New OOTS products from CafePress
New OOTS t-shirts, ornaments, mugs, bags, and more
Page 7 of 34 FirstFirst 123456789101112131415161732 ... LastLast
Results 181 to 210 of 1013
  1. - Top - End - #181
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Amnestic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Castle Sparrowcellar
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Kett's salute is half-hearted at best, hoping that saying towards the back of the group away from Maugrim will keep her from attention. She was still muddling over the lead. Arimart might buy her access she needs, once they finish delivering Maugrim to wherever he's going. It seemed almost pointless to put him on trial at this point. He was one foot in the grave and didn't even know it. "Either put him out of his misery or leave him to his delusions." She thinks. Would it serve anything other than making people in power feel better?

    Crossing her arms she shifts thoughts. Arano would expect to be followed, and he was perfectly capable of keeping himself invisible (sometimes literally) if he wanted to. That he was seen meant he wanted to be seen. Meaning..."Trap or hint," her voice a light, giddy whisper to no one at all. It would all depend if he had anticipated she'd be sent after him. A reasonable conclusion, but not a guarantee. Perhaps both trap and hint then, trusting her to avoid the worst of it. She traces a finger up and down her forearm, feeling the leather ridges of her concealed bracers. Soon. Every step closer.
    DMing:
    Iron Crisis IC | OOC
    Cyre Red IC | OOC

    Playing:
    OotA IC | OOC

    Master Homebrew Index (5e)

  2. - Top - End - #182
    Ogre in the Playground
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Italy
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    "I perfectly understand what you mean." Answers Arimart to Clervec. "But I need to know what kind of danger he means for us, now. I'm not asking you to break your silence, I only need assurance that we won't be ambushed right after we live this place. Are you sure you don't have any... suggestion, to give me?"
    Does this poster have a sign?

  3. - Top - End - #183
    Titan in the Playground
     
    3SecondCultist's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Canada
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    "No more danger here than the next job," Clervec replies blandly. "I know that the Tribunal must want him in bad now that he's resurfaced, badly enough that they're willing to get someone like you to come all the way down here to collect him rather than send the usual retrieval teams. That might mean more heat getting him to Thronehold Castle than we'd be used to on our scores."

    The golden-eyed smuggler shrugs. "Honestly, it's not my business what happens when you leave. Either you'll come back and pay us, or you won't and we'll get to sell our new little headpiece at Pfennigan's for a pretty penny."

    While Arimart and Clervec finish their discussion, you all watch as your new friend gets dressed. After a minute or so, Maugrim's 'squire' has finished the process of putting on his 'armor', though to credit it with any measure of real protection would be a fragile enterprise at best. What might have once been a rather ornate quirass along with neck and leg plates, bracers, and greaves is now a scarred and pitted ensemble of scrap iron. What hasn't been rusted away from neglect is covered in a faint film of dirt, but not quite enough to mar the image of a three headed chimera stamped deep into the breastplate: the sigil of House Deneith.

    To finish the image, Opal hands Maugrim a long cloth-wrapped object which he promply unwraps, looking upon the enclosed equipment with an expression that is equal parts disdain and devotion. It is a long halberd, elegant and forged out of dark steel, with three twisting tails - one feline, the other serpentine, the last goat-like - wrapping themselves around the base of the blade at the end. The elderly excoriate lets out a deep breath. "Once more my friend, to deal out death and judgment," he murmurs wistfully to the weapon, slouching ever so slightly until he is greeted with the sight of Raz being let in through the same entranceway.

    "Ah scout sergeant, you've returned! No time to waste, tell me of these wolves at our door on the march - we must away to the battlements to make our final preparations."
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2020-06-21 at 04:44 PM.
    Spoiler: Stuff I'm Working On
    Show
    Small Justice


    An ongoing web serial about politics, vengeance, and miniature lizards. Go check it out!

    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  4. - Top - End - #184
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Amnestic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Castle Sparrowcellar
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Seeing Raz appear and Maugrim babble his madness at him, Kett jumps into action, quickly striding over to Raz and leaning in for a hushed whisper. "That's Maugrim. He's crazy, still thinks he's in a war that ended half a century ago. Play along or we'll have to carry him out ourselves. Armour and all." She half-steps back, before realising she'd forgotten to add "But did you find anything interesting?"
    DMing:
    Iron Crisis IC | OOC
    Cyre Red IC | OOC

    Playing:
    OotA IC | OOC

    Master Homebrew Index (5e)

  5. - Top - End - #185
    Bugbear in the Playground
    Join Date
    Aug 2018

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Raz

    Nodding to people here and there in the camp on his way, he finally meets the group again. As the old, worn down mercenary starts with the military talk, Raz' heartbeat goes up for a short moment, but then he remembers why they are here, and Kett provides him with useful info.

    "The wolves... Yes..." How could he know about the pack? Alright, play along... "They have retreated, intimidated by our obvious capabilities.... Commander. Their exact number is unclear, but I know a way to circumvent their line. Shall I lead the way then?" He reports to Maugrim on their way out, and indirectly also to his comrades. The further he gets in his report, the firmer his voice becomes. He walks a step behind the commander, on his left.

  6. - Top - End - #186
    Troll in the Playground
     
    (Un)Inspired's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Cambridge, MA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Intelligence has confirmed the scout’s report, Commander, Gryphon pipes to the old man. Divinations have shown a clear path through the line to the heart of their command structure we can reach within the hour if we move quickly. Gryphon steps purposefully towards Maugrim. Leaning close to the elderly human he speaks in a near whispered pianissimo, Don’t mind the Scout’s demeanor, sir, he’s new to the regiment and his unit leader got shot out of the saddle in front of him while they were compiling their field report yesterday. He hopes his his excuse with cover up any chance the old man had at seeing through the shifter’s bluff.
    Last edited by (Un)Inspired; 2020-06-21 at 09:13 PM.
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  7. - Top - End - #187
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    GameOfChampions's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Canada

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Kleris struggles not to laugh as he sees the aged commander in his half destroyed armor, he really shouldn't since he was so old and clearly sick but damn if it wasn't funny the way he ordered everyone around. That dies out in a second when he pulls out his halberd, a beautiful weapon of death and destruction he can almost sense the history behind it.

    He was no stranger to Halberds, having one himself from his time training as a Paladin. He still used it when the situation called for wanton destruction in an area that a longsword just can't match. This one seemed even more suitable for the job, powerful and deadly. He looks at the aged man once more seeing the remnants of a warrior life, leading soldiers to death and glory. Destroying lives and livelihoods with ease.

    He slides up next to Arimart and nods to Clervec, no point antagonizing the man if he hoped to build a rapport with him in the future. He whispers to Arimart "If they allowed him to keep that weapon then whoever payed them had deep pockets or a scary rep because that would go for a pretty penny and they could probably get away with robbing a senile old man. We should go now, speed is of the essence."

    Spoiler: Roll
    Show

    (1d20)[1] for Int check on the Halberd.
    "Facilis Descensus Averni." - Virgil, The Aeneid

    “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” - Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear


  8. - Top - End - #188
    Ogre in the Playground
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Italy
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    As Arimart is still talking with Clervec, Kleris whispers to him. Recognizing the sense in his fellow paladin words, the Half-elf nods and salutes the one-eyed man, focusing his attention to Maugrim;
    he eyes briefly the Halberd, considering how much useful is it, and how much perilous it could be in the wrong hands. Those of a senile old man, for example.

    "As our comrades said, commander, we are ready to depart at your order!" he says to Maugrim, trying to look as professional as possible.
    Does this poster have a sign?

  9. - Top - End - #189
    Titan in the Playground
     
    3SecondCultist's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Canada
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    For a few seconds, Maugrim's eyes narrow at Raz. "You're... you're not..." he manages to croak out in a volume barely above a hoarse whisper. "I'm not..." But when Gryphon leans in to explain away the ranger's tone and actions, his face swiftly returns to its stoic demeanor and gives a curt nod of his chin towards the half elf. It's only when Arimart returns and all five of you fall into some semblance of a formation that he gathers himself up to his full height. You realize in that moment that he has a few inches on all of you, and his shoulders are nearly as broad as the paladin's.

    "Well, staff sergeant, thank you for your service! You know what to do with the women and children should the walls be breached." Maugrim leans in towards Clervec, who plays along, and murmurs something into his ear. The smuggler does his best impression of the dutiful subordinate, staring straight ahead and adopting a military posture while absorbing whatever it is that he's hearing. After a moment, he puts out his hand for the other man to clasp in a gesture of farewell.

    "The best way back up is the route you came in - there is a closer shaft, but it's heavily trapped. Oh, and don't forget our deal!" Clervec calls after you with a smile when you say goodbye to the Midnighters. Fallerian and a few of the others watch you leave as well, guiding you back out of their hideout the same way that you came in. "I'll expect you by tomorrow then, shall I?"

    Heading back out into the dark, you take up similar positions as you fall into a marching order. The sewer tunnels are just as revolting as they were when you last traversed them, and within a minute of rounding the corner away from the glow of the smuggler's base you find your boots and other clothes marked with the passage of grime and other refuse. Maugrim seems content enough to take up a position in the middle of your formation, closer to Kett at the back with her torch than Raz or Arimart at the front due to his lack of ability to see in the dark.

    Spoiler: Perception DC 22
    Show
    "Make sure that you get Alisanne out of the city, and see to it that she gets my letter."
    Spoiler: Stuff I'm Working On
    Show
    Small Justice


    An ongoing web serial about politics, vengeance, and miniature lizards. Go check it out!

    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  10. - Top - End - #190
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Amnestic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Castle Sparrowcellar
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Kett listens with half an ear to the hushed whisper but any words are lost on her. She's not put out though - the ravings of a madman seldom were important in any real sense. Certainly this one's wouldn't be. Ignoring any pretense of cover she speaks just loud enough to be heard over the warbling water flowing past them, her voice reaching towards the front of their line. "Either of you darkseers want to scout ahead in case the sewer blob comes knocking?" She felt her boots slick with the greasy grime of emulsified fats from food and...probably bodies, most likely, given Throneport's reputation. Adding a monster fight on top of this wasn't her idea of a good time.
    DMing:
    Iron Crisis IC | OOC
    Cyre Red IC | OOC

    Playing:
    OotA IC | OOC

    Master Homebrew Index (5e)

  11. - Top - End - #191
    Troll in the Playground
     
    (Un)Inspired's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Cambridge, MA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Gryphon resumes the groups earlier marching order and while maintaining the group’s ruse for the old man, tries to be as aware as possible of anything that might be a danger to the group. The sewers has already shows themselves to be dangerous and the chances that Maugrim was being hunted was just too high to discount.

    Although Spritz could probably help keep lookout for anything coming, Gryphon feels like it may be best to keep his scaled friend hidden from the lunatic with a halberd marching behind him.
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  12. - Top - End - #192
    Ogre in the Playground
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Italy
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    As the others rearrange themselves in the earlier order, adjusted to give place to Maugrim, Arimart marches on, looking around with renewed attention.
    He knows that things have been easier than expected until now, but dangers may (and probably will) still lay ahead.

    As Kett questions about scouting, the Paladin answers briefly. "Surely our friend" he says pointing at Raz, "can give us some more information if needed. But we should hurry back"
    The half-elf doesn't know if it's the heavy air in the sewers, or the feeling of getting dirty again, but *something* in his mind is telling him to hurry and bring Maugrim to the Tribunal as soon as possible.
    Does this poster have a sign?

  13. - Top - End - #193
    Titan in the Playground
     
    3SecondCultist's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Canada
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Pasts in Steel

    Your group of six now has made its way nearly to your destination, putting the smugglers behind you in exchange for the long dark of the tunnels. With Kett holding the only source of light, Throneport's sewers offer only yawning mouths everywhere you look, but thankfully the route back is fairly straightforward.

    But there are, as the saying goes, no smooth getaways. Despite your vigilance, you don't hear anything until it's too late. Just as Raz and Arimart close around the corner to the semi-collapsed tunnel, they are met with the sight of a number of four figures standing on or near the same rickety bridge that connects the two walkways of the sewer. Each of these humanoids wear loose, silk clothing and light armor decorated with elaborate engraving and embroidery that covers up most of their skin. Those of you in view note the extensive use of red or brown patterns mimicking blood spatters or stains. Furthermore, each of these figures have their faces covered by a mostly opaque veil, and they all wear some sort of semi-personalized sigil either on a helmet or on a broach around their necks. The two in the back have long curved bows nocked and at the ready, but it's the pair of warriors in front who catch your attention: both of them wield monstrous double curved blades that glow with an inner light. In front of them, a great russet hound with burning eyes lets out a menacing growl.

    "Duar!" The closest of the two swordsmen holds up a free hand with his palm out and facing you, a clear indication that you should stop moving. Though his features are difficult to make out behind his veil, you can make out the moving outline of his jaw as he continues to talk in a lilted accent. "You walk with an old man, the Nameless one. Give him to us now, or die a warrior's death." Strangely, you pick up no malice in the figure's eyes. Whoever they are, they utter death threats as promises of deeds to be won.

    Spoiler: The Valaes Tairn - History DC 15
    Show
    The Valaes Tairn - the elves of Valenar, whose name is translated to 'warriors of glory' in their tongue - are among the most fearsome warriors on Eberron. Their society is dedicated to martial perfection. They idolize the military heroes of antiquity, believing that the greatest warriors of this age will become vessels for the champions of the past. Ten thousand years ago, elf warriors watered the sands of the Blade Desert with goblin blood, until overwhelming opposition and dragonfire forced them to return to Aerenal. Today, they have come again to Khorvaire and claimed a kingdom made of forty war clans in southern Khorvaire, under the leadership of High King Shaeras Vadallia. The Valaes Tairn are the largest sect of the Tairnadal, an elven culture that follows a more militant path than their Aereni cousins.
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2020-06-24 at 12:59 PM.
    Spoiler: Stuff I'm Working On
    Show
    Small Justice


    An ongoing web serial about politics, vengeance, and miniature lizards. Go check it out!

    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  14. - Top - End - #194
    Troll in the Playground
     
    (Un)Inspired's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Cambridge, MA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Ugh. F***ing Tairnadal. Gryphon thinks to himself. Could these barbarians pick a worse place for a fight?

    He addresses the confrontational warriors in Elvish, I appreciate your position as warriors and the nobility of battle but there’s no honor in a slow death from septic shock because you got a cut in fight in a sewer and sewage touched the wound. No one tells heroic stories about battles that take place in human excrement.

    Why don’t we all head together to the surface and we can settle this in a way that you can be proud of?
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  15. - Top - End - #195
    Bugbear in the Playground
    Join Date
    Aug 2018

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Raz

    Damn it, why did I not hear them? Too late anyway. They look ready to fight... Nice of them to bring their own targeting beacons... As Gryphon answers, Raz is not sure what to make of it, wondering whether Gryphon has any kind of support waiting outside. After all, for Raz this place is good as any for a fight, and from the tactical point of view, even better. Maybe not for you, though...

    He stands there, motionless, waiting for the others to try their negotiation tactics.

  16. - Top - End - #196
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    GameOfChampions's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Canada

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Kleris' mouth sours as they head back into the sewer, he didn't mind adventure and roughing it but that was usually without the smell. He just sighs and trudges onward, falling back towards the end of the party near Kett as they did when they had been moving through the sewers earlier. They were finally getting out of here so he was much more enthusiastic with his marching out.

    He is wondering about the possible issues of getting the senile old man above and to the tribunal without any more problems when the universe decides he has not had a bad enough day and gives him a solid kick in the shins. The elves seem pretty set on their path of violence and Kleris is hefting his shield and pondering who needs a blast of energy to the face most when Gryphon cuts in with a possible ray of light in the gloom of the dungeon.

    He pipes up as well, following along with the elvish and replying in kind "Indeed, the Nameless one is not going anywhere. Let us head to more honorable possible fields of battle and discussion. You can tell us the plight of the elves on the way there possibly?"
    "Facilis Descensus Averni." - Virgil, The Aeneid

    “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” - Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear


  17. - Top - End - #197
    Ogre in the Playground
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Italy
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    "Who are those elves?" thinks Arimart when they are stopped by the four, immediately after asking to himself how they did not hear them coming.

    He thinks about the best course of action. They seem capable warrior, but he and the others have the advantage of numbers. They may even try to lure them back... the elves will surely know about the Midnighters, but maybe the Sewer monsters could be an useful distraction, if only... then Gryphon speaks.

    Even if the Paladin is not convinced by the idea of leaving a field of battle they somehow know, he thinks that on the outside the Elves may lose the advantage of seeing better in the dark than some of his companions.

    "My fellows speak truly. If we have to fight, it may be better to choose a more reasonable place, and I want to know why are you here? Are you bounty hunters? Mercenaries?"
    Does this poster have a sign?

  18. - Top - End - #198
    Titan in the Playground
     
    3SecondCultist's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Canada
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Several of your opponents give each other small glances when Gryphon makes his appeal to that oldest of traditions, followed by Kleris and finally Arimart. There is a pregnant pause in the stifling cesspool before one of them - the other blademaster, female judging by the timbre and cadence of her voice - steps forward.

    "You are right; a duel fought for honor cannot be a dull affair. The resolution must be striking, the victory evident, lest other members of our clan wonder if their own blade would have served the cause better. Besides, the Nameless is worthy at least of a proper death. If he wishes to cross blades in the streets, we will not forbid it." Judging by the way you hear, rather than see, fingers tighten over leather hilts and bow-grips, the decision is not a unanimous one, yet none of the elven party takes the first shot. Instead, they wait for the sixth member of your group.

    "Well put, Karrnathi pups," spits out Maugrim, shoving his way forward. His halberd is set in a guard that looks disarmingly casual, but to anyone who knows anything about polearm fighting, is actually a precursor to any number of blade locks and counter-attacks. "At least you have the decency to offer me a battleground of my own choosing. Better above, where the people of Thaliost can see us properly."

    There is a second pause, as once more several members of the other group look at one another. Then the pair in front call their hound to heel and one of them holds an arm towards the passage to the ladder that will take you back up to Scuttle. It is nothing less than an invitation, a final courtesy extended. They make no overt threats as to what will happen should you cut and run, or lay a trap when you get up to Scuttle: naked steel speaks far louder than any oaths or vows.
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2020-06-26 at 08:26 PM.
    Spoiler: Stuff I'm Working On
    Show
    Small Justice


    An ongoing web serial about politics, vengeance, and miniature lizards. Go check it out!

    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  19. - Top - End - #199
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Amnestic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Castle Sparrowcellar
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    While she couldn't say that the air in Scuttle was particularly clean, it was at least far fresher than that of the sewer. Kett immediately begins scraping grime off her clothes and boots, hoping that they could be save from the worst of it. She drops her torch at the same time, leaving her hands free. She might have to track down an arcanist for a proper deep cleaning. She'd stayed silent during the 'standoff' underground, mostly because she wanted to not be in the sewers anymore. With her clothes now not necessarily 'clean' but with the majority of the surface crime cleaned off, she begins rolling her shoulders and bouncing on the balls of her feet testing their grip - it seemed no worse for wear - doing light warmup shadowboxing as the elves emerge behind them.

    It doesn't take her long to get into full combat mode again. "Vand n'taenarth, anat pal'effrie Ohtatamin sennui, ye'vand imisin forna amba. Cé-ide mer'véla enar ára, lesta sin." She doesn't really expect this to work, but if it gives them even a moment's hesitation in battle then it'd be worth the breath.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    Intimidation to see if I can thin their numbers, or just make them a little less eager to target Kett: (1d20-1)[16]

    Kett sets the torch on the ground, it should still be lit but it won't be coming with her. For now.

    Elvish Translation, loosely: "I don't know who you guys are, but I punched a Warforged to death earlier today and I am absolutely in the mood for more. If you want to see tomorrow's dawn, leave while you still can."

    DMing:
    Iron Crisis IC | OOC
    Cyre Red IC | OOC

    Playing:
    OotA IC | OOC

    Master Homebrew Index (5e)

  20. - Top - End - #200
    Troll in the Playground
     
    (Un)Inspired's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Cambridge, MA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Gryphon climbs out of the sewers and takes a moment to breath in fresh air. Compared to the smell of sewage Throneport was a floral bouquet. He gives his new surrounding a brief survey. Escape was possible in multiple directions if teleporting to freedom was necessary. Not many bystanders, The one time it would be useful for guards to be on hand, they’re nowhere to be seen. Fantastic.

    For a brief moment Gryphon considers waiting for the elves to line up on the ladder and simply electrocuting all of them, or perhaps Magically Suggesting the lead elf to block any others from exiting the sewers. No, the Prosecutor’s a paladin. They don’t go it for that sort of backstabbing. Ugh, save the old man and follow everyone’s asinine rules. Why does everyone want to do things the hard way?

    Ultimately Gryphon steps back from the manhole and gets into position near the corner of a nearby building. A good spot of cover from archers and a clear path if discretion proves to be the more valorous course of action. He flicks his split tongue across his lips in anticipation of casting a spell the moment the Valenar Barbarians make it to the surface. While he waits he takes a slow breath in and focuses on reading the currents of magic running around all the living beings in the area.


    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Start Bladesong as soon as the eleven begin to exit the sewer.
    Last edited by (Un)Inspired; 2020-06-28 at 01:49 PM.
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  21. - Top - End - #201
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    GameOfChampions's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Canada

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Kleris starts to slowly pull himself up the rungs of the ladder. Mind racing as he takes stock 'Fighting in the streets is better i guess but damn it doesn't look like they're open to any more persuasion then that. I can't toss them the old man without severing ties to the group here. Six curse them!'

    He feels within himself and feels the slightest flicker of divine power still 'Well I can maybe get off a single smite but that isn't going to do much. After that I would just be blasting away blindly or swinging my sword. Ugh, I hate doing this.'

    'Kleris there is nothkng wrong with seeking the blessings of the divine and spreading them to who is worthy. These people are worthy of the Travelers Blessing. They fight to aid others and right wrongs.'

    Kleris snorts at the optimistic tone of Kleros 'No, some fight for righting wrongs and for all we know those 'aiding' Arimart have alternative reasons. We already heard that stuff with the human women. That doesn't seem like kindess of the heart was leading her to help the Paladin.'

    'Yes but that does not chan-'

    Ya i know! It's my best option!'

    Kleris starts to pray and as they reach the surface the tingle of magic reaches out. He moves back from the manhole, about 15 ft back. "These weary travelers move through the woods at night. Let their weary bodies and adventurous souls recieve the Blessing of the Traveler to aid them in their journey through the darkness."

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Kleris uses Bless on himself, Kett, and Arimart. Gain 1d4 to all attacks and saving throws until concentration ends, 1 min, or spell is dropped.
    Last edited by GameOfChampions; 2020-06-29 at 10:14 AM.
    "Facilis Descensus Averni." - Virgil, The Aeneid

    “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” - Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear


  22. - Top - End - #202
    Ogre in the Playground
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Italy
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    As they climb up, Arimart is still suspicious, and the few rungs of the ladder seem unending for the Khoravar. As they resurface, he breathes deeply the (not so sick) air of the city, then looks around, assessing the situation.

    As he sees Gryphon looking for a dark corner, the paladin places himself between Kett and Maugrim, with hammer and shield ready.
    "Master Kleris, miss Kett, remember the tactics of those warforged from earlier? I may use it at our advantage, if you feel threatened, stay close to me", he says, moving his shield around; then, he turns to the old retired commander, bowing slightly
    "Sir Maugrim, it's an honor to help you. As you know, your life is precious and we won't want you to throw it away in this field of battle, try to stay away from peril!"

    He watches as his ragtag teammates position themselves as best as they can, while he feels a new kind of power, a strange, supernatural reassurance, not dissimilar from that he felt many times from the Silver Flame, but somewhat, unexpectedly, less driving and more... gentle, like the cool morning breeze waking you up in the Brelish spring.

    As the elves present themselves up, he tries to exchange some last words before the fight, and readies himself to attack the first one who gets near them.
    "Before we start, let's set the rules of engagement: will you accept to yeld if you are defeated? Or do you wish to fight to the death?" He looks at them briefly, with his eyes fixed on the female blademaster, trying to follow Kett lead "There is no need to give up your life but, as my compainon said, it will happen if you force our hand!"

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    Intimidation (1d20+6)[15] more to make them less eager to fight, or at least giving us some advantage at the start.
    Or, really, just to hope that if they take a beating they'll choose to surrender before it's too late.
    Does this poster have a sign?

  23. - Top - End - #203
    Titan in the Playground
     
    3SecondCultist's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Canada
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    The streets of Scuttle are much as you left them: dark, dingy, and dimly lit. The faint aroma of excrement and other malodorous substances follows you up through the aperture of the manhole as Arimart shoves it aside and you regroup on the paved stone to discuss your tactics. There isn't much time to talk amongst yourselves, as the first of your opponents are already ascending the ladder behind you, but it's enough time for Gryphon, Raz, and Kleris to retreat and begin preparations. While the half-elf settles into a low stance and the shifter nocks an arrow in preparation to loose it, the twilight aura of the Traveler's blessing envelops those of your crew that remain closest to danger: Arimart and Kett are the first to feel the god's grace around them.

    Maugrim, having since stepped into formation, seems to note your preparedness with some approval. "Perhaps we will make a fighting unit of you yet," he rumbles in approval, but when he listens to Arimart's address his gaze hardens. "Clearly, you need to be reminded to whom you speak. I am no armchair officer, to stand aside while those sworn to my service die for my causes. House Deneith deserves better than that - Alisanne deserves better than that!" Having said his piece, the dragonmarked man moves to Kett and places his palm on her shoulder, eyes watery. For an instant, a glowing bond permeates the air between the two of them, and though it fades from view, the monk can somehow feel the warmth of the veteran's blood, the breath in his throat as he settles back into the same guard as before.

    And there is no more time to argue, as the Valaes Tairn have arrayed themselves on the side of the street opposite. They stand tall, all four with weapons drawn and at the ready. The light-limned double scimitars twirl idly in anticipation of tasting blood. If they even heard the last entreaties spoken to them, they have scored no reactions judging from the utter impassivity around their eye. No more words are needed, nor are they offered. As one, they begin to charge.

    Spoiler: Start of Combat
    Show
    Scuttle Alley Map

    Maugrim cast Warding Bond on Kett. Her AC and saves both increase by 1, and she has resistance to all damage, while Maugrim takes half of all damage coming her way.

    I've rolled Initiative, and both Raz and Kleris get to go before the Valaes Tairn / Maugrim do (the elves beat Gryphon by dint of having a higher overall modifier). Once those posts happen, then we'll settle into our usual block.
    Spoiler: Stuff I'm Working On
    Show
    Small Justice


    An ongoing web serial about politics, vengeance, and miniature lizards. Go check it out!

    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  24. - Top - End - #204
    Bugbear in the Playground
    Join Date
    Aug 2018

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Raz

    While it somehow goes against his nature to let the enemy take position, he plays the game of his comrades. Once however the enemy has finally found the improvised battlefield, he lets loose a volley of attacks at one of their melee fighters.

    Spoiler: Actions/rolls
    Show

    Bonus: Casting Hunter's Mark choosing the northern melee guy

    All attacks at advantage
    Damage with longbow is 1d8+3 dex +4 favored enemy humanoid +1d6 hunter's mark.

    Att1 = Normal attack
    Att2 = Extra attack
    Att3 = Gloom Stalker

    Should advantage be negated, just take roll AttXa.

    Att1 - Att1a - (1d20+8)[15] or Att1b - (1d20+8)[27] for Dmg1 - (1d8+7)[11] plus Hunter1 - (1d6)[3]
    Att2 - Att2a - (1d20+8)[21] or Att2b - (1d20+8)[28] for Dmg2 - (1d8+7)[12] plus Hunter2 - (1d6)[6]
    Att3 - Att3a - (1d20+8)[12] or Att3b - (1d20+8)[21] for Dmg3 - (1d8+7)[15] plus Hunter3 - (1d6)[4] plus Gloom - (1d8)[1].

    Spoiler: Crit Damage
    Show

    If required:
    Crit1Base - (1d8)[3] plus Crit1Hunter - (1d6)[5]
    Crit2Base - (1d8)[8] plus Crit2Hunter - (1d6)[4]
    Crit3Base - (1d8)[1] plus Crit3Hunter - (1d6)[1] plus CritGloom - (1d8)[5]


  25. - Top - End - #205
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    GameOfChampions's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Canada

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Kleris curses as the elves charge. "Traveler curse them!"

    He flexes his hand slightly and quickly gathers energy to him. It coalesces into a large ball before splitting into two rotating orbs over his hand. He whispers under his breath, calling on the powers of his patron. "Vengance shall be mine."

    The orbs quickly shoot out in a blast of light, heading towards the wounded warrior and the creature behind him.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Kleris casts Eldritch Blast and the first beam targets the wounded warrior. The second will target the wounded warrior if alive and the dog if he is not alive.

    Attack 1: [roll]1d20+1d4[/roll] and damage (1d10+4)[6]
    Attack 2: [roll]1d20+1d4[/roll] and damage (1d10+4)[10]
    "Facilis Descensus Averni." - Virgil, The Aeneid

    “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” - Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear


  26. - Top - End - #206
    Titan in the Playground
     
    3SecondCultist's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Canada
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    At the very moment of action, Raz is there. Even as the elves take their first steps, the ranger fills their foremost warrior with arrows. One, two three feathered projectiles traverse the space of the alley, just about sending one of the blade-wielding Valaes Tairn to an early grave. Not willing to waste any momentum, Kleris goes in to finish him off with an incantation followed by a pair of hexes. Sadly, this wounded fighter's reflexes kick in at that very moment, as he brings up his double-bladed weapon in an intricate parry to disperse the darkness. The second bolt hits him right in the gut and he nearly falls... but manages to catch himself at the last second.

    "Mán polodren nin," the injured warrior murmurs, slamming a closed fist into his chest before turning his eyes towards you. "Rist-dad ae o ar golv," he further exclaims in their languid tongue, all the while pointing at Raz. The rest of the group waste no time heeding the direction, as both archers return fire at the shifter, nearly taking him out. Seeing that he still stands, the wounded warrior lets out a whistle and points this time at Maugrim. The russet hound charges to engage the polearm wielder, and while blood is given on both sides as the slavering beast closes the distance, the warrior has achieved his ultimate goal: to get a clear line of attack to his near-slayer. He takes it, running full dash and just about cutting Raz down in the wake of a storm of arrows.

    Standing over his foe, he whispers something, this time in the common tongue: "a good death is its own reward."

    Shouts emerge from the nearby streets as a pair of workers in a neighboring lane forget whatever clandestine affair they were engaged in and flee for their lives, while the shuttering of windows can faintly be heard over the ring of steel and the pounding of your own blood in your ears. Even in this part of town, there's a good chance that your struggle will not go uninterrupted for long. But at least these elves don't intend to make things easy; in the wake of their assaults, the archers among the enemy number split up to take cover and reload, even as the final warrior moves to cut Kett down. Or rather, he tries to, as both the monk's agility and Maugrim's protection keep her from suffering even a single touch of the blade.

    Spoiler: Round 1 OOC
    Show
    Updated Map

    Incredibly, only Raz was hit this round by the enemy elves - Maugrim got bit by the dog - but he's taken 40 damage from the combined four hits he took, bringing him down to 6 hp. Thankfully, the Valenar blade-warrior who has charged him is in similarly dire straits, health wise. The elves are well and fully committed now, with most of them spread out and taking the fight to you. I've updated hp pools as necessary for all parties, including Maugrim and the dog.

    Now we go into our block, so everyone can post in whatever order they choose. The only people whose posts I will resolve last are Raz and Kleris', since technically their actions will happen at the top of Round 2.

    Spoiler: Elven
    Show
    The first thing the elf said was "spirits give me strength", followed up by "cut down the bird from the high branch".
    Spoiler: Stuff I'm Working On
    Show
    Small Justice


    An ongoing web serial about politics, vengeance, and miniature lizards. Go check it out!

    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  27. - Top - End - #207
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Amnestic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Castle Sparrowcellar
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    "Ah! I was joking! Please don't hurt me! I give up!" Kett yells with apparent sincerity as the elf slashes at her, but she plays the fool, dodging around his blade with some effort. Her hands gently push up against his chest to make some distance, though to no real effect as she runs south away from the party and the fight, apparently giving up on the engagement - and her newfound companions entirely. As soon as the brightest spot of the torchlight slips off her back though her form melds away into shadow, vanishing from sight. Nary a second later she's back, appearing right behind one of the archers that had so rudely feathered Raz just a moment ago. Her fists glow as they had back in the bar, and she stomps down heavily to close the gap between her and the ranged combatant, shaking the earth. The sudden appearance from the shadows is enough to throw her opponent off balance, as she had done a thousand times before and would do ten thousand more after today. These were, as ever, a mere stepping stone.

    "Furu. Denar illi quarin." She strikes hard, heavily with her right hand at the man's kidneys, releasing the stored energy with a resounding thwoom, audible to all nearby. The blow delivered, successful or otherwise, her form shimmers and she slips though the shadow, though barely half a foot to the left, giving her a better angle to drive her left fist in a straight punch right for the elf's exposed neck, hoping to cripple him in the process. Harder to loose arrows when you can't breathe properly.


    Spoiler: Actions
    Show

    Kett moves south away from elf in her face (probably prompting an opportunity attack, if he wishes to spend his reaction as such) to get into the dim light.

    She then bonus action teleports next to the 'covered' archer to get advantage on him.

    Attack: (1d20+7)[15](1d20+7)[9](1d6+4)[8]
    Extra Attack: (1d20+7)[15](1d6+4)[6]. Potential advantage if stunned on first hit: (1d20+7)[21]

    She'll also spend a ki point on Stunning Strike, DC14 Con save. Ki's spent on a successful hit, and only need to be spent once (so potentially 0, 1, or 2 ki points spent depending on how well I attack and how poorly the elf saves.

    0 if I miss both attacks (oh no)
    1 if I stun him on the first hit or miss on the first hit and hit on the second.
    2 if I hit on both first and second hits but don't stun on the first hit.



    Spoiler: Elven
    Show

    "I lied. You're all dead."
    DMing:
    Iron Crisis IC | OOC
    Cyre Red IC | OOC

    Playing:
    OotA IC | OOC

    Master Homebrew Index (5e)

  28. - Top - End - #208
    Troll in the Playground
     
    (Un)Inspired's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Cambridge, MA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Gryphon keeps his breathing slow as he maintains his position around the corner. He watches Raz let loose his arrows and blinding speed and smiles with sinister satisfaction as he hears the sounds of them connecting with their target and the cries of pain. His eyes pop wide when he sees the return volley slam into his new Shifter friend and he reaches out with his senses, feeling the the battlefield through the magic in the air currents as much as he watches it by peaking around the corner.

    He watches as his allies entangle themselves with the elven barbarians. Never gonna see me getting into a swordfight with a savage. Better to just ruin them with magic.

    He licks his lips once with his forked tongue and makes eye contact with the dervishing elf near the torch and casts Suggestion.

    Your Friend's nice bow, and he points to the archer who's not engaged with Kett, might break in this fight. Run it back to Valenar to protect it right now.

    He yells to his team, If he can’t resist the spell don’t attack him. It’ll snap him out of it!

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Suggestion (in elvish to ensure the order is understood) DC 15 Wis save or the Double scimitar elf tries to take the bow away from the archer and starts running towards Valenar

    Gryphon also steps farther up the corner after his spell and draws his dagger just in case someone needs perforating
    Last edited by (Un)Inspired; 2022-08-27 at 06:56 PM.
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  29. - Top - End - #209
    Bugbear in the Playground
    Join Date
    Aug 2018

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Raz

    If there ever was a sign of triumph on the shifter's face, it is washed away by pain and the effort to not to let take over its senses, as the arrows pierce his armor with ease. To soon however, a new threat challenges his composure, as the whirling blades of the should-be-dead elf cut him down before he can evade them, leaving many shallow, but a few deep cuts in his flesh. Raz feels his consciousness fading quickly as his life force is pouring out. Not yet, brother. Not yet! He melds his form with that of the lynx, covering his body in blood soaked fur, wincing and hissing in the pain and the satisfaction that the transformation bring with it equally.

    As the elf triumphantly stops his assault for a mere moment to taunt him, Raz seizes his opportunity. Growling, he responds "Angayasse, vanya-lyë ten i Mapa'Canwa!", spitting a load of blood into the veiled face in front of him. Regardless if either worked to confuse his opponent for only a moment, Raz stumbles half a step back, to rip his rapier out of its sheath, and stabbing it forward repeatedly like an angry snake in a last ditch effort to end the beast in front of him, before it can end him in turn.

    Spoiler: OOC Elven
    Show
    "Too bad that you die for the decoy/doppelganger then." (literally "for the take-face", by Elly, thanks!)


    Spoiler: OOC Actions
    Show
    Lots of description, basically it's Bonus Action - Shift, and then two attacks. Rapier is +6, damage is 1d8+3+4 including favored enemy.
    Att1 - (1d20+6)[21] for Dmg1 - (1d8+7)[12] (potentially plus Crit1 - (1d8)[6])
    Att2 - (1d20+6)[26] for Dmg2 - (1d8+7)[9] (potentially plus Crit2 - (1d8)[7])
    Last edited by Niobaran; 2020-07-03 at 05:26 PM.

  30. - Top - End - #210
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    GameOfChampions's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Canada

    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Kleris curses as the elves move forward, one of them devastated the shifter. Kett was a surprise when she teleported in the shadows, the plot keeps thickening with that one. They did need to get the dog before it savaged the man they were trying to bring in.

    He moves north 10ft and calls on the power of his patron once more to blast the dog to oblivion.

    "Vengance shall be mine"

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    First Attack: (1d20+7)[13] plus the bless (1d4)[2]
    Then the damage [1d10+4[/roll]

    Second Attack: (1d20+7)[15] plus the bless (1d4)[4]
    Then the damage [1d10+4[/roll]
    "Facilis Descensus Averni." - Virgil, The Aeneid

    “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” - Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear


Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •