[Exalted 3e] - Hunt for the Bone-Breaker IC

[HalfTangible]

[The Wyld Hunt]
3rd day of Ascending Fire

Across the width and breadth of Creation, the Wyld Hunt sees to the destruction of the greatest threats to mortal life. From the enigmatic Fair Folk to the dread Anathema, the Dragon-Blooded have seen to the safety and well-being of all under their watch. But not all lands in Creation are under the control of the dragons.

The Wyld Hunt has given you a task.

Deep in the southern reaches of Creation, the pole of fire fills the world with an unrelenting heat. The Delzahn nomads roam deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see. There are many dangers in such a place, from leonine fair folk bartering dreams to spin into silk to grand salamanders whose very scales burn the sand to glass.

Between Gem and the Lap, Yena Bonebreaker - also known as the Red Jackal - has long prowled the sands. A true monstrosity even among the Anathema, the Hyena-woman has been a thorn in the side of the southern nomads for centuries. She is well known for her brutal and bitter feud with the Realm, as well as with many of her silver brethren. Many Hunts have come for her head in the past, and all before you have failed. But that was before you; now, you shall destroy this stain on Creation.

You briefly stopped in Chiaroscuro to obtain supplies for the trip west towards the Lap. Cynis Senar was even able to secure himself and his bookeeper Alik a carriage to travel the road in style. He wasn't quite able to secure enough for the full talon that Tepet Lomar brought with him, but at least there was some comfort available. Jasushi Izulu tread the road with grace, her invisible elemental keeping pace. Lomar's familiar rode thermals as the days went on, and occasionally flew off to hunt.

Your trip towards the Lap is largely uneventful. You spend several days moving towards the Lap without incident.

But a day or so from the Lap, as the sun begins to set, in the far distance, you see smoke rising...

What do you do?

[Justanotherhero]

Senar turns to Alik:
"Let us take a look what that is."
With a loud voice:
"Driver, stop."
I get out of the carriage and look around for a higher vantage point.
To everybody that is part of the convoy behind us:
"There is smoke in the distance. I am going to take a look, we should be able to move along in a moment."
----------
Maybe a large tree , or a hill nearby? Anything I can climb on to get a better view will do.

[Eurus]

After a few days on the road, those carriages start to look awfully tempting. Lomar has walked alongside his soldiers for most of the trip, and he doesn't intend to stop now. He could have borrowed a horse -- the Frostbitten only have nine horse with them, which is frankly pitiful, but any of them would be at his disposal if he asked -- but the scar of the old injury to his hip makes riding even short distances hard, and he was never great with horses anyway. Still, he's not made of stone, and as he wipes the sweat from his face again he spares a brief glance for the carriages and their shade. He's campaigned south before, but frankly, the cold is easier to handle than the heat. One can always put on another layer of furs, but stripping half-naked isn't very military. Thankfully, the hottest part of the day is over, and it's finally starting to cool down, but he's gone through two canteens.

There's a bit of small talk as they travel, for only the most draconian of officers would insist that his soldiers travel in complete silence, but the Frostbitten are sturdy and keep good marching order even late in the day. There's not a full patrol schedule, but he does have three riders out to get an advance look at any blind corners or potential ambush spots that they might go through. So when one of the riders comes back with word of smoke ahead, Lomar frowns.

Smoke in the distance doesn't necessarily mean the worst. It could be a grassfire, or some sort of perfectly innocent bonfire. But... well, if you called Lomar a pessimist, he wouldn't dispute it.

The horses that aren't being used by the scouts are walking with the men, to ensure they'll be fresh. Lomar whistles and directs two more soldiers to mount up and join this one, then orders the three of them to check it out and come back. "Just get close enough to see what's on fire and report back. Don't engage or go in. If you're spotted by enemies, blow the signal horn and run back here."

Lomar nods when Cynis Senar says he'll take a look and then starts trying to get high. He's curious if the man's eyes are good enough to spot anything from this distance, but who can say what dragons are capable of? It would be convenient, anyway. "If you can see anything, let me know. If you hear a horn, it means enemies."

He tries to think, in the meantime, orienting himself on his mental map. He should have a paper map, by all rights, but maps are expensive and the Frostbitten simply don't have money. Buying a decent map would mean less food, less repairs for damaged equipment, maybe less arrows at a crucial moment. So his memory is what he has to operate with, and he tries to recall if anything lies in that direction. A town? A forest? He can't be completely certain how close they are to the Lap without a convenient landmark nearby, but his men make pretty consistent time on the march, so he has at least a general idea based on how long they've been traveling.

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 13/13, Peri: 22/22 (9c), Will: 7/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Dim, WP: -0
Active charms: -

"Don't get too excited, it's probably just another barbarian ritual. For people who have so little, they seem insistent on burning their possessions for tributes and festivities." She leans against one of the wagons and has a local she hired in Chiaroscuro brings her a flask of sweet pale wine, one of the few pleasures she'd discovered since arriving in this wretched place.

"You Tepets always seem so tense, if you don't mind my saying. I understand you've had a run of bad luck recently but there's no need to look so serious all the time. You're on an adventure for riches and glory, would it kill you to act like it?

The Outcaste has short hair and is wearing light Chiaroscuran robes of excellent quality to manage the temperature. Beneath them is a red jade chain shirt.

---
Whale Whisker is in Elsewhere via Elemental Sheath.

[Justanotherhero]

"If you can see anything, let me know. If you hear a horn, it means enemies."

"Will do." Senar nods to his in-law.

The young man clothed in green made his way to a higher position.
Senar was told before that Tepets were raised very differently and it appeared to be true. There was something fascinating about a Dragon willing to live in such a way nonetheless.

[HalfTangible]

[Cynis Senar]

You take one of the horses and make your way towards a nearby hill, making your ascent quickly and quietly. As you come near the crest, however, you stop and step off of your horse, sneaking on your belly through the grass. This place is very dry, but for the moment you remain in the savannah. As you look across the southern expanse, you notice several hills that progressively get taller and closer together. The beginnings of a mountain range are ahead; no doubt this leads towards the Lap.

As you get closer, you notice that the plume of smoke is growing. This is no campfire or ritual; something big is burning.

Near the base of one of these larger hills, you see the source of the smoke; a walled village, nestled against the mountain. There's a path leading from it towards the main road. You would likely have stopped here for the night.

Several of the buildings are on fire, and you can see bustling activity down below. A mortal's eyes wouldn't have spotted much more than that, but you are a dragon; your eyes see all.

The village is being hit by a group of bandits; beastmen mutants in the twisted shape of hyenas You can see a big hyena-man that seems to be directing the raid; even from this distance he looks sickly and diseased, yet his gestures are followed without apparent question. There's a normal human woman near him, carrying some sort of weapon; looks like a firewand, but you can't be su- oh wait, she just set a building on fire, yeah that's a firewand.

[Justanotherhero]

Very, very slowly I start by moving my right arm back then my left. Trying not to disturb the grass around me, I move very slowly backwards on my belly.
Breathing in to control the wind I give a short prayer to so the surrounding grass stays still. Sacrificing style and dignity, but if it works nobody will see me as I slowly crawl down the hill top. I wait about 10 meters before getting back up on my legs and heading to my horse.

After riding back to our camp I go to Lomar, White Winds, and Izulu.


"Near the base of one of these larger hills, there is a walled village, nestled against the mountain. There's a path leading from it towards the main road.

Several of the buildings are on fire.

The village is being hit by a group of bandits; beastmen mutants in the twisted shape of hyenas There is a big hyena-man that seems to be directing the raid; even from this distance he looks sickly and diseased, yet his gestures are followed without apparent question. There's a normal human woman near him, carrying some sort of weapon; looks like a firewand, she just set a building on fire."

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 13/13, Peri: 22/22 (9c), Will: 7/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Dim, WP: -0
Active charms: -

"A normal human with a firewand amongst a gang of mutants? Could be our Backbreaker. Lets go." With a snap of her fingers the caravan pulls off the road and the servants begin disguising it. Izulu in turn will jump onto a horse behind either another DB or one of the Frostbitten; she works best up close, but lacks any experience riding horses herself.

[Eurus]

As Cynis Senar explains, Tepet Lomar grows tense. A hundred bodies, with firewands? And beastmen? This is no small raid by a group of outlaws to be quickly routed, but an attack by a dangerous force. He turns to his men, noting with satisfaction that his lieutenants are already behind him awaiting orders.

"Our timing here may actually be fortunate. The raiders have already committed to their attack, which gives us a chance to outmaneuver them."

He contemplates the situation, but only for a few moments. Bitter experience has taught him that a decent plan executed now is vastly preferable to a perfect plan delivered too late. He points toward the village and explains.

"The other Dragonblooded and I will approach the village directly from the road. The Frostbitten will hang back out of sight and circle to flank the village east. If we push them back, you'll come in from the opposite side to pincer them with us. If they push us back, we'll retreat toward your position and you can ambush them with arrows. You all know the horn signals, listen for mine."

He turns to the other Dragonblooded as almost an afterthought. Pale blue light outlines his body, and a faint chill hovers around him. "Is this acceptable?"

[Justanotherhero]

A odd feeling knowing that a genuine battle is about to happen.
For a few seconds Senar just stands there.
" I will be ready in a few moments."

Taking a few steps back Senar grabs a red stone out of the small pouch and begins a prayer to Hesiesh. Until the stone fills itself with fire that grows and grows. In the end a blade of fire manifests to then become a small flame in Senars hand.

Going to the carriage Senar grabs the rest of his equipment and stands ready.

[HalfTangible]

Senar, you take a moment alone to draw on the energies of the world. While most charms use the essence within ourselves, sorcery draws power from without. With practiced ease, you spin the essence into shape, and for a brief moment you see a flaming sword hanging in the air. In the time it would take to blink, it is but a mote of flame. You know instinctively that it will protect you, for that is all it is and all it knows.

For a full day, Cynis Senar now has a will-o-wisp following him that can turn into a blade to protect him per the Defend Other action.

Guardian of Flame
Parry: 3 (Essence + 1)
Sensing Hidden Enemies: 9 (Essence + Perception + Occult)
Soak: 7 (Essence + 5)
Hardness: 2 (Essence)
HLs: 7 -0 HLs (Essence + Intelligence). If its HLs are filled, it is utterly destroyed and cannot be resummoned until its full duration has elapsed.
-If it parries an unarmed attack, the attacker takes 1 die of lethal damage ignoring hardness.
-Adds 2 (Essence) natural soak against all but unblockable attacks.
-When Senar joins battle, it gains initiative equal to his (cannot be used to make attacks). If the guardian is crashed, it dissipates for a scene.

(page 313 DB book)

---

Tepet Lomar gives instructions to each of you in regards to your parts of the plan. Though the Tepet Legions were smashed at the Battle of Futile Blood, any thought that it was due to poor command or planning is dashed immediately as Lomar gives orders to his sergeants. With a quick 'hoo-rah', his troops take position as instructed, weapons prepared. They'll move out on Lomar's signal.

What will the rest of you do in the meantime?

Ambush strategem successful! Once the soldiers spring their ambush, all of the circle's attacks during the first round of combat are treated as ambush attacks. Every attack by the circle in the next 3 rounds are treated as surprise attacks.

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 13/13, Peri: 22/22 (9c), Will: 7/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Dim, WP: -0
Active charms: -

Placing her hand on the warm earth, Izulu moved in a circular motion as if searching for something. When she found it she pushed her hand into the ground forming a 7ft fissure, from which she pulled a black jade spear studded in large irregular gemstones. Balancing it on her arm she hops on the back of someone's horse and prepares to charge.

---
Use Dragon-Graced Weapon to recall Whale Whisker from Elemental Sheath (Earth). It can make smashing attacks until the end of the scene.

[Justanotherhero]

Saner heads to his horse Biana Foli, named after the spot in her fur. Gets up on his horse and sends a little prayer to the elemental dragons. He stretches out his hand to Izulu and gladly lets her ride in the back.

"Once we arrive, we better stick together anyway. I would hate to stand on that wall alone."

At first heading down the same path he used before while staying in cover behind the hill he knows only one thing could fundamentally go wrong.
Between the cover of the Hill and the concealment provided by the hopefully not guarded city walls there is a distance they will have to pass at maximum speed and pray that nobody can respond fast enough until they arrive at the city wall.Departing the Hill behind him Senar gives Biana Foli the slight kick needed to prove that it is time to run. The horses of the south are fast and if her fur was more even she may have even been a decent breeding horse. We will have to find out now. Rushing towards the city wall. Senar has no intention of slowing down until they are close enough to climb the wall.

[HalfTangible]

The group's plan is pretty straightforward: charge in, kick some ass, get some stealthy soldiers to serve as back-up if the need arises. At first, as you charge first down the hill you'd observed the village from, and then up the hill towards it, no one seems to notice you.

But then you see someone poke their head over the wall. He seems confused, at first, to notice a group of four people running up a hill towards the village. Then his eyes lock onto Izulu's blade, and his eyes widen. He yelps with surprise and starts shouting back to his fellows. The bandits know you're coming now.

Everyone roll Join Battle for me, please.

You got one round of movement before the enemy noticed you. You'll arrive at the wall at the start of round 3. At the moment, neither of the two leaders you saw earlier are engaging you, just the hyena men.

Firewand: [roll0] + 3 = 11i
Diseased: [roll1] + 3 = 5i
Hyena Bandits: [roll2] + 3 = 6i

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 13/13, Peri: 18/22 (9c), Will: 7/7, Aura: Earth, Anima: Dim, WP: -0
Active charms: -

Izulu appreciates them at least being afraid, shows the proper respect.

---
Join Battle: Wits+Awa (7), Precision Observation Method (4) +3
[roll0] = 9 sux = 12i

[Eurus]

Lomar holds white-knuckled to the reins as the group rides in. No matter how many fights he's been in, he still can't quite kick the fear of death... but, as he'd say to his men, a bit of fear keeps you sharp.


Wits (4) + Awareness (5) + Stunt (2) + Excellency (5)

4m on Victory-Seeking Insight, 5m on Precision Observation Method, all from peripheral. Anima rises to Glowing. I'll decide how to transfer initiative to my allies once I see what everyone gets.

Personal: 13/13
Peripheral: 22/31
Willpower: 5/5

[HalfTangible]

The group's intent is clear, from Lomar and Senar's hard riding to Izulu's confident gait. Negotiation isn't happening.

The bandits take up positions along the walls, putting down swords and axes to ready bows and slings. Their position isn't a terrible one, either; the walls of this city are made to deal with an attack like this. Of course, they're meant to protect those inside from mortal bandits; no podunk mining town can really prepare for an attack from the Chosen.

Jasushi Izulu and Senar are up first. The group is three range bands out.

I'm keeping notes on this stuff, but for your benefit:

Jasushi: 12i
Senar: 12i
Lomar: 9i
White Winds: [roll0] + 3 = 4i

Z: 11i
N: 5i
Hyena Bandits: 6i

???: [roll1] + 3 = 8i

[Justanotherhero]

Senar rides towards the city wall.
In his right hand his bow, with his left controlling the horse. The air is filled with the smell of fresh forest as he begins

Announcing loudly with a voice filled with the conviction that the souls he has to punish maybe are not save able, but with hope to spare himself and others this violent experience.

" Criminals.
Stop this crime, lay down your weapons and you will receive mercy."

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 13/13, Peri: 10/22 (9c), Will: 7/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Glowing, WP: -0
Active charms: -

On the back of Senar's horse Izulu also pipes up, pointing her spear directly at the nearest archer's heart for emphasis as she is encircled in a pulse of orange and red light.

"AND IF YOU DON'T I'M GOING TO TURN YOU INSIDE OUT AND WEAR YOUR LEADER AS A WEDDING SHAWL!"

---
Threaten action to get them to back down, or if they have a better tie then instil a negative Minor Tie towards Izulu.
Charisma + Presence (9) + Stunt (2) + Seizing The Tongue Technique (6m peripheral, reroll non-1 fail dice) + Glowing Coal Radiance (2m peripheral, 1 autosux & 10s explode) -3 (group penalty).

[roll0] +1 +1 reroll = 8 sux

[HalfTangible]

"... We were leaving anyway!" One of them yelps before turning and fleeing back into the village. The rest of the bandits look back and forth between their fellows, unsure of what to do. A few others follow their comrade's leave and run off into the village; Lomar would be able to guess that they're running for the mining tunnels into the mountain.

The woman with a firewand simply stares at the fleeing beastmen for a moment, then shrugs. "If you wish to invite Korna's wrath on your head, who am I to stop you? Those of you with a spine, prepare for battle."

"Lady Zinj," One of the beastmen hesitantly begins, "One of them is a dragon. They might all be dragons. We need to warn-"

Zinj ignores the man. "Let us congratulate our new friend on her wedding." She turns and glares down at Izulu from the wall. "Turn her shawl into her shroud!!"

Senar attempts to force the bandits' surrender. Izulu attempts to intimidate and threaten the Bandits. Senar and Izulu have forced a rout and demoralized the bandits!

The bandits successfully rally but they have lost one size (Size 3 to Size 2). They are also Demoralized; the battle group will now take a -1 penalty on all rout checks and command actions. They have also gained a minor intimacy of fear for Izulu in particular.

Zinj's turn!

Zinj orders the bandits to fire on the approaching dragon-blooded. She adds her successes on this roll to the battle group's actions until her next turn begins.

[roll0]

??????? is revealed to be the town's citizens. The citizens take a full defense action. They gain 2 defense until the start of their next turn.

Tepet Lomar's turn!

[Eurus]

Lomar doesn't bother with threats, for his part. He just rides forward, chakram in hand, sizing up the forces arrayed before them. Wind flows around him like a cloak, sending swirls of dust from his horse's stride combining into a hazy shield. He's not quite close enough yet... but when they pause to fire, that will be his chance.

Reflexive moving closer, action to aim, and paying 3 motes to use the Air Anima effect:

For three motes, the Air Aspect may deflect projectiles with a gust of wind, imposing a −1 environmental penalty on all ranged attacks against her until her next turn.

Personal: 13/13
Peripheral: 24/31
Willpower: 5/5

[HalfTangible]

A familiar breeze caresses Lomar's cheek; even so far away from home the air shifts and twists in familiar patterns.

The bandits regain their composure, inspired by Zinj's declaration. They raise their bows, and fire a hail of arrows directly towards you. There's a brief moment of tension as they wait for you to close in.

In that moment, you hear screaming in the city beyond, along with a coughing, sputtering sound reminiscent of a dying man trying to laugh.

Before you can ascertain anything further, the bandits release their arrows towards you.

---

Gonna need everyone to declare defenses.

Lomar moves and takes an aim action against the bandits. His next attack against them will have a +3 bonus to its attack pool.

Bandits' turn!

The Bandits on the wall fire on you! For the moment their attacks are directed outwards, so they won't be hitting the civilians. They gain a +5 to their attack from Zinj's order action. -1 against Lomar thanks to his anima effect. I need everyone to declare defenses against this attack if at all.

Base Attack: 11
Base Damage: 12
Might: 1 (+1 to hit, damage, and defense)
Size: 2 (+2 to hit, damage, soak, and magnitude)
Drill: Average (+1 to defense)
Demoralized (-1 to command and rout rolls; forgot this with Zinj's command but it wouldn't have changed the # of sux)
Order: 5

White Winds hasn't moved yet this round so he is at long range. Everyone also is 2 bands out, at medium range. The bandits are using shortbows, which have +2 at medium range, +0 at long.

If my math's right that's 21 to hit Izulu and Senar. White Winds is hit at 19 dice, Lomar is at 20 to hit. Also that'll be 20 dice on damage. (Subtract soak from right to left)
Attack: [roll0] = 11 to hit (by a quirk of the dice, it's 11sux against everybody)
Damage: [roll1] = 8 before soak (BGs don't double 10s on damage rolls)

Lomar has a defense of 7 and a soak of 6, reduced by 4 (to 2) due to threshold sux. He takes 6 withering damage, putting him at 3i.
Senar has a defense of 11 and a soak of 8, reduced by 0 (to 8) due to threshold sux. He takes 5 withering damage, putting him at 7i.
White Winds has a defense of 8 and a soak of 3, reduced by 3 (to 0) due to threshold sux. He takes 8 withering damage, putting him at -4i. (CRASH!)
Izulu has a defense of 11 and a soak of 8, reduced by 0 (to 8) due to threshold sux. She takes 5 withering damage, putting her at 7i.

---

Nur'ghal will attack the civvies. No need to hide this one since nobody's there to declare defenses against it.
Attack: [roll2] = 6 to hit vs defense 4 (2 base, 2 on full defense), 2 threshold sux
Damage: [roll3] = 6 damage

---

Regardless of what damage is done or not, the next person to act is White Winds. Then a new round will begin and I will post the updated initiative count (I am keeping track, ftr)

[Eurus]

Charging into a volley of arrows isn't something you ever really get used to, but Lomar isn't totally new to the experience. On horseback, speed is his best defense; he hunkers down, spurs his mount forward, and breathes. The essence within him resonates with the essence around him, and the wind suddenly blows at his back, pushing him forward.

6 motes on Flickering Candle Meditation, 1 mote on Nimble Zephyr Defense. Anima rises to Burning.

Base evasion is 4 (2 Dexterity, 5 Dodge, specialty in "Fighting as a team)
+1 stunt bonus, +3 excellency, total of 7
Lomar ignores environmental penalties to defense, attacker loses 1 point of initiative on a successful dodge, and if the attacker rolls any 1s then Lomar will dodges successfully if his evasion equals the attack roll (instead of needing to beat it).

[Justanotherhero]

This did not go as planned.
Senar sees the arrows coming in their direction. With a quick mental command, he directs the flame guardian upward. A flame blade appears above Senars head and turns an arrow into ash, while Senar lets go of the reins with his right hand and catches another arrow. At least Izulu will be save behind me. Senar was not certain if she was wearing any armor at all.


Dex (5) + Martial Arts (5) + Become the Hammer 4 motes Peripheral (+2 Defense) + Guardian of Flame (+3 Defense) +Stunt (+1 Defense)

Defense: 5+2+3+1= 11

Soak:
Stamina 5 + Buff jacket 3+ Guardian 2 = Soak 10

[ShadowImmor]

Tepet White Winds, who had been completely silent up until now, sees the arrows, and for the first time seems to make a movement that is not entirely in step with the others. Almost as if he'd been lost deep in thought and finally decided to defend himself.

((OoC Evading the attack, going to spend 4 motes for an additional two evasion using Threshold Warning Stance))

He takes a step back, and draws the Essence around him in Creation into his body, the wind whips towards him slightly, and he prepares to move out of the way of the arrows.

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 13/13, Peri: 4/22 (9c), Will: 7/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Burning, WP: -0
Evade: 2, Parry: 6, Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: 7, Riding Horse (Speed +4)
Active charms: -

Sloping low in the saddle, Izulu thrusts her spear, unleashing a cloud of crystalline debris that deflects some of the arrows from her and her riding buddy.

----
Base Parry (6) + stunt (1) + light cover (Senar) (1) + Stoking Bonfire Style (6m peripheral) (3) = 11 Defence vs 11 attack = HIT

[HalfTangible]

Though the Exalted defend themselves valiantly, there are simply too many arrows. Izulu and Senar fare the best, their combined defenses knocking much of the enemy's attack aside. White Winds by contrast staggers outright and nearly falls off his horse. No one - not even the horses - has been hurt yet, but it's clear that that will not last.

White Wind's turn!

[ShadowImmor]

White Wind rebalances himself in the saddle.

I hate these damned creatures... I never learned to ride one properly...

He then urges the horse to keep moving forward while taking the Full Defense Action.

[HalfTangible]

Zinj snorted at the display before her. Truly, this had her subordinates worried? A tiny group of nobodies charging up a hill towards a fortified position like they were invincible? She unslung her firewand, picked it up and aimed down the sights towards Senar and Jasushi. Whoever these people were, they were not worth bothering with. Behind her, she heard several doors slam shut. She fought the urge to roll her eyes, and marvelled at the irony of her current situation; she was on the wall of a village she'd sacked, about to fire on new invaders. Ironic.

The bandits readied their bows for another attack...

Round 2 begins!

Round 2 Initiative count
Zinj: 11i
Citizens: 8i
Jasushi: 7i
Senar: 7i
Hyena Bandits: 6i
Nur'ghal: 5i
Lomar: 3i
White Winds: -4i (CRASH 1)

Zinj's Turn!

Zinj takes an aim action towards Senar (he's on the front of their horse)

Citizens' Turn!

The Citizens take a Full Defense action! +2 defense until their next turn (4)!

Jasushi and Senars' turns!

[Justanotherhero]

Order has to be restored. And Senar intends to do that the only way possible, through fear.

While aiming at one of the larger bandits on the wall.
Senar rides towards the wall and drawing an arrow he stares into that man's eyes for almost a second. Ensuring that that man knows his life could be over any second. To then redirect his gaze a split second before releasing the arrow brutally punishing that mans ally standing to his right and ensuring that he understands:The Immaculate Order ensures order. The chosen of the Dragon enforce that order.

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 13/13, Peri: 5/22 (9c), Will: 7/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Burning, WP: -0
Evade: 2, Parry: 6, Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: 7, Riding Horse (Speed +4)
Active charms: -

Izulu terrifies the horse into moving at full tilt into the hail of arrows and flame with a bestial roar and swash of her spear. The roar combined with her burning aura is all the leverage she needs against the archers.

"I don't take prisoners, every last one of you is just waiting to die."

---
Flurry Misc. action and Threaten Action vs the battlegroup.

Charisma+Presence (9) + stunt (2) + Burning Dragon Mien (double 9s, BG lose 1i if successful) - flurry penalty (3)
[roll0] = 3 sux vs Resolve

[HalfTangible]

Senar's arrow does not just kill his target, it obliterates him. The man's skull showers upward in an explosion of gore, and the bandits freeze. As if on cue, Izulu's words ring out.

The bandits do not flee, but they are hesitating, looking between one another to see if they should run or if their comrades will run with them.

"W h a t ' s a l l t h e h u b b u b?" A new voice rasps. Though you can't see him yet, the speaker sounds like his throat was ripped out, filled with phlegm, and then put back upside down. The bandits look back down towards the speaker, and all of them freeze with fear. Some begin babbling in an incoherent muddled mess, others turn back to the wall and ready their bows again. Who or whatever is speaking apparently scares them more than the prospect of dying at Izulu's hands.

Senar hits the Hyena bandits at 5 against defense 5! The Bandits' soak is 8! Senar gains 4i, putting him at 11i!

Izulu threatens the bandits! Their resolve is 3 (4 base, -1 Izulu (Fear)). They lose their next action.

Senar and Izulu gee up their horse, moving two range bands!

Bandits' turn!

The Bandits have lost their action!

Nur'Ghal attacks the citizens, then moves to close range with the wall.

Attack: [roll0] vs Defense 4
Damage: [roll1]

Lomar's turn!

[Eurus]

Lomar spurs his horse forward, and rises up to get a clear shot at the bandits. The chakram he hurls may not seem as deadly as an arrow, but he's no slouch with it; the heavy blade whirls through the air, entirely capable of cutting deep into bone. He doesn't slow his charge, determined to keep up with the group.

Moving one range band closer, attacking the bandit group. Dex (2) + Thrown (5) + Aim (3) + Stunt (2) + Range (3)
[roll0]

Weapon's damage is 7, Strength is 2.
[roll1]

Personal: 13/13
Peripheral: 22/31
Willpower: 5/5

[HalfTangible]

Lomar's chakram slices clean through a man's head, and the body takes a moment or two to crumple. The bandits watch their comrade's head plummet to the ground on the other side of the wall.

Zinj looks livid. "HE OWED ME FOUR OBOLS YOU JERK!!"

Lomar attacks the bandits at 6! The bandits are hit (defense 5). Their soak is 8 (reduced to 7 by threshold sux). Lomar does 2 damage, gaining 3i and putting him at 6i!

White Winds' turn!

[ShadowImmor]

White Winds, already drained from trying to avoid attacks and keep himself out of harms way, decides his best option is to keep moving into the village, he needs to get in close to be able to use his weapon and start turning the tide of the battle in his favour.

White Winds simply rides closer to the village, attempting to get inside the wall if possible.

[HalfTangible]

White Winds is now at short range from the wall!

Round 3
Zinj: 11i
Senar: 11i
Citizens: 8i
Jasushi: 7i
Lomar: 6i
Hyena Bandits: 6i
Nur'ghal: 5i
White Winds: -4i (CRASH 2)

Zinj and Senar's turn!

Zinj scowled, lining her sites back up on her firewand towards Senar. The momentary distraction of one of her subordinates dying didn't break her concentration. With a loud CRACK, a tongue of flame leaped from the wand, flying straight for Senar!



Base attack is 6 to hit, 5 damage. Zinj gets +3 dice from her aim action last round. +1 Firewand specialty. Short range, +4 to hit. Firewand gives +11 to damage, 1 overwhelming
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] +4 dice due to flame but Senar's soak will probably take that

[Justanotherhero]

Riding like the wind Senar head towards these bandits and even before another one of them moves jumps of his horse and charges towards the closest Bandit . Senar was a peaceful man most of his life. But the time had come to unleash a power he had held back most of his life. It was bad the first time. People on that dance floor were very sick afterwards. But they were innocent, and Senar was young.
Today .. today will be different.
Senar jumps of his horse breaths in and standing in front of a confused soul no longer asks:

"You will stand down!"
Bursting into a green Aura the entire area is dosed in green light and the smell of deep forest and orchids. Stretching a hand to his enemy that will indeed hurt.



Dex (5) + Martial Arts (5) + Become the Hammer 4 motes Peripheral (+2 Defense) + Guardian of Flame (+3 Defense) +Stunt (+1 Defense) + Using Bandit as Shield?

Defense: 5+2+3+1= 11

Soak:
Stamina 5 + Buff jacket 3+ Guardian 2 = Soak 10

Senar Anima effect:
If I am correct:
Damage: 2i
Penalty -1
Sta 5 + Ess 2= Duration 7
A supernatural Posion so the Sta+ Res check can not reduce the duration completely. Only half it.

Attack :
Dex 5 + MA 5 +Become the Hammer 1 + Stunt 2 + Accuracy unarmed 4

17d10

[HalfTangible]

To call Senar's entrance devastating would be like calling the Kukla 'a bit large'.

The hyena men are scattered, all notion of a clear line gone. Some are on the ground, writhing in pain as Senar's aura flares. Others are unmoving. The few still standing are backing away, utterly terrified.

Zinj's attack misses. Senar's does not. He gains 9i, putting him at

The bandits pass their rout check; they are now at size 1

Citizens' turn!

The people of the village take a full defense action! They are at defense 5.

Jasushi Izulu's turn!

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 13/13, Peri: 7/22 (9c), Will: 7/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Burning, WP: -0
Evade: 2, Parry: 6, Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: 7, Riding Horse (Speed +4)
Active charms: -

Significantly less composed than Senar as he abandons her on the back of an animal she can't control, Izulu makes as graceful a landing as she can by hurling herself off it's back into a seemingly purposeful roll into a standing position.

Passing through the gate she elects not to be poisoned again and places herself between the people and the flamewand wielding ******** above.

"Don't worry, we've got you covered." She smiles at the civilians, her burning anima giving her the impression of a cozy fire on a cold night.

---
Warm-Faced Seduction Style on the Civilians, to instil an intimacy of desire.
[roll0] = 8 sux vs Resolve. +1 auto-sux if they are Appearance 1

[HalfTangible]

Izulu performs her leap over the wall, and lands with a confident flourish. Those who blinked as she landed might have been very confused to notice that she now stood with all the warmth and confidence of a wife in her own home.

Speaking of... she notices that the civilians have been taking cover in their homes, behind barrels, or anything else they could get to; they are scattered all throughout the village. Those who can see her, however, have their eyes drawn to her, and she sees more than one jaw drop. The closest civilian seems to forget there's even any danger, and the young man stares at her with a dumbstruck, lovesick look on his face. Izulu's not the most attractive woman on earth, but you couldn't have told the villagers that; she'd been in the town for less than 20 seconds and she's already the most popular, desirable woman there.

... And then she sees the bodies.

Everywhere throughout the town, people lay dead. Their wounds are already diseased, their bodies rotting in the daylight as if they'd been there for days. They lay everywhere in this cursed place, and she sees that several buildings had already burned down.

The lovesick young man's face suddenly twists into horror and he points behind Izulu insistently, eyes wide.

"N i c e j u m p, l i t t l e l a s s." A heaving, sickly voice greets her. "Y o u m u s t b e q u i t e h e a l t h y. M o r e t h a n t h e s e f o o l s."

The heaven-born dragon turns to find easily the most repulsive thing she's seen since leaving home (and that's saying a lot, even heaven's slums were high class compared to the rest of Creation). The hyena man before her is bloated and sickly, the ravages of disease covering his entire body. Pustules pop and ooze all across sick-green skin, and black spots adorn his arms. In one hand he carries a rusted, jagged blade that drips with an acrid-smelling liquid. The mutant fur he bears is grayed, and fallen off in patches.

How such a man could be alive - let alone smiling - is beyond Izulu.

"C a n ' t w a i t t o w a t c h y o u d i e s l o w l y."

Technically this shouldn't be able to affect multiple targets, but eh, this is funny, they're a battle group right now and you got like 8sux, I'll allow it. Izulu has instilled the town with intimacies relating to desire. She is now the most popular, desirable woman in the entire town, and she will be swarmed by admirers as soon as the situation allows. Congrats?

Tepet Lomar's turn!

[Eurus]

Lomar mercilessly pulls another chakram off his back and hurls it into the shabby line of bandits. They're braver than expected, or perhaps more terrified of their superiors than of the Dragonblooded. If they were a little more cowardly, they might have survived. He grunts with the exertion of the throw, then nods to himself.

"Just have to clean up these stragglers... then we can try to capture the leaders."


Attacking the battle group again from short range, with a 5 mote excellency. Anima rises to Bonfire. Dex (2) + Thrown (5) + Excellency (5) + Stunt (2) + Range (3)
[roll0]

Weapon's damage is 7, Strength is 2.
[roll1]

Anima: Bonfire
Personal: 13/13
Peripheral: 22/31
Willpower: 5/5

[HalfTangible]

Zinj swears in a language that Izulu recognizes as Old Realm, albeit a very different dialect from her own. She pulls back a bit from her position on the wall, looking over the bodies of her slain subordinates. She swears again (Izulu was pretty sure that it was physically impossible to do that with a cactus even if you wanted to) and calls out "Nur'ghal! Back to the tunnels!"

"N o t y e t." The man... hyena... thing wheezes as it shambles towards the dragon blooded, eyes widening in a mad grin. "O n e m o r e... f o r t h e r o a d..."

"Dammit you idiot we don't have time, Ratana-"

With a sickening, mucus-coated laugh it swings its rusty blade down at Izulu!

Lomar's last attack finishes off the battle group's last health level. They are no longer a significant enough force in the battle to keep track of.)

Bandits' turn!

Nur'ghal's turn. He/it makes a withering attack against Jasushi Izulu with Maggot Tender. On a successful hit, the blade infects the target with a disease. Stamina + Resistance to resist, TN 3.

Attack Roll
[roll0]

Damage Roll
[roll1]

White Winds' turn (CRASH 2).

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 7/13, Peri: 3/22 (9c), Will: 5/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Burning, WP: -0
Evade: 2, Parry: 6, Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: 5,
Active charms: -

"უკმაყოფილო ვარ თქვენი"" Izulu's language is almost as foul as the blade cutting into her leg. She spins her spear like a baton to intercept the monster, but despite the whirlwind of scorching air this whips up, it's not enough to deter him(it?) and the Dragonblood is wounded.

---
Base Parry is 6. +1 Stunt, +3 Stoking Bonfire Style (6m Personal), +1 Flame-Borne Interception (4 Peripheral), +1 Willpower = Parry 12.
Attack hits with 0 threshold sux, dealing 2 Initiative damage to Izulu.

Stamina + Resistance = 4, +1 Stunt, +1 Willpower.
[roll0] = 1 sux - FAIL. Izulu is infected with unknown disease.

[ShadowImmor]

White Winds sighs, taking a deep breath, as he moves inside the walls to get behind the defences.

"That wasn't exactly me covering myself in glory... my apologies."

[HalfTangible]

As White Winds walks through the open gates, Izulu suddenly coughs, a sudden pain lurching her downward onto one knee. It's a sensation that she has rarely known; the Exalted never fall to disease, save for those of the mystical variety. Whatever this is, it burns; it does not stop her from fighting for the moment, but she can tell that will not last. Nur'ghal chuckles, his diseased head turning to look at the new arrival at an unnatural angle.

Zinj has stopped trying to convince Nur'ghal to run. She's turning to leap off of the wall.

As part of the game's combat rules, all combatants should be gaining 5m at the start of each round (up to their maximum personal and peripheral pools, obviously). As we're at the start of Round 4, that should be 20m total. I apologize, I should've made this clear from the start

Round 4
Senar: 20i
Zinj: 11i
Nur'ghal: 8i
Citizens: 8i
Jasushi: 5i (Mystery Disease)
Lomar: 6i
White Winds: -4i (CRASH 3)

Senar's turn!

[Justanotherhero]

The sad truth is Senar always listened to those stories, he liked them but a part of him always thought it may have been artistic freedom, hyperbole maybe?
No sane human being would willingly follow a crazy demonic monster ? That makes no sense?

Those doubts disappeared today.
Monsters are real and they must be defeated.

Seeing Izulu fall on one knee Senar uses the opportunity to give justice to this world.
Her hair falling down just a little bit slower then the rest her body Senar jumps to the left , draws his arrow and fires. Izulus hair covering the arrow until it is far to late to evade Senars attack made with deadly intent.

Striking Nur'ghal Senar continues moving to the left towards the village and protecting the remaining civilians.

[HalfTangible]

Zinj is demonstrating the better part of valor, jumping from the wall and running deeper into the village, away from Izulu and Nur'ghal's battle.

Senar's arrows strike the diseased hyena man in his side, though he doesn't seem to notice. His tongue lols partway out of his mouth, blackened and marked with disease. He grins wickedly at Izulu as she doubles over involuntarily. "Y e s, g o o d... n e e d s t o w o r k f a s t e r, t h o u g h... He raises his rusted blade for another strike-

-but before the blow can land, a rock slams into his face. The hyena doesn't move, but he does pause. The boy Izulu had landed in front of is scrambling in the dirt for something else to throw, panic in his eyes.

Finding no extra rocks, the boy charges instead, slamming into the creature. The hyena snarls and knocks him aside, only for a new rock to slam into his face. Other objects - small kitchen implements, rocks, even a bucket - slam into (or near enough) both him and Zinj to stagger both a moment... but only for a moment.

It seems Izulu has helped these citizens find their courage.

Nur'ghal's defense is 4, with a soak of 10. Senar's attack gets 2 threshold sux, bringing Nur'ghal down to 8 soak. Senar does 1 damage, gaining 2i.

Zinj's turn! She spends her turn running from the battle, towards the back end of the village. She is at short range from all combatants, moving through the village.

Citizen's turn! The citizens attack! Nur'ghal and Zinj are both hit by this attack, since they're spread across the entire village

Nur'ghal's defense is 3 (4 base, -1 onslaught)

Citizens
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

They do not harm Zinj, but Nur'ghal takes 1 initiative damage. (No double 10s for battle groups and they only got 1 die of damage cuz they couldn't overcome his soak, sadface)

Lomar and Nur'ghal's turns!

[Eurus]

Lomar's eyes follow Zinj as she flees, and he frowns. He wants to chase her, to finish off everyone responsible for this slaughter. But running blindly into the caves is... not wise. He's seen too many ambushes in his life to risk one so easily. Scowling, he ignores her for now and focuses on the disgusting figure fighting Izulu.

Then he sees the rock strike Nur'ghal. And for just an instant, Lomar's mouth quirks in a smile. Because strategy and tactics are important, yes. Half of the battle is fought before the field is ever taken. But the other half is fought in the heart.

The whirlwind of essence around him peaks, and a storm of lotus flowers shaped from perfect blue ice, light as feathers and sharp as razors, rises into the air above him. When he shouts from within that pillar of dragon's might, it's in a voice so powerful that you'd have a hard time believing it came from the same man. A voice of steel and thunder, of the mighty Tepet Legions, battered but not forgotten.

"Push him back! Defend your home!"

I don't believe anyone is in Anima Flux range at the start of Lomar's turn. He'll remain at short range from Nur'ghal.

Using Roaring Dragon Officer (3m) to flurry an order action with an aim action. Using Blazing Courageous Swordsman Inspiration (2m) to gain one additional non-charm die for each 10 on the order action. Excellency allows me to reroll 6s and add 6 dice (6m).

Charisma (4) + War (5) + Specialty: Fighting Supernatural Opposition (1) + Stunt (2) + Excellency (6) + Flurry (-3). Reroll 6s.
[roll0]
Extra dice for rerolling 6s and adding one die for each 10: [roll1]

Anima: Bonfire
Personal: 13/13
Peripheral: 16/31
Willpower: 5/5

[HalfTangible]

At the words of the Prince of the Earth, there's initially no reaction. The citizens are not all out in the open; most are hiding in their homes or behind makeshift cover, cowering in the face of an unstoppable onslaught.

And then, there is movement.

The head of a housewife peeks out of her home's window, wide with a realization of who is there for them as her son cries in her arms. Her husband stands beside her, a rock in his hand ready to throw. A blacksmith steps from his own home, a small hammer in his hand. Someone steps from the tavern with a freshly drained tankard of beer in his hand. A farmer, in town just to buy supplies, steps out with a pitchfork. Someone else comes with a torch.

The diseased maniac, the firewand wielding-bandit and the dragon-blooded are being slowly surrounded by a mob of angry villagers, tired of giving in.

Nur'ghal laughs.

He skewers the boy foolish enough to defy him through the gut with his sword, lifting him into the air and tossing him towards the crowd. The boy's screams are silent, and as he collapses, those few who came out hesitate and back away.

"THEY CAN'T." Nur'Ghal rasps.

A woman screams. "MEADOW!"

The boy throws his arm out, shooing the rest of the crowd away. Even as he does so, however, his skin begins to pustule and pop. Whatever damnable sickness he'd given Izulu, it was having a far worse effect on the mortal. He is convulsing and twitching within moments.

The citizens will have a +5 on any actions they take next round, and have been ordered to attack the enemy.

Nur'ghal attacks the citizens.
Attack
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]

Their defense is 2. Their soak is 4 (2 natural, 2 size).

Threshold sux: 3
Soak is 4-3, so 1.

Nur'ghal does 2 damage, forcing a rout check. The citizens fail and begin to dissolve; they will be entirely dissolved at the start of their next turn. Any character present may attempt to rally them through an Attribute+War action, at TN 2.

Jasushi Izulu's turn!

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 7/13, Peri: 2/22 (9c), Will: 5/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: BONFIRE, WP: -0
Evade: 1(2), Parry: 5(6), Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: 14
Active charms: -

"IDIOT!" she barks at Lomar as her anima exploded into many firey wings surrounding her, making a desperate attempt to push the monster away from the villagers. Turning on her good leg, she slams her spear into it's gut and unleashes a pulse of molten essence with what force she has left.

---
Standard: Smashing withering attack vs Nur'ghal (costs 2i to try, -1 defence). Smashing tag granted by Dragon-Graced Weapon (Earth)
Withering attack pool (12) + stunt (2) + Stoking Bonfire Style (6, 6m periph) = 20 dice
Attack: [roll0] = 12 sux. If hit he is knocked prone.
Damage: [roll1], 5+threshold sux minimum 4.

[HalfTangible]

Even sickened with an illness that felled dozens of mortals, a dragon's fury is formidable. The diseased beastman slammed into the village wall, and it cracked at the impact before it fell face-first onto the ground.

Izulu spends 2i to perform a smashing attack, putting her at 3i. Izulu hits defense 4 at 12. Nur'ghal has 12 soak, reduced to 4 by threshold sux. He takes 10 withering damage, putting him at 4i. Nur'ghal is knocked prone. Izulu gains 11i, putting her at 14i.

White Winds' turn! (Final turn in Crash)

[ShadowImmor]

White Winds will move up to the nearest enemy he can see, drawing his Daiklaive weapon, he swings it at the nearest enemy, he says nothing, but moves with a fluid grace.

[roll0] ((Attack))
[roll1] ((Damage))

[ShadowImmor]

((Whoops! Forgot to do the breakdown of rolls!!))

[roll0]
[roll1]

[HalfTangible]

((Shadow, next time if you screw up a roll or forget to make one, you can do so in the OOC thread))

White Winds walks in and almost casually stabs at Nur'ghal from his prone position on the ground. The creature yelps and rolls to dodge the attack, but the movement is erratic and off-balance.

White Winds hits at 5 against defense 4. 1 threshold sux against 12 soak puts him at 11 soak. You gain 3i and do 2 damage to Nur'ghal, putting White Winds at -1i. White Winds has survived 3 turns in Crash, he resets to base initiative (3).

New round, everyone gains 5m!

Round 5
Senar: 22i
Jasushi: 14i (Mystery Disease)
Zinj: 11i
Citizens: 8i
Lomar: 6i
White Winds: 3i
Nur'ghal: 2i

Senar's turn!

[Justanotherhero]

Senar looked with worry towards the fight between Izulu and the creature. Worry turned into horror while he watched the poor boy pay a terrible price for nothing more then defending his home and family.
This thing could not be allowed to live.

Drawing his bow one more time. And calling loud enough to be heard over all the noise:
"For the crime of murder the chosen of heaven, descendants of the empress sentence you to die!"

Senar fires his bow into the beasts exposed neck that is not protected by armour.


Withering Attack:
Dex 5+Archery 5+Charm added Dice 5 +2 Stunt+4 close range

[HalfTangible]

Senar's arrow strikes straight through Nur'ghal's neck and pins it to the ground, and the creature struggles to get up. However, the wound isn't bleeding, and it reaches up to pull out the arrow.

"Y o u i n v o k e a n u s u r p e r o f a n u s u r p e r." The creature snarls. "A t r a i t o r t o t r a i t o r s. H e r n a m e i s f o r g o t t e n, h e r p o w e r m e a n i n g l e s s. S h e w i l l n e v e r r e t u r n, a n d g o o d r i d d a n c e t o h e r."

Nur'Ghal's defense is 3 (4 -1 Onslaught) and he has 12 soak. Senar attacks at 9, negating 6 soak. Senar does 3 withering damage, gaining 4i.

Nur'ghal is in crash! He is treated as having Hardness 0, cannot use perilous charms, and cannot launch decisive attacks.

Izulu's turn

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 7/13, Peri: 3/22 (9c), Will: 5/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: BONFIRE, WP: -0
Evade: 2, Parry: 6, Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: 14
Active charms: -

Her anima calms, becoming still candle flame rather than a raging inferno. A ring of five wings re-emerges briefly as Izulu launches herself towards Heaven. But she does not go home, instead she primes her direlance and falls elegantly but mercilessly onto the monster, spearpoint smashing through it's head.

---
Free: 1m to use my anima, burst of flame to give me elevation.
Standard: Decisive attack on Nurghal, who is -1 parry and -2 evasion for being prone.
Attack: Base (10) + stunt (2) + Stoking Bonfire Style (3, 2m for use on subsequent turns) = 15 dice
Attack: [roll0] = 5 sux
Damage: [roll1] = 7 lethal damage

[HalfTangible]

In a brief moment, the crowd of citizenry looks ready to break and run. Though the Dragons had arrived as saviors and defeated the vast horde of bandits, their fear of the diseased monstrosity that had slaughtered their brethren left them paralyzed. The murder of yet another of their own, now rotten and diseased, had them taking their first hesitant steps back from his body.

But Izulu is no mortal woman, afraid to die at the hands of a butcher. She is a dragon.

Nur'ghal is pulling himself to its feet just as Izulu crashes into it. Her grand jade spear pushes the diseased beast right back into the dirt where it belongs, and suddenly its body falls limp. Its head and eyes, however, are still moving, and its eye turns to look deep into the heavenly dragon's.

"T h e h e l l s... t a k e y o u... a l l... TRAITORS..."

As the blade falls from Nur'ghal's hand and he breathes his last, the roiling in Izulu's gut begins to subside. And as she stands, her body reasserting its natural healthy state, she sees the rot and diseased begin to leave Nur'ghal as well. Meadows' trembling begins to subside, and while his garish wound remains bleeding, the infection is gone... or rather, *mostly* gone; the wound is still red and raw, but it no longer carries blackened spots. The corpses around you are not so lucky.

The air stills, and in the sunlight, a slow applause begins. It grows, and morphs into racuous cheers for the conquering champions. The Dragon-Blooded protect the people of Creation, and they have proven themselves once more.

The woman Zinj is nowhere to be seen.

So yeah. This first combat is effectively over. What will the circle do?

[Eurus]

Lomar exhales slowly as Nur'ghal falls. He assesses the situation quickly; there are no enemies in sight, but the other leader Zinj has fled. Also, Lomar's anima is still swirling with razor sharp petals of ice, so he's not really in any condition to help the civilians. He sighs and walks to Izulu, knowing that his essence won't burn a fellow dragon.

"Are you alright? Did that... creature infect you?"

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 7/13, Peri: 3/22 (9c), Will: 5/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: BONFIRE, WP: -0
Evade: 2, Parry: 6, Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: 14
Active charms: -

"Apparently not" she says watching the rot seep out of her wound. She turns to the crowd and raises an arm in recognition of their celebration. "Bind his wounds, if I approach he'll be burned. Then have priests prepare the dead for burial.

She gestures for Lomar to come with her out of earshot of the mortals. "You're the soldier, in your expert opinion is it worth our time going after that დამპალი ხე woman, or should we call this an job well done and leave them be?" She's not callous, her tone is flat and businesslike, as if either option would suit her just fine.

---
If Lomar read intentions, she is sincere in both her viewing him as the expert and her total indifference to whether they hunt down Zin'j or go back to the Anathema safari.

[Eurus]

Lomar doesn't answer instantly. He gives the matter some consideration, as delicate icy flowers slowly form on the ground around him. Finally, he gestures with his chin toward the corpse of Nur'ghal.

"I'm no monk, but I feel confident saying that... thing was Anathema, of some sort. For a person like that woman to work with such a creature, she would be either Anathema herself, or corrupted by the creature. She may have caches of dangerous material -- she certainly has ammunition for that weapon somewhere -- or more forces at her disposal somewhere. Ethically speaking, the argument could be made that we have a responsibility to pursue."

He pauses for another moment.

"...Pragmatically speaking, I think that finding her again will be difficult. She probably knows those mountains better than us, and she has a head start. That being said, I have some experience with this sort of tracking. If you and the others are willing, I'd like to take one day to see if we can find her. If we can't, we'll move on. Is that acceptable?"

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 7/13, Peri: 3/22 (9c), Will: 5/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: BONFIRE, WP: -0
Evade: 2, Parry: 6, Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: -
Active charms: -

"Works for me." With that she slaps Lomar on the shoulder and walks off to find that servant with the wine she likes.

[Justanotherhero]

Standing there apparently lost for a second Senar realised : he somehow survived. One anathema dead and innocent people alive. It was different to what he thought.

With a loud voice after he climbed on the wall:
" All of you sick criminals: On the ground ... Now!! Or you will be shot!"

And that is exactly what Senar will do with any bandit trying to flee. Those who kneel on the ground will be and striped to there underwear and tied up.

[Eurus]

Lomar takes a quick jaunt to retrieve his soldiers, informing them of what happened (carefully, so as not to catch them in his anima -- it's an awkward ordeal, but they're used to it by now) and checking if anyone tried to sneak out of the town and was caught. He brings them back to the town with him; he doesn't have a real doctor, but a few people capable of field medicine who won't burn mortals to a crisp with their auras will be helpful, and while he doesn't directly order his men to help repair the town, he does tell his lieutenant to give a reduced watch shift to anyone who wants to volunteer for the rest of the day.

Once that's all taken care of, he sets his mind to tracking. It's almost meditative, carefully following the faintest traces... except that there's always the terror that he might be walking into an ambush. So, perhaps it's not that meditative after all. But Lomar is good at it, when he quiets his mind enough.

Survival 5, Perception 4, Stunt 2

[roll0]

Reroll 6s: [roll1]

[HalfTangible]

[Senar]

Most of the beastmen lay dead, slain by the dragon-blooded in their initial strike. However, not all of them are dead; Senar is able to find around a dozen total that are still alive, 4 of whom need medical attention for their burns but will recover if given time. The others are only somewhat injured; enough to show they didn't run but not so much that they can't talk. They are rounded up and forced to kneel before the dragon-blooded, hands on the back of their heads.

Some of them glance to their fellows, eyes wide with fear. The more senior members say and do nothing, waiting for Senar to ask his questions and pass his judgement.

[Izulu]

Izulu is able to easily find the servant with the sweet pale wine. It's absolute swill compared to the practically euphoric drinks of Yu-Shan, but this is at least high-quality swill. Over the course of a few hours, however, it quickly becomes apparent that she is the village's newest celebrity. Her guards send away several villagers that attempt to get a closer look at their savior... most of them, she notes, young men. Some of them with flowers.

Maybe trying to present herself as the most desirable woman ever to grace this tiny mining town wasn't the best idea.

[Lomar]

Falcon (your sub-commander) brings Lomar and Senar three captured hyena bandits... and one unlucky villager.

Tracking: 6sux vs 3sux

Lomar looks over the path towards the back of the village that Zinj took. Lomar can tell that the woman was trying to hide her tracks, but she was also in a panicked rush. She ran for the back of the village, away from the main road, and eventually out into the mountains. However, the tracks do not go onto a mountain trail, or towards a cliff face to scale. No, they go towards the mines at the back of the village. Specifically, they lead into the tunnels.

[Justanotherhero]

Asking in perfect Fire tongue towards the 8 survivors:

"Is any one of you a healer? If yes I will allow you to treat your comrades."

[Justanotherhero]

After having said that Senar grabs the quiver of one of the fallen bandits empties it and uses two of his arrows to balance Nur`ghals blade into the quiver without touching it. Making the mental note to study this bizarre weapon later.

[HalfTangible]

Asking in perfect Fire tongue towards the 8 survivors:

"Is any one of you a healer? If yes I will allow you to treat your comrades."The bandits look among each other, no one speaking up.


After having said that Senar grabs the quiver of one of the fallen bandits empties it and uses two of his arrows to balance Nur`ghals blade into the quiver without touching it. Making the mental note to study this bizarre weapon later.

The blade that once dripped with mucus and seemed to rile as it cut now seems inert. It remains an old-looking sword covered in rust, but it now seems more... inert.

[Eurus]

Lomar considers pursuing his quarry into the tunnels... but eventually decides against it. Letting the Anathema escape is always painful, but he's learned through experiences much more painful yet. Those tunnels could be riddled with traps, or an ambush. Even if they're not, if Zinj knows them well, she could easily outmaneuver him. There is, however, one more option.

When he returns to the village, Lomar is obviously in a dark mood. He goes to the surviving bandits, without calling for any of his men to accompany him. They know what he's doing; all have seen it before, and most will gladly help with the dirty work when needed. But the Tepet blood in him finds it cowardly to push a task like this to his subordinates. The burden of command is heavy; that's why it's given to those with the strength of dragons.

He stops to borrow a sword from one of his men.

"On my authority as an officer of the Realm, and the authority of the Wyld Hunt, I have found you all guilty of conspiring with Anathema."

He gives this a moment to sink in, then inclines his head.

"...We do have discretion in sentencing. If you repent, you may yet keep your lives. However, my greater concern is that you may have become mentally compromised by Anathema sorcery. For that reason... it is usually wiser to execute men in your position."

"However. I would personally rather see you live to stand trial. So I will give you one chance, and one chance only, to prove to us that you are not the thralls of that witch and monster. Tell me everything you know about Zinj and Nur'ghal, and your own banditry. How did you meet them? Where did you get supplies? Where did you hide out, and did they ever say anything of their plans?"

[HalfTangible]

As Lomar's ultimatum passes over them, the bandits look between one another. There's a few moments of furtive glances and fearful whimpering. These men and women don't want to die, that much is obvious. And for a moment, a bit of hope flutters in Lomar's chest; maybe they'll do the smart thing.

But before anyone can blurt out anything one of the Hyena men - one with a single lock of blue hair - glances up from his position on the ground.

"Awile back, year or so I think, Zinj came to me in our camp. She gets it in her head that if she can get to Chiaroscuro, get word to the dragons, she can get protection. She knows things about our boss the rest 'f us ain't privy, too, ya see. Things that could be real bad news if the Realm finds out. And we ain't know a lot about Zinj's personal life, neither. She wanted me t'come with. I say no, cuz we treated good here. But I don't tell nobody."

"Next morning, she wakes up to find three sets o' organs, from wild lions I think. Shaped like a heart. Our boss is just standin' over 'em, smilin like nothin's wrong. And ya know what she tells Zinj? 'Next time ye think about goin' to the dragons, it'll be human meat'. Dunno who she meant, but Zinj ain't never flinched since."

"And the boss does way worse to the chaff like me and these folk. Once convinced a village to beat all their sons to death to save the rest of their lives. And even she ain't nothin' compared to her mum."

The creature scowled. "Do your worst, dragon. It'll be better than whatever they'll do to us if they learn we snitched."

You can tell that all of these soldiers have a major tie of Fear towards their boss, and a defining tie of fear to her mother. Blue lock probably has some minor tie of friendship with Zinj. Beyond that, you'd need a Read Intentions roll.

If you want more info, gimme a Read Intentions roll. If you want to convince these men to betray their boss, gimme a social roll. Say, Charisma/Appearance + Presence

[Kobold-Bard]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 7/13, Peri: 5/22 (9c), Will: 5/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Dim, WP: -0
Evade: 2, Parry: 6, Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: -
Active charms: -

Izulu allows her anima to cool and fade, making a rather impressive display of swallowing her spear as it does so. After it's faded and she's had some time to get bored, she decides to indulge her suitors and see if they can provide any entertainment whilst her allies deal with the prisoners. She rummages in a pocket and pulls out some small silver coins, though she doubts they have anything worthy of her purchase in their little hovels.

---
Use Elemental Sheath to banish spear to Elsewhere via her anima.
Use Friend To All Nations Attitude, replacing my Chiaroscuro socialise excellency with one for this village.

[Justanotherhero]

After putting away the bizarre weapon Senar slowly walks towards Lomar and the group. Letting his Anima fade.

Using Wind carried words to send a message to Alik:


"Apparently I will have to maintain our new property myself. The village is half way safe. Bring me the healers kit, and fabric from the trove in the back. Include the green bottle with the green wave on it and the small brown bottle. There is a small chest beneath my seat bring that to."

Not knowing what Izulus intentions are he uses wind carried words and begins to whisper while in a position so none of the bandits can read his lips.

Wind carried words to Izulu:


"Senar speaking:
They are used to female authority and you killed the anathema monster. If you can convince them that the matriarchs rule outside of their domain and you demand obedience and can give protection in the realm that might help? If they become proper slaves I will hand you the profit of loaning one?"


Standing next to Lomar he puts his hand on his in laws shoulders and invites him to turn around for a second:


"If it is true that this woman Zinj intended rebellion maybe the blue one can lead us to her and we can combine forces temporary. For a reduced sentence for those willing to follow the new Faction? Others could be shipped to other parts of the empire?
If you wish to "execute" a few of them lead one into a house and we will get them unconscious. Speration from original home and family is vital in long term workforce management. I will attempt to heal the four unconscious ones this village will need labour to rebuild. Let's see if we can find out something.."

Turning to Blue:
" I understand that these villagers are afraid of the Anathema. But what did the monster do to able bodies warriors to convince you to exist in fear?"

Senar tries to get them to remember the Anathemas cruelty.

[HalfTangible]

Jashushi Izulu
Pers: 7/13, Peri: 5/22 (9c), Will: 5/7, Aura: Fire, Anima: Dim, WP: -0
Evade: 2, Parry: 6, Soak: 8, Hard: 4, Init: -
Active charms: -

Izulu allows her anima to cool and fade, making a rather impressive display of swallowing her spear as it does so. After it's faded and she's had some time to get bored, she decides to indulge her suitors and see if they can provide any entertainment whilst her allies deal with the prisoners. She rummages in a pocket and pulls out some small silver coins, though she doubts they have anything worthy of her purchase in their little hovels.

---
Use Elemental Sheath to banish spear to Elsewhere via her anima.
Use Friend To All Nations Attitude, replacing my Chiaroscuro socialise excellency with one for this village.

Izulu's apparent interest in her suitors' "entertainment" leaves the village boys competing for her attention. She has her pick of the arm candy litter if she wants, but beyond that... eh.

"May I rub your feet?"
"Did it hurt when you fell from Mount Mela?"
"More wine?"
"Would you like to buy a building? Maybe the entire village?"
"Is everyone in the Hunt that beautiful?"
"Marry me!"

It's a litter of mutts. None of them are particularly interesting beyond the stroking of her ego. Unfortunately, this sort of small out-of-the-way mining village doesn't have much to interest the casual visitor, and even less a Dragon-Blooded might be interested in. Of course, she's already done much to endear herself to the villagers, and as they say even Anathema can quote the Immaculate texts. Perhaps if she asks for something more specific, she can learn more...

You can roll socialize to try and learn things about the village and its people if you want.


To do list Imperial Interns:
Gather bodies of villagers that died and obviously were sick while they died.
Strip bodies of bandits to there underwear and make neat piles of:
Weapons, Ammo, Armor, Personal Possessions, Line of Bodies themselves.

The former bandits recieve many glares from their fellows as they do what Senar instructs, but no one says a word. Their weapons and armor aren't great for legionaires, but for bandits they're practically mastercrafted. They have few personal possessions, and those they do have aren't interesting; a small locket here, a mirror there, most of them have at least some rope.

As Senar speaks to the bandits, he sees their eyes dart between one another. He can read their general mood.

Their guile is 3, boosted from fear of betraying their mistress by 2. That is exactly what you need.

Blue doesn't want to die, but he's also fairly certain he's going to no matter what now that he's been captured. The other bandits are mostly in the same boat. None of them believe that you could do anything to stop their boss, though they're also desperate enough to grasp whatever lifeline they can.

At the moment, Blue's buying time so that Zinj can get a lead.

[White Winds]

As White Winds is off on his own meditating, he hears someone clearing their throat nearby.

"E-excuse me?"

One of the women of the village has come to White Winds.

"You're an Immaculate, yes?" She asks. "Can you come perform last rites for my son?"

[Eurus]

Lomar is vexed, to say the least. But he reminds himself that this is, strictly, a success. Nur'ghal is a fine kill, and there are people alive who would probably not be. All he needs to do is not screw it up. He stares coldly at the bandit captives, deciding how to proceed. They're obviously afraid, fear carefully carved into them by cruel masters. But fear is a flame that consumes the mind; it cannot be controlled so easily. He stares at them coldly, and speaks in a low, emotionless voice.

"Perhaps you ought to be less concerned for your bodies, and more for your souls. We are your only chance, the one offer of release you will see. Or do you want to see what your masters will do with your poor wretched ghosts, when we finish hanging you and dumping you in a shallow grave?"


Charisma 4, Presence 5, Stunt 2
[roll0]

[Justanotherhero]

Looking over his new found prize Senar is pleasantly surprised to say the least. He had heard the stories of how prizes were gotten but up till now he was only a small middle manager without his own independent wealth. These beings are afraid for their lives and they should be, it will help keep order.

Turning to Lomar while not in earshot of anyone else: " I will take a minute to see what I can do for the others. Afterwards we might want to consider following this Zinj character an independent faction that served the realm, and her information, could benefit us greatly. But it is risky.

So what do you think commander? "

Giving Lomar a minute to think it over Senar goes to treat the wounded prizes.Senar has the courage of a Dragon Blooded. Using little more than his memories from classes a while ago and the tools Alik brought him he will preserve these lives. So they may serve the empire. Starting by resetting bones and using lots of the cloth to stop the bleeding.


Int (5) + Medicine (0) + Stunt (2) + Tools (?)

[roll0]