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Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 8, 2019 6:05 pm

Oct 8, 2019 6:05 pm

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/368611537012916238/631168662585344000/desert_wind.gif

The screaming wind drives stinging sand against your skin as you press up against the rock wall. The pack mules are dead, riddled with arrows. These bandits have been hot on your heels since you left Sietch Jalmud three days ago. Hoping to wear them out and thin their superior numbers, you've pressed on through the deep desert, knowing of a defensible position here at Sakhra Crag.

Battle Music

An arrow whizzes past and skitters among the rocks. In this wind, any sort of accuracy is near-impossible for an ordinary marksman, and the bandits know it. No doubt, they'll be making their move any moment now.

OOC:

Akh, name this bandit leader. Why do they want your blood, specifically?
Jana, where were the four of you headed before all this?
Swordsman, name a tactical advantage your group has over theirs.
Soro, apart from greater numbers, name a tactical advantage their group has over yours.

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 8, 2019 6:48 pm

Oct 8, 2019 6:48 pm

This caravan seemed cursed from the start. The mage was looking for ancient ruins. She had mentioned Shunet El Zebib. It is about a weeks travel from Sietch Jalmud. One guard went down with a snake bite on day two. The next day the bandits hit.
It has been a running battle ever since.

'The Swordsman'

Oct 8, 2019 7:03 pm

Oct 8, 2019 7:03 pm

Atop the Sakhra Crag, the group huddled behind a basalt stone outcrop in the lee of the wind, their keffiyeh's providing some protection from the fine swirling dust and sand. Down below, the Swordsman counted a dozen bandits, their wood and bone recurve bows uselessly flinging arrows up at the party's position.

Despite the numerical advantage of the bandits, the Swordsman grunted with some satisfaction at the situation. His companions had the high ground with only one way up accessible by a narrow foot path through a defile in the outcropping that would force the bandits through in single file, leaving the defenders protected from the bandit's arrows behind a ninety degree twist of the path through the basalt rocks.

He stepped back down from the summit and made his way to the stone passage. The Swordsman raised his shield and drew the ancient blade from its sheath. He could almost swear the weapon tingled in the palm of his hand in anticipation of the bloodshed to come.

Last edited October 8, 2019 7:04 pm

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 8, 2019 7:14 pm

Oct 8, 2019 7:14 pm

The bandit leader is named Hisadat Alramal, which means "Sand Reaper" in Arabic. Akh knows of him becaused it is known that he often raids academic expeditions. It is rumored he is looking for relics of power but nobody knows what of why. Akh suspects that he is after him and the Swordsman, since they survived the Tomb of the Forgotten Warrior, and wants whatever they discovered for himself...

OOC:

lol just for clarifications, Akh is a man...

Soro Samma N'Sei

JoHoover Inactive forever!

Oct 9, 2019 2:33 am

Oct 9, 2019 2:33 am

Nodding as the Swordman points out the dozen bandits below Soro agrees that they will have a very difficult time with a frontal assault, but is suspicious of any bandit worth their water risking their men to such an obvious disadvantage. Quickly scanning the outcropping Soro identifies 2 possible climbing paths that well trained or well equipment bandits might be able to use to flank his group.

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 9, 2019 9:29 am

Oct 9, 2019 9:29 am

True enough, a quintet of bandits peels away from the main group, then splits further into two ascent teams, while the main group forms up for an assault up the main defile. In better weather, a man as shrewd as Alramal would probably have dug in and starved you out, but this sandstorm has forced his hand. You can almost see the whites of their eyes*. Bloodthirsty, cruel, but highly-trained men. In just a few moments, battle will be joined. If you have any final preparations to make, you must make them now!

What do you do?

Battle Music

OOC:

*In game terms, the current distance is Far.

Soro Samma N'Sei

JoHoover Inactive forever!

Oct 9, 2019 12:55 pm

Oct 9, 2019 12:55 pm

They are trying to flank us. Three to the right, two to the left. That leaves 7 for you up front, Pointing to Ahk and the swordwman, Can you two hold the front while Jana, Jei'nine and I take care of the flanks? Soro limbers his bow and takes a pot shot at one of the bandits.

OOC:

So my bow has a range of far, so I think I can do that. Let me know if I messed up the rolls

Rolls

Bow attack and Damage - (2d6+1, 1d8)

2d6+1 : (45) + 1 = 10

1d8 : (1) = 1

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 9, 2019 1:40 pm

Oct 9, 2019 1:40 pm

"We'll do our best Soro !" Turning to face the oncomming attackers, "I'll try to soften the first one for you Swords"
Akh then chants a few forgotten words... "Ya 'iilhi alqadim fireawn , aqradi qawtuk fi darab 'aedayiyin"

Rolls

Magic missile casting & damage - (2d6+3, 2d4)

2d6+3 : (44) + 3 = 11

2d4 : (41) = 5

'The Swordsman'

Oct 9, 2019 1:56 pm

Oct 9, 2019 1:56 pm

The Swordsman nods to Soro and waits for the first bandit to round the corner. He stands on the balls of his feet, and spins his sword once before bending slightly at the knees. He half-crouches, and takes a slight step forward with his left foot, readying his shield.

As Akh's arcane bolt flies past, the Swordsman grins in grim satisfaction at the thought of the unfortunate bandit being lanced by his companion's magic.

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 9, 2019 2:36 pm

Oct 9, 2019 2:36 pm

Soro's aim is dead on - his arrow buries itself in the lead climber's elbow, causing the man to lose his grip on the cliff face! The bandit scrabbles for purchase, but in vain - his scream is torn from his mouth by the howling wind, and he crashes into the rocks below with nary a sound.

Akh's arcane bolt slams into the formation coming up the pass, instantly slaying the lead man! Hisadat Alramal barks an order, and the remaining men step over the smoking corpse of their fellow, and quicken their pace!

What do you do, Jana?

Battle Music

OOC:

[ +- ] Lengthy, but important OOC

Because this is our first combat I'm going to give you the bandits' stats, and as we go along I will explain how combat mechanics work.

Quote:

Desert raider (climbers)
3 HP; 1 Armor
1d6 base damage
Dagger (hand) and Horn bow (near, far)

Desert raider (spearmen)
5 HP; 1 Armor
1d6 base damage
Spear (reach) and shield

Hisadat Alramal
25 HP; 2 Armor
1d10 base damage
Scimitar (close, +1 damage)

1. As always, the mechanics follow after the fiction (more below.*)
2. Base damage is determined by your class, and (sometimes) modified by your equipment.**
3. Armor: damage sustained is computed as damage dealt minus target's Armor rating.***
4. Monsters do not roll to hit. A monster will only get to deal its damage as a consequence of you rolling under 10 on a Move.

*A ranged attack is a Volley, while a melee attack is Hack & Slash.

BUT I urge you to be as descriptive as possible rather than thinking about the mechanics. If there's a Move for it I will tell you to do it. As much as possible, avoid mentioning your Move by name (except Rolls and in OOC). Based on the excellent posts so far, this reminder was hardly necessary.

BUT this is PbP... it would slow the game down too much if you always had to wait for me to tell you to roll stuff. So just as Soro and Akh have done above, describe what you are doing, and if a Move it feels right, go ahead and include a roll for it in your post. If anyone thinks you did it wrong, we'll help each other out OOC.

**There are many other equipment and weapon tags that change how they affect and are affected by creatures and the environment. You'll find them all here. Remember that these are abstractions, and we will sometimes override them with what makes the best sense in the fiction.

**Soro's bowshot is a solid hit (10) but the raider's armor would render a Volley ineffective. BUT the climber was defenseless as he scaled the cliff face, and so we're going to call that a Called Shot instead! Just this one time, I've chosen your target for you (arms) but in the future it will be entirely up to you!

Akh's magic ignores armor, and deals the full 5 HP of damage rolled.

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 9, 2019 6:16 pm

Oct 9, 2019 6:16 pm

Jana moves to one of the side paths with her spear. As soon as one of the gets to poking range, she will poke it.

Rolls

Spear poking - (2D6)

(15) = 6

Poking damage - (1D6)

(1) = 1

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 9, 2019 6:52 pm

Oct 9, 2019 6:52 pm

OOC:

Poking someone with a spear is Hack & Slash. For Jana, that is 2d6-1. The result is 5, a "Miss."

Mark 1 XP, Jana.

Jana thrusts her spear downwards at one of the lead climbers, but the angle is awkward, and she completely misses the man's face. The man reaches up and yanks down on her spear, pulling her off balance!

OOC:

Describe how you keep from going over the edge, Jana, then roll Defy Danger using the appropriate stat.

The climbers crest the lip of the cliff just as the spearmen round the bend and charge the waiting Swordsman.

What do you do, Swordsman?

'The Swordsman'

Oct 9, 2019 6:58 pm

Oct 9, 2019 6:58 pm

The Swordsman feints causing the lead spearman to stop short, at which point the seasoned veteran of countless such fights steps in to close the gap. With a backhanded swing, he bats aside the bandit's spear tip, followed by a brutal stab at his hapless foe.

Rolls

Hack and Slash! - (2d6+3)

(15) + 3 = 9

damage (sword has piercing 2 and +1 damage) - (1d10+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 9, 2019 7:12 pm

Oct 9, 2019 7:12 pm

OOC:

Your Strength is +2, so that's an 8. Success with complication.

The Sword of Vengeange has Piercing 2, so it will ignore up to 2 Armor. The bandit only has 1 Armor, so you will deal the full 7 damage. That's a kill.

The ancient sword punches through the man's shield and breastbone as easily as if they were made of papyrus. The serrated blade grinds against the man's spine as it passes, rending heart and lung before coming out the man's back. The man collapses, nearly taking your sword with it before you can yank it back. The next man seizes the opportunity and thrusts his spear at your midsection.

OOC:

You have 3 Armor, so you only take 1 damage.

9 bandits remain, including Alramal, who is in the middle of the 5-man formation. The 4 climbers are all topside. Everyone may act.

Rolls

Spear damage vs. Swordsman - (1d6)

(4) = 4

'The Swordsman'

Oct 9, 2019 7:21 pm

Oct 9, 2019 7:21 pm

Thanking the fates for his sturdy armor, the Swordsman twists away from the seeking speartip of his next victim. He moves in on the bandit, the spear shaft pinned against the basalt stone by the Swordsman's shield. The Sword of Vengeance, true to its name, comes down at the bandit's head in an wide arc.

Last edited October 9, 2019 7:22 pm

Rolls

Hack and Slash - (2d6+2)

(66) + 2 = 14

damage (2 piercing) - (1d10+1)

(2) + 1 = 3

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 9, 2019 7:31 pm

Oct 9, 2019 7:31 pm

OOC:

Whenever you roll 10+ on Hack & Slash, you may choose to do +1d6 damage but expose yourself to the enemy’s attack.

Also, don't forget your racial move: Once per battle you may reroll a single damage roll (yours or someone else's).

'The Swordsman'

Oct 9, 2019 7:36 pm

Oct 9, 2019 7:36 pm

The Swordsman's attack was savage. The red mist of bloodlust clouding his vision, the fighter was heedless to the risk of counterattack by the spearmen behind.

Rolls

additional damage - (1D6)

(4) = 4

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 9, 2019 7:43 pm

Oct 9, 2019 7:43 pm

The brutal swing chops the man's head off in a spray of dark blood! Hisadat Alramal, the Sand Reaper, shoves down the man ahead of him and leaps at the Swordsman, scimitar flashing red in the fading sunlight!

Rolls

Scimitar damage - (1d10+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 9, 2019 7:50 pm

Oct 9, 2019 7:50 pm

OOC:

8 bandits remain, including Alramal, who is engaged with the Swordsman. The 4 climbers are all topside.

Awaiting Defy Danger from Jana.

What do you do, Akh and Soro?

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 10, 2019 12:07 am

Oct 10, 2019 12:07 am

Jana starts to lose her footing due the pull on the spear, but years of climbing rocks and dunes has made her surprisingly agile. She leaps back to solid ground, taking her spear with her.

Rolls

Dexterously Defying Danger - (2D6+1)

(35) + 1 = 9

Soro Samma N'Sei

JoHoover Inactive forever!

Oct 10, 2019 1:56 am

Oct 10, 2019 1:56 am

Soro deftly shoulders his bow and pull his short hafted spear advancing on the climbers. Directing Jei'nine with a hand signal they coordinate their attack.

Rolls

Hack and Slash - (2d6+1)

(66) + 1 = 13

damage - (1d8+3)

(6) + 3 = 9

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 10, 2019 3:05 am

Oct 10, 2019 3:05 am

Akh sends another magic missile, aiming at the leader's shoulder, hoping to create an opening for Swords...
" Ya 'iilhi alqadim fireawn , aqradi qawtuk fi darab 'aedayiyin "

Rolls

Magic Missile casting and damage - (2d6+2, 2d4)

2d6+2 : (11) + 2 = 4

2d4 : (43) = 7

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 10, 2019 3:20 am

Oct 10, 2019 3:20 am

Jana: a 9 is success with complication. You are able to keep from falling, but you lose your spear - it falls to the foot of the cliff.

Soro: You and Jei'nine time your attacks perfectly, and the bandit dies impaled on your spear.

Akh: Your spell hits the Swordsman instead, causing him to stumble! Mark 1 XP.

Swordsman: Take 7 damage. Alramal shoves you backwards. You maintain your footing, but now you're in a wider area of the pass, where two men can fight shoulder to shoulder. You now face two foes.

What do you do, everyone?

Battle Music

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 10, 2019 4:08 am

Oct 10, 2019 4:08 am

OOC:

I have no idea what I can do, so I am aiming for a homerun shot.

Jana turns into an armadillo and starts to burrow under one of the boulders at the top of the pass she is guarding. The hope is to have it roll into the climbers.

Rolls

Shape change - (2D6)

(62) = 8

Digging roll if needed - (2D6)

(33) = 6

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 10, 2019 5:00 am

Oct 10, 2019 5:00 am

OOC:

Machiabelly says:

I have no idea what I can do...

It's okay, DW can be bewildering for first-timers because there are hardly any guidelines in the mechanics for what you can and can't do - you're told to rely on the fiction.

I think the digging-and-boulder-rolling tactic is brilliant, and within the realm of possibility, so you COULD do it in most situations, but we've already established that the climbers have already made it to the top, so your boulder wouldn't hit anyone. Also, I don't think an armadillo can burrow through rock. BUT I'm going to say there's some soil here to burrow through, and now you've come up somewhere unexpected, and catch one of the bandits by surprise! No need for a Hack & Slash roll, even - just deal your damage!

As the Druid, your base damage is 1d6 regardless if you wield a weapon or not, and whether you're shapeshifted or not. You could have punched them, and it would still be 1d6.

No roll required to use your Burrow move. It simply consumes 1 Hold. You had 2 Hold from your Shapeshifting roll, so now you're down to 1 Hold.

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 10, 2019 6:21 am

Oct 10, 2019 6:21 am

OOC:

Them being up top ruins it for sure, but I wasn't trying to burrow through rock, I hoped to shift soil under one edge to make it roll.

Jana comes up behind one of the attackers and use the tough armadillo claws on his ankle, hoping to take out an Achilles tendon.

Rolls

Damage - (1D6)

(1) = 1

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 10, 2019 10:44 am

Oct 10, 2019 10:44 am

Akh fires again, this time at the spearman that just joined the fray, to give some space for the Swordsman.
"Ya 'iilhi alqadim fireawn , aqradi qawtuk fi darab 'aedayiyin"

Rolls

Magic missile casting & damage - (2d6+2, 2d4)

2d6+2 : (46) + 2 = 12

2d4 : (44) = 8

'The Swordsman'

Oct 10, 2019 10:56 am

Oct 10, 2019 10:56 am

As Akh’s blasts light up darkening pass with flashes of brilliant light, the Swordsman seizes the chance to gain the advantage.

He ducks low and barrels into Alramal with his shield, hoping to cause the bandit leader to fall backwards over the growing pile of bodies at his feet.

Last edited October 10, 2019 10:57 am

Soro Samma N'Sei

JoHoover Inactive forever!

Oct 10, 2019 3:06 pm

Oct 10, 2019 3:06 pm

Soro pulls his spear from the first raiders chest and quickly lunges across the gap to slash the raider that is trying to detach the armadillo from his companions ankle. Jei'nine seeing Soro change targets uses a boulder to leap off of joins the attack.

Rolls

Spear slash - (2d6+1)

(34) + 1 = 8

damage - (1d8+3)

(8) + 3 = 11

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 10, 2019 3:58 pm

Oct 10, 2019 3:58 pm

Battle Music

Janadillo swipes at the surprised raider's ankle, but the man's leather greaves protect him. What do you do?

Akh's magic blasts the raider next to Alramal. The next one hesitates to step up. What do you do next?

Swordsman: Roll+STR for your bull rush against the bandit leader.

Soro & Jei'nine: You take down your target, but with your attention on the guy Janadillo is latched onto, you're slow to react when the other raider hurls his dagger at you! Decide who takes the hit: Ranger or Companion?

5 bandits remain: Alramal and his 2 spearmen, and the 2 knife-wielders topside.

Rolls

Damage vs. Soro or Jei'nine - (1d6)

(4) = 4

'The Swordsman'

Oct 10, 2019 4:48 pm

Oct 10, 2019 4:48 pm

OOC:

rolling for bull rush

Rolls

Bull Rush - (2d6+2)

(11) + 2 = 4

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 10, 2019 5:00 pm

Oct 10, 2019 5:00 pm

The crafty Sand Reaper anticipates your move and sidesteps, accompanied by a deft swipe with the flat of his blade against your ankle. You trip and land heavily, face-first in the dust, with your back exposed! You can sense rather than see one scimitar blade and two spearpoints all descending on you!

OOC:

Mark 1 XP and take 6 damage.

Rolls

Damage vs. Swordsman - (1d10+3)

(6) + 3 = 9

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 10, 2019 5:38 pm

Oct 10, 2019 5:38 pm

Akh continues to fire his magic missiles, starting to worry about the Swordsman and tries to take another spearman out...
"Ya 'iilhi alqadim fireawn , aqradi qawtuk fi darab 'aedayiyin"

Rolls

Magic Missile casting and damage - (2d6+2, 2d4)

2d6+2 : (13) + 2 = 6

2d4 : (42) = 6

Oct 10, 2019 5:40 pm

Oct 10, 2019 5:40 pm

OOC:

so far by my count Swordsman has taken 18/25... ouch!

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 10, 2019 5:42 pm

Oct 10, 2019 5:42 pm

Akh, your spell fizzles out.

OOC:

Mark 1 XP.

Alramal and his two spearmen step over the prone Swordsman and come for you!

Akh and Swordsman, what do you do?!

'The Swordsman'

Oct 10, 2019 5:58 pm

Oct 10, 2019 5:58 pm

His plan foiled by the bandit leader, the Swordsman finds himself in the exact opposite situation he had hoped. He rolls over onto his back and keeps his shield between the raining blows of the scimitar and the snake-like spear tips. Feeling the wetness under his armor welling up, the nameless warrior knows he is in mortal danger. In desperation, he drops the Sword of vengeance as his right hand frantically reaches to the pouch at his side.

His gauntleted hand awkwardly pulls at the horn button that keeps the goatskin pouch closed. No time for subtlety, he wrenches the button off as his fingers probe around the pouch for the target of his search.

The Swordsman's left arm grows numb from the bombardment of scimitar strikes bashing his shield, which sends splinters of wood flying.

What seems like a lifetime ticks by as he grasps the small gourd containing the precious liquid from Jana's Oasis.

BAM echoes his shield as Alramal's scimitar knocks it aside.

The Swordsman brings the gourd to his mouth and biting the top off, he pours the liquid down his throat. A burning sensation more powerful than the strongest back-alley arak ignites the Swordsman's throat, and instantly spreads across to his tired limbs and all the wounds he has suffered.

Just as Alramal prepares a killing blow, the Swordsman's left arm is revitalized and he manages to catch the blade with the corner of his shield in time.

OOC:

drinking healing potion for 10 hp, now he has only lost 8/25

Last edited October 10, 2019 6:00 pm

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 10, 2019 6:16 pm

Oct 10, 2019 6:16 pm

Foolishly believing the Swordsman vanquished, and the rest of you bested, Alramal and his four remaining men converge on their true objective: Akh.

What do you do?

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 10, 2019 6:26 pm

Oct 10, 2019 6:26 pm

OOC:

Okay, I was hand-waving this before because I didn't want to throw too many mechanics at you, but this is coming into play now: These spears have the Reach tag, meaning you're going to have to succeed on a Defy Danger first before you can come in to Hack & Slash with a Close or Hand weapon.

What stat do you Defy Danger with? Well, that depends: do you power through? Dodge and weave? Throw them off with a feint? As always, describe what you do, and let that guide you.

'The Swordsman'

Oct 10, 2019 6:42 pm

Oct 10, 2019 6:42 pm

The Swordsman tosses the empty gourd aside, and reaches for The Sword of Vengeance. Grasping its hilt, the relic-blade seems to thrum in his hand giving the warrior a surge of energy. In a heartbeat, he is back on his feet facing the backs of the bandits bearing down on Akh.

He shouts a challenge to get their attention before he steadfastly advances on the closest spearman, shield at the ready. The Swordsman's strong arm keeps the shield in between him and the lashing spear tip as he closes the gap.

Getting inside his foe's reach, the fighter engages in a series of blows aimed at the bandit's exposed limbs with the Sword of Vengeance hungering for blood.

Rolls

Defy Danger -STR - (2d6+2)

(55) + 2 = 12

hack and slash - (2d6+2)

(66) + 2 = 14

damage (2 piercing) - (1d10+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 10, 2019 6:51 pm

Oct 10, 2019 6:51 pm

The spearman falls, dismembered, screaming horribly. It will be a slow, messy death. The rest of the bandits close ranks. They stink of fear now. All but the Sand Reaper, who answers the Swordsman's challenge with one of his own: Single combat!

What do you do?

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 10, 2019 7:08 pm

Oct 10, 2019 7:08 pm

Jana's view is all ankles and feet. He approaches the rear most of the raiders hoping that his low stature and feeble attack last round will continue to give him the benefit of surprise.

Rolls

Not sure if I need to wisely defy danger or not. - (2D6+1)

(12) + 1 = 4

Not sure I need Hack and Slash or surprise is in order - (2D6-1)

(46) - 1 = 9

Damage, please be more than 1 - (1D6)

(1) = 1

Soro Samma N'Sei

JoHoover Inactive forever!

Oct 10, 2019 11:02 pm

Oct 10, 2019 11:02 pm

Soro doesn't see the dagger flash from behind him and it cuts a deep gash in his shoulder as it flies by. Turning in the direction the dagger came from he stabs out at the raider. Again Jei'nine focus' on the new target, very used to Soro's fast paced attacks.

Rolls

Spear attack, Dmg - (2d6+1, 1d8+3)

2d6+1 : (23) + 1 = 6

1d8+3 : (6) + 3 = 9

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 11, 2019 12:32 am

Oct 11, 2019 12:32 am

Akh, valuing his friend's life over honor in combat, Akh times the casting of an Unseen Servants (knowing it would be dismissed as soon as its hit) to intercept the next attack towards the Swordsman.
"rwh alalihat alqadimat , takhudh shakal wa'atie al'awamir"

Rolls

Unseen Servants casting - (2d6+2)

(16) + 2 = 9

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 11, 2019 2:56 am

Oct 11, 2019 2:56 am

Jana tries to sneak up on one of the bandits, but the man spots her and she can't get near.

OOC:

Defy Danger fails. Mark 1 XP. Hack & Slash does not happen.

The other bandit is surprisingly agile, and manages to dodge Soro's and Jei'nine's coordinated attack!

OOC:

Mark 1 XP.

Akh casts a desperate spell just as the bandits surround him. The wizard knows his invisible servant can't fight, but perhaps it can take a hit for the Swordsman.

Battle Music

Hisadat Alramal picks up a shield, tosses aside his scimitar, and draws an ornate khopesh. Its strange blade has a greenish cast to it. Once more, the Sand Reaper issues his counter-challenge to the Swordsman. "Enough games! You and me. Single combat!"

Alramal's three remaining men have surrounded Akh - one has a knife to the wizard's throat, while the other two, spearman and knife-wielder, are poised to strike at any of you that come near.

Swordsman, what is your response to the Sand Reaper's counter-challenge?

OOC:

https://66.media.tumblr.com/f34065846104f8f87fd85c1edf378aa5/tumblr_oremhcdugY1r1ed0mo1_400.jpg

Hisadat Alramal
25 HP; 3 Armor
1d10 base damage
Poisoned khopesh (close, +1 damage, dangerous) and shield.

'The Swordsman'

Oct 11, 2019 10:50 am

Oct 11, 2019 10:50 am

The Swordsman points the blade of The Sword of Vengeance at the bandit with his knife at Akh’s throat and then with his gravelly voice says loudly to carry over the wind "Let him go now and I won’t gut you and leave you to die slowly, I’ll just kill you quickly. "

Then he steps past the amputated bandit, who is still screaming from his grievous wounds, and as he passes, The Swordsman hacks the dying man’s neck, killing him instantly.

Grim, bloodied and with hard cold eyes the Swordsman raises his shield and steps forward.

With a quick feint to the right, the Swordman redirects his ancient blade (or did it move of its own accord?) across the left in an attempt to get inside the Sand Reaper’s guard.

Rolls

Hack and Slash - (2D6+2)

(52) + 2 = 9

Damage (Piercing 2) - (1D10+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 13, 2019 3:20 pm

Oct 13, 2019 3:20 pm

The Sand Reaper falls for the feint, realizes his mistake, and tries to correct, but it's too late -- the nameless Swordsman has slipped his ancient blade past the bandit leader's guard, and only through sheer luck does Alramal avoid taking a more grievous wound.

Alramal brings his shield arm down and left as he pushes off to his right, away from his foe's deadly blade, then pivots clockwise on the balls of his feet, whipping his khopesh around in a wide arc waist-height. It's a perfectly executed maneuver, but something unseen blocks his blade! Unbeknownst to anyone but Akh, the wizard's invisible servitor has just taken the blow for the Swordsman. Its job done, the magical presence dissipates in the dust stirred up by the combatants' feet.

Jana, Soro, Akh, what do you do? The Swordsman is formidable, but so is the Sand Reaper. Do you leave this to the Fates, or do you intervene?

Jabes.plays.RPG sent a note to Jabes.plays.RPG

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 13, 2019 6:50 pm

Oct 13, 2019 6:50 pm

Jana changes from an armadillo into a hawk and takes to the sky.
She will keep an eye on the fight. If it looks like it is getting worse for The Fighter, she will swoop in as a distraction.

Rolls

Shape change - (2D6)

(41) = 5

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 13, 2019 7:30 pm

Oct 13, 2019 7:30 pm

Jana changes shape and takes wing. It's tough staying aloft in this buffeting wind -- she knows if she takes too much of this she'll tire herself out.

OOC:

Mark 1 XP, Jana. With that roll, you get 1 Hold, which you've now spent for flight, so make it count!

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 13, 2019 8:15 pm

Oct 13, 2019 8:15 pm

Jana says a silent prayer to the spirits of the desert, half convinced she is about to meet them in person.
She dives toward the three who are guarding her team. Just before she reaches them she slows slightly and changes back to her halfling form, bowling into them.

Rolls

No 8dea what I am rolling for, but something I figure. - (2D6)

(42) = 6

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 13, 2019 8:25 pm

Oct 13, 2019 8:25 pm

OOC:

Using your own body as a weapon. I'd call that a Hack & Slash. Inspired, but sadly, that's another miss. Mark 1 XP.

The spearman sees the hawk coming, and brings his shield up. There's the crunch of breaking glass as Jana in halfling form bounces off the shield. There's something wet among her things. Jana can only hope it wasn't her precious vial of water -- her memento from home!

'The Swordsman'

Oct 13, 2019 9:13 pm

Oct 13, 2019 9:13 pm

Grateful for the unseen sacrificial servant, the Swordsman presses his momentary advantage with a series of brutal overhead strikes with the Sword of Vengeance at the Sand Reaper’s head, hoping to break down his adversary’s guard through sheer strength alone.

Rolls

Hack & Slash - (2d6+2)

(14) + 2 = 7

Damage (2 piercing) - (1d10+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 13, 2019 9:16 pm

Oct 13, 2019 9:16 pm

Jana frantically checks to see if she lost a vial of antidote or water. If he caused her to lose the water she is sworn to protect, we may see if a druid can spontaneously become a berserker.

Last edited October 13, 2019 9:16 pm

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 13, 2019 10:22 pm

Oct 13, 2019 10:22 pm

Akh cast the light cantrip in a burst, hoping to distract the raider holding a knife to his neck long enough to escape him and turn around to take a defensive position...
''Ainfijar Alnuwr !!''

OOC:

Not sure here if I'm doing to much in my turn, feel free to correct me !

Rolls

Light (+int)? - (2d6+2)

(34) + 2 = 9

Defy Danger (+dex or int?) ? - (2d6)

(54) = 9

Defend (+con)? - (2d6+1)

(24) + 1 = 7

Soro Samma N'Sei

JoHoover Inactive forever!

Oct 14, 2019 3:11 pm

Oct 14, 2019 3:11 pm

Soro willing down the pain of the bright flair moves his way within the guard of the spearman and viciously stabs him in the gut while Jei'nine bites at his Achilles.

OOC:

I was trying to use mental fortitude to avoid the spear reach, but if that's a stretch let me know.

Last edited October 14, 2019 3:15 pm

Rolls

Defy Danger (attacking spearman) - (2d6+2)

(45) + 2 = 11

Hack and Slash - (2d6+1, 1d8+3)

2d6+1 : (34) + 1 = 8

1d8+3 : (1) + 3 = 4

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 14, 2019 3:41 pm

Oct 14, 2019 3:41 pm

OOC:

Soro, mental fortitude against the Akh's flares, maybe. Against the spear, maybe not as much. But that's still a 10+ if you use Dex, which still fits your narration, so it's fine!

Akh, that's a lot of 7-9's! Choose your complication for Cast A Spell.

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 14, 2019 4:17 pm

Oct 14, 2019 4:17 pm

OOC:

take -1 ongoing to cast a spell until the next time you Prepare Spells

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 14, 2019 5:25 pm

Oct 14, 2019 5:25 pm

OOC:

Got it.

I am treating your Defy Danger as a 10 (gave it a +1 from the raider being blinded by your flare).

Defend is the perfect Move for taking a "defensive position." The text for the move says, "Defending yourself is certainly an option. It amounts to giving up on making attacks and just trying to keep yourself safe." Right now you have 1 Hold.

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 14, 2019 5:28 pm

Oct 14, 2019 5:28 pm

The duel continues. The Swordsman's brutal assault leaves the Sand Reaper with a bloody gash over his left eye. As he defends, the bandit leader manages to smash the Swordsman's right elbow with the pommel of his khopesh. Thankfully, that green-tinged blade hasn't touched him yet!

Jana's heart breaks when she finds her precious vial crushed, and the water of her home trickling into the sand!

Akh's quick thinking and well-placed flare gets him out of the knife-wielder's clutches. He braces, knowing the man will surely pursue.

Soro & Jei'nine leap into the teeth of danger! The loyal dog savages the raider's heel, and the man thwacks her away with the haft of his spear, but that creates the perfect opening for Soro to bury his spear in the man's gut, killing him where he stands! Hurt, Jei'nine limps away, but she's still in this fight!

Now that they are outnumbered, the two remaining knife-wielders glance once at their leader, and make as if to flee.

What do you do?

Jabes.plays.RPG sent a note to Jabes.plays.RPG

'The Swordsman'

Oct 14, 2019 6:15 pm

Oct 14, 2019 6:15 pm

The Swordsman steps close enough to smell his opponent’s breath, placing his shield onto the Sand Reaper’s and placing his hip alongside his foe’s so that they appear almost like a pair of dancers.

Shoving back against the Sand Reaper’s force, the shields clatter, all the while the nameless warrior’s ancient sword rings against the khopesh in a whirling blur of blades.

All this was the Swordsman’s design however, and with his next blow, he ducks below his shield and swings the Sword of Vengeance in a wide arc down below the Sand Reaper’s waist. With a flick of his wrist he whips the blade back around to strike the back of his enemy’s leading leg with the false edge of the relic weapon.

A risky move, but he uses the opportunity to rake his weapon back across the Sand Reaper’s back to cause more damage.

Last edited October 14, 2019 6:17 pm

Rolls

Hack & Slash - (2d6+2)

(44) + 2 = 10

Damage (piercing 2) - (1D10+1)

(9) + 1 = 10

Extra damage - (1D6)

(5) = 5

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 14, 2019 6:50 pm

Oct 14, 2019 6:50 pm

The Sand Reaper falls, mortally wounded, the wicked khopesh falling from the hand suddenly too weak to grasp it. His two lackeys have fled into the sandstorm. They might even survive it.

Alramal gazes up with grudging respect for the man who bested him. But then he turns to Akh, and his eyes are filled with hate. "Fuck you, and that tomb, and all magicians," he rasps, blood trickling from his mouth. "If you'd only gotten to that tomb a day or two later, my employer would've been a powerful man, and I'd be rich instead of dying."

He coughs, and looks the Swordsman in the eye. "Do me a favor and kill that sonuvabitch, Atekhramun. And then do yourself a favor and kill this mage whom you serve."

With that, he breathes his last.

'The Swordsman'

Oct 14, 2019 7:21 pm

Oct 14, 2019 7:21 pm

Having bested a worthy foe, the Swordsman nods in acknowledgement of the Sand Reaper’s gaze.

As the death rattle silences Alramal forever, the Swordsman drops his shield in exhaustion and sheathes the Sword of Vengeance.

Turning to Akh, he asks "Who is Atekhramun? "

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 14, 2019 7:43 pm

Oct 14, 2019 7:43 pm

Jana is on her knees weeping. This would especially surprise the ranger. Tears are a waste of water.
She manages to pull herself together with a rattling sob and turns, shame faced, to her companions.

Well fought all. We should make camp here and wait out the storm.

After the bodies are searched and moved away, Jana sets up camp, all the while singing softly of the beauty found in her home oasis.

Rolls

Healing ability everyone gains hp back = to the roll. - (1D6)

(4) = 4

Soro Samma N'Sei

JoHoover Inactive forever!

Oct 14, 2019 11:18 pm

Oct 14, 2019 11:18 pm

Seeing the broken flask an Jana crying over it, Soro understands the anguish of water lost though he knows that tears are no waste of water. Sorrow and grief must be expressed and there is no higher tribute than to give up your own water.

Well fought my friends! Don't put to much stock in the words of a dead man, nameless one. and then wordlessly helps clear the area of the dead while searching them for anything of value that can easily be taken with them. He leaves the healing and mending to those who actually have knowledge of those tasks.

He nods appreciatively at Jana as he feels the healing power wash over him and Jei'nine.

Last edited October 14, 2019 11:20 pm

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 15, 2019 2:20 am

Oct 15, 2019 2:20 am

OOC:

Akh, roll Spout Lore.

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 15, 2019 3:02 am

Oct 15, 2019 3:02 am

Akh casts detect magic to see if the Sand Reaper had any mystic relics with him, before realizing the Swordsmans had asked him a question...
"Atekhramun..."

Rolls

Spout Lore - (2d6+2)

(22) + 2 = 6

detect magic ? - (2d6+1)

(35) + 1 = 9

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 15, 2019 3:07 am

Oct 15, 2019 3:07 am

OOC:

Mark 1 XP, Akh. Choose your complication for Cast A Spell.

The name sounds vaguely familiar. But you can't recall if you came across it in an ancient text, or overheard it at Sietch Jalmud.

None of Alramal's possessions are magical in nature.

OOC:

Searching the the raiders' bodies, you find:

1 scimitar (close, +1 damage, 1 weight)
1 poisoned khopesh (close, +1 damage, dangerous)
6 spears (reach, 1 weight)
6 shields (+1 armor, 2 weight)
3 daggers (hand, 1 weight)
3 horn bows (near, far, 1 weight)
3 bundles of arrows (2 ammo, 1 weight)
9 coins
a small coiled cobra carved out of human bone.

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 15, 2019 3:43 am

Oct 15, 2019 3:43 am

Detect magic fades from his mind...
"Atekhramun...", repeating the name again, "I cannot remember anything specific about it, but I know who can..."
Akh starts casting again, "By the power of the old gods, I summon your spirit and bind you to answer my question. Come forth Alramal !!"

OOC:

Instead of using google translate, I'll write my spell chants like "this". Even if your characters don't speak the dead language used in my casting, I figured the players could should enjoy it.
Akh is casting Contact Spirits.

Last edited October 15, 2019 3:45 am

Rolls

Contact Spirits - (2d6+1)

(66) + 1 = 13

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 16, 2019 3:29 pm

Oct 16, 2019 3:29 pm

Alramal's spirit, barely free of its body, manifests as a shape barely discernible in the storm-whipped dust. The voice from beyond is a moaning hiss, like sand rasping across the dunes. "Thrice-cursed mage, you bind me to you before my body's grown cold! Ask your question and begone, damn you!"

When asked about Atekhramun, the spirit answers, "Atekhramun, the sorcerer. Never heard of him? We'll he's heard of you, and he desires your power. I wish I'd never crossed paths with either of you. I'll see you both in hell!"

With that, the Sand Reaper's shade is no more. All is quiet save for the howling wind.

What do you do?

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 16, 2019 3:44 pm

Oct 16, 2019 3:44 pm

"Well, now we know he's a sorcerer... I need a rest, I have to study my spells..."

OOC:

Unless, somebody wants to go now, Akh will take an hour to clear his mind and prepare new spells.

[ +- ] Akh's Stats

Last edited October 16, 2019 4:09 pm

Soro Samma N'Sei

JoHoover Inactive forever!

Oct 16, 2019 3:51 pm

Oct 16, 2019 3:51 pm

An unknown hunter is the most dangerous. We have know idea how he might strike at you next. Though apparently he isn't above hiring raiders and bandits to do his dirty work. I agree we should rest and take shelter from this storm. Maybe we can decide on our next course of action to try and make this hunter more known to us... Soro scratches Jei'nine's neck as they relax against the rocks.

He prepares his belongings for travel, which will be harder without the caravan, but he is no stranger to walking in the desert.

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 16, 2019 4:08 pm

Oct 16, 2019 4:08 pm

With the sun already set, and the sandstorm still raging, you have little choice but to dig in for the night. The summit of Sakhra Crag offers meager shelter, but it's better than being out in the open.

OOC:

Time to Make Camp. Consume a ration, and set a watch order if you wish.

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 16, 2019 4:17 pm

Oct 16, 2019 4:17 pm

Jana, what will you do when morning comes? Your water vial is broken. Your oasis is about two days walk from here, but you promised to guide Akh to Shunet El Zebib, three days in the opposite direction. You could probably fly home and be back here in a little over half a day, but you don't know if the others would be willing to wait.

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 16, 2019 4:35 pm

Oct 16, 2019 4:35 pm

Akh drops his staff, taking one of the shields and the scimtar (if no one else wants it...). "It would be wise for me to learn not to rely only on my magic..." He takes a place near the fire and takes his bag of books, "I'll take first watch, I need to check something anyway..." He takes a book out, paging through it while looking around every minutes or so when everybody is sleeping.

OOC:

Akh wants to know more about sorcerers, Spout lore with a +1 bonus using one of my books...

Rolls

Spout Lore - (2d6+3)

(65) + 3 = 14

Take Watch - (2d6+1)

(23) + 1 = 6

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 16, 2019 5:01 pm

Oct 16, 2019 5:01 pm

After making camp and singing the songs of her oasis, passed down for generations, Jana is much more composed. Although flying home to replace the water vial is tempting, other considerations take precedence.

I am responsible to get these people through the desert. The ranger would be fine, but the others would not last a day out here. I will not shame my family by leaving people to survive alone while I perform a selfish quest.

Jana stirs the fire. Others would note that she eats no rations. She sets her bedroll and gets ready to sleep.

I will take last watch. Sleep well.

Rolls

Take watch roll - (2D6)

(26) = 8

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 16, 2019 5:19 pm

Oct 16, 2019 5:19 pm

OOC:

Akh, mark 1 XP.

True magical ability like yours is almost unheard of now, but during the time of the god-pharoahs, magic suffused this land, and the blood of select individuals who were called "sorcerers".

Soro Samma N'Sei

JoHoover Inactive forever!

Oct 16, 2019 5:19 pm

Oct 16, 2019 5:19 pm

Disdainful of the poor quality of the weapons the raiders chose to attack them with Soro leaves them for the others if they would like them. An ill omen to carry a snake carved from a man. But it might have some importance to this sorcerer. I will take middle watch. Soro wraps the carving in a piece of cloth and adds it to his pack. After Ahk wakes him for his watch he moves slightly away from the camp so the burning embers of the fire don't interfere with his night vision and settles into the rocks and watches for anything that might endanger his companions.

Rolls

Take Watch - (2d6+2)

(63) + 2 = 11

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 16, 2019 5:24 pm

Oct 16, 2019 5:24 pm

Soro, when you take over from Akh, you think you hear a small rockslide down the side of the crag. But when you go to investigate, you see nothing.

deadpool_qc Inactive for 1 months

Oct 16, 2019 6:12 pm

Oct 16, 2019 6:12 pm

Before going to sleep, Akh gives a few words of advice to Soro, "As you saw today, you have to remember that everybody can be your ennemy, even if you don't know them. Trust no one," Soro is not sure but Akh's eyes seem to flicker for less than a second towards the Swordsman, "not even your closest friends... Everybody has secrets..." Then, tired, Akh goes to sleep.

[ +- ] Akh's Stats

Last edited October 16, 2019 6:13 pm

'The Swordsman'

Oct 16, 2019 10:09 pm

Oct 16, 2019 10:09 pm

The nameless fighter watches Akh’s ritual with distrust and unease at the death magic’s practice, though he keeps his own counsel.
From the loot of the bandits, the Swordsman helps himself to a bow and a bundle of arrows.

Then the taciturn warrior sits by the fire and eats his rations wordlessly.

As the others set up watches, he grunts "I will take second watch."

Rolls

Take Watch - (2D6)

(46) = 10

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Oct 16, 2019 10:51 pm

Oct 16, 2019 10:51 pm

Jana realizes that a ranged weapon may be useful and also grabs a bow and some arrows.

Jabes.plays.RPG

Oct 17, 2019 6:02 am

Oct 17, 2019 6:02 am

OOC:

Yours is the third watch, Swordsman. Soro already called dibs on second.

The storm finally breaks during the Swordsman's watch. This night, all six moons are obscured by clouds limned in purple. Very few stars can be seen, but you do make out the constellation of The Veil. It is an auspicious night for secrets.

OOC:

The story continues in Chapter 1: Shunet El Zebib.

Index > Game Forums > zz Hiptos: Sands of Fate (on indefinite hiatus)

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Game Details

Characters
- JoHoover
  
  Soro Samma N'Sei