12-06-2011, 10:01 PM
Found a nifty chat log scrubber for FG that allowed me to remove most of the OOC (when people have used it correctly... 
), DM stuff and so on from it. So I present to you the first few sessions of Stranded Eberron campaign for your reminiscencing pleasure. Actually since these are the introduction sessions where Verret had few solo sessions before joining you, you actually haven't seen all this stuff before.
Please don't post anything in this thread. If you want me to post more of following sessions say so in the other Eberron threads. These are logs taken from real-time RP so there are typos, bad writing and so on at times. I've not done any editing besides cutting off some clear OOC talk before and after each session.
Highlights of the first session: Maedor's infamous fighting skills with his spear, Kalanka (who would turn out quite important character later on), and epic fight with a host of undead that left GM asking Verret after each turn if he's going to run yet (it took him long to take the hint)
), DM stuff and so on from it. So I present to you the first few sessions of Stranded Eberron campaign for your reminiscencing pleasure. Actually since these are the introduction sessions where Verret had few solo sessions before joining you, you actually haven't seen all this stuff before. Please don't post anything in this thread. If you want me to post more of following sessions say so in the other Eberron threads. These are logs taken from real-time RP so there are typos, bad writing and so on at times. I've not done any editing besides cutting off some clear OOC talk before and after each session.
Highlights of the first session: Maedor's infamous fighting skills with his spear, Kalanka (who would turn out quite important character later on), and epic fight with a host of undead that left GM asking Verret after each turn if he's going to run yet (it took him long to take the hint
)
Maedor's story begins aboard the Bloodsail ship called Kaellan. It set sail from Port Cairn in Farlden a week ago. Since then the sleek ship has criss crossed between the smaller islands south of the Farlden. Maedor was told that the ship has orders to patrol the waters near Farlden for pirates. The orders have come from the Prince Shaen Tasil himself. At the very moment you're enjoying a break from the monotonous work you've been doing on the ship. So far this has not been at all what you signed up for! No adventures, battles on high seas or even powerful storms.
As the youngest member of the crew Maedor has been mostly doing the unwanted small tasks. Mopping the decks, hauling stuff around and that sort of thing.
The crew consist of mostly of, at least, somewhat devout Blood of Vol believers. They've noted Maedor's certain lack of religion but none has put up an issue with that. Blood of Vol is quite introperspective religion after all
The Kaellan, the Bloodsail, ship itself is a beauty.
Kaellan, as most Bloodsails, is a bit smaller than most human vessels that sail the seas of Lhazaar Principalities. It is immeaditly recognisable from ships of other races. Not only because of the blood red sails, but also the very sleek form, the speed and the strange markings on it bespeak of truly magnificent vessel. Even though Maedor isn't actually that familiar with arcane magic, he can still recognise the power in the markings that run all around the ship on its sides. He does not know the exact nature of the enchantments on them. All in all if you need to sail the seas, this is probably the ship you want to do it in.
At this very moment you're enjoying a small break from your labour. You are currently leaning on the railing of the ship and watching as your eagle, Shrike, does daring plunges next to the ship. Suddenly you are interrupted by a voice behind you...
Elven sailor: Young one!
Maedor Tanthanil: Yes?
As you turn around one of the sailors, you can't remember his name, throws a piece of silky cloth at you.
You see couple of other of the sailors grinning behind him.
Do you catch the cloth?
Maedor Tanthanil catched the cloth.
Elven sailor: Do you think he's ready?
The sailor asks the other ones behind him. They nod in agreement, grinning.
The elven sailor who has done the talking so far points at the top of the mast. You notice a small piece of cloth tied up there, as high as possible.
Elven sailor: It's time you do some real sailor work
Another elven sailor: Yeah, but perhaps we should make things interesting.
As he says this couple of the sailors move out of the way and you notice a young elven woman, Kalanka by her name standing behind them. You've talked to her few times. She's a beautiful elf, just some years older than you. As for you, this is the first trip on the ship for her as well. You've noted her fiery personality before. This time she stands calmly between the older sailors as well. She holds a similar cloth in her hands as well
Elven sailor: What say you, young one? Is your blood strong enough?
Maedor Tanthanil laughs nervously.
Maedor Tanthanil: To be honest, I'm more worried about the strength of arms than the strength of my blood.
Maedor Tanthanil: But I guess there's only one way to find out.
Maedor Tanthanil grins unevenly.
Couple of the sailors grin at your wit. You see Kalanka rolling her eyes at you. You note her very athletic build... as well as the longsword she carries on her back.
Elven sailor: That's the spirit! Alright, tie the cloth around your eyes and we can start. It's simple really, first one to reach the cloth on top of the mast wins.
Kalanka ties the cloth over her eyes without hesitation and gets ready grabbing the netting on the mast.
Maedor Tanthanil somewhat hesitantly follows Kalanka's example, the grin growing fainter.
You hear couple of the sailors muttering something along the lines that you don't have a shot. However you soon forget that as the sailor who's been talking, shouts: ''Go!''
You start climbing up the netting at quick pace. You're actually quite suprised at how easy this is. However you can hear that Kalanka has started climbing up even faster. You hear the sailors down below start hollering.
You start to feel the stronger push of the wind as you get higher. Also you hear Kalanka cursing as you pass her. Apparently she's in trouble, as you hear an ''Oooh!'' from the sailors on the deck.
You nearly lose your handhold and plummet down on the deck. Luckily you grap the netting just at the final moment. You don't make any progress. You can still hear Kalanka cursing below you, she seems to be in trouble as well.
Kalanka: Make a reflex save.
GM: Make a reflex save.
Maedor Tanthanil: How do I do that, exactly?
This time a gust of wind makes you lose your balance. You fall a meter or so but luckily you grap the netting at the final moment. You don't hear Kalanka's curses any more, so either the blood is pounding too heavily in your ears or she's cleared her trouble.
You are still shaken up, and cannot make any progress. Suddenly you hear a cheer from down below. Kalanka has reached the top. You're hanging uncomfortably at half-way up the mast.
Maedor Tanthanil keeps climbing, wanting to finish the test even if he can't win it.
You breath in and out couple of times to calm yourself. Then you clear rest of the climb and reach the top. Do you remove your blindfold now?
Maedor Tanthanil keeps his blindfolk on, waiting a few moments for further instructions.
You hear the sailors congratulating Kalanka down on the deck (she seemed to make a quick way back down). You don't think any advice is coming just now. The race is over.
Maedor Tanthanil takes off the blindfold before running a hand through his hair, and smiles slightly as he enjoys the wind/breeze.
You hear a sharp: ''Kiiiii!'' as Shrike circles the mast.
Maedor Tanthanil smiles at his bird before looking down to see if he needs to come down just yet. He enjoys the feeling the height and the wind gives him.
GM: Give me a spot roll
As you look at the circling eagle, your eyes notice a white sail in the horizon. You don't think anyone else has noticed it yet.
GM: You know you should inform the others immeaditly
Maedor Tanthanil: Hey!
Maedor Tanthanil hollers and points in the direction of the sails.
Few sailors look up from the deck.
Elven sailor: What is it, young one?
They can't see the sail from down on the deck yet.
Maedor Tanthanil: I see sails on the horizon. White ones.
As one elf all the jesting and laughing stops. You follow from your vantage point as one sailor climbs up the other mastl to verify your observation. Warriors begin to arm themselves from the weapon stands and one sailor starts running towards the captain Yaranis.
Kalanka: Get down, Maedor!
Maedor Tanthanil pockets the blindfold and starts making his way down.
As you reach back down on the deck (it's easier without blindfold and going down) you notice that all the warriors are standing ready by the railing, their longbows in their hands and heavy cloaks on them.
Kalanka motions to you. ''Come this way, we need to get out of sight but I know a spot where we can watch.''
Kalanka: Below decks, you are not allowed to carry them here and you doubt the captain would like you handling them just now. You're not here as a warrior.
GM: Below decks, you are not allowed to carry them here and you doubt the captain would like you handling them just now. You're not here as a warrior.
GM: Wrong chat tab again
Maedor Tanthanil follows Kalanka, eager, but slightly nervous.
Kalanka leads you, still walking even taller than usual after winning the race, in the aft of the ship, near the captain. There she crouches behind some barrels near the railing. There is enough room for you both in there, and you can follow the sea from the little holes in the railing but still stay out of sight.
Maedor Tanthanil whispers to Kalanka.
Maedor Tanthanil: Why are they preparing to attack before they've identified the ship properly?
Kalanka grins at you.
Kalanka: They're not. It's just a show for the lesser races. None would dare to fight a Bloodsail!
Maedor Tanthanil: Seems rather aggressive for a show... Let's hope it works; I'm loath to clean the deck for blood.
Maedor Tanthanil grins.
Kalanka seems actually bit annoyed. ''Only blood would be on their deck'', she only says and turns to watch the sea and the apporacthing sail then.
Maedor Tanthanil chuckles.
Maedor Tanthanil: If you say so, miss.
You hear some voices from above. As you glance above you notice that the captain Yaranis Il'Arama is standing right above you on the deck with the wheel. He's looking out at the approaching ship with a spyglass.
Yaranis Il'Arama has a reputation of grimness and humorlessness. He's not a said a word to you but you've noticed how fanatically the warriors and sailors on Kaellan follow him. He's a very tall for an elf, approaching 180 cm. His garb is mostly very weathered and ascetic. Only things that brighten it are the red sash that he wears as a show of his faith in Blood of Vol and the fancy curved elven sword on his belt. The sword contains a bluish gem on the handguard, and you've heard that is where it gets its name Northstar.
Yaranis Il'Arama: It is sailing under Aundarian flag.
The captain turns away from the approaching ship and confers once more with his advisors.
Maedor Tanthanil turns to Kalanka and whispers.
Maedor Tanthanil: What's Aundaria?
Yaranis Il'Arama shrugs. ''It's one or another human land...''
Kalanka shrugs. ''It's one or another human land...''
GM: Damn I keep forgetting this
Maedor Tanthanil: Not such a bad thing that you're getting some practice before you GM the others, then <Edit: Wasn't the only one learning the ropes. OOC is done by pressing ALT down, Verret >
GM: Do you wait for the ship to get closer or do you do something before then?
GM: You can try but it is still bit bullheaded. It might come down, or it might not
GM: Yeah
GM: I see where this is going...
GM: Do you communicate with it in words or whispers or how?
GM: Not whispers but what's the word... It's not actually telepathy
You wait by Kalanka for the foreign, Aundarian, ship to get closer. You notice that the ship tries to first dodge out of the way of Kaellan but as Kaellan follows its movements you see that the other ship concedes and approaches you head on.
Maedor Tanthanil: So much for your theory, Kal.
Maedor Tanthanil whispers.
Kalanka is silent. It only takes couple of minutes for the foreign ship to get close enough for you to see individuals on its decks. At this distance most you see is just frantic movement all over the ship.
Captain Yaranis barks a short order and all the extra sailors and others dodge out of sight like you. The warriors by the railings make themselves even more still. The captain nods satisfied at this and you glide closer.
It takes another long minute of waiting for you, but finally the foreign ship starts to pass by Kaellan's side.
It takes few moments for you to understand the voices you hear from the other ship's deck. But quickly you begin to understand the common. You hear the sailors muttering on it's decks: ''Bloodsail!'' ''Host protect us...''. The crew of the ship seems to be in complete disarray, some hold weapons in their hands looking like they have no idea what to do with them, some just stand still and many hide below decks and behind masts.
In contrast to this everyone on Kaellan is completely silent and still. Only the heads of the warriors move as they follow the people on the other ship. You must admit that this is must be quite an intimidating sight.
As you hungrily observe the people on the other ship (you've only met a handful of people from other races before) you notice few people who stick out.
There is a gleaming warforged stanging a clear head taller than others on the deck. Next to him or it, there is a gnome who looks even smaller next to it. Then there is a colorfully dressed human who must be the captain. He stands rigidly by the feel, staring straight in front of himself. You also notice one woman dressed in metal armor looking bravely at the elven warriors. She has a some sort of a silver amulet around her neck.
GM: *by the wheel
As the ship passes you finally note the name written on its side, Fairwind. The passing only took 20 or so seconds, even though it felt much longer. As the ship falls behind you, Yaranis barks another command and the warriors relax and rest of the crew comes out from hiding.
Kalanka stands up. ''I think I was right.''
Maedor Tanthanil: Indeed you were, miss.
Maedor Tanthanil grins unevenly.
Maedor Tanthanil: And good thing that you were.
Maedor Tanthanil: If those were soldiers, I doubt they'd stand by so meekly.
Kalanka grunts satisfied. ''You should use your turn in the hammock. It'll be my turn in several hours. And don't make a mess of it this time!''
GM: You share a hammock where you sleep in turns
GM: Or meditate
You are indeed feeling bit tired so meditating doesn't sound like a bad idea
Maedor Tanthanil chuckles. "No promises, Kal."
Kalanka: And stop calling me Kal!
Kalanka hurries off to do her duties.
Maedor Tanthanil just laughs and walks towards wherever the entrance to the sleeping quarters is, whistling a merry tune.
As you've descended down below the decks, you hear a heated conversation from behind some crates in the cargo hold.
Elven sailor: ...have you ever heard Prince Tasil sending this many Bloodsails after some pirate scum. And there even isn't any pirates here! We've been sailing a week and nothing. No, it can't be that.''
Another elven sailor: What then?
Elven sailor: Well... I heard that someone raided a ship, a human ship, that was bringing something for the Prince. Something valuable from south. Maybe all the Bloodsails are looking for that
Another elven sailor: Hah. Will you ever learn not to believe every rumour?
From there on the conversation seems to turn into more mundane matters.
Maedor Tanthanil pretends to be beckoning for Shrike to come to him in order to appear inconspicious while he listens in on the conversation.
GM: Shrike doesn't come below decks. It sleep up in the mast when you're below decks
You manage to get to the hammock without any further interruptions.
GM: They didn't seem to notice you
You lie down on the hammock and start regaining your strenght. You drift away...
Maedor wakes up, not so much due to any noise. Rather he can feel strange sensation in the air, wary and waiting. Most of the noises of the ship are silent. Maedor can just hear a faint cracking noise just at the edge of his hearing.
You are laying in your hammock, bit confused and worried. All the other hammocks are empty.
Maedor Tanthanil opened his eyes wide, peering about at the empty hammocks; 'Damn, is the ship crashing?'. He sits up and looks about.
You see the empty hammocks. The ship is still waving slightly like it does when sailing. In fact you think the waves have picked up a bit.
Maedor Tanthanil gets up and crouches towards the exit, moving as silently as he can, and listening intently for any sounds.
You don't move particulary silently but as you approach the stairs you start to pick up talking in elvish. The voices sound worried.
Maedor Tanthanil is calmed by the sound of voices in a familiar language. He waits at the bottom of the stairs for a bit, still listening intently, and looking up if the exit isn't blocked by a door or similar obstacle.
There is nothing blocking the view up on the deck. Actually you see couple of familiar elven sailors looking out to see and pointing at something.
Elven sailor: ...By the blood of ancestors. Have you ever seen anything like that?
GM: *out to sea
Maedor Tanthanil raises an eyebrow, his curiosity having been awakened, and starts climbing the stairs as silently as he can while seeming casual.
You reach the deck. You see many sailors standing in small groups. Everyone is looking west with a worried expression. As you turn your head out to the sea you see that...
Most of the western horizon is a dark mass of clouds and storm waves. A single lighting strike lights up the darkness occasionaly. Most of the elven sailors are starting out towards it and talking quietly. Maedor can sense the nervousness in the air. In the aft of the ship the captain is in heated discussion with his advisors.
Pretty much the whole horizon to the west is filled with very dark clouds. And lightning storms this late in autumn alone are enough to cause worry.
GM: Kalanka is the closest one to you perhaps. You've only been on the ship for a week when most of them have been sailing together for decades if not centuries.
In fact you suddenly hear a familiar voice as Kalanka shouts:
Kalanka: There you are!
Kalanka hurries to you. ''Have you seen it?''
The wind has picked up and keeps blowing her hair over her eyes. She keeps pushing it back annoyed.
Maedor Tanthanil raises an eyebrow as one side of his mouth raises in one of his trademark uneven smiles. "If you're referring to the black abyss of nightmares that is the western sky, then yes, I've seen it."
Kalanka looks up to west. ''...yeah.''
Maedor Tanthanil: By, the way, I forgot to congratulate you on your victory earlier.
Maedor Tanthanil bows graciously. "Congratulations. A well earned victory."
Kalanka nods. ''It was hardly a race.''
Maedor Tanthanil: The sailors seemed to disagree with that notion, but I appreciate the sportsmanship.
Maedor Tanthanil: Now, what's up with the end of the world over there.
Kalanka: Eh, I meant... Forget it, young one.
Maedor Tanthanil points to the western horizon.
Kalanka shrugs and glances up at the captain.
At that very moment the conversation the captain has been having with his closest crewmen ceases and his first mate bellows out the commands. To west.
Kalanka smiles. ''I suppose we'll see for ourselves. Hang on when it hits.''
Maedor Tanthanil raises a skeptical eyebrow. "I always wanted to die at sea, in a dark thunderstom, after sailing willingly into it like a moth to a flame..."
Maedor Tanthanil: Ah well...
Kalanka grins even wider. ''You worry too much.''
Shrike has come down and you see it's behind some barrels, actually in the same spot you spied the Fairwind from.
As you talk the crew has begun working, the ship lurches in the waves as it starts speeding towards the darkness.
Maedor Tanthanil: Generally, I worry too little, but I'm not a very good swimmer...
Also the sky has turned dark now. It is night time
Or early evening.
Kalanka: You're on a Bloodsail!
As the ship approaches the storm Kalanka nearly pulls you to follow her. ''Come!'' She heads to the bow of the ship.
Maedor Tanthanil releases a barely audible sigh and follows.
The lurching of the ship in waves is really intense in the bow. You nearly lose your balance few times. Kalanka walks steadily though. You see her bracing herself against the railing, pulling her sword from her back and letting out a primal scream as the storm blows her hair and clothes back at full force.
Few crewmen glance at her, grinning.
Maedor Tanthanil grins as he stands next to her, gripping the railing with both hands, just a little tighter than absolutely necessary. "Be careful where you wave that thing, miss. I'd prefer to keep the amount of holes in me to a minimum in case I actually do end up in the water."
Kalanka doesn't appear to hear you. She has closed her eyes.
Maedor Tanthanil shrugs and throws a glance over to where Shrike is sitting, pleased that the bird, at least, has the common sense to buckle down. Then he turns towards the western horizon and looks it over carefully, wary of any secrets it might hold.
GM: Roll away
You note that something about the storm just feels off. It's too big. It can't be completely natural.
Maedor Tanthanil: Hey, Kal, I've got a bad feeling about this. Something just isn't right about that storm.
Maedor Tanthanil has a hint of concern in his voice.
Kalanka gets down and glances at you. ''Maybe.''
Kalanka starts heading back to the middle of the ship. She glances at you almost embarassed.
Maedor Tanthanil barely notices Kalanka leaving his side, as he stares intently to the west and slowly shakes his head.
Maedor Tanthanil speaks in a very low voice "Not good..."
You watch the storm, and the ship draws closer to it.
As the storm fills almost the whole horizon the ship's wizard, a quiet figure you've hardly seen during the whole trip so far, steps in middle of the deck. You notice that the other sailors give her a wide berth immeaditly. In the open area she begins to weave spells. The markings on the sides of the ship begin glowing. They pulse light. Brighter and dimmer, brighter and dimmer. You notice that as the wizard continues to weave the magic, the runes pulse ever faster and brighter. After ten or so seconds there is a bright flash of light and after that the runes dim back to their normal state. The wizard stands silently and still in the same spot. You note a shimmering in the air around the ship. It is hard to catch but there is something in the air enveloping the ship.
You notice how sprays of water deflect off the magic in the air around the ship.
Do you return back to middle of the ship? It's getting really nauseating in the bow
Well you knew the woman is a wizard so...
Maedor Tanthanil steps away from the railing, throwing a last glance eastward to see if he can still see calm waters there, and looking for anything else that might be there while he's at it. Then he gets back to the middle of the ship.
You make your way slowly back to the middle of the ship, dodging sailors doing their work and trying to keep your balance. All of a sudden, as you reach the middle of the ship and Kalanka, it gets very dark. You glance behind you and up to the sky. You are inside the storm.
You notice the strangest thing immeaditly. There is ice forming against the magical shield over the ship. The ice forms in sudden bursts. It is completely unlike anything you've ever seen even though you've lived middle of snow and ice your whole life. Not only that but the lightning criss cross against the sky and you can swear that you see some hit straight at the shield. The ship's going is really rough now too, as the deck keeps lurching by tens of degrees as it rides from a wave to another.
The ship's wizard still stands in the same spot. Only now she holds on to the mast with another hand as she uses the other one to make strange motions in the air. You can just see her mouth from under her hood. It is forming constantly new words.
Kalanka: Look!
Kalanka suddenly points at the bow of the ship.
Maedor Tanthanil spins about to look.
At first you don't notice anything against the dark sky. But then you see it. And as you see it, it fills you with dread. The shield that was around the ship starts ripping apart.
The first thing you notice is the sound. You realize now that you could hardly hear any of the storms sound through the shield but now as it booms with all its might, it almost deafens you. You don't have time to worry about that as the storm winds hit the people on the deck.
Maedor Tanthanil utters a single word before the wind hits him. "Fuck."
You manage to stay on your feet even as the winds hit you. That allows you to witness something strange, and terrifying. You notice this shimmering sliver of air speeding along the winds, almost a lance of shimmering air. It flies through the deck and people it hits, freeze solid in moments.
You've barely grasped at what has happened as you note even more of the lances heading towards the ship.
It's moving bit chaotically but that one moved just above the deck. Maybe 1 meter or so abover it
Maedor Tanthanil grabs Kalanka by the arm. "Quickly! Let's get under deck!" and runs towards the stairs, looking for Shrike as he does.
You cannot spot Shrike and as you get closer to the stairs you hear omnious creak behind you. One of the slivers hit the mast and it's falling down. On you.
GM: Reflex Save please.
You manage to dive out of the way in time but as you do so, you let go of Kalanka. She is not as quick as you this time and she is hit with the sail part of the mast. She is hidden from your sight by it.
GM: Yeah
GM: You don't think she was hit with the wooden mast itself
Maedor Tanthanil can't suppress a slight uneven smile, even with the situation being as it is. "Stop loitering and get a move on, Kal!" he yells, while running onwards towards the stairs and looking desperately for Shrike. He figures Kalanka will be relatively safe underneath the sails even if she doesn't manage to get out on her own, and knows tha the can't help her in any case due to his lack of a knife or similar object to cut her loose.
You don't notice any movement below the sails. But as you glance at her direction you notice that something strange is happening to the people that have frozen solid; one by one they burst into tiny pecks of ice and snow and are blown into the storm winds.
GM: No
As you reach the stairs and rush below the deck you do hear a familiar high pitched ''Kiii!''. Shrike is perched on top of one cargo crate below the decks.
You notice that few other sailors have taken cover below decks as well.
Maedor Tanthanil stumbles in through the door, and starts his descent, screaming "Your feathery ass better be down he-" Before he sees the bird. "That's a good fowl!"
Below the decks the only thing that reminds you off the storm is the violent lurching of the ship and the sounds of destruction from above. What do you do?
GM: All kinds. So you wait out in here?
GM: They are quite close
Maedor Tanthanil runs over to fetch his weapons, strapping on the belt with the bow and arrows and the harness with the sheathed spear, before gently grabbing Shrike and taking the bird behind a crate to hide, preferably one with a bunch of ropes, nets, sails or similar objects behind it in order to cushion the blows from the storm.
You find a good spot to wait out the storm. You soon get the feeling that the ship is just drifting through the storm. The sailors below the decks are silent, just listening to the sounds of the storm.
Then as soon as the storm began, you feel the ship lurch one final time and then settle into a more steady going. The sounds of the storm quiet down gradually as well.
Maedor Tanthanil whispers a stern "Stay." to Shrike, hoping the bird will listen, and hurries over to the stairs before climbing them swiftly but carefully to peek up at the deck of the ship.
You weren't below decks more than 10 minutes the most.
Maedor Tanthanil stops to listen for just a moment before he climbs the stairs.
Maedor Tanthanil is a bit paranoid at times.
You still hear the storm in distance but you also hear some elven voices from the deck. Most notably you think you recognise the voice of the captain.
Maedor Tanthanil walks out onto the deck.
For once the bird does as told. As you've climbed up the stairs with the other sailors you notice the full extend of the destruction. One of the masts is gone, railings along the ship are mostly in splinters, the ship is lurching a bit to one side (it must have taken some water) and the sails are in pieces.
What you don't see is bodies. There is only one body, but as you look at the sailors still on the deck, you quickly estimate that there is only 1/3 of the crew left.
GM: It is a body of one of the sailors, you cannot remember her name.
GM: It looks like she had hit her head and died from the trauma
Some of the other sailors quickly clear her to the side and put a blanket over her.
After you've taken in the destruction of the ship you raise your eyes to examine the sea around you. The storm you just passed is still the ominous wall of darkness only now it fills your eastern horizon. The air is also filled with a thick fog. And even as you look, the wall of dark clouds starts to disappear in it.
GM: No but the mast and sail are still where they crashed.
Maedor Tanthanil throws a casual glance over to where he last saw Kalanka, considering walking over to check on her. First, however, he looks to the captain to see if his presence is required in any way.
The captain, as usual, doesn't seem to miss you even if he realizes you exist.
GM: *if he even
The captain is barking orders that the sailors are rushing to fullfill. Replacing the sail on the final mast, checking for leaks and so on
Maedor Tanthanil strolls over to where he last saw Kalanka, and tries to locate her.
You notice a bumb under the sail that might very well be her.
Maedor Tanthanil gently lifts the sail to see if he can spot her underneath it.
There's a tear quite near the bumb and as you look under the sail, Kalanka is indeed in there.
GM: *tear in the sail
Maedor Tanthanil: Hey, Kal, you awake?
Kalanka: Kalanka moans and tries to sit up. She looks around confused, spots you and starts crawling towards the tear.
Kalanka moans and tries to sit up. She looks around confused, spots you and starts crawling towards the tear.
Maedor Tanthanil holds the sail up to ease her exit.
Kalanka crawls from underneath it. You see that she has a large bruise on her forehead but she seems to be fine other than that.
Maedor Tanthanil fails to suppress a slight chuckle. "Oh, Kal... you truly are the mistress of masts today."
Kalanka is about to answer you but instead she stares past you, forgetting her mouth open.
You notice other sailors looking in the same direction as well.
Maedor Tanthanil spins around, dropping the sail.
From middle of the fog you see land apporoaching. You see harsh cliffs and mountians that reach up until they disappear in the fog.
Captain shouts out order to change course to move along the land.
After he is pleased with the course of the ship, you see the captain start examining his maps with few other crew men. He works as if he just didn't lose 2/3 of his crew.
Kalanka: I wonder where we are...
Maedor Tanthanil: Looks like the captain does as well.
Sailors light few more torches as the ship sails on along the coast of the mysterious land.
Maedor Tanthanil: Want me to take a look at that bruise?
Kalanka brushes you off. ''It's fine.''
Maedor Tanthanil just shakes his head with one of his uneven smiles in place. "I guess your head wasn't in that great a condition to begin with."
Maedor Tanthanil: What's one more bruise?
You sail along the coast for an hour without any change. The sailors try to fix what they can on the ship and the captain examines his maps and the coast next to them. You and Kalanka just try to stay out of the feet of the others mostly.
Then you see the first sign of something new on the coast. A shadowy form of a building. And then another. And another. Soon Kaellan reaches a port.
Kaellan slides silently into the port of the human town. You hear no sounds from the city even though the ship slides through the water nearly silently. There is no noises or sound coming from the town or the port. The ever present fog and the darkness of night hide most of the town from Maedor's eyes. Maedor can see the port though. There are no large ships in it. Only few smaller boats are still tied in it. They look like as if storm waves have smashed them against the harbor though and few of them are half sunken in water.
As you reach the port, you hear talk from the maps where the captain has been. You hear the words: ''Twins Islands.''
Maedor Tanthanil: Well, this place isn't eerie at all...
Kalanka: There are no people...
Maedor Tanthanil: An astute observation.
Despite your reservations you hear the captain give out the order to dock. Kaellan slides easily into the large port despite the damage to it. It is tied quickly into the port.
Maedor Tanthanil: back
Yaranis Il'Arama: Aellani! You are in charge. I will take a unit to scout the town. You will do the repairs you can, we will be back within four hours.
You see how captain Yaranis quickly forms up most of the men he still has and only leaves a skeleton crew on the boat. Kalanka and you are left on the boat as well.
You watch on as the elves march into the town, disappearing quickly into the mist. You notice Kalanka fingering the hilt of her blade nervously as she looks after them.
Maedor Tanthanil: What do you reckon this is all about, Kal?
Kalanka doesn't get a chance to answer as a voice interrupts you.
Aellani: You two! Get to work!
Aellani is a small elven woman. She has been on Kaellan even longer than captain Yaranis.
She points you two in work moving broken pieces of wood and sails around.
For the next several hours you don't get a chance to wonder much about the mysterious land. But as the 4 hour mark draws closer and there's no sign of the captain the sailors begin to shoot nervous glances into the port.
As you reach the 5th hour since the captain left, and the sun is rising, Aellani calls everyone to gather.
Aellani: I know what you are all thinking about. But you all know me, and I'll be damned if we leave this port without captain Yaranis. I need someone to go after Captain and his men.
Aellani looks around and almost immeaditly Kalanka steps forward.
Kalanka: I'll find him!
Maedor Tanthanil looks at the other people present for a moment, then sighs heavily.
Maedor Tanthanil: I suppose I could join the search as well. Just standing around doing nothi- working. Just staying here working is getting old.
Kalanka grins. ''Of course you're coming.''
Aellani interrupts her though. ''Look, don't play heroes. Find out if the captain is still alive, if he has met his better then you have no chance against what is in there. Just... Just be careful.''
Kalanka nods.
Maedor Tanthanil gives a slight bow. "Being careful is my specialty."
Aellani: Very well. Off you go then. We'll wait here as long as we can.
Kalanka is the first one to step on the plank and get on land. She glances behind her for you to follow.
Maedor Tanthanil mutters, mostly to himself: "How comforting..."
Maedor Tanthanil follows Kalanka with a casual gait.
Kalanka: You've never before seen a human town. From what you can say from the shacks and dirty streets of the port, you're not impressed. The houses that are little more than shacks lean on each other and many seem to be in bad disrepair.
You've never before seen a human town. From what you can say from the shacks and dirty streets of the port, you're not impressed. The houses that are little more than shacks lean on each other and many seem to be in bad disrepair.
You do not see any signs of living people but then again the fog allows you to see only 50 or so meters in front of you. The sun is only a little brighter blod in the sky
GM: *blob
Maedor Tanthanil grins. "I guess this explains why the town is deserted, eh?"
Maedor Tanthanil: I wouldn't live in this scrap heap either.
Kalanka: I've heard that humans live in filth
Maedor Tanthanil: I see nothing to indicate the contrary.
GM: Do you want to start tracking the Captain's party?
GM: Make a survival check then
You find their trail easily at first in the muddy ground of the port but only after 50 meters or so the road changes into a stone street and you can't find any signs of the group's passing any more. All you can say is that they were headin north.
Kalanka: Where now?
Maedor Tanthanil: Well, the trail appears to be going north, but I've lost it, so I can't know if they've suddenly changed direction.
Kalanka: I thought you knew how to track!
Maedor Tanthanil: Can a good swimmer breathe underwater? No? Well, what makes you think a tracker, who's never even claimed to be particularly good, can see footprints in the bare stone?
As you argue you suddenly hear a sort of scraping noise. It is almost like clawed feet running on a stone.
Maedor Tanthanil whispers. "Shit, you heard that?"
Kalanka nods and pulls out her sword. She holds onto it with both her hands and scans the fog.
Maedor Tanthanil gets out his spear, holding it ready.
After 15 seconds of hearing the noise getting closer you see the two figures. They are circling around you, two canine like creatures.
GM: Roll initiative
GM: Also for Shrike
GM: Order of action is Kalanka, dog, dog, Shrike and you final
GM: Lets start the combat
Kalanka
Kalanka: Stay close to me.
Kalanka raises her sword and readies an action to strike the dog on the left if it charges.
Dog 1
The feral dog charges Kalanka as she suspected. As it gets closer you notice the mangy and malnourished look on it. You suspect that the dog might have once had a human master but now it has gone feral.
Kalanka was ready for the dog though and as it draws closer its jaws ready to tear at her leg, Jalanka brings her sword down. She cleaves the dogs head straight off.
The other dog charges you from the other direction. It is aiming for you though.
Dog 2
You manage to kick its jaws to side as it tries to bite at you.
Shrike
Kalanka: You can move Shrike yourself. She can attack the dog now as she feels threathened
GM: You can move Shrike yourself. She can attack the dog now as she feels threathened
Shrike: Well, Shrike didn't, so...
GM: The wouldn't matter here though.
Shrike flies at the feral dog and tries to grap on to it with her claws. She tears at air though.
Maedor Tanthanil
You strike your spear into the ground and break off its tip. It'll only work as a quarterstaff from now on.
Kalanka
Kalanka steps next to the dog and brings out the already bloodied sword down on it. Kalanka misses though as the dog jumps to the side, snarling.
Dog 1
Dog 2
The dog turns it attention at the new attacker but it can't get close to Kalanka.
Shrike
GM: Roll damage twice
Shrike's talon first rips onto the dogs side and after that she brings her beak on its head. The dog yelps but is still standing.
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: You can attack with it like before. We'll just change the dmg if you hit
GM: We can make the adjustments later
GM: Heh... Also you can emote your own attacks if you like
The broken spear doesn't hit even as a quarterstaff.
Kalanka
As the dog sidesteps your swing, Kalanka is able to suprise the dog and skewer its side with a thrust.
Kalanka cleans her blade on the dogs fur before putting the sword back on the back. She then grins at you.
Maedor Tanthanil: Well fought, Kal.
Kalanka: They were just mangy dogs
Maedor Tanthanil lets Shrike land on his outstretched hand. "And you, Shrike."
Maedor Tanthanil: And I was just being polite.
Maedor Tanthanil grins.
Maedor Tanthanil: I find my manners always go a few steps up when I'm talking to people with bloodied weapons. It's a most curious phenomenon.
GM: Blood is power. It's not strange at all.
Kalanka: Blood is power. It's not strange at all.
Maedor Tanthanil: I didn't-
Maedor Tanthanil: Ugh, nevermind
Maedor Tanthanil: Let's see if we can find the damn captain, shall we?
Kalanka nods.
GM: Do you continue north?
GM: You can try finding the tracks from here, sure
Maedor Tanthanil looks around for any trace of the captain's party.
You find couple of marks of elven boots near a muddy pool that is on the stone road. It seems like they are still heading north.
Maedor Tanthanil: Let's keep heading north.
As you start following the tracks north you notice the land is raising a little. Also you start to see occasional stone houses among the wooden shacks. You even go past few shops and such.
Maedor Tanthanil fastens the quarterstaff in the harness on his back.
GM: Of course. It'll likely take some time though to search through them all.
Maedor Tanthanil keeps heading north.
You've walked maybe 200 meters from the spot where you fought the dogs as you come across a curious scene. You see a two storey stone house with heavy barricade on its main door. There are couple of corpses by the barricade. They are riddled with arrows.
GM: You can't tell from where you are standing.
Maedor Tanthanil: Should we move closer?
Kalanka: Yeah
Kalanka moves closer.
Kalanka: They are just bodies.
Maedor Tanthanil follows, warily, listening and looking about intently.
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm more worried about what killed them, to be honest.
As you reach the bodies you note that the arrows appear to be in fact crossbow bolts and the corpses themselves are quite old.
GM: You are already following a trail
Suddenly you hear a bang from above you as a wooden window cover is opened and a coarse voice shouts:
Lamont: Are you dead or alive basterds?!
All you can see above you is a face full of dark hair and a heavy crossbow aimed down into the street.
GM: Btw you didn't notice anything of value on the corpses, actually even their clothes were really ragged.
Maedor Tanthanil looks up, and gets a very concerned look on his face. "Unless you're addressing the merry gentlemen at your doorstep, I can assure you that we're most certainly among the living." With a nervous glance at the crossbow, he added "At least for the time being."
Lamont: Hah! For the time being! I like that! Dead basterds don't have sense of humor so maybe you are living then
Lamont doesn't lower his crossbow though.
Maedor Tanthanil throws a glance over at Kalanka, curious to see her reaction to the man in the window.
Kalanka actually seems rather confused for the time being. She has her hand halfway up to the sword on her back but she doesn't seem inclined to finish that move just yet.
Maedor Tanthanil: Lower your hand, Kal. I can almost guarantee he can pull that trigger faster than you can draw out your sword, run up there, and stab him with it. Almost.
Kalanka shrugs and lowers her hand.
Lamont: That'ta girl! I can see we'll get along just fine
Maedor Tanthanil then addresses the man in the window.
Maedor Tanthanil: I think we missed our formal introductions, my good sir.
Maedor Tanthanil: My name is Maedor, and this is Kal. We're just passing through the area, and really don't want any trouble.
Lamont: Then you must be lost! Welcome to New Arden! Inhabitants: Lamont and thousand dead basterds!
Lamont laughs heartily which turn into coughs halfway through.
Maedor Tanthanil: A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lamont. I'd shake, but... Yeah, I'm sure you understand.
Lamont: So, what are you doing on my street?
Maedor Tanthanil: I was getting to that, actually.
Maedor Tanthanil clears his throat somewhat nervously, but keeps his composure.
Maedor Tanthanil: We're looking for some friends of ours, in fact.
Lamont puts some sort of cigarette in his mouth, strikes a match against the wooden wall and lights the cigarette. All the while holding the crossbow aimed at you with one hand.
Maedor Tanthanil: I'd give you descriptions, but I'm sure you'll know who I'm talking about without them, seeing as it appears our kind is rather rare around these parts.
Lamont: Piss-important looking elf and his merry band?
Maedor Tanthanil: That would be them.
Maedor Tanthanil: Unless they've given you trouble, of course, in which case we're not affiliated with them in any way shape or form.
Maedor Tanthanil adds a nervous chuckle.
Lamont: Yeah, yeah. I might have seen 'em. Didn't talk to 'em, they looked like trouble.
Lamont: Say, you don't happen to have any food with you?
Maedor Tanthanil: Kal?
Maedor Tanthanil looks at Kalanka.
Kalanka shakes her head.
Maedor Tanthanil shrugs.
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm sorry, my good sir. We didn't expect to stay for long.
Lamont: What about that bird? It looks like it has few meals in it. Nothing like little chicken soup
Maedor Tanthanil smiles unevenly. "If you're in a dire need, we did leave two dog carcasses just down the street.
Lamont: Dire? That's what I call a feast! Bring 'em here!
Maedor Tanthanil: Kal? Would you be so kind?
Kalanka rolls her eyes as she starts trekking back.
Lamont: Wifey?
Maedor Tanthanil: An acquaintance.
Lamont: Shame. Had a missus' once. Poor thing was eaten, I think.
Maedor Tanthanil: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Maedor Tanthanil nods to the corpses. "What about these? Dinner guests?"
Lamont: Bah, dead basterds only want to eat Lamont.
Maedor Tanthanil: Yeah, about that...
Maedor Tanthanil: What's the deal with this town?
Lamont: What you mean?
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm unaccustomed to human port towns, I admit, but something tells me that this isn't exactly the natural state of affairs in one.
Lamont: Ach, yeah. There's usually more whores!
Lamont lets out another laugh that ends up in coughing spell.
Maedor Tanthanil laughs, less nervously than earlier.
Maedor Tanthanil: Say, that's a nice crossbow you have there. Got these bastards here with it, right?
Maedor Tanthanil points to the dead bodies.
Lamont: Yup and its sister.
Lamont swings his other hand visible which is holding another heavy crossbow. Now you have twice the firepower aimed at you.
Maedor Tanthanil pulls at his collar.
Maedor Tanthanil: Nice.
Kalanka returns with the two mangy dog corpses on her shoulders. She drops them in front of you. ''There.'' Then she walks away and sits down on a old bench few meters away from you.
Lamont: You sure she's not your missus?
Maedor Tanthanil lifts up a dog carcass and hold it in front of him, raised a bit higher than natural holding position.
Maedor Tanthanil: Positive.
Maedor Tanthanil: Is the feast approved?
Lamont pulls out the crossbows out of the window and lowers a rope into the street.
Maedor Tanthanil hesitates for a moment, throws a glance over his shoulder at Kalanka, shrugs, and proceeds to drag the dog carcasses over to the rope in order to start fastening them.
Lamont pulls them up as soon as they are fastened.
Maedor Tanthanil: So...
Maedor Tanthanil clears his throat.
Maedor Tanthanil: Say, you wouldn't be so kind as to tell me what direction those guys passing through here earlier went?
Lamont: Ach, yeah. Lemme see. Take a left at Mason's street and then right from next crossing. You can find your friends there.
Maedor Tanthanil: Oh... You said very certain of that fact.
Maedor Tanthanil: Uh... is there anything I should be aware of before I go seek them out?
Lamont doesn't answer but disappears from the window for a moment. After a few moments you see a quiver falling out of the window at your feet. ''Use those, kid.''
You see a quiver full of arrows with very heavy and broad heads. The sides of the arrowheads are serrated.
GM: You can mark 20 Ripper arrows in your invetory.
Lamont bangs shut the window cover as you examine the arrows.
Maedor Tanthanil: Why, thank you, sir Lamont.
Maedor Tanthanil shakes his head.
Kalanka: Can we go now?
Maedor Tanthanil: My life is no longer flashing before my eyes, so I believe we can, yes.
Maedor Tanthanil: However.
Kalanka stands up.
Maedor Tanthanil points at the new set of arrows.
Kalanka: They look heavy
Maedor Tanthanil: This does not bode well.
Maedor Tanthanil: Yeah, they are. Well, kinda.
Maedor Tanthanil: Anyway, did you notice how his response to my query regarding the status of our captain and his men was to arm me with better weapons?
Kalanka glances at ground and doesn't say anything.
Maedor Tanthanil: What does that suggest, you think?
Kalanka: Eh... I don't know
Maedor Tanthanil sighs.
Maedor Tanthanil: Stay down, stay quiet, and, most importantly, stay alert.
Maedor Tanthanil: No, wait.
Maedor Tanthanil: Most importantly; don't do anything rushed.
Maedor Tanthanil: Now, let's go find them.
Maedor Tanthanil: Silently.
Kalanka: Finally
Maedor Tanthanil: And what do we not do when we see them?
Kalanka: Just lead on, young one
Kalanka grins.
Maedor Tanthanil sighs.
Maedor Tanthanil beckons Kalanka to follow him quietly.
Kalanka does.
You realize the spot is really close as you reach the Mason street just 100 meters to the north and the turn Lamont told you to take is just 20 meters after that. You see an alley that seems to open up into some sort of larger area ahead.
Maedor Tanthanil: Shhh...
Maedor Tanthanil puts a finger to his lips, sneaks over to the end of the alley, and peers into the fog.
Kalanka follows on your heels.
GM: Roll move silently
Even though you move very quietly, Kalanka kicks a rock accidentaly that rolls across the street loudly and just as you look into the clearing...
The bodies of the elves are scattered on the small open area between stone buildings. The area looks like it used to have been a park. It is a battlefield now. The bodies of the elves have fallen in a roughly circular pattern in middle of the small park, around few trees. You notice a fine elven blade, the one of the captain, buried in the tree. Below it you notice the body of the captain, his hand still reaching up and holding onto the sword. You recognise him as the captain from his cloths. Most of his face is missing. Around the fallen elves is at least doubly the amount of bodies of mostly humans, but there are those of elves, dwarves and other races among them too. Their clothes are very ragged, some are practically naked. Most shockingly you note that many of them are partly rotten already. You note most of this in a blink of an eye because your attention is immeaditly drawn onto the figure kneeling next to one of the elven corpses. It raises its half-rotten face and lurches towards you...
GM: Roll inititative
Shrike
Shrike flies over to Maedor, circling him and preparing to attack the walking corpse if it threatens it or its master.
Kalanka
GM lets out a scream and charges the undead.
Kalanka lets out a scream and charges the undead.
But Kal misses.
Zombie, Human Commoner
Maedor Tanthanil speaks in a hushed but firm voice "Fuck! You're going to attract every single one of those things left standing in this town!"
Cut-in-half zombie
You hear a scraping noise to you left and see a zombie without legs crawling at you.
Zombie, Human Commoner
You see as zombie swings his arm at Kal and almost topples her over.
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: The 8 squares around you, you can hit
Maedor Tanthanil pulls out his staff and brings it down on the crawling zombie.
GM: Roll dmg
You swing your staff hard at the zombie but it doesn't seem to have much of an effect.
Shrike
Shrike: can't charge now, right?
GM: Too close to the zombie. Needs to move 2 squares at least
GM: Charge is a full round action so you can't do it if you've used your move action
GM: Does Shrike attack?
Shrike flies right at the zombie, attempting to strike at it with its talons.
GM: Roll dmg
Shrike deals just a small cut on the zombie's outstretched arm.
Kalanka
Kal seems stunned from the punch of the zombie still and misses.
Cut-in-half zombie
1/2- zombie tries to reach for your leg but you kick his arm away easily.
Zombie, Human Commoner
The other zombie misses too.
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: Ah, time to talk about threathened squares.
Maedor Tanthanil: just move the piece onto the block it's standing on
GM: It's a grapple check. Roll with your grapple modifier to see if it hits.
The zombie gets its hand on you but you muscle away from his grasp.
GM: Do you do something else as well?
GM: Yeah, you'll use free action to drop the staff and standard to equip bow
GM: The staff will be on the ground then though
Maedor Tanthanil repositions himself in order to be able to cover both Shrike and Kalanka.
GM: To put weapon back in the sheath takes another standard action
GM: You can change standard into move action, they are worht the same
GM: So you could shoot with the bow this turn too
GM: Yeah, I always forget that rule but it makes sense doesn't it. You can pull out a weapon while you move at relatively slow pace
GM: Alright shoot then
Maedor Tanthanil: shouldn't my staff be marked somewhere?
GM: That's where it is
GM: Also note which arrows you shoot
Maedor Tanthanil is about to pull out one of his own arrows when he remembers what the loony had told him. Despite the man's less fortunate qualities, he seemed to know well how to kill these things.
Maedor Tanthanil puts a ripper arrow to his bowstring, and fires at the crawling zombie.
GM: You get -6 on the attack roll as the zombie is in melee with friendly and it's prone
GM: Just scroll the modifier box into -6 before rolling the attack
The arrow hits the crawling zombie in the back. As it hits the creatures meat the head shatters and leaves a huge wound on it's back
GM: No, but they do slashing damage
Shrike
The zombie is still moving though
Shrike is encouraged by the opponent's injuries, and swipes in for a full attack.
GM: 2nd attack is a threat to become critical. Reroll that attack (only that!)
GM: It's only regular hit
Shrike pretty much rips the poor undead apart.
Kalanka
Kalanka still can't hit the zombie.
Zombie, Human Commoner
Zombie lurches towards Kal but she is able to evade it.
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: Remember to click new target on the map, makes my life easier
Maedor Tanthanil repositions to get a better view of the remaining opponent. As he stands there ready to fire, he throws a nervous glance at the dead captain, and almost shudders. He then fires another ripper arrow at the commoner zombie.
GM: dmg
The arrow causes a small wound on the zombies leg.
Shrike
GM: Yeah but make a straight line
Shrike swipes at air
Kalanka
Kalanka has her weapon stuck under the zombies arm and she can't still hit the thing.
Zombie, Human Commoner
The zombie smashes Kalanka again. This time it hits her in the stomach and Kal goes almost double.
Maedor Tanthanil
Kal seems to be swaying badly now.
Maedor Tanthanil prepares another arrow, and fires it at the zombie.
Shrike
Shrike goes for a full attack on the zombie.
Shrike reshapes the zombie's face by ripping most of the meat out of it. It is still standing though.
Kalanka
Kalanka gets her sword finally free and she swings the head off the zombie.
However, just as you thought you were done, 2 more lurch out of the fog.
Zombie, Human Commoner 1
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
Maedor Tanthanil
You realize that your fighting has caused alot of noise.
Maedor Tanthanil goes over to his allies, to cover them as the undead approach.
GM: Do you shoot?
GM: Also you don't have LoS to the other one due to house corner
Maedor Tanthanil fires a regular arrow at the zombie he sees.
Arrow ends up through a second floor window.
Shrike
Shrike circles his allies for the time being, prepared to strike at any zombie that threatens them.
Kalanka
GM wheezes and glances at you. She is clearly in bad shape.
Kalanka wheezes and glances at you. She is clearly in bad shape.
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Another zombie appears
Maedor Tanthanil
Maedor Tanthanil fires another regular arrow at his target.
GM: Roll twice the damage
GM: Ah, 3x then
The arrow goes straight through the zombies head. Still it doesn't seem to have that big of an effect on the creature.
GM: Do you move?
Shrike
GM: Don't move in the zombies square
Shrike charges at the nearest zombie.
GM:
Shrike slashes lightly at the creature.
Kalanka
GM graps you by the shoulder and shouts: ''We need to go! Now!'' After which she starts to make her way unsteadily back the way you came.
Kalanka graps you by the shoulder and shouts: ''We need to go! Now!'' After which she starts to make her way unsteadily back the way you came.
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
This zombie strikes at Shrike but misses the agile bird.
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Maedor Tanthanil
Maedor Tanthanil fires a ripper at his target.
Kalanka: Regular hit
GM: Regular hit
This time you open up a huge wound on its chest.
Shrike
Maedor Tanthanil fires and makes his way backwards.
GM: Are you counting the Ripper arrows?
GM: Good
GM: 2 dmg dice
Shrike goes after this zombies face as well.
Kalanka
Kalanka retreats a bit more and stops looking after you.
Maedor Tanthanil: Hold on. Take my staff with you.
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
The zombie misses Shrike again.
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Zombie, Human Commoner 6
Zombie, Human Commoner 5
2 more zombies appear.
Maedor Tanthanil
There's a whole dead squad of more powerful elves than you in there. What did you expect?
GM: Depends
GM: Always a free action
Maedor Tanthanil: Shrike! Fetch my quarterstaff for me.
Maedor Tanthanil fires at his target with another Ripper.
GM: It'll do that on its turn
GM: No mod
The arrow hit the tree behind the zombie.
Shrike
As Shrike leaves the threat area of the zombie, it finally lands hit on Shrike.
GM: 2 points of dmg on Shrike.
The zombie smacks the eagle.
GM: Lethal
GM: You cna do the movement now
GM: yeah
Shrike shrieks in anger, but obeys Maedor's command.
Shrike: it'll have to stop there for the time being
GM: It can fly there and pick it up and that\s the turn for it
Kalanka
Keeps running now.
GM: Kal*
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Zombie, Human Commoner 6
Zombie, Human Commoner 5
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: If you just escape now, we can end counting turns
Maedor Tanthanil fires another ripper.
GM: Lol, ok
GM: no mod
GM: dmg
Another ripper rips its flesh but the creature is still up.
Shrike
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: Did you want to move with Mae?
Shrike
Kalanka
Kal keeps running, she's bit ahead of you
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Zombie, Human Commoner 6
Zombie, Human Commoner 5
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: Some are, some aren't.
GM: 3 closest ones aren't
And you waste another Ripper.
Maedor Tanthanil fires one last Ripper, and runs, following Kal
You catch up to Kalanka soon. Also the zombies fall back soon as well.
Kalanka is really wheezing now. She probably has few cracked ribs from the pummeling the zombie gave her.
Maedor Tanthanil taps Kalanka on the shoulder as they're moving away from the park. "You hanging in there?"
Kalanka glances at you and nods, too out of breath to speak.
You turn out of Mason street when you hear something heart stopping. A loud, high-pitched, primal scream screeches throught the air. It is immeaditly answered in two different locations. They all seem to be coming from some what north of you.
Maedor Tanthanil: RUN!
Maedor Tanthanil: Keep moving!
Kalanka begins running unsteadily.
Kalanka seems to be actually making a better time than you for now despite her injuries.You hear one of the screams getting bit closer to you.
You don't recognise the scream.
You're now at the Lamont's house. The hatches are firmly shut.
Kalanka is still going faster but the one scream that was closer last time seems to have fallen a back bit. However the scream that comes from your right has gained you.
You reach the street where you fought the dogs.
You both can keep up the good pace even through the last pace. As you see the boat waiting in the port, the screams aren't any closer than before.
You notice the skeleton crew that was left on the boat getting ready to set sail. No doubt they heard the screams as well.
Kalanka is the first to reach the deck. She wheezes heavily and falls down unconsious as soon as she touches the plank deck. You follow her aboard soon.
Aellani: What is it? What are those screams?
Maedor Tanthanil: I don't know. But the captain is dead. There is nothing for us here but a bunch of dead guys, some loonie, and whatever's making that sound.
Maedor Tanthanil looks thoughtful for a moment.
Aellani: Captain is dead...
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm loath to leave the loonie behind, though. He seems like the kind of guy we would want with our best fighters dead.
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm sorry for your loss.
Aellani is silent a moment shaking her head. ''Set sail!''
Maedor Tanthanil: Sure we shouldn't try to recruit the local hunter of the undead for protection?
The ship leaves the port quickly. You swear you can see some fast moving figures in the mist of the port. But as the ship loses the sight of the port, you hear the screams one final time. This time they even sound bit disappointed.
Aellani: There is less than 10 sailors on the boat left. And none of them are real warriors.
GM: There is less than 10 sailors on the boat left. And none of them are real warriors.
GM: That was GM line
Aellani just shakes her head at you.
Maedor Tanthanil stands at the railing, looking back at the port and musing at the fate of the crazy old fellow. He hoped he'd be alright, or at least go out in a blaze of glory if he did die. Which was rather likely.
You see one of the sailors carrying Kal below decks. Meanwhile Aellani walks silently next to you.
Aellani: I want to show you something. And after that you will tell me everything that happened.
Aellani: This is where we are.
Maedor Tanthanil: New Adar.
Aellani shows you a piece of map of two islands.
Maedor Tanthanil: Yeah, the loon mentioned it.
Aellani: Westport is our only hope. Kaellan won't last open sea. Not to mention that blasted storm...
As the youngest member of the crew Maedor has been mostly doing the unwanted small tasks. Mopping the decks, hauling stuff around and that sort of thing.
The crew consist of mostly of, at least, somewhat devout Blood of Vol believers. They've noted Maedor's certain lack of religion but none has put up an issue with that. Blood of Vol is quite introperspective religion after all
The Kaellan, the Bloodsail, ship itself is a beauty.
Kaellan, as most Bloodsails, is a bit smaller than most human vessels that sail the seas of Lhazaar Principalities. It is immeaditly recognisable from ships of other races. Not only because of the blood red sails, but also the very sleek form, the speed and the strange markings on it bespeak of truly magnificent vessel. Even though Maedor isn't actually that familiar with arcane magic, he can still recognise the power in the markings that run all around the ship on its sides. He does not know the exact nature of the enchantments on them. All in all if you need to sail the seas, this is probably the ship you want to do it in.
At this very moment you're enjoying a small break from your labour. You are currently leaning on the railing of the ship and watching as your eagle, Shrike, does daring plunges next to the ship. Suddenly you are interrupted by a voice behind you...
Elven sailor: Young one!
Maedor Tanthanil: Yes?
As you turn around one of the sailors, you can't remember his name, throws a piece of silky cloth at you.
You see couple of other of the sailors grinning behind him.
Do you catch the cloth?
Maedor Tanthanil catched the cloth.
Elven sailor: Do you think he's ready?
The sailor asks the other ones behind him. They nod in agreement, grinning.
The elven sailor who has done the talking so far points at the top of the mast. You notice a small piece of cloth tied up there, as high as possible.
Elven sailor: It's time you do some real sailor work
Another elven sailor: Yeah, but perhaps we should make things interesting.
As he says this couple of the sailors move out of the way and you notice a young elven woman, Kalanka by her name standing behind them. You've talked to her few times. She's a beautiful elf, just some years older than you. As for you, this is the first trip on the ship for her as well. You've noted her fiery personality before. This time she stands calmly between the older sailors as well. She holds a similar cloth in her hands as well
Elven sailor: What say you, young one? Is your blood strong enough?
Maedor Tanthanil laughs nervously.
Maedor Tanthanil: To be honest, I'm more worried about the strength of arms than the strength of my blood.
Maedor Tanthanil: But I guess there's only one way to find out.
Maedor Tanthanil grins unevenly.
Couple of the sailors grin at your wit. You see Kalanka rolling her eyes at you. You note her very athletic build... as well as the longsword she carries on her back.
Elven sailor: That's the spirit! Alright, tie the cloth around your eyes and we can start. It's simple really, first one to reach the cloth on top of the mast wins.
Kalanka ties the cloth over her eyes without hesitation and gets ready grabbing the netting on the mast.
Maedor Tanthanil somewhat hesitantly follows Kalanka's example, the grin growing fainter.
You hear couple of the sailors muttering something along the lines that you don't have a shot. However you soon forget that as the sailor who's been talking, shouts: ''Go!''
You start climbing up the netting at quick pace. You're actually quite suprised at how easy this is. However you can hear that Kalanka has started climbing up even faster. You hear the sailors down below start hollering.
You start to feel the stronger push of the wind as you get higher. Also you hear Kalanka cursing as you pass her. Apparently she's in trouble, as you hear an ''Oooh!'' from the sailors on the deck.
You nearly lose your handhold and plummet down on the deck. Luckily you grap the netting just at the final moment. You don't make any progress. You can still hear Kalanka cursing below you, she seems to be in trouble as well.
Kalanka: Make a reflex save.
GM: Make a reflex save.
Maedor Tanthanil: How do I do that, exactly?
This time a gust of wind makes you lose your balance. You fall a meter or so but luckily you grap the netting at the final moment. You don't hear Kalanka's curses any more, so either the blood is pounding too heavily in your ears or she's cleared her trouble.
You are still shaken up, and cannot make any progress. Suddenly you hear a cheer from down below. Kalanka has reached the top. You're hanging uncomfortably at half-way up the mast.
Maedor Tanthanil keeps climbing, wanting to finish the test even if he can't win it.
You breath in and out couple of times to calm yourself. Then you clear rest of the climb and reach the top. Do you remove your blindfold now?
Maedor Tanthanil keeps his blindfolk on, waiting a few moments for further instructions.
You hear the sailors congratulating Kalanka down on the deck (she seemed to make a quick way back down). You don't think any advice is coming just now. The race is over.
Maedor Tanthanil takes off the blindfold before running a hand through his hair, and smiles slightly as he enjoys the wind/breeze.
You hear a sharp: ''Kiiiii!'' as Shrike circles the mast.
Maedor Tanthanil smiles at his bird before looking down to see if he needs to come down just yet. He enjoys the feeling the height and the wind gives him.
GM: Give me a spot roll
As you look at the circling eagle, your eyes notice a white sail in the horizon. You don't think anyone else has noticed it yet.
GM: You know you should inform the others immeaditly
Maedor Tanthanil: Hey!
Maedor Tanthanil hollers and points in the direction of the sails.
Few sailors look up from the deck.
Elven sailor: What is it, young one?
They can't see the sail from down on the deck yet.
Maedor Tanthanil: I see sails on the horizon. White ones.
As one elf all the jesting and laughing stops. You follow from your vantage point as one sailor climbs up the other mastl to verify your observation. Warriors begin to arm themselves from the weapon stands and one sailor starts running towards the captain Yaranis.
Kalanka: Get down, Maedor!
Maedor Tanthanil pockets the blindfold and starts making his way down.
As you reach back down on the deck (it's easier without blindfold and going down) you notice that all the warriors are standing ready by the railing, their longbows in their hands and heavy cloaks on them.
Kalanka motions to you. ''Come this way, we need to get out of sight but I know a spot where we can watch.''
Kalanka: Below decks, you are not allowed to carry them here and you doubt the captain would like you handling them just now. You're not here as a warrior.
GM: Below decks, you are not allowed to carry them here and you doubt the captain would like you handling them just now. You're not here as a warrior.
GM: Wrong chat tab again
Maedor Tanthanil follows Kalanka, eager, but slightly nervous.
Kalanka leads you, still walking even taller than usual after winning the race, in the aft of the ship, near the captain. There she crouches behind some barrels near the railing. There is enough room for you both in there, and you can follow the sea from the little holes in the railing but still stay out of sight.
Maedor Tanthanil whispers to Kalanka.
Maedor Tanthanil: Why are they preparing to attack before they've identified the ship properly?
Kalanka grins at you.
Kalanka: They're not. It's just a show for the lesser races. None would dare to fight a Bloodsail!
Maedor Tanthanil: Seems rather aggressive for a show... Let's hope it works; I'm loath to clean the deck for blood.
Maedor Tanthanil grins.
Kalanka seems actually bit annoyed. ''Only blood would be on their deck'', she only says and turns to watch the sea and the apporacthing sail then.
Maedor Tanthanil chuckles.
Maedor Tanthanil: If you say so, miss.
You hear some voices from above. As you glance above you notice that the captain Yaranis Il'Arama is standing right above you on the deck with the wheel. He's looking out at the approaching ship with a spyglass.
Yaranis Il'Arama has a reputation of grimness and humorlessness. He's not a said a word to you but you've noticed how fanatically the warriors and sailors on Kaellan follow him. He's a very tall for an elf, approaching 180 cm. His garb is mostly very weathered and ascetic. Only things that brighten it are the red sash that he wears as a show of his faith in Blood of Vol and the fancy curved elven sword on his belt. The sword contains a bluish gem on the handguard, and you've heard that is where it gets its name Northstar.
Yaranis Il'Arama: It is sailing under Aundarian flag.
The captain turns away from the approaching ship and confers once more with his advisors.
Maedor Tanthanil turns to Kalanka and whispers.
Maedor Tanthanil: What's Aundaria?
Yaranis Il'Arama shrugs. ''It's one or another human land...''
Kalanka shrugs. ''It's one or another human land...''
GM: Damn I keep forgetting this
Maedor Tanthanil: Not such a bad thing that you're getting some practice before you GM the others, then
<Edit: Wasn't the only one learning the ropes. OOC is done by pressing ALT down, Verret >GM: Do you wait for the ship to get closer or do you do something before then?
GM: You can try but it is still bit bullheaded. It might come down, or it might not
GM: Yeah
GM: I see where this is going...
GM: Do you communicate with it in words or whispers or how?
GM: Not whispers but what's the word... It's not actually telepathy
You wait by Kalanka for the foreign, Aundarian, ship to get closer. You notice that the ship tries to first dodge out of the way of Kaellan but as Kaellan follows its movements you see that the other ship concedes and approaches you head on.
Maedor Tanthanil: So much for your theory, Kal.
Maedor Tanthanil whispers.
Kalanka is silent. It only takes couple of minutes for the foreign ship to get close enough for you to see individuals on its decks. At this distance most you see is just frantic movement all over the ship.
Captain Yaranis barks a short order and all the extra sailors and others dodge out of sight like you. The warriors by the railings make themselves even more still. The captain nods satisfied at this and you glide closer.
It takes another long minute of waiting for you, but finally the foreign ship starts to pass by Kaellan's side.
It takes few moments for you to understand the voices you hear from the other ship's deck. But quickly you begin to understand the common. You hear the sailors muttering on it's decks: ''Bloodsail!'' ''Host protect us...''. The crew of the ship seems to be in complete disarray, some hold weapons in their hands looking like they have no idea what to do with them, some just stand still and many hide below decks and behind masts.
In contrast to this everyone on Kaellan is completely silent and still. Only the heads of the warriors move as they follow the people on the other ship. You must admit that this is must be quite an intimidating sight.
As you hungrily observe the people on the other ship (you've only met a handful of people from other races before) you notice few people who stick out.
There is a gleaming warforged stanging a clear head taller than others on the deck. Next to him or it, there is a gnome who looks even smaller next to it. Then there is a colorfully dressed human who must be the captain. He stands rigidly by the feel, staring straight in front of himself. You also notice one woman dressed in metal armor looking bravely at the elven warriors. She has a some sort of a silver amulet around her neck.
GM: *by the wheel
As the ship passes you finally note the name written on its side, Fairwind. The passing only took 20 or so seconds, even though it felt much longer. As the ship falls behind you, Yaranis barks another command and the warriors relax and rest of the crew comes out from hiding.
Kalanka stands up. ''I think I was right.''
Maedor Tanthanil: Indeed you were, miss.
Maedor Tanthanil grins unevenly.
Maedor Tanthanil: And good thing that you were.
Maedor Tanthanil: If those were soldiers, I doubt they'd stand by so meekly.
Kalanka grunts satisfied. ''You should use your turn in the hammock. It'll be my turn in several hours. And don't make a mess of it this time!''
GM: You share a hammock where you sleep in turns
GM: Or meditate
You are indeed feeling bit tired so meditating doesn't sound like a bad idea
Maedor Tanthanil chuckles. "No promises, Kal."
Kalanka: And stop calling me Kal!
Kalanka hurries off to do her duties.
Maedor Tanthanil just laughs and walks towards wherever the entrance to the sleeping quarters is, whistling a merry tune.
As you've descended down below the decks, you hear a heated conversation from behind some crates in the cargo hold.
Elven sailor: ...have you ever heard Prince Tasil sending this many Bloodsails after some pirate scum. And there even isn't any pirates here! We've been sailing a week and nothing. No, it can't be that.''
Another elven sailor: What then?
Elven sailor: Well... I heard that someone raided a ship, a human ship, that was bringing something for the Prince. Something valuable from south. Maybe all the Bloodsails are looking for that
Another elven sailor: Hah. Will you ever learn not to believe every rumour?
From there on the conversation seems to turn into more mundane matters.
Maedor Tanthanil pretends to be beckoning for Shrike to come to him in order to appear inconspicious while he listens in on the conversation.
GM: Shrike doesn't come below decks. It sleep up in the mast when you're below decks
You manage to get to the hammock without any further interruptions.
GM: They didn't seem to notice you
You lie down on the hammock and start regaining your strenght. You drift away...
Maedor wakes up, not so much due to any noise. Rather he can feel strange sensation in the air, wary and waiting. Most of the noises of the ship are silent. Maedor can just hear a faint cracking noise just at the edge of his hearing.
You are laying in your hammock, bit confused and worried. All the other hammocks are empty.
Maedor Tanthanil opened his eyes wide, peering about at the empty hammocks; 'Damn, is the ship crashing?'. He sits up and looks about.
You see the empty hammocks. The ship is still waving slightly like it does when sailing. In fact you think the waves have picked up a bit.
Maedor Tanthanil gets up and crouches towards the exit, moving as silently as he can, and listening intently for any sounds.
You don't move particulary silently but as you approach the stairs you start to pick up talking in elvish. The voices sound worried.
Maedor Tanthanil is calmed by the sound of voices in a familiar language. He waits at the bottom of the stairs for a bit, still listening intently, and looking up if the exit isn't blocked by a door or similar obstacle.
There is nothing blocking the view up on the deck. Actually you see couple of familiar elven sailors looking out to see and pointing at something.
Elven sailor: ...By the blood of ancestors. Have you ever seen anything like that?
GM: *out to sea
Maedor Tanthanil raises an eyebrow, his curiosity having been awakened, and starts climbing the stairs as silently as he can while seeming casual.
You reach the deck. You see many sailors standing in small groups. Everyone is looking west with a worried expression. As you turn your head out to the sea you see that...
Most of the western horizon is a dark mass of clouds and storm waves. A single lighting strike lights up the darkness occasionaly. Most of the elven sailors are starting out towards it and talking quietly. Maedor can sense the nervousness in the air. In the aft of the ship the captain is in heated discussion with his advisors.
Pretty much the whole horizon to the west is filled with very dark clouds. And lightning storms this late in autumn alone are enough to cause worry.
GM: Kalanka is the closest one to you perhaps. You've only been on the ship for a week when most of them have been sailing together for decades if not centuries.
In fact you suddenly hear a familiar voice as Kalanka shouts:
Kalanka: There you are!
Kalanka hurries to you. ''Have you seen it?''
The wind has picked up and keeps blowing her hair over her eyes. She keeps pushing it back annoyed.
Maedor Tanthanil raises an eyebrow as one side of his mouth raises in one of his trademark uneven smiles. "If you're referring to the black abyss of nightmares that is the western sky, then yes, I've seen it."
Kalanka looks up to west. ''...yeah.''
Maedor Tanthanil: By, the way, I forgot to congratulate you on your victory earlier.
Maedor Tanthanil bows graciously. "Congratulations. A well earned victory."
Kalanka nods. ''It was hardly a race.''
Maedor Tanthanil: The sailors seemed to disagree with that notion, but I appreciate the sportsmanship.
Maedor Tanthanil: Now, what's up with the end of the world over there.
Kalanka: Eh, I meant... Forget it, young one.
Maedor Tanthanil points to the western horizon.
Kalanka shrugs and glances up at the captain.
At that very moment the conversation the captain has been having with his closest crewmen ceases and his first mate bellows out the commands. To west.
Kalanka smiles. ''I suppose we'll see for ourselves. Hang on when it hits.''
Maedor Tanthanil raises a skeptical eyebrow. "I always wanted to die at sea, in a dark thunderstom, after sailing willingly into it like a moth to a flame..."
Maedor Tanthanil: Ah well...
Kalanka grins even wider. ''You worry too much.''
Shrike has come down and you see it's behind some barrels, actually in the same spot you spied the Fairwind from.
As you talk the crew has begun working, the ship lurches in the waves as it starts speeding towards the darkness.
Maedor Tanthanil: Generally, I worry too little, but I'm not a very good swimmer...
Also the sky has turned dark now. It is night time
Or early evening.
Kalanka: You're on a Bloodsail!
As the ship approaches the storm Kalanka nearly pulls you to follow her. ''Come!'' She heads to the bow of the ship.
Maedor Tanthanil releases a barely audible sigh and follows.
The lurching of the ship in waves is really intense in the bow. You nearly lose your balance few times. Kalanka walks steadily though. You see her bracing herself against the railing, pulling her sword from her back and letting out a primal scream as the storm blows her hair and clothes back at full force.
Few crewmen glance at her, grinning.
Maedor Tanthanil grins as he stands next to her, gripping the railing with both hands, just a little tighter than absolutely necessary. "Be careful where you wave that thing, miss. I'd prefer to keep the amount of holes in me to a minimum in case I actually do end up in the water."
Kalanka doesn't appear to hear you. She has closed her eyes.
Maedor Tanthanil shrugs and throws a glance over to where Shrike is sitting, pleased that the bird, at least, has the common sense to buckle down. Then he turns towards the western horizon and looks it over carefully, wary of any secrets it might hold.
GM: Roll away
You note that something about the storm just feels off. It's too big. It can't be completely natural.
Maedor Tanthanil: Hey, Kal, I've got a bad feeling about this. Something just isn't right about that storm.
Maedor Tanthanil has a hint of concern in his voice.
Kalanka gets down and glances at you. ''Maybe.''
Kalanka starts heading back to the middle of the ship. She glances at you almost embarassed.
Maedor Tanthanil barely notices Kalanka leaving his side, as he stares intently to the west and slowly shakes his head.
Maedor Tanthanil speaks in a very low voice "Not good..."
You watch the storm, and the ship draws closer to it.
As the storm fills almost the whole horizon the ship's wizard, a quiet figure you've hardly seen during the whole trip so far, steps in middle of the deck. You notice that the other sailors give her a wide berth immeaditly. In the open area she begins to weave spells. The markings on the sides of the ship begin glowing. They pulse light. Brighter and dimmer, brighter and dimmer. You notice that as the wizard continues to weave the magic, the runes pulse ever faster and brighter. After ten or so seconds there is a bright flash of light and after that the runes dim back to their normal state. The wizard stands silently and still in the same spot. You note a shimmering in the air around the ship. It is hard to catch but there is something in the air enveloping the ship.
You notice how sprays of water deflect off the magic in the air around the ship.
Do you return back to middle of the ship? It's getting really nauseating in the bow
Well you knew the woman is a wizard so...
Maedor Tanthanil steps away from the railing, throwing a last glance eastward to see if he can still see calm waters there, and looking for anything else that might be there while he's at it. Then he gets back to the middle of the ship.
You make your way slowly back to the middle of the ship, dodging sailors doing their work and trying to keep your balance. All of a sudden, as you reach the middle of the ship and Kalanka, it gets very dark. You glance behind you and up to the sky. You are inside the storm.
You notice the strangest thing immeaditly. There is ice forming against the magical shield over the ship. The ice forms in sudden bursts. It is completely unlike anything you've ever seen even though you've lived middle of snow and ice your whole life. Not only that but the lightning criss cross against the sky and you can swear that you see some hit straight at the shield. The ship's going is really rough now too, as the deck keeps lurching by tens of degrees as it rides from a wave to another.
The ship's wizard still stands in the same spot. Only now she holds on to the mast with another hand as she uses the other one to make strange motions in the air. You can just see her mouth from under her hood. It is forming constantly new words.
Kalanka: Look!
Kalanka suddenly points at the bow of the ship.
Maedor Tanthanil spins about to look.
At first you don't notice anything against the dark sky. But then you see it. And as you see it, it fills you with dread. The shield that was around the ship starts ripping apart.
The first thing you notice is the sound. You realize now that you could hardly hear any of the storms sound through the shield but now as it booms with all its might, it almost deafens you. You don't have time to worry about that as the storm winds hit the people on the deck.
Maedor Tanthanil utters a single word before the wind hits him. "Fuck."
You manage to stay on your feet even as the winds hit you. That allows you to witness something strange, and terrifying. You notice this shimmering sliver of air speeding along the winds, almost a lance of shimmering air. It flies through the deck and people it hits, freeze solid in moments.
You've barely grasped at what has happened as you note even more of the lances heading towards the ship.
It's moving bit chaotically but that one moved just above the deck. Maybe 1 meter or so abover it
Maedor Tanthanil grabs Kalanka by the arm. "Quickly! Let's get under deck!" and runs towards the stairs, looking for Shrike as he does.
You cannot spot Shrike and as you get closer to the stairs you hear omnious creak behind you. One of the slivers hit the mast and it's falling down. On you.
GM: Reflex Save please.
You manage to dive out of the way in time but as you do so, you let go of Kalanka. She is not as quick as you this time and she is hit with the sail part of the mast. She is hidden from your sight by it.
GM: Yeah
GM: You don't think she was hit with the wooden mast itself
Maedor Tanthanil can't suppress a slight uneven smile, even with the situation being as it is. "Stop loitering and get a move on, Kal!" he yells, while running onwards towards the stairs and looking desperately for Shrike. He figures Kalanka will be relatively safe underneath the sails even if she doesn't manage to get out on her own, and knows tha the can't help her in any case due to his lack of a knife or similar object to cut her loose.
You don't notice any movement below the sails. But as you glance at her direction you notice that something strange is happening to the people that have frozen solid; one by one they burst into tiny pecks of ice and snow and are blown into the storm winds.
GM: No
As you reach the stairs and rush below the deck you do hear a familiar high pitched ''Kiii!''. Shrike is perched on top of one cargo crate below the decks.
You notice that few other sailors have taken cover below decks as well.
Maedor Tanthanil stumbles in through the door, and starts his descent, screaming "Your feathery ass better be down he-" Before he sees the bird. "That's a good fowl!"
Below the decks the only thing that reminds you off the storm is the violent lurching of the ship and the sounds of destruction from above. What do you do?
GM: All kinds. So you wait out in here?
GM: They are quite close
Maedor Tanthanil runs over to fetch his weapons, strapping on the belt with the bow and arrows and the harness with the sheathed spear, before gently grabbing Shrike and taking the bird behind a crate to hide, preferably one with a bunch of ropes, nets, sails or similar objects behind it in order to cushion the blows from the storm.
You find a good spot to wait out the storm. You soon get the feeling that the ship is just drifting through the storm. The sailors below the decks are silent, just listening to the sounds of the storm.
Then as soon as the storm began, you feel the ship lurch one final time and then settle into a more steady going. The sounds of the storm quiet down gradually as well.
Maedor Tanthanil whispers a stern "Stay." to Shrike, hoping the bird will listen, and hurries over to the stairs before climbing them swiftly but carefully to peek up at the deck of the ship.
You weren't below decks more than 10 minutes the most.
Maedor Tanthanil stops to listen for just a moment before he climbs the stairs.
Maedor Tanthanil is a bit paranoid at times.
You still hear the storm in distance but you also hear some elven voices from the deck. Most notably you think you recognise the voice of the captain.
Maedor Tanthanil walks out onto the deck.
For once the bird does as told. As you've climbed up the stairs with the other sailors you notice the full extend of the destruction. One of the masts is gone, railings along the ship are mostly in splinters, the ship is lurching a bit to one side (it must have taken some water) and the sails are in pieces.
What you don't see is bodies. There is only one body, but as you look at the sailors still on the deck, you quickly estimate that there is only 1/3 of the crew left.
GM: It is a body of one of the sailors, you cannot remember her name.
GM: It looks like she had hit her head and died from the trauma
Some of the other sailors quickly clear her to the side and put a blanket over her.
After you've taken in the destruction of the ship you raise your eyes to examine the sea around you. The storm you just passed is still the ominous wall of darkness only now it fills your eastern horizon. The air is also filled with a thick fog. And even as you look, the wall of dark clouds starts to disappear in it.
GM: No but the mast and sail are still where they crashed.
Maedor Tanthanil throws a casual glance over to where he last saw Kalanka, considering walking over to check on her. First, however, he looks to the captain to see if his presence is required in any way.
The captain, as usual, doesn't seem to miss you even if he realizes you exist.
GM: *if he even
The captain is barking orders that the sailors are rushing to fullfill. Replacing the sail on the final mast, checking for leaks and so on
Maedor Tanthanil strolls over to where he last saw Kalanka, and tries to locate her.
You notice a bumb under the sail that might very well be her.
Maedor Tanthanil gently lifts the sail to see if he can spot her underneath it.
There's a tear quite near the bumb and as you look under the sail, Kalanka is indeed in there.
GM: *tear in the sail
Maedor Tanthanil: Hey, Kal, you awake?
Kalanka: Kalanka moans and tries to sit up. She looks around confused, spots you and starts crawling towards the tear.
Kalanka moans and tries to sit up. She looks around confused, spots you and starts crawling towards the tear.
Maedor Tanthanil holds the sail up to ease her exit.
Kalanka crawls from underneath it. You see that she has a large bruise on her forehead but she seems to be fine other than that.
Maedor Tanthanil fails to suppress a slight chuckle. "Oh, Kal... you truly are the mistress of masts today."
Kalanka is about to answer you but instead she stares past you, forgetting her mouth open.
You notice other sailors looking in the same direction as well.
Maedor Tanthanil spins around, dropping the sail.
From middle of the fog you see land apporoaching. You see harsh cliffs and mountians that reach up until they disappear in the fog.
Captain shouts out order to change course to move along the land.
After he is pleased with the course of the ship, you see the captain start examining his maps with few other crew men. He works as if he just didn't lose 2/3 of his crew.
Kalanka: I wonder where we are...
Maedor Tanthanil: Looks like the captain does as well.
Sailors light few more torches as the ship sails on along the coast of the mysterious land.
Maedor Tanthanil: Want me to take a look at that bruise?
Kalanka brushes you off. ''It's fine.''
Maedor Tanthanil just shakes his head with one of his uneven smiles in place. "I guess your head wasn't in that great a condition to begin with."
Maedor Tanthanil: What's one more bruise?
You sail along the coast for an hour without any change. The sailors try to fix what they can on the ship and the captain examines his maps and the coast next to them. You and Kalanka just try to stay out of the feet of the others mostly.
Then you see the first sign of something new on the coast. A shadowy form of a building. And then another. And another. Soon Kaellan reaches a port.
Kaellan slides silently into the port of the human town. You hear no sounds from the city even though the ship slides through the water nearly silently. There is no noises or sound coming from the town or the port. The ever present fog and the darkness of night hide most of the town from Maedor's eyes. Maedor can see the port though. There are no large ships in it. Only few smaller boats are still tied in it. They look like as if storm waves have smashed them against the harbor though and few of them are half sunken in water.
As you reach the port, you hear talk from the maps where the captain has been. You hear the words: ''Twins Islands.''
Maedor Tanthanil: Well, this place isn't eerie at all...
Kalanka: There are no people...
Maedor Tanthanil: An astute observation.
Despite your reservations you hear the captain give out the order to dock. Kaellan slides easily into the large port despite the damage to it. It is tied quickly into the port.
Maedor Tanthanil: back
Yaranis Il'Arama: Aellani! You are in charge. I will take a unit to scout the town. You will do the repairs you can, we will be back within four hours.
You see how captain Yaranis quickly forms up most of the men he still has and only leaves a skeleton crew on the boat. Kalanka and you are left on the boat as well.
You watch on as the elves march into the town, disappearing quickly into the mist. You notice Kalanka fingering the hilt of her blade nervously as she looks after them.
Maedor Tanthanil: What do you reckon this is all about, Kal?
Kalanka doesn't get a chance to answer as a voice interrupts you.
Aellani: You two! Get to work!
Aellani is a small elven woman. She has been on Kaellan even longer than captain Yaranis.
She points you two in work moving broken pieces of wood and sails around.
For the next several hours you don't get a chance to wonder much about the mysterious land. But as the 4 hour mark draws closer and there's no sign of the captain the sailors begin to shoot nervous glances into the port.
As you reach the 5th hour since the captain left, and the sun is rising, Aellani calls everyone to gather.
Aellani: I know what you are all thinking about. But you all know me, and I'll be damned if we leave this port without captain Yaranis. I need someone to go after Captain and his men.
Aellani looks around and almost immeaditly Kalanka steps forward.
Kalanka: I'll find him!
Maedor Tanthanil looks at the other people present for a moment, then sighs heavily.
Maedor Tanthanil: I suppose I could join the search as well. Just standing around doing nothi- working. Just staying here working is getting old.
Kalanka grins. ''Of course you're coming.''
Aellani interrupts her though. ''Look, don't play heroes. Find out if the captain is still alive, if he has met his better then you have no chance against what is in there. Just... Just be careful.''
Kalanka nods.
Maedor Tanthanil gives a slight bow. "Being careful is my specialty."
Aellani: Very well. Off you go then. We'll wait here as long as we can.
Kalanka is the first one to step on the plank and get on land. She glances behind her for you to follow.
Maedor Tanthanil mutters, mostly to himself: "How comforting..."
Maedor Tanthanil follows Kalanka with a casual gait.
Kalanka: You've never before seen a human town. From what you can say from the shacks and dirty streets of the port, you're not impressed. The houses that are little more than shacks lean on each other and many seem to be in bad disrepair.
You've never before seen a human town. From what you can say from the shacks and dirty streets of the port, you're not impressed. The houses that are little more than shacks lean on each other and many seem to be in bad disrepair.
You do not see any signs of living people but then again the fog allows you to see only 50 or so meters in front of you. The sun is only a little brighter blod in the sky
GM: *blob
Maedor Tanthanil grins. "I guess this explains why the town is deserted, eh?"
Maedor Tanthanil: I wouldn't live in this scrap heap either.
Kalanka: I've heard that humans live in filth
Maedor Tanthanil: I see nothing to indicate the contrary.
GM: Do you want to start tracking the Captain's party?
GM: Make a survival check then
You find their trail easily at first in the muddy ground of the port but only after 50 meters or so the road changes into a stone street and you can't find any signs of the group's passing any more. All you can say is that they were headin north.
Kalanka: Where now?
Maedor Tanthanil: Well, the trail appears to be going north, but I've lost it, so I can't know if they've suddenly changed direction.
Kalanka: I thought you knew how to track!
Maedor Tanthanil: Can a good swimmer breathe underwater? No? Well, what makes you think a tracker, who's never even claimed to be particularly good, can see footprints in the bare stone?
As you argue you suddenly hear a sort of scraping noise. It is almost like clawed feet running on a stone.
Maedor Tanthanil whispers. "Shit, you heard that?"
Kalanka nods and pulls out her sword. She holds onto it with both her hands and scans the fog.
Maedor Tanthanil gets out his spear, holding it ready.
After 15 seconds of hearing the noise getting closer you see the two figures. They are circling around you, two canine like creatures.
GM: Roll initiative
GM: Also for Shrike
GM: Order of action is Kalanka, dog, dog, Shrike and you final
GM: Lets start the combat
Kalanka
Kalanka: Stay close to me.
Kalanka raises her sword and readies an action to strike the dog on the left if it charges.
Dog 1
The feral dog charges Kalanka as she suspected. As it gets closer you notice the mangy and malnourished look on it. You suspect that the dog might have once had a human master but now it has gone feral.
Kalanka was ready for the dog though and as it draws closer its jaws ready to tear at her leg, Jalanka brings her sword down. She cleaves the dogs head straight off.
The other dog charges you from the other direction. It is aiming for you though.
Dog 2
You manage to kick its jaws to side as it tries to bite at you.
Shrike
Kalanka: You can move Shrike yourself. She can attack the dog now as she feels threathened
GM: You can move Shrike yourself. She can attack the dog now as she feels threathened
Shrike: Well, Shrike didn't, so...
GM: The wouldn't matter here though.
Shrike flies at the feral dog and tries to grap on to it with her claws. She tears at air though.
Maedor Tanthanil
You strike your spear into the ground and break off its tip. It'll only work as a quarterstaff from now on.
Kalanka
Kalanka steps next to the dog and brings out the already bloodied sword down on it. Kalanka misses though as the dog jumps to the side, snarling.
Dog 1
Dog 2
The dog turns it attention at the new attacker but it can't get close to Kalanka.
Shrike
GM: Roll damage twice
Shrike's talon first rips onto the dogs side and after that she brings her beak on its head. The dog yelps but is still standing.
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: You can attack with it like before. We'll just change the dmg if you hit
GM: We can make the adjustments later
GM: Heh... Also you can emote your own attacks if you like
The broken spear doesn't hit even as a quarterstaff.
Kalanka
As the dog sidesteps your swing, Kalanka is able to suprise the dog and skewer its side with a thrust.
Kalanka cleans her blade on the dogs fur before putting the sword back on the back. She then grins at you.
Maedor Tanthanil: Well fought, Kal.
Kalanka: They were just mangy dogs
Maedor Tanthanil lets Shrike land on his outstretched hand. "And you, Shrike."
Maedor Tanthanil: And I was just being polite.
Maedor Tanthanil grins.
Maedor Tanthanil: I find my manners always go a few steps up when I'm talking to people with bloodied weapons. It's a most curious phenomenon.
GM: Blood is power. It's not strange at all.
Kalanka: Blood is power. It's not strange at all.
Maedor Tanthanil: I didn't-
Maedor Tanthanil: Ugh, nevermind
Maedor Tanthanil: Let's see if we can find the damn captain, shall we?
Kalanka nods.
GM: Do you continue north?
GM: You can try finding the tracks from here, sure
Maedor Tanthanil looks around for any trace of the captain's party.
You find couple of marks of elven boots near a muddy pool that is on the stone road. It seems like they are still heading north.
Maedor Tanthanil: Let's keep heading north.
As you start following the tracks north you notice the land is raising a little. Also you start to see occasional stone houses among the wooden shacks. You even go past few shops and such.
Maedor Tanthanil fastens the quarterstaff in the harness on his back.
GM: Of course. It'll likely take some time though to search through them all.
Maedor Tanthanil keeps heading north.
You've walked maybe 200 meters from the spot where you fought the dogs as you come across a curious scene. You see a two storey stone house with heavy barricade on its main door. There are couple of corpses by the barricade. They are riddled with arrows.
GM: You can't tell from where you are standing.
Maedor Tanthanil: Should we move closer?
Kalanka: Yeah
Kalanka moves closer.
Kalanka: They are just bodies.
Maedor Tanthanil follows, warily, listening and looking about intently.
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm more worried about what killed them, to be honest.
As you reach the bodies you note that the arrows appear to be in fact crossbow bolts and the corpses themselves are quite old.
GM: You are already following a trail
Suddenly you hear a bang from above you as a wooden window cover is opened and a coarse voice shouts:
Lamont: Are you dead or alive basterds?!
All you can see above you is a face full of dark hair and a heavy crossbow aimed down into the street.
GM: Btw you didn't notice anything of value on the corpses, actually even their clothes were really ragged.
Maedor Tanthanil looks up, and gets a very concerned look on his face. "Unless you're addressing the merry gentlemen at your doorstep, I can assure you that we're most certainly among the living." With a nervous glance at the crossbow, he added "At least for the time being."
Lamont: Hah! For the time being! I like that! Dead basterds don't have sense of humor so maybe you are living then
Lamont doesn't lower his crossbow though.
Maedor Tanthanil throws a glance over at Kalanka, curious to see her reaction to the man in the window.
Kalanka actually seems rather confused for the time being. She has her hand halfway up to the sword on her back but she doesn't seem inclined to finish that move just yet.
Maedor Tanthanil: Lower your hand, Kal. I can almost guarantee he can pull that trigger faster than you can draw out your sword, run up there, and stab him with it. Almost.
Kalanka shrugs and lowers her hand.
Lamont: That'ta girl! I can see we'll get along just fine
Maedor Tanthanil then addresses the man in the window.
Maedor Tanthanil: I think we missed our formal introductions, my good sir.
Maedor Tanthanil: My name is Maedor, and this is Kal. We're just passing through the area, and really don't want any trouble.
Lamont: Then you must be lost! Welcome to New Arden! Inhabitants: Lamont and thousand dead basterds!
Lamont laughs heartily which turn into coughs halfway through.
Maedor Tanthanil: A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lamont. I'd shake, but... Yeah, I'm sure you understand.
Lamont: So, what are you doing on my street?
Maedor Tanthanil: I was getting to that, actually.
Maedor Tanthanil clears his throat somewhat nervously, but keeps his composure.
Maedor Tanthanil: We're looking for some friends of ours, in fact.
Lamont puts some sort of cigarette in his mouth, strikes a match against the wooden wall and lights the cigarette. All the while holding the crossbow aimed at you with one hand.
Maedor Tanthanil: I'd give you descriptions, but I'm sure you'll know who I'm talking about without them, seeing as it appears our kind is rather rare around these parts.
Lamont: Piss-important looking elf and his merry band?
Maedor Tanthanil: That would be them.
Maedor Tanthanil: Unless they've given you trouble, of course, in which case we're not affiliated with them in any way shape or form.
Maedor Tanthanil adds a nervous chuckle.
Lamont: Yeah, yeah. I might have seen 'em. Didn't talk to 'em, they looked like trouble.
Lamont: Say, you don't happen to have any food with you?
Maedor Tanthanil: Kal?
Maedor Tanthanil looks at Kalanka.
Kalanka shakes her head.
Maedor Tanthanil shrugs.
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm sorry, my good sir. We didn't expect to stay for long.
Lamont: What about that bird? It looks like it has few meals in it. Nothing like little chicken soup
Maedor Tanthanil smiles unevenly. "If you're in a dire need, we did leave two dog carcasses just down the street.
Lamont: Dire? That's what I call a feast! Bring 'em here!
Maedor Tanthanil: Kal? Would you be so kind?
Kalanka rolls her eyes as she starts trekking back.
Lamont: Wifey?
Maedor Tanthanil: An acquaintance.
Lamont: Shame. Had a missus' once. Poor thing was eaten, I think.
Maedor Tanthanil: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Maedor Tanthanil nods to the corpses. "What about these? Dinner guests?"
Lamont: Bah, dead basterds only want to eat Lamont.
Maedor Tanthanil: Yeah, about that...
Maedor Tanthanil: What's the deal with this town?
Lamont: What you mean?
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm unaccustomed to human port towns, I admit, but something tells me that this isn't exactly the natural state of affairs in one.
Lamont: Ach, yeah. There's usually more whores!
Lamont lets out another laugh that ends up in coughing spell.
Maedor Tanthanil laughs, less nervously than earlier.
Maedor Tanthanil: Say, that's a nice crossbow you have there. Got these bastards here with it, right?
Maedor Tanthanil points to the dead bodies.
Lamont: Yup and its sister.
Lamont swings his other hand visible which is holding another heavy crossbow. Now you have twice the firepower aimed at you.
Maedor Tanthanil pulls at his collar.
Maedor Tanthanil: Nice.
Kalanka returns with the two mangy dog corpses on her shoulders. She drops them in front of you. ''There.'' Then she walks away and sits down on a old bench few meters away from you.
Lamont: You sure she's not your missus?
Maedor Tanthanil lifts up a dog carcass and hold it in front of him, raised a bit higher than natural holding position.
Maedor Tanthanil: Positive.
Maedor Tanthanil: Is the feast approved?
Lamont pulls out the crossbows out of the window and lowers a rope into the street.
Maedor Tanthanil hesitates for a moment, throws a glance over his shoulder at Kalanka, shrugs, and proceeds to drag the dog carcasses over to the rope in order to start fastening them.
Lamont pulls them up as soon as they are fastened.
Maedor Tanthanil: So...
Maedor Tanthanil clears his throat.
Maedor Tanthanil: Say, you wouldn't be so kind as to tell me what direction those guys passing through here earlier went?
Lamont: Ach, yeah. Lemme see. Take a left at Mason's street and then right from next crossing. You can find your friends there.
Maedor Tanthanil: Oh... You said very certain of that fact.
Maedor Tanthanil: Uh... is there anything I should be aware of before I go seek them out?
Lamont doesn't answer but disappears from the window for a moment. After a few moments you see a quiver falling out of the window at your feet. ''Use those, kid.''
You see a quiver full of arrows with very heavy and broad heads. The sides of the arrowheads are serrated.
GM: You can mark 20 Ripper arrows in your invetory.
Lamont bangs shut the window cover as you examine the arrows.
Maedor Tanthanil: Why, thank you, sir Lamont.
Maedor Tanthanil shakes his head.
Kalanka: Can we go now?
Maedor Tanthanil: My life is no longer flashing before my eyes, so I believe we can, yes.
Maedor Tanthanil: However.
Kalanka stands up.
Maedor Tanthanil points at the new set of arrows.
Kalanka: They look heavy
Maedor Tanthanil: This does not bode well.
Maedor Tanthanil: Yeah, they are. Well, kinda.
Maedor Tanthanil: Anyway, did you notice how his response to my query regarding the status of our captain and his men was to arm me with better weapons?
Kalanka glances at ground and doesn't say anything.
Maedor Tanthanil: What does that suggest, you think?
Kalanka: Eh... I don't know
Maedor Tanthanil sighs.
Maedor Tanthanil: Stay down, stay quiet, and, most importantly, stay alert.
Maedor Tanthanil: No, wait.
Maedor Tanthanil: Most importantly; don't do anything rushed.
Maedor Tanthanil: Now, let's go find them.
Maedor Tanthanil: Silently.
Kalanka: Finally
Maedor Tanthanil: And what do we not do when we see them?
Kalanka: Just lead on, young one
Kalanka grins.
Maedor Tanthanil sighs.
Maedor Tanthanil beckons Kalanka to follow him quietly.
Kalanka does.
You realize the spot is really close as you reach the Mason street just 100 meters to the north and the turn Lamont told you to take is just 20 meters after that. You see an alley that seems to open up into some sort of larger area ahead.
Maedor Tanthanil: Shhh...
Maedor Tanthanil puts a finger to his lips, sneaks over to the end of the alley, and peers into the fog.
Kalanka follows on your heels.
GM: Roll move silently
Even though you move very quietly, Kalanka kicks a rock accidentaly that rolls across the street loudly and just as you look into the clearing...
The bodies of the elves are scattered on the small open area between stone buildings. The area looks like it used to have been a park. It is a battlefield now. The bodies of the elves have fallen in a roughly circular pattern in middle of the small park, around few trees. You notice a fine elven blade, the one of the captain, buried in the tree. Below it you notice the body of the captain, his hand still reaching up and holding onto the sword. You recognise him as the captain from his cloths. Most of his face is missing. Around the fallen elves is at least doubly the amount of bodies of mostly humans, but there are those of elves, dwarves and other races among them too. Their clothes are very ragged, some are practically naked. Most shockingly you note that many of them are partly rotten already. You note most of this in a blink of an eye because your attention is immeaditly drawn onto the figure kneeling next to one of the elven corpses. It raises its half-rotten face and lurches towards you...
GM: Roll inititative
Shrike
Shrike flies over to Maedor, circling him and preparing to attack the walking corpse if it threatens it or its master.
Kalanka
GM lets out a scream and charges the undead.
Kalanka lets out a scream and charges the undead.
But Kal misses.
Zombie, Human Commoner
Maedor Tanthanil speaks in a hushed but firm voice "Fuck! You're going to attract every single one of those things left standing in this town!"
Cut-in-half zombie
You hear a scraping noise to you left and see a zombie without legs crawling at you.
Zombie, Human Commoner
You see as zombie swings his arm at Kal and almost topples her over.
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: The 8 squares around you, you can hit
Maedor Tanthanil pulls out his staff and brings it down on the crawling zombie.
GM: Roll dmg
You swing your staff hard at the zombie but it doesn't seem to have much of an effect.
Shrike
Shrike: can't charge now, right?
GM: Too close to the zombie. Needs to move 2 squares at least
GM: Charge is a full round action so you can't do it if you've used your move action
GM: Does Shrike attack?
Shrike flies right at the zombie, attempting to strike at it with its talons.
GM: Roll dmg
Shrike deals just a small cut on the zombie's outstretched arm.
Kalanka
Kal seems stunned from the punch of the zombie still and misses.
Cut-in-half zombie
1/2- zombie tries to reach for your leg but you kick his arm away easily.
Zombie, Human Commoner
The other zombie misses too.
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: Ah, time to talk about threathened squares.
Maedor Tanthanil: just move the piece onto the block it's standing on
GM: It's a grapple check. Roll with your grapple modifier to see if it hits.
The zombie gets its hand on you but you muscle away from his grasp.
GM: Do you do something else as well?
GM: Yeah, you'll use free action to drop the staff and standard to equip bow
GM: The staff will be on the ground then though
Maedor Tanthanil repositions himself in order to be able to cover both Shrike and Kalanka.
GM: To put weapon back in the sheath takes another standard action
GM: You can change standard into move action, they are worht the same
GM: So you could shoot with the bow this turn too
GM: Yeah, I always forget that rule but it makes sense doesn't it. You can pull out a weapon while you move at relatively slow pace
GM: Alright shoot then
Maedor Tanthanil: shouldn't my staff be marked somewhere?
GM: That's where it is
GM: Also note which arrows you shoot
Maedor Tanthanil is about to pull out one of his own arrows when he remembers what the loony had told him. Despite the man's less fortunate qualities, he seemed to know well how to kill these things.
Maedor Tanthanil puts a ripper arrow to his bowstring, and fires at the crawling zombie.
GM: You get -6 on the attack roll as the zombie is in melee with friendly and it's prone
GM: Just scroll the modifier box into -6 before rolling the attack
The arrow hits the crawling zombie in the back. As it hits the creatures meat the head shatters and leaves a huge wound on it's back
GM: No, but they do slashing damage
Shrike
The zombie is still moving though
Shrike is encouraged by the opponent's injuries, and swipes in for a full attack.
GM: 2nd attack is a threat to become critical. Reroll that attack (only that!)
GM: It's only regular hit
Shrike pretty much rips the poor undead apart.
Kalanka
Kalanka still can't hit the zombie.
Zombie, Human Commoner
Zombie lurches towards Kal but she is able to evade it.
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: Remember to click new target on the map, makes my life easier
Maedor Tanthanil repositions to get a better view of the remaining opponent. As he stands there ready to fire, he throws a nervous glance at the dead captain, and almost shudders. He then fires another ripper arrow at the commoner zombie.
GM: dmg
The arrow causes a small wound on the zombies leg.
Shrike
GM: Yeah but make a straight line
Shrike swipes at air
Kalanka
Kalanka has her weapon stuck under the zombies arm and she can't still hit the thing.
Zombie, Human Commoner
The zombie smashes Kalanka again. This time it hits her in the stomach and Kal goes almost double.
Maedor Tanthanil
Kal seems to be swaying badly now.
Maedor Tanthanil prepares another arrow, and fires it at the zombie.
Shrike
Shrike goes for a full attack on the zombie.
Shrike reshapes the zombie's face by ripping most of the meat out of it. It is still standing though.
Kalanka
Kalanka gets her sword finally free and she swings the head off the zombie.
However, just as you thought you were done, 2 more lurch out of the fog.
Zombie, Human Commoner 1
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
Maedor Tanthanil
You realize that your fighting has caused alot of noise.
Maedor Tanthanil goes over to his allies, to cover them as the undead approach.
GM: Do you shoot?
GM: Also you don't have LoS to the other one due to house corner
Maedor Tanthanil fires a regular arrow at the zombie he sees.
Arrow ends up through a second floor window.
Shrike
Shrike circles his allies for the time being, prepared to strike at any zombie that threatens them.
Kalanka
GM wheezes and glances at you. She is clearly in bad shape.
Kalanka wheezes and glances at you. She is clearly in bad shape.
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Another zombie appears
Maedor Tanthanil
Maedor Tanthanil fires another regular arrow at his target.
GM: Roll twice the damage
GM: Ah, 3x then
The arrow goes straight through the zombies head. Still it doesn't seem to have that big of an effect on the creature.
GM: Do you move?
Shrike
GM: Don't move in the zombies square
Shrike charges at the nearest zombie.
GM:
Shrike slashes lightly at the creature.
Kalanka
GM graps you by the shoulder and shouts: ''We need to go! Now!'' After which she starts to make her way unsteadily back the way you came.
Kalanka graps you by the shoulder and shouts: ''We need to go! Now!'' After which she starts to make her way unsteadily back the way you came.
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
This zombie strikes at Shrike but misses the agile bird.
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Maedor Tanthanil
Maedor Tanthanil fires a ripper at his target.
Kalanka: Regular hit
GM: Regular hit
This time you open up a huge wound on its chest.
Shrike
Maedor Tanthanil fires and makes his way backwards.
GM: Are you counting the Ripper arrows?
GM: Good
GM: 2 dmg dice
Shrike goes after this zombies face as well.
Kalanka
Kalanka retreats a bit more and stops looking after you.
Maedor Tanthanil: Hold on. Take my staff with you.
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
The zombie misses Shrike again.
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Zombie, Human Commoner 6
Zombie, Human Commoner 5
2 more zombies appear.
Maedor Tanthanil
There's a whole dead squad of more powerful elves than you in there. What did you expect?
GM: Depends
GM: Always a free action
Maedor Tanthanil: Shrike! Fetch my quarterstaff for me.
Maedor Tanthanil fires at his target with another Ripper.
GM: It'll do that on its turn
GM: No mod
The arrow hit the tree behind the zombie.
Shrike
As Shrike leaves the threat area of the zombie, it finally lands hit on Shrike.
GM: 2 points of dmg on Shrike.
The zombie smacks the eagle.
GM: Lethal
GM: You cna do the movement now
GM: yeah
Shrike shrieks in anger, but obeys Maedor's command.
Shrike: it'll have to stop there for the time being
GM: It can fly there and pick it up and that\s the turn for it
Kalanka
Keeps running now.
GM: Kal*
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Zombie, Human Commoner 6
Zombie, Human Commoner 5
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: If you just escape now, we can end counting turns
Maedor Tanthanil fires another ripper.
GM: Lol, ok
GM: no mod
GM: dmg
Another ripper rips its flesh but the creature is still up.
Shrike
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: Did you want to move with Mae?
Shrike
Kalanka
Kal keeps running, she's bit ahead of you
Zombie, Human Commoner 2
Zombie, Human Commoner 3
Zombie, Human Commoner 4
Zombie, Human Commoner 6
Zombie, Human Commoner 5
Maedor Tanthanil
GM: Some are, some aren't.
GM: 3 closest ones aren't
And you waste another Ripper.
Maedor Tanthanil fires one last Ripper, and runs, following Kal
You catch up to Kalanka soon. Also the zombies fall back soon as well.
Kalanka is really wheezing now. She probably has few cracked ribs from the pummeling the zombie gave her.
Maedor Tanthanil taps Kalanka on the shoulder as they're moving away from the park. "You hanging in there?"
Kalanka glances at you and nods, too out of breath to speak.
You turn out of Mason street when you hear something heart stopping. A loud, high-pitched, primal scream screeches throught the air. It is immeaditly answered in two different locations. They all seem to be coming from some what north of you.
Maedor Tanthanil: RUN!
Maedor Tanthanil: Keep moving!
Kalanka begins running unsteadily.
Kalanka seems to be actually making a better time than you for now despite her injuries.You hear one of the screams getting bit closer to you.
You don't recognise the scream.
You're now at the Lamont's house. The hatches are firmly shut.
Kalanka is still going faster but the one scream that was closer last time seems to have fallen a back bit. However the scream that comes from your right has gained you.
You reach the street where you fought the dogs.
You both can keep up the good pace even through the last pace. As you see the boat waiting in the port, the screams aren't any closer than before.
You notice the skeleton crew that was left on the boat getting ready to set sail. No doubt they heard the screams as well.
Kalanka is the first to reach the deck. She wheezes heavily and falls down unconsious as soon as she touches the plank deck. You follow her aboard soon.
Aellani: What is it? What are those screams?
Maedor Tanthanil: I don't know. But the captain is dead. There is nothing for us here but a bunch of dead guys, some loonie, and whatever's making that sound.
Maedor Tanthanil looks thoughtful for a moment.
Aellani: Captain is dead...
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm loath to leave the loonie behind, though. He seems like the kind of guy we would want with our best fighters dead.
Maedor Tanthanil: I'm sorry for your loss.
Aellani is silent a moment shaking her head. ''Set sail!''
Maedor Tanthanil: Sure we shouldn't try to recruit the local hunter of the undead for protection?
The ship leaves the port quickly. You swear you can see some fast moving figures in the mist of the port. But as the ship loses the sight of the port, you hear the screams one final time. This time they even sound bit disappointed.
Aellani: There is less than 10 sailors on the boat left. And none of them are real warriors.
GM: There is less than 10 sailors on the boat left. And none of them are real warriors.
GM: That was GM line
Aellani just shakes her head at you.
Maedor Tanthanil stands at the railing, looking back at the port and musing at the fate of the crazy old fellow. He hoped he'd be alright, or at least go out in a blaze of glory if he did die. Which was rather likely.
You see one of the sailors carrying Kal below decks. Meanwhile Aellani walks silently next to you.
Aellani: I want to show you something. And after that you will tell me everything that happened.
Aellani: This is where we are.
Maedor Tanthanil: New Adar.
Aellani shows you a piece of map of two islands.
Maedor Tanthanil: Yeah, the loon mentioned it.
Aellani: Westport is our only hope. Kaellan won't last open sea. Not to mention that blasted storm...