. If the other attacks he'll try roll to the side and avoid it and make it so he is facing both of them.

OOC - just thought I should mention from the 7th to the 11th of July I won't be able to post or will be too tired to post. Going to Sonisphere this year

Post by **Kinslayer** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 8:02 pm

OOC - Concerning the "Shades and Mages cannot wear heavy armour" limitation from the first post of the thread (which I realise I only just got around to updating to include mages), this covers items you can loot / purchase and then use as your own. I've assumed either is however quite capable of 'putting on' a suit of heavy armour for disguise purposes, they just won't be very good at fighting in it (as I'm sure we're about to find out). As far as casting spells goes for mages, I'm going to assume you can still cast little augments like opening a lock, but cannot bring the full fury of your staff to bear as a magical weapon, due to the hinderance caused. Of course it also affects your movement as it does for anyone else, but when disguised in heavy armour Shades lose stealth and Mages lose most offensive magic capability. Thanks for pointing that out Raneth.

IC -

Vash'nir lunged for one of the guards weilding long sword and short sword, his fine Asrai blades clashing against his opponents as the guards training proved its worth and he parried. A lightning quick strike in retaliation almost cut the Shade across the neck, but he danced around the blow and came in again, aiming his swords for the guards head. His leftmost blade tied up the opponents longsword for a moment and he struck like a viper, but still the guard knocked his attack aside, made clumsy as it was by the weight of his borrowed armour. Vash'nir let out a gasp of pain as the brutish guard smashed an armoured knee into his hip and then drove him against the wall with three heavy cuts from his blades. Things were not going as well as Vash'nir had hoped already, and he could see the second guard coming closer with every passing heartbeat.

Almost trapped within his heavy armoured guard disguise, Elysian tried to pull the winds of magic unto him as he lashed out at the guard with the shield but couldn't grasp at their flailing energies. His mind raced for a solution, just as he was forced to bring his shield up to block a heavy cut, his own sword smashed aside by that of his opponent as he tried to strike back. Put on the back foot, the Mages' eyes glanced at his staff, gripped behind his shield in a way he could not weild it. His attention fell back on his opponent as he darted about his heavy swings and stabs, until he glimpsed another figure fleeing down the stairs. A young looking elf with his long hair tied in a topknot, dressed in the robes and leathers of a merchant not a warrior, fled past the fight and and out into the courtyard. It was all Vash'nir and Elysian could do to stay alive, let alone pursue him.

Vryala had just reached the courtyard through the hatch in the tower and moved around the side of the mansion, the Khainites hot on her heels, when she saw what could only be Draco Faulin dart from the guest houst, stopping just outside the door and glancing about left and right. There was still another guard there, the one who had been in charge of the gate, who ran closer to shield him and guide him away. Of their comrades and the other guards there was no sign, but the muffled sounds of sword clashes were coming from the guest house, a telltale sign that their comrades lived on. They were just about to sprint across the open ground between their position and the guest house when the guards started pouring out of the guard house halfway between them and off to the right.

Phalx watched as the guards began to pour out of the building opposite his position on the wall just as his comrades reached the courtyard down below. The first to come through received a bolt to the chest and died much like his comrade had, but the second came out with his shield raised, moving quickly to the left as he emerged. The guard behind him did the same but went right, and almost a dozen more guards came forth behind them, fanning out as they spied out this sniper threat. Some of them had clearly just thrown on what armour was to hand, and were missing the odd vambrace or helmet, but most had been sparring and were fully equipped for action. Phalx watched as another single shot bolt impacted harmlessly on a shield raised in front of a guards head, and curled his lip in annoyance. He switched to multiple shot firing mode and let loose a hail of doom.

Vryala, Karonath and Saldrimek watched as a moment after one guard was shot down by their comrade on the wall, a full clips worth of iron bolts flew into the mass of guards that was emerging to stall them. Two of the guards fell to multiple killing blows, and another two went down momentarily, one hit in the arm, the other in the thigh. Still, eight of them came through the onslaught unscathed, and then ran to intercept the movements of the group so that they could not reach Draco or the guest house without first going through them. In response to this manouvere, the guard captain who was escorting their merchant target led him to the right, directly away from the guest house in the direction of another, smaller building that stood beside the guard house. The pair would be lost from sight within a few moments, and the guard captain was shielding Draco from crossbow fire. If they wanted to keep sight of him, at least one of them would have to break through the wall of guards that now stood before them.

Phalx saw all this as he reloaded his crossbow, already heading off in the direction of the nearby and as yet unexplored corner tower. Not wanting to risk any return fire from a guard with a crossbow or even a hidden archer in one of the many windows of the mansion itself, the Shade decided that his role as lookout and sniper on the wall was done. He entered the corner tower which from the inside of the estate stood to the left side of the gate, it was the one they had spotted a guard sentry in that loomed over the mouth of the alleyway on the main street down below. He guessed the guard had moved down into the courtyard as the tower was void of enemies, meaning he was likely the same guard that had followed Elysian and Vash'nir into the guest house.

The Shade looked about at the towers interior. It was pretty basic in design, with another door besides the one he had entered through that led out onto the gatewall, and three arrowslit windows looking out over the road and mouth to the alleyway. From this vantage point Phalx realised how lucky they had been to reach the alleyway unseen, even moving in the shadow of the wall of the estate nexdoor he would have spotted their movements. The guard must have been focusing on the road at that point, he decided. Also in the tower was a small table with three chairs, and a deck of cards sat beside a half eaten plate of food here, illuminated by the flickering light of a lantern. The walls were stone, but the floor and hatch to the courtyard were wooden, as was the table. Smiling darkly under his hood, Phalx punched the lantern from the table and watched as its fiery oils spready out across the chairs and floor.

Raneth · Post by **Raneth** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 8:05 pm

OOC: well... actually I was asking because V might... you know... Intelligence 4...

You can certainly learn a Power of Magic(1) skill, but as mentioned the heavy armour would prohibit some of the offensive capability of it. (I'm assuming it slows down your arms for the necessary hand gestures etc.). Perhaps we can discuss it in the OOC thread and make up some proper way for heavy armour to hinder magic. Since basic Power of Magic skills are available to Warriors and Khainites, who obviously favour heavy armour a lot of the time, it should be a skill worth them taking. Meh, why does actual Warhammer say wizards are not allowed heavy armour?

I did just buy the 8th edition army book (and VC book :twisted:

) and it is sat here right beside me, but I can't be bothered to check myself :lol:

EDIT: meh, don't bother (yet). There's still Riposte. And Shield Bash. Hmmmmm. :twisted:

Khel · Post by **Khel** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 8:14 pm

The guards arm fell to the floor with a wet slap and a small clatter of armour to follow. He simply stood there, his eyes bulging and his mouth agape at the sight of the loss of his arm. Leaving little time to even scream in pain, Sal stepped into the guard and took his head from his shoulders in a swift sweep. They had no time to lose, their presence by now obvious to none but the guards. Still, Sal could just make out the running form of a guard before he was toppled by a single shot, no doubt from their friend Phalx who lay hidden somewhere on the wall.

Hooking his scimitars back to his belt, Sal drew his new, massive axe, the time for brute strength and crushing blows feeling right for him. Vryala barked her orders, none of them needing Sal’s objection. They would need to be quick before the guards made it out of their gatehouse or sparring arena. Already making his way for the stairs, Sal thundered downwards, following a single step behind Vryala. Suddenly, a side door of the guest house burst open and before them stood the grim figure who eminated captain, and one other person who could only be Draco.

They were too late however, a perpetual tide of guards washed ahead of them and shielded their targets escape. One was going to have to go after the target while someone else distracted or at least tied up the guards while the other person or people broke through. Surprised as he felt himself sigh and step forward, Sal began to swing his axe around as slow and menacing as he could, hoping that before he got stuck in, he might just intimidate some of the guards before him.

I'll distract the guards, someone follow that bastard with the tattoo.

Wading into the first few guards, hoping to rattle them a bit by cutting a few people in half with the new axe.

OOC: Sorry for my late reply, I was in the middle of making my previous post when you posted your latest one. The show goes on however.

Raneth · Post by **Raneth** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 8:32 pm

I appreciate your resolve, Khainite, Vryala started, but geared as you are you stand the best chance of chasing that blighter down! Karonath and I will force you a way; follow closely! Speed was of the essence, and so on the offense they went.

Vryala goes battering-ram-mode yet again, aiming to wedge the guards' formation far enough apart for Saldrimek to break through and EXECUTE.

Post by **Kinslayer** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 9:01 pm

OOC - What the heck, with the three of us online at the same time and I'm assuming Layne is still mostly absent due to his move, I might as well play on... Plus it gives me a chance to beat up the guys in the guest house some more

IC -

Saldrimek was just about to wade into the amassing enemy guards when Vryalas' hand on his shoulder gave him pause. As the lightest armoured amongst them he would no doubt be able to sprint the quickest, and Draco was getting away. Not one to back out of a challenge, Saldrimek watched the guard captain escorting the merchant lad and decided he would pit his new axe against that champions' weapon in the name of holy Khaine. Not that he would have had much of a choice anyway, Vryala was already charging into the guards again ahead of him, and Karonath hadn't even bothered slowing down to talk. The female Khainite sprang into the midst of the guards with catlike grace, Bloodfeather sending one soul screaming into Khaines' realm before her feet even touched the ground. Vryala was right behind her, shield-bashing one guard into another and then sweeping out wide with her enchanted sword, clearing the space about her. Rather than use that space to manouvere, she left it to Saldrimek, stepping forward again and keeping the guards occupied.

Saldrimek strode through the new melee, which broke off almost into two seperate fights either side of him with both K and V each surrounded by four guards. Unwilling to simply sprint through for risk of being struck, Sal waded through the gap like a bloodthirsty predator seeking larger prey. He still swept out with his new axe as he passed, forcing one guard to avert his attention his way which proved to be his undoing, Vryala stabbing him through the spine as he turned to face the indimidating Khainite. Once he was clear of the fight he took off with all haste, running after Draco and the guard captain as they reached the small building beside the guard house. As he drew closer he identified the building as perhaps been a storeroom or outside lavatory, but as a stand alone building he was sure Draco had nowhere more to run. Sure enough, the guard captain stopped at the doorway as the merchant headed inside, turning face the oncoming Khainite with a dark smile.

"Now you will die trying to get past me, assassin." was all he said, levelling his large sword at Saldrimek, its' edge pulsing with magical force and almost turning ethereal right before his eyes.

Across the courtyard, Vryala blocked, ducked and parried as blow after blow was sent her way. She had two guards in front of her, both fully armed and armoured with swords and shields, and two circling to her flanks. The one on her left had no helmet or shield, holding his sword in a two handed grip and darting in to strike in the wake of his comrades' attacks. The one to her right had been hit in the arm by one of Phalxs' crossbow bolts, but still held his shield up valiantly as he attempted to get behind her. No more than a dozen paces away, Karonath twirled and danced in a melee of her own. Two guards stood over the headless body of another, using their swords in two handed grips to pummel her with heavy overhead strikes. What was stopping her killing them while they raised their weapons was the other two, who blocked her blade with their shields whilst keeping her moving with their blades. It was a well trained tactic, two were keeping them occupied while two tried to slay them.

Amidst the fighting, they also caught sight of smoke rising up from the corner tower above the gate. Quite what had caused it eluded them for a moment, until they remembered that it was also the last known location of their troublesome comrade Phalx. The Shade moved out of the burning tower onto the gatewall, the only route left open to him after the blaze had begun. From here he was closest to Saldrimek, who was just engaging the guard captain as Draco slipped away into the small building near the wall. Half way across the courtyard to the mansion, Vryala and Karonath fought in the midst of the guards, outnumbered but making up what they lacked in sheer ferocity. What concerned him however, and what would be a lot easier and faster to reach, was the guest house. The last time he had seen his friend Vash and the Mage was when they had slipped inside, and so far neither had returned. He could still here the clash of blades from within.

Inside the guest house, Vash'nir found himself delt another blow from the guards' armoured knee, connecting with his helmeted head and knocking it back against the wall. His nose bled and his neck jarred, stars dancing across his vision, but still his warrior instincts honed in numerous battles saved him from being skewered on the blades of the guard. He rolled, coming up into a crouch behind one of the fancy chairs, and watched as the two guards stalked after him like hungry wolves. One grabbed the chair and threw it onto its side as the other jumped in, blades lashing out at him once again. Nearby, Elysian was beaten back once more by the guard with the shield, and he too suddenly found himself on the receiving end of a heavy blow not from the guards weapons but from the guard himself. The low kick met with his leg and off balanced him, and in much the same way the Mage had seen Vryala fight in training the guard stepped in and rose back to his full height, slamming his shield upwards as he did so. Elysian was stunned momentarily and knocked back another step, almost tripping on a low stool that got under his feet as he moved, more blows raining down upon him already.