Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

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Drainial
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

The arrival of a second Cockatrice spurred Kykysh into action. Having seen the effects of its petrifying gaze first hand the mage was determined not to allow it free range over Syjahel. Dismounting she dug her staff a little way into a patch of loose soil and flicked up a spray. A bare whisper of arcane energy directed a gust of wind, just enough to send the dusty spread in the direction of the mother Cockatrice. Suddenly engulfed in a brief flurry of sand and grit the abnormal bird shook its head from side to side seemingly trying to clear its eyes as its wings flailed ineffectually.

Jacks was prepared to take the fight to the Cockatrice in a rather more direct manner. Knowing that the first bird was being dealt with Jacks was more concerned by the threat of the second 'chick', seeing as it had so far gone unseen by the others. Before he could use the Eye to locate this prey it made its presence known in a rustling of bushes directly behind Kykysh. Realising that an attack must only be seconds away the shade tossed his hand bow into the air just in front of the mage (she caught it, somewhat awkwardly, by one of the slender arms) and drew his blades. Dashing past the magic user he was not at all surprised when a scrawny, crazy eyed, bloody spattered devil bird burst from between an elm and a holly. Prepared for such a bestial tactic Jacks knew that its momentum would make it difficult for the cockatrice to stop, let alone dodge. Thrusting his long sword out and bracing himself Jacks felt the satisfying slippery crunch of skewering, his leaf shaped blade driving straight through the bird's scrawny shoulder and almost severing its left wing. Unable to arrest its leap still the bird came on but twisting out of the way Jacks ripped his sword free leaving the bird to stumble forwards before falling heavily onto one side, cooing piteously.

Carathyle took the opposite approach, his Cockatrice was all too able to dodge and weave. The Maverick decided he needed a quicker weapon, sheathing his obsidian sword in favour of the maibed's dagger he had looted. Still he had a hard time pinning the bird down. The bird was persistent, darting in with its beak or a flurry of its talons. Carathyle was able to fend off its attacks without much difficulty but landing a blow in returned proved difficult. Every time he tried to counter attack the creature seemed to twist away with at most a few feathers less or a small scratch. It was a shame that the maibed's blade was not coated in poison for then a scratch would have been enough, but sadly the warrior had none.

Fortunately for Carathyle he was far from alone. Recognising that he was not a sufficiently good horseman to pin down such a slippery opponent whilst a-horse Cannanatra dismounted and thundered forwards. A low backhanded strike aimed to cut the Cockatrice in half succeeded in driving it towards Carathyle. Quick to take advantage the warrior slammed his shield into the oncoming bird knocking it back. Closing Cannanatra crowded in behind the chick, at this range his sword was next to useless but he left the beast little room to manoeuvre. Carathyle needed no prompting, diving forwards he got in close, almost sandwiching the little beast between them, and stabbed repeatedly into its chest, arm pumping in and out until little was left of the scrawny torso.

This team work should have pleased Syjahel and perhaps it did. Still the fact that the bird had already fallen made her efforts a little superfluous. Like the others she too had dismounted and had been running to Carathyle's aid, she was no longer needed there. This might be fine but it did leave the mother Cockatrice unchecked, something they would all have cause to regret. Turning its eyes on the only one who had so far challenged it the mother looked towards Kykysh. The mage was quick to avert her eyes but it seemed that this was not a fool proof defence against the daemonic bird's power. She felt her chest and right arm numb and go stiff, daring to open her eyes just a slit the weather witch was dismayed to see a patina of grey spreading swiftly across her torso. It was not painful but suddenly it became rather difficult to breathe, she simply couldn't move her chest as she normally would, unthinkingly, every heart beat.

Jacks has killed the Cockatrice that was coming out behind Kykysh and is now standing behind Kykysh facing away from the remaining Cockatrice and the bear. Kykysh is where she was before facing the Cockatrice and has had her chest and right arm petrified. Carathyle and Cannanatra have killed the first Cockatrice chick together and are now standing close together over its body. Syjahel is about half way to them from where she was with her back to the remaining Cockatrice and her right arm about a foot from the bear. -Drainial
Moding a group of Druchii.net players is much like directing the musical 'Cats' using actual cats. Frustrating, difficult, chaotic but ultimatley satisfying and a great deal of fun.

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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

With Cananatra's help, Carathyle had managed to kill off the first of the arrived Cockatrice, a small achievement if any but an opponent less. Though their work was far from over, the fact that they were capable of killing it proved that these daemonic creatures were all but immortal, and didn't need magic to get slaughter. However, the biggest of the creatures remained as a threat, and this one went unchecked. In the corner of his eye, he could see their scrawny mage being affected by its gaze even with her gaze turned away.

Quick to respond though, Carathyle sheathed the maibed dagger once more. Going up close when he had a minor amount of distance would be futile if the creature decided to go for a hit-and-run tactic and it would still have it's most deadly weapon in its possession, the petrifying gaze. Figuring that out wasn't all that difficult, but how to evade it and take it away was. Every option outside of close quarters would be risky, and the question remained whether or not the bird was intelligent enough to know it was outnumbered and outmatched. Though he would have loved to see it going down at the hands of a pair of swords and daggers, he still remembered his vow to Syjahel, and his task of protecting the hag of a mage they were escorting.

"Cananatra, Jacks, move in close and try to cripple or kill it, or at least buy me some time to take a shot." Carathyle yelled, his shield dropped to the ground as he went for the longbow on his back, "Syjahel, get between that creature and Kykysh, we can't have her getting petrified at this stage of the mission." Though his plan wasn't all that fool-proof, he knew that Cananatra and Jacks were most likely to charge anyways, that or Syjahel and Jacks, but he knew that if they left Kykysh unprotected, they'd most likely fail at their jobs. Toning his voice down a couple of decibels, Carathyle decided to reveal what he was going to do to only those within speaking distance, "I'll try to shoot its eyes out from a distance. I know that if it turns its head to me, I'm done for in that case but I don't see how we can take it down otherwise if it decides to hit and run." slowly his fingers wrapped around the end of one of the arrows in his quiver and pulled it out, notching it on the string.

Though he could do what he wanted to from his current position, Carathyle took a few steps away to the flank of the Cockatrice in an attempt to get an absolute unobstructed view of his target. The thumb of his right hand was gently placed on the side of the nock, before it was clamped between his index finger and his thumb. 'All or nothing, let's see if you're still capable of nailing a pea from a few feet away.'

Carathyle will draw his bow and take aim for the Cockatrice when its not looking directly at him, his target is one of the Cockatrice's eyes in an attempt to blindside it and take away half of the biggest threats. If he succeeds, he'll instruct the offensive pair to attack from that side. If the Cockatrice turns to see what attacked it, he'll turn his head away and relocate, favourably to the other side. he'll then try to pull off the same stunt if it didn't practically kill him the first time.

OOC: That's should take the turning to stone away.
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
Ws:5 S:4 T:3 D:4 I:3
Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
Age: 89
Skills: Ride, Acrobatics
*Increased Strength, holds the soul of his father
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Meteor
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Meteor »

Jacks dealt with his bird quite easily as a hunter should, a pleased smile spread across his irritated face as the bird slid off his new blade with as much ease as it gave its life to the weapon. Flicking the lifeless abomination off his blade, he turned to the attention of the other two creatures engaged by his comrades, and was alarmed to see both his Captain and mage were both afflicted.

"Damned beasts!" "I dare you to do that to them again you damned bird!" Jacks snarled, worries on how to unpetrify his companions weighed on his sharp mind.

The brash noble bellowed something, he didn't quite catch the order with his now distracted and worried mind, but seeing what he was doing, Jacks gathered the warrior wanted an opportune shot. It was an advantage Jacks could take advantage of should he create the opening for the brash young noble.

"Shields up! Mirror its reflection at itself, otherwise keep the shield between you and its stare! Captain! Keep yourself and Kykyish shielded. Let's go!" Jacks drew a throwing dagger as he charged and readied it to force the creature's gaze away as soon as Jacks senses it wants to stare at him.

"I'll get you for this, abomination."

Suggest everyone to shields up to block the gaze and reflect the gaze back at itself. Charge the Cockatrice with a throwing dagger and MC longsword and toss the knife at its head as soon as Jacks senses it wants to turn its gaze at him.
What's mine is mine, What's yours is mine.
Now that we understand each other, lets get down to business.

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

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

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

Magic Item
Eye of the Jabberwock

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

Post by Minigrift »

For Kykysh her first mission outside the confines of the Circle Tower had been one calamity after another. It had all gone well until they had reached the shores of Ulthuan. First, Carathyle took a rather uncalled for and childish dislike to her, then Syjahel had completely misunderstood her intentions - perhaps female warriors lacked the innate intuition that other females possessed? - which had put an unnecessary strain on the adventure for the mage. Cananatra all but ignored her, all things considered that was probably preferable to having abuse shouted at her at every available opportunity. At least Jacks had made some attempt to make her feel welcome, Kykysh was glad for that!

And now... this!

The slender and supple mage had not prepared any spells, so it was perhaps her own fault for finding herself in her current precarious position. She had managed to assist Syjahel in slaying one baby cockatrice by temporarily blinding it, but the warrior moved away to help the other fighters, a decision that was ultimately poor, leaving Kyksyh alone to face the mother of the brood. Distracted by a flying handbow the mage foolishly attempted to catch it rather than use her awesome intellect, she fumbled with the weapon and happened to glance at the mother cockatrices' stare. Though she looked away it was already too late; a spread of grey webbed across her chest and over her shoulder.

Petrifaction was the last thing she had expected - moreso because she hadn't actually expected it - but at least she didn't reek of it!

Mind a quandary, Jacks and Carathyle shouted orders and were but blurs in her vision, the mage struggled to comprehend exactly what was going on around her. As she fought to regain her senses Kykysh remembered two things: both Jacks and Carathyle had 'instructed' Syjahel to protect her - had she been more clear headed the mage may well have felt some indignation at this - and the mage could only hope the other female would take heed.

Kykysh is standing around being completely and totally useless.
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

Syjahel was pleased to see her nascent warband working together so well in their mission. There was a blend of styles in her command (as they were in her eyes), some unorthodox to be sure but they had found a certain equilibrium. She felt too that there was a certain assurance in being able to count on them to strive to complete their mission of disrupting the stone and guarding the mage. This would be all to the good, as this time it was Kykysh's turn to be hit by the stone gaze.

Once again, not being able to read minds, Syjahel was completely unaware of Kykysh's thoughts. She couldn't react to the slurs the tall mage was busily heaping on her warband, or herself. She had no way to refute the imaginary motivations she was concocting for her group, and if she had somehow been given a glimpse into that world inside her head, she would have been ... confused. The idea that there was a special, female kind of intuition would merely have made her laugh in stunned disbelief. Male and female emotions? This was Naggaroth. They were Druchii. So as it was, remaining unaware of the storm of chaotic fiction still brewing in the tall weather-mage's mind, Syjahel reacted to the situation at hand and not some phantasmagorical world where she and the Sorceress could sit down and have a girly chat about boys. She'd escaped the horrors of the Tree of Hearts, after all. Both Jacks and Kykysh had proven themselves able in a fight and that was what counted here. Spitting an oath, she rounded on the remaining, largest hell-bird, fully intending to gut it for the crime of interfering with her mission. One does not accept a course from the Black Guard and then fail. Well, not and still live, anyway.

She realised that the mother of all cockatrices was behind her, and this made the warrior-woman jump like a slave on a heated podium, leaping to the side and keeping moving. While her retainer, ever the loyal knight, shouted at her to get back from the fight and protect their mission, Jacks was shouting that they should use their shields as reflection as well as defence. She would have shrugged, had she been able, and raised her shield; it was not the silver-shining pavise of the Asur but it might assist. It was already handily raised, which might be a blessing in disguise. In any case, a deflection of the enemy blow of any kind is a help. Unconsciously, her free hand stole to the shield talisman around her neck for a moment before she dived back towards the fray.

It wasn't that she didn't value the advice of her noble retainer, only that the best way she could see of protecting Kykysh was to kill the cockatrice. He had his bow, so she guessed he'd be using it.

"Master Maveric! Can you get a shot at the beast?" Saying this she dived in and tried to tempt it to follow her, so that Carathyle might get a better shot, hopefully without putting herself in the line of fire. The feathered bastard was snake-quick and devious with it.



Keep moving in order to prevent the creature's beady little eyes from getting a fix. Druchii are pretty speedy, she reasons, and Syjahel has a lot of Dex so I am aiming for her to use this to evade it and keep it on the hop to prevent it from targeting anyone, especially Kykysh. I'm hoping she is pretty zippy :D If not ... take any hits she can with her shield and already petrified arm, after all, it is already stone and she's then looking at damage limitation. If her shield talisman has any magic in it still, now would be a good time for it to work.

OOC: No, not calling Master Maveric a feathered bastard, that's the cockatrice :p
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

The beast was a tricky foe to pin down. Like most avian monstrosities it seemed to possess the irritating ability to flap about in a most disconcerting fashion accomplishing little more than making itself very very hard to hit. Persevering Cananatra continued to push himself forward. If he could stab it he’d walk over it, or as appeared to be the case, prevent it from dodging Carathyle’s attacks on the other side. The bird met a bloody end as Carathyle aerated it’s body. Spinning around he heard Carathyle once again shouting orders. It seemed like the young lord simply couldn’t resist trying to take charge. Though he would normally have ignored him, in this instance it seemed prudent to do what he suggested and put himself between the beast and their sorceress.

Jogging forward Cananatra moved to block the creatures gaze with his large armoured form and juggled his weapons to pull his pistol free.

Cananatra will move to offer Kykysh some cover and take a shot at the bird if the opportunity presents itself.
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

There was a lot of shouting as the group turned their attention to the mother Cockatrice, everyone seemed to have their own opinion but the prevailing consensus seemed to be that (A) the semi mobile and incredibly valuable Kykysh needed some cover, (B) they needed to attack together from diverse directions so that at least one might do some damage and (C) the bastard thing needed to die.

Being one of the furthest away from the beast Carathyle cast himself in a supporting role calling for Jacks and Cananatra to attack while he himself drew his long bow. The bird's head was a small, darting target but no worse than hunting pigeons as a little boy.

The others were already moving, Jacks with a blade in either hand yelled to the others to keep their shields up. He had no such fail safe and focused hard on the bird ready to attack first should it turn its gaze his way.

Cananatra thundered away from Carathyle. Heading but not obeying the noble Cananatra saw the sense in protecting Kykysh. Since he was to be at range the warrior sheathed his sword to pull his pistol free whilst still hanging on to the protection of his shield. Seemingly stunned by her partial petrification Kykysh was no doubt glad of a shield hand, or at least an ablative shield.

Syjahel had also already felt the effects of a Cockatrice's glare and whilst in no mood to have another lick was never the less not ready to quit the fight either. Given that she most likely had its attention being the closest Druchii to the bird Syjahel turned swiftly and keeping her shield arm up (not that she had much choice) began a zig-zag run towards the mutant thing. Cooing like some horrible conjoinment of wood pigeon and baby the Cockatrice loosed another blast of its sight, the gaze invisible but for a sudden flare of grey granite grass springing up half a foot to Syjhel's right.

Immediately the bird refocused its gaze to try again when a black fletched arrow streaked by its eye to thwak firmly into its beak. Nerveless a beak may be but the force of the impact sent the bird flailing and falling. For a moment it reared commicly, one foot up in the aim whilst its wings flapped franticly trying to right itself. Even as the bird began to regain its balance it stumbled again, Jacks' thrown knife tudding into a wing. Coos turned to screams. His pistol levelled at the creature Cananatra dared not fire with this captain now so close, the dwarven weapon was powerful but a little imprecise at times. For Syjahel she would never get a better chance; the Cockatrice was off balance and bleeding. Her sword rose and fell. The beast was stilled.

Even as the Cockatrice fell to the floor, half a heartbeat after its head, Syjhel felt her arm begin to flex and crack. Behind her Kykysh found her breathes came more easily and flakes of greyish stone began breaking off in chunks. It had been an unexpected and somewhat frantic fight but it appeared to be over.

No more big bird, Kurmit will cry for a week. The Paralysis/layer of stone is quickly passing, those affected ought to be fine in about three minutes from the Cockatrice's death. Aside from the stone and a few small bites on Carathyle (non serious) you have come out remarkably unscathed. -Drainial
Moding a group of Druchii.net players is much like directing the musical 'Cats' using actual cats. Frustrating, difficult, chaotic but ultimatley satisfying and a great deal of fun.

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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

The fight was over. With the death of the horrifically-screaming bird of doom the mages' panicked - panic, yes, that was a suitable summation - mind slowly began to settle some sense or normality to her thoughts. Her heart beat sorely against her chest, had the gaze of the cockatrice lingered more than a few moments, or seconds, or whatever time allotment was more precise because the entire fight had been a blur, then her heart could well have stopped beating altogether if the petrifaction had seeped further in. That would've been bad.

Calm thyself, Kykysh, it's over now. It's over. You're going to have to thank them, be humble, they saved your life. Did they? Sort of, not really, benefit of the doubt. There is no doubt. You're right, you have faced worse than that and come out unscathed. Best keep that snippet to yourself. You have, I have. I'm right as always. Hmm, still, they do deserve some credit so play nice. Yes, Mother.

It was good to see her valiantly noble protectors took their jobs seriously, they worked well as a team and before Kykysh had even surfaced a thought for channeling a spell the encounter was finished. Carathyle had voiced concern during the chaos; though that was likely for the mission and not for her well being, still, he cared enough to lay aside his immature brashness for the greater good. It was gratifying to know Cananatra was willing to the same, though he showed far more maturity by either keeping his scorn for the sapling mage to himself, or was simply indifferent to her presence. Well, he clearly wasn't indifferent since his actions spoke otherwise, but whether he felt compulsions of hate towards her was yet to be determined.

Looking around, Kykysh could see she still stood between Jacks' horse and where the cockatrice stood. In her panic, subconsciously perhaps, the mage had placed herself in danger to protect the object of her affections mount, for he seemed to like the beastie and she was currently it's guardian; a task which may well distract her again. The mage also began to notice flakes of stone falling from her breast, her mind made another leap - bypassing the thought process to go straight to the action - and she quickly pulled a small container from her satchel to capture some of the larger chunks.

"Syjahel, your team fights well. Thank you all for protecting me." she said to the group as a whole, though rather distractedly as she was still directing chunks of petrified flesh into the vial. Kykysh stepped over to take the horses' reins and guide it to where Jacks stood. Her heart was no longer sore but still fluttered in alarming fluctuations from the norm, and now the little butterflies and pixies began to fly around the ecosystem of her shapely belly.

Dear everything, today I witnessed
A crucifixion in pink and lavender and gold
I've heard people say that beauty is in details
But I don't think they have ever seen you
There were mortal wounds inflicted on the sky
Like stars in my belly going supernova
I feel like a zombie that refuses to live
Haunting the junkyards and cutting myself on scraps of you


"Master Jacks, thank you for allowing me to ride your regal steed. She is a beautiful creature." In actuality she had no idea whether the horse was female or not - she hadn't... checked - but Jacks nobler side was far more fitting to someone who rode a mare. Kykysh also had no particular liking for animals, they were just more opportunities to salvage alchemical ingredients - well, their corpses were at least, though she was loath to collect the parts herself - so her little 'get-to-know-the-sexy-one' chat also had an ulterior motive. Well, perhaps another one. "I return her to you in good health. Oh, don't be concerned for my comfort," she chided good-naturedly. "Beastie is perfectly comfortable and pleasant to ride. Though he does have a tendency for mischief which vexes me in all sorts of little ways."


Kykysh will try and salvage some of the stone flakes for later study. How much does she get? Probably just a vials worth or something like that...

Kykysh has also thanked the group and is returning Jacks 'mare' to him with a bit of conversation. Outwardly she is calm and composed, but mentally her minds gone all over the shop.



OOC: Kykysh has three way conversations with herself and they do get a little confused. She speaks to herself in the third person and in first person, she speaks to her mother who also speaks back. Though it's all just Kykysh, obviously.

EDIT: There is quite a bit of it but a lot of it crumbles into dust, some larger fragments remain. A vial would be about right. -Drainial
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

With a screeching finale the horrific beast was dead. With grim satisfaction, the warrior-woman stabbed it a final time (one cannot be too careful). and cleaned her blade on its feathery neck. Looking over, she searched the treeline for a moment to make sure there were no more before casting her usual eye over her warband. Everyone was here - even the errant Shade - and more or less intact, a fact that pleased her both from the perspective of the mission, and, though she would not be quick to admit it, a certain rough-edged fondness for the team.

Shaking off the last of the hideous stony grasp of the cockatrice, her heart jolted when she realised that despite their care, in the confusion of battle Kykysh had been hit too. Turning to the tall mage in alarm, she was relieved to see her picking shards of stone absently from her pale skin, collecting them with the detached interest of a scholar.

"Syjahel, your team fights well. Thank you all for protecting me."
The Sorceress was gracious, and Syjahel bowed her head briefly in acknowledgement of her appreciation.

"My thanks. They are well-schooled in the art of war. I am glad we succeeded. Are you quite well?" So far as she could see, Kykysh was not in need of aid, but it was as well to be sure of this, too. The tall mage went in search of Jacks, and Syjahel found herself wondering, idly, how the mercurial Shade would respond to being the object of someone else's affections. She had no wish to complicate matters there by being a gooseberry, so she gave the other woman space and set to stretching and flexing her unpetrifying muscles until the stiffness wore off. Then, seeing that her retainer had been bitten by the accursed monster in several places, she went to see if he needed any assistance in dressing the wounds. She expected that he would not; self-sufficiency is not a monopoly of the Autarii, after all.

"An unpleasant diversion, Master Maveric, but Khaine smiled on us at last," she said, by way of beginning. "Shall we take anything of use from the beasts, do you think, or merely press on as soon as we can?"


Check over the warband, tell everyone well fought (for this is true, 3 cockatrices even if 2 are babies is not bad going) and likewise make sure everyone is good to go. Syjahel will suggest that they head for the watchstone as per original instructions, as we can't account for invisible watchers or stray hellchickens and the like so it's probably best to focus. If any bits are useful, we can take them for later, but Syjahel is not the best placed to know this. she would ask Jacks, but she figures he'll take anything he can use anyway and she doesn't want to get in the way of him talking to Kykysh.

Poor Kermit. It's not easy being green.
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

The end of the bird was somewhat anti-climatic. He hadn’t even had to blood any of his weapons, he’d spent the fight as a glorified corral. Looking down the barrel of his pistol he watched the cooling corpse and saw the stone patina fracturing and falling in flakes from Syjahel’s armour. Apparently their vaunted stone making powers were somewhat temporary and faded as the caster died. Good news for Syjahel and Kykysh.

Holstering his pistol he turned to look behind him at the spellcaster. She was busy catching the fragments as they fell from her. Cananatra thought she would have been in more discomfort after pieces of her flesh had turned to stone but clearly the spell didn’t go too deeply. “Got to be more careful. Wouldn’t do to have our magic user turn to stone before we reach the target.”

Turning to Syjahel as Kykysh wandered off to find jacks he smiled. “So long as that bear doesn’t come back to life there is no rush.”
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

The battle was over, and for a first battle with a creature on Ulthuan, Carathyle couldn't describe the whole experience as exciting, or enjoyable. Whether it was because of his experience or because he had high expectation, Carathyle couldn't help but feel disappointed as he walked toward the corpse of the dead creature. His arrow had sunk into it's beak, and he knew that getting it out of there would either break the shaft, or lose the arrowhead, neither were beneficial. Though Cockatrice were quite intriguing creatures in Naggaroth, this one seemed very different, less dangerous.

The warrior swiftly twirled the longbow around before putting it back onto his back again, the string and frame wrapping around the quiver, securing it in position, it seemed like Carathyle didn't have the care in the world, despite his minor injuries.

A small, gently stream of blood seeped down his arm, the many minor scratches on his bracer and on the inside of his elbow were none of his concern. The estimated damage was so little, it wouldn't even need to be attended to. The blood that flowed out cleaned the wound, and kept germs and other bacteria from entering so he didn't care.

Carathyle simply remained standing for a few minutes, his eyes looking straight into the Cockatrice's eyes. In the distance, he could hear Kykysh thank them for their assistance. "You wouldn't need it if you were useful beyond magic." Carathyle whispered, he didn't care whether she heard it or not. Turning around, Carathyle looked around. His horse had scurried off in the distance due to the sudden danger of the Cockatrice, but he knew she wouldn't have gone all that far away. Placing his fingers against his lips, Carathyle let out a loud whistle, a signal that he had taught the horse in his spare time to listen to.

Despite the fact that their opponents had been slain, Carathyle wasn't comfortable. There was still a strange statue of a bear near, and something told him it wasn't made by a humanoid. The bear was too round for that.

Slowly, his head turned toward the approaching Syjahel and Cananatra. Syjahel, as concerned as ever, started to speak. "An unpleasant diversion, Master Maveric, but Khaine smiled on us at last. Shall we take anything of use from the beasts, do you think, or merely press on as soon as we can?"

"I see no point in it. It's eyes are dead and that's the only thing that would have been useful to begin with." Carathyle replied.

But to his slight annoyance, Cananatra spoke as well, “So long as that bear doesn’t come back to life there is no rush.”

"I have no intent on waiting to find out. All I care about is our survival, and completing this annoying assignment as fast as we can. The less time I spent with a useless magic user, the higher their odds of survival are." Carathyle objected, a selfish reason perhaps, but it was his main motivation. His temporarily concern regarding the woman's safety was pure a selfish interest as well, it would have been a smear on his otherwise clean slate of service.

Carathyle turned his head toward Syjahel, "Let's hurry nevertheless. We all know that someone had been tailing us for Khaine knows how long and could have overheard us, I won't be surprised if the Waystone is protected by now. Or if there is an army en route to intercept us."

Carathyle sees no reason to stall any longer, thus suggesting they move in the direction of the Waystone without any more delays.
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
Ws:5 S:4 T:3 D:4 I:3
Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
Age: 89
Skills: Ride, Acrobatics
*Increased Strength, holds the soul of his father
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Cananatra
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

Cananatra suppressed his ire at Carathyles usual abrasiveness and replied calmly.
"I'm not suggesting we dally unduly, however we need not dash to our objective either. Far better to reach it fresh, both ourselves and our mounts, then to arrive exhausted. As for Kykysh, she may prove useful. I'll remind you, I was all for plundering coasts rather then come here."
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Syjahel
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

"I agree," she said to Carathyle, "we should make our way, certainly. If this bear does come to life it won't be the first ensorcelled beast we've tangled with, and I for one have had a sufficient amount of those for one lifetime." Syjahel saw no need to delay, once they were all fit to move on. But she did smile in response to Cananatra's words too.

"Once this mission is done, I believe I will be the first to take you up on that. The more I see of Ulthuan, the more I feel like a sea voyage will do me good," she said, looking up at the tall Druchii. Her expression suggested that it wasn't going to be good for the health of anyone she met while travelling.
RIP Group 28
~ We Never Slept ~
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Drainial
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Drainial »

In the aftermath of the fight there was not a great deal to do. Kykysh busied herself collecting samples of the petrifying 'rock' as most of it crumbled away into an incredibly fine dust, there was not much left but she came away with enough to experiment with should she find the time. The notion of doing something similar with the corpses was floated but there was nothing obviously valuable since the magical nature of the birds seemed tied to their life force and no longer posed a threat. All in all the consensus seemed to be to forget this distraction and move on as quickly as possible, especially with the potential threat of the bear rousing. Almost certainly they could handle it, it was much less fearsome than many other foes bested, but fighting angry bears for no reason was not their idea of a good time.

So with a small amount of bickering (as usual) the mercenaries mounted up, Kykysh back on the packhorse after it had been retrieved from a nearby hedge eating daffodils, and set off. As they were leaving the more perceptive of them noticed small flakes of stone and dust begin to fall away from the bear but they would be long gone before it was able to notice them, and presumably would then busy itself with devouring its tormentors rather than chasing after elves.

The ride through the forest resumed. If they were being followed they neither saw nor felt any sign of it. Periodic short scouts revealed nothing of note until eventualy they came across a clearing near a stream and bedded down for the night. Dawn came, the Druchii went on. After the exitment near the forest edge this was a very peaceful place, almost tranquil. Another sun set without them laying eyes on anything more dangerous than a wild sow. The pork proved a welcome addition to their increasingly wearisome travel rations and it was a better fed if not much more relaxed camp that evening.

At dawn on the third day after the Cockatrice attack the mercenaries broke camp and once more consulted their map. With Kykysh's knowledge of the heavens and Jacks woodland skills they seemed to be on track and nearing their objective. Sure enough as the horses plodded on through mid morning the forest began to clear. First narrow paths emerged, wandering through the undergrowth like snakes of trampled dirt. Then, widening, they morphed into a small dirt road wide enough to fit a wagon. The trees began to be more regularly spaced as though the product of some wider intelligence rather than the wild eccentricity of nature. The inevitable climax came when a wooden tower was spotted rising above the tree line. Cresting a rise the group stopped a moment to take stock.

It was a village. Not especially large the place never the less seemed to be bustling. Elves could be seen on two roads leading away from the town though none of the one they were following, perhaps there was simply too little of interest there, perhaps a more sinister force was at work, who could tell?

The village itself was a walled yet sprawling affair. Two spired wooden towers near the centre drew the eye, presumably buildings of some significance. Houses and out buildings radiated out from a central space in a vague spiral pattern with streets in between so that the road network resembled an artfully draped Kraken. At the very centre, in the middle of an open circle green as a meadow and bursting with flowers, they could see a single white obelisk. It looked like a productive, peaceful sort of place containing perhaps 150 elves. Not entirely peaceful however. The settlement was walled, a low palisade only, probably designed more to keep away the wolves and monsters than withstand an armed assault. Archers could be seen dotted around the place though, keeping a lookout. Three gates led into the village, one for each road. All lay open with a single armoured elf standing by. These guards did not seem to be stopping people, still who knew how they might react to strangers?

We have skipped forward slightly. You are on a hill in the woods (just, the edge is very close and the forest is quite open here) over looking a small village with what you assume is probobly the Waystone at its centre. The closest gate is about a quarter of a mile away, so far as you can tell you have not yet been seen. -Drainial

Moding a group of Druchii.net players is much like directing the musical 'Cats' using actual cats. Frustrating, difficult, chaotic but ultimatley satisfying and a great deal of fun.

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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Meteor »

Jacks' heart skipped a few beats when his captain and Kykysh both were hit by the Cockatrice's gaze, his own breath shortening as though he himself had been petrified, it was more the fact he did not know a way to reverse the effects than anything else. In his panic, he did what he could do, protect them by slaying the beast before further harm can be done, and with a combined effort, the bird was slain, the final stroke ironically, being from one of its victims. Jacks would do well to learn to not cross his captain's path, her steely resolve was as sharp as her blade.

With the fight over, he slowed his muscles, but his mind continued to worry and race about, his senses staying acute to their surroundings. He noticed the flakes of the petrification beginning to wear off from his captain's arm, it seemed the magic was undone, much to Jacks' relief. Gazing over, the mage's body was flaking bits off as well, it had seemed all was well in the end as his party lived yet another battle, one he brought upon them. As Jacks went to gather his equipment and checked over his gear, Kykysh advanced upon him with Spite in her hand, Kykysh's formality was rather unexpected, being a Shade, use to urban environments and the least bit of nobility, with the last time being one an outing with his good captain to share a bonding moment between companions. Jacks was unable to muster much more than a courteous nod and reached for the reins for Spite.

"She is indeed..." he gazed upon his now close companion with some longing, his mind was taken further back elsewhere, reminded of a long ago past with Tiarra, now left torn and burned, with nothing to douse the burning hatred within than the blood of Leifon.

"Thank you for taking care of her, she is important to me, once this is over, let me thank you properly. You are more than welcome to share my steed in our travel, i fear for the moment when we must bolt upon discovery, but nonetheless, I shall do my job for the group to avoid such inconveniences."

Jacks reached to help brush off the remaining bits of powder from Kykysh's robes as a friendly gesture before parting from the brief exchange with a slight bow for manners.

With the group back in order, they begun their march once again, Jacks' eyes and ears ever alert for signs of danger or the disruption earlier that day.

Days wore on and supplies dwindled gradually, hunting was starting to become an option in Jacks' mind, excitement bubbled at the thought, but as time grew on, they eventually made it to a small village. Jacks was tempted to use his Eye to check the white obelisk for confirmation on whether it was indeed just a white marble structure or something more, perhaps the waystone they were seeking?

Nonetheless, the place was bustling and lively, weakly guarded but still a threat should fighting break out, not to mention messengers will definitely flee before they could all be silenced. Not to mention disruption will not go unnoticed unlike a watch tower with weaklings within.

"Will we be bluffing our way into the village captain? Or perhaps risk just two in to silence the guards at night first?".

Awaiting orders and implying we bluff our way in.
What's mine is mine, What's yours is mine.
Now that we understand each other, lets get down to business.

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

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

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

Magic Item
Eye of the Jabberwock

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

Post by Minigrift »

Kykysh was initially dismayed when Jacks' seemed to brush off her attentions as he gazed longingly at his mare, though she soon realised that the shade shared a bond with the creature that was only natural. But there was something more in that adoring gaze, a hint of tragedy from the shades past; something which she had already gained a sense of but, for now, was too shy to enquire about. Maybe Jacks' would tell her when he was ready?

The handsome shades' next words startled her slightly. The Autarii weren't generally appreciative of outsiders and Jacks seemed far to well-spoken and friendly for someone from the rough-cut wilderness clans, his nobility and compassion seemed equally out of place, perhaps more so. Kykysh felt awkward now that his attention was more focussed upon her, her usually pale grey eyes flickered between faint shades of green and yellow. Thank me properly? Oh... The body trembles!

"It was my pleasure, and it would be my pleasure to ride with you any time." She didn't really know what else to say or do, so settled on smiling as angelically as possible. The mage almost flinched when Jacks' reached out to brush the remaining flakes from her robes, her eyes widened to betray her shock at such a sweet gesture, though she managed not to tumble to the ground a quivering mess. "Thank you." To be continued, my noble and valiant shade.


A few days of travelling later the group came upon the first of their destinations. Kykysh had barely slept, finding it difficult to get accustomed to a life outdoors and in the saddle. Her supplies were also dwindling and she only had enough honey left for a few cups of her random-ingredient-addled tea, to the point where she was considering adding some petrified flesh to the mix. There was a good possibility she could re-supply at this sleepy little village, provided they played it right, of course.

Keeping her ears open for any conversational opportunities Kykysh had a good view of the settlement from the edge of the forest, though she was careful to position herself in the foliage were she was concealed from sight should any of the Asur look their way. Her lingering gaze settled on the white obelisk in the centre which was most likely the first of the waystones they had been seeking - a quick magical scan would confirm it. Closing her eyes, she concentrated her mind on the obelisk - there was no need to send a pulse out, if it was magical in nature, and if it was the waystone then it most assuredly would be, then she would be able to sense it - simply to confirm it was what they were seeking. Once she was close enough for physical intimacy she would do a much more thorough scan of the device and find a way to 'mess' with it.

"Three of us could bluff our way in - we can say you're escorting me to survey all the waystones in the area, which isn't a total untruth - and I could potentially tinker with the stone and we can begone without them ever suspecting. But we are also short on supplies and this could be an opportunity to re-stock, though that would make this a far more dangerous task." The mage looked over at Syjahel, then to Jacks, though this was strictly business so she kept her tone formal. "Perhaps we can do both?"


A quick mental scan to confirm that this is a waystone.

Elaborating a little further on Jack's idea.
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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Carathyle maveric
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

Two days and two nights, that's the time that had passed after the Cockatrice ambushed them, and it has been quiet ever since.

Though Carathyle had expected more of a hassle getting through the forest, he couldn't help but feel troubled, his mind ever wary of something popping up out of nowhere. Still, it proved a rather uneventful travel to the Waystone. The nights were slow to pass, and during his watch, he kept maintenance on his well-crafted gear. The obsidian sword was sharpened every time until it was so sharp it could split a hair, the string of his bow got waxed, the string had to be in perfect condition for its next use, and it rubbing across his armour didn't do much good. The arrows were checked for any unusual defects throughout the night, the smith had forged them with utmost care. A bodkin arrowhead had been fitted onto them, he wasn't a hunter after all, and the feathers were gently pushed back into a straight line as they moved around in the quiver on his back. The spear had yet to see much combat, he hadn't used it yet but surely, it was a good thing he carried it along as he never knew what he might encounter. His eyes often wandered toward the sky, the starry heavens above twinkled and lit up, he could only fathom what they were in reality.

Still, the journey moved on. He might be a noble, but he had a responsibility as well. As a retainer and a son of Naggaroth, he was expected to fulfill his duty, by protecting both Syjahel and Kykysh.

Though he would still curse the day they met, and he would still give her a hard-time whenever he could, he did notice the usefulness of the magic user when it comes to a strategic level, though she had still a long way to go to reach the level that Syjahel, Cananatra and himself were on, having seen battle over and over again. Somewhere inside, he knew that once they would reach the waystone, something was going to happen, and it could mean losing one of them, if not all. The young noble bowed his head at the thought toward the sword in his hands during the next evening, a faint smile occupying his feature, 'To die in the name of those you protect, to serve a power far greater than yourself, to avenge all who fall in the name of Khaine, to bring honour and glory to the House of Maveric, the rightful protectors of Hoeth and all of Saphery.' He thought, as he straightened his back and looked over his shoulder at his sleeping companions. In the line of duty, he was willing to sacrifice life and limb for the few of them, a deed he would not perform for the witch king even if he was ordered to.

On the final day of their journey, Carathyle looked down onto the town from the edge of the forest, his bow was still on his back as he listened to the propositions.

"The safest tactic would be going in at night, when everyone is asleep and take out the guards. Only one gate has to be cleared before Kykysh and the rest can enter. After that, the towers need to be emptied and this all as silent as possible. As for our stock, I reckon we can gather it in the time you need to tamper with the stone, provided we get in and there won't be any reinforcements." The brash noble placed a hand on the thick tree next to him, as his eye moved across the small settlement. "Either way, it seems like we need our little witch to make herself useful for once."

Suggest infiltrating. Other than that, point out that they're broke!
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
Ws:5 S:4 T:3 D:4 I:3
Equipment:
Enchanted* Obsidian Long sword, MC Light armour, Dark Steed(Sephirah), Shield, MC Longbow(89 arrows), 56 Circlets, Maibed Dagger, Asur Spear and Disguise.
Age: 89
Skills: Ride, Acrobatics
*Increased Strength, holds the soul of his father
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Syjahel
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

The journey was surprisingly quiet, but the respite was welcome. Syjahel occupied her time with keeping alert, and practicing her best Elven accent with the assistance of Carathyle whenever she could. Despite her best efforts, this wasn't going as well as it might. While her noble retainer had a fair command of Eltharin, even with coaching Syjahel was finding it hard to adopt her long-lost mother tongue.

Even though she knew, intellectually, which had been spoken first, the softer tones and meeker structure of the High Elves' speech seemed to her to be a decadent devolution from the true Elven language. It was the verbs. True, when she'd first listened to Carathyle reciting some of what he knew in Eltharin, she'd had to use a lot of her considerable self control to keep from laughing. Not at the young noble's attempts to teach her - not only was she a keen student, she was aware of the tension in her retainer when he'd first mentioned knowing the language - but at the strange, soft, almost lisping quality it gave what would otherwise be familiar words. Where Drukh-Eltharin was a language of command and respect, Eltharin seemed to insinuate itself into the mind of the speaker, accompanied by much in the way of if it please you and if that seems fitting and the like. Simple politeness she could comprehend; but so much of the High Elves' speech seemed conditional, as if it were afraid to inconvenience the listener with so bold a thing as a straightforward request. Not the most patient of Druchii, it was all Syjahel could do not to break out into some honest Druhir and just say what she needed to say to get the job done. At sea, after all, shouting through a gale, or in the midst of a battle, flowery language simply got one killed faster. Maybe the rumours were true and the High Elven court really did spend the majority of their time writing and reading poetry.

She'd persevered, of course, but she knew it hadn't gone well enough to make her a passable Elven noble. An army veteran, perhaps, one used to issuing orders, but even then ... her ch-sounds tended to all be kh- and her s-sounds clipped rather than sibilant. No, she would not really make a very good Elven woman. It was consoling, in its way.

Now they were crouched out of sight near the village that hd grown up around the waystone, and just thankfully out of earshot of any of that soft, annoyingly lyrical language. Syjahel had been assuming (and she chided herself, mentally, for making that assumption) that the magical energies drawn into the stone would make it unsafe to be around, much less live next to; but their decadent cousins seemed to actually thrive on the closeness of the thing. The martial noblewoman blinked away her disbelief. Wasn't it a sink for the unnatural energies seeping in excess into the world with terrible, catastrophic results? Were the ancient Annuli not full of monsters birthed by the Winds there, dark spawn of Chaotic, tainted vortices and the like? Of course ... she reasoned that the presence of the grounding stone did tame those energies, as it was meant to do, and the resulting mischief caused by undoing the filter on reality ought, at least, to provide their weaker kin with a resounding wake-up call. It brought a grim smile to her highborn features. She could only hope that in the event of such a catastrophe, they would be able to learn something to bring them closer to their true potential rather than just die as they had lived.

There was a short discussion of the merits of a daytime bluff as a means of entry. One thing they were all clear on was that they could not manage a full-frontal assault, and Syjahel was pleased to note this. After all, they had been engaged for stealth; for regular all out war, the Witch King had an army.

"I do not think we can pass as Elven for long enough to sustain any conversation, and we know - or at least, I believe that we have proof from our last encounter - that we do not make good enough High Elves." she said, carefully, weighing the odds. "If you need supplies, milady Mage, we can perhaps break in to somewhere so long as we have the chance, for I would not see you go short. As for the manner of our entry, I believe that I agree with Master Carathyle; it would be better to try our luck at night. I simply do not think I make a convincing High Elf. It is the language. I do not have the accent down and even if I had, I cannot ... sound meek." She glanced at Jacks with the ghost of a smile, almost invisible in the undergrowth as was his habit. "I fear it seems I am in fact not refined enough, Master Shade ..." She was prepared to be convinced if the others really did think they could pull the stunt off, but in her mind it had failed before. That too-canny traveller, with his great two-handed blade ... something was amiss there, she was certain of it.

"No, for my money we try to use all our advantages here, and what we have is a stealth specialist. I vote we sneak in, away from the gateways, and we do not try to kill the guards - we aim to bypass them and let Kykysh deal with the stone, then we escape in the cinfusion. Or better yet, we are far away by the time the trouble is manifest."


So. One vote for sneaking in, not killing guards but simply bypassing them if possible and going straight for the stone. Shopping optional if this works, Syjahel may be a hard-edged Druchii noblewoman but she understands the need for tea ;) If it comes down to it Kykysh can have some of hers. Tea is important. Thoughts? About the plan first, the tea .. we'll get to that :D


OOC: Syjahel's view on the Elven language. I think she's wrong, myself :D It also looks like she sees living on top of a watch-stone as rather like living on top of a nuclear reactor. Part of why I enjoy this game so much is finding out what my own character thinks, as well as everyone else's! :D
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Meteor »

Jacks chuckled slightly at the jest she made of herself for him, exchanging a quick amused smirk with his dear Captain, Jacks thought to himself, "who'd ever thought it'd rub off on her?"

"Well, perhaps we'll need to practice more outside of missions Captain. I fear Master Maverick is a bad influence on you, maybe Kykysh should be your retainer instead?" Jacks jested, taking the opportunity to include Kykysh in the conversation in an attempt alleviate any tension between the group.

A plan was slowly formulating, and Jacks was all for stealthing into the village, using it as a perfect excuse to satisfy a small personal agenda in terms of supplies.

"We need to ensure we have an escape route planned in case we get separated in the confusion or the enemy attempts to trap us in upon discovery. I fear a waystone will not be kept unattended, or for a long period of time. We may need to silence some guards. Are you suggesting we all sneak in Captain? Or shall I and Kykysh infiltrate and have you three on watch ready to assist if there is trouble? Discovery will be less with less people, and progress may be faster because it's easier to move one person under cover than four."

Agree to sneak in at night, verify Syjahel's idea being just him and Kykysh, or all five of them?
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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Cananatra
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

Cananatra chose this time to voice his opinion, having looked at the town for some time.
"It doesn't look to me like the gate guards are even questioning anyone coming in. We wouldn't need to bluff, just walk right on past. To my mind that would be preferable, rather than trying to sneak five druchii across a wall at night."
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

"Either way, it seems like we need our little witch to make herself useful for once." Kykysh let herself smile half-heartedly at this. For once in your life, perhaps. Has he already forgotten I saved his life twice? No, not accurate. You have saved him from having to save his own life twice, subtle difference there. And you have failed spectacularly on two accounts - one invisible watcher and a trio of cockatrice - so his little tirade is not entirely without merit. You will have to do better from now on, this... lack of focus is unacceptable.

As each voiced their opinions it seemed the group was still conflicted about which plan to enact. For Kykysh the original idea of bluffing their way through was still her preferred choice, even if it meant they didn't stop for supplies, she would only need a few minutes with the Waystone to lower the demonic barrier - of that, she was certain - and they could begone from the town with no Asur the wiser for it. It was entirely possible Kykysh could do it all by herself, she certainly understood the language well enough, though a travelling mage would at least have a couple of guards with her and she did have good reason for her attendance.

Milady Mage? Nothing so grandiose, though I am Noble born, am I not? Certainly Modrane is and I am sure my father was just as perfect! Kykysh slipped off her skull-cap and massaged her bald scalp gently for a moment, looking over to Syjahel as the woman made a few jokes at her own expense - something Kykysh would never dream of, not consciously anyway. Your lack of refinement is not particular to the nuances of language...

Jacks, lovely Jacks, interrupted her train of thought. Kykysh cringed, mentally, at his words. Ooh, Carathyle is not going to appreciate that, though you are wrong, my love, it is more likely that Syjahel would be my retainer! The obscenely tall mage kept her mouth firmly shut, she was certain it was meant as a jest but any confirmation from her would likely give the Maveric apoplexy and it wasn't the most appropriate time for that. Besides, she'd had quite enough of his childish antics already.

"Cananatra's idea has merit, we can be in and out in a matter of minutes if we stick solely to interfering with the Waystone. Though it was our lack of supplies that concerned me, not just my own, and this might be our only opportunity to supply ourselves for some time. Are we that desperate for supplies?" She paused, briefly, to slide her skull-cap back into place. "Infiltrating under the cover of darkness sounds like a good alternative. Jacks may be right, we may need some kind of escape route or back-up plan should things go awry."

Prefers Cananatra's idea and suggests that stopping for supplies may not be totally necessary. If it is, then she would prefer Jacks plan/ideas to infiltrate the town with just the two of them while the other three secure an escape route or formulate some kind of secondary plan to extricate herself and Jacks from the town if things go badly.

Also, same as before, confirm that the obelisk really is a Waystone.
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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Syjahel
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Syjahel »

Fortunately the highborn wasn't aware of the mage's continued slights on her birth and manner, or her apparent dislike of the ease with which Syjahel could conduct herself with her long-standing companions, Jacks included; unaware too that her politeness was thrown back in her face, as it all took place in the Sorceress' mind, where she was free to imagine and construct whatever reality she wished. Syjahel would in all likelihood never know if Kykysh could grasp the reasons behind their friendly intimacy. It was the comradeship borne of facing death together so many times that there was no total, no tally of tit-for-tat lives saved and lives owed.

Turning to Cananatra she said,

"There is merit in what you say. But the gate guards probably know everyone in a place as small as this, and thus have no need to stop them. Strangers would, I suspect, be another matter." She paused. "We barely spoke to the last people we passed, and I am certain it failed to convince - someone. Someone with enough power and paranoia to send an invisible rider after us. No, I think that this time we try stealth.

"I say we go with as small a group as possible, Kykysh for the magic side and Jacks to guide her in secrecy. We can form the ... backup in the event of an emergency."


And because she was unaware of the tall mage's mental rejection of even her most basic attempts to get along, in the quiet of her own mind, Syjahel did consider that she was also helping the other woman towards some time alone with Jacks, albeit in a professional environment. The highborn wasn't going to overtly matchmake the sensitive Shade, but one never knows, he might appreciate the attention. She still couldn't quite make up her mind of he wanted such attention from herself, or not ... but now was not the time to ponder. It was all secondary to the mission.


Thrash out mission details, suggest the lowest key stealth plan we can, that also puts Kykysh and Jacks together but it wouldn't be a priority if that wasn't also the most logical pair to do it. She's not going soft in her old ag- er, youth :D
RIP Group 28
~ We Never Slept ~
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Cananatra
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Cananatra »

Cananatra nodded slowly as it was decided to stealth in after dark.
"We have no idea of the immediate effects of weakening the warding stone. It might draw attention in some spectacular way." As he spoke he looked carefully at the walled town. "It occurs to me, that a burning palisade on the far side of the town might serve to distract the guards and townspeople into firefighting, rather then watching the stone. Perhaps we should make things interesting while you are inside."
Group 28- Name: Cananatra; Warrior; Follower of Slaanesh
WS:4 S:4 T:5 D:4 I:3
Equipment: MC Long sword, Throwing Axe, Dagger, Heavy Armour, Slaanesh Amulet, Dalvian Hunting Horn, Rations x 7, Null stone x 1, 525 Gold, Dark Steed, Blackpowder Pistol [18/18]
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Ride, Endurance
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Carathyle maveric
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Carathyle maveric »

Carathyle started to laugh as Jacks made his remark, "Refinement isn't my preferred suit of arms, though as far as language goes, I can safely say the one whose most fluent in it would be myself. Syjahel and Kykysh might have the wisdom to learn the words, grammar and word-plays, but they both lack actual encounters with the accents. I on the other hand, have had the language at my ear for a significantly large part of my life. It might be a bit rusty, it's no less better than any of yours. That having been made clear, I would prefer to warn you that a waystone isn't something anyone is allowed near, despite the appearance of it in the very center of that village."

Carathyle listened though, as Cananatra spoke as well, "And as of that, we seem to agree on one thing. A distraction will be needed, and I would reckon a thick mist to limit visibility." Carathyle turned his gaze toward the mage, "If you could do such a thing, it would increase the time you have to tamper with the stone. Jacks is unparalleled when it comes to detecting threats, so he should be able to take out any guard that gets too near to the waystone." Carathyle wasn't all that secure about himself at this moment though, he was delving into the knowledge he had obtained from his own old tutor, the most common habits of the Swordmasters, the rules surrounding magical relics, the adjacent rules of guarding such a relic, it all didn't add up with the village. "If that man back at the Caravan was indeed a Swordmaster, he would have known we're not who we seem, and would have sent someone to warn the village of us, or he would have located the nearest of his forces and sent them here. So if we pull this off before any such reinforcements arrive, I will be grateful to Khaine."

Suggest a "smoke screen" during the infiltration to limit the chances of them being seen. Other than that, make him more suspicious.
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Carathyle Maveric:(Group 28 Warrior)
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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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Minigrift
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Re: Group 28 - The Invasion of Ulthuan

Post by Minigrift »

Cananatra was full of good ideas, a diversion was an obvious course of action and shouldn't be too problematic to achieve. Though his speculation about weakening the barrier having some kind of immediately spectacular effect seemed just a little on the paranoid side, however, Kykysh was not yet ready to dismiss the notion entirely. She knew that she would be as subtle as possible but one should never discount the possibility that something could go horribly wrong, for all she could fathom there might be a Greater Daemon battering at the doors - that would certainly make things interesting.

Carathyle, too, was paranoid, but his was based on actual fact rather than speculation. There had been something decidedly... shifty about the 'Swordmaster' accompanying the caravan - Kykysh sighed relief that she at least could not take the blame for that. But Cananatra and Carathyle were not the only paranoid ones, and Syjahel was paranoid about more than an invisible watcher that Kykysh had failed to deal with in an acceptable manner. Can the two be linked? It's seems too much of a coincidence, one invisible-stalker discovered so soon after the caravan guard stood witness to our passing - perhaps it was even him? No. Don't think about that, focus on the task at hand. Speaking of which...

For a nice change, Kykysh was actually glad of Carathyles words - not his supposed 'superiority' of a certain language, which could actually be the truth - as he helped her to stay focused in the present, it was all too easy to let incongruous thoughts run amok. Kykysh had failed her new companions, and herself, two too many times already and would do her utmost to not let it happen a third time despite the probability of it being inevitable at some future point. A thick mist... Not too thick to obscure the distraction, but thick enough to provide all of us with cover.

"A mist should be possible, though it might take a short while to prepare and would be more effective in the darkness of night." Night seemed the best time for the infiltration anyway, plus the group appeared to agree it thus, and as night was soon the spell would, hopefully, be in full effect by then anyway. She could summon a mist but that may require too much energy - Kykysh would use the conditions nature had already provided.

"Jacks, if this plan is agreeable to you then I shall agree to it. Didn't you mention an escape plan of some kind should we be discovered? It would be wise for us to cover all eventualities before enacting the plan and we still have a little time before darkness encroaches."


Liking the plan so far. Will attempt Carathyle's appreciated suggestion of forming a mist to (help) conceal the groups activities and will agree to go along with the suggested plan if Jacks finds it acceptable.

She'll get started on the mist immediately as there should be enough 'weather' to form one, and let the others discuss the escape plan should one be needed.
Nathra Severain - Shade (Group 38)
WS:5 S:4 T:2 D:6 I: 3
Skills; Acrobatics; Basic Stealth; Free Running
Equipment: Longsword; Shurikens (6/10); Shade Cloak; Asur Arm & Leg Armour Plates; Misericorde; Gutting Knife
Inventory; Ornate Tiara; Sword Belt; Asuri Orb; 106 gold
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