" I see you weren't entirely mistaken. "
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 19:54:51 No. 6108825 Report Quoted By:
" Oh yeah. This is totally fool-proof. Trust me. We're going to be rich - honestly, you should be paying <span class="mu-i">me</span> for a chance to get in on this "
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 20:08:57 No. 6108841 Report <span class="mu-i">Is it always this warm out here? The sun bakes the sand and you with it, until somewhere along the wandering paths you end up more sun-scarred sand than human being.</span>
---
But it was not always like that. They tell tales this place used to be comforting, even, all shade and shadows and running rivers. Check nooks and crannies of old places, you'll forgotten buildings stick out of the sand. The bones of old peering out from the veil of time, and we the little scavengers among them. Wonder what one might find, if one goes a seeking in a place like this.
Maybe that's why you signed up for a Scavenger Company? They pay is good. The work is ... interesting. The people are rough sort, but neither the worst nor the best. And yes, a fair few of them spend more time fighting than they do guarding scholars or trading old detritus in trade-camps, but the difference between a scavenger and a mercenary is . . . slim at the best of times.
--
>Sign up, sign the contract, sign on. Check the Company muster, then fill out your relevant papers here, below. We'll need a name to call you, and you'll have to tell us a little about what it is that you do.
#Name
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#--?
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!--?
--
Don't worry if you've never done something like this before - you'll learn quick. It's a kind of play by post multiplier narrative chess game, where the world tries to kill you.
There's a loosely coherent story, too, but you don't need to be too deep in the details to tag along.
>https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=art%3F Oh, and dice a dice+xd6 in the options field - you'll want to know that to do the job you pick. <span class="mu-s">There'll be some details later, but for now, just get settled in.</span>
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 2, 3, 4 = 9 (3d6) >>6108841 #Phridon
-
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
-
Uniform, DR2
Shortblade, Sharp
Spear, Reach 2, Impales, Throwable
Shield [18HP, 3DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets (actually, there's like 1 coinbit in there)
Whitebone Needles (Wards-12)
-
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 13
-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!Well Read
>Raise 6 Troopers equipped with spears (spearchads ww@?) >Hire a Specialist who assists in Binding, Warding, and Abjuring. >Keep the bad luck at bay (+3 coinbits). [Iconotheurgy 12] >Buy some cool books (-2 coinbits). Icarus
>>6108841 > Kit Selection: Thaumatheurgy Kit > Weapons Training; Rope > Whispered Secrets: Of Edges and insights > Raise a banner: Spears > Hire a specialist: Binding, Warding, Adjuring (x2) > Receive your dues: Keep bad luck at bay (Iconotheurgy-12) > Spend your bits: Hire a second specialist #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Weaver's Whip
Whitebone needle
1 Bit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
=Secrets=
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy12
#Wards12
#Rope13
#Analysis12
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
=Bannermen and Support=
(x6) Spears-11 troopers
(x2) Binding, Warding, Adjuring specialists
Jove
Rolled 6, 6, 3 = 15 (3d6) >Raise Blades>Hire Logistics >Enforce Discipline, Influence 11 >Feed my squad a little better. -2 coinbits
Anonymous
You're a madman and I love it, CC
Edward
Rolled 3, 3, 1 = 7 (3d6) >>6108841 >Alchemineering Kit >Powder Training >Of Masks and Mettle >6 Troopers, equipped with Muskets 11 >1 Specialist, who assists in Logistics and Procurement >Honouring the timetable, harsh though it be (Tactics 11) >Fall in love Hurry up. I have to see her again.
#Edward
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
Morale +1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Harquebus [4d6 Impact, Terror, Malfunction 16+, 3AP Reload, -1Acc per step, +1 Club in melee]
One Memento [Locket with her picture]
1 bit
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Alchemineering 12 [First Aid, Salt, Gas, Smoke, Fire, Oil, Salt, Acid, Stimulant, 1AP=1 point or huck 1d3 with major action]
#Muskets 13
#Small Unit Tactics 11
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettle: If you start adjacent to an ally, they add +1 to all skill tests and speed. Spend 1 AP on behalf of ally
Zivka
Rolled 5, 6, 6 = 17 (3d6) >>6108841 >>6108841 Zivka
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield & Axe
Ranging Kit
Tattercloak Quiver
Weather Cloak (Morale 1, Weather Resist 2)
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Coinbit
More Pockets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Animalfriend 12
#Bows 12
#Axes 13
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
> Rally six scarred Spearkin (and our dog) > Beseech one Elder, of Refit, Repairs and Refinement > Mind the beasts and men and unruly tribes folk. (Animals 12, Influence 11) The march is long, but the rewards will be worth it. I had this terrible dream, of being cornered by an overwhelming foe….
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 21:30:09 No. 6108903 Report Quoted By:
>>6108891 It's a sickness of the mind, softsoul. But that's okay. If you're along for the ride, perhaps we're both mad - and if so, what worth is it to be sane?
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 1, 3, 1 = 5 (3d6) >>6108841 >Gain Trapping Kit >Gain Powder Training >Gain Of Hopes and Fears 1 >Raise a Banner of 6 Troopers equipped with Muskets >Hire a Specialist who assists in Refit, Repairs and Refinement >Run long duration perimeter patrols (vs Influence 11) >Splurge on one of those fascinating books #Scarlett
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Harquebus (4d6 Impact, Likely to Terrorize; Malfunctions 16+; Reload 3 AP; steps give -1 Accuracy; +1 Club in melee)
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Trapping Kit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Coinbit
A Fascinating Book
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Muskets 13
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1: Add Rank to resist terror; Major action to reroll Will for nearby ally; +1 to Influence and Thoughts
!Well Read
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 21:54:54 No. 6108931 Report Quoted By:
" Sir, we've got the last one stowed for now. My hands still itch "
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 22:05:09 No. 6108938 Report Quoted By:
" Like we thought? "
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 22:22:02 No. 6108950 Report >Six Banners Raised, proceeding to Encampment.
Luz
Rolled 4, 5, 4 = 13 (3d6) #Luz>Keep bad luck at bay (Iconotheurgy 12) >Raise a banner of 6 muskets >Hire a 2nd Theurgic specialist to assist
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 22:37:17 No. 6108961 Report Rolled 6, 3, 4 = 13 (3d6) >>6108860 A few warding gestures and some salt in the right place and all the worlds ills stay away a little longer. You feel cold at night, out here. Colder than you should. Those dreams keep coming back, the ones you can't remember, except for the taste of fear at the back of your throat and the snap-to-waking with a hammering heart in the morning.
Yesterday, someone <span class="mu-i">almost</span> died when they slipped and tripped over their own spear. Close call. The edge puncture through the collar of their uniform instead of their neck.
Some would call that bad luck.
You know better. It could have been so much worse.
>Accidented avoided >+1 Reputation, note it as a Stat >>6108864 Sure, if you shant test 3d6 as instructed, recruit, then Command will gladly roll those bones - but now we test against half skill [6]
>>6108887 They're a sour, sullen lot - the ones that aren't eager to please and new. It's an electic mix, all old eyes and new hands. You do your best and some of them show promise. Though "You", "do your best" and "Show promise" are terms that work hard in the stretching. It's really more a case of you desperately trying to keep up with the master-at-arms daily instructions and everyone else giving you the side-eye glance.
Run a few more laps, why don't you, Jove? All those extra rations you're feeding people are cutting into your stamina.
Look on the bright side: your example makes everyon else look like enduring heroes out of myth.
>-2 Stamina >+2 Reputation, note it as a Stat >>6108899 Getting there on time is half the challenge in modern management theory, and getting everyone else to roll out of bed, pack up and get moving is harder still. You win absolutely no favours with ANYONE for constantly reminding them all that they have a place to be. On the other hand, you shave three days off of the journey out which is food not eaten and water not wasted.
>-2 Reputation, note it as a stat >Company stores are better off >No one is out of water or food. Yet. >>6108900 AH VOID--SHIT--HORSE--DUNG--SONOFAGOATHERDER--- WHY DO THE HORSES OF SUCH SHARP TEETH
>-3 Vitality, -3 Stamina, -3 Focus >-1 Speed >+2 Bandage alotment >-2 Reputation, note it as a stat >Gain: !I'll Walk, Thanks, as a trait. Given the fact that all of horse-kind appears to have declared war on you for all eternity, you're going to have to get used to taking the slow route on your own feet.
You ignore any fatigue and stamina from having to foot it somewhere. Fancy.
>>6108927 Someone . . . is out there. You don't catch them - quite - but you catch <span class="mu-i">sight</span> of them, sharp spears sun-touched in the shimmering distance, small formations of fast moving troops. When you get there, they're gone. Camps tossed over by careful hands, no trash left to identify, and yet their presence unmistakable.
Someone is out there.
Crawling closer bit by bit
>Company alertness raised a little >Recon-in-Force scouts briefed on imminent danger; all patrol dangers lessened. Icarus
Rolled 4, 6, 3 = 13 (3d6) >>6108950 >Duty List: Protocol Observance - Sprinkle salt around the camp's perimeter and over resting places - make sure every man's pillow is adorned with a light dusting of protective sodium. (Iconotheurgy 12) > Personal: Buy a Wrackstone. (-1 Cointbit) Icarus
Rolled 9, 8 = 17 (2d10) >>6108962 About what I expected.
Now for the stone.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 22:41:14 No. 6108965 Report >Seven Banners Raised, proceeding to Encampment.
Zivka
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 6, 4, 6, 3, 2 = 26 (6d6) >>6108965 Zivka
Vitality 9 Stamina 9 Focus 9
Action 9 Speed 1+1
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9, Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield & Axe
Ranging Kit
Tattercloak Quiver
Weather Cloak (Morale 1, Weather Resist 2)
Good Boots
4 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
More Pockets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Animalfriend 12
#Bows 12
#Axes 13
#Filching 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!I’ll Walk, Thanks
AAAAAHH
> Write a letter to my Uthani kin. The search for a home continues, but at least we are paid. Gain one Coinbit, spend my two on Boots. I’ll clearly need it.
> Take a tracking hound, and search for our missing supplies. Animals 12
Logistics 10
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Rolled 1, 3, 6 = 10 (3d6) >>6108841 > Kit Selection: Thaumatheurgy Kit > Weapons Training; Rope > Whispered Secrets: Of Masks and Mettle > Raise a banner: Blades > Hire a specialist: Triage, Surgery and medical matters > Receive your dues: Enforcing discipline among the ranks (Small unit tactics-11) > Spend your bits: Splurge on one of those fascinating books #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Weaver's Whip
Whitebone needle
1 Bit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
=Secrets=
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy12
#Wards12
#Rope13
#Small Unit Tactics 11
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Masks and Mettle 1
!Well Read
=Bannermen and Support=
(x6) Blade-11 troopers
(x1) Young but well adjusted expert in Triage, Surgery and medical matters
Luz
Rolled 1, 2, 4, 3, 2, 1 = 13 (6d6) >>6108965 >Thaumaturgy 12, Warding 10?, Engage in Protocol Observance >Insist that your papers are in error. I met a wave haired desert wanderer named Joe who taught me Mistbreathing. Keeps you from dying of dehydration in the desert. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 23:05:58 No. 6108985 Report Quoted By:
>>6108951 A single lonely cloud squirms across the vast skies, and just for a moment, it blots out the distant black spot that hovers there in front of the sun itself. Everyone breathes a little . . . easier.
Then Asog tangles in his own rope and almost breaks his own neck, and it only stops being a cavalcade of sprains and broken fingers because by the time he trips all over the Ashfingers and their tent repair work he doesn't have that many more fingers left to break. Straight to the medical tents with him and the four others.
Some might call that awful luck.
You . . . Oh, you know better.
>Accident avoided >Specialist *not* dead, what a boon >>6108864 Insisting it's good fortune to inscribe the right prayers in the sand outside the tents every morning and every night, you've instructed the troopers in the right careful moments and the symbols they draw have surely warded away the ill sting of bad fortune. Surely. <span class="mu-i">Surely</span>.
The recent spate of insomnia that the doctors are unable to do anything about is . . . unrelated mass psychological hysteria, from sun exposure. Surely. <span class="mu-i">Surely</span>
>Everyone is *tired* >>6108979 Now there's a term you don't hear every day. Still wet behind the ears, huh? And that ain't even an insult - I wouldn't go insulting people like you. It's apt to be frightening. Might be something was off about your paperwork . . .
>>6108963 Oh <span class="mu-i">no</span>, softsoul. Why'd you have to go and find some of the pristine ones? Who even sold you this? Did you see his face? Did he even have one? Oh <span class="mu-i">no</span>
--
While the remaining Company musters and everyone else finds their bearings, we'll leave things off here for you to chatter amongst yourselves, carry out some duties and get your bearings. <span class="mu-s">There'll be some more information later</span>.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 23:09:25 No. 6108989 Report >Eight Banners Raised, proceeding to Encampment.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2M0ihaSP Sun 22 Sep 2024 23:15:43 No. 6108998 Report >>6108860 >>6108927 >>6108951 >>6108977 Right, you <span class="mu-i">bookworms</span>, perhaps you can riddle us this while we're whiling away the idle hours waiting for the Coldeyes to find out where in forsaken creation half our supply train went off to.
What manner of ill beast is described as a spiteful amalgamation of insectiod horror and imperial ambition?
What government rules that distant realm Vanadia, back over the other side of the Leviathan Sea?
What do you call the true name of the Sun?
If there are three powers in a room - an Emperor, a Magnate and a Priest - what do these grand Powers offer one soldier with a sword to defend from their peers?
What weighs more, memory or gold coin?
Hmhm?
Well you're such smart recruits, I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Ah, of course:
What's more important - knowing how to build a bridge or knowing how to bandage a wound?
>What a frightfully well-read Company >Logistics difficulties reduced one step, because 'surely' the paperwork is all in order. Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 2, 5, 5, 4, 4, 3 = 23 (6d6) >>6108989 >Write a letter home (to Kalcmiri) >Gain Poetry 12, Well Mannered, and Weaving 12 >Perimeter Patrols (vs Influence 11, Well Mannered) Perhaps the locals might have seen something.
#Scarlett
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Harquebus (4d6 Impact, Likely to Terrorize; Malfunctions 16+; Reload 3 AP; steps give -1 Accuracy; +1 Club in melee)
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Trapping Kit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Muskets 13
#Poetry 12
#Weaving 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1: Add Rank to resist terror; Major action to reroll Will for nearby ally; +1 to Influence and Thoughts
!Well Read
!Well Mannered
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6108999 also vs Logistics 10
Luz
The Malichnid Princesses terrorize the Inky depths.
Wicklighter
Rolled 1, 6, 1, 5, 4, 5, 2, 1, 3 = 28 (9d6) >>6108841 >>6108998 >Alchemineering Kit >Blades Training >Of Malice and Mirth >Blades Banner >Specialist in Training and Discipline >Enforce Discipline (rolling vs Blades 14) >Spend Coinbits: Combat Lessons >Personal Action: Write a letter home to Rikovol >Duty: Disciplinary Action Review. Extra drill for the Ironwroughts! (rolling vs Blades 14 and Discipline ???) #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
Wicklighter holds those around him to the same rigorous standards of discipline that he holds himself to. Unfortunately, instead of coming off as a reasonable leader who wouldn't do anything he wouldn't ask of his subordinates, he usually just comes off as a bit of a freakazoid.
Seriously, what kind of psychopath's morning routine puts jogging five laps around the camp and twenty minutes of sword practice /before/ eating breakfast? There's something wrong with that man.
Bulwark
Rolled 2, 1, 3 = 6 (3d6) >>6108841 Smiling. He always smiles you know. That shit-eating grin strune across his face, whenever he's not wearing full armour that is.
Breacher Kit
>Powder Training >!Of Steel Hearts >Raise a Banner of Blades-11! >Hire a Specialist in Refit, Repairs & Refinement! >Keeping the gear stowed and the blades sharp (Armsmaking-10) >Hire a professional (Logistics & Procurement) #Ser Stalwart (Self-Proclaimed)
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 8
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
+Breacher Kit, 4DR
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets (1 Coinbits)
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Harquebus, 4d6 Impact, Malfunctions on 16+, 3AP to reload, Doubles as a +1 Club in melee
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Muskets-13
#Armsmaking-10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Armoured Advance 1: Intentionally body-slam targets upon entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight-line movement prior
!Of Steel Hearts 1: If end unengaged, regain Vitality equal to rank. If end engaged, gain bonus damage reduction equal to rank
!Extra Rota
Jove
Rolled 2, 6, 5, 6, 1, 5 = 25 (6d6) >>6108989 >Write home to mum in Reikan, and no peeking if you like your eyes (pick Carousing) >Join the Scarred Spears looking for our supplies. (vs Influence 11 and Logistics 10) >Must 'ave amnesia, they forgot that Oi's 'im. Guards told me gate's closed. Greased the 'inges wivvem. Sold a man an 'eadache once. 'eisted a university by 'iding me rustic charm. Don't remember it all. Gets a bit fuzzy 'round the Crow... the...
... any'ow! 'sno one loik Jove but Jove!
>In another time, I did some high-stakes tinkering. You don't get away with stunts like mine without spare materials and an (occasionally blind) eye for workplace safety. Jove, Striker 2 Sapper 2
RES 10
STA 6 SPD 3
React 2 Resist 1 Rebuff 1
Sense 1 Authority 2 Cunning 1
Brawn 3 Manipulate 1 Edge 2
Blades 2 Gearwright 1 Unarmed 1 Streetsmarts 2
!Deep Reserves
!Flourish
!Consummate Professional
!Patch Job
[R] Woodbreaker: 2H 1W 1Reach, Crits Cleave
[H] Rikovol Pressed Helmet, 2 Barrier, Fragile
[Tools] 3 bits, Boostgear 3/5 Fuel, 2+2+3 Boost
QuickreteTank Mod
Messer
Nugget of Palatine Armour, 3Mag Metallic-Terrene, 1Limit, 2Strain
#Jove
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10 Strength 11 Reputation 2
React 9+1
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Wispcloak, Major to hide, halved move-do penalty
Halberd
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
A coinbit
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Polearm 13
#Carousing 14
-Traits
!Armored 1
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears
Ser Stalwart
Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 6, 3, 3, 1, 5 = 24 (6d6) >>6109041 More smiling.
>Write a letter home (Reikan)! >While I'm doing my own personal paperwork lets get to work fixing some other things such say... Arms Procurement! (Armsmaking-10, Refit&Repairs-10, Fresheyed Archers) #Ser Stalwart (Self-Proclaimed)
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 8
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
+Breacher Kit, 4DR
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets (1 Coinbits)
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Harquebus, 4d6 Impact, Malfunctions on 16+, 3AP to reload, Doubles as a +1 Club in melee
-Secrets
#Strength 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Muskets-13
#Armsmaking-10
#Carousing-14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Armoured Advance 1: Intentionally body-slam targets upon entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight-line movement prior
!Of Steel Hearts 1: If end unengaged, regain Vitality equal to rank. If end engaged, gain bonus damage reduction equal to rank
!Extra Rota
!Armoured 1
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Qno8MkT/ Mon 23 Sep 2024 07:54:40 No. 6109210 Report >>6108977 Finally, someone who knows the right end of a sharp word and can get some of these mudfeet to fall in. Good work, Caedo - you might even an officer's stripes if you keep this up.
>Some of the slackers work a little harder >Gain +1 Reputation, note it as a stat >Lose 2 Vitality, from temporary bruises acquired busting up a gambling round gone bad >Gain 1 Stamina >Gain 1 Focus >>6109021 By all the stars in the endless skies <span class="mu-i">someone</span> on this field of must and dust seems to know the bleeding end of a sharp and the blunt end of a hammer. Are you sure you're in the right outfit, here, Wicklighter? Might'n be your menace-making murderhands could command a sizable premium in more lethal operations. Well, I won't commit on Rikovian traditions. You people travel a lot, yeah? I can respect it. No, I won't be joining you for morning laps, but maybe there's something in this Path some of these people can learn from.
>Some of the troopers learn a thing or two >The Master-At-Arms, a quiet, taciturn and slim looking Vanadian with a hat askew on her head invites you around for a few extra practices matches some of the odder evenings. You almost don't get hit. >Gain +1 Speed OR +1 Reaction >Unfortunately, you don't get much sleep because the tryhards keep coming at you to prove they are, in fact, that hard. -2 Stamina. >>6109041 Stalwart Bulwark, is it? Your parents must just about have loved you something fierce. Good eye for packing the right crates. Who'd have thunk we still had so many spare uniforms stuffed in the water barrels? Who'd have thunk we were so low on water?
>Gain an additional water skin >Find a very nice uniform, +5 Temp Vitality >Some of the troopers patch their gear CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Qno8MkT/ Mon 23 Sep 2024 08:14:31 No. 6109212 Report >Ten Banners Raised
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Qno8MkT/ Mon 23 Sep 2024 08:41:08 No. 6109214 Report Feels like you've been walking for <span class="mu-i">days</span> which is always the trick around here. The landscape changes by subtle degrees. It's all sand and endless shimmering horizons and you don't notice the hypnotic lull. Then you cross a dune and bypass a rocky cliff that sticks out like a broken tooth and then - well - then you suddenly enter a place of almost shade and green things. Mushy sand from some wetness in the deep earth. Bricks, long stained by the wind, but orange clay still almost faintly homely. This place is impossible to see at distance, hidden by some quirk of sand dunes and the undulations of the landscape. You practically fell right into it.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Qno8MkT/ Mon 23 Sep 2024 09:02:03 No. 6109220 Report >>6108963 Where did you find such a thing, friend? Why would you hold on to it? Do you not know the difference a slim bit of jewellery will eventually make to your life, your fate, your very sense of self?
I would fear what you become, eight score years hence, but never to worry: Most never live so long.
These are the kinds of things you find the Wastes, and put back down, and forget you ever found. They pay good, grand sums for these in distant ports and distant shores. They raise men above men, they say. The great equalisers of station and stature.
Out here, cracked and broken wrackstones are ten to the hand, each one as useless as an empty water-skin and as enticing as a gut wound.
But sometimes . . . Oh, sometimes you find the ones are broken yet, by the wind and the world. Hold it in your hands. Feel your bones bend <span class="mu-i">different</span>.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Qno8MkT/ Mon 23 Sep 2024 09:10:18 No. 6109221 Report Quoted By:
>>6109021 They don't like it. But they do like that the payment for profit is sweat and toil - it has a certain fanciful karmatic weight about it. And we can't exactly be punishing people for showing inititiave, anyway - half the Company would be punished all the time.
An outfit like ours don't hold much with the whip or the lash. Too easy to slip away in the night, and too easy to stab your tormentor. No one signs up for this kind of work with the expectation that they'll be beat about by their peers - but two more hours a day of grueling extra work still brings the message home that some things are not entirely acceptable.
Everyone watching takes note. Weigh the odds and ends. Some turn it into a sport - tagging along. Not much else to do here, on these endless lingering evenings, than beat about with swords and footwork.
>Well, they're been disciplined - but they're a hardscrabble lot with excellent stamina, so the one that ends up worse for wear leading the exercise is Wicklighter ! Impressive, the way some people just put on armour and keep going. Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 3, 6, 2, 2, 5, 4, 2, 6, 2, 6, 4, 1, 5, 1, 5, 5, 2, 3 = 64 (18d6) >>6109212 >"Hi...Dad...doing great...hmm, no...doing good...making lots of...friends...and some...money...Love...Phridon. Ok, that should do." Write letter to senpai in Pyther. >Duty List: Protocol Observance. [Iconotheurgy 12, Warding 10] Can we tag along with one of the formations in addition to the above actions? If so,
>Join the Windswept Blades on their diplomatic forays. [Stamina 12, Blades 14 (me), Blades 12 (troops), and Influence 11] #Phridon
-
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Reputation 1
-
Uniform, DR2
Shortblade, Sharp
Longblade, +1dmg, Sharp
Shield [18HP, 3DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets (actually, there's like 1 coinbit in there)
Whitebone Needles (Wards-12)
-
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Blades 14
#Religious Ritual 11
-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!Well Read
Zivka
>>6109214 If Scarlett agrees, I’m happy to investigate.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Qno8MkT/ Mon 23 Sep 2024 11:21:31 No. 6109252 Report Rolled 5, 2, 2 = 9 (3d6) >>6109045 While your past record is impressive and all, simply telling everyone what a charmed and concussed life you used to lead was doesn't much tell us what you're trying to draw from the experience.
What you should consider is the skillset you're insisting you have or whatever equipment you might have brought with you - we can make some allowances.
>>6108979 Unfortunately, you don't seem to have any papers that prove anyone wrong, so surely, you cannot have what you claim to have.
>>6109008 Well, three out of six ain't bad for the average academic.
--
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
>>6108998 >What manner of ill beast is described as a spiteful amalgamation of insectiod horror and imperial ambition? Malichnid? But it could also be a colorful way of describing the Wasponi.
>What government rules that distant realm Vanadia, back over the other side of the Leviathan Sea? The Vanadian Republic. They're a union of city-states or somesuch and all like...democracy?
>What do you call the true name of the Sun? The Empyreal.
>If there are three powers in a room - an Emperor, a Magnate and a Priest - what do these grand Powers offer one soldier with a sword to defend from their peers? Glory, coin, and divine favor, respectively.
>What weighs more, memory or gold coin? Memories command greater weight, being fragments of ones soul.
>What's more important - knowing how to build a bridge or knowing how to bandage a wound? Bridge-building is a grander undertaking. I would assign it greater import.
I swear, I actually read all those books and don't just have them sitting in an untouched stack so I can affect the appearance of a true intellectual. Honest.
Icarus
>>6109220 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Weaver's Whip
-Gear-
(x1) Bit
(x1) Fully Inert Blackstone // (x1) Whitebone needle
(x2) Bandages // (x2) Torches // (x2) Bags of Salt
=Secrets=
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy12
#Wards12
#Rope13
#Analysis12
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
=Bannermen and Support=
(x6) Spears-11 troopers
(x2) Binding, Warding, Adjuring specialists
> Take the Fully Inert Blackstone. Oh Command.
I have such sights to show you.
(Don't fret. I'll have this truly daunting mountain of recordkeeping streamlined down into something sleek and unobtrusive before the violence begins in earnest.) Jove
>>6109252 'at's easy. Can't be a bombshell w'out Oi's put together roight, see? Same w'an actual bomb, an' stunts, an' me gear. Oi's the very image o' a Consummate Perfessional. Almost wot the 'ighbrows call Workplace Safety, only it's in the name o' may'em, mischief an' menace.
Edward
Rolled 5, 2, 3, 3, 5, 4 = 22 (6d6) >>6109212 You may call me Edward, sir. There is no S in the name.
>Write a letter home, to distant, rainy, Illios My dearest Anne,
I miss the sea. It is so weird to...
>Arms Procurement. There are villages nearby. Surely I can convince these good, kind, backwards people to part with some supplies in a mutually beneficial application of the principles upon the wealth of nations is built. The invisible hand always finds a way. Attempt to bolster my Muskets skill while I'm at it.(Influence 10+2 Fast Talk) #Edward
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
Morale +1
–Stat
Reputation -2
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Harquebus [4d6 Impact, Terror, Malfunction 16+, 3AP Reload, -1Acc per step, +1 Club in melee]
One Memento [Locket with her picture]
1 bit
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
+2 Fast Talk
#Alchemineering 12 [First Aid, Salt, Gas, Smoke, Fire, Oil, Salt, Acid, Stimulant, 1AP=1 point or huck 1d3 with major action]
#Muskets 13
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Boating 12
#Sea Navigation 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettle: If you start adjacent to an ally, they add +1 to all skill tests and speed. Spend 1 AP on behalf of ally
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6109214 >>6109245 I do agree, please investigate
Facsimile
Rolled 5, 3, 4 = 12 (3d6) >>6108841 Command, could I spend my spare bit on that Gleamsprite's Flutter that Icarus found? If not, roll me up a new set please!
>Mobility Kit >Gauntlets >Of Malice and Mirth 1 >Raise 6x Bows >Hire a logistics specialist >Keep gear stowed, blades sharp, Gearwright 12 >Gamble gamble gamble, -2bits +lucky token, +debt >Buy that Gleamsprite? #Facsimile
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Lucky Token
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Empty Pockets
-Secrets
#Gearwright 12
#Filching 10
#Close Quarters 13
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: Add rank to first skill test if starting unengaged, add rank to reaction if ending engaged
!Sizable Gambling Debt
Zivka
>>6109275 Surely, wound care is more important. Only one trade saves lives!
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
>>6109327 A single treated wound may save a life, but a built bridge leads to the flourishing of hundreds, perhaps thousands.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6109327 You don't think bridges save lives? Have you ever lived on the other side of a river from the only clinic or garrison in a hundred miles?
Edward
Quoted By:
>>6109329 I don't understand what the problem is. Do you not have boats in your home?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 15:38:00 No. 6109332 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 6, 3 = 12 (3d6) >>6109214 >>6109245 >>6109304 The hounds growl and paw the sand, but the troopers spread out under the shade of the trees and check the perimeter. The wind has died down. The air is . . . Thick is the wrong word, but somehow <span class="mu-i">weighted</span>. Six more steps towards the old crumbing walls and it feels like sixty. Scarlett crest a slight rise first and ducks under a old leaning tree. Catches their breath.
Spots a boot, half buried in the sand. Mass produced leather hardheel, type seven, surplus supply from some Reikan force on the Continent. Same boots issued to new recruits.
Catches Zhivka's eye. Points. No one wants to be first but someone eventually has to be. It's not the only pair of boots half buried in the sand, nor, alas, is it only boots out here . . .
>Sense 10, Hounds +2 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 15:50:22 No. 6109336 Report Recent. Looks like they died tired - water skins are empty and they're short a lot of equipment. Might have tossed it running. >..? >Better check the village >Better report to the Company >Better search this area proper, we might be missing something
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 16:00:30 No. 6109340 Report >>6109323 It's not yours to buy and it wasn't offered to you, recruit - don't go desiring the acroutements of your fellows, that's avarice. These things have a way of finding who they're meant to find, more's the pity.
>>6109303 That's what the Commander swears by too, though he's not Illosi. Grease the wheels, he calls it.
This village back a ways - what four hours or so? - was pretty quiet coming out and might be more quiet now you're coming back from long patrol. But the people there usually keep a thing or two hidden away for a rainy day. They had a large, half abandoned the Commander's been renting as a supply depot.
The trick of it is that sort of thing's bound to draw in hagglers from other villages - if you beat it back there aways it'll be a few hours on foot, but you can call it a patrol and maybe you'll find a market in the making?
>>6109297 A <span class="mu-i">demolitionist</span> is it, by Jove? Figures that skull of yours is thick enough to use a a battering ram. The trick of such consumate professionalism would be something rather akin to this:
!Consumate Professional 1: Sense against an environmental danger and you get additional Def and DR, shareable with 1 AP as you point it out to others.
>>6109294 Thanks. We hate it.
>>6109275 Now five out of six is real academic work and no mistake there, book mind. You've got the making of a Free College mail-in diploma and no mistake!
Alas, there isn't any Wasponi around here - and Malichnids, <span class="mu-i">blessedly</span> are more the types to be in aggregate further inland.
But imagine that. We've got ourselves a <span class="mu-i">thinker</span>.
>+1 Thoughts to you >+1 Paperwork Admin to the Company. >>6109224 "Diplomatic Foray", frankly, is Company-Speak for wandering to small outlying homesteads six hours by foot or more, politely knocking on the door of clannish smallholders and nomad tent camps who do not like outsiders, and then offering to mend fences and round up sheep. Commander Isenfrii swears by it, calls it a hearths and minding campaign, but it's the worst sort of warfare: the kind that risks splinters, angry parents thinking you're here to seduce away their children and having to field a barrage of curiousity from people who do so very rarely get visitors.
It's a long treck. But after spending two days chasing down lost ungulates the tent-leader of one of these mirage like camps only glares at you when you show up. Which must be somehow better than the spitting. Asks if you can bless the tents. The winds been howling hot lately.
You do so.
He ain't convinced that's a proper rite.
You part amicable ways.
>+1 Coinbit >+1 Reputation >+1 Stamina >-1 Grit - what a long haul. Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6109336 >Better check the village Facsimile
Rolled 7, 4 = 11 (2d10) >>6109340 Who, me? Coveting my neighbor's possessions? I wouldn't dream of it - to filch such a precious, pretty, nightmare rock... inconceivable!
Those grapes were probably sour anyways.
>Buy a different wrackstone Zivka
>>6109336 > Back Scarlett. Investigate the village. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 16:32:56 No. 6109349 Report >>6108962 >>6108979 Luz, Icarus and Phridon sketch out a sigil on the sand with sticks and lines of salt and good natured haggling. Professionals don't catch religion. You shouldn't really <span class="mu-i">believe</span> that invoking these different signs grant amensty from transgressions celestial and pardons for crimes profane.
But . . . you shouldn't really assume it <span class="mu-i">doesn't</span>. It's the Wastes. Ill fortune and worse luck stick to your like bad breath and morning hair, the gaps between intent and action grow vaster, the shadows are too cold, the sun is too warm and sometimes, when you blink, the brief flashes of light behind your eyelids show distant galaxies.
There are . . . signs to be made. Assurances to offer. Little rituals, practiced and rote, that we perform to buy a measure of consideration from things that have no compasion. To the smallholders and villages of this place, these sort of things are so mundane part of life that they do not even enter theology. You wipe your shoes before going inside, you sleep at night, you eat your porridge with salt and you bleed four drops - and never more - on the north facing wall of your hut every six days and then the Wind doesn't steal your fondest memories.
Surviving out here long enough is part practice and part forensic theology, figuring out what parts of old scattered miracles still hold sway and what part you can ignore.
For now, a small dispute must be settled. There are wards and signs to make.
But do we perform the usual checks, unsure they work? Or do we step up our efforts? Ill luck has been prowling lately. The wind is hungry. And recent reports put riders on the horizon, hostile or not so.
Of course the eternal issue is that one cannot barter for free. View it from the other end: Is this what we are going to waste water and salt and time on? Old superstition and half remembered prayers from a language no one even speaks any more?
>...? >Better try the Sunward Prayer - this is a wasteland desert steppe, and the sun does rule supreme here. Nothing to advanced, but mind your vowels. Simple, easy, we know this by rote. >We might want to dig into the water rations and offer some to the hungry ground and the restless Animant King, and all the hierarchies that they command. It'll cost water - and rations - and inevitable someone is going to break a leg, but on the other hand, it might be safer at the moment to pay the trespas toll for setting foot on the earth >Maybe the wind - what's the one, Ashon? Ashi? Ashir? Ashoniti? - should scatter some ash and smoke across the wide horizon. We'll have to light a few pyres and burn something precious, and that might not be the best of ideas. Still, no one's ever gotten in trouble for minding the wind. >Maybe we simply dip the good luck charms in the water barrels and distribute them around, tell everyone to whisper a prayer to whatever they find appropriate? We don't have time for rites and rituals right now - it's time to *move* CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 16:48:46 No. 6109358 Report >>6109345 You're treating things that should make you consider caution with a lackadaiscal attitude that is going to get you smeared over multiple walls or cause you to experience a sharp, sudden stop to your vital processes.
If you let the Wastes and the Wrack too deep into your soul, recruit, you are never going home again.
Icarus
>>6109349 > Hm, well. Of course, there are *other*, less popular Icons waiting out there in the long quiet. > Appealing to Probos to rig the scales of fortune in out favor may allow us to sidestep many minor hardships. > Begging for the willful guidance of the King of Kings Shaunt may reinforce the troop's discipline or imbue the officers with heightened authority. > By presenting a gracious invitation to Tr'drak, perhaps we may be blessed to march in the shade - briefly shrouded from the Eye and the notice of others. Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
>>6108998 At first glance, perhaps a spitescorp but at the point where we are you could be describing any kind of insectoid and be right
They call themselves Republicains yet we know that Prime Minister Ghellis probably named himself despot for life. Whatever all this nonsense means it hardly makes it democratic. Should've just stayed a monarchy
The Empyreal
Worldly power, material wealth and spiritual fulfillment.
Whichever is in more quanttity at the moment. Both come and go anyway.
These answers are mostly wrong anyway
>>6109210 We'll see
>>6109212 >Personal activity: write a letter home to Pyther (Pytherii yes sir) "Dear Professor Magister..." +1 Rope Skill, Religious Ritual 11 #Caedo
=Metrics=
Vitality 10/12 // Stamina 13 // Focus 13
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Reputation 1
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Weaver's Whip
Whitebone needle
1 Bit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
=Secrets=
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy12
#Wards12
#Rope14
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Religious Ritual 11
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Masks and Mettle 1
!Well Read
=Bannermen and Support=
(x6) Blade-11 troopers
(x1) Young but well adjusted expert in Triage, Surgery and medical matters
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 17:42:01 No. 6109387 Report >>6109347 >>6109341 Better check the village - no good leaving someone in trouble.
It's a quant place, sticking to the windsafe side of a large rock eruption like a barnacle on a ship. Though tell the truth, it's probably only Edward around here who even knows what a proper barnacle is meant to be.
Few kids running around when you went trough here last but an hour later and road-sore, you find nothing. Scarlett and the spearmen are flagging, though Zivka manages recently well, all things considered.
>Scarlett Fatigued! >Spearmen Fatigued! >Zivka's Fine Walking, Thanks. Usually, places like this, they have a . . . eh let's not use the word <span class="mu-i">watch</span> or <span class="mu-i">guard</span>, no, that's too formal, too structured, but they have youths with clubs hanging about coincidentally at the roads leading in a ways, the places where strangers meet family, that little subtle perimeter between "out there" and "in here with us". They're not meant to frighten anyone off, just keep an eye on things. Long way to the nearest legion post out here, and all praise be to the Pytherii polity, they probably have enough troubles lately of their own that their overwarked Dispatched Legion troopers don't need to come a-checking for local trouble all that often.
Point being someone should have been here to wave a sullen looking hand at you and beg a few scraps of water and share some news.
There's no one.
Ringposts for animals are empty, though the through is gone, curiously enough. That same tension in the air back a ways. The scraghounds have their heckles raised.
The village proper is still down a fair bit, but there's a building owed by some well-to-do who-even-knows out here, set aside for itself. Quick peek through the windows and a rap on the doors gets nothing, place is deserted.
The wind howls.
This . . . this might not be as normal as it should be. Still, these people keep a bevy of holidays and holy days and other things. Pass-me-down things to do and not do when the mood strikes. Two months ago half the towns we passed through were deserted, it was all kinds of eerie, and then as it happens it turns out that was because everyone had trekked to one of the larger villages for a come-every-century feast and weren't we the fools for coming into the market square guns out swords up armour on and frightening the children half way through their snacks. Egg on our face, tell you what.
Maybe we don't go repeating accidents of improper decorum - Scarlett's WELL MANNERED enough that if we send her in first, she'll charm anyone we come across and we can avoid an incident.
'Course wise then we'll have to send her in first. Maybe tag along a few troopers, for company.
Otherwise maybe there's some other way to figure out what in the Void is going on around here?
Frankly, recruits, I'm out of ideas. This was always going to be a four Banner-leader job, but you're half of the hoped for strength and <span class="mu-i">way out</span> on your lonesomes . . .
>... ??? CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 17:43:41 No. 6109388 Report >>6109373 Those answers are mostly right - and Spitescorps to the score is what you find prowling for your meat.
And stands to reason, eh? Coinclink and memory are both money, but they only weigh you down when you have 'em in <span class="mu-i">excess</span>
See, Caedo? Make an officer of you <span class="mu-i">yet</span>. You're the thinking sort.
>+1 Authority. That's a stat. Edward
>>6109340 Market in the making, perfect. It'll be full of opportunities for someone with entrepreneurial spirit. Do we have anything surplus to trade? No big deal if not, I am confident in my ability to haggle my way up a series of trades, the process is just easier and faster with some seed money.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 17:51:04 No. 6109396 Report >>6109363 Strange patterns to think - strange friends to know by name. We might, at that - but if we go paying homage to Distant Icons we might draw in more than we expect.
Still. Could be done. Modify a larger seance, brush up on your barely remembered Aikani pronoucations, crack a spear and break a shield and bow to the Monarch Who Wills or the Endless Friend.
You're presumably . . . the <span class="mu-i">specialist</span>
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 17:53:56 No. 6109399 Report >>6109394 The troopers' potfill a larger round of seeding if you hadn't been so damn sure insistent on <span class="mu-i">time to march</span> - it's done you no few favours in the friends department.
Though for all that they grouch at least a few of them can figure out the ideal, and aren't we all looking for that one lucky chance to score it big? Beats rinsing Fasci for more coin. Swear they're good for it but we know that's a lie.
>You don't have the rep to really round out a collective or get the quartermasters on your side, but enough pass around gets you one-half Grand Coin, which rates about one-fifty coinbits the standard issue so don't you go be spending that on yourself now, those blade-bound are real into this "receipt" thing. Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6109387 With no signs of conflict or death around, I'm of the mind that those who lived here left voluntarily. How late in the day are we at now? If we've got time, I say we take a break in the shade by the trees or against the building to catch our breath. Afterwards (or if we don't have that much time, skip to) I can go on ahead with a few handpicked tag-alongs who are by my estimation more socially conscious. On the way, I'll give them some pointers for how not to offend these villagers should we happen upon an innocent festival or what have you.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 18:00:25 No. 6109406 Report >>6109401 Sensible and mannered. Sun's dipping, so you'll have to overnight village wise or somewhere rough, it's hours ways back to Base Camp. This is the Descending Glory hours, the long slow orange flicker in the skies, the gradual lengthening of shadows.
Been out here all day. Maybe the villagers - once you find them - won't mind sharing some of their water or supplies? Could be we could use some, starting to build up a sun-headache.
Still no problem calling a rest for a few hours. Good place for it, really. Someone's bound to show eventually.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6109406 Can we expect to reach the village proper after an hour's rest before it gets dark? If not, I say we head straight there, otherwise we can rest here before going on with my initial plan.
Icarus
>>6109396 > Icarus puts his support behind contacting Probos. The theurge is a little foggy on the details of the procedures for invoking this icon, but he's pretty sure he can play things by ear based off half-remembered rumors and a few wild guess-timations.. "Why yes, the shattering of dice with hammers and painting of playing cards is an absolutely integral part of the appeasement ritual.
What's that?
No-no, of course you wouldn't of heard of it before, its a foreign method with a markedly higher success rate.
Where does it originate... uh, its an old Kalcmiri tradition.
Yes, you know how they are with their symbolism and purple prose and such.
You say you grew up in Kalcmiri, never heard of such a thing?
Oh, well, no see that makes sense because of... its, ah the thing, you know...
Look, just trust me, I'm a professional. Now put on this crow mask."
Facsimile
Quoted By:
>>6109358 Command, I WILL experience that sharp, sudden stop to my vital processes that you so elegantly describe IF those debt collectors catch me unprepared. Don't judge me, for my bones are brittle and my pockets empty.
Anyways, I have a feeling this Legion Grain will be cheaper than settling my sizable gambling debt - or maybe I'm just paying a different sort of cost.
>Take Legion Grain, gain Wrackstone 11 #Facsimile
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Lucky Token
Legion Grain, 1AP to deform or major to shape something
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Empty Pockets
-Secrets
#Gearwright 12
#Filching 10
#Close Quarters 13
#Wrackstone 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: Add rank to first skill test if starting unengaged, add rank to reaction if ending engaged
!Sizable Gambling Debt
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 18:54:56 No. 6109444 Report >>6109409 An hour? Recruit - it's .... ten minutes down the road, and that's if you're slow.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6109444 Good to know, guess we'll take an hour's rest before investigating the village. If it's that close, can we see any movement over there, or is it obstructed by terrain?
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
>>6109349 >Better try the Sunward Prayer - this is a wasteland desert steppe, and the sun does rule supreme here. Nothing to advanced, but mind your vowels. Simple, easy, we know this by rote. Can't go wrong with the good ol Empyreal, if you ask me.
THESUNTHESUNTHESUNTHESUNTHESUN Labrys !Eaz15XcaLg
Rolled 3, 3, 3 = 9 (3d6) >>6108841 >>6109387 #Labrys
-Metrics-
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit-
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Trapping Kit
Bow, Impales
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets-
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Bows 13
#--?
-Traits-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
-Bannermen and Specialists-
(6) Pikemen (Pikes 11)
(2) A Duo charged with Triage, Surgery, and Medical
>Duty: Keeping Gear stowed and Blades sharp (Gearwright 12) >Spending: Hire a professional (-2 Coinbits) "With friendly hands and faces, backed with steel and threats, even a dungeon can be a safe haven."
Edward
Quoted By:
>>6109399 One half grand coin will be more than enough. I was half of a mind to start trading upwards from my 1 bit anyway. Let us demonstrate the art of the deal, shall we?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 19:41:56 No. 6109472 Report Quoted By:
Finally, a proper lot of modern marching troopers around here. Say what you will about the indefeatigable pike, you get enough of your friends pointing that lot in the right direction and you might straight take on the world itself.
>>6109452 Unfortunately we're direly running out of equipment and supplies, and you'll have noticed we're short on arrows. Sorry, shooter, you'll have to make do with a shortbow and a few crooked arrows.
No thanks to having lost the supply train somewhere back down the road, we're starting to run out of feathers for caps and caps and left handed wrenches. And biscuits, which might actually matter !
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 19:43:57 No. 6109473 Report Finally, a proper lot of modern marching troopers around here. Say what you will about the indefeatigable pike, you get enough of your friends pointing that lot in the right direction and you might straight take on the world itself.
>>6109452 Unfortunately we're direly running out of equipment and supplies, and you'll have noticed we're short on arrows. Sorry, shooter, you'll have to make do with a shortbow and a few crooked arrows.
No thanks to having lost the supply train somewhere back down the road, we're starting to run out of feathers for caps and caps and left handed wrenches. And biscuits, which might actually matter !
--
>Duty listings, final call, finall, anyone not currently attending a Duty Listing can do so now, final call. . . Labrys !Eaz15XcaLg
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 6, 3, 5, 5, 3 = 27 (6d6) >>6109473 #Labrys
-Metrics-
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit-
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Trapping Kit
Shortbow
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets-
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Bows 13
#Poetry 12
#Glass-Blowing 12
-Traits-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!Extra Rota
!Well-Mannered
-Bannermen and Specialists-
(6) Pikemen (Pikes 11)
(2) A Duo charged with Triage, Surgery, and Medical
>Personal Action: Write a letter home to Kalcmiri (Gain Glass-Blowing 12) >Duty Listing: Arms Procurement (Gearwright 12, Refit 8+2, Bows 13) "Oh dear. We can't deal with some of our most important troops, and me, not having biscuits, can we?"
Facsimile
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 4, 4, 2, 5, 6 = 24 (6d6) >>6109473 Yes, I know I'm not a company certified smith - no, honestly, I'll just sort of bend it back together! Look, I'll grab just some stout wood from that tree and - what? Of course it's safe.
>Duty Listing: Arms Procurement, target Stern Ravens, smooth some kinks out of their gear with Legion Grain (Wrackstone 11, Refit 10?) Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Quoted By:
>>6109388 Right
>+1 Authority added to sheet Jove
>>6109473 >Join Perimeter Patrols Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6109520 You might want to roll, otherwise you risk getting tested against [6]
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 21:17:42 No. 6109523 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 6, 5 = 15 (3d6) >>6109520 Fair enough, Jove, so that'll be a how-the-wind-goes sort of patrol, eh?
--
<span class="mu-s">Muster Order</span>
. . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 21:25:05 No. 6109526 Report Quoted By:
While <span class="mu-s">Jove</span> wanders off to get hopelessly lost and <span class="mu-s">Fascimile</span> breaks some more expensive military equipment and puts our pike formation out of order pending a dire lack of pikes and functional armor, we have some <span class="mu-s">business</span> to attend to. And let's not disturb the Iconotheurgic Specialists. They're doing something with dice and hammers. They must probably know what that's about.
Jove
Rolled 4, 1, 1, 2, 6, 6 = 20 (6d6) vs Logi 12 and Influence 11
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Rolled 2, 1, 3 = 6 (3d6) ```
>>6108841 >Mobility Kit, blades, Of Cold Winds, Raise Blades, Hire a refit, repairs, refinement specialist >From Rikovol +1 CQC "To his lordship Sword Saint Sato..."
>Keeping the gear stowed and blades sharp (gearwright-12) >Get a better pair of boots #Crushfists
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 3
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Better Pair of Boots
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Closequarters 14 (Rikovol)
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina and 1 focus (Rikovol)
!Of Cold Winds 1: Unengaged +speed. Engaged +dmg```
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 21:47:23 No. 6109537 Report >>6109527 14 minutes too late, <span class="mu-i">demolitionist</span>. You're off on your own, wandering in the desert, no backup, no map, no canteen, no nothin'
Them's the breaks.
--
<span class="mu-s">Marching Orders</span>
So, here's the map - no big wrackstorm lately, so ain't nothing shifted too much and the readings look somewhat stable so everything should be mostly where you hope it is.
What you are going to do is this:
You are going to pick a destination and make your way there. That's a test of your most applicable skill <span class="mu-s">and</span> our company Logitics.
You are going to nominate someone to <span class="mu-s">take point</span>, either yourself, brave and bold, or any of the troopers who - well - fair bit less likely to fall into an ambush. You might want someone with good SPEED? Keen SENSES?
You are going to suggest a <span class="mu-s">rough</span> marching order for the banners. Maybe you want all the guns up front, or you want all the blades close to hand.
It looks like this:
>Navigate to Rallypoint Midnight Blue (Navigate 12, Logistics 12, I roll 6d6) >I think the Reckless Ashfingers can take point, they're twitchy >I'd like us to be defensive - can we get the spears on the perimeters and the archers bundled near the middle of the column? --
Once you all organise your maps, hash it and the wind as its say, we'll see where we end up. Yeah, this means you might all submit plans and who knows which one takes precedence. It might also mean you hear some good words from some clever soul and decide to go with <span class="mu-i">that</span>, which ought to be a treat.
--
Recruits <span class="mu-s">Edward, Scarlett, Zhivka and Jove</span> needn't worry about THIS part, because Scarlett and Zhivka are off on their lonesome who even knows where, Edward took off with half our pay-chest towards that village an hour and Jove is <span class="mu-s">completely bloody lost</span>.
Scarlett and Zhivka can finish up their plans for the village.
Edward might want to make a Navigation test.
Jove . . . You should pray.
Why in name of all the high heavens didn't you at least pick a map before you done a-wandering straight off in a random direction?
Maybe if you have enough FOCUS you'll find your way back around - you should probably test that, and anything else that comes to mind.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 21:56:27 No. 6109539 Report Quoted By:
We're fresh outta pikes, citing unlicensed repair work.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 22:01:21 No. 6109543 Report >>6109536 You hear that "WAIT FOR ME" on the winds? Yeah, me too - run fast.
Edward
>>6109537 Does Sea navigation apply? A desert is a sea of sand, if one looks at it a certain way.
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
>>6109543 Thats because there was an error sorry about that.
>Mobility Kit, GAUNTLETS, Of Cold Winds, Raise Blades, Hire a refit, repairs, refinement specialist >From Rikovol +1 CQC "To his lordship Sword Saint Sato..."
>Keeping the gear stowed and blades sharp (gearwright-12) >Get a better pair of boots #Crushfists
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 3
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Better Pair of Boots
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Closequarters 14 (Rikovol)
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina and 1 focus (Rikovol)
!Of Cold Winds 1: Unengaged +speed. Engaged +dmg```
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 22:11:01 No. 6109548 Report >>6109544 If one looks at it a certain way, you riding off with two mules and eight months pay in a saddle bag is the score a life-time, so maybe we should be careful about what sort of perspectives we're using.
Sea Navigation works at sea, Queensman. Get yourself an admiral's hat or stand on a boat and it'll tell you exactly what you ought to know. Unfortunately semi-solid sandy ground ain't the sea, so you're down to luck, hope and your Senses if you ain't got else.
Maybe pick a destination, likewise, though it's apt to be the village.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 22:12:03 No. 6109549 Report Quoted By:
>>6109547 Good man. We can find it in our magnimonious heart to forgive such a thing and I'll even deign to remember your Rikovian cognonem and treat it with the respect it no doubt implies I should, given your chosen style of combat.
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
>>6109543 Command, I believe my Reputation should be +2, given
>>6108961 and
>>6109340 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 22:25:41 No. 6109557 Report Quoted By:
>>6109551 Seeing as you're so very on the ball, the first mark of a studious well read type, consider it done and corrected. All the troopers appreciate a pedant.
Well, no. But they do appreciate someone who <span class="mu-i">pays attention</span>.
Edward
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 3, 6 = 12 (3d6) >>6109548 Score of a lifetime? That's outright thievery, sir, a grave accusation and I shall not have it! There are far better ways to make money without resorting to banditry.
Besides, how could I carry it back to Illios by myself?
I am heading to the village, yes. The explorer's blood that runs in my veins and my Senses 10 will see me safely there and back in time for tea.
Luz
>>6109252 >Joe gave me this chit. Said it went with a blade, but that the blade got sold to Red Market types in exchange for spider food. Lent me a little spider too. Some sort of webspinner. She gets all over the place though, hard to know where she's at. Free spirited that one. And takes to the desert like she was born to it. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 23:12:22 No. 6109582 Report Quoted By:
>>6109576 Ah, one of <span class="mu-i">those</span> people, eh. This is why sensible outfits have background checks, but of course if we were sensible we wouldn't be marching with the Ice Smile himself.
Well, Luz, congratulations - you can count yourself cursed; add Mistbreath 12 as a Secret.
What does it do? How do you use it? That's a secret too - but we'll let you in on it a little later; there's a whole manual of arms that might show up.
You might want to grab along that ritual knife as well, it'll . . . come in handy.
>Glistening Knife, +1, Sharp, Storage (=Secret) Rion
Rolled 5, 3, 2 = 10 (3d6) >>6108841 #Rion
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
BoostKit: Fuel 4/4 Speed 4
WispCloak: +1 Reaction
Bits of kibble: Animals like more
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Coinbits: 1
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Close Quarters 13
#Pathfinding 10
#--?
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Cold Winds 1
!--?
>Mobility Kit >Gauntlets >Raise: Troops with Bows >Hire: Training and Discipline >Buy: Kibble feed >Dues: Perform perimeter patrol (Pathfinding 10) >Duty list: Perimeter patrol (Pathfinding 10) Let's go and find those supplies >Insist on error: For i clearly an moth school Martial artist Whom has seen the raw potential of the world. Luz
Quoted By:
Sea Sultans are also little imperial creatures of the deep. The principalities of Spiderdom are numerous.
Rion
Rolled 2, 4, 6 = 12 (3d6) >>6109583 Duty list: Perimeter patrol (Pathfinding 10) Let's go and find those supplies
Now with actual dice
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:NodE12/+ Mon 23 Sep 2024 23:23:28 No. 6109592 Report >>6109583 This is why sensible outfits have background checks. When the Client said she'd bring along some associates, we should have asked more questions.
Be nice to the Rikovians. I don't want none of your intercine show-boating under my watch.
>+1 Sense, +1 React >-1 Grit >!The Flow: When you Defend, you perform multiple Step-Dodges. When you attack, targets get -1 skill. Rion
Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 1, 6 = 13 (3d6) >>6109583 >>6109590 One more time.
Jove
Rolled 4, 6, 4, 4, 3, 3, 4, 1, 5 = 34 (9d6) >>6109537 Tell no one your next move, not even y'self.
>Focus 12, orient self >Thoughts 10, find way to friends >Sense 10, notice odd things off the beaten path Luz
Rolled 2, 6, 1, 4, 5, 5 = 23 (6d6) >>6109537 Seeing as we are undergoing a water shortage, propose going to the Oasis first to refill our water. I'm sure it will take something to purify out the Wrack so discuss bringing such things along. Then march west behind the wall to protect us from wrackstorms coming off the fields and make our way to the digsite. Have scouts check out Shadetree along the way. Let the pathfinders take point.
>Navigate to the Oasis (Mistbreath 12, Logistics 12) >Nomiate that person calling themselves Crunchfist to take point >Blades at the outside, less mobile troops such as the muskets and 'pikes' in the middle. Screen with any pathfinders or adventurous mobile types. >>6109349 >Assist in asking Propos for assistance. We've been having a spat of bad luck, so why rely on luck. Sing a cheerful gambler's ditty about how you win some and you lose some and really it's all about knowing when to stand, fold, and run while helping the others rig cards and dice and chanting a silent canticle in my heart about eliminating doubt and finding comfort in certainty. While I'm at it, use my ritual knife to shave my 1 coin so it always lands on heads. Collect the scraps for melting into a new coin. Ask the others if they want me to help them with their loose change. Luz
Zivka
>>6109537 I support Scarlett’s heroic sacrifice, command, and while she handles that I’ll see if the dogs can scent anything useful amongst the derelict- being the only entity not fatigued.
Zivka
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 4, 2, 1, 2, 6 = 19 (6d6) >>6109543 >>6109628 Suppose I should also roll for what I just said
3d6 vs 12 (Animals)
3d6 vs 10 (Filching)
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6109628 I would recommend against scrounging through someone's property. It puts a damper on relations, which are rather important when we have low supplies and may be facing a guerilla style opponent.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6109637 In fact, I will do everything in my power to stop this short of fighting him. This kind of banditry is the opposite of what we need right now.
Wicklighter
Rolled 1, 2, 2, 6, 1, 5 = 17 (6d6) >>6109210 >-2 Stamina. Oh well, I've gone with less. >+1 React #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>>6109537 >Navigate to Rally Point Shadetree (Thoughts 9, Logistics 12, 6d6, I don't think I should really be the one navigating). If these are prearranged rally points, there's a decent chance of finding our people at one of them. >Say, Command, !Of Malice and Mirth 1 gives me a +1 to my first skill test when unengaged, yes? And I'm technically unengaged right now, right? I don't suppose Thoughts 10 is on the cards, is it? >Let's have the Sharp Sharps take point. Seems like a good idea to have somebody careful but not overly twitchy going into danger first. >Spears on the perimeter, swords and muskets near them, and bows nested in the middle. Rion
Quoted By:
>>6109592 I'd never act on grudges too good for that besides i punch they punch. If they start something it's on them
Palm of Raging Fire !Nqmso.ZjH2
Palm of Raging Fire !Nqmso.ZjH2 ID:5IMaBNWA Tue 24 Sep 2024 10:50:41 No. 6109840 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 2, 4, 5 = 11 (3d6) >>6108841 Name
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 8
#Influence 10
#CQC 15
#Alchemineering 12
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Cold Winds 1
!Hot-blooded
>Take the Alchemineering Kit, Gauntlets, Of Cold Winds 1, take remedial combat lessons and end up a little concussed (-1 Thoughts), hire a medical specialist (for my concussion) >Write home to Rikovia, tell the SCHOOL OF THE UNDEFEATED OF RIKOVIA that I am doing fine and honing my fists. >Do a job: Go patrol! That too can count as training! (CQC 15) CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 12:52:00 No. 6109872 Report You hear that on the winds? It's the sound of a sprinting last-gasp recruit running to catch up with the sweep patrol.
Fall, in Palm. Maybe you'll get along with Crushfists, you both being so handsy.
--
Luz <span class="mu-i">briefly</span> considers using a Secret he was <span class="mu-i">specifically instructed to wait to be told how he gets use out off to lead a gaggle of people straight off into nowhere and consequently contrive to get everyone lost.
Wicklighter whispers a blade-prayer and takes over the management of this march order because completely disregarding Command instruction is no way to lead an outfit. Do that again, Recruit, and it's going to get worse for you than mere sass. The Commander runs a tight ship, despite the evident lack of ships.
The Sharps are pretty glad about being up front - less dust that way - and we string out the troopers in the rough resemblance of a spikey hedgehog, all bristling bows and spears and blades along the line of march.
The Stainfingers draw the short straws and form up the rear. They're going to be choking on everyones footfalls for the next long hours. We might want to consider cycling them out and around, or they'll be so sand-sore they'll be good for very little if we ever need them.
--
<span class="mu-s">Rally Point Shadetree</span> is the first point of navigation strung out behind us. Should anyone get lost, that would be the first place to try to navigate to - a few secured tents and buried barrels of medical kit might save a life.
The issueas it happens is twofold:
First, the rally point is empty so no missing supply clerks or lost wanderers here.
Two, eight sealed barrels have been pulled out of the ground beat to bits with breaker tools. A few smashed bits of equipment and some shattered gear is all that remains of this fallback, which tells us all
Three: Rally Points like this are small, marked out places near land marks. But they aren't exactly easy to find unless you know they're there. If someone's been smashing up our kit, cutting into our navigation, they must have found out or been watching us while some troopers set it all up. Chilling thought.
Everyone calls a break and catches a rest. Stretching a little. Raging Palm sourced a few last-minute pikes earlier, so the Stern Ravens catch up with us ten minutes later. Looks like we have a pike formation again.
Phridon briefly considers whether his reputation is as good as thought, and realises that it is, there's simply some small notational difficulty on this interface. What a strange thing for someone to think. Have some more water. That's probably sunstroke, seeping in.
<span class="mu-s">March-Break</span>.
You can suggest a rough marching order, as per
>>6109537 . You can also get up to no good thing otherwise, using one applicable skill and the Company ratings. Might be there's some clues or left over equipment here, or someone you want to give a talking to.
The troops are resting in the shade of the cliffs and enjoying being out of the sun.
>1/x??</span> CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 12:55:57 No. 6109876 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 1, 2, 2, 4, 1, 2 = 12 (6d6) >>6109603 >>6109449 >>6109429 <span class="mu-i">Oh, you gotta know when to fold them, and when to be bold'en, and when to run . . . AWAAAAYYYY</span>
>Before the march... They say it's an ancient prayer 'round the tables in Kalcmir, but though Luz insists Icarus is less certain. But then Icarus is insistent that the Crowmasks are paramount for the ritual, because Probos - like all gamblers - desire shiny things. Should it be magpies, then, Phridon chimes in, shaving coins to help Luz, and well, maybe, but do you ever see magpies out here?
Anyway, lets crush these dice with hammers and sprinkle some water on the sand and be on our way . . .
>Collective Thaumatheurgy 12+1 >Company Warding 10 >This is a standard ritual, no modifier good or ill CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 13:02:04 No. 6109880 Report Quoted By:
<span class="mu-i">Luz strikes a match and the masks burn. Little coils of smoke shear off and away into the high skies. The sun stares down, kindly. >That . . . seems to have worked . . . alright? >Is anyone feeling worse? >No? >We might be fine. >Probonic Invocation added to Thaumatheurgy Manual - you'll notice this later.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 13:19:55 No. 6109884 Report <span class="mu-i">Meanwhile, elsewhere</span>
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 13:29:00 No. 6109889 Report >>6109628 >>6109637 After being admonished not to steal anything - NO, NOT EVEN THAT - Zivka slinks inside the larger village and checks it. Two of the troopers form a backstop and her hound paws in, scenting the air, glad to be out of the sun.
No one's shown up for the last hour, so this might be the only way to get some information.
The building is one of those common types around here, wind-worne bricks and homely corners. Brushed by a hundred hands through the years. A large centrals square room with a few alcove splitting off and a stairway that leads to the roof. Looks well to do, internal furnishings decided. Not. . . disturbed.
The opposite, really. There's a central table of smooth wood with ceramic plates set out for a family of eight, six central pots with a few berries and roots in (local delicacy) and one singular loaf of black bread based on some crushed agricultural product.
Nothing has been touched. But they've put out the good cutlery, it's silver all the way around and sixteen pieces no less. That's impressive, for a place like this. Tempting to filch a few, they'd go for near a coinbit each.
So, what's this then? They prepare what looks like a light meal, pour some water in jugs and pots, lay out the bread, break out the biteroot and the salt, set the plates, decorate the table with a few figures of saints far and fancy, and then . . . collectively get up, walk out and walk away?
The bread is clearly still good. It looks soft, even. Freshly baked. The hound picks up the scent first but as it whines near the alcove in the back there's a small fireplace built right into the wall, which has the low trace of recent fire and bread. Clever artifice really, vents the smoke right out.
Alright, scratch the prior: They spend hours making bread from good stock, laying out plates, finding the nice knives, gathering roots and stingberry, set the chairs, dust the place out and over with the broom in the corner and THEN leave. . . ?
... ???
That frankly does not make it one bit less confusing. It's might be ritualistic but it's also <span class="mu-i">economics</span>. Let's not disdain the hard working frontier settlers, they're literally the salt of the earth, but socioeconomically they can't exactly go around throwin away perfectly good meals on a whim rather often. There's enough food here to feed eight people and be a feast. So where's the feasters?
One of the troopers eyes the bread. He does not lick his lips. But, well, I mean, the implication is there that that's what he'd like to do.
You've got hours till the dark comes in, a ready set table, free roam of a fairly well to do house which clearly has bits worth taking and no trouble. Not the worst thing to have found.
Any other genius plans?
( One of the troopers checks the roof: That's empty too )
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 13:38:10 No. 6109896 Report Quoted By:
From outside the building, a few soft footfalls - one of the troopers stick a head out the door and waves down Edward, rolling up leading a mule loaded down with far too much money.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Wait a second here.
>>6109214 7 men
>>6109336 6 men
>>6109387 7 men
>>6109884 >>6109889 6 men
Did we lose somebody in our initial clearing search and then pick someone back up? And then he disappeared again? Something's not right here. Head back to Zivka and do a headcount.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 13:44:15 No. 6109901 Report >>6109897 Sun-induced paranoia is getting to you, recruit. Everyone is right where you left them - look, count it - we've brought six troopers along and two dogs in excess to Zivka's trained scraghound, and now here's you and Ziv and Martik and . . .
. . .
... Okay but if you <span class="mu-i">find</span> Edward that almost makes up for the fact that you seem to have shed two men and a hound over the last hours. Come on now, what?? That dog was right behind you! But as you peer over and around it certainly isn't <span class="mu-i">now</span>
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 13:58:14 No. 6109905 Report >>6109599 Friends, friends, just find your friends, easy, simple, they're marching in column, so watch for the dust cloud and . . .
You get turned around - somehow you get turned around - and the sun beats down and the lengths grow longer and you backtrack your own steps and find that they lead you in a circle and the Wastes have you in their grasp and you do not have Compass to guide you out and you try to nav by the sun but doesn't help this time and then, oh no, you are off the beaten path, you traverse a dune and step past a rock and quite without meaning to you step into somewhere Else.
The ground beneath your feet shifts. Crunching. Tiny crystals broken by your boot. Sharp, if you're not careful. The sand here drinks blood on slips and tumbles. Bad place to be.
You glance over your shoulder -- no -- it's behind you too. This is how it always happens. Okay, no panic, there's training for this. Orient yourself, breathe out, breathe in, mask on (you did bring a mask, right?) and then simply retrace your steps and be <span class="mu-i">very certain</span> about doing so.
Jagged pillars of warped crystalised stuff cast twin shadows from distant stars across the ground.
The light shimmers different.
A backpack lies in a small undisturbed space, cast off by -- ufh. Poor fellow. Must have been out here during a storm.
You can hear the sharp barks of distant hounds, low, in the back of your mind. A soft laugh. The rattling of a gamblers dice cup.
Mask on.
Don't panic.
Step carefully.
Retrace steps with intent.
And then .... six times out of ten you make it out okay.
Unless of course you do something <span class="mu-i">else</span> ?
Zivka
Rolled 3, 4, 4 = 11 (3d6) >>6109901 Bloody hell.
Set the dogs to the scent of the missing men. Let’s track down our friends- and give these wizard kidnappers a right talking to!
Animals 12
Edward
>>6109901 Why does everyone keep assuming I am deserting? I am here to trade! You have to have something to give if you want to take, civilization cannot advance if everyone wants only to take - no offense to the Uthani, their quaint culture is so fascinating!
Now, you say there's no one in the market? How dreadful, we should investigate forthwith!
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6109945 I support this plan. Let's make doubly sure that we aren't bleeding off stragglers on the way.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6109948 Please don't walk into the market by yourself with all our wages. At least wait until we do some tracking first.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6109950 Actually I think this is another case I feel obligated to put my foot down. Do Not Allow Edward to wander into the village alone with the mule load of valuables. I'm sure the troopers would also take issue with this.
Edward
Quoted By:
>>6109950 It's only half our wages, not all of them. And it is nothing but a stroke of luck that I ran into you. We should, naturally, all stick together in the face of unknown shenanigans until they become known shenanigans.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 15:09:14 No. 6109960 Report Foot comes down. A few specks of sand puffs up. It's probably hard to shout down a fellow who has about as much authority as yourself, but Scarlett makes a try of it.
Edward
Quoted By:
>>6109960 To the village, old chaps!
Jove
Rolled 1, 5, 3, 6, 3, 2, 1, 2, 4 = 27 (9d6) >>6109905 Lookit this numpty touching wot 'e oughtn't. Oi don't truck wif Uvva business, but Oi should see if 'e's wunna ours.
>Thoughts firmly on mundane matters. Focus 12 >Stay put, look at the guy and his bag. Senses 10 >Understand what this indicates about his business and origins. Thoughts 10 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 15:24:48 No. 6109973 Report Rolled 4, 4, 3, 5, 3, 1 = 20 (6d6) The same path walked before follows the same route. The same dead dog lies in the shimmering heat. One of the scraghounds sniff it, disinterested. The flies buzz away in a cloud.>Senses 10, +2 Hounds >Thoughts 9, Well Read
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 15:40:56 No. 6109981 Report Like most problems, it starts with a corpse.
Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6109981 ‘Cover me.’
Taking one of her many (four) medical Bandages, I try to steal her life away from death. The other two with ranged weapons can stand watch!
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 15:56:59 No. 6109991 Report Quoted By:
plucking of the first finder. They say there's a merchant in a scarf that trades sand for souls. They say there are leviathans, roaming the deeper wastes, vaster than forests.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:xDkDVyc9 Tue 24 Sep 2024 16:11:05 No. 6110000 Report >>6109968 Something seems faintly familiar about the mae of that man's boots and the lines of his uniform. Poor fellow. Some other fortunefinding luck seeker. Must have tried stringing out his wind-shelter or tent beneath the crystal pillar. Rookie mistake. You can still see the metal bit meant for security a flap punctured into the crystal facade, but the wind must have roared out quicker than he thought. He's gone to Wrack now.
The stories always draw them in. The daring and the soon to be dead. They say there's a star out there in the sands, for the plucking of the first finder. They say there's a merchant in a scarf that trades sand for souls. They say there are leviathans, roaming the deeper wastes, vaster than forests. They say there's a lost city, the only city, the one city.
They say a lot of things. You ain't seen none of that lot in all the time you've been here, and most of the scavenge is just archeological artefacts, weird bits of rock and natural ressource deposits mapped and sold to the highest bidder for later exploitation.
That backpack looks vanadian make. Army isse. Probably full of expensive kit worth bringing back to camp. Or coin. Coin is nice. Any lonely soul with boots that good out here could afford the fine stuff, though apparently not caution. Judging by that, that man was light infantry, of some description. Which is curious because your thoughts turn back to the fact his uniform otherwise seems so faintly familiar. It looks . . . No. It <span class="mu-i">is</span>, you can tell form the cloak and the colours. That's a Pytherii style longranging uniform. That dead poor ill fortunate is a well equipped and well stocked long-ranging scout. By your guess from some Nobled House of the Pytherii realm. That would explain the expensive looking boots too. What the void is a Luperni or Cesteriphon or Cerco doing out <span class="mu-i">here?</span>
The wind is picking up. The dice rattling a little harder. Your long lost brother looks out at you from the sands to your right and then ceases to be and wait do you even have a brother?
Could chance it. Get that backpack. Guy might have more stuff on him.
Could try not risking things more than you've already risked today.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6109973 I actually have Thoughts 10, gained the +1 from Of Hopes and Fears
#Scarlett
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Harquebus (4d6 Impact, Likely to Terrorize; Malfunctions 16+; Reload 3 AP; steps give -1 Accuracy; +1 Club in melee)
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Trapping Kit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Muskets 13
#Poetry 12
#Weaving 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1: Add Rank to resist terror; Major action to reroll Will for nearby ally; +1 to Influence and Thoughts
!Well Read
!Well Mannered
Jove
Rolled 2, 3, 5, 2, 5, 2 = 19 (6d6) >>6110000 Ah ye. Mum an' Pa Jove got very busy, let me tell you. Fing is, -Oi's- the long-lost, so this 'ere can sling 'is 'ook.
>Jove knows 'oo Jove is. Focus 12 >Get the pack an' leave. 'Oo wants to look loik a 'Ouser? Don't 'ate em, just don't loik em. Focus 12 Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6109981 Ready my weapon to fire on any that would attack us. (React 9 + Muskets 13)
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6110023 I am not rolling because I presume such a roll would only be necessary were I to shoot, correct?
Containmentcommand !!8Fvg26VLY1I
Containmentcommand !!8Fvg26VLY1I ID:XHPtIgcW Tue 24 Sep 2024 16:54:34 No. 6110029 Report Quoted By:
>>6110015 You’d assume so, but if you remember the fatigue you’ll find it all shapes out rather like it’s meant to.
>>6110024 Correct !
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
>>6109872 >NEW MARCHING ORDERS AFTER WE'VE RESTED >>Navigate to Rallypoint Midnight Blue give Rion the Pathfinding/navigating stick >>I think the Blue Rats can take point, they're Lucky 1 time out of 10 >>I'd like us to be marching in the same way except the Rearguard should be cycled Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
>>6110064 >>6109872 and most importantly
>GO SLOW Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Rolled 4, 6, 3, 2, 1, 6 = 22 (6d6) >>6109872 I wish I had stats for you Command alas I can't find them. Rion has Pathfinding-10 and Wicklighter has Logistics 12, that's what we'll use and were going slow for this
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:aVeo20Ue Tue 24 Sep 2024 17:43:24 No. 6110067 Report Quoted By:
>>6110065 >>6110064 No bones thrown makes it against for 4, unless you rectify this within the next six sandblown minutes.
>>6110066 Ah, good. Thank you kindly. As for statistics, we can find those - worry not. Rion’s fine with taking the lead? How noble.
Edward
Quoted By:
>>6109981 I'll stand shoulder to shoulder with Scarlett and ready my gun while Zivka investigates. We don't have nearly enough people for a proper line, but by golly we can try! (React 9 + Muskets 13, !Of Masks and Mettle bonus to Scarlett)
Wicklighter
Rolled 1, 6, 4, 1, 2, 1 = 15 (6d6) #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>>6109872 While we rest, let's see if we can salvage anything of the broken gear, or anything hidden or missed. We're low, and every bit matters. No point letting it just lie out here, anyway.
>Filching 10 (11?) and RRR 13 I'd like to check the grottoes next, but splitting up and venturing into deep, dark caves seems like a bad idea when there's /clearly/ something malevolent acting against us. Not to mention how long that could take. Instead, it's possible that the old fort would serve as a landmark that the lost might hoof it towards.
>>6110066 Me? That's the company's logistics.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Tue 24 Sep 2024 23:23:57 No. 6110254 Report Quoted By:
>>6110242 We could task a few formations or squads to do it carefully, or send a runner to the main camp and request that Commander Isenfrii send some people to do it. It makes sense to do so - we haven't explored the cave systems, but if someone was hiding out here, this would certainly be a good place for it.
The issue is there's rather a lot of them. Some small, some barely more than a dent in the rock. Odds are we won't find anything, but it pays to bare careful.
Detach some units, if you'd like, or send a runner. Worst comes to worst, it's something else to consider.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Tue 24 Sep 2024 23:35:55 No. 6110261 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 1, 5, 4 = 10 (3d6) Zivka unrolls a roll of spare bandage from their belt, ducks low and sprints out into the cross-roads, sliding down next to the woman. Up close, she seems . . . younger than expected; not a child, but not a matronly elder either. She offers a weak smile and her eyes a dilated wide, a yellow cast to her skin. Some poison of some kind working her way through her system. The bandage won't help, but she does have fairly significant bump on her head and a matted bit of blood in her dark hair that Zivka wraps it around. That's not from her fall here. That's . . . well, it's always hard to tell but it seems like a club wound. As if someone battered her over the head. She's been out in the sun here for hours, hasn't touched the food on the table. She's trying to say something but she's parched and dehydrated and sun-scorched besides, so it all comes out in a croaking moan.>???
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Tue 24 Sep 2024 23:46:53 No. 6110265 Report Quoted By:
Zivka leans in. Offers some water. The woman lunges suddenly, clasps a warm hand around Zivka's wrist and rallies whatever mental fortitude she has to deliver a fairly important warning because whatever else she tries to say it ends in the word <span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-r">TRAP</span></span> and that's as much warning as Scarlett gets before a shape rises on the roof across the road and the whistle of an arrow thrums the air -- two load shots return fire as Edward backs her up but this is a killing ground; one attacker ducks back out of reach and another drops - was that a hit?? how do you tell?? - the Scraghounds bark and roar and snap. Martik, quick on the uptake, hurls his spear and it slam into the facade on the other side of the road and then he goes for his belt long-knife - - ->!!!!!
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Tue 24 Sep 2024 23:57:58 No. 6110272 Report The troopers yelp and unsling their shields, try to get something solid between themselves and the incoming rain of sharp, lethal things - Ekin shoves Edward out the path of a projectile and flinches aside but another slaps into his shoulder and he yells in pain as Scarlett ducks low.>OH VOID >AMBUSH >AMBUSH!!! >FOCUSED TIME
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6110272 Are we being shot at from behind as well? That trooper has an arrow sticking out the back of him, and those white lines seem to be coming from the north.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 00:08:24 No. 6110280 Report Rolled 6, 5, 6 = 17 (3d6) >>6110020 You can crunch your way across the sands. Sometimes, your boot goes right through a surface that's more crystal than it is anything else. You have to pry your feet out with care. Your leathers are torn to shreds. It's starting to dip into your socks, which, heavy though they are, won't stand to this abuse for long.
It takes an hour to walk fifteen or so meters. You pass yourself. You think. Or maybe not. Could all be a mirage. You can taste almonds at the back of your throat. You didn't put on a mask. You didn't ward yourself. You didn't whisper any prayers of protection. You just walked right in.
You've given yourself a lethal dose of Shimmering and about six days to live. It's unfortunate. But that's how it goes sometimes.
When you get your hands around the straps of the backpack, your little finger on your left hand breaks off in a rain of crystalized rainbow shards. The backpack itself fits well on your shoulder. Like it was meant to be there. Like it was always going to be there. As if it had no choice. Unlike you rapidly disintegrating integrity the backpack is not Wracked, not so changed, no shimmering. It's not animate, no mind there for things to cling too. It takes longer for the Else to seep in.
Vanadian style, but the man - up close - yes, he's a Luperni, one of those Pytherii Nobled House, all trade estates and families and deals and money and plans. What's he doing out here? This isn't their territory, not by a long shot, and though they pay their operatives and agents well they don't pay them suicide-by-shimmer money. What's left of his clothes are fine. He hasn't been here long. Let's call it two days? Though measuring time this way is hard. What's a Pytherii doing with a Vanadian military backpack? Why is he dead? Questions - questions - the other Jove here with you shrugs. He doesn't know either. Sometimes, you just find mysteries in the sands for no good reason. A bead of sweat rolls down your forehead and turns to rock by the time it clings to the end of your nose. You shake your head and a spray of tiny pebbles land in the sand around you.
Maybe six days is optimistic.
>. . . is it? CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 00:15:16 No. 6110282 Report Quoted By:
>>6110280 You push out the way you came in - straight ahead. It's the most reasonable cause of action in situations like this. It's not like it can get any worse. Your sword breaks away into a flutter of ants. You aren't surprised. You don't even own a sword. It might not even be yours. It's probably the blade of some other Jove, one of the ones wandering besides you, pointing the way out. Somewhere beyond the quick four kilometer march you came in by.
Yeah.
. . . Six days was optimistic. Something <span class="mu-i">catches</span> in your throat as you breathe in, a rigidity that wasn't there before.
Well.
Hm.
Hope mum's alright. Commander's a good sport. He'll make sure she gets any overdue wage and pension and whatnot. You got a feeling you're not going to get to collect on that stuff.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 00:19:57 No. 6110287 Report Quoted By:
Just gotta . . . find a doctor . . . medical . . . specialist . . . company . . . emergency warding by professionals . . . abjurat. . . mhm. . . well . . . maybe past the . . . next . . . dune . . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 00:37:21 No. 6110295 Report <span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-b">OI. What's that?</span></span>>We'll continue on our way to Rally Point Midnight Blue, unless adjusted.
Luz
Rolled 2, 5, 5 = 12 (3d6) >6110295
>Twist the man's luck so that he becomes fated to survives this wrack and emerge as one of the wrack-wrought. <Mistbreath 12
Voice of Self-Preservation: "No, not that one. That doesn't even make sense".
<Probonic Invocation
Voice of Self-Preservation: "No, not that one either. You don't have a skill value for it or understand how it works. Try again".
>Iconotheurgy 12 Voice of Self-Preservation: "Fine. Go ahead. Remember to wash your hands afterwards".
Luz
Quoted By:
Hey look, it's another 12. I've been told that's good. Living on the edge like.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 00:54:48 No. 6110305 Report ... <span class="mu-i">huh</span>. Strange lucky find, Rats. Anyone speak ... code? This doesn't look that complicated, it has a repeating pattern. Must have been done in a hurry.
Anonymous
>>6110295 > Icarus absolutely insists on not allowing Jove past the camp's outer perimeter. The wrack-cursed fool is emitting absurd levels of background Potentiality. To the point that the phenomena is literally visible to the naked eye, you can see the rainbows refracting off the geometry of his soul. He needs to be quarantined away from people, and object with overly colorful histories, and errant NOTIONS. Icarus might be able to siphon away the Potentiality diluting and decohering Jove's very existence using his Fully Inert Blackstone, perhaps saving his life. He'll also need to go through decontamination to ensure that nothing exotic or *transcendent* gets tracked back into camp. Icarus will also need wards, and salt, and water, and perhaps assistance for the other Iconotheurges. Anonymous
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 4, 5 = 14 (3d6) >>6110306 Probos, Join me in admiring the bones roll.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 00:58:05 No. 6110308 Report >>6110274 You spin around (1 Speed) and check behind you (1 AP, Sense) and get a good, solid read of the situation (1 AP, Thoughts)
Looks like they're behind you too - except that lot of them forming up near the entrance to the village itself appears to have short, wicked looking blades.
1 Speed
5 AP left, Scarlett.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6110305 It's a shame I'm not with the camp right now, otherwise I might decode this as:
CadreCommand expect she's embedded with the Isenfrii Fr
Company and have hired them to extract a fireglass node.
Houondmaster wants her alive but the Company is expend
the Windsworn by edge of the low gradient shimmerfiektby the
village of Clayin, brief them on the acquisition protocol and
double their usual fee. They can have anything that's not the
Atlas. Lunar will be with them. She'll have more information.
CadreCommand suggests getting the team to sabotage the caches the
Company has been baying out. If can avoid a diplomatic
incident that would be preferable, so let them eat dust and
choke out. That way we don't have to explain half a theusand
corpses - onc they tire out, possibly extract the Atlas without
the Windsw Your prerogative. If that doesn't work, Lunar
takes local orders. If at any point it appears they're attempting
The Luperni must be getting lazy, only using a two-separated substitution cipher.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 01:10:23 No. 6110315 Report >>6110306 >>6110301 You're right - better safe than sorry. This looks like a truly <span class="mu-s">staggering</span> amount of Threshold contamination - he's bleeding fractal lives and shimmering into pregrets.
We'll need to call a <span class="mu-s">HALT</span> if we're to set up a proper ward circle. Anything less and there's feedback risk. Or we might draw the wrong kind of attention.
It'd be kinder just to slit his throat and be done with it, but we might have the specialists to affectuate a emergency grounding of all this errant intention toxicity.
Icarus
>>6110315 Ultimately up to the boss.
Our Itinerary will get pushed back if you try to save Jove, but on the other hand - assuming he survives - you may end up with a freak of nature that's much more (or less) than human on the company's payroll. Having a wildcard is always useful.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 01:28:05 No. 6110328 Report >>6110322 Sacrificing lives for the sake of a timetable isn't Commander Isenfrii's preference. Rumour has it that's why he mustered out of the army.
Our current tasking is a long range patrol. We're not on a schedule, as such. Though . . . If we linger here, and we know there's oddities around, it's likely this will come at cost of other things. If anyone is out at Rally Point Midnight maybe they need our help? Seems unlikely yet stranger things have happened.
It's all theoretical anyway. We'd need some way to ground the bleed, something to siphon the Potential to and something to fight the Wrack. It's complicated work with a slim chance of success.
Wicklighter
>>6110314 While Scarlett would've beaten him to it, Wicklighter's been scratching the cipher into the sand (with the help of some shields as a windbreaker).
"This letter confirms it!" Wicklighter shouts gruffly to the other officers, interrupting the proceedings over the Wracked man, "Someone's on our trail, and they want us to starve out instead of having the will to strike us down themselves! The Windsworn! They must be who wrecked that last rallypoint cache! Chances are the other caches are gone too, and our stragglers we're out looking for are already dead or-"
Wicklighter pauses, then swears up a storm. "Someone left just before us, headed to the nearby village with half a chest of coin! Edwins or something! It might not be too late for him and however much of our pay he has with him! If you thaumatheurges really want to make a go of saving that poor bleeder, we'll split, but either way we've gotta doubletime it to that village!"
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 02:15:46 No. 6110355 Report >>6110335 <span class="mu-s">!!!</span>
Curses and stinking corpses, swordthoughts, you're <span class="mu-i">right</span>. If we gather around for a proper ward and getting Jove square away, we're leaving anyone in that village to fend for themselves and that includes eight months pay on a mule for trading purposes. That's going to be a right nightmare. How will we settle Fascimile's gambling debts without that?
The troopers won't like it one bit. Good work on that cipher. Must have been written quick, it was relatively simple to crack. Mind like a blade, yeah?
Listen, <span class="mu-s">recruits</span> this might get dicey - the longer we wait here, the better we can set up a ritual. But we're not making it to that village OR the rally point if we're sitting here doing medical work.
We might need to make a few decisions or, or, worse come to it . . . split up. We could send some of the fleeter people on ahead; archers, blades, spears, they're fast enough on their footwork. Anyone tag along as a leader. Then the thaumatheurges can ward things proper and try to stabilize Jove.
Or, then again, what are the odds the village is in trouble? Bet you Edward and Scarlett and Ziv's slumming it with the locals, charming sons and daughters, drinking ale in the shade <span class="mu-i">right now</span>.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 02:18:07 No. 6110358 Report Quoted By:
<span class="mu-i">meanwhile, elsewhere</span>
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 02:20:00 No. 6110361 Report >>6110355 <span class="mu-i">right now.</span>.
Look, just because we've found one weird cipher in a backpack luckily is no reason to go panicking. Support team? Code names? CadreCommand? This is all starting to sound a little abstractly political. I'm sure it won't be so problematic.
Maybe we can simply take it easy, crack a water barrel, sketch a eight layer ward and try to fix whatever happened to Jove. Camp out here for the night. There's not much shade but there's not much anything, really. Good wind cover through the nearby dunes. Should be fine.
Icarus
>>6110328 Bah. No need to overcomplicate things.
If my Fully Inert Blackstone can't serve as adequate containment for the ambient Potential in and of itself, why not just channel it into a random boulder or shrub.
Choose a suitable (non-human) corporeal vessel, ward that thing to the Voidstar and back, carefully pour the nightmare reality acid into it, and then run like hell.
> Something to fight the Wrack Eh, lets just force-feed Jove a couple fistfuls of salt, dust any crystal grains off his clothes, dump a bucket of water over his head, and assign him a month of latrine duty after the procedure is through.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:2L+FNb/Q Wed 25 Sep 2024 02:44:14 No. 6110377 Report >>6110370 Yeah that sounds like that'd do it. What's the worst that can happen?
If we have a Blackstone that actually functions with a high enough absorption level that might ... might! ... work.
Luz and Phridon gets ready, you find a barrel of water we get some salt on the man and we get him a new uniform and burn the last one, we link and force a transference . . .
Are you . . . sure about this? Hmh... Well. You are the Specialist. And that Probos Invocation worked . . . fine. I think?
>Here's half the manual for field Iconotheurgy >What's the process and the rolls for the procedure you describe? >Don't worry about AP cost - you can concievably work over a long enough time line. >Any other Thaumatheurges with good ideas can chime in too. Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6110308 >1 AP: "Everyone follow me! Inside and bar the doors!" >1 Speed, 1 AP: get inside the building to my 23 ish (East, right from the player perspective, also to the right of my character facing in the pic I am replying to, pic related) >3 AP: Close and lock/bar the door once everyone that is coming inside is inside #Scarlett
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9(7) Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Harquebus (4d6 Impact, Likely to Terrorize; Malfunctions 16+; Reload 3 AP; steps give -1 Accuracy; +1 Club in melee)
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Trapping Kit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Muskets 13
#Poetry 12
#Weaving 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1: Add Rank to resist terror; Major action to reroll Will for nearby ally; +1 to Influence and Thoughts
!Well Read
!Well Mannered
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6110425 Once everyone *that is not an enemy*
Zivka
>>6110308 Zivka
Vitality 9 Stamina 9 Focus 9
Action 9 Speed 1+1
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9, Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield & Axe
Ranging Kit
Tattercloak Quiver
Weather Cloak (Morale 1, Weather Resist 2)
Good Boots
4 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
More Pockets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Animalfriend 12
#Bows 12
#Axes 13
#Filching 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!I’ll Walk, Thanks
Haha!
> 1AP: Tell the scraghounds to sprint off and find help. > 3AP: Cut the woman loose, and pick her up. > 5 AP, 2 Speed: Hustle into the building. Spend Stamina if absolutely necessary to make the distance- I shouldn’t think it’s that far, however.
‘No one touch the furniture! And *don’t* eat the food!’
Wicklighter
Rolled 5, 6, 5, 3, 6, 5 = 30 (6d6) >>6110361 Maybe so, Command, but I'd still rather not risk it. If they're fine in the village, we can warn them about the danger and either bring them back to the contingent or stick around for strength in numbers if they've got urgent business.
I'd like to propose a marching order.
>Leave behind the Stern Ravens, Quiet Stainfingers, Reckless Ashfingers, Solemn Powderhands, Haunted Sharpshooters, Fresheyed Archers, Sunstained Spears, Bound Blades, Slick Slicers, officers with Thaumatheurge kits, and any officer who doesn't witsh to join me >Bring along the Sharp Sharps, Ironwrought Banners, Coldeyed Archers, Windsore Archers, Windswept Blades, Slick Slicers, Eager Edges, Blue Rats, myself, Crushfists and any officer who wishes to join me >Navigate to Unremarkable Village (Crushfists Pathfinding 10, Logistics 12, a Pathfinding 10 is probably better than Thoughts 10 or even Thoughts 11 for navigation) >Crushfists can take point. He's fast, and it makes sense for the pathfinder to be in front anyway. Right behind him should be the Coldeyed Archers, whose initiative may be needed >Swords up front, they'll be handy if worst comes to worst and we run face-first into an enemy in the village Wicklighter
Quoted By:
>>6110436 Ha, there go my dice
Zivka
>>6110433 Spend three stamina to make cutting her loose and picking up separate actions, as I’ve been told that otherwise, it will go rather awry.
Jove
Rolled 1, 2, 3 = 6 (3d6) Jove is Jove, an' there ain't no Jove but Jove.>Rally all tautological stubbornness. Jove knows 'oo 'e is, an' 'e don't will his redefinition. 'oo is the Wrack to compel 'im? Didn't even punch 'im! Focus 12 >But the wiggly-finger funny-talkers can 'elp too Oi guess.
Wicklighter
I don't suppose anyone wants to propose a similar marching order to mine on the off chance that the second go around doesn't have diabolically bad rolls?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:iL1op1Mn Wed 25 Sep 2024 10:16:07 No. 6110585 Report >>6110441 Have you? Strange voices you’ve been listening to, softsoul. We certainly have said not a thing.
>>6110536 It’s a larger operation where the outcome is the average of all the effort invested. Done this way, you can compensate if you see others make a mistake or try to account for difficulties if you spot someone has a good idea but bungle the execution.
Rion
>>6110451 "Great job Jove but do try being bit more specific. Generally holding on to what and who you are is good. But more detailed you can be could help you to keep the smaller bits you of you unchanged."
Rion
Rolled 5, 2, 2 = 9 (3d6) >>6110436 Hop on with the boys.
Using (Pathfinding 10)
Time to help where i can.
Icarus
Rolled 4, 4, 1 = 9 (3d6) >>6110377 > With salt and water, Icarus carves the configuration displayed in the image into the earth, fills each line with salt, and then soddens the salt to water. Essentially, the hope is that this ward construct will help the Casters (Iconotheurges) to Shunt the excess Potentiality from the Source (Jove) into the Vessel (Blackstone) in a relatively safe and coordinated manner. Any other theurges who wish to enhance or build upon this outline are welcomed to. Any assistance will be appreciated, but gawkers should stand well clear... in fact, you may want to avert your eyes and find something extremely sturdy to stand behind - just in case.
Mobile Wicklighter
Quoted By:
>>6110585 Understood, Command. Hopefully the others can help me (and poor Crushfists. On whose behalf I rolled so terribly) out here.
>>6110593 Oh yes, /that/ way is south. Right you are, coppersoul, right you are.
Jove
Rolled 3, 2, 3 = 8 (3d6) >>6110590 Ye, doc? Awroight.
Jove's a thug. Jove always pays 'is debts, except to society. Jove don't care to list 'is vices, but a good scrap's among 'em an' the stimmies ain't. Jove learned prim an' propah speech from a boss o' 'is once, but 'e didn't loik it. Made 'im fink different. Jove don't much loik finkin' inna first place. A future legend just does it all roight, see?
>Wrack may not loik it, but this is peak performance. If it really finks it can improve on perfection, why don't it make anuvva Jove an' we settle this propah? Focus 12 (Incidentally, manifesting such an incredible if slightly lesser specimen should soak up a good deal of Potentiality.) CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:YMkDkjs/ Wed 25 Sep 2024 11:46:47 No. 6110616 Report Quoted By:
>>6110603 Well well well. If that ain’t a classic Hoodin Transference Circuit with double-layered external wards unless I miss my read. Didn’t know we were dealing with a [i:lit]scholar[/i:lit]. I tip my head to you in respect as I run for cover.
You’ve got an awry tangle of luck in the north-northeast barrier line. Though I see you’ve improvised a direct Source-Vessel link and shaved time off by foregoing the usual Absorbs. Clever, if a little reckless… If we get overflow or Threads they’ll have nowhere to go. Does maintain the process purity and is easier to sustain so I see the trick of it. Still, there’s a quick fix, we’ll get another two water barrels over here and…
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:YMkDkjs/ Wed 25 Sep 2024 12:30:23 No. 6110633 Report The troopers bust out the shovels and throw up an impromptu blast barrier to dive behind, a few others bring up water barrels and spare bags of salt. Icarus sketches his lines. The wind howls . . .
>You are trying an impromptu field ritual to stabilise a dying man. Any Thaumatheurge that wishes to assist can do so - you might wish to point out how, and read up on the proposed path of solution: >>6110603 Wicklighter and Crushfists are leading the rest of the Company off to the Village to secure the mule with money that Edward brought there - if you'd rather be with them, that's acceptable too and you can note this as a free action.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:YMkDkjs/ Wed 25 Sep 2024 12:34:59 No. 6110635 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 4, 2 = 12 (3d6) >>6110593 Crushfists takes point and the blades fall in behind him, Rion checking a map and reminding Wicklighter to turn theirs around. Ah - right. That's . . . what's down that a way.
The village is not remarkable, nor is it really far. An hour of good march. It's pleasant enough terrain. The Iconotheurges and other half of the Company will catch up and you can all meet in the village. Which is a good plan anyway, thinks Wicklighter, because they're local, friendly and have both shade, shadows, succour and supplies. No bad place to rest. And if we do one of those Hearths and Minding things Commander Isenfrii so likes, it's possible any locals we come across can tell us more about this cipher we found and any movements of large groups they've seen around. Maybe find out who the Windsworn are, if they're dangerous enough to be mentioned by name in encrypted communications.
>Wastewrack Modifier, stable conditions, -6 Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 6, 2, 5, 3, 5, 1 = 22 (6d6) >>6110633 Have I ever read about anything of the sort? That man looks wrack'd out, alright. Is there any way in which Icarus' ritual can be modified to be more effective?
>Testing Thoughts 11. >Contingent on the above, I will help out. [Iconotheurgy 12] Sheet's fixed, btw. Idk where the idea that I had picked Blades instead of Spears came from, Command.
#Phridon
-
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Reputation 2
-
Uniform, DR2
Shortblade, Sharp
Spear, Reach 2, Impales, Throwable
Shield [18HP, 3DR, +2Def]
Pockets with 2 entire coinbits!!!
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Whitebone Needles (Wards-12)
-
#Thoughts 11
#Influence 11
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 14
#Religious Ritual 11
-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!Well Read
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:YMkDkjs/ Wed 25 Sep 2024 12:55:25 No. 6110640 Report With a snapped command from Zivka the scraghounds tear off, bearing a message, barking loudly to draw arrow fire as trained many times. The sleek furry things are hard to hit at the speed they're leaping, and they bound down the side-passage and clip through an alley around the spearmen forming up behind you.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:YMkDkjs/ Wed 25 Sep 2024 13:04:41 No. 6110644 Report Quoted By:
We slam the doors. Bar them. Good, solid wood. The world narrows to a point. One of the troopers shouts out he's found the stairs to the roof and sealed the internal hatch. A few loud THUMP THUMP THUMP noises indicate the boots the men above are bringing down, but the noise fades quick. They saw our guns. Our spears. They have no desire to attack a building sheltered armed opponents in a fortified position. Taking anything by storm is a bad idea, to be used only if you have no other option. They could smoke you out, perhaps. But . .. the building is nicely decorated. Stout stone walls. Very little wood. Wouldn't burn well. Of course, enough combustibles against the side of the door and the smoke will do you in. But that takes time. So for now, you live. You catch your breath. The adrenaline pounds and then it settles.
Zivka
Quoted By:
*’Don’t touch the damned food!’*
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:YMkDkjs/ Wed 25 Sep 2024 13:17:02 No. 6110651 Report A few more seconds pass. A trio of thumps roar out again, the roof-men testing the hatch. It holds. It'll hold for hours. They had bows, not axes, and breaking something like this with your bare hands is the work of stubborn fools like Jove and six hours of splinters.
Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6110651 > Give the woman some of my water. What the fresh hell is going on here?
Edward
Quoted By:
>>6110651 >First Aid the wounded (Alchemineering 12) Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6110640 Ah, such a shame the inhabitants we had zero clue or inclination were actually present in the village we thought was a total ghost town only bid us enter the warehouse we had no reason to believe was secure and plenty to believe was a liability only revealed their presence and bid us enter after we had already entered another building. If we *had* known it was a stout, secure long-term warehouse with friendlies inside who would help us I'm sure the calculus would have been different. No matter, the building we did end up fleeing into with the best information we had at the time seems plenty sufficient.
>>6110651 After she is provided water, ask the woman if there is a reason, perhaps some kind of spiritual or ritual thing, that we shouldn't eat the food and water on the table should our hunger and thirst grow too much while we are here.
Also reload my weapon.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:YMkDkjs/ Wed 25 Sep 2024 17:02:58 No. 6110724 Report Fortunately, bandages are standard issue though when Scarlett starts talking to herself we know a simple bandage won't be enough to fix. Ziva offers some water. The woman takes it. Cherishes it. Slumps a little in the chair, not as rigidly poised now that she realises you aren't like the last lot. She doesn't look like any village local. They do bread their hair, like her, but they don't wear travel clothes with deep pockets and a few tactical inserts of metal to ward of the errant blow. >We exhaust a bandage, though luckily Zivka brought extra. >We exhaust some water >The house seeem defensible enough, though there's no way to know what they're doing out there.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Wed 25 Sep 2024 18:04:48 No. 6110743 Report Quoted By:
>>6110436 >>6110593 Leaving the Iconotheurges to their doing and the slower elements behind, Rion beats a steady pace towards the distant village. Civilization has its draws. As you close in on it, an hour or so later, the road you've only been dimly aware of beneath your feet slowly solidifies and the endless craggy landscape and soft sand yields to human hand. Slowly. Very slowly. Some walls are crumbing. Fences are broken. The sand rolls in. The cliffs loom. It is a harsh place out here, beautiful in its way, austere, but not exactly welcoming. Though it may bend to human artifice and will, it will slowly seek to slip free too.
It's been a steady clip. Can't say anyone is running out of water or falling over from heatstroke yet. Maybe all the marching out and the heavy work has done you all some collective good.
Swaying on the soft wind, a few fields of some vegetable sprout. Hardscrabble things. Chewy. It's a wonder they can even coax it from the earth. But to Stalwarts eyes it looks a nice enough feast, if one had inclination towards an agricultural lifestyle . . .
There's usually at least someone tending the fields but today it seems abandoned. Maybe they're all in the village. Edward went on ahead, after all, to make markets. Maybe he drew them in, all curious.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Wed 25 Sep 2024 18:12:57 No. 6110744 Report And then, bounding up the path at speed, a scraghound with a Company collar, a soft silken touch to its fur and an arrow sticking out of its back leg comes bounding at speed, tumbling in the sand, and then rolling to its feet again to keep going. Dedicated little thing, aren't they. Once you train them and they bond, they're friends with you for life.>Marching officers can respond? If they'd like to?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Wed 25 Sep 2024 18:27:52 No. 6110750 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 2, 6, 6, 5, 3, 6 = 28 (6d6) The troopers dive for cover and spread out over the landscape, dipping into what shelter is available. A few of them wander off to form a proper perimeter guard and leave the speciaists to work. Aleksin checks the calculations. Someone else brings up another water barrel as Icarus digs out the lines in the sand and carefully readies them for work. Theoretically this is all sound. A perfectly normal transference field. >. . .??? >Warded, +1 >This Is Not Going To Go Well, -10 >Massive Shimmer Exposure, -10 >Warding 12, Specialists 10, Good Back Up, +2 >Loose Conditions, -4 >Warding 12 - 21 (Personal), Warding 10 - 21 (Company)
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Wed 25 Sep 2024 18:54:25 No. 6110761 Report Quoted By:
Success! We're still alive!
>>6110637 >>6110603 >>6110301 The bound up wards and the salt lines held, and vented most of the feedback into the loops to contain it and bleed it slowly. Top notch theoretical sigildry, people. Unfortunately, the wind changed a little and the flurry of sand it kicked across the ward-lines got caught in the matrice and blew out the inhibitors so the water barrels started absorbing vast Threshold locality and flash-converted to two pairs of fragmentary steam-bursts. Luckily, it was all vented away from the practicioners and harmlessly into the desert. If anyone had been standing nearby that would have been like being hit with cannister shot. A bad time.
And look, the blackstone at the centre. It's faintly humming. That's new? That's . . . unprecented! Its absorbed true and pure Potential itself, the very stuff that dreams are made of! Can it even hold it? How? It's . . . changing colour?? Blackstones don't do that, the blackness is because they absorb so much-- nevermind the physics. We're alive!
>>6110610 >>6110451 Unfortunately, the patient keeps insisting on doing something he has no understanding of, in relation to a thing he has no comprehension of, for reasons he cannot conceptualise and instead of prayer, warding, salt, or seeking assistance with the specialists who has this as a job, this enormously underqualified amateur keeps trying to think he can somehow command the forces of the universe with enough moxie and willpower. And while that's certainly impressive and all, it gets you absolutely not one single shred of leeway out here.
The field collapses back down, the wards are blown out, and Jove has been split out across a multitude of dimensional fractals, his voice reverberating in echo with himself, each blurry hand only tangentially related to the material mundanity we find ourselves embedded with.
Let this be a teachable moment for the Company at large. As the scouts keep saying:
You take the long way around Shimmering Fields.
And if the Iconotheurgic Abjuration Specialists would allow themselves the time to add a few words, it might be something akin to "there is a reason we train for five years to do what we do and have specialist equipment. You can't copy it with raw guts and a plucky attitude, though it's commendable to try. You simply do not know the forces you are dealing with and they do not act like you think they would".
But that's a very long winded way of saying MAKE NO OATH, SWEAR NO DEAL, so we'll simply let it slide.
If you ever find yourself in a situation like this:
WEAR YOUR MASK
CHECK YOUR FILTERS
EAT YOUR PILLS
THINK QUIETLY
And once you're out of it, GET THEE TO A SPECIALIST. The more you feed the Wrack, the more it is fed. The more you are aware of it, or have it in your soul, the larger the hold grows. Acknowledging it at all is the first step towards the root it'll take in you.
Someone get a stretcher for Jove. We'll... well. Maybe it wears off?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Wed 25 Sep 2024 19:10:15 No. 6110768 Report >Icarus acquires a Energised Blackstone >Well well well >Haven't had one of these around here for the last three centuries and a half. You know that's Contraband under the Accords Sunlit? Not that there's anyone around to enforce it, haven't been for a few centuries but it's the principle of the thing. It doesn't seem so different from the blackstone you held an hour ago, before this whole affair began. Except . . . for the one thing. You can hear a very subtle humming and feel the most gentle of all pressures.
And it has one specific and somewhat relevant effect.
Blackstones absorb elemental energies. Then they release them. You never get out more than you put in. Well.
Except if the Blackstone is energised. Then the relationship between input and output gets a little . . . variable.
Icarus feels strangely certain with a little bit of Focus he can probably nudge the output up, spending Focus to bolster what gets slung out. Perhaps if one took a Major Action using Focus alone, to release energy, something curious would occur?
--
>>6110610 Jove gets six months medical leave, a full pension and his backdated wages. And the subtle issue of most of your hands never doing what you want them to do and not being where you want them to be.
You can muster out, and we will inform you how to send in another recruit, or you can pretend that everything is as it should be and continue as is, but it might not be a very pleasant path.
Jove adjusts their existence . . .
>-2 Health >-2 Stamina >-2 Focus >-2 Grit >-2 Lethality (it becomes1d6-2) >+2 Threshold (It becomes 1d6+2) >+2 React >Gain a trait !On Borrowed Time Sorry fella. Some things you don't sleep off.
>Gain a trait !Uncontrollable Splitting, 11 Sometimes you just ... have more Joves.
>Gain a trait! !Multiplicities 2 Sometimes you just ... have more stuff.
The Company Doctors recommend you go take a long lie down and the early cash out bonus.
--
The company specialists brush up on their ward work. Impressive showing.
Luz, Icarus, Caedo, Phridon gain +1 Wards. This means your ward with kit is 13, and without, your Ward-Secrets are now considered trained, so gain access to the Secret at 10.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Wed 25 Sep 2024 19:25:13 No. 6110769 Report The world feels fraught. Sandpapered over. A Jove breaks out of the ward and sprints screaming into nowhere, disappearing in the distance both literally and metaphorically.>... well now what?
Icarus
>>6110769 Hm. Probably best to cleanse the area.
We're likely going to be operating in this area for a while yet.
Don't want to add Otherborne visitations and Extraplanar scavengers to our list of concerns.
Should be reasonably light work compared to what we just went through, uninterrupted too judging from the combative cacophony emanating from town.
The sounds of violence will draw in those inclined to violence, and ideally leave us in peace while we patch things up here.
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Rolled 1, 3, 3 = 7 (3d6) >>6110744 >>6110744 >Tell 1 Blue Rat to take care of the Scraghound >The rest need to get ready for anything >"Hey you over there! Come over here for a sec. You're not in trouble (yet) we just want to talk (for now)!" (Influence 10) #Crushfists
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 3
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Better Pair of Boots
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Closequarters 14 (Rikovol)
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina and 1 focus (Rikovol)
!Of Cold Winds 1: Unengaged +speed. Engaged +dmg
Edward
Rolled 6, 5, 4 = 15 (3d6) >>6110724 This is a very simple application of the classic "So you are besieged by an overwhelming number of savage, bow-wielding natives" principles. Every man who spent some time in Her Majesty's service and was trained to embark to distant shores knows how to deal with a situation as common as this.
>Prepare our defenses. Cover points of ingress, place people in the proper places to deal with possible incursions, try to find a way to look outside without being noticed, figure out best way to sortie if needed. (Small Unit Tactics 11) Scarlett, if you make some traps, I can improve on their payload after I'm done coming up with our plan.
#Edward
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
Morale +1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Harquebus [4d6 Impact, Terror, Malfunction 16+, 3AP Reload, -1Acc per step, +1 Club in melee]
One Memento [Locket with her picture]
1 bit
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Alchemineering 12 [First Aid, Salt, Gas, Smoke, Fire, Oil, Salt, Acid, Stimulant, 1AP=1 point or huck 1d3 with major action]
#Muskets 13
#Small Unit Tactics 11
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettle: If you start adjacent to an ally, they add +1 to all skill tests and speed. Spend 1 AP on behalf of ally
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Wed 25 Sep 2024 22:47:12 No. 6110845 Report >>6110826 One trooper's watching the stair, and the man you just finished bandaging can grab his long-knife and shield and make a go of it. One more to watch the doors, and then Zivka, Scarlett and a Woman Who Hasn't Introduced Herself But Is Smiling At You.
You can lock this place down well. It's actually a good, fortified postion. The question is . . . well . . . the chairs, Edward. The table. The cutlery. When you "prepare your defenses", are you going to use all this readily provided material? It's a good, solid table. They're good, solid chairs. Make excellent barricades.
And yet . . . Hard to see how that doesn't disturb the array of food prepared for visitors.
Well. It's probably just superstition and local tales.
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
Rolled 1, 4, 1 = 6 (3d6) #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>>6110744 >>6110778 Wicklighter hustles forward with the Blue Rat, helping him and taking an assessment of the wound. Hopefully it's just a flesh wound, or otherwise something he can fix quickly. He's never gotten on /great/ with them, but the scraghounds are ever so useful, and trained animals are never as easy to replace as you'd hope. Especially out here.
>Alchemineering 12, or Alchemineering 13 if I count as unengaged. Since, you know, I'm not engaged. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Thu 26 Sep 2024 01:18:15 No. 6110918 Report Crushfist sets out to find out who these locals are but ends up having to jump in front of a Blue Rat with his knife half draw, swinging his shield his shield like a battering ram to connect to the face of one the archers. The unfortunate skinny looking farmer is knocked on his end, blinking, half concussed. Crushfist goes for a wrist-lock, stops the Blue Rat Trooper from doing something they'd all regret later. He mumbles a faint "Sorry". Eases off the throttle a little.
Zivka
>>6110724 Use !Of Hopes and Fears to encourage and rally the men, despite being trapped and the temptation of the feast. The Scraghounds *will* find help- and when the rest of the company arrives, we’ll have our bloody dues!
3d6 vs Influence 10, +1 for Edward?
Volunteer to sit at the table, yet conspicuously touch nothing.
Zivka
Quoted By:
Rolled 1, 2, 6 = 9 (3d6) >>6110924 (Dropped my dice)
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Thu 26 Sep 2024 01:35:47 No. 6110929 Report Scraghounds - the feral ones - come in packs. Small ones, a family or two. Average sized groups. A few families. And the large ones. The roaming enormous prowling packs. They boil out of the deeper Aikan wastes, none two quite alike, part hound, part wolf, part something else. They're an endless bane of the smallholding farm frontier villages and hamlets that dot the landscape out here. A bit like the sand. You'll always find a few, prowling about.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 6, 5, 1 = 12 (3d6) >>6110724 Set up Pressure traps by the entrances with my Trapping Kit. Pay mind to allowing Edward some way of peeking outside if he finds a way. (Gearwright 12)
Jove
Rolled 6, 5, 4 = 15 (3d6) >>6110826 >>6110845 >Simply offer a performance of dance to the hospitable host, - OI
>- who can hardly refuse the gesture, being treated so graciously even in their absence. SHADDAP STRATAJOVE
>Naturally, some furniture must be rearranged to make room. OI PUT YOU AWAY
>If some uncouth ruffians then upend the relocated feast as they kick in the door, who could blame you? ...
>One might even be so bold as to volunteer to dispose of the food spoiled by the floor. It just ain't roight...
>>6110768 >On Borrowed Time >It's the same picture. >Jove's library days return and begin to take form! Oh, the indignity! Uncontrollable Splitting 11 (It's Jove but more polite and putting a lot more forethought into mayhem) #Jove
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 8 Focus 10
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 8 Grit 8 Sense 10 Strength 11 Reputation 2
React 11+1
Lethality 1d6-2 Threshold 1d6+2
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Wispcloak, Major to hide, halved move-do penalty
Halberd
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
A coinbit
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Polearm 13
#Carousing 14
#Uncontrollable Splitting 11
-Traits
!Armored 1
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears
!Multiplicities 2
!On Borrowed Time
Wicklighter
>>6110929 Wicklighter isn't used to being shown affection by scraghounds. Letting a big one put its mouth anywhere near his hands is sort of setting off his fight or flight instincts. He holds still, though. He's heard from the people who actually keep these things that this is good and lets them get used to you. That's not the worst thing ever.
Hm. If this /is/ Zivka's, that would... hm. Hmmm. They went MIA on perimeter patrols, but her hound turns up near this village. What takes a perimeter patrol to a village that's already got a warehouse rented by the company? That's one of the-
Well, hm, no, they were also looking for the missing wagons. It's as reasonable to come here looking for that as it is to go to a rallypoint looking for stragglers.
Still, it was running at a dead sprint. Towards them, and they're going towards the village, so it was probably going /away from/ the village. Or they could just have chased it this way. Though it'd take a hell of a run to herd a scraghound at full speed in any direction, intentionally or otherwise.
So, what, it just got loose while Zivka was at the village, took off? Would it be running so hard if that was the case? He... didn't really know. He /imagined/ a scraghound wouldn't sprint in a desert unless it really had to, so probably not. And there's no way it's run /through/ the village, it doesn't look nearly tired enough to have run that long. And Zivka seemed like she treated her hound pretty well, so it wouldn't run to escape her, would it?
...Shattered shields, all this deductive reasoning was /not/ what he signed up for. More fool him, really.
Right. Facts. So Zivka's hound has just turned up going away from the village. It was running, and proooobably hasn't been keeping that up for long enough to exhaust it. Zivka's hound is well-trained and loyal and probably wouldn't have run off without a reason. 'Probably' is good enough to be careful right now.
Maybe Zivka died and it wandered off? Found itself near the village, got chased away? Maybe. Seems... mm. It was already running when these farmerfolk saw it. Someone else could've chased it away and it just... kept running until it met these two? Mm. Not entirely out of the question.
What else? It's not chasing anything, or the farmerfolk would've seen it as well as the hound. The hound was just running.
There's also the possibility he doesn't want it to be. This is recent. Not too long ago, Zivka's hound had /some/ kind of goal in mind that it ran to fulfil. What?
Tracking? No, there's no point if the hound follows tracks faster than you can keep up.
Find and retrieve? /What/ exactly would there be to find in the sands, and why send a hound running after it- the hound wouldn't be running anyway, would it? Unless it knew where it was? But then Zivka would want the hound to lead her to it, or would otherwise... mmm. It's /possible/. Stick it in the skull for later.
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
>>6110929 >>6110983 No wait, there's a way to test that right now, isn't there? Just /let the hound go/. See if it heads anywhere with purpose, try to follow it. If so, it's got somewhere to be. If not... well, then back to thinking. It's worth a try, at least it'll strike out an idea.
Wicklighter slowly withdraws from the scraghound after a tentative ruffle on the head. "Go on!" he encourages it in a very put-on playful voice—one wonders if Wicklighter ever naturally sounds like this. "Where do you want to go, hound?"
Markhan
Rolled 2, 2, 1 = 5 (3d6) >>6108841 #Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-11
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>Breacher Kit >Polearm Training >Of Masks and Mettle >Raise a Banner: Pikes-11 >Hire a Specialist who assists in Refit, Repairs and Refinement. >Receive your dues, get paid 3 Coinbits while I: Honor the timetable, harsh though it my be (test Tactics 11) >Spend Coinbits, bring another lost soul. 1 more man can't *seriously* muck up a line of pikes, right? CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 09:42:44 No. 6111117 Report >>6111036 A pike formation proper is ruefully hard to do wrong, conveniently. Practically unheard of! Though I'm sure the Troopers will find a way.
Good on you, Markhan, for taking the time to make sure all the laggards and slackers get mustered up and out in time. The Stern Ravens were a bit bungled up for lack of armor - your speedy arrival with some spare supplies will alleviate that for now.
>We've FINALLY repaired some armor on our dinged pikes and fixed some gear on our blade. Good work, refitting all that stuff. >+1 Stamina, for a quick march >-2 Rep, for forcing everyone else to keep to the timetable, add it like a attribute. They might respect it but they don't like it. >+1 Small Unit Tactics, for keeping men moving >+1 Influence, to nudge them along. While you get settled in with the dust-plume of everyone else,
>>6110929 >>6110918 you can issue some general orders or get things shaped up. If you like. It appears Crushfist and Wicklighter have found a pair of locals hunting our dog, and that that same dog is one of the missing Company mascots. There's a village down the dusty road that might hold more answers.Maybe the locals have some insight.
This whole situation is making my palm itch, though. And not in the "I touched the wrong crystal" kind of way. The way I see it, right, Sir, right, if'n there's a village down thataway and we're strung out along the road to get there AND a good lot of us are still an hour behind. . .
Well, fifty sudden archers and we're all fertiliser for those fields to our right. but then again I'm inclined to paranoia as a professional instinct. I'm sure the locals are perfectly nice.
>The response force is currently strung out on the road, taking a few breaths, grabbing some water. >You can issue a general command, get up to no good thing on your own, or help the Company specialists do something you feel now might be a good time for. >Maybe things get more exciting soon? CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 10:39:05 No. 6111140 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 6, 1, 6, 1, 1 = 19 (6d6) While Crushfist and Wicklighter fuss over the scraghound and the locals, the rest of the column shakes itself into a slow, gradual march again. Having stolen a few minutes of respite from the sun in the avenues of the cliffs and shadows of old crumbled buildings, everyone is feeling ready for a few more minutes of dusty road.>...
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 10:43:09 No. 6111145 Report Quoted By:
With its leg bandaged and friends nearby the scraghound rolls around in the dirt, bites at its own tail and chases a flittering insect for a few prowling steps. You'd be forgiven for thinking it was like all other dogs in the wide world.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 10:47:29 No. 6111147 Report Quoted By:
The lead spearmen stops short, confused by the sudden eruption of noise. Rion and Raging Palm jump for the scraghound, trying to get ahold of its collar. But it's fast and it's not stopping, it slips right through their grasp -- but stops. It does not enter the village.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 11:02:52 No. 6111152 Report Quoted By:
Probably saves his life, turning around like that. Score one for man's best friend.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 11:16:03 No. 6111156 Report !!!!
Wicklighter
>>6111156 Oh, we were much closer to the village than I thought. Funny thing, navigating by drawn map.
Alright then, blades up. It'll be a lot of running for those at the bac- oh no, wait, they're over there too. Good! Windsores, ready bows to the southeast!
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 11:43:17 No. 6111168 Report AMBUSH!!
--
Void take it all what is happening?? Quick!!
GET INTO POSITION!!
You've had some mild forewarning of impeding trouble, so you're not taken totally by surprise. Things are still chaotic but you might be able to save this one yet.
Get into POSITON by picking a point nearby allies. This is a free action. You are sprinting there - you might not end up exactly where you want to be.
Then take SOME SORT OF NORMAL ACTION, NON-OFFENSIVE ACTION - you have 9 AP, but don't need to spend it all on this pre-positioning phase. You can't attack, so don't bother - but now might be the time to shout orders, take cover, form people up, defend, sense and think, grab things from your kit, so on.
You **MUST** spend 3 AP to READY YOUR KIT.
>>6108841 So far, Command has been very lenient on what was in your pockets on the assumption that things might wish to change. Now it's blades up and shields out. Now it starts mattering. If you want to have something else than what you had, finalise any adjustments NOW.
When you respond to this post, include an up to date character sheet.
That way, you won't have to *keep* reposting it every turn. It'll be linked to the start of the combat.
Being a persnickity little pedant, Command will notice that unless you READY YOUR KIT and update your papers, as instructed, you'll spend the first two combat turns stunned, confused and defenseless because you're clearly taken by surprise!
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sSQ_Mz4QhY If you are an Iconotheurge stuck behind the map, or a bunch of hapless explorers stuck in the village, the above does not apply. Yet. You have bigger problems.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 12:06:31 No. 6111172 Report >>6110826 >>6110924 >>6110958 Scarlett follows Edwards instructions and prepares the doors and stairs and other entrances to be a mean surprise to any intruder. Snapjaw traps and a few bits of string, a little pressure in the wrong place.
Edward can't do much else, other than shout verbal instructions and get the wounded spearman back in the fight. Hard to set up an obstacle or block the doors when the largest table and all the furniture in the room are set up to prepare for a feast.
The Woman sees the hustle and bustle of hectic activity and slides off of her chair. Crosses to an alcove in the corner with intent and roots around, searching. With a yell of triumph she spins around, showing off a bottle of dusky looking liquid slooshing inside a container. Hah! Score! She pops the cork and takes a chug, then winces and wipes her lips.
" Hey, it wasn't on the table so I take it that's fine, ritualistically speaking. Man I hate being under siege. Reminds me of Wellmoth. It's all the waiting, you know? You start hearing every little creak of the old place as the sure sign of sappers. I don't think they'd try sappers but the Windsworn are a peculiar lot, they might at that. "
She throws a glance at the hatch in the floor that leads to the storage basement, cool and out of the sun. Pops it open and squints down into the darkness. Any hope of an exit is dashed - four empty barrels and the scent of flour. The village must have dipped enormously into their pantries to produce all this bread for the strange not-guest feast. The Woman shuts the hatch with a sigh.
"
" Alright, so much for that. "
" The Scraghounds *will* find help " Zivka interjects, trying to force certanity into her voice. Martik nods. They're good, clever things.
" *And* when the rest of the company arrives, we’ll have our bloody dues! "
" If " the Woman takes another swig, winces, shrugs. Offers the cactus juice to anyone else interested.
" If! " Zivka snaps back
" Yeah, *if*. I'm all for hoping for heroic rescues but my last lot turned out to be a sun-bedraggled group of mercenaries and waste-walkers, you're not exactly knights in shining armour, no slight, plate would be boiling around here. How's about we rescue ourselves, rather than sit around waiting for someone else? "
Edward risk another peek out the door. No arrow this time. One of the six guards outside, other side of the street, behind a few barrels for protection against musket fire, give him a cheery wave. Edward brings his gun out. The guard jabs a thumb at the nearby rooftop where four more archers are perched, weapons ready. You really want to do this? Come on. Take your one shot and then you know we'll simply rush the building before you reload. The silence look communicates a lot. Edward frowns. He's Illiosi! He could get off TWO shots before the building was stormed.
Scarlett pulls him back inside.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 12:20:27 No. 6111176 Report " Weren't you moaning and groaning and floored five minutes ago? "
Zivka
>>6111176 ‘You should all at least rest first, until you’re not so [Fatigued]. No sudden dashes until then!
I’ll keep watch, and we can rotate who helps me. Bit of silence will help you think, too.
Of course- I’ve a feeling that help is on the way. Shan’t trust a fucking horse as far as I can throw it, but dogs have never failed me!’
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:3GwNKn5J Thu 26 Sep 2024 12:29:22 No. 6111179 Report Quoted By:
>>6111178 " Sure, wake me once you've come up with a cunning plan or the Windsworn are here to slit our throats and empty our pockets "
Eyeing one of the nearby sleeing alcoves, she slides into it. Positions herself a little. Grumbles about the rockface - all the pelts and cushions are missing.
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
>>6111168 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>Sprint into position somewhere between the northernmost Blue Rat and the trio of them. >3 AP: KIT READIED AS ORDERED SIR >1 AP: Blue Rats, Form Up! >1 AP: Blue Rats, Shields Up! >1 AP: Windsore Archers, Form Up behind that low rock wall just next to you! >3 AP: Embed within the Blue Rats. With me now, bladeslingers! Some of our banners are closer to forming up than others, but they all should probably form up. There's no 'close enough' formation that soldiers adopt. But that's why there are other officers. So he doesn't have to try and direct every banner on the field.
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 3, 2, 1 = 6 (3d6) >>6110769 I concur with Icarus. Let's clean this mess up. In addition to that, I'm just going to think *harder*. Is there something, anything, no matter how fringe, theoretical, or debunked about Blackstone's ability to absorb? Something even tangentially-related so that we're not completely in the dark.
>Wrack my brain even harder. This cannot be the first time this has happened. Even if it is, someone somewhere must've theorized that something like this is possible. Surely. Right? [Thoughts 11, !Well Read] Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6111176 On the bright side, having so many of them keeping us in here means any rescue attempt is going to have an easier time. We'll have a good flank on them if fighting starts outside.
In the meantime, I agree with Edward, let's get some rest so we'll be ready when the time comes.
Markhan
Rolled 3, 4, 5 = 12 (3d6) >>6111117 Bloody Crows, the buggers just had to make a whole show of feathering their caps this morning, took us a whole hour to get on the road. Thank goodness the column stopped, we might never have caught up in time.
A general order? Might as well tell them too-
>>6111156 >>6111168 -Ah. ...Void take them all. Pikes! Into position! Cover whichever damned rat that is that's out of position!
#Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>Markhan gets into position next to the two captured villagers. Close enough to direct his Crows, far enough to be covered from all angles. >3 AP Ready Kit, as ordererd! >1 AP Resolute Crows, get position behind the middle rock, south of that Blue Rat currently *out of formation* and on his own by the Windsores! >1 AP, Coldeyes, form up columnward behind that rock wall east of you. I espy movement in the fields! >1 AP As the Ambush begins, and Markhan spots movement in the grass. His eyes narrow as he squints into the wind trying to get a [Sense] of what else is out there. (3d6 vs Sense 10?) Attempting to be frugal with his actions, that'll be it from Markhan during preparation.
>>6111163 No, damn it, no! Northwest... and west!... and south west! Movement in the fields, in the open and out of cover!
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6111240 I agree with Zivka*
Rion
Quoted By:
>>6111168 >AP3 Gear up (Boost kit, WispCloak and shield) >AP1 Ironwrought Banners Shields up >Move: to cover side of southern cliff "Heads down shields up we have arrows flying!"
#Rion
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 11
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
BoostKit: Fuel 4/4 Speed 4
WispCloak: +1 Reaction
Bits of kibble: Animals like more
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Coinbits: 1
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Close Quarters 13
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Cold Winds 1: If start unengaged Add rank to speed. If engaged Bonus DMG to first attack hit.
!The Flow: When you Defend, you perform multiple Step-Dodges. When you attack, targets get -1 skill.
Edward
>>6111176 "It occurs to me that our manners have failed us amidst all this excitement. I am Edward, these here are Scarlett and Zivka and I would introduce the rest of our illustrious company if I ever bothered to memorize their names. And what should we call you, fair lady?"
There is merit to your idea - no, not surrendering to brigands, finding out what they want. I can go back to the door and yell if anyone on their side wants to talk.
"And one last thing: any average Illiosi could get off two shots before the building was stormed, but I'm exceptional. I could get off THREE."
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Thu 26 Sep 2024 22:10:13 No. 6111452 Report Quoted By:
Commands go out, Rion prepares his shield. Wicklighter loosens the blade in its sheath and whispers a quiet quick offering to the distant instructors. One of the troopers glance at the Rikovian and shake his head. They're not used to that kind of thing. But all Blades know the battle is not the thing that decides. The decision was made in the tutelage of the master and the dilligence of the student, six months ago, on that morning when you decided to sleep or stand up and practice the cut that will save your life. >... !
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Thu 26 Sep 2024 22:20:49 No. 6111458 Report One of the troopers scans around - searching. Forms up with another and unfurl the Company banner . . .>Bannerleaders (that's you!) may nominate one squad as Bannerbearers, bearing the Company standard. >Bannerleaders my nominate one squad as Vanguard Breachers, who have lumbered along in heavier equipment and will now put their helmets on and secure their shields and strap their cuirass proper and get ready to throw down.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Thu 26 Sep 2024 22:49:30 No. 6111470 Report Arrows fall down like hail, clattering among the ranks. Shields up, the troopers wince and duck behind road barricades and old walls. Markhan thumps against an old building, scouting out over the fields - the shapes out there spot him and try to make a trophy out of the man but his heavy armor absorbs the lucky shot. >The Trooper Formations have . . . pecularities which may trigger during certain situations or events and cause them to act up or do things. >If you absolutely must make sure a Formation does not act out of order, it's a 3 AP major order to Enforce Discipline and then you add your Will to theirs when resisting their . . . more interesting impulses. >COMPANY PHASE! >THAT MEANS YOU LOT!
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Thu 26 Sep 2024 22:53:25 No. 6111473 Report Recruits, you'll see a Compass to the top left of the map. The current standing order and environmental situation is also displayed there.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Thu 26 Sep 2024 23:11:03 No. 6111480 Report >>6111437 >>6111351 >>6111240 The Woman rouses herself, turning in an agile movement and sweeping to her feet. And then she dips into a curtsy, tipping an imaginary hat.
" Mornlight. Montosi Mornlight, at your service, courier of a distant Senate and underpaid government employee of . . . "
She pauses for a moment. Thinking. A brief shadow passes across her eyes and she clearly decides on her next words with some care.
" Infrastructure support services? Bit of a shortstaff in the department, so I've been lent to the Kalcmiri Greenglass Council to help them with an overdue taxation issue related to some pecularities in local grain shipments. The fields here, they grow a kind of tobacco for export and consumption but there's been a few years of taxing it under label regulatory category Arken-Three, which by way of referencing the Luperni-Cesteriphon-Twin Shores International Shipping Agreements of '265 is ACTUALLY not the proper tax category for agricultural byproducts consumed for personal satisfaction."
She smiles. And then like an army marching on to a attack hillfort she keeps going.
" I was travelling through the region to conduct a growth survey and offer calculation services to the local villages to get their government rebate scheduling fixed, but I got jumped by those Windsworn two days ago and tied to a chair in the middle of this place. I mean I know no one likes a government employee but I'm not even from the tax office, I promise "
She grins, by way of apology. One of the troopers suppresses a yawn.
" Anyway, I won't bore you with grain economics. Pleasure to make your acquiantance, Magnates Edward, Scarlett and Zivka. You often get into daring firefights with roaming religiously motivated marauder factions? I wouldn't think that'd be your usual line of work "
Montosi bounces a little from foot to foot, shaking out the remaining jitters of days of deprivation. For someone who was left in the sun for hours, she's recovering fairly readily.
" I think your idea of negotiation is clever. These people must want something. I couldn't get them to talk at all. It's like they've taken a vow of silence or some such. But they're human? Surely they'll see you have that in common.
If nothing else, they might not batter down the doors if they're busy talking.
Ask them about their leader. I saw him. Briefly. When his goons were tying me to a chair. He had a lady with him, some slick Pytherii thing in full legion harness, which in THIS weather? Void, lady, calm down.
Think maybe they call him the Whispergrain? I'm not up to date on my bandit clans and maraudering criminals but when I was in Kalcmir down the coast, the Red Market called him the leader of the Windsworn. Didn't mention a lady though, which is why I think maybe that's a way to start - some leverage or something. Because he must be doing something for her, or she's doing something for him, and point is this lot will have orders, yeah, in some sense of the word? "
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Thu 26 Sep 2024 23:47:07 No. 6111492 Report >>6110976 >>6111238 >>6110774 You pack up. You take care. You whisper a few prayers, sprinkle sprays of water. A large ward - modified grounding, too large really to be effective - is scribbled in the sand. It's the ritual of the thing, the careful observation of rote and duty. The world feels . . . more cohesive. The tension in the back of your skulls alleviate. Though also, simple distance will do that. Pack up and move, slow and sure. On the wind, noise drifts. Distorted. Screams? No. Just. .. . noise. Out here in the Leviathan Sea, the endless dunes do stretch on and at times it can be hard to know where sound comes from. Something gets warped on the way. What you hear close is happening far. Things you think are so different that they have no influence on your life inevitable turn out to matter far too close to where you are.
As Caedo, Luz and Icarus grounds everything proper and packs up the water barrels, some of the troopers groan and complain under the weight of the supply wagons. But that's a company for you. It moves at the speed of logistics. Luckily, you have people to handle all that and the packaging goes . . .
>+3 Without issue.
--
Phridon spends time elsewise, checking notes and referencing the few scant books in his pack. Blackstones. Blackstones. Blacked Stones? No, he's not interested in Reikan tourist traps or Uthani homecraft jewellery traditions. Blackstones.
They're uncommon - extraordinarily rare - Wrackstones and out of all the various types in their innumerable oddity that the Wastes spit outs, Blackstones have the distinction that they are above all else inert, dull, deadening things. So many Wrackstones are monuments to the excess of bad ideas. They want to be used. The Wastewalkers who acquire them and thrive with them grow to depend on them. Need them. Yearn to ply their talents as the Wrack holds their souls and humanity slips further past the threshold.
But Blackstones don't quite exert such a pull. Hold it to a fire and the fire lessens. Hold it to a river and the river gurgles and you can spot small bubbles as the water flows elsewhere (though the river persists). For a thing that absorbs so much without end it is a wonder it can be held in the human hand at all. Though this is a comforting lie. Blackstones are not so rare. The ones that don't kill you are.
( Phridon pauses here to recall an old lesson: If you see blackened sand on the wind - RUN )
But Icarus' one seem pristine and tuned right so that it does not absorb his life as well as all else. So, so far, so good. A slice of something that takes in other stuff at prodigious rate.
There are Free College experiments to determine how much, what boundary, what weight, but it varies per Blackstone and not any two are truly alike. Some take in more, some release less and many, as mentioned, cannot even be safely handled because whatever structure defines what they can readily devour is not tuned such that it filters out human life.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Thu 26 Sep 2024 23:58:52 No. 6111494 Report >>6111492 But never in all the journals or references or books or scholarly letters is there mention of a Blackstone that has any colour. The hint remains in the name. The idea that one could shimmer with a faint hue seems to deny that moniker, an oddity.
Perhaps another thread. The Shimmering that Jove was exposed to, the crystalised specks of Wrack, places where the world has scabbed. The fields grow from enormous expenditure of Threshold energies, the Other peering in close. Perhaps if we had not warded, guarded and sanitized this site we left behind here, the world would eventually snap at the edge and the Wrackcrystals sprout. Material mundanity cannot bleed but if it could, the odd mutifaceted crystaline structures you find in the Wastes at times would perhaps be the lubrication of the fine structure of the universe, seeping in through the cracks in creation. It kills you. In untold ways. You are a machine entirely dependent on endless rules and systems and metabolic pathways and finnicky hormones and precise sodium balances and you are uniquely suited to the biosphere you roam within, a scrap of meat that thinks itself a blessed thing. When the rules that permit your existence begin to bend, you bend before you break, and the Shimmering fields of the Wastes are but one of the little signs of the Wrack.
Here, in the High Wastes, we are further in than many. Go further still and the Deep Wastes are profound oddities of geography. Shimmering fields that stretch like countries, stretches of sand that feel like graveyards and - if the whispered stories are to be believed - Wrackcrystal pillars that pierce the skies and holes in the world that things fall through. Though that's all hearsay. People who have actually braved the Deep Wastes are few and far inbetween. The area simply isn't hospitability to life as we concieve of it.
But for all that, the Other is a known quantity. The rainbow hued dots in the air, the ghostlight that curls around the crystals, the Shimmering it leaves - all that is Potential, before it crytalizes into Wrack, and so you curve back around, brushing up on basic theory.
Fireglass is Wrackcrystal formed -right-, a moment in time, a perfection of possibility. A fuel source, a boon, a trade good, the reason to brave this hostile place.
Wrackcrystal is the scars of creation healing itself.
So Jove was exposed to the Shimmer Fields and dying, his entire being twisting apart. Leeching that bound whorl of energy off of him into the Blackstone must then - logically, if such applies - have imbued the Blackstone with a purity of potential. It is, in a sense, almost become a fleck of Fireglass held in Icarus hand. But unlike fireglass, which is rigid and must be processed by alchemineers to unlock the potential within and serve as a base for the wonders of modern science, the Blackstone appears to have simply absorbed the potential. And it's holding it even now. Inert, somehow, not crystalised, not bending into Wrack.
Markhan
>>6111492 Ah, I do hate to be a stickler when it's to *my own detriment*, Command. But shouldn't I bet at -2 Reputation as well going from here?
>>6111117 >>6111245 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Fri 27 Sep 2024 00:10:16 No. 6111499 Report >>6111494 Not fading.
so the Blackstone - somehow - holds the essence of the Other, potential itself, and the world is not muting it. Icarus has a little bound and hidden away whiff of the stuff that dreams are made off.
It's been theorised, of course. There are supposed to be containment vessels, wards, rituals, incantations, prayers. But the issue has always been - will always be - that Potential must and can only imply coming certainity. After all, it's so trite as to be idiomatic: Potential unspent is potential wasted.
It will always fade quick, becoming whatever it was going to be, nudged along, frayed away by a world that is far too rigid for such free-floating flecks of nothing-and-everything. Fireglass is so valuable because of a variety of modern chemical engineering allows its use as a catalyst, accelerant, binding agent. The bound possibility is released into some refined work. Wrackcrystal is so enormously lethal because simply being near it will wrap you in the tapped and cracked something-else, bending you out of shape. Your very thoughts and sapience reverberating with the stuff to cause it to spiral out of control.
That's not happening here, because in the Blackstone, it seems it's not inunduated with the world. Or with Icarus' thoughts. Or Joves destiny.
Could probably power anything. In a sense, it is anything. Could probably sell it for a pretty coin to an alchemist.
Could siphon it out slow and you've got a multiplier for any invocation you care to attempt, because instead of drawing on the latent possibility of the world and hoping the Other draws close and you can force some slight deviation in path of things, well, you could just. . . Add your own Potential.
There is one other snippet of information, from some book or another that Phridon has read, though he can't recall quite where.
There's an (unconfirmed) theory that a Vanadian research group found a way to bind potential into people, to nudge past them the Threshold. Which would obviously destroy anyone; the mind unbound is friend to none. Theoretically though, if you could do that, and keep the subject alive, you'd have the prospect to make them . . . anything.
>>6111496 Don't worry. They'll have something else to complain about soon.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Fri 27 Sep 2024 00:16:59 No. 6111507 Report >>6111492 >>6111494 >>6111499 Nonetheless, exciting academic theory about Improbable Biology aside, you do need to find out what you are going to *do* here, Banner-leaders.
You coul continue the rest of the patrol. There's a sizable unit with you. But perhaps it would be prudent to advance to the village and catch up with your Recon-Force. Perhaps it would be prudent to search the local area? Perhaps it would be prudent to take this chance to continue on to Rally Point Midnight or the Oasis.
There is noise drifting on the wind. The sound of . . . violence?
>Phridon, Caedo, Icarus, Luz and the Joves are still in March-camp. You can take an action in relation to the specialists or yourself, and it would be very prudent to decide on a march order. As per
>>6109537 , it It looks like this:
>Navigate to Rallypoint Midnight Blue (Navigate 12, Logistics 12, I roll 6d6) >I think the Reckless Ashfingers can take point, they're twitchy >I'd like us to be defensive - can we get the spears on the perimeters and the archers bundled near the middle of the column? Though do be aware a "march order" might also be "hunker down here" and you can technically instruct the troopers to perform various tasks. Though it's not like you need to build a road or dig a trench at the moment.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6111480 "Oh no, please do continue Ms. Mornlight, grain economics is my idea of a good time. How do the logistics of maintaining Kalcmiri tax revenues work so far from the governing bodies? The presence of rebate scheduling implies a certain level of connectivity that by ordinary means shouldn't be possible for so remote and sparsely populated a region as this is. I've recently been reading through 'Volatile Volatiles Markets and You: Finding Consistency in Times of Strife' by Anthrew Carn Neggie, and he follows a philosophy of flexible investments capable of reallocation from points of failure into more promising ventures, achieved through a vigilant oversight of diversified assets financial, corporeal, philosophical, or otherwise. I'd be very curious to hear your process."
Luz
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 2, 5, 1, 1, 3 = 15 (6d6) <Childish Imagination: Fly high in the sky carried by the mercureal breeze
Executive Mechanics: I do not hold the Will of the Wind
Keeper of Secrets: The wind rides free, nearly unbridled by the will of wizards
Eager Reason: Stop this silliness. The wind carries wet iron and exited howling.
<Childish Imagination: Let the Siren Song pull me to the pool of blood. Something happened there.
Voice of Self Preservation: No, not that one either. You don't have the skill or understand how it works.
Cutting Determination: I will travel towards town and Analyze the situation as I go. I am the cutting edge, so I will lead.
Voice of Self Preservation: Shouldn't I let the Pathfinders lead the way?
Cutting Determination: We have none with us. I will blaze a path.
Eager Reason: Sounds fun, but we're not in a forest chief.
>>6111507 >Navigate to village to meet up with the rest of the group (Analysis 12, Influence 10) >Take point. Take the Ravens, flanked by the Slicers split into two wings up front with me. The Powderheads near the front and slightly behind us. These squads seem suitably motivated to take point. >I'd like to be enthusiasticly curious, looking for signs of interesting goings on or mysteries to solve. #Luz
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Gauntlets
Thaumatergy Kit
Glistening Knife, +1 Sharp, Storage = S(12)
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Books
1 Coinbit, Clipped
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Wards 13 (base 10)
#Close Quarters 13
#Analysis 12
#Mistbreath 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Edges and Insight 1
!Well Read
Markhan
Rolled 2, 4, 5 = 11 (3d6) >>6111458 I'll nominates the Sharp Sharps as our Bannerbearers for this skirmish. They're in a good central location right now, easily within view of *most* of our units.
I'll also nominate the Ironwrought Banners as our Vanguard Breachers. They're closest to the village entrance, and we don't know what could come storming out of there.
>>6111470 >>6111473 Perhaps peeking out to gawk at whole unit of Windsworn wasn't the best for his health? Markhan thanks his lucky stars and ducks back into cover. A rock and a hard place, if he orders the Crows to halt, they risk getting picked apart by the archers right in front of them, if he orders them to attack and then halt, they risk over-extending. . . . He'll trust in Wicklighter's abilities to halt a possible flank. The crows have done a good job mopping the floor with the archers... for now.
#Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>Using 1 Speed and 2 AP to move 4 33 >Use 3 AP to shout over the din at the Crows. Show some sodding discipline! Engage those archers to your front in good order, and then hold your position! We don't know what's beyond those rocks! [Will 10] Finally, perhaps he can use some overconfidence to his advantage.
>Use 1 AP: Windswept Blades, form up! Those Windsworn to our northwest are exposed and alone, easy pickings! ...Windswept, Windsore, facing off against the Windsworn? Maybe we ought to rename a unit or two...
Wicklighter
Rolled 4, 3, 5, 6, 4, 2, 6, 1, 1 = 32 (9d6) >>6111470 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>2 Speed & 2 AP: Move 32 32 >3 AP: Charge (Move-And-Do Attack, Blades 10) against the southern wing of the Windsworn formation, letting the Windsore keep the northern wing occupied >3 AP: Attack (Blades 14) >1 AP: Pay attention to that clonking. Is that the sound of well-armoured enemies? (Sense 10) I know you said we don't really have to, but I repost my sheet partly for my own reference as well.
>>6111458 I'll nominate the Sharp Sharps as Bannerbearers and the Ironwrought Banners as our Vanguard Breachers. The latter in part because it really just makes sense for anyone called Ironwrought to be in heavier armour.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:K5Hvct+1 Fri 27 Sep 2024 03:01:49 No. 6111634 Report Quoted By:
>>6111582 Traditional naming conventions around here is [Adjective][Animal].
Icarus
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 4, 5, 4, 2, 2 = 22 (6d6) >>6111507 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy12
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
>Regroup with the rest of the company at the village (Analysis 12, Influence 10) > No elaborate marching order. Just fold myself into the ranks of Luz's group. > Scan the surrounding terrain for movement or signs of ambushes as we march. Rion
Rolled 2, 6, 4, 6, 2, 2 = 22 (6d6) >>6111470 >AP1: Command Ironwroughts to advance towars the first archer squad. >AP1 And keep the defensive stance >Free action Fire of the Boost kit and move 44 44 (Fuel 3/4) >AP1 Move 3 and take cover behind this thing >AP 3: Try to Spot possible Traps or Ambushes (Sense 11) >AP3: Refuel My boost kit (Gearwright 12) "That's the spirit prepare we'll hit them hard but don't be reckless and let me check ahead for trouble first."
Said Rion as she dashed into next cover to check for traps or foes hidden.
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 1, 5, 6, 4, 4 = 24 (6d6) >>6111507 Interesting stuff. Especially that last bit about the (unconfirmed, of course) Vanadian experiments. Anyhow, there's a march to plan, you say?
>Navigate to the village. [Thoughts? 11, Logistics 12] >Luz should take point, but unarmored pikemen, however determined, haven't the makings of a van, if you ask me. Same goes for the reckless slicers. Replace those with Haunted Sharpshooters and Bound Blades. They seem less likely to fall into an ambush. Guns and pikes should follow close behind, archers and the slicers in the middle, and with sluggish spears bringing up the rear. >Join Icarus in watching for potential ambushes. Edward
>>6111480 "A pleasure as well, m'lady Mornlight.
You might be surprised by how often unruly, religiously motivated natives get into daring firefights with people like us. Not only is it not unexpected, but it is, in fact, our very line of work. Worry not. You have fallen into capable hands.
Now, if you will excuse me while you continue this fascinating conversation with Scarlett, I'm just going to..."
>Move back to the entrance and yell. "HELLO. IS MR. WHISPERGRAIN LISTENING? I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR LEADER."
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:UObPeiQA Fri 27 Sep 2024 14:36:39 No. 6111911 Report Quoted By:
The Company Banner is unfurled and raised as the Vanguard Breachers fix their helmets, slide down their visors and slide on their heavy gauntlets. Vision isn't much, but as far as protection goes, its second to none. And as Rion snaps for them to get stuck in, they start tramping down the road. A few desultory arrows ping off of the armor, but they lack the capability to penetrate. Simply light rain falling. Looks like this part of the field is completely handled.>... !!
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Tr1FKRC3 Fri 27 Sep 2024 15:41:41 No. 6111927 Report The early Windsworn skirmishers fall back step by step - some faster than others. They were never meant to hold ground or fight us to a stand-still. Just quick fading attacks. But the clatter of arrows have done its duty, certainly - we're strung out along the road. >ORDER PHASE >THAT MEANS YOU LOT !
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Tr1FKRC3 Fri 27 Sep 2024 15:59:25 No. 6111937 Report Quoted By:
>>6111901 >>6111530 Edward shouts. Nothing happens for a while. Scarlett gushes about government infrastructure support spending bills and Montosi, unaware she was going to have an excited audience, blinks and shakes her head and tries to keep up. Tax rebate scheduling in relation to smallholder farm agricultural yield is actually a fascinating area of government policy, because you have to apply a variable discount to variable harvest output. Not so little the smallholder pays nothing, not so much they cannot keep paying into the system. The distances out here and the fraught nature of their claim to the land makes the prospect a little more difficult as well, but that is actually why you have roaming government land inspectors and public infrastructure support specialists.
You see, by bi-annual assessment of land productivity you can tailor the implied tax bracket to the thing the land can support. But of course seeing like a state means that actual variance in agricultural commodity yields will at times be at odds with either the assessed due tax or the rebate - if the numbers are particularly bad one year, the governemnt of Kalcmir will be obliged to pay the peasants a stipend to make up for it. While intended to take the edge off the sharp knife of hunger this policy - a little more generous than the Pytherii or the Vanadian or Reikan or Illosi or any other such far flung realm - does lead to a particularly and peculiar interesting aspect of Kalcmiri interstate grain commerce taxation law, because naturally - naturally - where there exists the possibility of payment there will exist fraud. Is Scarlett familiar with future commodities exchange contracts? Ah, I see you are well-read, good, good, Montosi nods, the joy of it then is that in the Kalcmiri system they have derived of something to splendid as a futures agricultural inverse insurance contract, or, a contract taken out or a parce of land and a bet on the size of the tax rebate of that land for some future point on the presupposition that agricultural productivity would be so low that the Government steps in.
You see the issue, I hope, and Scarlett does though Martik is a bit lost and Edward is occupied and Zivka was thrown off a few sentences back. Right, naturally, while intended to be a benefit to the people, speculator investments in reduced agricultural products produce perverse incentives on a national-economic policy level, we hardly want the moral hazard of incentivizing lands that could be productive to lay barren while using their lower output to claim taxation benefits so if you're familiar with the bylaw regulatory procedings of the meeting of the Luperni-Cesteriphon agricultural concerns out of Pyther from sixteen years ago, you'll actually - ha ha ha - be aware of a funny story of that lot of wheat merchant-magnates investing in the idea of Kalcmiri underproduction then intentionally flooding the market with cheap seedstock, allowing farmers to experience a
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Tr1FKRC3 Fri 27 Sep 2024 16:04:14 No. 6111943 Report Quoted By:
boom planting cycle. A bountiful three years, and then, naturally the price of forward insurance payments on tax rebates were driven practically below ground so when the Luperni then snapped off hundreds of thousands of them on the regulated exchanges well who was to notice but *then* simultaneously they raised the price of their seedstock and fertilizer alchemineering by 0.02% per mass tonnage which had percolating knock-on effects on the international grain markets and made several Illosian investors quite rich but did cause a spate of suicides in the Reikans due to tremendous losses. But for the Kalcmiri smalholder they were paid quite well for the contracts? Though the lack of actual harvest yield that year then obliged the Kalcimiri government to pay several million coins to Pytherii-Vanadian merchant magnate speculators, a sort of blood-less international mugging on account of how there were still actually plenty of food to go around but the cost and open price for several exchanged notes went topsy-turvey and ANYWAY that's debt the Kalcmiri is still paying off since the Luperni-Cestipheron partnership obligingly converted the whole thing to a deferred loan - are you familiar with interest bearing bond mechanics as relates to cross-currency valuation exchange--
CadreCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CadreCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Tr1FKRC3 Fri 27 Sep 2024 16:19:30 No. 6111955 Report Quoted By:
The tense moment slinks on. A few dust-specks roam down the street. The masked Windsworn circles his spear around and holds it in a loose, readied position.
CadreCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CadreCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Tr1FKRC3 Fri 27 Sep 2024 16:28:54 No. 6111959 Report " And further-- ">Maybe you have a comment or a question or some insight or ...?
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6111959 (So, does our company actually know who Ink is? What is our mission here out in the desert? I think that would inform how we respond here.)
Facsimile
Rolled 5, 4, 1, 4, 6, 5, 1, 3, 5, 5, 2, 4 = 45 (12d6) >>6111927 Hold my wine and watch this. I think I saw grand Martinos pull something similar in the circuits - without a boostkit, of course.
>2SPD, move 1S, 1SW >2Fuel, boost 8S >1SP, walk 1S >3AP+2fuel, Boost up the side of this cliff and UPPERCUT this DUNERUNNER with the momentum. Enhance my PUNCH with fuel. (Close Quarters 13, Malice and Mirth +1, Fuel Boost +4) >6AP, grab this man and SUPLEX him off the cliff (Close Quarters 13) >3SP, refuel (Gearwright 12) #Facsimile
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 8/12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 0/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Lucky Token
Legion Grain, 1AP to deform or major to shape something
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Empty Pockets
-Secrets
#Gearwright 12
#Filching 10
#Close Quarters 13
#Wrackstone 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: Add rank to first skill test if starting unengaged, add rank to reaction if ending engaged
!Sizable Gambling Debt
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:6Fms/etR Fri 27 Sep 2024 18:15:39 No. 6112016 Report >>6111976 Who?
Anyway, for someone so well read you don't seem to read the briefings. You know the company officers (that's also you, sometimes) actually spend quite a lot of time making sure all the envelopes are sealed and what have we?
Your job was to take a few troopers and go check out the nearby villages for sign of conlict and your missing supplies.
You've found a village, none of the supplies, three dead supply clerks here ( !!! ), four ones elsewhere ( !!!! ) and what seems to be a rather large force of people with swords and arrows who don't seem to shy about making you join those dead clerks you keep stumbling into.
You volunteered to go on these perimeter patrols, so the briefing was quite clear and the expectation is presumably that you round up those missing supplies and find as many of our lost various clerks and people as you can.
If you've somehow gotten so sunmad and half dehydrated you forgot the thing you yourself volunteered to go and do, then I don't think there's anything we can do for you, Recruit. Grab some water, take a breather, try to recover - the sun gets to everyone out here, and it's been rather an active day so far.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6112016 I'm well aware that the objective of the patrol was to search for the missing logistics train, I was asking more what the entire Company was doing out in the middle of the desert in general, why we needed to have the logistics out here in the first place.
"We're out here to search for the missing supplies that we were using to keep ourselves supplied to be out here" doesn't quite answer my question.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:6Fms/etR Fri 27 Sep 2024 18:48:33 No. 6112032 Report Quoted By:
>>6112021 Seems a curious place to take a vacation but the Commander said that was the job and it was going to be done, so here we are, getting it done.
Don't look at me, I don't know what goes on inside his head - it's all steel and polished surfaces in there, I'm sure. I'd be afraid to ponder the wonderings of a high officer, they're apt to assign you specialist duty.
>>6108989 Maybe go ask Commander Isenfrii about that client of his? But he never really talks about what his long-term plan is, and she's been too twitchy to run her mouth.
Though I guess I might be too, at that, if spooky people with undefined accents knew me by name and thought cutting through a thousand armed soldiers a slight timetable impediment.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6111959 "Unfortunately we have never heard of anyone that goes by the name 'Ink', nor of any contraband such a person might be carrying. We have no quarrel with you other than the unprovoked harassment of our men and stores. While we very much do not appreciate these actions, I see no reason for our peoples to be in conflict with each other. We do not harbor nor support any 'Ink', nor vie for whatever book they may have, and we are doing nothing to hinder your search for them other than defending ourselves from your aggression. I think we would all be better served in our lives and purposes letting each other go our own ways, no? You all can just stop attacking our supply trains and ambushing our men, and we can stop killing yours when you attempt such. Nobody needs to die or get hurt, and I don't think it's so outrageous that you would have a better time finding your quarry without also trying to hunt us down and bleeding out men while doing so. What do you say?"
(Correct the above to be !Well Mannered if any of it comes out not so)
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:6Fms/etR Fri 27 Sep 2024 19:16:01 No. 6112047 Report >>6111992 Daring dedication to the strikers art ! Marvelously measure of Mobility kit! Absolutely incredible effort!
Unfortunately, you contramand a direction order to READY YOUR KIT WITH 3 AP and though we can forgive that sort of thing, you then proceed to try to refuel your kit while in the middle of an active life-or-death fight with an armed assailant.
Facsimile
Quoted By:
>>6112047 It's simple, the man will simply be dead by the time that action comes around!
Being the consummate professional I am, I reckon that I simply won't begin the refueling process if (by some vile twist of fate) my adversary has not been adequately punched.
Markhan
>>6111927 ...The van is in a right terrible spot, innit? Wickligher, I'm heading south, the Ironwrought are encircled and need a breakout! We get them out, we can circle around the spearmen coming up on Wick-y and take them from both angles.
#Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>1 SPD Move 4, 2 AP, move 54 >3 AP Embed within the Sharp Sharps. "On me lads, let's give the Ironwrought some aid! >1 AP. "Sharps! Move south and..." >3 AP "CHARGE THE BASTARDS PINNING OUR LADS DOWN! NO QUARTER!" [!Armoredk Advance, if indeed traits apply to embedded units] CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:6Fms/etR Fri 27 Sep 2024 20:29:42 No. 6112072 Report Quoted By:
>>6112069 Indeed it does, recruit. In fact, most of your non-peculiar, non-wrack traits - if you have them - do. Though the Troopers often don't do benefit the whole way and it might be correct to say they back you up as you do things. In this case, the Sharps will lock shields and give it a good wind-up for a proper slam.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:6Fms/etR Fri 27 Sep 2024 23:54:06 No. 6112152 Report Markhan rallies the standard and prepares for a rush, pounding forward with heavy steps - the Troopers raise their voices as they curve around and push, colliding with the back of the Windsworn formation. The beleaguered and encircled vanguard breachers holler and and the sight of the banner in the breeze makes them stand their ground - which is fortunate, because panic now would have been death from a thousand cuts. >Markhan, add +1 Citation for Valour. >They'll have a use. . . later. >... !!! >ORDER PHASE >THAT MEANS YOU LOT
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:6Fms/etR Sat 28 Sep 2024 00:29:03 No. 6112170 Report Here is the full manual of Iconotheurgy, as far as we know. It includes the Empyreal and Probos invocations, as you filched the attention of that curious dice-handler earlier and the Empyreal is always watching.
Try not to blow yourselves up, alright? It'd be a right waste of potential.
--
>>6112152 As the Company is now mostly reformed, you can take action as you would like to.
Any Bannerleaders currently engaged in HIGH STAKES NEGOTIATION (Edward, Scarlett, Zivka) may continue that and *also*, if desired, take control of and perform actions for a Formation not currently broken. Luckily, no one is broken!
Your formations generally have 6 AP and 3 Speed, so pick one and spend their AP, if you'd like to do so. Just be clear about who you're ordering about.
--
Icarus
Quoted By:
>>6112152 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy12
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
> 2MP: Step [1]x2. > 3AP: Icarus prepares a Major Ward, carving it into the ground of the tile he is occupying. > 3AP: Icarus prepares a Major Ward, carving it into the ground of the tile [2]x1 of his position. > 3AP: Icarus prepares a Major Ward, carving it into the ground of the tile [3]x1 of his position. Luz, Phridon, Caedo.
I've established an network of stable wards.
Stand within to minimize risk while performing theurgy.
Facsimile
Quoted By:
Rolled 1, 6, 4, 1, 3, 1, 3, 4, 5 = 28 (9d6) >>6112152 Hey, hey, what kind of sand-scurry scout moves like that? All your friends are down there fighting, but you are up here - what, hiding? That's weird, right? Right? You do seem like a flighty bastard, maybe just laying low on high? Hey, is it difficult dodging all these punches?
Sorry, I get chatty when I bleed!
>2SPD, circle 1S, 1SW - a little safer a little farther from the cliff edge >3AP+3SP, deform the next thing I touch - him if I hit, his spear if I parry (Wrackstone 11, +3SP, -1pain) >3AP+4SP, two punches (CQ 13, +4SP, -3multi, -1pain) >3AP, defend >0AP, trigger Malice and Mirth for +1 reaction #Facsimile
-Metrics
Vitality 8/12 Stamina 4/12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 0/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Lucky Token
Legion Grain, 1AP to deform or major to shape something
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Empty Pockets
-Secrets
#Gearwright 12
#Filching 10
#Close Quarters 13
#Wrackstone 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: Add rank to first skill test if starting unengaged, add rank to reaction if ending engaged
!Sizable Gambling Debt
Luz
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 3, 6, 1, 5, 3 = 21 (6d6) >3AP, Ready my kit for Thaumaturgical action:>2 Speed - Move 5,5 >3AP - Embed with the Ashfingers >3AP, 3SP - Link to the Ashfingers. It appears that Linking is not an Action, and I only roll if the targets are warded, which they are not. >3SP, Iconotheurgy 12 - Shunt my Lethality to the Ashfingers. Temporary give up my killing power to enhance theirs. First set of dice, since this is an Action I assume that I need to roll a skill. 3 AP pushed T (1d6) lethality. I have 1d6 Lethality. I assume that I push it all and am temporarily non-capable of causing physical wounds? We'll see how it plays out, twisting the fabric of existence to make men better killer. >3SP, Influence 10 - Coordinate the Ashfingers to fire on the Murmuration to our local SW. Aim small, miss small men. 2nd set of dice.
Rion
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 3, 5, 1, 6, 4, 5, 5, 4 = 36 (9d6) >>6112152 >AP3: Charge The blades at 44 going for the legs with kick. (Close Quarters 13) >AP3: Throw the blades man at his buddy Boost the throw with Boost kit (Fuel 3/4) (Close Quarters 13 + 4) >AP3: Boost kit Charge the Blades in 33 deliver kick to their sides (Fuel 2/4) (Close Quarters 13) Time for Rion to try out her boosted moth-style see if these wind raiders can keep up. And also to make up for the scouting mess up but that's besides the point
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 6, 4, 5, 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 5 = 35 (12d6) >>6112152 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10/12 Focus 10/12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>1 AP: "You want me, sandsoul? /Come and get me!/" (Influence 9 since I believe those Longspears do have me at ranged engagement) >1 Speed: Move 1 >3 AP & 1 Focus: These spearmen can't even thrust a spear right! It's meant to be an easy weapon to learn! Their footing is all wrong! Grab a spear shaft with my free hand and thrust it back into its owner's chest, bowling over him and anyone behind him (CQC 13) >3 AP & 1 Focus: Multi-task two attacks against the Murmuration (Blades 12 for both I think. Longblade, of course) >1 AP: Crows, cover our backs! Just keep them at bay, don't you /dare/ try a charge! >1 AP: Windswept Blades, hustle back this way! Get out of the open! This is a /lot/ of people attacking us. They must really want this rusty Atlas. Well, they'll have to ask nicely.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
Rolled 2, 4, 6, 3, 3, 1 = 19 (6d6) >>6112152 >Controlling Eager Edges >3 AP: Scream an intimidating Warcry (Influence ?) >Speed 3: Move 445 >3 AP: Strike the Windsworn (Blades-11, +1) Markhan
Quoted By:
Rolled 2, 6, 2, 5, 1, 1, 5, 2, 5 = 29 (9d6) >>6112152 Wading into the melee, Markhan [Commits] himself fully to the fray, trusting solely instead in his armor and forgoing all proper defense in order to hack through these Windsworn.
#Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 12
Action 9(+3 [Committed]) Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>3 AP: Markhan bellows a command to ironwrought before the frenzy of charging into a great melee overtakes him. "Shields up, you lot! Defend yourselves while the Sharps and I fish you out of there!" >As for the rest of his 9 AP... well, what else is there than to attack, attack, attack! He's aiming to cut through the Windsworn to alleviate the pressure on the encircled, rather than carve the outside numbers away from them. [Polearms 13] +[Committed], I'm told that gives a slight boost Jove
Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 4, 6, 2, 1, 5, 2, 1, 6, 4, 1, 3, 3, 4, 1, 5, 6, 1 = 61 (18d6) Foinally. Need a scrap to take me mind off things...
>And we're at their back. Wonder where they're coming from. If it ain't a warcry, stuff it. check y'pack for summa them grenades.
>Our pack, you mean. No, Oi said yours.
>You have some cunning. I do forget. >>6112152 >3ap Commit: Stratajove tries to anchor himself in Jove Prime's Thoughts. Perhaps a parallel consciousness may provide additional or improved Think actions. Splitting 11 >3ap Move-do 44 and look for additional Flashfires. Multiplicities 12, penalty halved >2spd 1ap 1 fuel Move 544, boost up the cliff. Speed 12? >3ap hide against white rock. React 12? >1ap look eastward for enemies Sense 10 >1ap think about significance of all these big rocks with three little rocks next to them, like the ones 33333 of me. Thought 10 #Jove
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 8 Focus 10
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 8 Grit 8 Sense 10 Strength 11 Reputation 2
React 11+1
Lethality 1d6-2 Threshold 1d6+2
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Wispcloak, Major to hide, halved move-do penalty
Halberd
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
A coinbit
Multitool
2 Flashfire grenades
8 Luperni survival rations
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Polearm 13
#Carousing 14
#Uncontrollable Splitting 11
-Traits
!Armored 1
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears
!Multiplicities 2
!On Borrowed Time
Edward
>>6111959 After they call Scarlett out on her lies and empty threats, I will apologize on her behalf (tense situation, she's not used to it, please understand). If it looks like they accept the apology and do not want to immediately storm our building, or if they happen to buy what she's selling, unlikely as it may seem, I will attempt to buy time and keep them talking by asking them questions. How can we trust them not to immediately slit our throats if we surrender? Why do we need to surrender first if we are to fight anyway? Would we be fighting the Whispergrain? What are the rules of this duel, can we pick another weapon? Does the Whispergrain speak? Could we perhaps come to an alternative arrangement? (Influence 10 + Fast Talk 2)
In the meantime, I'll try to estimate our chances if we go back in, let them charge our traps, I gas and smoke them and we run out the back. (Small Unit Tactics 11)
>>6112170 The spirit of Edward will compel the Windswept Blades from afar
>3 Speed, 3 AP: Move 445555 >3AP: Charge the windswordn archers to their south #Edward
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
Morale +1
–Stat
Reputation -2
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Harquebus [4d6 Impact, Terror, Malfunction 16+, 3AP Reload, -1Acc per step, +1 Club in melee]
One Memento [Locket with her picture]
1 bit
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
+2 Fast Talk
#Alchemineering 12 [First Aid, Salt, Gas, Smoke, Fire, Oil, Salt, Acid, Stimulant, 1AP=1 point or huck 1d3 with major action]
#Muskets 13
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Boating 12
#Sea Navigation 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettle: If you start adjacent to an ally, they add +1 to all skill tests and speed. Spend 1 AP on behalf of ally
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Quoted By:
>>6112152 (Pozting zheet once becauze Wardz changed from 12 to 13)
>3AP: Prepare/Ready Kit >2MP: Move 5-4 >3AP: Order Reckless Ashfingers to fire a volley at those enemy pikemen. Our own will followup >3AP: Order Stern Ravens to follow up on the Ashfingers with a pike charge #Caedo
=Metrics=
Vitality 10/12 // Stamina 13 // Focus 13
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Reputation 1 // Authority 1
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Weaver's Whip
Whitebone needle
1 Bit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
=Secrets=
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Wards 13(10)
#Rope 14
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Religious Ritual 11 (Pytherii)
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Masks and Mettle 1
!Well Read
=Bannermen and Support=
(x6) Blade-11 troopers
(x1) Young but well adjusted expert in Triage, Surgery and medical matters
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
Rolled 1, 3, 2, 3, 4, 1, 3, 5, 2 = 24 (9d6) >>6112152 >3AP: Ready my Thaumaturgy kit. >1SPD: Step 6, onto Icarus' Major Ward. >1AP: Link rock wall 333 22 to rock 3333. >1AP: Link rock 3333 to big rock 33 222. >1AP: Pause for a beat and think: is what I am about to do retarded? If so, I probably shouldn't do it. [Thoughts 11, !Well Read] >3AP: Weave from rock wall to rock, making a wall to cut off a flanking route for the windsworn. [Iconotheurgy 12] >3SP: Weave from rock to the big rock, extending the wall. [Iconotheurgy 12] #Phridon
-
Vitality 12 Stamina 10/13 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Reputation 2
-
Uniform, DR2
Shortblade, Sharp
Spear, Reach 2, Impales, Throwable
Shield [18HP, 3DR, +2Def]
Pockets with 2 entire coinbits!!!
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Whitebone Needles (Wards-13)
-
#Thoughts 11
#Influence 11
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 14
#Religious Ritual 11
(#Wards 10)
-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!Well Read
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Quoted By:
>>6112152 >3AP: Ready Kit >MP: Move 554 >3AP: Coldeye Archer keep giving covering fire to the Eager Edges >3AP: Whistle to the Eager Edges. "Shields up! Injured return to behind wall!" #Crushfists
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 3
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Better Pair of Boots
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Closequarters 14 (Rikovol)
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina and 1 focus (Rikovol)
!Of Cold Winds 1: Unengaged +speed. Engaged +dmg
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:sBfbZH7s Sat 28 Sep 2024 14:59:20 No. 6112545 Report Up on the cliffs, Fascimile fights for his life, adopting a flexible stance. He lashes out, but his opponent grew up with the spear. Was born to it. Probably stabbed his first enemy when he was younger than you'd believe. He flinches aside, parrying, rapping the sharp spear across Facsimilie's hand - a scoring blow against anyone not wearing company gauntlets and gear.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6112494 What are you talking about? I didn't threaten them with anything. I accurately described our current relationship of them attacking us and losing men doing so and us losing men and supplies to their attacks.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6112549 In fact, I am trying to de-escalate the situation and negotiate some kind of peace. What on earth in my post could you construe as being a lie or a threat?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:sBfbZH7s Sat 28 Sep 2024 15:06:54 No. 6112554 Report >>6112545 Icarus sketches wards on the ground, careful, precise. Double-layered. Phridon nods and steps inside and cuts his needles through the air, poking. Something shifts. The world groans a little. Rubble cracks beneath his feet and the ward blows out in a surge of pressure.
But the world is . . . a little different. Rock flows like sandy water and mud, churning, stacking, cohering into a wall. It is not a grand artifice, 12 Rock distributed out to be about 3 per tile. But it will block any first-come attackers through that narrow channels, and be a hindrance for any fleet-footed strikers that would come pounding down our way.
Phridon wipes a bit of sweat from his brow. And that's it. It is always so recklessly easy to start. That's the trick of it, and why so many Iconotheurges and Animists never see their third decade - it's always easy . . . to start.
--
Speaking of fleet-footed strikers, the Joves climb a cliff-face and ponder an old fortress, long in grand standing. And out over the other way, look - a pack of ravenous Scraghounds, tied to posts, Windsworn moving among them. Must have impregnated their clothes and cloaks with repellants - must be why the hungry Scraghounds growl and tear at the ground but do not leap to lash. It's . . . A strange display. Unnerving. But surely, even if released, a feral pack of hounds would heedlessly run away from their tormentors and though they would bowl through us, they would not stand and fight like men.
What is the intention here? It would be frightening and strange for minutes but then they would bound around us and bound away, and the noise would clear and the shock would fade. This is a lot of effort to go through for a trick that works but once and is not guaranteed to ensure victory. What could they be planning?
Two Dunerunners move among them, pointing, hand-signing, directing. Whatever it is, it warrants the attention of their officers and commanders, then. Curious.
--
Markhan rattles another breath into heaving lungs and the Ironwrought square their shields.
A few arrows clattered down among you, but that is all.
They're braced for a charge. Defending. Holding. Some of them are helping wounded allies get up, and shuffling wounded away.
Perhaps there is some plan here, but perhaps Facsimilie pushing away their commander has caused them confusion? A few of them do glance towards the high cliffs, for guidance, but find none.
If we attack, we risk being overwhelmed again.
If we give ground, surely, they will follow. But at least the respite would be there.
But of course if we break them here . . . Well. Victory, then, surely?
>ORDER PHASE >THAT MEANS YOU LOT >WOAH WHAT-- YEAH, THE WINDSWORN DID THEIR TURN AFTER YOURS Icarus
Rolled 3, 4, 3 = 10 (3d6) >>6112554 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy12
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
> 1AP: Link to the ground @ [5]x1, [4]x3. (Shorthand denotation is 'Link1') > 1AP: Link to the ground @ [4]x3. (Shorthand denotation is 'Link2') > 1AP: Connect 'Link1' and 'Link2'. > 3AP: Weave earth from 'Link1' to 'Link2' to create a bulge in the terrain which bridges the elevations at [4]x2 and [4]x4. (Iconotherugy12) > 2MP+2SP: Move [4]x4, taking position against the wall of the ruin. Please spend extra SP to compensate if my prior action fails to make traversing the rockwall easier. > 1AP: Link to the ground beneath my feet. (Shorthand denotation is 'Link3') > 1AP: Connect 'Link1' and 'Link3'. > 1AP: Pick up a flat shard of rubble from the nearby ruin and pocket it. Jove
>>6112545 I should have 2 flashfires from the pack I picked up.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:sBfbZH7s Sat 28 Sep 2024 16:00:45 No. 6112595 Report >>6112585 Animist, you can actually save yourself a minute of work if you direct-link between different things.
>>6112588 Command doesn't see you READYING YOUR KIT FOR COMBAT so Command certainly isn't inclined to be very serious about WHAT IS IN YOUR POCKETS given that YOU ARE NOT DOING THAT YOURSELF, Recruit!
However, since you do point out the disrepancy we were waiting for you to point out we'll let you off with a warning this time.
And also inform you that if you are actually seriously intent on carrying that backpack into battle with you you're short a few details.
2 Flashfire grenades [Premium, roll +3d6 on use, >9 and they're Wracked too]
8 Luperni survival rations [Wracked]
1 Sideways Multitool [Premium, Wracked]
3 Coinbits
Your Empty Pocket are replaced with Slugfoot Backpack [Deep Pockets], which is relevant for shoving things in there.
Those rations and that multiool are a bit . . . curious. Seem edible enough if you soak them in some water first. The multitool has too many configurations.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:sBfbZH7s Sat 28 Sep 2024 16:05:31 No. 6112603 Report Animist, you can actually save yourself a minute of work if you direct-link between different things. You do not have to - there can be good utility in what you are doing. It's just subtle different utility.
> 1AP: Link to the ground @ [5]x1, [4]x3. (Shorthand denotation is 'Link1') > 1AP: Link to the ground @ [4]x3. (Shorthand denotation is 'Link2') > 1AP: Connect 'Link1' and 'Link2'. Is a shade different than:
> 1AP: Link ground 5 444 to ground 444 This establishes a quick external link out there with one AP.
What you are doing is actually clever enough, but it usually serves a subtle different purpose - Your Link 1 and Link 2, before you connect them to each other, would both be linked to you. Because you are the centre point, you could link to something else, and then readily move something along - using you as a go-between. Seem complicated but animists like their complication.
You are probably quite aware of this, so Command presupposes that there's a trick here where you're building out a network. By doing Link1 then Link2 then tying Link 1 and Link 2 you are actually linked to 1 and 2 and then they're linked to each other - it's a triangle.
Useful trickery, for some things.
Just be aware that Links fade over time, so your method sometimes takes too long to form what you wish to form. No flaws for now, though.
>>6112588 Command doesn't see you READYING YOUR KIT FOR COMBAT so Command certainly isn't inclined to be very serious about WHAT IS IN YOUR POCKETS given that YOU ARE NOT DOING THAT YOURSELF, Recruit!
However, since you do point out the disrepancy we were waiting for you to point out we'll let you off with a warning this time.
And also inform you that if you are actually seriously intent on carrying that backpack into battle with you you're short a few details.
2 Flashfire grenades [Premium, roll +3d6 on use, >9 and they're Wracked too]
8 Luperni survival rations [Wracked]
1 Sideways Multitool [Premium, Wracked]
3 Coinbits
Your Empty Pocket are replaced with Slugfoot Backpack [Deep Pockets], which is relevant for shoving things in there.
Those rations and that multiool are a bit . . . curious. Seem edible enough if you soak them in some water first. The multitool has too many configurations.
Icarus
Quoted By:
>>6112595 Hm?
Ah, I see what you mean.
Instead of going:
> 1AP: Link self to [x]. > 1AP: Link self to [y]. > 1AP: Link [x] to [y]. I can instead go:
> 1AP: Link self to [x]. > 1AP: Link [x] to [y]. So, the second step is basically just a waste of AP.
I won't change my action, as it won't really matter and only serve to clutter the thread, but I'll keep this in mind.
Phonedward
>>6112549 >>6112551 You tell them you don't know who Ink is (lie) and that they should stop attacking our supplies and we'll stop killing their men (threat)
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6112636 None of us know who Ink is
>>6112016 Asking them to stop attacking us and we'll stop killing them is giving them a deal, because *that is what has been happening*. There's not even any need to threaten them, because we are already killing each other. I am proposing peace. Negotiating peace is not threatening war when war is happening. That's a little mad. **PLEASE** do not insinuate we know Ink, this will make this much harder than it needs to be, especially since we do NOT know who Ink is.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:sBfbZH7s Sat 28 Sep 2024 16:52:02 No. 6112650 Report >>6112494 >>6112045 Scarlett tries a tactful reconciliation, though she can see the Windsworn shake their heads. It seems - to them - eminently unlikely that people working for a Company where this "Ink" their master wants has no heard of her at all.
The fact Scarlett hasn't interacted much with Commander Isenfrii's clients don't factor. Maybe the Windsworn do things differently.
The Operative shakes her head a little and holds up a single hand, inviting silence. Something about the gesture makes even Monotosi pipe down. The Windsworn look at her, glancing sideways, and a few of them shuffle a little away. All that from a gesture?
All that from a gesture.
" I agree with you, Miss, that it is unfortunate that you will have to suffer or die. I would have preferred a more slow and subtle series of activities but some things have a harsh time-table and virtue must die to expediency.
Your Commander and his clients meddle with things they do not understand - must not understand - and you, for all your professed innocence, will simply be caught up in the chaos. "
She lowers her hand again. The Windsworn don't look less nervous. As far as her statue goes she does not come across as particularly grand or imposing. Why do the people around her fear her so?
Edwards takes this opening chance to apologise for his associate and try to paper over the first cracks in diplomacy but he accidentally starts the sentence so boneheadingly wrong he ends up accusing her of lying to everyones collctive faces.
The Operative sighs.
" So, we are at an impasse. I have requested your surrender, and you seem disinclined to do so. You have one hour while my offer of consideration still stands and after that I can make no further recourse. "
The Whispergrain does not smile or say anything, but somehow, the feeling of a smile bears down. The expectation of something grand. He flicks his spear aroud loosely, just to prove he can. Seems the type to look forward to a short and brutal storming, a light spot of urban combat.
He fishes a knife from his clothes and underhands it near the door. It glitters in the sun. A sharp wicked little thing.
Montosi groans, visibly, and fires off some rapid-fire answers to Edwards questions.
You probably can trust them as much as you trust anyone to keep their word, they have a reputation and it's an honour matter. You surrender before you fight because otherwise they kill you. They're not going to stab you to death afterwards, but if you lose the Knifegame you're probably going to get treated as a servant and used to do menial tasks. Don't you have that where you're from? Ah probably not it's not exactly civilized behaviour, point is they -apparently- let captives fight for their freedom.
She doesn't know the rules of this duel, and the silent, staring Windsworn say not a word. Just eeriely glancing. Montosi ventures that it's probably not to the death and it likely involves knifes, she knows that much.
Icarus
>>6112636 > You tell them you don't know who Ink is (lie) That's only true OOC.
Command made it pretty clear that Scarlett doesn't know much - if anything - about Ink's identity or intentions.
Jove
Quoted By:
Rolled 2, 6, 2, 4, 5, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3 = 39 (12d6) Whoops.
>>6112603 >3ap ready halberd and pack >2spd move 44 >3ap Hide against wall. React 12 >1ap Move-do 4 and Peek into the old fort for signs of recent activity. Sense 10, penalty halved >1ap Think about effect of wind on jumps. Thoughts 10 >1ap Stratajove ponders his prospects of securing a more real and stable existence. Splitting 11 #Jove
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 8 Focus 10
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 8 Grit 8 Sense 10 Strength 11 Reputation 2
React 11+1
Lethality 1d6-2 Threshold 1d6+2
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Boostkit 4/4
Wispcloak, Major to hide, halved move-do penalty
Halberd
4 knives
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Fuel Cell
2 Flashfire grenades [Premium, roll +3d6 on use, >9 and they're Wracked too]
8 Luperni survival rations [Wracked]
1 Sideways Multitool [Premium, Wracked]
3 Coinbits
8 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Polearm 13
#Carousing 14
#Uncontrollable Splitting 11
-Traits
!Armored 1
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears
!Multiplicities 2
!On Borrowed Time
!Consummate Professional 1
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:sBfbZH7s Sat 28 Sep 2024 17:07:13 No. 6112668 Report Quoted By:
>>6112650 The Whispergrain sweeps into a bow and leaves. He did not attend this short meeting to listen to the prattling of doomed men and women, and he wanders off with a flick of the hand to his people - who roll their shoulders a little and prepare their weapons. If there was something we could have done to convince him to treat us different is hard to determine. Diplomacy is always a give-and-take art, and men with weapons and you in an inferior position seldom negotiate entirely fairly. Perhaps it was always going to end. this way. Perhaps not. The Operative watches him head away warily. She's keeping one eye on a mad pet she doesn't quite trust not to get into trouble.
She tilts her heard a little and glances at the group. Montosi throws her a rude gesture. The Operative rolls her eyes. Montosi makes another rude gesture. The Operative sighs.
" That's hardly in keeping with your office. Can you at least surrender with some dignity? "
Montosi sticks out her tongue but one of the troopers nearby shove her with an elbow and she grunts and puts on a fairly diplomatic expression instead. Fine, fine, she can be polite. Probably no call to make this tense stand-off tenser than it needs to be.
The Operative offers a little gesture, a sort of "Oh, what can you do?" and a slight, tense smile.
" It's been a pleasure. If you'll excuse me, I have to go plan a kidnapping. Unfortunately for you, I can neither desist in my attacks nor take it on your word that you do not know anything about my quarry. "
She wanders off, unbothered by the corpses below her feet or the armed men at her back. Montosi watches her go. Scarlett smiles at the Windswonr guards. Zivka and Edward are a bit too occupied planning a break-out. Perhaps if they only came in through the front, the traps would slow them such that the group could dash out the back?
But they seem . . . competent. It's likely they'll do a two or three pronged strike. Through the roof, through the door, through the back door. Void take competent enemies, the dumb one are easier to fight.
Still, if they all charge into a smokey environment they might be confused and in the chaos, one could break away? It's not impossible, though the trick of it would take timing and tools.
--
Montosi quietly closes the door to the outside world again. Leans against it. Takes a swig of cactus juice. Offers a brittle smile.
" I really can't tell which is worse: The insistence on how right they are, or the smug arrogance of insisting they're the good guys. I loathe Theurgic Rebus agents.
Windsworns' alright though. Don't usually get so many of them in one place - they make this cactus-water soup with beetle meat that's to actually die for. It'll kill you if they prepare it wrong.
Oh, I just remembered another fact about their Knifegame - hah, sorry Edward, slipped my mind - we're not fighting them.
We're fighting each other. Whoever isn't cut by end gets to walk away with a waterskin and a map. "
Luz
Rolled 2, 3, 1, 5, 1, 4, 4, 1, 6, 4, 2, 3 = 36 (12d6) >>6112545 >3 AP, Iconotheurgy 12 - Form a powerful link with the Ashfinders. 1st set of rolls. >3AP, Iconotheurgy 12 - Form an enduring link with Phridon. They seem to be doing good work. This will allow push and pull if they need help in the future. Let me know if you need to borrow my power at some point. You're my link to the coven, so try not to die. 2nd set of rolls. >1AP - link to the feathers in the Ashfinger's caps. >2AP, 1SP, Iconotheurgy 12, Weave - Temporarily make the equipment of the ashfingers light as a feather. Invoke Karathiel, who wanted higher. While Seralin is the Icon of gravity, they don't much pay attention to this world. Karathiel is the Icon of Wind, Freedom, and Flight. That should be appropriate to lighten our burdens, and I don't intend to crush anyone under stellar tyranny. I am a free wanderer, not a cosmic oppressor. I also don't want to hurt the Ashfingers by reducing the density of their bones or blood or something, so I'm Weaving into their equipment, not them. Ask the men to touch their muskets to their cap feathers as a sign of respect, and to help them participate in this ritual. Ultimately the goal is to help the squad move more quickly and freely without getting tired. Roam like the wind. 3rd set of rolls. >1SP, Influence 10 - Advance and Reload. Have the Ashfingers reload their weapons and move 5 hexes SW (5,5,5,4,4). Should keep them from getting tired. If I stick with the squad I'll probably have some excess AP to share at some point. 4th set of rolls. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:sBfbZH7s Sat 28 Sep 2024 17:20:05 No. 6112679 Report Montosi pokes the sharp end of the knife she picked off of the ground under her nails and cleans it a little. Silence follows.>This situation *sucks* >So now what?
Luz
Quoted By:
>>6112672 >Spend 2MP & 3SP to keep up with the Ashfingers. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:sBfbZH7s Sat 28 Sep 2024 17:26:43 No. 6112683 Report Quoted By:
>>6112653 It's a damned darn shame to have to be hurt simply because other people have decided you know something you provably do not know.
Unfortunately, they didn't buy that we knew nothing. Almost seemed to be working there, for a moment too. Maybe that Operative doesn't know where Ink (or the Commander) is. It's likely . . .
Hm. Well. Thinking about it just now, if you were looking for information on people you had to kidnap, you might want to split off their forces first, reduce their guards and get as much information from the ones you could capture as you could.
This might not be an ambush. This might be a . . . Were they hunting us??? Try to avoid letting them capture anyone !! That might be what they're planning to do !!
Facsimile
Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 2, 5, 4, 5, 4 = 26 (6d6) >>6112545 Hey, you run fast! A scurry-scout through and through, with a slinksoul at your core. I'm glad we're being honest with each other now. No more of this spearmaster facade - even if you were really good at pretending! It'd be strange to keep wearing that mask, right?
>2SPD, move 2S >3AP, I owe you a gear check - sorry, sorry I get so caught up in things >3AP, refuel (Gearwright 12, Go Slow) >3AP, recover stamina (Health 10, Go Slow) #Facsimile
-Metrics
Vitality 8/12 Stamina 4/12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 0/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Lucky Token
Legion Grain, 1AP to deform or major to shape something
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Empty Pockets
-Secrets
#Gearwright 12
#Filching 10
#Close Quarters 13
#Wrackstone 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: Add rank to first skill test if starting unengaged, add rank to reaction if ending engaged
!Sizable Gambling Debt
Edward
>>6112649 >>6112653 My apologies, I seem to have misread the situation a tiny bit.
>>6112679 "Well. That could have gone better. So we have an hour before we all die or worse, become manservants to the natives. A game of Whist to pass the time? No? We should come up with a plan to live instead? Oh, alright.
Our time horizon of an hour is a great thing! It means it is no longer our concern if the feast is ruined. If we die someone else will have to deal with it, if we live then either someone else will have to deal with it or we will have another hour to come up with a solution to that problem, and that's one more hour than we have if we do nothing.
My suggestion is that we make what preparations we can, then in about 42 minutes we move the table to barricade the entrance as fast as possible, ruining the feast in the process, and sally out the back while our superstitious enemies are trying to get in through the front. With surprise, superior skill and some acid grenades on our side we should be able to quickly overwhelm whoever is arrayed against us in that exit and make a run for it. With so much time, I can prepare some stimulants for all of us to give us that extra boost we need. The crash won't be pleasant, but that is another problem whose resolution can be postponed.
Any better ideas, ladies and gentlemen?"
>>6112545 The Stern Ravens get an intense feeling that if Edward was there, he would tell them to
>3AP: Catch their breath. (Recover stamina?) >2 Move: Move 54 >3AP: Stab the Windsworn in the flank Markhan
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 1, 2 = 8 (3d6) >>6112554 Could really use those Coldeyes down here right about now. Routing one unit is good, but we're still outnumbered three to one here... Hey, can you lads even still fight in your condition?
#Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>1 AP, Markhan grabs a member of the Ironwrought by their shoulder. Asking them if they can still fight. >1 AP, He'll also give the Ironwrought a once over, They're still in danger, so he can't be thorough, but a quick glance at the severity of their wounds [Sense 10] ...
>Markhan strokes his bushy beard Hmmm, we should take the respite to regroup at a better position, methinks. Even with the best of the best of our column, 31 on 11 aren't odds I like to take in a straight fight, and we don't have a good way to tip the scales.
>3 AP Sharps, on me! Let's bring the banner up that plateau in the north. Plant the thing for anyone to see, and show them the company holds strong! (And to signal to any possible reinforcements that we are indeed embattled down here.) >3 AP Ironwrought, the same order! We're regrouping on the heights! Zivka
>>6112757 It sounds pretty good.
I can prepare special arrows, like smoke, fire of poison. What do you think would be wise?
Edward
>>6112818 The locals have been good sports, let us not ruin their village's long term property values with fire. Smoke or poison should both work, though I have a slight preference to smoke for its ability to blind archers on rooftops if you only aim at their general vicinity.
Now, unless Scarlett or Lady Montosy object, we shall do what we must.
>Prepare and distribute acid grenades and stimulants for our sally. Officers and Lady Montosi first, if I can't make enough for everyone. (Alchemineering 12) (Of Masks and Mettle bonus to the team while we prepare)
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6112818 >>6112830 I'm most cautious about ruining the feast. I don't think we should be the ones to do that. Maybe we could instead move the table and preparations carefully in front of one of the entrances, so that they would have to choose between overturning it and limiting their points of entry.
Edward
>>6112835 Splendid idea. Although, it has a chance of of going wrong and spoiling the feast anyway, so we should begin moving it later, to give Zivka and I some time to peddle our crafts. Would you like to be the one to direct our men to do it?
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6112839 I don't mind as long as Montosi doesn't bring up something clearly wrong about the idea that would make it unwise.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:eQrQhPEa Sat 28 Sep 2024 21:03:23 No. 6112845 Report Quoted By:
>>6112842 Montosi thinks this is as fine a plan as is likely to work. Perhaps distribute enough tools to throw them out the back door on the charge, confuse the guards there and run fast.
Block the proper front door with the table. Set the feast aside carefully. She has a knife now. Sharp and cold and balanced. A lot of problems in life get more managable when you have a knife.
She'll help move the tables and plates and bread and water most carefully to the front door. It is a good plan. It seems the Windsworn care much about causing calamity, and if they fear breaking in further due to upsetting the feast then *you* will have an easier time slinking out the back. Throw a cloud of smoke and acid and other horrors at anyone, and run, run, run. It may very well work.
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 5, 6, 1, 2, 2 = 19 (6d6) >>6112554 I see that the newly-arrived Fresheyed Archers are Tiring. Let's see if I can do something about that. Thanks for all the wards, Icarus.
>1SPD: Move 6 into warded hex. >1AP: Link the formation of Fresheyed Archers with the ward 2 of me. >3AP: Shunt the Tiredness from the Archers into the ward. [Iconotheurgy 12] >3AP: Recover Stamina. [Health 10] >1AP: Order the Archers to follow and support the Ashfingers. >1SPD, 1AP: Move 55. #Phridon
-
Vitality 12 Stamina 10/13 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Reputation 2
-
Uniform, DR2
Shortblade, Sharp
Spear, Reach 2, Impales, Throwable
Shield [18HP, 3DR, +2Def]
Pockets with 2 entire coinbits!!!
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Whitebone Needles (Wards-13)
-
#Thoughts 11
#Influence 11
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 14
#Religious Ritual 11
(#Wards 10)
-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!Well Read
!Threshold DR +1
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Rolled 5, 1, 6 = 12 (3d6) >>6112554 >3MP: Move 555 >3AP: Move 544 >1AP: Link to rock @ 4555 (rock 1) >1AP: Link to cliff wall @ 444 (wall 1) >1AP: Link rock 1 to wall 1 >3AP: Weave from Wall 1 to Rock 1 to form a wall cutting off the Windzworn Pikemen and give them lezz zpace (zpearz are big!) [Iconotheurgy 12] Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6112679 Instruct the troopers and Montosi to *carefully* set aside the feast and barricade the front door with the table. Encourage everyone that we're going to make it out of this and to not give in to despair (!Of Hopes and Fears)
Zivka
Prepare a good supply of smoke arrows, and help Scarlett rally the troops.
Wicklighter
Rolled 2, 2, 3, 4, 1, 5, 1, 1, 2, 1, 3, 5 = 30 (12d6) >>6112554 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10/12 Focus 10/12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>3 AP: Multi-task two attacks against the Murmuration (Blades 11 for both) >3 AP: Multi-task throwing two Quickspark Pouches at the archers (Alchemineering 9 and 1d3 Fire for both) >1 AP: Windsores, hop the rock wall and cover our rear! >1 AP: Use Alchemineering Kit to drop 1 point of Smoke >1 AP: Move 6 behind the low rock wall, with the Blue Rats coming with The situation appears, in Wicklighter's eyes, to be deteriorating. Of course, actually /showing/ that is antithetical to his being and the way an officer should conduct himself. Time to reach into the bag of tricks.
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
Rolled 1, 3 = 4 (2d3) >>6113029 And the 2d3 Fire, in case that's a thing that I should be rolling
...You know, it's always concerning to see the dice come out in force for you. It only lasts so long.
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Rolled 4, 2, 6 = 12 (3d6) >>6112554 >+Speed since unengaged (Of Cold Winds 1) >3AP: Calm down the 2 wounded. Rationalize. "Calm down, it's not too bad. Right now, Wicklighter has a First Aid kit and Edward isn't here. Keep the bleeding away with pressure and stick to cover until you can be attended ok?." (Influence 10) >3AP: Warn the Windsore Archers and Coldeyed archers. Enemies to our North beyond the field! Watch out stick to cover! >3MP+1 from unengaged: Move 5-6-5-6 over the cover and behind the wall. >3AP: Hide in cover Sheet: 6112521
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:IhGOOnq4 Sun 29 Sep 2024 14:39:31 No. 6113220 Report Crushfists organises the wounded and they nod, focus restored and ready to get back into it - and seeing the Company Standard on the high ground, they know where they must go. Imagine that: The proud banner, in the breeze. A sight to restore your spirits.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:IhGOOnq4 Sun 29 Sep 2024 14:43:29 No. 6113221 Report >>6113220 Wicklighter orders an orderly reforming back behind the proper barricades and old stone walls, and smoke blocks the sight of the Windsworn. For good measure, he throws a few flasks of flashfire out and away, but he can't see what happens when they -- BOOM - what?
Sometimes, the volatile alchemical stuff develops an opinion of its own. That particular payload looked like it had gone a little Wrack'd, developed extra strength. A bloom of heat rolls back down the way, and *this time* a Windsworn screams out before he goes quiet.
--
Down in the distant village, Fascimilie spots a small command station and the Dunerunner he fought, sprinting to relay a report to his higher officers. A man in a mask looks down at a tableau of sand, as men in well-cared gear push small coloured stones around.
Add a few tents and some flapping banners and you could recognize the sight of a command station in any modern nation. These marauders are quite organised. Strange folk. If they're so adapt at tactics and the chain of command, why ply their trade fighting random dust wars in the middle of nowhere? Shouldn't they have taken over a city or ten by now?
--
>ORDER PHASE >THAT MEANS YOU LOT CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:IhGOOnq4 Sun 29 Sep 2024 14:58:12 No. 6113224 Report >>6112974 >>6112943 >>6112830 Lift with your legs, not with your back, yeah? Montosi - looking more focused than one would think the task calls for, carefully moves plates of bread and roots away from the table. It's rather like watching someone disarm a powder-charge. When the last plate finally slides safely unto the rock it is meant to rest on, she lets out a visible little sigh relief. Careful, with hand signals to avoid alerting any listeners, the table is moved to the front of the door. A few chairs stacked on it. There. Try breaching in through that.
Edward checks his kit and mixes a few fuzzy chemicals. Just barely enough to give everyone at least one charge.
>Edward's kit is out of ACID >Montosi, Scarlett, Edward, Zivka, Martik, Frasc and Lisp gain 1 Scarflask [2d3] >You throw it from your belt with a major action and then bad things happen to who it hits. Scarlett walks the rounds, ensuring everyone has enough water. That they're ready. Agreed to the plan. The troopers morale is flagging a bit, but a few whispered words ensures people don't (yet) give up entirely.
>Trooper morale recovered, they're back to Shaken as opposed to actively breaking down. Zivka wraps careful threads around an arrowhead. With enough time to work it carefully and the extra alchemical supplies from Edward, it's easier artifice than usually. Martik and Montosi helping as well makes the whole thing go fast, though Martik is not so adept with the chemicals and burns his hands. He keeps in the shout, though, not wanting to give the game away. For a land tax assessor, Montosi has a deft understanding of payload charge wiring and she produces four arrows in the times it takes Zivka and Martik to make three.
>Zivka adds Smokequiver [1d3 Smoke]. Reload from that and the arrow doubles all range penalties (it's heavier) but impacts in a burst of smoke. Eventually, you run out. She gives a glance and a smile.
" Hey, I've always been good with my hands "
--
Outside, the wind howls. There's a few brief thumps on the roof hatch, once again. Straining at the edge of hearing, Scarlett and Zivka counts steps and coughs and what sounds like movement.
Nine guards in front of the door, in their barrel fortress.
At least . . . At least three out the back, simply watching.
That's alright. You can surely overpower three.
--
>... ? If you intend to Set A Plan In Motion, spend AP as standard - you have 9, and the long hours of rest have recovered your composure enough that Stamina and Focus should both be full.
If you want to keep waiting it out, take a standard downtime "general" action like you've been doing.
Icarus
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 6, 4, 5, 1, 4 = 25 (6d6) >>6113221 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 10/12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy12
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
!Threshold DR 1
Hm. Since I've networked these links together I wonder if I could...
> 6AP: Weave the earth from both 'Link1' and 'Link2' into 'Link3', such that Icarus ascends to the roof of the ruins upon a sturdy column of rock and packed earth. (Iconography12) > 3AP: Icarus' eyes scans the ruin's rooftop is long slow sweeps - first pass checks for threats, the second ascertains if the structure is safe to stand upon, and the final sweep pans past the lip of the roof to judge how much of the surrounding landscape can be clearly viewed from this vantage point. (Sense10) >2MP+2SP: If it is reasonable to do so, climb onto the ruin's roof and cautiously step towards [4]x4. If the ruin's roof is perilously unstable, or non-existent, Icarus refrains from stepping off of the earthen pillar. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:IhGOOnq4 Sun 29 Sep 2024 15:12:00 No. 6113233 Report Quoted By:
>>6113220 First Time Weaver applies to Caedo and Icarus, for both failing to blow themselves up.
( Sorry, there should have been a line connecting them to the info, but it appears to have disappeared )
Anonymous
#Luz>1AP - Sheath glistening knife >1AP - catch the hat blowing by my head >2MP, 2AP - move 4,4,4,4 >3AP, Analyze 12 - Analyze the Dunrunner's commands to figure out what what their signals mean. 1st set of dice. >1AP, Rep +1, Influence 10 (not rolled) - Order the Ashlanders to take cover with me and catch their breath since we're going to need to sprint south to catch up with the main forces. Pick off their elevated commander if the Dunerunner leaves cover. I trust in your twitch reflexes men. >1AP, 2SP, Iconotheurgy 12 - Weave my !Through Clenched Teeth into the Ashfingers to help them recover. Invoke Karathiel, who wanted higher. Seems like the correct icon to help us catch our wind. 2nd set of dice.
Luz
Rolled 1, 3, 5, 2, 1, 3 = 15 (6d6) >>6113270 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:1IR3gwsH Sun 29 Sep 2024 16:53:19 No. 6113284 Report Quoted By:
>>6113272 >>6113270 Compass minded, Luz. Good insight. Judging from Jove's desscription of the fields and the fact they pulled him in when he went a-roving, they have to have been here for a while. Growing. A larger field. It wasn't here weeks ago when we trekked out, but these things do change around.
The large cliffs surrounding the village will act as windbreaks. Blowing in like a bad dream, any Wrackdust in the storms is likely to be much reduced in energy when it settles into the soil here. Inside, in house and village, the door and the windows could also close and keep out the worst of it. Likely, the locals have water supplies, a few prayers and hope that any storm will be none too bad.
The distances are still so long that we do not risk much - and the village doesn't risk much either. That they can grow crops from such soil is proof that it's not yet sufficiently Wracked to be odd.
Still, it is true that a large enough sandstorm would bring with it strangeness. Closer to the fields, vastly more strange.
Could this be part of the Windsworn... plan? They could trap us in the dust. But blowouts are hard to predict. The storms are not simple phenomena, that is why so many villages and stations ply a trade in weatherlogging and guiding. It would take tremendous insight to time and harness a storm, for ill purpose. It seems unlikely that they plan on this.
But you are ultimately correct. If the wind and weather changes, we would find ourselves in a large amount of dust-blown trouble.
MobileScarlett
>>6113224 Did we hear any gunfire or fighting from outside?
Markhan
Rolled 1, 5, 2, 4, 4, 3 = 19 (6d6) >>6113220 A moment's rest, good. We're uphill and upwind of arrow fire, should make it pretty hard for those Windsworn to hit us, unless they got into point blank range. Rubs me the wrong way to have to run from Rion and Fac down there though... You sand chewing cowards! Where's your fire? You seemed so determined to kill us a moment ago!
#Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 11 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>1 AP, Markhan looks to his rear, is the high ground facing the Resolute Crows any steeper or less so than the nearer side? 'If needed, I *could* charge the flank of those Murmurations. The Crows are my lads after all.' >3 AP: Digging around in his pack, Markhan produces a bandage. He'll use one on one of the more wounded Ironwrought. If he were very charitable, he'd use both... but he thinks saving one for himself might be best, given the likelihood of him being wounded today. [vs. Thoughts? That's kinda the best I can come up with to roll against for some battlefield first aid] >3 AP: Rally those on the heights with a few inspiring words, with a man down and many wounded, it seems like they'll need it >1 AP: Frustrated, Markhan throws a loose stone and jeers at the windsworn below them Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6113303 >3 AP: Rally those on the heights with a few inspiring words, with a man down and many wounded, it seems like they'll need it. *[vs Influence]* Is what I meant to write.
Edward
>>6113224 Do we want to break out now? I can prepare a round of stimulants next, but I'm running out of ideas on what else we can do to prepare and I'm not sure how much time we have before things get worse out there.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:T+hhX4Jv Sun 29 Sep 2024 19:13:25 No. 6113381 Report Quoted By:
>>6113292 It's pretty quiet out there. Maybe a few muffled movements? Some barrels being rolled over?
Facsimile
Rolled 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 5, 1, 2 = 23 (9d6) >>6113220 Dune skulkers, and so many - like dust in the wind or sand in my socks, they are a force beyond number! Even so, I can't imagine our steelhearts will be keen on abandoning the high ground...
But what good is a score of archers against the FINEST pugilism to ever grace these sands?
>3AP, destabilize the rock face to my NE, engineer a collapse onto the Windsworn below (Wrackstone 11, Malice +1) >3AP, refuel (Go slow, Gearwright 12) >1Fuel, boost 4S onto the roof >2SPD+1STA, move 2SE, 1NE >3AP, Wispcloak to conceal myself in these bushes (Sense 10? I don't think I have an appropriate stat) #Facsimile
-Metrics
Vitality 11/12 Stamina 7/12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 0/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Lucky Token
Legion Grain, 1AP to deform or major to shape something
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Empty Pockets
-Secrets
#Gearwright 12
#Filching 10
#Close Quarters 13
#Wrackstone 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: Add rank to first skill test if starting unengaged, add rank to reaction if ending engaged
!Sizable Gambling Debt
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:T+hhX4Jv Sun 29 Sep 2024 19:36:23 No. 6113410 Report Rolled 5, 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 1, 4, 5 = 35 (9d6) >>6113395 There's no roll involved in trying to hide, you don't need an attribute for it. If hidden, someone else is struggling to find you and take penalties and difficultes to their Sense to do so. If you're in cover, behind things, out of sight or near terrain features, they take additional penalties to spotting you - which layers up quick and reduces their Sense towards noticing your presence rapidly. For instance, on top of the roof, people would be rolling against Sense 4 effective, with a -6 penalty and assuming Sense 10, to spot you if you were hidden and they had no idea you were there. Since they do not know if someone is there the odds of them doing this is low, of course.
Though do be aware that you are in no way whatsoever at all hidden even a little bit, recruit?
I'm not sure you could, in fact, be more obvious at all.
First you caused an avalanche - it's very loud.
The Dunerunner has been pointing and at you as he moved away - and everyone in the village area saw him slide down the rope after a dramatic fistfight on top of the cliffs.
You are framed against the sky, in full view of a few hundred eyeballs.
The mobility kit is not loud, but it is also not silent, and streaking out like a rocket across ground with no distractions does generally speaking mean that people see you. Then you land, loudly, on the roof, by multiple fully functional human beings who see you streak across the gap between the cliffs and the building. Also, you can hear them below - they are in the building. Then you moved a little further south-east, and you have now spotted more Windsworn which were previously hidden below the house. They are looking at up you. Some of them are pointing and slamming their weapons on the ground to make noise and point out your location.
The Scraghounds with them have started barking. The Dunerunner Command Staff, having just recieved a report that a man in a mobility kit pushed one of them off of the cliff is all turning towards the cliffs and they are all looking at you. The one who you fought has been given a new spear. The Whispergrain tilts his head a little.
There's a woman with them, wearing a rigid uniform and she appears to have acquired a longarm of some descriptio-- Oh you need to duck.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:T+hhX4Jv Sun 29 Sep 2024 19:39:34 No. 6113414 Report Rolled 4, 4, 5, 3 = 16 (4d6) >>6113410 I think she hit you in the arm. Better luck ducking next time, recruit, that 14 did you no favours.
That'll be 4d6 damage, but not to worry, if you take more than 7 in total your right arm will simply be disabled by the gunshot and you can likely clamp your left hand around the screaming pain that has become your existence. Well.
This is why the uniform is padded. Surely it will take the shot? It does have 2 DR, it's quite helpful.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:T+hhX4Jv Sun 29 Sep 2024 19:41:26 No. 6113415 Report >>6113414 >>6113410 . . . We have a man down in the village and he has been captured by the Windsworn in the building and further, I think the troops they have in reserve are unlikely to wait around for whichever plan they have now that they are being actively attacked by incoming assialants.
This situation has rapidly destabilised and the half a hundred or so Windsworn now being urged forward to take the cliffs will likely be in a enormously superior position after they do so.
We should consider a retreat - if we can - back up the road and away from this situation.
Facsimile
Quoted By:
>>6113410 That's the trouble with Z-layers, innit? I'd have figured myself out of view once I'm on the house. Yeah, they hear me but then I'm a lovely bush or cardboard box - spend some time walking up, searching, and PUNCH.
It's fine, these things work themselves out.
Jove
Quoted By:
Rolled 2, 4, 1, 4, 1, 5 = 17 (6d6) Well, wake 'em up, if you fink you're so real.>1ap Stratajove, toss a rock at the northern group of broodlings. Just them, mind. We'll try to lead 'em to some poor bastard. >3ap Hide, staying low and quiet >2 spd 1ap move 222 >2ap would the scent of blood overcome the influence of scraghound repellant? Thoughts 10+1 >2ap if I jump 3333 using Fuel, what effect will current wind have on the jump? Thoughts 10+1
Rion
Quoted By:
Rolled 2, 6, 6 = 14 (3d6) >>6113220 >AP3 Disengage to 6 >AP1 Take some kibble from my pocket >AP1 Send the Hound back towards the shed (Base animal handling + kibble) >AP3 Climb the cliff "Woah that was too close for comfort. Nice job bailing me out before puppy but you should head back a little you won't be beating these with sheer mean spirit. Go now."
Markhan
>>6113415 Well that puts a real damper on my plans to hold the heights eh?
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6113366 We can prepare smoke? Zinka has smoke arrows, but maybe we can get some smoke grenades too?
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Rolled 2, 3, 3, 5, 3, 5 = 21 (6d6) >>6113220 >Gained Trait added to zheet >3AP: Fresheyed Archers and Haunted Sharpshooters: Approach to a optimal range, take aim and fire upon the enemy archers. Suppress them for our melee units to close the distance Volley 1, Volley 2, Volley 1 then Volley 2. (Small Unit Tactics 11 + Authority 1?) >!Of Masks and Mettle 1 use 1ap on Ally behalf for the Archers to take aim >2MP: Move 4-5 >5AP: Slick Slicers, Keep shields up focus on advancing with your shields block for your life and that of the Pikemen with you. Stern ravens follow along with the Slick slicers they protect you whilst you get in range for the poke. I'll tug down the wall to make it eazier. That's the signal to advance. I call this one Legio- I mean COMPANY Advance! (Small Unit Tactics-11 + Authority 1 + 2 ap, lets make it happen) >1AP: Tug decrease the height of the wall I have created #Caedo
=Metrics=
Vitality 10/12 // Stamina 13 // Focus 13
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Reputation 1 // Authority 1
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Weaver's Whip
Whitebone needle
1 Bit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
=Secrets=
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Wards 13(10)
#Rope 14
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Religious Ritual 11 (Pytherii)
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Masks and Mettle 1
!Well Read
!Threshold DR 1
=Bannermen and Support=
(x6) Blade-11 troopers
(x1) Young but well adjusted expert in Triage, Surgery and medical matters
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6113632 We also might not have time to. Not sure if we should go or not.
Zivka
I’m ready to break out.
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 4, 5, 4, 3, 6 = 26 (6d6) >>6113221 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 11/12 Focus 10/12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>3 AP: Disengage from the Blue Rats >1 AP: Blue Rats, hold the wall! >2 Speed: Move 56 >3 AP: Rally the Windsores (Influence 9+1) >2 AP & 1 Focus: Recover to patch up the injured Windsores (Alchemineering 12, I think I also regain a Stamina and a Focus?) Unaware of the wasp nest that's just been startled, Wicklighter is consumed by efforts to hold together this little triangle of men in the pass, slipping from the Blue Rats towards the Windsores and setting to work on getting them back into the fight. "Stand tall, steelsouls!" he urges them, "You see our banner up there? It's you standing between it and those bastard sons of the sand! Keep them back!"
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:gVtaC0Eg Mon 30 Sep 2024 05:21:32 No. 6113714 Report >>6113675 Montosi looks a little confused.
If you’re going to charge ahead to the west and fight that big barricade, why did she spend nervous effort shifting this table? It won’t do much good to stop anyone if we’re to rush that way. Surely the Windsworn will stop battering at the door and engage us if we attack them or if we circle around to that side.
She likes mules but is it so important?
Yeah it has eight months pay in the saddlebags
It’s got WHAT?!?!?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:gVtaC0Eg Mon 30 Sep 2024 05:24:27 No. 6113715 Report Quoted By:
>>6113587 A superior position is never in wain! It may be that things are not quite so dire. Luckily the Windsworn for all their prowess do not communicate telepathically and are but mortal. Fascimilie’s sacrificial jump may have brought more time.
Zivka
>>6113714 It’s a clever trap. I say
If we can convince them to smash in through the front, we can go out the back or side and around while they’re distracted with the trip wires and the horror of disrupting hospitality. Then, we can shoot the one guy on that roof up there, grab the mule, and run west around a corner.
It seems as good a plan as any. Who would expect us to double around?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:gVtaC0Eg Mon 30 Sep 2024 06:29:40 No. 6113737 Report >>6113724 Montosi stares at you, not entirely sure you are not making some sort of very advanced Uthani joke that she does not comprehend. Eventually she tries to ask what you expect to have happen when you run up the wide street the archers are all covering - you say you'll hit them with a smoke arrow! - Montosi says, yes, but she did see at least three, maybe five, and she's not entirely sure the multitude of people banging on the door will be so hyperfocused on doing so that they won't notice seven people running right past them.
It does not take eight men to break down a door. In fact, we can probably expect a good amount of them to be standing around, likely in the middle of the road you intend to burst past. Then you acquire this mule - WHY DOES IT HAVE EIGHT MONTHS PAY - and then you have to lead a mule - famously very slow creatures - out through a city while being hunted by people who are now all converging on your location because by your smoke, noise and attacks you have caused them to raise an alarm. They will know precisely where we are because it's been hours and surely the Whispergrain has explained to his force that he has a sizable contigent of enemies locked inside a village house?
If we double around we get shot to death about six steps off of the street but you are certainly welcome to *try* this plan, Montosi nods, because it may very well be a wonderfully good distraction for her sprinting very far in the opposite direction of your insanity.
( She seems a little stressed. It probably won't be as bad as that )
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
>>6113221 >2SPD, 5AP: Move 555 5554. >4AP: Engrave a Major Ward in my hex. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:WCknVa4K Mon 30 Sep 2024 09:12:01 No. 6113771 Report The Eager Edges report & Windswept Blades report victory in the farming fields. They've seen off the last Windsworn and secured the area. They're moving towards the banner at speed.>... Respone Phase, hold a little.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:WCknVa4K Mon 30 Sep 2024 09:47:01 No. 6113788 Report Without Facsimilie holding the high ground the fog of warclouds drift back in (And besides, he's a little occupied at present).
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:WCknVa4K Mon 30 Sep 2024 09:52:05 No. 6113789 Report Quoted By:
The grand sun is slinking slowly across the high heavens. It is the Fifth Descending Glory, that longest hour before the final dip into twilight and the gradual enchroachment of shade and shadow.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:WCknVa4K Mon 30 Sep 2024 10:09:42 No. 6113791 Report Curious. The Windsworn glance at the setting sun. Some of their back-liners open space a little. Some of them do not push forward. >ORDER PHASE >THAT MEANS YOU LOT!
Zivka
>>6113737 Well
Alright, fine.
What if we take an even longer way around?
Go east until we hit the trees. Dash across the street, through the alley, back around west, approach the mule from the *other side* of the alley.
We don’t even need the mule! Just the saddlebags, because Edward took off with *months* of company pay and it won’t take the bandits to kill is if he loses it!
And then we head south do west or wherever.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:WCknVa4K Mon 30 Sep 2024 10:15:14 No. 6113794 Report " Hey " Montosi whispers, from the other end of the small building. She has the shutters of the back-window open a small smidge and she's peering out intently.
" I think the guards back here were recalled somewhere else. That gun. That's a rifled longrifle. Precision firing thing. Sounds like the Aikinom armory standard mark and make, so I'd hedge my bets that's the Operative firing at something. We might be in luck, maybe their Feast-friends came here hostile? Or they drew in something they weren't expecting "
Montosi flashed a sudden smile at Zivka, nodding.
>>6113792 " Could work. Bound east as if we're fleeing, but then dip into another home? Is that what you're thinking? Any chasers would pound sand after us, and we double around and grab that mule. If we lay down some smoke and confusion, I think that might work.
I don't mind a scrap but I mind assaulting a barricade head on after moving a table. Your plan there is... solid. We might lose them in the trees"
She glances back out the shutter
" I think I see some of them, far up ahead. But it could be bushes. Are we doing this, or do you have a better plan? "
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:WCknVa4K Mon 30 Sep 2024 10:21:13 No. 6113797 Report Quoted By:
>>6113395 >>6113414 Uniform took the worst of it - the bullet punched in through the crenelations of the stone roof and out the other side before hitting you. Much of its energy was already spent, but what a shot.
Your arm feels as if you can just barely, with a itch of pain, use it. You test your balance. Something about all this feels horrendously like all your gambling debts being called all at once, the universe reaching out to balance the scales. Maybe, somewhere, Probos is smiling. If an Icon can smile.
The Windsworn around you step back once and form a rough half circle. You can hear light feet, running. Seems someone in their rank has first call on the knifegame, tough you may not wish to still be here when he arrives for a rematch.
Then again. Old Company talk. Maybe the Windsworn are honourable enough. Could be they actually let you walk if you knife one of their people. Though then you might have to walk out through half a hundred of them.
Difficult for the mobility kit to push you back up the cliff-way. Might take more Fuel than you have. Not impossible, but up and across is a bad angle. Still, might be better than knifefighting people who think of cutting into their captives as a fun hobby.
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 5, 1, 4, 1, 5, 3, 5, 6, 4, 5, 1, 6, 3, 6 = 60 (15d6) >>6113791 >3AP+2SP: "Everybody, calm down and fall in!" Attempt to bring order to chaos. [Influence 11, Reputation 2] >1AP: I aim to make a Link with the Dustrunner. >1AP+3SP: Link to the Dustrunner [Iconotheurgy 12] >1AP: Recall and perform the appropriate ritual for invoking the Empyreal Eye [Religious Ritual 11, !Well Read?] >3AP+3SP: Invoke the Empyreal Sun: Smite my foe with fire. [Iconotheurgy 12] #Phridon
-
Vitality 12 Stamina 5/13 Focus 9/12
Action 9 Speed 2
-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Reputation 2
-
Uniform, DR2
Shortblade, Sharp
Spear, Reach 2, Impales, Throwable
Shield [18HP, 3DR, +2Def]
Pockets with 2 entire coinbits!!!
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Whitebone Needles (Wards-13)
-
#Thoughts 11
#Influence 11
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 14
#Religious Ritual 11
(#Wards 10)
-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!Well Read
!Threshold DR +1
Zivka
Wicklighter
Rolled 4, 6, 5, 2, 2, 1, 4, 2, 3 = 29 (9d6) >>6113791 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10/12 Focus 10/12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>3 AP: Aim (Do not under any circumstances hit the Resolute Crows with what I am about to do, also preferably land it near the back of the Murmurations to crowd them in) >3 AP: Throw a Quickspark Pouch over the Resolute Crows' heads into the Murmurations (Alchemineering 12 + 1 + 1 = 14) >1 AP: Windsores, run round the rock formation to the right of the Crows so you can shoot into the Windsworn's sides! >2 Speed: Move 22 >2 AP & 1 Stamina: Multi-task two attacks against the Windsworn (Blades 11 for both) This is in hand. This is still in hand. This is fine. The situation is stable. Events elsewhere will tip the scales. Just keep fighting.
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
Rolled 1 (1d3) >>6113822 And the 1d3. Mm, I reckon this is going to be a 3. Let's be optimistic.
Jove
Rolled 2, 1, 4, 2, 4, 3 = 16 (6d6) *Hup-nyergh*
Roight, you lot. Drop y'weapons, drop y'cloaks, 'ead off to the sands, an' this one gets to follow you. Keep y'knoives. I ain't a monster.
Don't come back 'til you eat this. Oi suggest you wash it first.
>>6113788 >1ap Stratajove, once Oi arrive, stand outta sight and lettem see y'cloak blow around the corner. Threat o' the unknown, see? >2spd 2Fuel Move 33 2323 Jump 2323 >1ap Drop Halberd for knife >6ap Commit to grappling windsworn 3, flipping his cloak over his head, slamming him to the rock 4 of me, putting knife to neck. Strength 11+3 >3ap Issue the threat above. Influence 11+2 >1ap toss out a survival ration as part of terms CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:WCknVa4K Mon 30 Sep 2024 13:52:42 No. 6113871 Report Quoted By:
>>6113270 we should rectify a grave injustice. No, it's not the bandage they stuffed in your mouth to prevent you speaking words that would flense their souls.
As a Mistbreather, you can use the Secrets of the world in a more hands-on manner. There isn't a lot of water around here (except inside people).
Your Mistbreath skill is 12, which also means it's +2 when you base it off of Will, Grit, Sense. It's 11 if you base it off of React. This is a bit tricky to remember, but just keep in mind; you can use it in a "refined" way if you base it off of a different stat than it's usual.
When you cajole water, out and about, you generally move and get equal to Threshold, 1d6, which is not much - but the trick of it is that Resonant Elementalists, such as yourself, usually use Grant and Shape to influence larger amounts of the substance, binding it to a purpose.
Unless you go about emptying people's waterskins, you may need to acquire water somehow - all the Windsworn are made of it, principally, as are most of the humans around you, and you can always gather humidity to yourself as a Major action.
These trick are like Iconotheurgy, but comes from a more primal place. You need never really "link" to a source of water when using Mistbreathing, because in a sense Mistbreathing is always linked to water (and only water).
This does not mean one cannot conjoin Iconotheurgy and Mistbreathing, though one seldom *needs* to; a Mistbreather can Tug and Shunt water or aspects there-of readily.
The important and most vital distinction is that Iconotheurges deal with ineffable qualities of the object, the soul and the core. A Resonant Elementalist deals with quantities of stuff. When an Iconotheurge shunts the fluidity of water into rocks and they melt, he's doing a funny prank on physics. When a Mistbreather shunts water from A to B, they're *moving the actual water*, spinning it with great force.
This is an important thing to keep in mind, because it means that when you imbue water into things, you wrap water around them or with them, benefitting them in some water (More absorption, cooling, temporary Vitality, shielding) but you can also inconvenience them (drowning, cooling, crushing). But while an Animist Iconotheurge could embed the fluidity of water in a rock or turn armor flowing and melted, using Mistbreathing you always move quantities of water.
Of course, you're both. So.
Manipulation is a storied, sacred possibility - Mistbreaths can ask water to turn to ice, or blow into steam with a word. An Iconotheurge would have to shunt the temperature of the water elsewhere, but someone with Mistbreath simply asks.
Because you are apt to try, we should inform you that asking the water inside someone to come over to you going to inflict damage = threshold and give you water to spend for other things.
Because you are going to wonder, no, Mistbreathing cannot mindcontrol people by controlling the water inside them to force them to do certain actions.
Icarus
>>6113791 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 8/12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy12
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
!Threshold DR 1
Icarus recalls reading a paper on the theoretical applications of layline tension.
Long a point of vexation for students of the Arts, the transmission of any medium via wards exerts a myriad of invisible pressures upon the meshwork. Overtime, or if forced to endure extreme loads, these pressures can induce cracks and fissures in the material which the wards are engraved onto potentially threatening to compromise the entire network.
This paper posited, that these by-products of wardcraft could be harvested and put to productive work - via an array of modifications ward composition, and copious layers of heavy-duty insulative warding. The practical example provided - and centerpiece of their study - was a flameless furnace. Supposedly, a choir of theurgical scholars had managed to continuously channel the surrounding atmosphere into their experimental meshwork pattern, harnessing and redirecting the accumulated invocational pressures built-up within the mesh to compress the air into 0.5x0.5 meter space around a loaded crucible. Compressing a greater and greater quantity of air down until it began to shine with a reflection of the Empyrean's brilliance and melt the ore that had been loaded into the crucible.
Only 5 individuals had reportedly died in the ensuing resonance cascade, with most fatalities being undergrad assistants standing outside of the choir's protective wards.
Now that's all well and good - assuming the findings aren't fraudulent - through it does make Icarus wonder.
Could the same principle be applied to a immaterial medium - like a concept or a condition?
>2MP: Step [3]x1, [5]x1. Icarus slowly clambers up the chunk of crumbling masonry to access the higher section of the roof. >1SP: Step [4]x1. Tentatively Icarus eases his way further onto the roof. >3AP: Icarus inscribes a Major Ward onto the stonework of the tile which he is standing on. The spiraling hexanodal design paired one-way correlation bypasses is optimized for one-way transmission of immaterial qualities into a vessel with the recursive insulation rerouting cumulative channeling pressures inwards concentrating the channeled qualities to an extreme degree. (SeeImage) >1SP: Step [5]x1. Icarus quietly skulks further towards the center of the roof. >3AP: Icarus inscribes a Major Ward onto the stonework of the tile [4]x1 of his current position. Clearly only a fragment of a larger ward. >3AP: Withdrawing the shard of stonework he pilfered from the ruin's base from a pocket, Icarus begins etching an extensive ward mesh across its surface, creating an arrangement specialized towards arrest and retention of metaphysical qualities. Facsimile
Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 2, 6, 5, 2, 5, 1, 5, 5 = 37 (9d6) >>6113791 What a shot, what a shot - most impressive, and I mean that. I'd love to have a sit down with your marksman sometime after I survive this ordeal. Hey, don't tell me you're running to fetch that slinkthief I fought earlier? It's weird, right? No way he'd show his face after the camp saw him run! Oh, maybe that's why he HAS to come? Right, right?
Sorry, I get a bit chatty when I bleed. Yeah, I'll fight your man.
>2SP, sit down - might as well rest a bit before my foe arrives >3AP+commit, recover - expend my bandages (Health 10) >3AP+go slow, refuel (Gearwright 12) >3AP, check my Lucky Token, a broken timepiece. Oh, it's still stuck on 5PM - a good sign, very good sign. #Facsimile
-Metrics
Vitality 7/12 Stamina 7/12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 1/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Lucky Token (Broken Timepiece)
Legion Grain, 1AP to deform or major to shape something
2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Empty Pockets
-Secrets
#Gearwright 12
#Filching 10
#Close Quarters 13
#Wrackstone 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: Add rank to first skill test if starting unengaged, add rank to reaction if ending engaged
!Sizable Gambling Debt
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6113792 >>6113366 How do we immediately act when we exit the building? Do we just open the door and run? Throw things?
Markhan
>>6113771 #Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 11 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
1 Bandage, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>1 AP, Move 6 >3 AP. Help the poor sod with a twisted ankle up onto the heights, No way he can climb up here on his own without breaking something. >2 AP, Move 4 3 >1 AP. 'C'mon Markhan you old bastard, *think*! Do the Windsworn dislike the night out here? We had to have been briefed a little bit on the culture of these sand eaters... Void... does something *happen* out in these parts at night?' [Thoughts 9] >1 AP. It's a bit hard, with the sun setting into his eyes, but while there's a bout of respite as the sun sets, Markhan will do his best to look over the battlefield in front of the village. If he can get some idea of the Windsworn's tactics, he might be able to salvage this. [Tactics 12] Markhan
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 1, 1, 3, 4, 3 = 15 (6d6) >>6113975 Bones: Rolling
Zivka
>>6113928 Let’s just run for it. I’ll spend the stamina to drop a smoke arrow.
Only waiting for Edward to confirm.
Rion
Rolled 1, 6, 4, 3, 1, 1, 5, 4, 6 = 31 (9d6) >>6113791 >AP3 Speed 2: Charge in with an elbow strike >AP3: Push opponent of the cliff >AP3: Grapple on opponent and position them between me and opposition. "Oh hi there it seems our encounter was unexpected. But unfortunately i'll have to tell you to leave or make you. Your choice friends.
Rion
Quoted By:
>>6114072 Using CQC 13 ability
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Rolled 4, 6, 6 = 16 (3d6) >>6112554 >3AP: Archers, keep suppressing the enemy North I'm going to try to navigate to them. >4MP: Sneak 6661 >6AP: Try to sneak my way to the palm tree/bush at 111111 (Pathfinding-10+3AP?, I'd like to use 1 out of the 4 fuel of my boost kit to help me get there ONLY IF IT'S SILENT) Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6113788 Commanding Powderhands:
>1 Speed: Enter Loose Formation >1 Speed: Crouch >3 AP: Aim >3 AP: Overwatch towards the East Luz
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 4, 3 = 11 (3d6) >>6113838 Iconotheurgy 201. Just because you could doesn't mean you can or should.
>1AP - Pick up that needle (kit?) >3AP - Recall my lethality. If the troopers don't want to be twisted by Iconotheurgy, best to oblige them. (not sure if I get it all back or need to roll against Threshold. Leaving it unrolled here) >1AP - Holster the needle. People want Luz to stop tugging at the fabric of creation and invoking Icons for vaguely related purposes gleaned from poetry rather than textbooks? Fine. >3AP - Stand >2 Move - Move into the Dunerunner's Hex Voice of Self Preservation: We're about to be hit by significant amounts of fire damage from an Invocation.
Executive Mechanics: Where were you a few seconds ago? The Solar Flare isn't enough on its own anyway. Besides, I'll try to go low.
Eager Reason: Why waste time standing instead of just rolling towards them? We want to be below them anyway.
Executive Mechanics: I haven't rolled in a while and don't remember how difficult it is. Best not to risk it.
Voice of Self Preservation: Also, I'd be exposing my back to a hostile spear. It might look cool, but rolling human sized balls are surprisingly easy to stab.
>1AP, 2SP, CQC 13, Gauntlets - Wrestle that Dunerunner into a binding grapple, preferably with the Dunerunner facing the fire. My goal is to capture the Dunerunner. This way, if the troopers decide to pile on to keep me from more frontier Iconotheurgy at least they'll be helping me achieve my goal. 8/12 Vit, 4/12 SP; 12/12 Resolve, 0/1 Insight
Hands: Empty. Hat: Secured? In need of return to proper owner?
Edward
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 6, 2, 6, 3, 6 = 26 (6d6) >>6113737 >3AP: Direct our break-out attempt to improve our coordination. Basic plan is to make some noise, get them to start busting through the barricade and ideally the plates and make a run for it out the back and to the east (Small Unit Tactics 11) >3AP, 2MP: Go, go, go! >3AP: Throw scarflask at anyone who has the misfortune of getting in our way (Alchemineering 12) >>6113928 >>6113978 Confirmed. Let us move with haste.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6113794 >6 AP, 2 Speed: RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN (following the plan for where to go) >3 AP: Commit to Defending myself Zivka
>>6113737 6 AP, 2 Speed: Run!
3 AP: Deploy a smoke arrow at our feet, if enemy marksmen spot us.
Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6114136 It is explained to me that smoke arrows are meant to be launched *at other people*, not us.
To that end, please amend that conditional to be ‘deployed against the marksmen shooting at us’, not ‘at our feet’.
Thank you.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:cRCtwIOO Mon 30 Sep 2024 23:11:29 No. 6114144 Report >>6113838 WHAT??
YOU'LL HAVE TO SPEAK LOUDER JOVE
THEY CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THE SCRAGHOUNDS
YOU THREW FOOD IN FRONT OF THEM AND THEY WENT ABSOLUTELY BALLISTIC
Jove
Quoted By:
>>6114144 Wull, Oi dropped the food last, see. Shoulda 'eard mosta the terms, even if it's a bit 'ard to 'ear y'thoughts now.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:cRCtwIOO Tue 01 Oct 2024 00:25:47 No. 6114163 Report Wickerlight throws a quickspark flask and it bounces off of a helmet then off of a leaf then off of a spear and finally it detonates in a bright-flash flare that makes most of the Murmuration Windsworn blink and wipe their eyes, but giving al the bouncing the chemicals shaked all wrong. The Resolute Crows yield a little more ground, falling back by degrees. The Blue Rats and Wicklighter both fail to Sense or Think about their intentions but judging by the uproariously smug smiles on the Crows faces, they have some greater plan in mind as the Windsworn come at them.>??????? >?!?!?!?!
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:cRCtwIOO Tue 01 Oct 2024 01:05:37 No. 6114189 Report Quoted By:
SIR!!! IS EVERYTHING ALLRIGHT? WE GOT HELD UP BECAUSE ROBERT DROPPED HIS SHOE AND IT'S A LONG MARCH AND >... all banners mustered and accounted for
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:cRCtwIOO Tue 01 Oct 2024 02:01:50 No. 6114213 Report Barks in the wind. Distant howls. The Blue Rats shake - take a step back - surprised. Rion is shoved and kicked away and his assailants flee. The scraghounds come, from the village, from the woods, from the fields. >WHAT THE VOID >UH >YOUR MOVE?
Jove
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:cRCtwIOO Tue 01 Oct 2024 02:29:20 No. 6114232 Report >>6113877 Ah, the wind up here is bracing. Your thoughts twirl in them, free. Unbound. Little scraps of old books and older knowledge drift past and you find your eyes wandering off to sights unseen. As you scribble a ward before you, your thoughts take a sideways stumble. Something whispers at the back of your mind. Inspiration, consideration or the little touch of distant things? You etch your animist needle through the skin of a rock, marking the boundary between Here and the Other and as you close the loop, you realize what you're thinking about.
The Flameless Furnance, though in scholastic parlance, they call such a thing a Telesmatic Convoker, a design of looping loops. One feeds in intent and refines it, each layer compressed, shaped, goaded on, driven to the purest expression of an ideal - an ideotype. The world falls away. Impurities flake. What remains is the compressed expression of a Truth, a thing of beauty, and a thing of strength. Though a thing of intent - Telesmatic Convokers are hard design to make. The stresses enormous. The *strain* on the ward guides larger still. One twirls a tiny speck and tugs it through the guiding circles, and each loop, it cannot escape outwards, so instead, it grows. Larger. Larger still. But compressed, contained, conjoined in some design.
In carpentry, they use ropes and leverage to reduce the weight of heavy logs.
The symmetry is astounding for the principle is similar. Each looping ward circle lets a single animist express more and more forceful precision and bend the world.
But telesmatic convocation design are not commonplace. In Pyther, it is whispered, they have a few - functional ones - in the House of the Bonded. The designs are theoretical. The idea has been tested by Free College Resonance Specialists. There is a . . . flaw. At the heart of the design. Something that no one has yet managed to bypass. Perhaps something that cannot be bypassed.
For each warding loop, the focus leveraged on some input grows incrementally. What is one to one becomes one to two to three to four to eight to sixteen and on and on and on it grows. But with each loop, the wards experience ever more mounting pressure. The strain, the Threshold buckles, the attention like steel jaws clamped around a little bit of the world, held and pure, shudders and shakes and strains material reality itself. You add more force. You add more focus. You add more warding layers. Bypasses. Reservoirs. Feedback dampeners. Compensators. Compressors. Water. Salt. Prayer. Hope. Dreams.
And each step gives you more, but the curve flattens. The world grows. The flaw is in the hope: All researchers hope perhaps one day one can gain more output than one puts in. That there could be some refinement process that bypasses the material whole.
But each researcher finds that a telesmatic convoker, when loaded fully and resonant with some grand truth, becomes a whirling well of threshold energy that hums with the Other.
Icarus
Quoted By:
>>6114213 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 7/12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy12
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
!Threshold DR 1
>1SP: Icarus carefully places the warded shard of stone into the central focal point of the specialized ward @ [2]x1. >2MP: Icarus steps [4]x1, skirting between the gaping hole in the roof and the trapdoor, then settles into a crouch. > 3AP: Icarus inscribes a Major Ward onto the stonework of the tile @ [5]x1, doing his best to augment the geometry to compensate as best he can with the imperfect surface. > 3AP: Icarus inscribes a Major Ward onto the stonework of the tile @ [4]x1, doing his best to augment the geometry to compensate as best he can with the imperfect surface. > 3AP: Icarus connects the Wards at [4]x1, [5]x1, and his current positions into a singular large Ward and attunes the entire arrangement to Probos by adding the appropriate invocational sigils. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:cRCtwIOO Tue 01 Oct 2024 02:44:53 No. 6114241 Report >>6114232 You can try to fix the flaws. Other designs. Better grounding. Better sigildry. More precise warding. More precise working. More precise guidance. Better whispers. More theurges. More training. More focus. More. More. More. More.
But the inevitable flaw lies in human fallibility. At some point, someone is going to lose concentration, and as more and more force is gathered and concentration the dangers of a cascade grows exponentially, the churning forces held tight by will and stricture alone, guided, bent, directed, condessed, compressed, and sheer will though it can move mountains does sometimes flicker - for just the barest second . . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:cRCtwIOO Tue 01 Oct 2024 02:51:23 No. 6114244 Report >>6114241 And we should rember the old truth:
Try not to invoke what you cannot control.
Try not to conjure what you cannot put down.
You concentrate the world into a sharp point in space and time . . . who knows what you're poking holes in or what might leak through in a blip of your attention and the most miniscule of moments where you are not fully focused. You've harnessed such power. It becomes a beacon. A light to all the hungry things.
They say a shadow once fell through a little rent in the bound woven skein of the world. A little thing, of light and shades and shadows, of rainbow colours cast like a cloak and worn like a mantle. They say it grew and learned and asked and talked and found it rather liked this curious little place. Made it a sort of home. Bound itself it Here, having wrenched its existence entire from There - the Other - and though it goes by many names the most common is The One Who Walked Away, The Many Colored Shadow, The Shimmercloak Traveller. Volariel.
Telesmatic convokers are hard to get right and very, very easy to get wrong.
Icarus
Markhan
>>6114163 >>6114213 Whoever bought these fellows out must have had quite the deep purse then. Icons' teeth, I can't see an end to them! And those dogs! Can't anyone shut them up!? Ugh... You! And You! With me, we should take at least one of them alive! We need information!
#Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 11 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
1 Bandage, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>3 AP, pick 2 of the freshest, least frightened men from the Sharps and scale down the cliff face. Along with the scrag, it's scent should mark at least 3 men as friends, no? All others should remain on the heights, the dogs shouldn't bother you lads. >6 AP, Make a mad bloody dash towards the fleeing Windsworn to the east. Markhan would love a Dunerunner, but if he can't find one, a grunt will do, but he knows he won't get nearly as much information out of a recruit than he would out of an officer. Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6114257 You really don't need to recklessly run after a horde of enemies if you want one of them captured alive. There are plenty strewn along the battlefield with broken legs, twisted ankles, and otherwise incapacitated but not quite dead yet that you don't need to throw your life away obtaining.
Markhan
>>6114263 They're being dragged away by their friends as we speak. I'd have to run for them anyway, I did overlook the one I clonked on the head with a rock though.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6114270 They are leaving the field as quick as they can. There are plenty of grey enemies around which are not dead.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6114270 Well of course if you insist in charging them go right ahead, I suppose I don't have much reason to stop you. Just, you know. You don't have to.
Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6114271 >>6114272 And from Marky's point of view, they appear to be dragging off the ones that would be easy to capture as well. If I want a live one, I'll need to get them to drop their wounded and flee faster anyway.
Wicklighter
Rolled 1, 4, 3, 5, 4, 6, 4, 4, 3 = 34 (9d6) >>6114213 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 10/12 Focus 10/12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>2 AP: Crows, Rats, they're not after you! Just stand still and rest up! >3 AP: Rally the Blue Rats (Influence 9+1). For steel's sake, calm down, they'll only chase if you run! >3 AP: Recover Focus (Will 10) >1 AP: The hounds are just a distraction. Tune them out, stay wary. (Sense 10) Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6114213 > 9 AP, 2 Speed: Duck across the street, slip across the houses and double back towards the alleyway their mule was hiding in. The rest of you can go off, but I’m a stubborn, foolish woman at heart.
Luz
Quoted By:
Rolled 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 5 = 11 (6d6) >>6114231 >1AP - Order the Sharpshooters to perform first aid on the wounded. >2MP, 5AP - Sprint around the cliffs to catch the fleeing archers. 4,4,4 3,3,3,3. Fist set of dice. >3AP - CQC 13 - grab one of the retreating archers. Goal is to capture at least 1. 2nd set of dice. >2SP - Pull the archer back with me through the smoke, away from their friends. Will they shoot their friend through smoke? 8/12 Vit, 2/12 SP; 12/12 Resolve, 0/1 Insight
Hands: Empty. Hat: Secured
Edward
Quoted By:
>>6114213 >9AP, 2MP: Follow Zivka through the alleys and to the mule Scarlett, lead everyone else to safety. Retrieving the mule is a matter of honour for me.
and life and death Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6114213 "Montosi and Spears, with me. We'll wait for those archers to pass and we can sneak out through the North."
>2 Speed, 3 AP: Move 1221 2 >6 AP: Hide among the trees Ser Stalwart
>>6114213 Groan! Wake up from your great slumber Ser Stalwart, you've slept through half or even most a battle! not to mention most of the march (but can you blame me? walking through these blasted dunes messes with you, damned sand-sickness)
Stalwart should've laid off the stashed alcohol. He's still groggy and tired.
>Speed 1 + 2AP, Move 6-6-5 >6AP, use the rest of of my energy to get ontop of that building! >1AP, say hello to the Coldeyed Archers while I'm here. Nice weather we're having. #Ser Stalwart the Standstill (Self-Proclaimed)
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 8
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
+Breacher Kit, 4DR
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets (1 Coinbits)
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Harquebus, 4d6 Impact, Malfunctions on 16+, 3AP to reload, Doubles as a +1 Club in melee
-Secrets
#Strength 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Muskets-13
#Armsmaking-10
#Carousing-14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Armoured Advance 1: Intentionally body-slam targets upon entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight-line movement prior
!Of Steel Hearts 1: If end unengaged, regain Vitality equal to rank. If end engaged, gain bonus damage reduction equal to rank
!Extra Rota
!Armoured 1
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Tue 01 Oct 2024 16:12:06 No. 6114519 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 5, 6, 3, 5, 1, 1, 5, 3, 3, 3, 4, 3, 6, 4, 3, 6, 3 = 68 (18d6) >>6114513 Ah, Ser Stalwart, stoic, steely, strong-- let us go through your action, indeed, let us see here. . .
>1 Speed, 2 AP: FLEE IN A HORRIFED PANIC 665, SPRINTING AS FAST AS FAR AS I AM ABLE (3d6, 10+Speed = 11) >3AP, testing twice: OH GOD THE DOGS. THEY WILL EAT MY HONOUR AAAHHHHH CLIMB SCREAM CRAWL UP UP UP (10+1 = 11 x2) >1AP: OH, ALLIES, GET THEM AWAY FROM ME HOLD THEM OFF PLEASE NO I CANNOT BEAR THE BARKING AAAHHHHHHHHHH (Influence 10) >0AP: I AM HONEST TRUE JUST VIRTOUS CHIVALROUS GRAND I DO NOT FEAR THE WYLDEST KNIGHT I AM NOT TO BE TAKEN BY THE WANDERING PANCAKE HUT ( Will 10, +1 Reikan, 11) >If I fail, I force spend 3SP to dive off of this roof and belt it out across the fields ( 10, +1 Speed, Heavy Armor -2 = 9 ) Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
Rolled 2, 4, 4, 5, 2, 5, 2, 1, 6 = 31 (9d6) >>6114213 "Praise the Empyreal Eye."
>3AP: Recover Stamina. [Health 10] >3AP: "The enemies flee, men! Take heart. All fought well." Try to recover The Reckless Ashfingers from being Shaken. [Influence 11, Reputation 2] >3AP: Same, but for Fresheyed Archers. [Influence 11, Reputation 2] Rion
Rolled 1, 2, 5, 2, 2, 5 = 17 (6d6) >>6114213 >Free action: 33 32 Controlled burst controlled landing (Fuel 2/4) >Speed 3 AP1: Move 22 22 If i move with the hound i am not stopping them >AP 3: Inspect how badly the plated spear has been hurt (Sense 11) >AP 3: Let the hounds pass me and the spearman of undetermined condition (Animal handling base) Rion
>>6114551 "An hop and skip, roll on landing, weave along the puppers. See how badly this one was hurt. There's another pack of them but luckily they are hounds rough and tumble punch but sensible just let them run past simple really."
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Tue 01 Oct 2024 21:31:26 No. 6114713 Report >>6114551 >>6114553 Wear armor - it saves lives.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Tue 01 Oct 2024 21:37:59 No. 6114715 Report Quoted By:
>>6114713 . . . hey what's that . . . sound . . .
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Rolled 6, 6, 4, 4, 3, 2 = 25 (6d6) >>6114213 "Well that was embarassing...And yes Sunstains. You ARE and missed a bit. At least you're here."
>3AP: Order people to pick up their wounded and unconcziouz and gather them in a Triage area. Then they can rest and reform. (Small Unit Tactics 11 + Authority 1?) >3AP: Anyone else not busy to form a cordon from the road in the South. I'll be with them zhortly they are to keep a watchul eye and catch theeeir breath. (Small Unit Tactics 11 + Authority 1?) >3AP: Call my specialist expert in Triage to come help the wounded. (Not zure what cool ztat zo here my zheet) >2MP: Regroup with my bannermen #Caedo
=Metrics=
Vitality 10/12 // Stamina 13 // Focus 13
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Reputation 1 // Authority 1
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Weaver's Whip
Whitebone needle
1 Bit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
=Secrets=
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Wards 13(10)
#Rope 14
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Religious Ritual 11 (Pytherii)
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Masks and Mettle 1
!Well Read
!Threshold DR 1
=Bannermen and Support=
(x6) Blade-11 troopers
(x1) Young but well adjusted expert in Triage, Surgery and medical matters
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Rolled 2, 2, 2 = 6 (3d6) >>6114213 >4MP+3AP: Return to the Coldeyed Archers moving 3-4-4-4-4-3-3 >3AP: Quick, go pick up our blade handlers laid out on the road and bring them in here. Enemy hound stampedee incoming. Stay quiet when they pass. Don't panic. They can see you if your calm and collected (Influence 10+4 from Mobility kit 2/4gas left >3AP: Once the Archers come back with the blades, close doors and try to stay silent #Crushfists
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 3
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 2/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Better Pair of Boots
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Closequarters 14 (Rikovol)
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina and 1 focus (Rikovol)
!Of Cold Winds 1: Unengaged +speed. Engaged +dmg
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Tue 01 Oct 2024 22:42:28 No. 6114751 Report Markahn slides down the inclide in a spray of scree and rock, and a trio of blades dash with him forming a triangular shield wedge. Zivka's fine hound lops alongside and the onrushing stampede parts like a wave. A little personal space among the throng. Rion is not quite so lucky and has to duck, dodge, weave and move and if he was any less nimble he would, like Labyrs and the Blue Rat who ran, been bowled over and pawed and mauled and probably scratched and bit. Instead, he lands safely next to a vanguard who, even now, clutches his spear in one hand and stares up with a grim determination, too paralyzed by pain and shock to move but not quite beyond the reach of the company doctors. >... !!!!!! >Response Phase
Markhan
>>6114751 >Markhan [Commits] to getting out of this situation alive. #Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 4/12 Stamina 11 Focus 12
Action 9 (+3 [Committed]) Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
- Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters [Dropping]
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
1 Bandage, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>1 AP Drop the halberd, I can retrieve it later >1 AP, Draw my shield, and only my sturdy shield , to block the oncoming arrows >1 AP, Shout at the Ironwrought to get back up the fucking slope. I didn't give them an order to move, so they shouldn't bloody move, gesture with my free hand to emphasize, just in case they can't hear me over the din. >1 AP, throw the Dustrunner's cloak into the air, towards the bowmen, to disorient and blind them if possible >3 AP: Order the other two Sharps with me to go 'Shields Up' >5 AP: Move 11166 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Tue 01 Oct 2024 23:15:32 No. 6114774 Report Rolled 1, 4, 5 = 10 (3d6) >>6114765 SORRY MARKHAN! VERY VOID DAMN ICON TOUCHED BRAVE AND HEROIC BUT IT'S NOT QUITE OUR TURN YET
BUT COMMITING DOES GIVE YOU 3 MORE AP. . .
. . . THROWING THE CLOAK *MIGHT JUST WORK*
Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6114774 GAHHHH THE BLOOD IN MY EYES MADE ME THINK 'THAT MEANS YOU LOT' WAS WRITTEN THERE COMMAND!
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Tue 01 Oct 2024 23:34:19 No. 6114784 Report Luz lunges for a feeling Windsworn. We need information and intelligence to find out what this is all about and we need it from living, breathing Windsworn, not the dead lying across the field. This must be why they're carrying away their wounded. Luz gets his hands around his target and begins pulling away.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Tue 01 Oct 2024 23:46:54 No. 6114790 Report Crushfist saves a man's life. And his shouted orders saves another. Wicklighter locks eyes with a Windsworn Dustcloak Dunerunner. He's smiling. Dances his fingers in a little polite greeting. Nice sharp thing. Do you know how to use that, little speck?>The green lines indicate the movement they will take this turn, at the end of your actions. If you stay right where you are, they'll run right past you. You don't see anyone else coming in from the side. You estimate in this environment, you impose a minus -4 to their Sense if you are near a tree and hiding, so with the weather giving a further -1 per 3, as long as you stay more than 4 away any Windsworn and in cover, the odds of them seeing you are cataclysmically low. >ORDER PHASE >THAT MEANS >YOU >LOT!!!!!!!!!
Zivka
>>6114784 Command, looking at that mule
Could we lure it out of the alley from the south end, or is the point it narrows *too* narrow for bulky four legged creatures to move?
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6114790 "We've got a full Company somewhere in the area, with any luck they'll be coming to look for our mule sometime soon. If we don't meet up, head North and look for [Company Insignia and description of our Banner / Identifying Characteristics]. You also stay safe, Montosi."
>1 AP: Sling my musket >3 AP: Aim my movement >2 Speed, 2 AP: Sneak 6661 >3 AP: Hide Icarus
Rolled 6, 2, 4, 2, 1, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 1, 2 = 29 (12d6) >>6114790 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 7/12 // Focus 12
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy12
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
!Threshold DR 1
> 1MP: Icarus stands up. > 1MP: Icarus positions himself into the center of the three-tile ward he is standing in. > 2AP: Attempt to Link the crowd of Windsworn brutalizing Luz @ [4]x4 to the Telesmatic Convoker @ [1]x1, [2]x1 (Iconography12+1) > 2AP: Attempt to Link the pack of Scraghounds @ [4]x8 to the Telesmatic Convoker @ [1]x1, [2]x1 (Iconography12+1) > 2AP: Attempt to Link the pack of Scraghounds @ [4]x6, [5]x2 to the Telesmatic Convoker @ [1]x1, [2]x1 (Iconography12+1) > 3AP : Attempt to shunt (Threshold) positive probabilistic outliers (Good Fortune) from all of the recently linked lifeforms into the impromptu Telesmatic Convoker located roughly [1]x1, [2]x1 of Icarus' current position. (Iconography12) CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Wed 02 Oct 2024 00:10:07 No. 6114798 Report >>6114794 You're already as hidden as hidden can be - you do not need to repeat the action to hide every turn. Think of "Stealth" as a "sticky" state - you enter it with a major action and until you then do something that's loud and obnoxious, you are presumed to try and be quiet.
If you *do* make a major action to hide - as you did - what happens is that there's a temporary bonus to your particular stealth for this turn, if anyone wanders by. You're *actively* trying to keep out of sight, as well as relying on cover and concealment.
This is usually best if you have a Whispercloak or other camouflage, or have studied the secrets of the Slipstep. Your generic Company Training does cover a bit of the old hide and seek, but you are functionally simply getting a +1 to what is already a decently sizable set of circumstantial modifiers (in cover, staying quiet) etc.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Wed 02 Oct 2024 00:12:46 No. 6114799 Report >>6114797 Alas, though the Scraghounds are bounding fiercely along and you can steal the odd bit of good fortune from them, smoke and sand and bothersome clouds of debris block those Windsworn.
( The Scraghounds aren't easy either, but at least there's enough of them around that you can try to steal some fortune from the ones you can see )
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6114798 Should be fine then, I don't feel comfortable moving forward more than I have and it doesn't hurt to make a cataclysmically low chance of them seeing me a little lower.
Facsimile
>>6114784 Am I still having a lovely, relaxing time in the village? I'm telling you, nobody gives any respect these days - anything but punctual, these Windsworn. They'll leave a man waiting all night for a duel to the death.
Maybe the company should start looking into my replacement?
Icarus
>>6114799 Whoops.
Well, the target is locked-in since I've already made the roll for it.
All I can do is live with and learn from my mistakes.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Wed 02 Oct 2024 00:30:30 No. 6114818 Report >>6114811 Don't worry about it - the AP will simply go to linking some more Scraghounds. There is enough on the field and you can see their peetering, puttering running shapes elsewhere
If you'd like, you can also spend the 2 AP on something else? This is a very innocent mistake - Links that don't "take" don't . . . Do anything, so to say. They failed to manifest, so there's no consequences for that failure*
*unless the target has a Strict Ward at which point the consequence for failure is that your entire being is treated to an amusing game of reverse-the-curse.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Wed 02 Oct 2024 00:34:56 No. 6114819 Report >>6114810 Can't find replacements out in the middle of the wastes, voice on the wind. Gone is gone and dead is dead.
Anyway, the relaxing time at the village was interrupted by the club to the back of the head that removed your ability to feel anything at all.
Icarus
Quoted By:
>>6114818 Oh, that's quite generous. Thank you.
In that case, yes I'd definitely like to use that AP to link some more Scraghounds, ideally more of the front-runners.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Wed 02 Oct 2024 00:48:54 No. 6114827 Report Quoted By:
>>6114793 Mules are famously stubborn about getting out of alleys, but it's . . . probably possible to get it out the south end? Lift the saddlebags off, sling 'em on your shoulder, and then the mule can just about fit through. Then the saddlebags come back on. No bother, generally the kind of thing an Animalfriend can do with a single major action.
Facsimile
Quoted By:
>>6114819 Dogs, the lot of them! I can imagine no greater dishonor than being denied the simple pleasure of bloodied sands, gloried pits, and the daring press of honorable combat. I call myself Facsimile, but they are the truest of fakes - snakes clad in manflesh and speaking stolen words.
Sorry, I get dramatic when unconscious.
Luz
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 6, 6, 4, 5, 3, 3, 2, 5 = 39 (9d6) Luz thought about the the situation as all these Windsworn piled high.
Voice of Self-Preservation: Could call for help. Invite the muskets to join our party for some clubbing. Have the pikes form a wall to keep the dogs out of the party.
Abyssal Hunger: Could just
Voice of Self-Preservation: Nope.
Cutting Determination: Could just pull out my knife and respond in kind.
Spirit of Friendship: Why don't I make this party more fun. When was the last time these people had a drink? Do the old water into wine trick.
Abyssal Hunger: Blood
Spirit of Friendship: Yeah, blood into wine. One of the most popular tricks in the book.
Voice of Self Preservation: I'm getting beat up here.
Cutting Determination: Don't worry. Won't notice it once we're partying.
>>6114790 >1AP, Pull out my Glistening Knife. They're already knifing me, so seems only fair. >3AP, 2SP, Mistbreathing 12, Grit base, Knife Focus, Weaving - Get the Windsworn attacking me riotously drunk by transmuting their blood into wine (or whatever alcohol ration Command saw fit to give us). I don't want to kill them, but control is hard in the middle of a knifefight. I'm sure that I have a booze ration on my person somewhere to use as a template focus if I need one for this trick. >3AP, CQC 13 - Bite, headbutt, and shank the people around me as I enjoy this drunken brawl. And they said that when you went to college you were supposed to read books instead of drinking and getting in fights. Icono-competant nerds. >3AP, Grit 10 (or use Health 10 if you prefer) - Feed off the frenzy and adrenaline of the fight to Recover. Looking for health, but I'll gets what I gets. -1/12 Vit, 4/12 SP; 12/12 Resolve, 0/1 Insight
Hands: A glistening blade. Hat: Secured? In this scuffle?
Zivka
>>6114784 Cover me, Edward
> 6 AP, 2 Speed: Hurry over to the alleyway with the mule in it. > 3 AP: Recover the mule, and, more importantly, our money, through the process Command explained (animal friend 12) …although- what now?
Zivka
Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 3, 6 = 15 (3d6) >>6114851 Whoops. Dropped my dice.
Markhan
>>6114790 Markhan has, rather greedily and shamefully, taken his turn already. So he passes while admiring the timeline of the battle.
...
...
He wants that trophy though.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:A+tDqmAQ Wed 02 Oct 2024 01:48:07 No. 6114875 Report >>6114870 You'll be quite alright - we used the Commitment AP to take your 3 AP worth of *saving your own life*.
By all means, Recruit - take a turn. Might as well get all of us out here and form up. It's a quiet wind down turn anyway - except for the northwest, no active combat is happening.
( But Command appreciates the consideration )
Markhan
Rolled 3, 4, 2 = 9 (3d6) >>6114875 Well, if Command says it's alright...
#Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 4/12 Stamina 11 Focus 12
Action 9 (+3 [Committed]) Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
- Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters [Dropping]
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
1 Bandage, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>1 AP. Grab that cloak again. It's my battle trophy after all. >3 AP. Markhan takes a moment to [Recover]. The arrows in sticking him like a pincushion aren't exactly comfortable... [vs Health 10] [!Through Clenched Teeth 1] >5 AP. Move 55545. Seems like the dogs are moving around the corner, heading for the fields. This might be an opportunity to help Rion up. Once the dogs are all gone, we ought to scout the village for those supplies we came here for. Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6114911 Forgot to remove the Halberd from the inventory, it's still on the ground. Mark needs his shield handy.
Edward
Quoted By:
>>6114784 >3AP, 2MP: Get in the alley with Zivka >3AP: Get the saddlebags off the mule >3AP: Cover the rear as Zivka guides the mule out (No idea what to roll here, so I'm reposting my sheet and leaving it to Command)
#Edward
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
Morale +1
–Stat
Reputation -2
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Harquebus [4d6 Impact, Terror, Malfunction 16+, 3AP Reload, -1Acc per step, +1 Club in melee]
One Memento [Locket with her picture]
1 bit
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
+2 Fast Talk
#Alchemineering 12 [First Aid, Salt, Gas, Smoke, Fire, Oil, Salt, Acid, Stimulant, 1AP=1 point or huck 1d3 with major action]
#Muskets 13
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Boating 12
#Sea Navigation 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettle: If you start adjacent to an ally, they add +1 to all skill tests and speed. Spend 1 AP on behalf of ally
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 5, 1, 1 = 7 (3d6) >>6114790 Command, do Strain and Empyreal 2 go in my Traits section? Strain is explained in the theurgy sheet, but what does Empyreal 2 mean? Is it the invocation tracker (for the Invocation jealousy mechanic)? Oh and can spent Focus be recovered? If so, I assume it's with a Recovery action using Will.
>2SPD, 5AP: Move 33 44444. >1AP: sketch a ward into my hex. >3 AP: Recover Stamina. [Health 10]. Rion
Rolled 2, 4, 4 = 10 (3d6) >>6114784 >Free action: Boost kit movement 11 11 >AP 3: Climb the ledge >Free action: Boost kit movement 11 11 >Speed 3: Move 11 1 >AP 1: Ask for some medical assistance everything is getting awfully woozy >AP 3: Do what i can to assist this medically inclined fellow as they possibly try to fix me up Going Slowly "That's no good nope not at all that's a lot of blood. The medically capable people we're in back of line during march that's where i need to get."
"Hey Wicker could you help a bit i had an little accident."
#Rion
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 11
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
BoostKit: Fuel 4/4 Speed 4
WispCloak: +1 Reaction
Bits of kibble: Animals like more
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Coinbits: 1
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Close Quarters 13
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Cold Winds 1: If start unengaged Add rank to speed. If engaged Bonus DMG to first attack hit.
!The Flow: When you Defend, you perform multiple Step-Dodges. When you attack, targets get -1 skill.
Ser Stalwart
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 1, 3, 5, 3, 5 = 20 (6d6) >>6114784 Where did they even get that many Dogs, I tell you there's a global epidemic of Hounds. Too many of them! Someone ought to cull them along with Rsts, Flies, Mosquitos and Sparrows. The Five Pests.
>3AP (Influence 10), Coldeyes, maybe you can see about picking off some of those Dogs with your bows, there's too many of them and i would greatly appreciate if their numbers were lowered. >3AP, Ready Equipment! I think still needed to do this, right? >3AP (Sense 10?), Try to survey the surrounding areas, make sure no one's creeping up on us in this dust-cloud. #Ser Stalwart the Standstill (Self-Proclaimed)
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 8
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
+Breacher Kit, 4DR
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets (1 Coinbits)
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Harquebus, 4d6 Impact, Malfunctions on 16+, 3AP to reload, Doubles as a +1 Club in melee
-Secrets
#Strength 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Muskets-13
#Armsmaking-10
#Carousing-14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Armoured Advance 1: Intentionally body-slam targets upon entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight-line movement prior
!Of Steel Hearts 1: If end unengaged, regain Vitality equal to rank. If end engaged, gain bonus damage reduction equal to rank
!Extra Rota
!Armoured 1
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
>>6114790 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 11/12 Focus 12/12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
The trooper was quite possibly correct. Maybe. It was not a necessary risk to take. That doesn't mean Wicklighter isn't suddenly standing atop the rock wall, blade in one hand, back straight.
He tenses as if to spring forwards, muscles visibly coiling.
>>6115115 His head snaps right. One of his fellows, barely able to stand. So delirious he's calling him 'Wicker'. Losing far too much blood.
Back to the spearman goes his gaze. Back to Rion. Back to the spearman. Stays on the spearman. He gives a flourish salute with his blade, then half-tosses it and guides its descent back into the scabbard on his hip.
>1 AP: I am called away, but /I will see you again/, sandsoul. >2 Speed & 1 AP: Move 544 >7 AP: Apply 6 Points of First Aid to Rion, then 1 Point of Stimulant to perk him back up Wicklighter musters up his best bedside manners. "On your back. Stay still. Bite down on this. The pain will not be pleasant, but the nothing of death is worse."
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Wed 02 Oct 2024 23:27:55 No. 6115392 Report Wicklighter and a trooper saves a life, as Rion leaks and they fight the flow. The Resolute Crows form up in a half pike wall around them. The dust settles. The Dunerunner fades away in the swirl of sand. One of the troopers yell a curse. In the swirling sand, eight other Windsworn relocate too. They didn't get the ambush they were looking for.>... ? >RESPONSE PHASE
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Thu 03 Oct 2024 00:08:17 No. 6115411 Report The Mule thinks trying to steal Company Property is grounds for being kicked in the head. The Windsworn fails to dodge. Then he fails to stay conscious. Then having been kicked in the head, he fails to stay alive.>Reminder that the green arrows are sense-check based reads of the situation (or tactics, if better). If Scarlett moves 111 111, the Windsworn there will be moving away this phase. For resolution purposes, if you do not intend to interact with them, feel free to presume that they are actively running off as you move; this means that 111 111 111 ultimately resolves in being in an empty area, because the Windsworn there simpy leave. Though you may wish to be somewhere else or do something else. >WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW >THAT PROBABLY HITS WAY HARDER WHEN YOU HAVE LESS BLOOD >WOW >Move 333 >Desperately defend >No for real defend >I need to defend! There could be danger out there!!
Luz
The wind sings softly,
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Thu 03 Oct 2024 00:17:32 No. 6115416 Report >>6115411 >>6115392 Think of this as a chance to reform, poke about in the landscape, take some reasonable action you want to be sure you get in, and head off some danger or investigate something. Because you are on LOW ALERT, Recovery Actions happen automatically at the end of your turn passively and you do not need to spend AP to take them for **yourself**. Low Alert means you chug some water, wipe your brow, catch your breath.
If you take Recovery actions for **yourself** during LOW ALERT, they are ignored and you do not benefit unless you are attempting to deal with a life threatening situation. Put differently: Focus and Stamina and non-lethal Vitality wounds all recover to full during LOW ALERT.
If you take Recovery Actions on **someone else** that's providing life saving medical triage, shaking people back in formation or helping them recover from some of their many maladies. This is probably quite helpful. This is not ignored. This might be crucial, in fact. Any such activity would happen in addition to any Recovery they benefit from passively at the end of their turn. Sometimes if someone is dangling from a rope screaming for help or bleeding out from an arrow that hit a neck vein (Rion), this would be where you help them not experience a sharp sudden end to their mortal existence.
The rule that you don't have to worry about being attacked on LOW ALERT is completely void if you make your action some variation of "[Does extremely dangerous thing, such as charging directly at enemies I can see]." Command feels a bit strange Command has to specify that, yet sometimes Recruits think "You can feel safe and on low alert" somehow means active antagonist get mindcontrolled into not fighting back. That's not what it means.
But it does mean that - (congratulations) - by our best estimate, scouting and tactical assessment, our banner remains the only one still standing proudly on the field.
Recruits.
You have the day.
We've, err, well, "won" may be putting it too highly, uh, we've survived!! this engagement!!
--
Reading North to South, Markhan is the last recruit that benefits from LOW ALERT status.
Scarlett, Edward and Zivka are **very much** not on low alert. Your turn is entirely normal. You should be on highest alert. This is a very dangerous area to be in. If there is a higher than high alert, such as highest alert, you should be even higher than this. This area is the most enormously dangerous spot within two hundred miles and that's including the Shimmerfields and the Hound Rock and the Greenlight Fort and the company HQ of the band of Pytherii Legion Outriders trudging through the wastes for unknown purposes.
You can feel it can't you?
The shadows.
Growing colder.
--
>LOW ALERT / ORDERS PHASE >THAT MEANS YOU LOT CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Thu 03 Oct 2024 00:18:34 No. 6115418 Report >>6115415 Perhaps somewhere far away, the waters yet roam free
and there may yet be
A drop in the ocean
that was once a friend
Luz
Quoted By:
>>6115418 The wind sings softly,
carrying souls to freedom.
Calm before the storm.
Icarus
Rolled 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 5, 5, 6, 1, 1, 5, 1, 3, 6, 6 = 50 (15d6) >>6115411 Hm.
Looking alright so far. Though the variance range on the Major Shunt might be suboptimal for such sensitive work, but if I instead channel in smaller pulses - lllliiike so - there, the throughput should be a little more consistent or at least easier to moderate.
> 1+1AP: Attempt to Link the pack of Scraghounds @ [4]x9 to the Telesmatic Convoker @ [1]x1, [2]x1 (Iconography12+1) > 1+1AP: Attempt to Link the pack of Scraghounds @ [4]x7, [3]x1 to the Telesmatic Convoker @ [1]x1, [2]x1 (Iconography12+1) > 1+1AP: Attempt to Link the crowd of Windsworn slinking away into the treeline @ [3]x8, [2]x2 to the Telesmatic Convoker @ [1]x1, [2]x1 (Iconography12+1) > (x2) 1+2AP : Make two attempts to Shunt 1 point positive probabilistic outliers (Good Fortune) from all of the recently linked lifeforms into the impromptu Telesmatic Convoker located roughly [1]x1, [2]x1 of Icarus' current position. ( (2x) Iconography12+2) CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Thu 03 Oct 2024 00:33:55 No. 6115431 Report Quoted By:
>>6115415 Perhaps somewhere far away, the waters yet roam free
and there may yet be
A drop in the ocean
that was once a friend
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Thu 03 Oct 2024 00:47:24 No. 6115435 Report >>6115430 You've tangled your threads a little, Iconotheurge - additional AP does not add +skill to actions, so linking with 2 AP avails you nothing, except that it tells the world "if the first link fails to establish, try again". "Linklayering", eg, getting +Skill to attempt to burn through wards by spending more AP on one particular attempt at linking is an acquired skill. You don't have that yet!
Shunting with 1 AP moves one quality of an object across a link. This is precise and careful. 3 AP moves 3 points, 4 AP moves 4, 5 AP moves 5, and it is strictly one way, from one target, to another target.
>7 AP Shunt: Move 7 of my Vitality into my dying friend Rescues a life, at vast cost to yourself. But the outcome is deterministic. This is partially why Iconotheurge is so dangerous. It simply . . . occurs. However, if the target is Warded, the Ward resists and if the Target is Defending, they can try to tamper by resisting with will
>7 AP: Move 7 Stamina from that Windsworn into myself >--The Windsworn does not want to fall unconscious, and rolls Will to resist, interferring with the process. Rolling 8 vs 10 he scores 2 and resists 3 (one for succeding, +2 margin), so ultimately he loses 4 Stamina and you gain 4 Stamina. This process is, as said, precise, useful and if you're manipulating the world and unwarded things, you can be certain of your metaphysical and actual results.
>1 AP: Link Door 22 to rock I'm standing on >4 AP: Move 4 points of DR to the door >-- Windsworn try to break down the door, but it has +4 DR and they fail >-- the rock you're standing on crumbles a little, it's a lot more fragile now. The environment is not warded, no Threshold oddity is happening, the Linking and Shunting both simply happen.
Now:
Shunting as a Major Action Shunts [Threshold] qualities at once, through links, and can pull in multiple amounts from multiple links towards a centre point. This requires a roll. The roll tells you how well you do the task.
>1 AP: Link door 22 to rock I'm standing on >3 AP: Shunt resistance from rock to the door [Iconotheurgy 14, +2Threshold] >--You roll, get 7 vs 14, shunt 1d6+2 = 6 DR from rock to door and by having 7 margin, the process is "refined" and the door reinforced a little further and the rock crumbles less. We know you're doing this with "precision". Sometimes we add +1/3rd margin extra effect, so that'd be +2 here. Sometimes margin does other things. The thing you're doing:
>(x2) 1+2AP Well.
Recruit.
Impressively, you may have contrived to find the least possible effecient way to spend the largest amount of AP achieving the most minimal effect?
It's transfering one point of Good Fortune (or the actual output you're getting, which isn't known to you. Yet.) from one scraghound one time to your target.
Then it's doing it again. The Scraghounds do not wish to lose their Good Fortune, so you are spending 3 AP to Shunt tiny amounts they resist you shunting.
Jove
>>6115411 >Be Stratajove, who probably saw which way the wind was blowing, and also getting out of trouble is easier if you're not quite real. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Thu 03 Oct 2024 00:56:04 No. 6115438 Report >>6115430 >>6115435 So, don't do the thing you are doing. It is (again, impressively) the least possible effective use of your talents. It actually takes genuine skill to contrive to handicap yourself to this level.
Either Shunt 1:1, but active targets may resist. So you want to spend a *LOT* of AP on this. But you are precise, which is sometimes valauble, and you don't get any strange oddities or leave metaphysical qualities loose all over the place.
Or Shunt as a Major Action, make a Test to do so, and benefit from your Threshold of 1d6 and the fact that multiple Links can all be Shunted at once with a Major Action, so you pull, simultaneously, at every link endpoint all at once and shove-shunt it all into the target, your Telesmatic Convector*. Because you are Testing this and it is a Major Action, you might do poorly, you might do very well, and it's a bit of a large-scale, broad-scale, grand style manipulation of reality. Metaphysical stray qualities might anchor oddly, it might leak elsewhere, these things happen.
There's a a trick to being able to Shunt 1:1 from multiple Links at once, such that one could
>2AP: Shunt 2 Vitality from all network links to endpoint And if one had 8 endpoints, that pulls 16 Vitality (2 from each), but that is what we call Mass Shunting and it is a trained skill of Iconotheurges who have spent quite a lot of training learning to do it. Which is to say: It requires more training than you have and you do not yet know how.
*Legal wants us to mention that this is not a licensed Telesmatic Convector, which normally requires a team of 33 professionals, eight ounces of pure gold, four fireglass crystals of utmost quality and three to six working days to establish. You have some sketched wardlines on top of a crumbling ruin and can-do attitude**
**legal further wants us to mention that cando attitude is a valuable part of any enterprise but does not insinuate, imply or determine a valid insurance claim in case of metaphysically dubious consequences arising from tampering with the bedrock of reality
--
>>6115430 ACTION SCRUBBED
CANNOT RESOLVE
Try again !
Icarus
Quoted By:
>>6115435 Ah.
Hm...
Well, at least I won't need to worry about the Telesmatic Convoker overloading any time soon.
Icarus
Quoted By:
>>6115438 Nevermind!
Catastrophic Skein Breach is back on the table!
Lets go!
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Thu 03 Oct 2024 01:07:25 No. 6115444 Report >>6115436 You are *Stratajove*, the smartest, meanest, least concussed Striker-Strategist in the land. You know how sometimes you snap out of your 3 AM stupour mindlessly doing the same old thing you've done for the last same old years and you tell yourself by the SPIRITS by the ICONS I could have DONE something I could have BEEN something it's not TOO LATE I can still USE MY DEGREE I can still LEARN A TRADE I can still GO TO COMBAT COLLEGE and take the ADVANCED URBAN TACTICS CURRICUMULM and MAKE SOMETHING OF MYSELF
You are that Jove. You are the Jove who turned his life around. That Jove that strode. That Jove that when a Vanadian operative needed to breach a Library manned by curious scholars and dangerous scarecrows, she asked you for advice. That Jove, a lean, mean, focused, strategizing machine. Well read. Well studied. The very image of a modern major. And --
The Windrunner, seeing you are awake, slams you in the face with his fist until you stop being awake
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Thu 03 Oct 2024 01:13:07 No. 6115446 Report >>6115444 Stratajove flakes away into a shimmer and gets booted back to his own reality? dimension? timeline? constructed boundary domain? timeslice? loop segment? abode? was he ever real? Was he just a figment? Did he ever not exist? Does he always exist?
The Wrack befuddles philosophers and physicists both.
Another Jove falls in from an awkward angle with a *thud*, landing on the ground in an unconscious sprawl and wearing scuffed looking set of Vanadian Blue-Greys, that old uncomfortable and much-patched uniform.
One of the Dunerunners groan and tap the spear they're using to tie up all these people. Pause for a moment. There's another one.
At least they're *light*.
Markhan
Rolled 3, 6, 6, 4, 6, 2 = 27 (6d6) >>6115411 #Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 10/11 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 (+3 [Low Alert]) Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Dunerunner Dustcloak [???]
Empty Pockets
1 Bandage, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 13
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
>1 AP, Equip the dustcloak, it'll actually be useful right now, with how much the hounds are kicking up. >3 AP, the evening is getting darker. Markhan takes a torch from his pack, then sets his Halberd to the ground and strikes it with his Shortblade, hoping for sparks to catch and ignite the torch. He'll put the Halberd and Shortblade away once the torch is burning. >1 AP, "Ironwrought! Get over here, take your man up the road. Probos willing, you can get him to the rest of the column, and to a doctor." >1 AP, "You three, thanks for the aid. Now head north around our banner and see if you can't find the rest of the fighters. Tell them to regroup around the banner on the hill. Light your torches so they don't mistake you for some lost Windsworn." >2 AP + 1 SPD, Move 5 44 >1 AP, Duck behind cover. crouch down reeeeal low. just be ready to spring out in case some fleeing Windsworn try and take a cheeky potshot or something >1 AP, Markhan gazes down the road into town from behind cover. Trying to [Sense (10)] another ambush that might be in waiting. >1 AP, Markhan grooms his magnificent moustache and beard back into form while he thinks about something... .... "There's still something off about this whole affair. Where are the civilians? This is a village, innit? Well if the Windsworn took over a village, we should've seen a column of screaming farmers and workers on the way in. The bloody ambush may be over, but something's still *amiss* here." [Thoughts 9]
Icarus
Rolled 2, 2, 5, 2, 4, 3, 5, 6, 4, 1, 2, 2 = 38 (12d6) >>6115411 >>6115430 On the other hand... maybe I shouldn't over-engineer this ritual to a stand still. Yeah, no reason to bog myself down with preposterous prudence and obsessive overcalculation. Just follow your heart and trust everything to pan out.
I'll keep the redundant links though, might be helpful given how oddly tricky it is to get a lock onto these Scraghounds.
> Minor Action, 2AP: Attempt to Link the pack of Scraghounds @ [4]x9 to the Telesmatic Convoker @ [1]x1, [2]x1 (Iconography12) > Minor Action, 2AP: Attempt to Link the pack of Scraghounds @ [4]x7, [3]x1 to the Telesmatic Convoker @ [1]x1, [2]x1 (Iconography12) > Minor Action, 2AP: Attempt to Link the crowd of Windsworn slinking away into the treeline @ [3]x8, [2]x2 to the Telesmatic Convoker @ [1]x1, [2]x1 (Iconography12) > Major Action, 6AP : Attempt to Shunt [Threshold] positive probabilistic outliers (Good Fortune) from all of the recently linked lifeforms into the impromptu Telesmatic Convoker located roughly [1]x1, [2]x1 of Icarus' current position. (Iconography12+3) Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 3, 5 = 13 (3d6) >>6115416 Those battleplans and corpses look very enticing but the shadows are growing long and cold and it looks like Montosi is heading over there anyways, let's be not here.
>2 Speed, 7 AP: Move 111 111 116 (My intention is to be behind the tree, if that is a different movement, please change it so it is so) >2 AP, 1 SP: Check my surroundings (Sense 10) Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6115416 Commanding the Powderhands:
>6 AP, 2 Speed: Gather the hat(s?) that have been blown off and return them to their owners. Ser Stalwart
Rolled 1, 3, 1 = 5 (3d6) >>6115416 Well, I guess we're stuck here for the time being. I don't think these coldeyed fellows really appreciate Reikan culture either.
>9AP, spend my entire turn talking with Coldeyes, I don't think I'm at the level of bantering yet so I guess conversational starters and exchanging gossip would work? (Carousing,14?) Just gotta sit and wait it out, I guess. My senses suck!
#Ser Stalwart the Standstill (Self-Proclaimed)
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 8
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
+Breacher Kit, 4DR
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets (1 Coinbits)
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Harquebus, 4d6 Impact, Malfunctions on 16+, 3AP to reload, Doubles as a +1 Club in melee
-Secrets
#Strength 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Muskets-13
#Armsmaking-10
#Carousing-14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Armoured Advance 1: Intentionally body-slam targets upon entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight-line movement prior
!Of Steel Hearts 1: If end unengaged, regain Vitality equal to rank. If end engaged, gain bonus damage reduction equal to rank
!Extra Rota
!Armoured 1
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:PemY/yIT Thu 03 Oct 2024 02:51:39 No. 6115496 Report Quoted By:
>>6115494 But your ability to hold a drink is unmatched ! And your valour? NEVER in question !
Jove
Quoted By:
>>6115446 >Be Littlejove, for whom hiding under the bed is more than a distant memory. It's his turn now that a few layers of history have flaked away like blankets stripped by drunken hands. Even buried as he was before, he has aware, and now he holds his breath, stays still and watches. He's well practiced. And the cape men wouldn't hit a child. Wull, it don't 'urt iffey do, cos Pa's da strongest inna wowld. Zivka
Rolled 4, 4, 6, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 2, 2, 6, 6 = 46 (12d6) >>6115411 > 2 Speed, 6 AP: Charge out of the alleyway and beat the guy next to our mule with an axe, two handed grip. (Axes 13) > 3 AP: Do that again. (Axes 13) > 6 Stamina: Assuming he is dead, boxy a smoke arrow and launch it at the hang of six approaching from the north. If the aforementioned axe victim is somehow still standing, instead hit him twice more. (Bows 12) 3 Stamina, Commit: Regain control of the mule and start leading him away. (Animals 12)
Command, if Edward does not post in time, please please bot him to help me.
Thank you.
Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6115629 *nock* a smoke arrow and launch it at the *gang* of six
What the hell, phone.
Zivka
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 1, 6 = 11 (3d6) >>6115629 Upon further thought, I will also roll Filching, because perhaps that will help me more efficiently pilfer (our) gold and livestock?
3d6 vs 10
Edward
Rolled 3, 4, 6, 1, 1, 1, 5, 3, 2, 4, 2, 1, 6, 6, 6, 6, 1, 4, 4, 2, 1, 3, 1, 6 = 79 (24d6) >>6115411 >2 Speed, 1AP: Move 111, to the end of the alley >3AP, 1SP: Throw two gas grenades at the group of three windsworn NW (Alchemineering 12 +1 -3) >3AP, 1SP: Do it again >2AP, 1SP: Once more, with feeling! I think I'm out of gas now. >5SP: Throw a smoke grenade towards the archers approaching from the NE, targeting a point between them and the donkey. (Alchemineering 12 +2) >3SP: Is anyone of the three I gassed still a threat? Move and bash them. (Musket 13 -4) Edward
Quoted By:
>>6115794 >1st Grenade: 13 >2nd Grenade: 3 (Thank the Eye in the sky!) >3rd Grenade: 10 >4th Grenade: 7 >5th Grenade: 18 (The dogs' luck for me!) >6th Grenade: 11 >Smoke: 7 >Club (maybe): 10 Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6115472 Poor bastards them. The real losses of the day were definitely those hats.
Wicklighter
Rolled 2, 4, 6, 5, 6, 2 = 25 (6d6) >>6115416 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 11/12 Focus 12/12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
>1 AP: Resolute Crows, good work! Make for the banner on the rocks. >1 AP: Blue Rats, you did well too. Go collect that straggler over by the road and take shelter with him in that farmhouse for now. >3 AP: [Reposition] around the front of the rock formation the banner's on, coming upon that grievously injured Ironwrought. >3 AP: [Aim] to try and get the wounded man back in fighting shape, or near enough >3 AP: [Recover] to help the wounded man (Alchemineering 12+1, Aimed) >1 AP: Keep a weather eye. Setting up all those scraghounds is a lot of preparation for a simple ambush. Something's amiss. (Sense 10) Rion
Rolled 1, 2, 6, 6, 6, 3 = 24 (6d6) >>6115411 >AP 3: Reposition to 11 12 On the rocks >AP 3: Recover Boost kit charge (Fuel 0/4, Gearwright 12) >AP 3: Hide >AP 3: Try to see past this wrack damned sandstorm (Sense 11) Go Slow there's no hurry yet. >>6116347 "Thanks i could've been in real trouble had you not helped me."
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 18:28:30 No. 6116569 Report Quoted By:
>>6115472 " You want your hat back? "
" . . . No. He can keep it. I think that group - all thirty some of them - would have riddled us with arrows as their final act if he hadn't been right there. We'd have been dead. "
" You think so? "
" They were right there. Shoot. Run away. I think he charged them to keep them from doing just that. He had to know it was him or *everyone*. "
" Hmh. Maybe. Or maybe he thought there were less of them than that "
" Nah, you can't miss thirty people "
" We know if he was religious? "
" Don't know. Can't tell. Let's send him off proper. "
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71U0CPjkUyI CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 18:30:38 No. 6116570 Report Quoted By:
>>6115472 " You want your hat back? "
" . . . No. He can keep it. I think that group - all thirty some of them - would have riddled us with arrows as their final act if he hadn't been right there. We'd have been dead. "
" You think so? "
" They were right there. Shoot. Run away. I think he charged them to keep them from doing just that. He had to know it was him or *everyone*. "
" Hmh. Maybe. Or maybe he thought there were less of them than that "
" Nah, you can't miss thirty people "
" We know if he was religious? "
" Don't know. Can't tell. Let's send him off proper. "
>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71U0CPjkUyI [Embed]
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 18:45:17 No. 6116584 Report " Psst! Scarlett! Look!!! " one of the excited Scarred Spears jabs his weapon out of the bushes towards a distant Windsworn trio, carrying an unconscious man slung over their shoulder. A nearby Dunerunner is watching them, a faint smile playing across his young features.>We have to get back to the rest of the Company, they might need to be told about this actual army! >We can't let them take people. Stay low and follow along. Their camp has to be close, right? This many people can't move far without supplies, and they're not camping *here*. [Test Speed, that's 10 + your speed rating] >You two, stay low and follow along. We two will head back to the Company [Task a pair of troopers with tag along duty. They'll do their best. Test Sense, at +1 per Trooper] >...???
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 3, 2, 6 = 11 (3d6) >>6116584 >We can't let them take people. You two, head back to the Company. We two will stay low and follow along. Their camp has to be close, right? This many people can't move far without supplies, and they're not camping *here*. (Speed 2) CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 18:57:20 No. 6116593 Report >>6115451 The odd resistance stalks your efforts as the Scraghounds fade into the dusty distance. They are like little hard specks in the world, so sure of their own selves that adjusting them or borrowing from them is effortful like little else. They resist.
And then the links snap, as they fade in the distance and the becomes far too much to focus on. Awry specks of fond fortune flitter around, the air is a little kinder, bits of stray good tidings settling. Slippery stuff. It resists concentration like little else. Well, that's the Reikan idiom isn't it: Never All At Once, but they only ever mean *luck* never happens all at once. Ill fortune has no such qualms about timing.
The engraved rock lies in the middle of the ward circle, which all faintly hum now, energised. This place is far from a sterile labratory and even now the leakage is enormous. You have a few hours at best before the captured essence will boil away into nothingness.
Still, what a prize.
You should probably . . .
>Seal it as best as I'm able, with the tools I have. A few more closing wards scratched on the stone, and it will maintain the energy inside better [Wards, +2 for taking time] >Given the concentration of great force, the world is already noticing the confluence. The warding circles still hold. I could *TUG* this energy now, increasing it enormously. [Iconotheurgy 12+4 for Commiting]. But in doing so, the leakage of course increases even more. But when it fades, and it will, such an enormous alteration to the world will have left its marks. >Do something else with the energy? [Take some other action. You have about 6 AP, if it matters, but the action itself can be broad and is not really time limited. Your action simply cannot take *too* long or be *too much* at once] --
[Thoughts Success]:
You have captured approximately 22 points of Fortune, an ineffable quality leeched from the bones of the fleeing scraghounds. Fortune makes the world a nicer place. It doesn't raise your skill directly, but all passive checks are passed easier and criticals have enhanced effects. Meanwhile, when things go *wrong*, good fortune ensures they go *less* wrong. A useful thing.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 20:36:59 No. 6116670 Report Quoted By:
Wickligher and Markhan along with the Ironwrought save a life and the heavily armored breachers for the long stumble towards a safer location.>...?????
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 21:05:18 No. 6116691 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 2, 6, 5, 1, 4, 3, 5, 6, 1, 4, 3, 4, 1, 3, 4, 1, 6, 4, 5, 6, 2, 5, 1 = 88 (24d6) The Company sets about the usual reformation procedures with practiced hand. Do this sort of stuff long enough and you work out how to do it without even really needing to be in the room. The wounded are gathered and assisted. A medical station is improvised in the most useful place, the old farm-storage and shed near the fields.
Icarus
>>6116593 Hm. I could write so many papers if I played things safe and simply tugged a pretty bauble out from heaven...
But I really, really want to know what will happen...
Well.
Nothing ventured...
> Icarus draws up his Energized Blackstone, and absorbs the leakage as it ebbs out of the imperfect warding until the vessel within has *nearly* bled itself dry, then - bringing the unbroken totality of his Focus to bear - releases the stored fortune, channeling it as best as he can back into the Telesmatic Convoker. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 21:46:46 No. 6116726 Report Quoted By:
Hard contact broken off, everyone scuttles and scurries to get things handled. There's always so much to do.>But what is inpirati-- you'll see. >CAMP
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 21:58:51 No. 6116735 Report Rolled 3, 6, 5, 3, 1, 1, 3, 1, 1, 4, 2, 6, 6, 3, 1, 4, 5, 1, 4, 6, 5, 1, 3, 6 = 81 (24d6) Hard contact broken off, everyone scuttles and scurries to get things handled. There's always so much to do.>But what is inpirati-- you'll see. >CAMP >+8sets of Medical
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 22:36:09 No. 6116768 Report Rolled 5, 3, 6, 3, 2, 2, 1, 5, 2, 4, 4, 3, 3, 6, 1, 3, 2, 4, 6, 5, 3, 1, 4, 3 = 81 (24d6) >>6116591 Scarlett and Martik make it east, passing for a dust cloud behind the retreating windsworn. Pretending to be sand. Impersonating dunes. This is hard, long going. Mobility Kits were designed for this, or the good boots of the Ranger, but the clanking gears in Scarletts pockets are no help at all. Martik has brought extra water in a fit of sheer luck. But the road grows long and the burdens grow longer.
The Windsworn beat a manic pace. Despite the wounded, they make the long distances slim and cross the ground with a looping gait. One would think them half Scraghounds for sheer speed. Three times, Scarlett loses them. Three times, they have to double back. Check again. There must be trails, evidence, blood on the sand, over-turned twigs, little scars in the landscape. It is tiring, gruelling work made all the worse for the fact that the enemy is surely acclimated to the landscape. They cannot proceed at speed or too fast. There would be sentries. Guards. Trickery.
--
Eventually, and who knows how long its been, cliffs rise into view. Shade and shelter cast by jagged shadows by rock like vast bone poking out of the earth. The Windsworn make for it. The ground grows hardened. Rocky. Footfalls easier, though now, instead of stumbling on sand in the half dark, the risk is twisted ankles on sharp rock.
And up ahead . . . through a curve in the trail and in the spread dusty distance between several jagged cliff-faces, there it is. Tents and leansto strung out where there's a windbreak. Martik points UP. See them? There, now, line against the sky - sentries. Stay low.
This, for once on this miserable trek, is where Scarletts kit show its worth. Through the spyglass, the vast space between here and there grows slim and the little campsite becomes more managable to observe . . .
>Another 8 sets of medical >And a Sense check. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 22:50:24 No. 6116777 Report >>6116768 Through the spyglass we find some of our missing friends. Good to know they're still alive. Curious how they were slipped from our grasp in the village back there, somehow silent and without us seeing anything.
Scarlett spots that same Operative that came to the beseiged house with Edward and Zivka and Montosi too. She's talking to a pair of Dunerunners, all standing guard over the captives. More of those than can be good news, though at this distance, through the spyglass, some of them flicker oddly. And then in a sharp, sudden movement the Operative draws a blade and slips it through the neck of one of the captured Company troopers !
Scarlett uses all her Will to bite down on the choked surprise cry (Last 3d6 up there, pass by 3). The man slumps over. Dead.
--
In the middle distance, a man in a curious mask shaped like the last thing you see in a dark alley when the shadows fall just right quirks his head and takes a few slow steps forward. With the mask it's impossible to see wat's he looking at, but those eyes . . . That man said nothing for all our time in the village. He stares now, in the same way.
Intently. At Scarlett and Martik. The skygrass hopefully covers them, as does the shadows and the dying light of the day. Come on. Look away. Look away. The distance is too far, you're hidden and prone and he could not possibly have seen you. And yet. His gaze remains locked in this direction.
--
Shitshitshitshitshitshitshit
>We need to go. We need to go NOW!! [Test Speed, at 10+Speed, -4 for Fatigue] >Just be cool. Just be cool. He cannot possibly have seen you. All you have to do is not flinch or panic. [Test Will, at -4 for Fatigue] >I have a gun. I can solve this problem. [Test your weapon skill, at +3 for an aimed, braced position, but -4 for Fatigue, which is functionally -1] >We need to get out over here, but... slow. Back away slowly, leaving a few traps as you go [Test Gearwright, at -4 for Fatigue] >Let's stay here and observe. Odds are we can find an opening to get closer to the captives and free them. We'll take turns staying awake, and see if we spot an opening. [Attempt a rescue. Test your most relevant skill or quality, at -8 for Fatigue, then another 3d6 for sheer bloody luck] >Something else? If you do something else, test something and say what, then roll another 3d6 for sheer bloody luck. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 23:06:55 No. 6116795 Report >>6116347 >>6115450 The unremarkable little village seems quiet. The dust is settling. The sand is falling after the stampede of the Hounds. A long winding road leads to the village. Now it's marked with endless pawprints.
Faint noise in the distance, though the dust and sand is still so dense that the village down past the oasis-pond is a hazy shimmer.
The Scraghound - Zivka's? - barks. Loudly. Then it runs in a circle. Lunges for Markhans new cloak, gets all its sharp teeth in and pulls very gently. It seems urgent, whatever this is - and it wants you to head towards the village.
But other than Wicklighter and the seven people with you, everyone else is winding down, packing up, refitting. You sent the heavies off to have their damage looked at.
If there's bad stuff down there in that place . . .
Well. Then Bad Stuff is about to meet a seven man pike formation. Bad Stuff best get out of the way, eh?
Though still. Perhaps you ought to (Markhan and Wicklighter both; best of the options is used)
>Get this over with. Form up and march down there, shields up and torches ready and pikes and halbers down. What are they going to do? Charge a pike formation head on? [Authority *or* Will] >Move in loose order and bound from cover to cover. All the Resolute Crows have shortswords and shields for this reason. Better not get ourselves locked down. And we can cover more ground that way, faster. Though since we're splitting up and out, we might get surprise [Weapon Skill, then Speed, 6d6] >No, bugger this for a lark. I can see the Company Banner **RIGHT THERE**. GET OVER HERE. If this village is full of Bad Stuff and Mean Dreams they're all about to meet *us* [Rally anyone around the banner and get to come along, but this will take some time. Do a standard Reputation check, and then test Speed] >No, actually, let's just follow the Hound. They're trustworthy, right? You lot, stay here. Fewer people move faster. [Bound after the Scraghound, fast as you can. Test Stamina - use your full max value, not your current stamina. The Resolute Crows will fall behind, so it's just going to be you] >...? Something... else? Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 3, 6, 5, 5, 6, 3 = 28 (6d6) >>6116777 Shhhhhhh....
>Gently but firmly grasp Martik's hand, and very softly (just audible enough so Martik can hear) sing a calming melody. It should serve to remind Martik, and myself by proxy, that we aren't alone, we have each other, we'll make it out of this, they haven't found us yet. Focusing on calming Martik down should also distract me from the fright I am experiencing and help me not to freak out and give away our position. (Poetry 12, !Well Read, !Well Mannered, maybe !Of Hopes and Fears (?)) CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 23:25:07 No. 6116814 Report Rolled 1, 6, 2, 6, 6, 6 = 27 (6d6) >>6116724 You try to grasp the slipping tendrils of the ward system entirely, but there's too much of it. You made these lines with salt and chalk and hope, on top of a windswept fort, and the ward integrity is already breaking as sand, dust and the wind itself eats away it. From a myriad porous defects in your design does the resonating energy slip and as you try to grasp each in turn you spot a thousand thousand more slowly simply fading out and away as the world re-assets the natural cause of things.
Luck - as it turns out - is not a wheel barrow. It so very seldom works when pushed.
A few scattered specks and paupers sparks are stuffed into the quiet containment of the Blackstone, but it is feeding droplets from a river into a bucket with no bottom.
>... ! CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 23:30:56 No. 6116818 Report Rolled 4, 6 = 10 (2d6) >>6116814 The work is difficult. The focus required enormous. The Blackstone is a peculiar beast. Charged as it is, it acts slightly different than usual. But you get it under control, you sharpen your focus like and whispers secrets under your breath to feed into the stone and appease its hunger
>+3 Margin on Wrackstone-12 . . . And then the wind shifts, a tiny single little spot of sand glides - gently, ever so gently - into your eye, you blink, and the enormous, ravenous tiger you are riding and holding on to with a hand made of will alone
breaks free of your control.
Critical release Will failure.
Full send all stored Blackstone contents in direction . . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Fri 04 Oct 2024 23:46:06 No. 6116824 Report >>6116818 What's that light?
Caedo and Phridon, sensing something awry, jump for their lives and throw up all the emergency flash wards that their training can call upon.
The layered and enscribe wards beneath Icarus' feet put up a brave show up resistive containment for 0.84 seconds and then they're overcome and crumble
Stalwart, talking to a Coldeye, manages to say: "You cannot be that poor a shot because you don't seem to be aiming--"
The Coldeye Archer replies:
" Well I've got to -- "
And then he stops talking.
Stalwart can't even see him any more.
Stalwart is blind.
The world is far too bright.
Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6116824 I reckon this isn't a "Low Alert" situation anymore, Command...
Decimus
>>6108841 #Decimus
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 8/8 Focus 12/12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Thaumatheurgy Kit - Wards 12
Bow: +3, Impales, Accuracy 2, 3 AP ready, notch, draw
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Bows 13
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1 : Resist terror & take 3AP action to re-roll Will-tests for a nearby ally.
!Description: Careful Pyromaniac who Carries Regrets
>Hire a Medical Specialist, to repair wounded bodies >2 Coinbits: Buy an Idol. >1 Coinbit >Sign Up. They said to Swear no Oath but made us pledge an oath of loyalty. Is signing a contract any worse than that?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 00:36:02 No. 6116840 Report >>6115494 The man you were talking to is dead.
Most of the men you were talking to are dead.
The slim, sharp line between human and meat has been crossed and they have died in front of you with a surprise grimace on their face, half-way through sentences unsaid, dead with words that will be spoken in their lungs. One of them is crystalline, canteen half raised to his mouth. One is pointing. One was telling a joke. Dead. Dead. Dead.
The field you are in is withered. The cliffs are ravaged, sprouting new crystal ofshoots. It hurt to look at them. Your eyes cannot focus on the spiralling, fractal flowers that has erupted along cliff-face.
In front of you, one of the Coldeyes is blinking. He pats his uniform. He mouths something but he makes no noise and from within the depth of his eyes rainbows shine out and his nails are flaking away into tendrils of smoke.
In front of you, the scraghounds you tasked the men to shoot at and which they did with such lack of aim are dead. Dead. Dead. Except one of them twitches. Shakes. Lets out a high pitched bark, perfect note, rolling across the landscape, resonating with the sudden new crystal growth all around. You have something wondrous. Something unique. Something normally only witnessed so many more miles within the Aikan Desert, the perfection of the Scraghound breeding cycle, the rise of a new life, a *crystalline Wrackhound*, pristine, perfect, fractal and here, looking at you, confused, with eyes that reflect infinity and far, far too early in its strange life to ever comprehend what happened to it, what this is, what the task it *must* complete is. It is a perfect birth. It is a failure. It is a crime on a scale that cannot be described, ruin wrought on such a scale as beggars belief and would bring emperors to desperate tears. It is a joy of such indescripable magnitude that a poet would weep to see it. The worst of all possible crimes have happened here today. The greatest of all possible triumphs have happened here today.
And you cannot understand which it might be.
To your south, you blink, trying to understand the world, the sharp line between the crystaline dead field beneath your boots and the thriving living plantstuff that has been gauged by some force unseen.
There: A dead Windsworn, a man who was bleeding out from a gut-wound he snaps up like with acrobatic vigour. Kips to his feet. Looks at himself. Hands sprawling into some deformed fanglike implement. Crystal in his teeth. Jagged wrackglass across his eyes. And he *screams* and the sound is so enormously loud you fear you might never hear anything again and as you stumble, you realize, no, with horror, no, no!
Your musket is suspended in mid air. Gravity has lost its hold and it is encased in a sprout of crystal. You are *stuck to it* because the crystal growths are across your armor as well.
Only the thick insulation heavy armor has prevented cataclysmic energy seeping into your bones
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 00:57:35 No. 6116846 Report Quoted By:
It stops screaming.
The wind dies.
What used to be a Windsworn turns its cracked eyes towards us.
It touches a shimmering wrackcrystal.
It wrenches a thing like a blade from the depths.
And then it starts killing.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICSk8-pJkX8 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 01:14:07 No. 6116850 Report The Blue Rats see the thing coming, gathering speed as it goes, and shout in alarm - surprised - and lock shields and stand firm. And die.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 01:35:45 No. 6116870 Report People have spears. They die.
Icarus
Rolled 1, 6, 5, 6, 2, 4, 4, 6, 6, 4, 5, 4 = 53 (12d6) >>6116840 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 12+1(?) // Focus 12+1(?)
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy12
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
!Threshold DR 1
!Conditioning 1 (?)
!Hardening 1 (?)
!Bloodied 1 (?)
"Huh, you don't see that every day."
"..."
"So, so many papers..."
>>6116735 "This has been quite an elucidating experience. I should reflect on what I've learnt. Take down some notes while the memory is fresh, maybe snatch a sample or three from this glittering trove."
> Gain 2 Inspiration. > Gain 2 Stress Experience? (Warding, Iconography) > Gain the listed Traits, except Trophy-taker? They do say, *all* survivors take them... Rolling 6d6. First set for Warding. Second set for Iconography.
> March orders: Binding, Warding, and Abjuring Collect the Theurges and get to work containing the newly formed Wrackfield. Leverage my Blackstone to soak up any residual Potentiality bleeding through the reality fracture before it has the chance to become a problem. (3d6 vs Wards13?)
> Camp Routines: Sweep the Field. The snap creation of a wrackfield is a fascinating, albeit harrowing, occurrence. Icarus will trace protective wards on his clothing and adhere multiple additional layers of warded paper or fabric over his every part of his body - particular exposed skin - then walks the perimeter investigating the phenomena and searching for pristine shards of wrack crystal to collect. Perhaps even daring a venture deeper in if he spots an exemplary specimen - though he'd favor a slow cautious advance of creeping ground wards in such a case. (3d6 vs Wards13 for applying protection, Iconotheurgy12 or Analysis12 or Sense10 for the search - Since the first thing I'm doing is preparing wards I'll roll 3d6 for that now and I suppose we'll see where things proceed from there.)
Icarus
>>6116870 Hm.
Perhaps I should have refreshed the thread before posting.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 01:42:47 No. 6116874 Report >>6116870 >>6116850 Surely, it must be broken apart to die proper. At some point, the structure will lose coherence.
You are all that is here to do something.
And something must be surely be done.
Perhaps one fighter, quick enough, fast enough, good enough, can distract it while another lands a final telling blow?
Perhaps the pair of you, working together, can overcome it? Strike the joints, the arms, the limbs, let the Resolute Crows and Stern Ravens grind it into dust and then Musketeers will finish it?
Perhaps if timed well, one draws its attention and the other shatters the thing entirely?
>. . . There has been a mild interruption to the proceedings. >Either continue to the village as per: >>6116795 though for obvious reasons you will have no backup. >Or attempt something here. Any general plan will be fine. Any undue heroism will surely be ... appreciated. Perhaps something akin to:
>Distract it and hold its attention long enough for the musketeers to reload, an extreme challenge of WEAPON SKILL? Though if you get but touched by that blade, perhaps that will be the end of you. >Dance around it and keeps it focus on you, dodging blows that fell mountains? An incredible display of REACTION, and probably the safer course, but who knows if you can keep its attention? >Lock your feet, take your position and join the pikeneers and spearmen to hold this thing down and prevents it movement? An display of staggering STAMINA, testing as always against your full stat and not any you have present? > . . . something . . . else? CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 01:48:40 No. 6116875 Report Quoted By:
>>6116874 >>6115494 Ser Stalwart, Reikan Knight (Self-Proclaimed), your stout armor is locked in the air to your musket and you have had to squirrel out of most of the regalia. You still have your breast-plate on, but the heavy arm guards and shin guards took some doing. But at least now you are free.
From behind you, you hear noise, and death, and horror, and as you turn around, you see the charnel field that has become of the Company.
You may assist and help Wicklighter, Markhan, the Resolute Crows, the Stern Ravens and the shaking, hollow-eyed Sustained Spears and all the rest in trying to stay alive for precious more seconds.
You still have your shield and your short-sword and your breastplate and you are a knight.
As per
>>6116874 you may pick some action.
No matter what you do, you have had second-hand exposure to a truly enormous amount of Wracking, and it is only because it was tinged with good fortune that you are not instantly dead like so many others.
As you do *something* to assist in this awful debacle of a situation, do something else as well.
Pick and Test:
Health, to channel the awry Wrack into your body
Will, to channel the awry Wrack into your inner self
Focus, to bend the awry Wrack to your unerring sense of determination
Or Stamina, to whether the enormous wracking change and remain, at the end, yourself.
That's a 3d6 test against that choice, and then perhaps something else to assist with the present situation as described above.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 01:56:28 No. 6116880 Report >>6116873 >>6116871 The enormous ancient fort has stood for sunbleached centuries and soaked up the Empyreal's warmth. It was used by smugglers and children and travellers and spitescorps and lovers in time and secret meetings and marching feet and many other secret things.
You have brought it low in but an hour, and from the rumbling, it will soon collapse into a pile of rubble. This action will likely cause many of the Wracksprout crystals clinging to the surface to shatter and be blown about, a dust so deadly it will kill all within the area and most things down-wind.
It is an impressive amount of carnage to have wrought with four wards, a rock and a dream.
You have [6] AP to spend.
You need to be off this tower or you will die when it collapses with you unless you are luckier than anything that has ever lived. You briefly consider that you could be luckier than anything that has ever lived, but that ward-stone you siphoned a score of good fortune into appears to have violently vented the whole edifice behind you due to an unfortunate Blackstone event.
The shimmering Wrack is known - you Think this Through - to be a Beacon to the Other. If you perform any Iconotheurgy at this juncture, the consequences will likely be your death as the working twists beyond your control and becomes something entirely unintended. No Ward to channel Intent will matter when the world is a gaping wound into the Other and all things there can peek through at their leisure.
So, you are standing some fifity meters in the air, on top of a collapsing building, you are not the worlds most trained acrobat, and you should find some way out of here.
Preferably you should find one soon.
Markhan
>>6116874 Would that just be a regular 3d6 to test command, or are we back to AP-based combat?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 02:05:06 No. 6116885 Report >>6114721 >>6115085 Caedo and Phridon, shaking dust off of their clothes, blinking against vast light, check the working on the emergency ward they punched into the air. It's fading.
What was ... that?
Phridon works it out first: All the energy, the whole thing, every single iota of Potential absorbed from Jove and into the Blackstone, and then the combined curious fortune of an enormous amount of beasts all compressed into a singular point and released at random by someone who lost control of it entirely.
Good thing the blast was channeled in a direction that didn't seem to catch that many people in its direct path. All that Wrack Potential from Jove would have been horrendous if it was put into another living thing. The consequences would be dire.
Unfortunately, the road ahead is blocked. It's not safe to enter a Shimmerfield, especially one that's recently sprouted like this. Even now, small bits of lightning and ghostlight flicker between the crystals. Should probably go around. Though it could be fascinating to stand here and take notes and samples. You could learn so much. This is a Shimmerfield, freshly formed in the world. Look, the crystalline structures are forming patterns like--
The ancient stone behind Caedo groans gently. His eyes roam up and up and up.
The Fort is topling. The whole ancient fort, rent and wounded by the release of energy, is toppling sideways. Wait, that would mean it's about to hit the new field-- the crystals. They'll shatter. Kinetic energy is unpredictable inside such an area! The shards will scythe like a fragmentation grenade! The dust will billow with memories and malice and if you breathe that in your lungs will sprout trees!
You should probably RUN FOR YOUR LIFE
>... But first, I'll make a Ward behind me [Warding, *then* Stamina] >HOLY ICON IT'S COMING DOWN [Reaction, *then* Stamina] >Cover! Dive for cover! It's, uh, over there... ??? [Thoughts, *then* Stamina] >... something else? CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 02:09:18 No. 6116891 Report >>6116884 Just a regular generalised action. It would be ... optimistic.... of the Company to assume we can fight such a thing in any actual tactical capacity, so we will have to let grand narrative competence carry the day.
Or put differently, Markhan, you'll be spending 6 of any AP per turn to DEFEND simply to avoid death by Strain-blade, so the actual actions will take place over several turns and we condense them for ease of resolution.
Rely on a good, solid plan, some teamwork, or HEROISM to carry out a general ploy and that will be what you do as the troopers reload, the pikes try to hold it in place, and so on.
Perhaps one day we will face such a thing in proper tactical combat, but that day is not today.
Though if you really want to, indeed, you have 9 AP and 12 Stamina and you *also* opt to take a full turn instead of a generalised declaration. That may work well for you.
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Rolled 2, 6, 2, 1, 1, 1 = 13 (6d6) >>6116885 >... But first, I'll make a Ward behind me [Warding, *then* Stamina] >Wards-13 >Stamina-13 >Of masks and mettle 1 probably affect Phridon here Markhan
Rolled 6, 6, 1 = 13 (3d6) >>6112152 >>6116870 >>6116874 I saved them
I saved them and they died anyways
I threw the Sharps, good men, into mortal danger to save them, and they're gone
All because some theurge did something so monstrously idiotic that there isn't a word for how absolutely stupid it is
>Markhan is: Insensate !Armored Advance: deal 1d6+4 points of damage to the wrack beast charging it
>3 AP: Hack the son of a bitch to pieces, if I can. If there's any icon of martial prowess still left in this void-blasted world, maybe I'll fall under his gaze, for a while. And if I don't? Well at least I'll die very bloody well. [Polearm 13] >There's no plan of action to Markhan's movements, this must be what those few who survive death-defying situations mean by saying they 'see red'. It'll be up to Wicklighter and 'Ser' Stalwart to capitalize on the distraction the berserk man will maybe, possibly create. Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6116891 Many thanks Command
Decimus
>>6116837 >Raise a banner: Swords CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 02:29:55 No. 6116905 Report >>6116810 For reasons you can't adaquately fathom, you feel an enormous sense of relief that you are nowhere near the rest of the Company right now.
Martik calms.
You calm.
It may be an old nursery song, but it always chases shadows away. . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 02:40:51 No. 6116918 Report >>6116810 >>6116905 . . . The Whispergrain takes a few steps outside the perimeter of the camp. What is he seeing on the horizon? What could it be?
Scarlett risks a glance. Quick. Yes. His attention is no longer on your rocks and little crevice, but somewhere over the horizon. He's sensing something unseen. You feel a faint shudder, like the world awry, roll down your spine.
And then the Whispergrain spins on his heels and walks away, a shadow fading.
Martik dares to breathe again. You force yourself to let go of his warm soft hand. Your heart is hammering. That was *close*. How did he nearly see you? It's darkening out here, you are in shadow! A trooper in full Whispercloth couldn't hide better than you. Preposterous.
Perhaps it was all in your mind. The mask. The shadows. Trickery. If the Whispergrain is simply a mortal man with a flair of threatrics, then he need never truly see a spy in the bushes. The Spy will be so sure he has been spotted he will bolt and in the movement give away the game. You can't see what the Whispergrain actually loooks at beneath his mask. Your mind fills in the blanks, makes shamefaced children caught with the hand in the cookie jar of your soul.
But he is turning away now. Made it.
Though that leaves the small matter of what to do now?
You are still Fatigued, but that will simply preclude doing things to its fullest.
Is it time to go?
Time to stay here and observe some more?
Stage a rescue operation?
You can make it back to the rest of the Company in, what, perhaps an hour of solid, quick march. If you leave now, you will make it before nightfall if you're fast. But if you stay here, you could find shelter among the rocks and the crevices. Perhaps there's patrols out there, of Windsworn? Who's to say?
Surely they would have roving sentries. Might be dangerous to go roaming about. Might be dangerous to say. But if it's dangerous either way, all that remains is the choice.
Icarus
>>6116880 Indeed.
It would be wise to make myself scarce before I suffer a terrible fall.
I assume I have no MP or SP for this event, since it is occurring quite rapidly, I only have the budget of 6AP to work with.
> 5AP: Sprint [2]x1, [1]x4, Leaping and lurching down the roof's architecture towards the earthen formation I conjured to reach this place. > 1AP: Friction-slide down the rocky formations all the way to the bottom, aiming for [1]x2. Its going to be very rough ride. Remember to protect your head and neck. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 02:48:53 No. 6116925 Report Quoted By:
>>6114732 >>6116361 There is screams on the winds. Crushfist has just finished pulling someone safely out of the path of a enormous stampede of Scraghounds. Rion has taken the cliffs and scouted eastwards. Nothing much there but more sand.
Then guns ring out. Crushfist snaps around. Rion spins. A man goes flying through the air, sent reeling by a fist so strong it beggars the mind. The field! Behind you! It's . . . gone! People are fleeing some tall towering thing with crystal arms and a blade that goes *through* armor!
WHAT IS HAPPENING?!
Markhan - you see his hat - feather bobbing in the wind, halberd swinging, enormous armored frame charging forward past the Resolute Crows to slam into this horror and try to buy everyone a few more seconds.
Troopers around you, those who stood and fought and died, are fleeing senseless, lost beyond all panic.
You can help. You are there. You must help. What is a hero if not one who simply chooses to act?
As per
>>6116874 , you can fight this horror in some way. You are a little out of position, so your actions take a mild penalty - but it is nothing that adrenaline and sprinting cannot overcome, somewhat. So you are bound by the same rules as Wicklighter, Markhan and Stalwart.
Try a general plan, do *something*, or, if you absolutely, positively want to risk - and IT IS A RISK - you can spend 9 AP and up to 12 Stamina. There is not a single thing that may be a worse idea than spending all your Stamina and ending anywhere near this horror out of breath. If you do that - if you think simply spending 12 Stamina and hitting it 4 times will be enough - you will die. This is very simple to Think of.
So perhaps . . . something else, if a plan you have.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 03:01:59 No. 6116930 Report Quoted By:
( Meanwhile, Elsewhere )
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 03:13:31 No. 6116938 Report Quoted By:
( Meanwhile, Elsewhere )
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 03:19:11 No. 6116940 Report Quoted By:
( Meanwhile, Elsewhere )
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 03:27:04 No. 6116945 Report Quoted By:
( Meanwhile, Elsewhere )
Decimus
Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 4, 2 = 12 (3d6) >>6116902 >>6116905 >>6108841 >Honor the Timetable, Thoughts 10 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 03:30:20 No. 6116950 Report >>6116902 >>6116837 Sorry, Recruit, the Company is currently reforming and refitting. Some Stuff Is Happening, so we can't squeeze in more banner-leaders at this particular moment.
However, it is very likely that reinforcements will arrive soon and that that things will proceed from their current state. We'll stencil you in, though if you are joining now there is some changes to the Deployment options and rules that you will have to account for.
Check back in 10+ hours and things should be clear and we will happily have you along for the trek. Just now, the situation is coming to a natural close and will have to play out before we accept new Banners.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6116918 Back to the rest of the company? I haven't seen them since I left on patrol, what, this morning? Who knows where they are at this point, and it's about to turn dark. As much as I'd *like* to just waltz on back to an extremely convenient Company deployed in my near vicinity, say, just near that village we escaped from, that would be way too good to be true.
However, we are clearly way too tired to risk any kind of meaningful interaction with the enemy. So, where does that leave us?
We need to find somewhere to rest and recuperate for the night, afterwards we head out before dawn to search for the Company. It doesn't need to be near this Windsworn encampment, in fact I'm sure we would both feel much more comfortable if it wasn't, but we should find wherever is secluded and hidden enough.
And... don't let go of our hands. Wouldn't want to lose each other in the twilight hours. And when we find our sanctuary, perhaps we can unwind a little, get to know each other some, talk about our dreams, bond over the day's traumas, reflect on how fate saw us survive the day... together...... And maybe, tonight, love can bloom on the battlefield. Markhan
>>6116950 I do hope they'll be space for two reinforcements, just in case you know, anything catastrophic happens to Markhan's internal organs
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 04:03:04 No. 6116967 Report >>6116957 Martik nods. The pair of you frog-crawl back the way you came, moving one at a time. Better take it slow or some sentry might spot you.
This place is all rugged cliffs and windtossed rock. There's crevices a plenty. You think you saw one, some ways back, out of the way and up a little climb. You wouldn't think much of it if you passed by. It won't be too comfortable. But it seemed safe, remote and if you squirrel in, spread your packs out and get in close, you can just about fit two people comfortable. Scarlett spends some time making it all safer. Maybe bringing all that gearwrigting along wasn't such a waste of time after all, for all that it was heavy to carry?
Martik prepares a meal. You're both bone tired. Fatigued beyond measure. Jittery from adrenaline, long hauls, fights, horror. The stars above are crisp, clear and tinged with a gentle flicker of rainbow. Atmospheric wrackwind. Aurora Aikaini. You get that sometimes. It's meant to be a sign of luck. Things changing for the better.
You watch the flickering ghostlights in the high skies for a while. You don't need campfire out here. The temperature cools yet never gets too cold. The wind avoids your little dip in the rock. Martik find a good natured, shy smile and reveals to Scarletts utter incredolence that for the last hundred kilometers of long march he's been holding on to a single wrapped bar of chocolate and licking a bit of the melted sugary stuff whenever he wants to celebrate something. He offers a somewhat smeared piece. Got it all off a trader at the Needle.
Yeah, where the Commander got those maps and we bought the mules, right?
Right.
Man, you think the mule is okay?
They're stubborn beasts.
Right.
Zivka's got it. She's got a good hand with animals. If anyone can bring it back, it's her.
Yeah. Yeaaah. Yeaaaah.
Hey.
Mhm?
Shooting star.
Oh, that means luck. Well, unless you're Reikan, then I think it's a bad sign. We should ask Stalwart.
You think they made it out?
I hope so
Edward, Zivka, that government courier? They'll be okay. The Windsworn were retreating.
What was that all about? The food? The water? That black bread?
Scarlett doesn't know. So much happened. Some invitation. A ritual, of hospitality and generousity. Gifts given freely to those who wish to partake. Sometimes Iconography is like that, all rituals and acts and small parts of some larger play. There's a trick to it. Maybe Phridon could explain it all better. The needles aren't even neccessary, are they? It's a metaphor given form. You want to knit the world like its meant to be. Maybe the Feast is like that? They got the villagers to make bread and set the table, so they lure someone in. Offer it.
Yeah, they got someone - us
Right. Maybe that's the trick of it. They wanted us to come in. Out of everyone in all the Wastes, we got to that village. And that Operative
The whip thin frightening one?
Yeah. She said something. Something about the Company, the Commander, the Client.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 04:13:26 No. 6116973 Report Quoted By:
Did she? I don't remember. There was a lot happening.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 04:16:47 No. 6116974 Report Quoted By:
Small victories, bit by bit.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 1, 4, 2 = 7 (3d6) >>6116735 STRESS EXPERIENCE
testing against Gearwright 12
>>6110958 >>6111172 >>6116967 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 04:48:31 No. 6116988 Report >>6116961 Surely, you will stand against such horror as are before you and ... triu.. mhm.
Hm.
Mh-hm.
We'll let the scribes know to prepare extra intake forms.
Markhan
>>6116988 I don't suppose I could roll for my polearm stress experience now eh?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:Q5Tp4OVh Sat 05 Oct 2024 05:00:00 No. 6116998 Report >>6116995 In a sense, this is the most stressful experience of your life. It may be very appropriate.
Roll twice.
Markhan
Rolled 2, 6, 6, 1, 4, 4 = 23 (6d6) >>6116998 Right at the stroke of midnight
I can't tell if that's a good or bad omen
Rolling against Polearm 13
Ser Stalwart
Rolled 3, 6, 1 = 10 (3d6) >>6116840 Flash. Shock. Fear.
While most people's immediate reaction to fear is to fight or flight, Ser Stalwart happens to be Freeze (standing still almost like his namesake). He can't quite process what just happened- He was just talking to a guy and next moment they're dust. What is all this crystal? What is all that sparkles? Why does the wind still blow? What is happening.
>Focus, to bend the awry Wrack to your unerring sense of determination #Ser Stalwart the Standstill (Self-Proclaimed)
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 1
Inspiration 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 8
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
+Breacher Kit, 4DR
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets (1 Coinbits)
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Harquebus, 4d6 Impact, Malfunctions on 16+, 3AP to reload, Doubles as a +1 Club in melee
-Secrets
#Strength 11
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Muskets-13
#Armsmaking-10
#Carousing-14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Armoured Advance 1: Intentionally body-slam targets upon entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight-line movement prior
!Of Steel Hearts 1: If end unengaged, regain Vitality equal to rank. If end engaged, gain bonus damage reduction equal to rank
!Extra Rota
!Armoured 1
!Conditioning 1
!Hardening 1
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Rolled 6, 3, 2, 4, 2, 2 = 19 (6d6) >>6116885 >Be evasive in footwork and manipulation of my Boost kit using fuel 1/4 (Reaction 10+4+4 focus) >Display my weapon skill in CQC and Shatterhands using special CHARGED BOOSTED FLYING KNEE AND CRUSHING FIST against the montrosity before it hurts more of my friends and compatriots we're going to also spend GAS grom my mobility kit here 0/4 after this (CQC-14+4) >Of Cold Winds does more damage on the first attack when engaged/engaging? #Crushfists
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 8/12
Action 9 Speed 3
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 0/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Better Pair of Boots
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Closequarters 14 (Rikovol)
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina and 1 focus (Rikovol)
!Of Cold Winds 1: Unengaged +speed. Engaged +dmg
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 14:01:00 No. 6117110 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 8, 4, 9, 3, 3, 7 = 34 (6d10) >>6117051 Focus 13? No no, meat. Proceedings interrupted. You're far too busy all dying to do something as mundane as *learn* from this experience.
Perhaps if you yet remain yourself in a few more heart beats you'll get to benefit.
For now, you live, pushing outwards. Like Jove, who went walking and stumbling through a Shimmerfield, you have really, in truth, hours remaining of your rapidly depleting life.
*Unlike* Jove, this exposure you have had was tinged with the infinite good fortune of distant stars and lucky hounds. In Illiosi, they're a sign of good fortune, those hounds. Maybe there's something to be said for that, for you are still you and you are yet alive . . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 14:12:26 No. 6117113 Report Quoted By:
You change a little - and the world is different. >8,4 >9, 3 >Roll 3, 7
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 6, 2, 2, 1, 2, 1 = 14 (6d6) >>6116885 >... But first, I'll make a Ward behind me [Warding, *then* Stamina] >Thanks, Caedo, I'll take that +1. (both Wards and Stamina test vs 14) CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 14:41:47 No. 6117124 Report The next Recruit who uses enhanced, ranked up stats in a test when you clearly - very clearly - are in no fit state to refit and rearm and properly level up dies :)
There was an interruption. You haven't had time to sit down and take a Camp action.
So surely, Recruits, you haven't had time to reflect and be inspired either.
>>6117118 So *no*, Recruit. Command doesn't think this passes muster. You should roll again.
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
>>6117124 These are my actual, unupgraded stats. Check the last time my sheet was posted. Both Wards and Stamina test against 13 and, surely, Caedo's trait applies here.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 15:02:27 No. 6117142 Report >>6117126 Well then that -does- change things. And to the point of it, that long patrol from way back when turns out to pay dividends now.
Apologies - sometimes all this metaphysical paperwork gets lost. All is well! Commands sass is ENTIRELY unwarranted!
( Though on the face of it, it should be said that "adjacency" dependent traits don't always apply in narrative moments, simply because they can be a little hard to mechanically leverage. Presumably in narrative moments, movement is freer, so someone is adjacent or could be adjacent at all times. It makes it a costless enhancement to everybody, so it's a perhaps a little overtuned )
(( But this being a crisis situation and the pair of you working so close together, we'll let slide in ))
((( Not that you need it. Did some of all that lingering luck leech into you? Prize for the 100 meter theurge sprint-dash, right there )))
(((( We'll have to be a little careful about this in the future. Though bringing along friends is a helpful thing, so perhaps it is simply being clever? The world is trying to kill you all an awful lot. Might be good to even it out. ))))
--
>>6116923 >>6116895 >>6117118 Caedo and Phridon look up at the rumbling edifice. Glance at the shimmering wrack crystals. Hear the faint UFH OUCH UFH OOMPHFH OUCH of Icarus, fall-stumbling down a collapsing ramp of sand.
It seems safer to run. When the vast shadows of titanic architecture starts moving it is time to go. But. All that brickwork. It'll come crashing down on the recently sprouted Wrackcrystals. The dust and the fragments would scythe around. No good end for any life here, or the fields, or the *people*. The villagers don't deserve the horror.
A thin slice of gouged in the sand with the needlepoints of a thaumatheurgy kit forms the barier line. Phridon draws on an old design from an older book. Rebounding Line. Caedo dumps a bag of salt across the road and whispers a prayer. Theoretically - and it's always theoretical - the wracking energies release here will hit, shunt into the ward itself and any excess rebounded upwards. Away. Skywards is no mans kingdom.
The road could be saved and the fields used again, later, by villagers not poisoned. And if shattered crystal dust doesn't spread through the area, marching out of here (or encamping) will be easier and less deadly.
The first brick shifts out of the ancient fort. Falls like an executioner's sword. Thumps into the sand. Caedo keeps focus. There. Time to run? Time to run.
Iconotheurgic Animists get a lot of conditioning. Sometimes, when you've tried wards and the Work and the Arts high and Low, and none avail you, you end up relying on your legs. Caedo inches on ahead - marginally but Phridon catches him in the curve of the road and the pair is neck for neck!
Which is when they spot Icarus, coming to a sliding, stumbling halt and deposited on the road in a loose pile of rocks and sand.
>...! CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 15:12:05 No. 6117148 Report Quoted By:
>>6117142 Phridon spots the most useful safe spot in the entire area. It's right in the middle of the road, out of cover, near no rocks and no trees and no old stones. Any explosion from cannon or shot from musket or stray arrow would find a man here and make an end of his life.
But when the world is twisting at the seams and the Wrack is flying high and bits of stray fragment rain from the heavens as blocks of rock crash down and send them flying, can anyone really ask for better shelter than a pre-inscribed warding circle in a triangular defensive formation?
Caedo ducks into it and re-aligns a corner. Phridon steps across the threshold and breathing grows easier. Brushes up the crumbling line, used long ago to raise another kind of defensive. That wall to the east still stands. The ward was strong. The wall it helped raise resilient. Fortunate omens, when used as an emergency bunker against oddity on the wind.
Phraedon and Caedo both turn back around to see Icarus, a little less deft with the running, stumble to his feet and take a gasping breath. He makes it across the ward-line as another rain of fragments fall down.
The tower slides. Shifts. Shudders. The enormous edifice of rock sheds a little more mass. And somehow, in gross defiance of conventional gravity and architectural dreams, the tower stands. The light rain of crystal fragments cease - most of it was caught on the barrier ward and rebounded or absorbed. This convenient prepared secondary line of defenses simply ensure no harm or exposure could occur.
Sometimes, it all works out.
Wicklighter
Rolled 3, 2, 2, 6, 2, 4, 4, 2, 2, 1, 3, 3, 6, 3, 2 = 45 (15d6) #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 5/12 Focus 5/12
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
Yes, it's still me. I changed location.
>>6116874 Well.
That's a bother.
Well.
Well well well.
...
Wicklighter doesn't know what to do. He knows what to do.
>4 AP: Apply 1 part Fire, 1 part Salt, 1 part Acid, and 1 part Oil (for binding purposes, to temporarily stop the acid from damaging the sword and the salt from being burned away by acid or flame, and to give the flame something to burn) to my Longblade. /Something/ has to hurt this thing better than pure kinetic energy and cutting force. >1 AP: 1 point of Stimulant. Partly just for luck. >1 AP: Two-hand my blade. A shield is worthless here. Grappling and closefisted strikes are less than worthless here. >3 Speed: Move 111 >3 AP: [Attack, Precise, Target vulnerabilities] Cracks, stress fractures, holes, exposed flesh, joints, /anything/ that might be a weakpoint. (Blades 14 - 3 = Threshold 11) >4 Focus: Again (Blades 14 - 3 + 1 = Threshold 12) >3 Focus & 3 Stamina: AGAIN, FASTER [Add Multi-tasking for two attacks] (Blades 13 - 3 + 3 - 3 = Threshold 11 for both) >3 Stamina: Defend >Rolling the health consequences of the Stimulant last, because it's the least important bit to me. That's a statement I can only hope I live long enough to regret. (Health 10 - 1 = Threshold 9) CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 15:31:01 No. 6117154 Report Quoted By:
Stood for a thousand years and standing still.
Though, uh, maybe, uhm, maybe we don't go inside. It doesn't seem structurally . . .sound.
And it might even--
With an enormous keening sound like the snap of continents across the knees of leviathans, the staggering enormity of the wrack crystal that has grown from the side of the old tower snaps down the middle. The sound lingers in the air for a long, long while, somehow heard without being a sound in any tradtional sense. You felt that in your bones.
Somewhere far further, a thing that was once a man and is now a killer twitches - briefly - discordant reverberations echoing off of its crystalline perfection and it stumbles in half a step that would have killed a trooper and swings new compound crystal eyes away from the carnage and to the enormous broken crystal north it was protecting from our percieved predations.
Caedo shrugs. Phridon coughs a little and goes for a water skin. Icarus looks around. Checks for any lingering exposure. But no. The sixtuple ward contained any cracking, the kinetic energy displaced harmlessly and the shower of smaller fragments thrown about by brick and collapse have peterred. No one's even all that hurt.
You'd almost call that -exceptionally fortunate-, if one was the kind of person who believed in luck.
Wonder if cracking the Wrackcore in two and preventing it from being shattered into the air had odd, unintended side-effects?
>>6117108 >>6116896 >>6117150 A keening noise like the snapping of continents across a leviathans knee rolls across the beleaguered Company and the monster that is murdering you all stumbles for one singular moment - a brief, all too short opening of vulnerability . . .
Perhaps it will be enough.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 16:09:28 No. 6117181 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 2, 1, 6, 5, 6, 4 = 24 (6d6) >>6117108 >>6116896 >>6117150 Markhan gathers speed like an avalanche. That's the trick to breachers. They start slow. But once they get going they're very hard to stop. Trooper scream. Shout orders. The Crows and Ravens are determined and resolute and dying. The pikes are breaking.
Markhan speeds up, braces, turns his shoulders just so, and hopes his heavy armor is up to the challenge. Sharp Sharps dash for the wounded, to extract them. Gunners are reloading with all the speed training can bring to bear. It won't be fast enough.
And then - a high crystalline sound sings out - and men wince and shudder. But Markhan gathers speed. And the thing he aiming towards stumbles for the merest moment and he comes slamming into the solid crystal facade like a battering ram. It has been proof against blade, blow, bullet and the bite of arrows. But sheer crushing, kinetic impact is hard for such crystal structure to bear and beneath the pounding of his own heart and the cries of the troopers around him Markhan can hear a soft tinkling like glass breaking.
That might also be Crushfists knee, which the Rikovian swings at the back of the Strainsword with all the boosted excess a fully utilized mobility kit can bring to bear. The creature stumbles first backwards, then fowards, as the twin impacts arrive in staggered succession THUD THUD and catch the strain-thing between them. It loses its grip on the sword crystal. Perhaps it was too slick with the blood of our friends. Two spearmen, still somehow standing, terrified but fighting, gawp and spot the obvious opening. They dive for the sword, a few pike-men join in, the thing is so enormously heavy it takes all of them to but drag it a mere meter but it is out of the reach of the thing. A brief victory.
It still has hands and it reaches up with indefeatigable focus to lock long jagged shard-fingers around Markhans pauldrons and then it starts to *squeeze*
>... !! CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 16:24:05 No. 6117187 Report Quoted By:
The heavy steel plate is meant to let a fighter shrug off long range musketry and close range pistol. It laughs at blades. It scorns the bite of bullet. In cover, with the heavy breaching shield out front, a line of vanguard breachers can take a trench line held by Aranski's finest forces or any Legion the Pytherii would like to throw down. It is not hand-me-down-armor. Commander Isenfrii has contracts with Reikan armorers and Vanadian suppliers. Ore from the high mountains north brought on Illiosi barges, alchemically treated alloy steel mixture from Kalcmiri specialists. It is the next best thing to sigil'd bondplate, and it has kept Markhan and other vanguards safe from countless harms and it *buckles like it's not even there* as the Strainsworn uses absolutely inhuman strength to squeeze -through it- and dent the plating around Markhans arm. He is in too close. He cannot swing the halberd. He throws a headbutt. It glances off. 0 damage. >... ??
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 16:30:57 No. 6117197 Report Quoted By:
Wicklighter stabs and the sword lodges on a serrated piece of purple strain. Markhan yells and the halberd is discarded as he grapples the creature. It keeps squeezing. Absolutely profane force. The acid on the blade seeps into the core.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 16:45:08 No. 6117209 Report There are hundreds of people who have seen Strainforms, in the distance, or suddenly far too close.>Markhan, Wicklighter and Crushfist can add +1 *Will*. What could possibly be frightening after this? >Gain +1 Lethality. Your base Lethality should be 1d6, so this should make it 1d6+1, which weapons and equipment adds to. Please be mindful that you read this carefully, because +1 Lethality is +1 Flat, not +1 whole d6! >This unlocks a subtle trick, which you might sometimes get use out of: You can now test Lethality, at 10+Mod, eg, 10+1, as a Minor action, to attempt to be lethally dangerous or know how to be. This is a little outside something so mundane as "weapon use". This is the high art of knowing how to kill things deader than dead with nothing but your own feel for it. >Markhan should test Health - that arm isn't doing so well. It's feeling a little loose in the socket. >Gain an Inspiration.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 16:49:13 No. 6117211 Report Quoted By:
hey've got a mule here with an unbelievable amount of money and two of your people who gassed themselvessssssssssssssssssssss
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 16:53:08 No. 6117215 Report Quoted By:
It's over.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 17:18:56 No. 6117224 Report You have the FIELD.>Encamp
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 17:30:02 No. 6117229 Report Sometimes, at night, on patrol, during sentry duty. . . You might dream of better, different, stranger things.
Wicklighter
>>6117224 Command, do we note 'Conditioning 1' and 'Blooded 1' and 'Trophy Takers' and such down as permanent traits, or are they simply names given for the after-battle bonuses we get, implying the existence of 'Hardened 2' or somesuch that would give 2 max Focus?
Facsimile
>>6117229 I imagine Jove and I are a bit too preoccupied to benefit from inspiration and stress experience, yeah?
Wicklighter
Rolled 5, 6, 3, 2, 4, 4, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2, 1, 1, 5, 2 = 45 (15d6) >>6117224 Stress Experience:
Thoughts (Navigating to Shadetree)
>>6109665 (Thoughts 9)
I succeeded on a Sense roll to see the Murmurations deeper into the bushes during the ambush, but it was a minor action so idk if that's really 'major'
>>6111618 (Sense 10 in case this counts, but idk if it really does)
I rallied the Blue Rats at one point with Influence?
>>6114343 (Influence 9 if this counts)
I used Alchemineering lots of times, really (Alchemineering 12)
Blades. Always. (Blades 14)
Not sure if Influence and Sense count, but I'll roll them just in case. If they're invalid, those rolls can simply be wiped.
Wicklighter
Rolled 4, 4, 1 = 9 (3d6) >>6117252 Thoughts: Failed, Thoughts 10
Sense: Succeeded by 0, +0.1 Inspiration
Influence: Succeeded by 2, +0.2 Inspiration
Alchemineering: Succeeded by 6, +0.6 Inspiration
Blades: Succeeded by 6, +0.6 Inspiration
If the Sense roll counts, this is a Bo2 roll for Sense. If not, this'll be a Bo2 roll for Blades on the off chance I can get a skill-up or more inspiration.
Wicklighter
>>6117252 >>6117260 No matter which, I would choose against it since 0 margin and 1 margin are equivalent for this. Coolcool.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 18:01:00 No. 6117266 Report >>6117231 They're simply names given to after battle conditionals. You could - if you like - note down Conditioning 1, to simply represent the fact you have Conditioning. But the increase in Stamina denotes the same thing, so its wasted words.
Blooded 1 applies to this Camp only and so doesn't persist, and Trophy Takes is the same deal. It's a short term bonus.
--
Now that we're ENCAMPED we have put in a short request to Cmd Isenfrii back at Company HQ to send some REINFORCEMENTS. With some hope, he'll send over some PROFESSIONALS.
>Any dead, kidnapped, gone, ashed, too wracked or too shocked Recruits may now redeploy >We have confirmed mission kills OR Missing in Action Status of: Luz, Fascimilie, Jove. --
Note that the Professionals are a different sort of fellow and have some slightly different tricks up their sleeve.
Markhan
Rolled 4, 4, 6 = 14 (3d6) >>6117209 Testing Health [Health 10]
I'll get to my inspiration and camp actions when I'm not rolling on the ground.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 18:04:21 No. 6117270 Report Quoted By:
>>6117236 Luz, Facsimilie and Jove are in a place where we cannot know what is happening to them, what they ar experiencing or how their lives progress.
Hard to say if they're inspired or shaken in horror, dead or dancing. Pour a drop of water on the sand and hope for the best.
>No benefits accrue to mission kill characters. For all mechanical purposes they are gone. If you'd like to sign up again and send in a fresh-faced recruit, that is now a possibility. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:y9mMQ0XW Sat 05 Oct 2024 18:07:03 No. 6117271 Report >>6117268 It's going to absolutely smart for the next hours and it -twinges- every time you move. The big, mottled bruises of somethings enormous fingers pressing down through you plate is impressive as it is gruesome.
But though it hurts enormously and the pain makes you see stars, a failure by 4 is not a failure by 5, and after dosing you up on alchemics, bandages and checking you for a concussion, Doctor Lesin gives you the all clear, the pat on the back and the traditional kick in the ass to stop laying about soaking up valuable cot and medical time. It'll hurt for a while but your bones are as stubborn as you. Not broken yet.
You gain a trait!
!Incredible Impressive Bruises
... What's the use of *that*? Well, if you ever flex without your shirt on . . .
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6117229 >Spend 2 Inspiration to gain Crystaline Voice Does the +1 Effect from shouting orders given by Crystaline Voice still apply if I am embedded in a squad and they are "following what I am doing"?
>>6116981 >Margin 5, gain 0.6 Inspiration #Scarlett
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 2 Inspiration 0.6
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Harquebus (4d6 Impact, Likely to Terrorize; Malfunctions 16+; Reload 3 AP; steps give -1 Accuracy; +1 Club in melee)
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Trapping Kit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
2x Scarflask
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Muskets 13
#Poetry 12
#Weaving 12
#Authority 11
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1: Add Rank to resist terror; Major action to reroll Will for nearby ally; +1 to Influence and Thoughts
!Well Read
!Well Mannered
!Crystaline Voice
(1 Stress Experience reroll available)
Phonedward
Rolled 1, 6, 5, 1, 3, 1, 1, 4, 2 = 24 (9d6) >>6117224 >stress experience for influence, alchemineering and small unit tactics >2 inspiration to learn Powdersoul Mobile Wicklighter
Rolled 3, 5, 5, 3, 3, 3 = 22 (6d6) >>6117229 >>6117262 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 13/13 Focus 13/13
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6+1 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 16
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
!Dangerously Lethal: Test against 10 + lethality modifier (the +, not the d6) to be lethally dangerous or to know how to become such
!0.5 Inspirations
>+2 to Secret: Blades (4 Inspiration) My expenditure is the same regardless of if both the Influence and Sense rolls are void, in which case I can simply adjust my remaining Inspirations.
>Camp Routine: Assist the Medical Staff (Alchemineering 12, TSMM 12) Wicklighter wastes absolutely no time in helping the medical specialists however he can. He doesn't feel guilty about the mass casualty event—he knows he did his best and was invaluable in destroying the Strainsword. It's simply his duty to apply his abilities in whatever manner is best for the Company as an officer on its payroll. Simple, really. He vocally wonders why many others don't seem to see it that way. Are they not getting paid or something?
Incidentally, he seems to rapidly be becoming a much better swordsman. Maybe there's something to the way he practices before every meal, seeking out the heat of the day over shaded areas 'in order to test and expand his limits'... Naaah.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 3, 3, 6 = 12 (3d6) >>6117224 >>6116981 STRESS EXPERIENCE
Learning that you can do more than one Stress Experience, here is my test for Muskets 13
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 4, 6, 4 = 14 (3d6) >>6117305 Trophy Takers reroll
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6117307 I will take this roll to gain +1 to Muskets, to Muskets 14
#Scarlett
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 2 Inspiration 0.6
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Harquebus (4d6 Impact, Likely to Terrorize; Malfunctions 16+; Reload 3 AP; steps give -1 Accuracy; +1 Club in melee)
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Trapping Kit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
2x Scarflask
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Muskets 14
#Poetry 12
#Weaving 12
#Authority 11
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1: Add Rank to resist terror; Major action to reroll Will for nearby ally; +1 to Influence and Thoughts
!Well Read
!Well Mannered
!Crystaline Voice
Kismet
Rolled 2, 2, 5 = 9 (3d6) >>6117266 Ah, I love the smell of wrack in the morning. Really wakes you up, burns the senses, and forcibly shifts your perspective. Makes one reconsider their decision to enlist.
Command ought to keep these theurges on a tighter leash.
>Raise Strikers >Hire Training/Discipline specialist >Bring up the rear (Knives 13) >SHINY STONE SHINY STONE >No letters home, you just got here recruit #Kismet
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 10/10 Focus 10
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Paired Blades x4, sharp, throwable, Follow-Up every 3 margin
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Empty Pockets
-Secrets
#Knives 13
#Gearwright 13
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Professional 1: Add +1 to will rolls to resist terror
!Jinxed 1: Rank to crit fail threshold, absorb ally crit fails, enemies near me also affected by my fails
Kismet
Rolled 5, 1 = 6 (2d10) >>6117309 Shiny stone
Phonedward
Rolled 4, 6, 5 = 15 (3d6) >>6117301 >Influence success if Fast Talk counts, fail if it doesn't. Command? >Alchemineering success, +0.7 inspiration >Small Unit Tactics success, +0.4 inspiration. >1 inspiration: Alchemineering 12->13 >0.1 inspiration left >Camp Routine: Assist the Medical Staff (Alchemineering 13) Thank you Lady Montosi. I owe you my life. I will go help save those kidnapped by the windsworn, along with anyone else who wants to. What is it that you want to tell us?
Phonedward
Quoted By:
>>6117311 (Sorry command, it will be too much of a hassle for me to link my stress experiences right now. They were fast talking a bunch of people to give me 8 months lf wages, small unit tacticsing our escape and alchemineering to gas everyone in range including myself.)
Markhan
Rolled 5, 5, 1 = 11 (3d6) >>6117209 >>6117224 >>6117271 #Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 1/11 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2 Authority 2
Lethality 1d6+1 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 4DR, 2DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Dunerunner Dustcloak [???]
Empty Pockets
1 Bandage, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 14
#Small Unit Tactics-12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
!Incredible Impressive Bruises: When I flex I feel my best! ...This'll probably do something later
!Trophy Taker: Reroll any Stress Experience test once, for any reason and pick a preferred dice set
Stress experience:
Used twice up to improve polearms
>>6117002 1 Success +0.4 Influence
1 Failure Polearm 13->14
2.4 Inspiration:
Given he's used the ability twice in a day, purchasing an ability that benefits !Armored Advance seems in character. Markhan fits himself with some spare armor from the honored dead, taking !Deflection Angles for one inspiration
He'll save the other for a rainy day.
1.4 Inspiration.
Camp Routine: File a Report [Logistics]
"Commander Isenfrii, the fact that blood stains this paper from my wounds should indicate how dire our situation is. A theurge, perhaps one of ours, has caused the formation of a new shimmerfield, at approximately this location. We're in dire need of medical supplies, several of our Bannermen have gone ahead or have been taken captive by Windsworn, who attacked us on the road. We intend to follow. I would request a force to inquire as to the creation of the new shimmerfield, to perhaps prosecute the one responsible should they be found, as well as an experienced, *professional* Theurge to attach to our detachment, to prevent future disasters.
We lost a lot of good men, another disaster of this scale, and we'll be forced to flee the field, I suspect."
>He also puts in various details about the battle as heard from what soldiers he can interview from his place in the medical station, this allowing him to get his citation for valor officially. Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Rolled 1, 1, 6, 5, 6, 6, 4, 2, 2, 4, 2, 5 = 44 (12d6) >>6117224 Stress Experience
+2 inspiration. Authority adjusted and reputation
>Tested Iconotheurgy 12 for weaving a wall albeit not stout, it was enough >>6112910 (Iconotheurgy-12) >Small unit tactics. Although my orders were very good, people were a bit busy...>>6113635 (small unit tactics-11) >this was posted in discord but I also attempted to whip at the Dunerunner on this turn after getting up https://discord.com/channels/385966426781122560/468501166410432533/1290364207778500650 >>6113788 although he suddenly combusted thank the Empyreal if this does not apply I will simply use Blooded 1 (rope-14) >Conditioning 1 gives +1 Stamina >Hardening 1 give +1 focus >Blooded 1 already used on Rope-14 >Trophy takers: reroll will be included in roll >Wrack woeeee Decimus
Rolled 2, 1, 5 = 8 (3d6) >>6117266 #Decimus
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 8/8 Focus 10/10
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Spear - R2, Impales, Throwable R?
Thaumatheurgy Kit
-Whitebone Needles - Wards 12. They taste like seashells and cement.
+Abjure: 3AP, T harm to Entities or T ablative shielding vs. specific danger
Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt, 1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 13
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Professional 1: Add Rank to Will Rolls to resist Terror
!Clever: Adds to insight gained from Thoughs and Sense. Test 10+Rank to try something Clever.
!Short Descriptor: Clever Theurge who Carries Regrets
>Hire a Training specialist >Raise a Containment Crew. Blades 11, Wards 12, Iconotheurgy 10 >Buy an Idol. It's not like I was getting any sleep anyway. 2 coinbits. Praise the Sun! >Mind the Men, Influence 10: Prepare the Cremation Rights for the dead and set up a Catharsis Tent where the survivors can come 1:1 to vent their fear, angst, and trauma. Decimus will hear their words. Hands:
Right: Shield
Left: Whitebone Needle
Icarus
Rolled 3, 6, 4, 6, 1, 6, 2, 1, 2, 1, 4, 4 = 40 (12d6) >>6117224 >>6117229 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 12+1(?) // Focus 12+1(?)
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy12
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
!Threshold DR 1
!Mass Shunting
!Float Warding
!Conditioning 1 (?)
!Hardening 1 (?)
!Bloodied 1 (?)
Okay.
Lets do this right.
> Gain 2 Inspiration. Spend 1 Inspiration to acquire the Thaumaturgy Kit Advancement [Mass Shunting].
Spend 1 Inspiration to acquire the Thaumaturgy Kit Advancement [Float Warding].
> Gain 2 Stress Experience? (Warding, Iconography) Rolling 6d6. First set for Warding. Second set for Iconography.
> Gain the listed Traits, except Trophy-taker? Basically every option that says, *all* survivors take them. > March orders: Binding, Warding, and Abjuring Collect the Theurge specialists and get to work setting up wards to contain the newly formed Wrackfield, at least for the duration of the Company's encampment. Leverage my Blackstone to soak up any residual Potentiality bleeding through the reality fracture before it has the chance to become a problem. (3d6 vs Wards13)
> Camp Routines: Sweep the Field. The snap creation of a wrackfield is a fascinating, albeit harrowing, occurrence. Firstly, Icarus will trace protective wards on his clothing and adhere multiple additional layers of warded paper or fabric over his every part of his body - particularly over exposed skin. Once satisfied with the coverage, the theurge will trace a path around the perimeter of the phenomena, searching for pristine shards of wrack crystal to collect. In particular, Icarus wants to investigate the huge fissured chunk of fireglass. (3d6 vs Wards13 to determine if self-warding is up to snuff, other rolls later as needed.)
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Rolled 6, 5, 2 = 13 (3d6) >>6117224 >>6117331 >All initial rolls kept (including the crit fail, if it does give +1 i'll add it now but if it doesn't illl remove it on my personal sheet) >+1 inspiration (0.4 from Iconotheurgy and 0.6 from weapon skill test) This totals to +3 Insipiration
>>6117229 >1 Inspiration to learn: TKit; Float Warding >2 Inspiration to learn: Rope; Coiled Spite and Wolfspider Kiss >>6117224 >Camp Action: Sweep the field with some company, anyone who volunteers is welcome but I'd like the bound blades who are uninjured to help me (authority check). The monstrosity is felled worry less. I want to check the small base the windsworn had over here, if they left information, SUPPLIES THAT WE MAY HAVE LOST, and etc... #Caedo
=Metrics=
Vitality 10/12 // Stamina 14 // Focus 14
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Reputation 2 // Authority 2
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Weaver's Whip
Whitebone needle [Float Warding]
1 Bit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
=Secrets=
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Wards 13(10)
#Rope 14
-[Coiled Spite][Wolfspider Kiss]
#Small Unit Tactics 12
#Religious Ritual 11 (Pytherii)
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Masks and Mettle 1
!Well Read
!Threshold DR 1
!Wrack Woe
=Bannermen and Support=
(x6) Blade-11 troopers
(x1) Young but well adjusted expert in Triage, Surgery and medical matters
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
>>6117224 >When all the things are done, go have a talk with Montosi "Montosi, it's been a while? Yeah I reckon thats money for the company that was supposed to be used by Edward to buy things but looks like that didn't materialize. Guess we can just return it to their rightful owners. Not really in a big hurry though. Everyone is sort of tired and having a case of dying and injured."
Zivka
Rolled 4, 6, 3, 1, 5, 4, 3, 4, 1, 4, 1, 1 = 37 (12d6) >>6117266 Zivka
Vitality 9 Stamina 10 Focus 10
Action 9 Speed 1+1
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9+1, Reputation -1
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield & Axe
Ranging Kit
Tattercloak Quiver
Weather Cloak (Morale 1, Weather Resist 2)
Good Boots
4 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
More Pockets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Animalfriend 12
**Hawk Whistle
**Whisper Cloth
#Bows 12
#Axes 13
#Filching 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!I’ll Walk, Thanks
> Level up, taking a friendly Hawk and a defensive cloak. > Roll stress experience for Axes (13), Bows (12). Animal Friend (12) and Influence (11) Promise to buy Montosi a drink, as soon as I have money and are in civilisation. Unless she drinks water recreationally?
Give my dog many pets.
Volunteer to chase down the kidnappers
> Sweep the Fields (Animal Friend 12) Zivka
Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 2, 4 = 12 (3d6) >>6117471 Trophy takers, re roll the 13 for axes.
Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6117471 Generate 1.2 Inspiration.
Take Trailken as well, leaving 0.2 in storage.
Icarus
Rolled 4, 2, 5 = 11 (3d6) >>6117380 Hmm.
I'll invoke Trophy-takers to reroll my Stress Experience dice for Warding.
> Original roll: 13 v 13 (3,6,4) Icarus
Quoted By:
>>6117481 I'll take the newest roll, gaining 0.3 Inspiration in total.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:moE+C7N+ Sun 06 Oct 2024 05:52:22 No. 6117650 Report >>6117471 We all drink water recreationally. It’s that or die!
Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6117650 Montosi… I’m sorry, but that’s just labour.
Zivka
>>6117471 I forgot to roll for sweeping the fields. My bad.
3d6 vs 12, accompanied by hawk and hound.
Zivka
Quoted By:
Rolled 1, 3, 1 = 5 (3d6) >>6117682 Seriously, phone?
Wicklighter
Rolled 4, 5, 3 = 12 (3d6) >>6117302 I did use CQC to kick over a Murmuration formation, actually, so perhaps this counts. CQC 12
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
>>6117693 I'm not even mad, that's just funny.
#Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 13/13 Focus 13/13
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6+1 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 16
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
!Dangerously Lethal: Test against 10 + lethality modifier (the +, not the d6) to be lethally dangerous or to know how to become such
!0.6 Inspirations
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 3, 2, 3, 3, 3, 1, 6, 3, 6, 3, 4, 3 = 40 (12d6) >>6117224 Alright, let's see what I got up to this deployment for the purposes of Stress Experience.
>Lots of Thoughts (navigating, remembering stuff, thinking really really hard about things, etc.). Could say I'm a bit of thinker of sorts. [Thoughts 11] >A good bit of Iconotheurgy (building a wall, invoking the Empyreal Eye). [Iconotheurgy 12] >And Influence. After things went to shit (due in no small part to my fellow practitioners) I tried to rally the troops several times. [Influence 11] >Oh and the Blooded 1 thing, even though I did not wield my spear in anger during this deployment. I suppose the general "bloodedness" of the company rubbed off on me. [Spears 14] >>6117229 >Spend 2 Inspiration on Four Hundred Years of Service >>6117266 >But the increase in Stamina denotes the same thing, so its wasted words. >Blooded 1 applies to this Camp only and so doesn't persist, and Trophy Takes is the same deal. It's a short term bonus. Noted, but what about Wrack Woe?
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 2, 1, 1 = 4 (3d6) >>6117758 >Thoughts 11, rolled 8, pass by 3 (+0.3 Insp) >Iconotheurgy 12, rolled 7, pass by 5 (+0.5 Insp, 0.8 Inspiration total) >Influence 11, rolled 15, fail. Increase Influence to 12. >Spears 14, rolled 10, pass by 4 (+0.4 Insp for 1.2 total) Pretty good result, all told. I'll use the Trophy Takers to reroll the Spears roll. See if we can get a bigger margin.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:LB2S0A0V Sun 06 Oct 2024 12:49:53 No. 6117770 Report >>6117758 It might not be entirely clear? Yet Recruit, you surely cannot benefit from stress experience for things you have not done. If you never engaged in combat you have nothing that lets you learn to be better at combat. So though Blooded allows us to use stress experience on weapon skills, one needs to be able to use stress experience in the first place to benefit. Which is only possible on secrets and other things that were used in a major way.
You cannot got better at spears without actively using spears
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 2, 6, 6 = 14 (3d6) >>6117770 Tragedy. I'm in ruins. Alright, then I guess we'll take back that reroll and spend it on uhhh Influence?
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
>>6117770 >>6117771 nnnevermind. We'll take the results here, sans the Spears 14 roll.
>>6117763 Final sheet:
#Phridon
-
Vitality 12 Stamina 14/14 Focus 13/13
Action 9 Speed 2
-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Reputation 2
Inspiration 0.8
-
Uniform, DR2
Shortblade, Sharp
Spear, Reach 2, Impales, Throwable
Shield [18HP, 3DR, +2Def]
Pockets with 2 entire coinbits!!!
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Whitebone Needles (Wards-13)
-
#Thoughts 11
#Influence 12
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 14
#Religious Ritual 11
#Wards 11 (count as Strict)
-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!Well Read
!Threshold DR +1
!Wrack Woe
!Resonant
The first two bonuses of 400 Years go on the sheet nicely, but how to represent the third one?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:LB2S0A0V Sun 06 Oct 2024 12:56:28 No. 6117773 Report >>6117758 Wrack Woe alters the conditions of the Camp and adjusts some options. It’s not a thing that applies to any individuals.
Nothing in in the camp section applies any new traits to any character. It lets you benefit in specific ways, such as +1 Stamina for all this marching about.
Mechanically if you ever gain new traits the line that is used is “ You gain a trait !xxxxxxx “
The blue headers in the camp section are more akin to book keeping entries. Get +1 Stamina for this reason, get +1 Focus for that reason, benefit in this way for this reason… Etc.
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
>>6117773 Alright, axed it from the sheet.
Icarus
>>6117770 For future reference, when you say 'in a major way' that functionally means 'as a major action', yeah?
So, for example, this exert from the camping sheet:
> If, during the last deployment, you have used any of [list of variables] in a major way and succeeded ... Can be accurately interpreted as:
> If, during the last deployment, you have used any of [listed variables] to perform a successful major action ... Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Rolled 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 5, 4, 6, 2, 1, 6 = 31 (12d6) >>6117224 It's time
>>6113185 >Rationalized the wounded with [Influence 10] >>6114105 >Used Pathfinding to sneak behind some archers [Pathfinding-10] >Blooded 1 roll vs [CQC-14] >Trophy takers reroll Clear (and Present)
Rolled 6, 4, 3 = 13 (3d6) >Raise Breakers>Hire Refit >Boil water, bring bandages vs 10 sense >Shiny Stone
Clear (and Present)
Rolled 4, 2 = 6 (2d10) >>6117790 Stone
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:LB2S0A0V Sun 06 Oct 2024 16:44:41 No. 6117886 Report [Markhan pens a missive and sends it off with a runner-hound. It barks once and then it boils across the sand like a musket shot, headed straight for HQ and the officer mess. It might be more safe to use a runner but the missive needs penning and delivery fast and so the hounds will do.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:LB2S0A0V Sun 06 Oct 2024 17:21:18 No. 6117904 Report >>6117886 The Company Strikers, pulled from a loose gaggle of the adventerous and those with training from other times. The Isenfrii Company tries not to ask too many questions. The Commander thinks of it as an implied promise. You don't need to tell, and he won't need to ask, and if neither then make assumptions about the other, perhaps some friendship can grow without burden by past deeds or prior lives.
It sometimes works.
You can wander the Wastes and find a different self.
The small reinforcement column takes in the camp. Tents aren't quite up to standard straight lines. Someone ought to have organised a dith digging, provide a basic defensive position. He winces at the disorder. But his eyes slide across the sprawling wounded in the improvised field hospital and he chokes down every bitter thing he was about to comment on. The sentries arranged there are at attention, and the medical specialists are performing miracles.
It's an odd form of triage. Partially its too horrid. There are so many wounds, so much pain. Partially its too easy. The enormous sharp shardblade parted flesh and armor with equal frightening ease, and the cuts are clean in the extreme. Careful stitching and most of these wounded won't even scars. Because of the rapidity of the response and the fact the field medical station was fortunately right by the carnage, actual casualties have been lower than estimated. The blade brought pain like the weight of the universe bearing down and that disabled those cut much more than actual physical damage. If they were lucky. Some were not. The thing went through bones with malicious ease as well.
Might be a long night of hard work.
But at least it's a long night of work that can be done, which is much preferable to the alternative.
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Quoted By:
>>6117780 >>6117229 >Crit success on Influence and Pathfinding >Failure on CQC it's now 14->15 >+1.3 Inspiration, total of 4.3 >>6117209 "In distant battles,
New and old friends stand as one,
Great foes fall like leaves. "
>>6117229 >Acquire Windcutter and !Zanshin has a trait (-2 insp) >Acquire Chaos Wrench for Gauntlets and Ssshh! for Mobility Kit (-2 insp) #Crushfists
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12 Focus 12
Action 9 Speed 3+1
Reputation 1 Authority 0 Inspiration 0.3
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6+1 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Better Pair of Boots
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Closequarters 15 (Rikovol)
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina and 1 focus (Rikovol)
!Of Cold Winds 1: Unengaged +speed. Engaged +dmg
!Zanshin
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 3, 1, 5 = 9 (3d6) >>6117224 Camp action time. All the listed ones are good, but I want to try something different.
>The banners are doubtless shaken by the horrendous casualties sustained—and the horrible nature in which they were sustained. Phridon will mingle with the soldiery and attempt to console them and raise their spirits. [Influence 12, Reputation +2] Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6117904 Since when were there seven Powderhands? Did they gain a reinforcement, or is there a spy in our midst?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:LB2S0A0V Sun 06 Oct 2024 18:33:01 No. 6117972 Report Quoted By:
>>6117949 One of the medical specialists grumble and groan and grab a pouch of salt and go dump it over the wrackflicker.
stupid waste mirages. Bet you a better class of desert simply heat-shimmer mirages something nice and pleasant, not the happy faces of lost friends.
The whole thing breaks away into a swarm of beetles and they scurry off into the sands. Though they disappear too. Better get the warding specialists to bolster up the perimeter. Place is getting spooky.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Sun 06 Oct 2024 20:53:25 No. 6118096 Report >>6117383 Caedo rounds up one of the formations that got the lightest exposure to horror. The Bound Blades are, if anything, even more cautious than they were at the start of the day. Ample proof positive that's the kind of thing that keeps you alive out here.
The long line of hard working medical assistants stretch along the road. A few other company people ferry supplies. The sands stretch north east and west. There's really only one place to look for all these missing supplies.
The long trek down to the village brings with it the darkening evening hours. It's very quiet. But it's not . . . dangerous? It feels, actually, now that the sun is slowly sinking beneath the long horizon, somewhat serene. Little good luck banners flutter in the wind. If not for all the corpses, dead by knife and fist and slash and cut and choking gas, it would be remarkable picturesque. One of the Blades wince. They come up short for a while. It takes some gently authorative prodding to get the formation moving. And there it is. Beyond this massacre. The old granary warehouse that Commander Isenfrii rented so long ago, to recieve inbound supplies and build up a surplus to ship on to the Company operations base. The door has taken a few chops of an axe, but it was chosen because of its thick walls and defensible entrances. The Company reinforced the whole thing before marching deeper into the Wastes. Keep the rats and the ruffians out. It'd probably be harder to find a better defended building anywhere in this village. Imagine if you had to hunker down for a while, chased by unknown horrors. You'd definitively want to hide in this one, the largest, most secure, most well supplied building with an easy and quick secondary exit out by the small oasis that nigh but guarantees the possibility of escape if one has the daring to do it and is under siege. Commander Isenfrii always had an eye for that kind of detail. The unexpected way out. A career built on small advantages.
One of the Blades grunt and point at a table in the middle of the road. A fallen chair is beside it. Food on it. Bread, looks like. A few cut ropes lie in the dirt. Montosi mentioned something about being tied to a chair in the middle of the road? Might be that's hers. Strange stuff.
Caedo tries the door. It's thick. Doesn't budge. He gives it a few extra pushes. It still doesn't move. Curious. Maybe it's a pull door? He tries that too and not one thing at all happens. One of the Blades nearby asks if its locked?
Why would it be *locked*? It's not-- Checking the keyhole, the door is, in fact, locked. And all the ratling has summoned something within!
A tired voice, fair coated in fatigue, shouts out through the thick doors WHO IS IT???
what the fu---
>??? >Uhhhh Edward
Quoted By:
>>6117886 "Is the favour something urgent? I will help with whatever you need as soon as I'm finished assisting the medical staff."
(Posting up-to-date sheet)
#Edward
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 2
Morale +1
Inspiration 0.1
–Stat
Reputation -1
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Harquebus [4d6 Impact, Terror, Malfunction 16+, 3AP Reload, -1Acc per step, +1 Club in melee]
One Memento [Locket with her picture]
1 bit
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
+2 Fast Talk
#Alchemineering 13 [First Aid, Salt, Gas, Smoke, Fire, Oil, Salt, Acid, Stimulant, 1AP=1 point or huck 1d3 with major action]
#Muskets 13
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Boating 12
#Sea Navigation 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettle: If you start adjacent to an ally, they add +1 to all skill tests and speed. Spend 1 AP on behalf of ally
!Gunslinger
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 1, 4, 3, 6, 1, 2, 1, 6, 1 = 25 (9d6) >>6116981 >>6117305 STRESS EXPERIENCE
seeing discussion and other actions about stress testing secrets and skills not part of the initial list, I am going to do some of my own
Testing against Will 10
>>6116810 >>6112943 Testing against Poetry 12
>>6116810 Not sure if this counts, but Thoughts 10
>>6110015 >>6109973 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Sun 06 Oct 2024 21:17:08 No. 6118117 Report Quoted By:
>>6117380 There is no peer reviewed evidence that writing wards on paper and then stitching that paper to your uniform wards off the Wrack.
But there also is not any evidence it doesn't make things better, and sometimes out here you have to take your double negatives and your totems and hope. If prayer beads and icon statues and little symbols on necklaces is good for everyone else perhaps your curious new suit of paper will be good for you too. If nothing else it makes you feel better. That's worth a world of good out here.
The Company Ward Specialists are already hard at work in the field. They had to carve a path through the wrack and ward it, to allow the road to be used again. Beats taking the long way around the collapsing fort. They had to make sure there was no odd improbable animals crawling from the fissures in the earth. They had to check the while thing over for signs of fireglass. "Properly" crystalised potential, the fireglass is to the wrack as gold is to lead. If - IF - this monstrous cascade somehow caused fireglass to sprout in minable chunks it may not assuage those who suffered and die but it would certainly make the Company at large happy, given the enormous wealth it would imply. That would be a staggering amount of good fortune. And so, tired, yawning, fatigued and blinking to keep the sand out of their red-rimmed eyes, the Specialists are hard at work.
They give Icarus and his rather curious getup the side-eye. Though one of them also grabs his notebook, sketches out a protective ward and rips the page to attach to his pocket. Hey, if works . . .
. . . So far no one's found any sudden windfalls of enormous wealth that would pull this calamity from terrible to merely monstrous. What they have found is that the Wrack is . . breaking? It's oddly brittle. Usually, the hardened chunks of potential and the cracks in creation are resilient to blow and bullet. But this stuff has a tendency to crack apart with pressure. Some of it is still resilient, of course. Yet the vast majority is improperly formed, which some careful work with a magnifying glass has revealed. Odds are that this field will slowly be worn down by wind and weather and then subsumed back into the Wastes over time.
That's made everyone feel a lot better. Bad enough it sprouted here at all. Far worse if it was sign that the Deep Wastes were reaching *out* towards the coast, the slow ending of all life on the entire continent beneath an unstoppable glacial tide of crystal. No. For now, the world is asserting its mundanity and this field is shimmering apart.
Which all in all leaves a few interesting possibilities though the Specialists aren't entirely sure how to go about it. They've already sent word off to the Company, but until the proper tools get here they're left with their best creative impulses.
And thing is: Wrack Crystal is -sharp- stuff. It's brittle, yes, but these flakes. With /some/ care, they can be pulled from the structures. . .
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
>>6117886 "Why, yes, that is our mule. Strange that an officer can just take this much money and set off to Void knows where, eh? Might be something worth bringing up with the Commander. Anyhow, thanks for keeping it safe. Montosi, was it? Well, Montosi, I'll be taking this fella off your hands now. Also...uh, who are you and what are you doing here, exactly? And what's all this about a favor."
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Sun 06 Oct 2024 21:34:52 No. 6118135 Report >>6117471 While its admirable to go chasing down several hundred armed people armed with nothing more than can do attitude and the companionship of loyal beasts, perhaps it is also probably the most enormously recklessly suicidal thing to do so at night, after a long day, with barely any supplies, in hostile territory, against armed opponents who are aware you may do so?
And more so when you don't have any way of knowing where they went, exactly, and so must track them when the sand sweeps across the way by wind and the stars shine above. You do have the skills to do so, but it's less a question of "skill" and more a question of whether you want to risk stumbling over a dune and coming face first with fifteen Windsworn around a campfire.
"Sweep the Field" is meant to be a *local* activity. Something in this field.
You are certainly free to wander off to tryto scout things out, but if so, you should be very certain you intend to do so, and reply to this post with confirmation and 2 more rolls of Sheer Fortune.
Otherwise, perhaps do something else ?
--
>>6117302 +2, Medical, Boon 2
>>6117311 +1, Medical, Boon 1
>>6117377 +1, Medical, Boon 1
>>6117780 +3, Medical, Boon 2, Critical
>>6117790 +1 Medical
>>6117926 +2 Medical, Boon 1
=+9 Medical, 7 Boons, One Critical
The medical staff is thankful for all the assistance. Though they do so sorely need it as well. Perhaps a few more troopers might see the next morning light, yeah?
Let's hope.
>Resolving medical matters. Alas the above +Medical does not refer to flat skill bonus, but to magnitude of provided care. Company Skill is 12 effective, +2 for extra hands. --
>>6117299 If you are Embedded in a unit, you don't need to shout orders. The unit mostly follows you and you simply take actions as normal, backed up by their hands, skills and the fact that another 7 people around you is very helpful.
Eg if you attack, you lead the unit in attacking. If you Sense, they all help look, so on, so on. You simply take normal actions and you can rely on the troopers to assist as best able.
Crystalline Voice doesn't apply to this, because it would be tantamount to a permanent +1 to everything. Which while fantastic is for other traits.
To shout specific orders, spend 1 AP to give a quick shout. Crystalline Voice does add +1 here. Guidance Orders are 3 AP major actions, where you test a skill and the Troopers try to do something using their own skills + enhanced by your roll. Crystalline Voice does help here as well, and it has a few other subtle benefits (Eg your skill for Guidance isn't penalised as much by distance, so the actual total guidance is usually higher as well, even beyond a +1).
This works whether you're embedded or not, but if you shout an order while Embedded, the troopers usually go do that thing and that might mean they leave you behind?
>>6117311 Fast talk counts, though it raises itself and not all of Influence, alas.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Sun 06 Oct 2024 21:44:53 No. 6118145 Report >>6117380 Command thought you said "do it right" - none of those are traits, recruit! They're notifications about accomplishments!
>>6117772 We call it 400 years of Service, but it unlocks the trait Resonant, and Resonant provides those listed benefits. You would simply note that you were Resonant; which lets you halve Iconotheurgy Invocation Penalties (praise the sun), perform Strict Wards and burn your own lifeforce as an offering of sensation to the Other and their ilk and so draw them to you with enormous ease.
Incidentally, you learn Wards 11 if you don't have Wards, but you have Wards 13 from Thaumatheurgy and some prior training, and you don't "downgrade". Just note you have Wards 13, as that's the actual skill you have. More precisely put, you have Wards 11 innately and then picking the Thaumatheurgy Kit bumps them to Ward 12.
( Though without the Thauamtheurgy Kit it's actually Wards 11+1 since you learned +1 Wards earlier. The Whitebone Needles do not provide a Ward skill bonus, so having them noted as (Wards-13) is a bit confounding. Some items do give a bonus on use, so better be precise about that. Basically, you drop 1 Ward rank if you don't bring the Thaumatheurgy Kit, because all the kit bits are functionally equivalent to a skill bonus )
Though if you're particular interested, you're now so Resonant you don't need the Thaumatheurgy kit to perform Invocations at all. Warding and the right words will do you just fine. It's highly recommended you bring a Thaumatheurgy kit nonetheless.
>>6117779 In a major way means a major way. The wording leads your mind naturally to Major Acts, which is what usually benefits? But it's hard to judge the impact of some actions. A Sense check for 1 AP that reveals an ambush must have had a major impact, as does thinking about the equipment the enemy might bring and so revealing their Hound-trick earlier. This is more up to a deft touch and a little bit of judicous care from the recruits in question. Both of those case would let you Stress Test thoughts and Sense, though they are not "major" actions.
To be on the safe side, take a major action and hope it works out.
Edward
Rolled 2, 1, 4 = 7 (3d6) >>6117301 Rerolling that Influence-fast talk stress experience
Edward
Quoted By:
>>6118147 >Inspiration 0.1->0.6 Corrected sheet, I think
#Edward
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 2
Morale +1
Inspiration 0.6
–Stat
Reputation -1
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Harquebus [4d6 Impact, Terror, Malfunction 16+, 3AP Reload, -1Acc per step, +1 Club in melee]
One Memento [Locket with her picture]
1 bit
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
+2 Fast Talk
#Alchemineering 13 [First Aid, Salt, Gas, Smoke, Fire, Oil, Salt, Acid, Stimulant, 1AP=1 point or huck 1d3 with major action]
#Muskets 13
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Boating 12
#Sea Navigation 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettle: If you start adjacent to an ally, they add +1 to all skill tests and speed. Spend 1 AP on behalf of ally
!Gunslinger
Rion
Rolled 5, 2, 5, 3, 5, 2, 6, 1, 3, 4, 3, 1 = 40 (12d6) >>6117886 Stress roll logs
>>6114553 Sense 11 (rolled 8)
Animal handling 10 (rolled 9) Could you correct me if this is wrong Secret
>>6114072 CQC 13 (rolled 5) among other things.
>>6111870 Gearwright 12 (rolled 10)
#Rion
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 11
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
BoostKit: Fuel 4/4 Speed 4
WispCloak: +1 Reaction
Bits of kibble: Animals like more
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Coinbits: 1
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Close Quarters 13
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Cold Winds 1: If start unengaged Add rank to speed. If engaged Bonus DMG to first attack hit.
!The Flow: When you Defend, you perform multiple Step-Dodges. When you attack, targets get -1 skill.
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
>>6118096 >Uhhh This is [Insert Rank] Malum Caedo part of Commader Isenfrii's Company. I was looking for the supplies that never arrive- I'm sorry who is this? Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 2, 4, 3 = 9 (3d6) >>6118145 Well, I guess maybe my Sense checks might count as major then.
>>6118115 >>6116981 >>6117305 STRESS EXPERIENCE
Testing Sense 10, might also contribute to Thoughts test earlier
>>6110274 >>6110308 >>6118115 If applicable, Will test passes for +0.3 Inspiration
If applicable, Poetry test passes for +0.4 Inspiration
If applicable, Thoughts test passes for +0.3 Inspiration
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6118158 If applicable, Sense test passes for +0.2 Inspiration
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Sun 06 Oct 2024 22:06:30 No. 6118165 Report Quoted By:
>>6118135 What feels like hours later but is more apt to be a lot less time than you realize, some semblance of slow order begins to reassert itself. The triage of the critical ones have been completed competently. The skulkers have been pulled back together. The medium term ones - and theres a lot of them - have been given stimulants, shimmergrass, bandages, anti-sceptics, wrackweal, water and checked over for embedded shards, small fragments, cuts, bruises, burns, scrapes and other ouchies.
Doctor Lesin cracks a smile once - just once - when four people working together finally manage to hold an Ironwrought down long enough to peel the heavy vanguard armor off and get to the cut across his stomach that has parted the armor like paper across his body and smeared him with an enormous amount of blood. It turns out for all the grissly horror, the cut is so clean it bleed profusely but it's all surface level damage. If the armor had been a little less thick. If he'd been standing half bit to the right. If someone had jostled him. If if if. For all the monstrosity of the last few hours, this carnage filled road is haunted by the spectre of curiously good fortune. No wounds show sign of infection. No shards are deep in flesh. Arrow heads pop out with ease. Cuts are clean. Wound-string doesn't snap when the needle goes in. Water boils cleanly and well. The wind is low, so the sand is not hurdled across the entire formation. Lucky, if you believe in such a thing. Wicklighter dances across the wounded, applying little patches of the proper powders where appropriate. Edward offers a few sailors cures and when the rum runs out sets to setting bone and dislocated parts with ease. It's a puzzle in reverse. Phridon and Decimus offer a few words of guidance to alleviate the worst wounds: the ones in the soul. A lot of these troopers were horrified, assaulted by a thing they have no explanation for. There are explanations for phenomena like this. Residual memory resonance given form in the Strainwrack by the last desire of a dying Windsworn, cleaved to a purpose of intentful murder and stalking to--
so a demon??
well no, the technical term is animant, the animating force of a living mind embedded in a structure of material which resonates and--
a GHOST!!
no ghosts aren't real, the dead have no capacity to project their thoughts to the world, the technical term is --
bad spooky shit
... you know what, yes. yes. Yeah that'll do.
Crushfist offers a few Rikovian breathing exercises and this thing with a few needles and some light pressure on the muscles. Every single doctor present tells him to cut that shit out. When two patients sit up and mutter that it hurts a little less now, they let him get back to it, but they keep giving him the side-eye. Look, if it doesn't involve sawbones and screaming, it can hardly be rated "medicine", alright?
>Company formations reforming >Casualties reduced by 40% ( !! ) Anonymous
>>6118145 Ah very good, that all checks out then.
I shouldn't need to make any additions or changes to my downtime since I almost exclusively kept to spell-slinging during this mission.
Well, except for that one action where I inspected the tower peak, but I don't feel like that's a significant enough event to contribute to *Stress* Experience.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Sun 06 Oct 2024 22:26:11 No. 6118179 Report >>6118157 CAEDO? **CAEDO**?????
HOLD ON A SECOND THE BARRICADES WILL TAKE A MOMENT TO --
[the sound of hammers and heaving men then eventually someone pulls something heavy away from the doors and bust them open. Many nervous looking clerks look out, sweating, wide-eyed, the house is hot like a sauna from lack of ventilation, wounded are stacked against the back, a score of them grip what Caedo instantly realises is a new line of Mordenkainen advanced rifles, the ones with enhanced sighting optics, and beyond all that the whole warehouse reeks of chemical tang. Every single person here is dosed far beyond the tolerance limits with stimulants and terror]
HOLY VOID AND HIGH STARS
**CAEDO!??**
MAN ARE WE GLAD TO SEE YOU
BUT WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE. THIS WHOLE PLACE IS CRAWLING WITH WINDSWOO--
[The speaker spots all the dead Windsworn at Caedos feet, and their attendant knife wounds]
... GOOD SPIRITS AND GRAND ICONS CAEDO. YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THEM LIKE THAT YOU SEETHING PSYCHOPATH.
HA HA RESCUE AT LAST. I TOLD YOU. I TOLD YOU THEY'D COME. DIDN'T I? THE SPIDERS DIDN'T BELIEVE ME BUT THE RACOONS ARE KIND AND AND AND AND AND AND AND
[ Given the sheer enormous relief, this is about when his overcharged adrenaline systems give out and he collapses ]
--
>We've found our missing supply clerks! At least ... some of them ! CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Sun 06 Oct 2024 22:46:16 No. 6118205 Report >>6118179 Though they're a little shaken up. Time to hustle them out of here. They're very relieved to know we're right up by the road.
Not exactly in a coherent state of affairs, but we'll get them to the doctors along with the rest and get them debriefed. Maybe they can elaorate on what went down in this town?
>>6117386 >>6117311 >>6118124 [Later, Elsewhere, while Zivka prepares to wander off into the Wastes on their own in the middle of the night, a very ardeous way of committing a slow murder of the self]
Montosi checks the area. A few Company trooper are hard at work cleaning up fallen, fixing corpses, and scavenging good arrows. You can never go wrong scavenging good arrows.
The long twillight is ending. The sun is dipping. And the shadows grow longer and longer. Soon, it will be torch time and lanternlight and the encroaching darkness held only at bay by the distant stars and the light of the moons.
Montosi keeps her voice low, quick, snap-shot. Points at the quiet village beyond, hopefully now emptied of both our supply clerks and our supplies. The last of them trudged up the road ten minutes ago, blinking faintly and unable to believe their own luck. What a day.
Listen, Montosi starts.
That village is strange. That feast? Bread prepared in every house, every villager missing, and not a thing disturbed. I've . . . seen . . . something a little like this before. And I want to find out if my hunch is on point.
I might need some help. Which would mean I need a few of you to come along. But you've had a void-touched day, and it's a lot to ask.
I don't know what might happen, she continues, and she does seem as if she genuinely does not know, but it might be dangerous to an extreme of danger I cannot describe for you. Or it might be nothing. Or it might be something very strange indeed, which warrants proper looking.
I want to hold up in that warehouse of yours. It's empty now, and it doesn't have any feast food prepared inside it.
Here's my ask, alright?
>Lend me 2 Ward Specialists, to ward the doors, just in case. >And come along, if you want to to help me shed some light on a mystery. But you'll be staying up for most of the night because sleeping will be potentially dangerous, and so you will be recklessly, enormously fatigued if you march tomorrow. If you've got warding skills yourself, we can spare the Specialists and not pull them off duty.
So, what'll it be? You want to help me out here?
I wish I could be more specific, but I don't think I know what might happen here. I've just got this ... feeling.
>??? >Anyone who wants to VOLUNTEER should reply to this post. It's open to anyone, but be aware the danger might be staggering. So, uh, yeah. Any question?
She finishes with a sudden smile and a little shrug. Looks like she's picked up a padded uniform and a sword somewhere along the way.
Decimus
Quoted By:
>>6118205 >VOLUNTEER They said don't be first, don't be last, and don't volunteer for anything. Well, if I listened to them I wouldn't be in the middle of the wastes to begin with, would I. What's one more mission?
Rion
Rolled 2, 5, 5 = 12 (3d6) >>6117224 >Refit and repairs: Help in fixing broken armor and weapons (Gearwright 12) I know how Boost kit works anything less should be easier. >>6118156 >Sense +1 (fail) >Animal handling inspire +0.1 (success margin 0) >CQC 13 inspire +0.3 (success margin 3) >Gearwright 12 inspire +0.4 (success margin 4) >>6117229 >Kit enhancement: Ssssh! -1 inspiration >Weapons training: With These Hands -1 inspiration 0.8 inspiration left
#Rion
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 12
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
BoostKit: Fuel 4/4 Speed 4
WispCloak: +1 Reaction
Bits of kibble: Animals like more
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Coinbits: 1
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Close Quarters 13
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Cold Winds 1: If start unengaged Add rank to speed. If engaged Bonus DMG to first attack hit.
!The Flow: When you Defend, you perform multiple Step-Dodges. When you attack, targets get -1 skill.
Zivka
>>6118205 If no one else is going to come with to try and find our MIA, then I’m ready to help Montosi instead.
Going off alone is no good, and she did save my life.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 05:47:40 No. 6118426 Report Quoted By:
>>6118414 I'm sure quite a few would be willing to do so - and Scarlett certainly already appears to have wandered off on her own. Stars know how that will turn out.
It's less a matter of will and doing, and more a matter of difficulty and timing. Sweep the Field locally, that's where it leads. Long adventurers into distant corners are for more organised levels of mobilisation.
Though again, Command certainly doesn't think the perimeter sentries are good enough to stop you nor intend to. If you insist on making the try, perhaps something will heroically come of it.
>>6118271 That's a lie. No one knows how boost kits work. Not even the Vanadians, and they invented them !
>>6118168 Enjoying architecture is more of a relaxing experience, it's true.
>>6118158 Will is not - it's a Stat, not a Secret, nor is it on the list of particular, allowed stats. Will is a hard to develop.
Poetry is.
Senses is on the list of Stats that may increase, in all this marching and making.
Thought is an acquired skill - it's all the secrets of knowledge and insight. Unfortunately, large scale downtime operations don't quite cut it, so it's not very Stressful.
But hey, two out of four is some kind of odds.
>>6118156 Animal Handling is not actually a Stressful Experience when you mainly care for adorable dogs once (And when you don't have the Secret in the first place, for then what exactly are you training?) But keep this in mind, there's a trick that will be apparent a little later. You may return to this.
>>6117791 4,2
+1 [Reflective Oceandrop]
It has a little spark of light, deep in the opal darkness. When you hold it to your ear, you can faintly hear the sound of distant waves. The trader said you should keep this in a bucket of water at night and let it soak in the soft blue of the midnight sky, but so far that hasn't done anything.
Gain:
!Shadowcling 1: Adds to Reaction, Speed and AP if you start your turn in a pool of shadow. Spend, as a free action, to infuse an action with Shadowcling.
As a trait
Also Wrackstone 9, as a Secret
>>6117377 Idol, roll of 7, 3
+1 [Carved Spiderwhale Figurine]
What is a spiderwhale ? Why does it have so many limbs, fins, legs, teeth? Why is the mouth made with such detail? At night, when you close your eyes, you can almost see reflected waves in your tent. You hear skittering. But a spider whale swims. Surely?
You are very tired. All your dreams are full of the endless ocean. You hear the song. It sounds faintly like webs in the deep, vibrating, catching sharks for prey. What . . . is a spiderwhale?
Gain
#Skittersong of the Deep 14,
as a Secret.
... uh what?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 05:48:52 No. 6118427 Report Quoted By:
>>6117310 5,1
+1 [Polished Dancer's Jade]
Deep green and beautiful, these little gemstones of green mark the ear of the high and the noble from coast to coast. Simulacra, of course. Real Dancer's Jade is hard to set into jewellry. Too skittish.
Gain
!Sideslipping Sidestep 1: You can move past/through occupied tiles with Speed. You retain your Speed while Engaged.
as a trait
Also Dancing-12, Secret and Wrackstone-9, as a Secret. It's mostly formal ballroom and modern high, but there's a little street style Kalcmin Shoetap in there.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 07:18:47 No. 6118461 Report Now that we've found (some of) our missing supplies, maybe some of our banner can stop using blunt blades and padded shirts for armor? Is that a new, freshly oiled Mordenkani rifle? Where'd the Commander swing *those*??
--
>Proceeding to 2nd Camp Phase --
Icarus' help in the Wrackfields and a bit of creative tinkering with a few of the less dangerous shards have revealed some sharp possibilities.
We have enough supplies to potentially adjust some of our kit or sharpen our edge a little.
And it's a camp. You can always get into trouble.
>>6108989 Letters Home are described here. From this list, as a personal activity, you can still currently:
- Insist your papers are in . . . error
- Ingratiate yourself with the troopers
- Show the Slackers what you're about
The only Red Market out here is the informal camp trade, and this is already covered by other things.
>>6117886 Sweep the Field and File a Report remain viable as a Camp Action too. By now, there's nothing more to be done medical-ways, and the Refit options are covered and enhanced with our new supply recovery!
--
Markhan's report to Commander Isenfrii is bound to get a reply any minute now.
Montosi is still waiting for a few volunteers.
We **will** need to decide on our next line of march soon. Either we return to the Company and leave our people behind, or we contrive some way to get them back. Discussion about this should probably be had.
No other out standing issues!
--
>Force Disposition Update . . . CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 07:59:06 No. 6118477 Report The Scarred Spears have been disbanded. They're either MIA or dead, though we can assume some of them were taken by the Windsworn.>send back them to Company HQ >give them a pep-talk and a pat on the back >...? >resolving this is a free action >Resolving this is a free action - more flexibility in keeping them as two units, but harder to coordinate. >Units can be shuffled around to bring formations up to strength or spread them out. This is a free action. In case of a tie or a deadlocked argument, some dice are rolled. Units use an aggregate average of skills, so shuffling high skill units into lower skill units can improve them a little. Refilling higher skill units with lower skill units reduces total skill a little. >All this is a lot of additional "make-work", and is not strictly required, but you may have specific designs or ideas that it helps to do.
Zivka
Rolled 6, 1, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 5, 5 = 34 (9d6) >>6118461 >Remind the world I am Uthani, as determined in the first letters home. >Demand my pay. I shan’t range out without, minimum, a new axe! (Influence 11, Reputation -1) > Sweep the fields (Animal Friend 12)…. … to represent actually chasing after our kidnappers with hawk and hound, and maybe reuniting with Scarlett and Martik en route.
Sorry Montosi. Remind me to buy you a round later.
>>6118477 >Mourn the disintegration of my fellow tribes folk. ;( Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6118479 10 vs 11, 1 Margin
11 - 1, Double margin plus two.
Total of four new bits, which I will spend immediately on a new axe and kibble for the dogs. Between all *four* of us, I fear no desert bandit!
Zivka
Vitality 9 Stamina 10 Focus 10
Action 9 Speed 1+1
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9+1, Reputation -1
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield & Axe
**Sharpened (+1 Damage)
Ranging Kit
Tattercloak Quiver
Weather Cloak (Morale 1, Weather Resist 2)
Good Boots
4 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
More Pockets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Animalfriend 12
**Hawk Whistle
**Whisper Cloth
**Trailken
**Extra Kibble
#Bows 12
#Axes 13
#Filching 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!I’ll Walk, Thanks
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 08:31:12 No. 6118489 Report Quoted By:
Finally, in this profusion of paperwork and strained eyeballs, the Master at Arms had a few choice tips and a few words on things not covered in the usual materials. >Please don't feel you need to memorize this. But it might be fun or interesting to know why things sometimes happen, so it's included here for completeness.
Zivka
Rolled 1, 6, 5, 4, 6, 6 = 28 (6d6) >>6118135 I just saw this post.
I will make two more Sheer Fortune rolls, and hope to reunite with Scarlett swiftly.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 08:33:23 No. 6118492 Report >>6118490 Well, it's your funeral recruit. Let us know if something spooky kills you, so we know not to go in that direction.
Zivka
>>6118492 With four sets of eyes high and low, I think we’d see most anyone before they see us!
Phonedward
Rolled 3, 6, 2, 1, 5, 3, 1, 5, 2 = 28 (9d6) >>6118205 I volunteer. Someone will need to prepare the stimulants that will keep everyone awake and I still owe you my life. Besides, it may be interesting.
>>6118461 >Haggle for my dues (influence 10 +2 fast talk, first 2 rolls) >Resupply a formation, properly this time. Get some Mordenkainens for the Quiet Stainfingers (and one for myself)(Refit 8+5) Phonedward
Quoted By:
>>6118508 >11 vs fast talk 12, +1coinbit >8-1: +4 coinbits? (For +5 total? Can you double check my math, Command?) >8 vs Refit 13 for the Stainfingers' new gear (and mine) CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 09:02:15 No. 6118510 Report >>6118494 >>6118490 [A Short While Later]
The path is winding along an old dried out riverbed. Zivka dipping into it to avoid profiling herself against the flat landscape. A loyal bird comes diving out of the high skies with a shrill thrilling of alarm and hovers, nearby, as the Scraghound sniffs the air and paws the dirt and whines twice. And then, out of the darkening night, a scene resolves itself:
Zivka has indeed found some Windsworn, though they are long dead and their skulls have been ripped opened by a colony of Cerebovorando ants. Their greymatter has already been subsumed by the voracious insectile empire. But the Windsworn seem to have died from piercing instruments, punching through bodies. It in the dark it is hard to ascertain what entirely but given the lack of arrows here, a good guess would be bullets of some kind. The air has a faint, faded trace of powder discharge. Though that could be a mental mirage. Might be the old river-bed. . .
It's strange, though. They look dead, of course, but not as if they struggled. They're dirty, dusty things, little scraps of meat thrown down a way.
It's almost as if someone shot them and threw them into this place, knowing they would be slightly out of soon and eventually consumed whole by the active insectile emperors in this little winding place. But why go to such lengths? Or is that perhaps your mind speaking things it has no grasp of?
The Scraghound rolls a low growl over the army of cerebovorando moving. They form a soft perimeter by rote instinct. A lot of creatures flee when the Scraghound growls. Cerebovorando ants recognise no sovereign but their council of queens. They are not dissauded by adorable four pawed friends.
Probably best to go around and not encroach on their territory. Zivka knows enough about animals to see *that* trap for what it is, emnity with an entire civilization of little hungry things. Well, at least the detour will be walking and not riding. Horses are the gods curse on man. No equine can be trusted.
>1/3 CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 09:14:59 No. 6118515 Report Quoted By:
>>6118510 >>6118510 Alright, long way around it is. Luckily, walking an extra few kilometers at night in unknown territory and the rustling of every little bit of grass around hiding potential assailants is otherwise known as "Monday", and to do so after having spent all day engaged in an intense hostage situation, escape and critical Lungrot exposure episode is known as "Monday, but Overtime". It's probably good to go for a walk after Edward hit you with enough Lungrot to kill thirty people twice over, right? Clear the lungs. Give the muscles a good work out. You've already ranged so far today, what's a few more hours of trekking in a vaguely possible direction chasing fleeting shadows and hopes and thoughts and trying to remember how it feels to feel awake and not this tired, worn to the bone, gassed out, eight times over hammered horror that your body insists it is now. Climb another cliff. Up another dune. The landscape boils away into a kaleidscope of rainbow colours and your wonderful Scraghound sprouts a thousand legs and eats one of the moons and you blink and snap awake again. Micro-sleep. That'll happen once you're past a sufficient level of bone-deep fatigue.
Walking an extra few kilometers in the dark in new kit chasing unknown leads has not, alas, for the moment, measurable helped Zivka recover from the enormous amount of gas they were exposed to earlier. When the doctors ordered "bedrest, and nothing but" and said "you were thirty more breaths of that stuff away from dying" and "please don't do anything strenous, you were locked inside a warm building during the midday heat for hours with little water", what they REALLY meant was: sure, march off into the night, a spot of bracing stubbornness is good for the soul.
your blisters on your blisters have grown blister blisters. your feet are the machine that turns kilometers into pain.
( But the hound is bounding along, joyously delighted to be out roving, and the free fleet bird lands on bush and passing shrubbery and little rock and radiates a kind of contentment that almost lifts the spirit )
The stars above are myriad and you wish you could sleep. That's what humans do at night, you know. Sleep. They don't go marching off chasing down kidnappers who could be any-Icon-where. Especially not after they spent all day being variously gassed, attacked, locked in a room, threatened with guns, beat over the head, shot at or mildly dehydrated.
But perphaps the soft twinging in your ligaments is simply pain leaving the body. There sure is a lot of it.
And then Zivka rounds a little dip in the landscape, keeping low, and there's a campfire up ahead, a tent, a small score of people bustling about. And the clanking of armor and the grinding of preparations for ... combat?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 09:34:53 No. 6118522 Report . . . Whether by good grand fortune or the foulest interplay of dire luck, Zivka's detour around the Cerebovorando lines have lead her, by bit and by degree, down a small incline in the landscape that terminates in three canvas leantos with banners flapping in the breeze. A single warm campfire and a line of gentle smoke.
Wicklighter
Rolled 2, 2, 4, 6, 5, 5, 6, 6, 5, 2, 1, 1 = 45 (12d6) >>6118461 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 13/13 Focus 13/13
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6+1 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
0 Coinbits
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 16
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
!Dangerously Lethal: Test against 10 + lethality modifier (the +, not the d6) to be lethally dangerous or to know how to become such
!0.6 Inspirations
>Camp Routine: Resupply a Formation, Properly This Time - Blue Rats (Refit 13) >Personal Action: Show the Slackers what you're about - Blue Rats, spend a Coinbit (Stamina 13, Blades 16, Blades 13) Wicklighter thinks, for just a moment, of trying to harness the supposedly safe wrack into a blade. The blade that crystalline swordsman wielded was extremely effective. If it could be harnessed, replicated... but no, this only happened because somebody with not enough training decided they knew better than the universe. And he's not got /any/ training in this. Real steel would do him well enough.
>>6118477 >Send the Rainboweyed Archers back to Company HQ. A formation of two wracked men doesn't seem the most combat-ready thing ever. Best to send them back to where there were more experts and facilities. >Approve the Eager Edges and Windswept Blades merging. >Let the Ironwrought be Vanguard Breachers again >Give the new Windswept Edges the banner. In dark times, we come together and stand tall, relying on our comrades for support. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 09:44:47 No. 6118525 Report >>6118522 One wonders then why they are sharpening swords. Why they are camping in full armor. Zivka realizes they fully intend to sleep in it, vambraces, greaves, cuirass and all else. An uncomfortable, long sleep with metal digging into your sides. You wake stiff and cold come morning, muscles slow and sore.
But you do wake wearing the full armor of your profession with a weapon close to hand. They're famous for doing it. Raincatchers - Pytherii heavy infantry - sleep standing the full armor. If the joke are to be believed, they need the arrows pinging off of it to wake them up at all.
But all that stuff is a measure for war, if you're blundering about in hostile territory, expecting ambush, woe and worse things. No one subjects themselves to it willingly, certainly not four soldiers out on detached patrol where no higher officer can come at snarl at them for having boots that aren't quite polished.
So there's a contrast then. Between the presumed invincibility of the Legion and the fact that you'd be utterly mad to attack them, and the very fact that these men are acting as if they have orders to presume they could be attacked. They might not be expecting a fight. But someone's told them to be ready for one.
The Scraghound rubs its long head against Zivkas hand and rumbles low in the throat. Communicating via vibrations and the little growl in the air. It takes Zivka a little longer to pick up what its attempting to convey.
Smell it: Beyond the sizzling meat on the open flame.
Sword oils and leather polish and of all curious things: soap.
These men have not been here in the Wastes on their long patrol very long at all.
Might be worth approaching the fire and inquiring as to what all this is about.
Might be worth skulking back down the way and making like a ghost in the night.
Zivka is [Thoughts Success, +2] fairly confident the Legio out here have a standing order to treat travellers with hospitable intent. Might score some meat and snack for the hound in exchange for a story.
Zivka is [Sense success, +2] fairly confident these troopers are just a little too fresh to have been here long. Which is strange.
>Too strange. I'm out. >Well, not too strange. HO THERE. WHAT'S COOKING? >Maybe I could [...???] to find some more information >maybe I should just take a nap I'm very very very tired >...? Zivka
>>6118525 >Well, not too strange. HO THERE. WHAT'S COOKING? >Remind the world that Zivka only has 10 Stamina and Focus, not 12, on account of being repeatedly mauled by a horse earlier. She’s kind of currently wrecked. > Also remind the world that I spent 2 Bits to tame a second dog. Utterly spent, Zivka stumbles out of the dark, offering to trace some medicine and an absolutely wild story for dog food, water and a place to sleep.
(The food is for the dogs, although if it’s some of that meat I won’t be too proud)
Use the opportunity to, while story telling, tell them about the battle, and windstorm, and the operative who hired a horde of bandits to maraud, murder and kidnap a mercenary salvage team for reasons I still have no idea on.
I’m trying to track them right, now, actually.
Zivka
>>6118526 Oh, right
Also someone is feeding dead windstorm to ants, no idea why.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6118461 Would I be able to start making my way back by now? How long has it been since first camp phase?
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 1, 5, 2, 6, 3, 2, 1, 1, 6 = 27 (9d6) >>6118461 >Debrief the Banners. Phridon chides the Sunstained Spears over their tardiness. Reduce Sluggish 12. [Influence 12, Discipline 13] "Men, I am disappointed. You arrived last and still managed to be utterly knackered. Being on time and good conditioning are two fundamental pillars of soldiering, among others, and for the basis of... [it goes on in this manner for some time]"
>Personal Downtime. Fuck it, we ball. Get Into Trouble. >>6118477 >give the two archers a pep-talk and a few pats on the collective back, but also get the relevant warding and discipline specialists involved. Are there some...special ways in which we can make use of these two? >Merge edges and blades. We have plenty blade banners as it is. Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
>>6118605 > Find A Problem [that's] ??? This bodes well.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 16:17:51 No. 6118644 Report >>6118526 >>6118527 Zivka stumbles from the dark after a long ranging patrol. Eight eyes turn to take her in. In one considered observation, they mark her stance, her posture, her weaponry, her animals, her uniform. Hands hover near hilts of shortblades. None speak.
And then one of the sharp looking legio slowly lifts her gauntled hand off of her weapon and dips her head at the fire. All wanderers who meet at night around an open flame should be friends, or so it is said. Zivka looks like she has a story to tell - and she does! She uses the opportunity to, while story telling, tell them about the battle, and windsworn, and the Operative who hired a horde of bandits to maraud, murder and kidnap a mercenary salvage team for reasons I still have no idea on.
She's tracking them right now.
And dead men lurk in the riverbeds, slowly fed to ants for scuttle them out of the way.
The sharp-faced legio say surprisingly little. Zivka gets the impression that this is all a tactic, to offer her space to fill the night with her own words. Many things they may be, but lawmen they are also. Sometimes, those who have been the victims of a crime need silence to fill the air with their own warm words. They ask a few questions - how many? how long? What tools? What colours? What stripe of ribbon? Swordmasks? Any dustspeakers in attendance? And Zivka answers as best she can, though some of their terms are unusual. Perhaps the Legion postings out here often deal with marauding bandits. Stands to reason they must have some experience in the matter.
And as Zivka's story runs low and out and her tale is done, the seeming leader of the little band offers her a fresh water skin. One of them has thrown the scraghound a little morsel. Scratched its ear, ruffled its fur with a fond smile. And the hot warm spice meat is filling, and both hound and woman appreciate the succour of the fire.
In a gentle voice, one of the Legio eventually offers that this is not alltogether an unbelievable tale. They had heard about mercenary salvage teams plying this region, and though the practice is frowned upon (she holds up her hands here, easy, easy, she means no ill) it is neither illegal nor illicit, simply dangerous. There have been more Windsworn in this region lately. Outlying smallholding villages have sent complaints. The Kalcmiri Government has requested further patrols. But most curious of all is this woman she speaks of, describes. Some Operative? Of Pytherii appearance and with the accent of a high House?
The Legio look to each other and a few quiet questions pass between them, hard to decipher outside the soft understanding of their espirit d'corps. Zivka realises these troops have served together long. They trust each other. There is an understanding there.
Now there's a curiousity . . .
>... CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 16:29:33 No. 6118653 Report >>6118644 In a strange twist of circumstance, they were looking for such an Operative. They're meant to recieve new orders, you see. Special assignment, straight from Section Command, sealed flame envelope and all. Very hush hush.
Perhaps we might all track her down together? She would, they think, be utterly delighted to meet one such as you. Your story is fascinating. You should tell it again to someone who would surely be quite interested.
The man scratching the scraghound turns his hand and goes for the collar. The hound barks and twists out of the way, bolting into the night. He watches it go with impasse eyes in his clean-shaven face.
Fast hound, nightwanderer. You may try it too, if you feel as fast as your fine beast.
>Hey now, let's not do anything rash here-- [Sheer charm and reputation?] >Woah look if we could simply-- [Influence?] >I should run. [SPD] >... sit down and enjoy the meal. These people seem rather serious. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 16:30:57 No. 6118654 Report >>6118579 A few long hours of blessedly peaceful sleep.
Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6118653 …….
I’m in no state to outrun these men.
Beg them to at least let me retrieve my dog, and finish the meal. Then I’ll go talk to your commander.
He shouldn’t run off alone….
Kismet
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 4, 2, 4, 2, 4 = 20 (6d6) >>6118461 What, me? Jinxed? No, no, no, it's a special talent of mine. Well, all right, a little jinxed - just a tad. But I can assure you it's more reliable than all that, and I don't deserve this slander!
>Insist papers are in error! Luckfilching is a real career, ma! See, the way I see it is you'll see a whole lot better with that sight, some real soulstained seers. You see? No, really, those eyes are quite fetching, you'll fit in better than ever. Some of these FIENDS want to send you lot home, but I'm thinking you have a lot of Potential.
>Debrief the Banners, the Rainboweyed Archers look like they'll have an interesting account of events here (Authority +1) >Enhance their self confidence :) >Some officers want to be rid of them, but I could absorb the worst of their mishaps - any spare mobility kits laying about? #Kismet
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 10/10 Focus 10
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Paired Blades x4, sharp, throwable, Follow-Up every 3 margin
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Polished Dancer's Jade
-Secrets
#Knives 13
#Gearwright 13
#Dancing 12
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 10
#Wrackstone 9
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Professional 1: Add +1 to will rolls to resist terror
!Jinxed 1: Rank to crit fail threshold, absorb ally crit fails, enemies near me also affected by my fails
!Sideslipping Sidestep 1: Move past/through occupied tiles with Speed
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Mon 07 Oct 2024 16:52:33 No. 6118670 Report >>6118654 It is a cruel man who parts a woman from her pet. But it is a foolish one who lets captives wander off into the dark on simply their word of honour.
Three of them trudge along with you, keeping a polite distance, and help you search. It takes some cajoling, but eventually your fine hound is lured back. One of the troopers finds a little extra bitmeat.
What? Just because you're a captive doesn't mean they can't be *polite*. Prisoners have rights, you know.
Unfortunately they're going to have to tie you up now. Protocol. You understand. Thanks for being so obliging. Be a damn shame to have to shoot you in the back if you had been brave enough to run.
Nice beastie. It have name?
>Zivka MIA, though Command is oddly sure we'll for some odd reason find her again quite soon. Zivka
Quoted By:
>>6118670 ‘This one is named Koras, because he’s about as smart as my cousin. He- the man, I mean- keeps finding ways to charge into incredible danger.
…..I suppose I’m one to talk, though.
You heard of him? He’s a friend of the legion, but I don’t think he serves in this area.’
Icarus
>>6118461 =Personal Action=
> Write a letter home > Reikan > Arms-making "My most recent ventures have yielded some promising results..."
=Camp Action 2=
Ah, a windfall of Wrackstone.
Such vibrant hue, such alluring cleavage, such remarkable potential.
It would be a terrible shame to waste all of this grand material on such mundanity as arrowheads and edge-inlays.
Hmm... What if...
>Icarus delicately carves several of the larger chunks of crystal into stubby hook-ended rods. One end flattened then, curving sharply in on itself, eventually tapering off to a glinting point. Engraved upon the flat of each glittering hook is a small sigil encircled by a ward-circle from which a two sets of criscrossing wardlines spiral along the hook's length in a helix before coinciding near the tip. > Next, the theurge assembles a bizarre construct resembling a hybridization between a marionette control bar and a windchime from scrap timber and twine, inlaying a small stud of wrackstone on the underside of each wooden shaft near the end. Upon each stud an inversion of one of the marks inscribed into the hooks with a simple ward circle carved into the surrounding wood. > Finally, Icarus approaches the slain Wracksworn and attempts to embed the hooks into various parts of the corpse. One of each in its hands, one in each of its forearms, same with the upper arm, thighs, calves, feet. Two in the neck, two in the shoulderblades, two in the lower back. Icarus
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 3, 1 = 8 (3d6) >>6118685 Right. Now.
Unless I'm mistaken, I need to make a roll for my camp action here? (Armsmaking10)
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6118158 >>6118160 After correction from Command, Inspiration gain from this is +0.6, bringing my total to 1.2
>>6117229 >-1 Inspiration: Learn Modern War CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:XHPtIgcW Mon 07 Oct 2024 18:19:16 No. 6118714 Report >>6118685 Unfortunately the strainsworn . . . thing . . . have gone the way of glass and shattered into an enormous pile of tiny slivers. A few good whacks with a heavy hammer by angry troopers have seen to the structural integrity of the rest.
Yet your careful work need not neccessarily be in vain, or wasted. A collection of material in the rough shape of a humanoid is always remarkably easy to acquire. Twigs abound. Rocks. Fields of plants, alive or dead. Piles of scrap metal. Wooden timbers. Shards of crystals. Cloth and textile.
If your first choice is dust and broken bits and hammered crystal powder, what other material might you scrounge, to try this terrible thing you are trying?
( Do not worry. The Ravens so seldom come out here. It is only a small crime )
Recall the long books on resonant symmetry. Like to like. The art of the trick is to make the thing a thing it is not, but it is easier to trick the world if it has something to latch on to. The Long Con you run on reality is aided by symmetry, alignment and careful pretension that a thing that looks like something must neccessarily be *like* something. Make it seem like a duck and perhaps it eventually quacks and thinks like one.
With that in mind, the real trouble is gathering enough of an abundance of material and deciding what type to scrounge up . . .
>... ? Icarus
>>6118714 Ah, but why go to the trouble of handicrafting a marionette from scratch when so many of vastly finer quality lay scattered across the battlefield, abandoned to the elements and the predation of scavengers.
I say that we ought to rescue one of these cadavers from their humbling destiny.
> In an uncommon moment of social tact, Icarus refrains from jamming arcane crystals into the body of one of the fallen Companymen. Instead, he selects one of the more in-tact Windsworn corpses as the canvas for his newest project. Decimus
Rolled 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 3, 3, 1, 6 = 43 (12d6) >>6118477 The mirage soldier has returned. They so very much wish to continue service it seems. Decimus understands their desire. It would be impolite to keep chasing away such a dedicated soldier with salt. Decimus remembers the spectral legions and the duty-bound banners.
>Ask the mirage Powderhand to accompany him as an aide-de-camp. Ask them their name and to tell me about themselves. Feel free to roll Influence if appropriate (not rolled here). >I'm volunteering for special duty with Montosi, so if that precludes camp actions then please ignore the following actions. I also know how to form a ward. >>6118461 >Kit Tampering, Thoughts 9, Logistics 12, supply the troops with coffee. First 6 dice. >Ask the powderhands for a very small pouch of powder and the archers for both halves of a broken arrow. For Thaumatherugical reasons (I can use the first to cause explosions in the enemy ranks and the second for many purposes). >Get in to trouble, use the 1 inspiration on Worldlink. Dice 7-9. >Ritually drink coffee and abjure myself against the effects of sleep deprivation (Wards 12). Who has time for sleep? #Decimus
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 8/8 Focus 10/10
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Authority +1, Rep +2
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Spear - R2, Impales, Throwable R?
Thaumatheurgy Kit
-Whitebone Needles - Wards 12. They taste like seashells and cement.
+Abjure: 3AP, T harm to Entities or T ablative shielding vs. specific danger
Carved Spiderwhale Figurine
+Worldlink - I am linked to all the items in my hex which do not resist me.
Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt, 1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 13
#Skittersong of the Deep 14
#Religious Ritual 11
#Weaponskill +1. I am a theurge of Pyther. My greatest weapon is faith. After that comes knowledge. Then the Legions. Only in Fourth comes Fire. I carry a spear to point the way and to throw to mark a goal.
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Professional 1: Add Rank to Will Rolls to resist Terror
!Clever: Adds to insight gained from Thoughs and Sense. Test 10+Rank to try something Clever.
!Short Descriptor: Clever Theurge who Carries Regrets
Decimus
Quoted By:
>>6118740 I don't actually have religious ritual or weaponskill +1. Those are a drafting error.
Markhan
Rolled 4, 3, 3, 6, 6, 1 = 23 (6d6) >>6118461 #Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 1/11 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2 Authority 2
Lethality 1d6+1 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 6DR, 3DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Dunerunner Dustcloak [???]
Empty Pockets
1 Bandage, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 14
#Small Unit Tactics-12
1.4 Inspiration
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
!Incredible Impressive Bruises: When I flex I feel my best! ...This'll probably do something later
!Trophy Taker: Reroll any Stress Experience test once, for any reason and pick a preferred dice set
!Deflection Angles: Armored Advance also stuns
Personal Downtime:
>Write a letter home... to Vanadia Brothers and Sisters... there have been many successes on the road, but just as many tragedies...
>Debrief the Banners [Authority 2, Discipline 13] Debrief whoever is too injured to return to their banners at the moment. Markhan will likely be spending a little bit longer in the infirmary for his idiotic heroics in trying to capture a dunerunner *and* fistfight a wrackbeast
Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6118829 Made a mistake in hitting which roll I wanted to do, that's meant to just be 3d6
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
>>6118714 "...but nevertheless, it was the endurance and conditioning of the Legio that carried the day, for it allowed them to fight peerlessly even after a punishing night march through broken terrain and—..."
"..."
"...excuse me for a moment. I will be back. You are not dismissed."
Phridon marches over to Icarus and the corpse he's currently shoving wrack crystals into. Devoid of any characteristic mirth and inquisitiveness, his face is wooden and the needle flashes in his hand.
>>6118724 "What do you think you're doing?"
>What in the void is he doing? [Thoughts 11, !Well Read] >Contingent on the above, how much of an abomination is it? [Religious Ritual 11, !Well Read (?)] Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Quoted By:
>>6118205 Well you've got Decimus and Edward. You can go picl another Ward specialist that isn't too tired and busy.
>Request a Ward specialist to help Montosi. >Decimus is also a Ward specialist so that makes 2 >I'm not volunteering this time, got equipment to distribute and rest to catch up on. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 08 Oct 2024 10:55:16 No. 6119038 Report Quoted By:
>>6117331 Caedo finds himself and a pair of guards wandering the perimeter. Pondering. There's a lot books written on the nature of warfare. Most officers of most grand armies are meant to have studied that kind of thing. It makes sure they're all playing by the same rules and have some common understanding. War is too grand a play to get wrong.
Commander Isenfrii keeps a library of articles on the nature of dispute resolution. Some of the bannerleaders have loaned books from there, studied, asked questions. There's book clubs. It helps while away the long evenings. But Commander Isenfrii takes a somewhat different approach to the question of combat than the authors of the books he likes to cite. They might call it glory or cunning. Commander Isenfrii calls them his catalogue of common mistakes. He doesn't read the the histories to find the brilliant gems that biographers marvel that Crassus or Aranski or the Seven Princes pulled, no, Isenfrii points to it again and again and again - that line on the page that separates the daring from the dead. " Would have worked but ", " A brilliant plan but ", " Which almost succeeded but " and other such phrases haunt him. He doesn't talk much about his career in the national service of Vanadia, or what he did for the Crown-turned-Republic. But he hammers it home: Brilliant tactics gets you in the books, but the trouble is the line between brilliant and a blunder is the ten thousand tiny, inscrutable things you've done for the last six months and *in the thick of it, you can't tell*. A sword or the snap of a flintlock or the accidental flight of a wind-tossed arrow will turn all your genius to one more glorious last stand that future historians will catalogue, analys and finally describe with the words " Might have worked but. . .". All the biographies of great generals is a testament to their enormous skill as much as it is a catalogue of all the mistakes their enemies made that allowed them to be great in the first place. It's all chaos, out there, Isenfrii intones again and again. Your enemy isn't the enemy. Your enemy is the natural perversity of the universe, and if you can outflank that, the battle is just a formality.
Amateurs may study strategy and professional logistics, but the soldier-scientist studies the only thing that matters: The certainty of chance.
>Small Unit Tactics Trick: !Blundering to Glory: Free Action, once/turn. Allied Banner gets 3 AP to spend immediately, ignoring all engagements *but* suffer a equipment or skill critical failure*
>You can define what they spend it on, as an order - roll Tactics as always to guide them >Equipment mishaps are dropped gear, lost tools, missing things. Skill mishaps are misses that hit an ally, dropped weapons, bungles of that nature. >>6118524 It's not that the Blue Rats are *good*, Wicklighter realizes, the fourth time he has to pick up his own weapon after it slips out of his sweat-stained grasp . . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 08 Oct 2024 11:17:16 No. 6119041 Report Quoted By:
>>6118524 . . . While they're competent enough, their actual edge comes from the fact that they're unerring good at picking the moment. Luck as a studied skill. You go in high, they turn out to have been low. You attack in a cross wolf cut, the Blue Rat Trooper was holding his shield, entirely by accident, in such a way your blade glances off of the edge and the small opening leaves you vulnerable to a kick in the gut.
They aren't -aware- they're doing it.
In the old tales, the Young Windseeker once tried to hunt down the Wolfmonkey of the Mountains because he had been stealing the grain from villages all around. But no matter what trap or cunning or trick the Young Windseeker tried, the Spirits so loved the Wolfmonkey that it never came to harm. There are tales of the Twenty-Two Assassinations of Smiling Blinks Before the Flash, and how each practiced murderer was stymied by sudden wind, locked doors and patches of ice. Sword Saint Sato once had to cross a river and when river pirates beset his vessel, all their arrows hit the water because the waves kept moving the boat just so.
The Blue Rat who just managed to make you drop your sword by accidentally stepping on your foot does not know these tales, of course, and would not understand it if you told him. But the gods smile on drunks, fools and Vanadians all. And what the Young Windseeker learned from trying to fight the Wolfmonkey of the Mountains is that sometimes, if you move with the world, and simply appreciate the flow, you will find that not struggling was the key to achieving.
An enormously annoying lesson because its so very hard to learn and has the quarrelsome implication of some kind of sagacious paradox.
You pick your sword back up and go for a feint and the Blue Rat Trooper stumbles over his own undone bootlaces and tumbles away a moment before you score a point in your mock duel. You'd call it the Third Water Stance, if the man wasn't so obviously as equally surprised as you.
>Blades Trick !Wolfmonkey Strike: Test against 10, ignoring most skill modifiers. Instead, the further the result is from 10 the stranger the cut. Costs 1 Focus.
>>6117780 Everyone appreciates the quiet word and the subtle gesture of respect.
>+1 Rep But what Crushfist finds he needs - later - after the work is done - and the sun sets - is a lonely path. Sometimes you have to listen to your own feet, find a path somewhere. They say the Pytherii Legion employs recon-scouts that'll map a way to anywhere and make a sport of crossing through places no other dares go. In Rikovia, in the old woods, you have to stick to the paths. Or the trees will get you. Perhaps these Pathfinders would make sport of navigating the woods also?
Crushfist climbs a cliff, shimmies through a broken wall, ascends a crumbling pile of old white stone. Draws some strength from the stern fort, crumbling but standing. . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 08 Oct 2024 11:34:55 No. 6119045 Report Quoted By:
>>6117780 . . . Sometimes, odd winding paths leads you to an unexpected end. This man up here had the view all to himself as he died. Seems to have been agreeing with him. He might be dead but his old, dry corpse and skeletal features bear the hint of a smile. The weathers all but mummified him, dried out so completely he's crumbling away. All that remains is the threadbare, scraggy tatters of a military uniform.
And something he's resting with, across his lap. Wrapped in a small oilcloth. Curiousity beckons, Crushfist gently relieves the corpse of its burden and he flakes away on the wind as if he was but a dream of some other time and place. The small bundle turns out to hold a mask. Polished glass eyes, carefully tended filters, straps and buckles to hold it in place in all conditions. Clearly military design, though from no unit or region Crushfist knows. The glass tints the world strangely, as he holds the mask up to the light. Through it, everything is sharp and clear but somehow at a remove, off-colour enough to remind you that the world is out there and you are in here, behind the mask.
Maybe he took it off and sat down to enjoy the view and simply never stood again?
>>6118508 One of the Quartermasters scoff. The Mordenkainens are for the Commander, and no mistake. Expensive kits, those. He'll do what he can about getting the Quiet Stainfingers some better class of musket but we can't go stealing tools the Commander hired at great expense for some particular project. He surely has some kind of plan in mind.
Edward gets one long loving look at the polishd walnut wood stock of the finest rifle joint Illiosi-Vanadian craft can make and -holy Icons- is that a Jurisno optical scope? Jurisno the Glassmaker retired seven years ago and no one's been able to make-- what the --
Then the logistics specialist snaps the case shut and offers to get Edward a pair of powder cartridges and a new flint of his type '73 Standard Capital Armories Long Fussil.
Sure. Sure. Yeah. Sure. That's . . . that's alright too, you guess : (
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 08 Oct 2024 11:53:54 No. 6119049 Report >>6118607 You find a problem, Phridon.
The problem is your fellow iconotheurges.
They're collectively up to no good.
>>6118685 >>6118724 Icarus has busied himself with the fallen Windsworn. Most of them were taken off of the field and others have been buried beneath crystal growths. We were going to hold funeral arrangements for the five or so Windsworn dead left on the field available to us, but two of them have been turned to bits as stray iconotheurgic energy overloads the squishy meat and a third one is currently lying slice half open on a ward draw in its blood (purer resonance) with jagged shards of half-active wrackslivers hammered into auspicious points on their body (theoretically sound deep-binding Junctures, but Icarus seems to have missed two of the Open Gates and destroyed a third by slamming a stud of wrack crystal through it, though the carefully inserted rods that connect to the shoulderblades is fine, precise work).
It's going to make funeral arrangements a little more difficult, though funeral arrangements might have to wait anyway. In an auspicious display of ambition, Icarus has performed a Rat Crime (against the body), a Hound Crime (against loyalty) and a Raven Crime (against Will) all at once, which in distant Pyther would invoke censure from the curious law enforcement organs of that hallowed, holy city but out here in the Leviathan Sea has mostly meant his fellow warding specialists have been giving him plenty of space to work.
Look, we've all re-animated a body or eight in our time. Making animant puppets is the first thing any animist does. Usually a beloved pet that died too early or a little humanoid figure that serves as a useful reservoir of soulstuff.
That's how you learn the truth of the law. Bound by the Flesh, but free in the Soul.
Meat-puppets never last long. The material is too porous, the structures to loose, the whole thing is under constant unending entropic assault from without and within, joints stiffening, blood coagulating, insects and worse thing turning the very material you are working on into their own food source. You try to imbue Motility into failing heap of decaying matter but unless you're sourcing human grade soulstuff the whole thing has layered muscle memory that wars with your Engravings.
Most animists graduate to using proper materials quick. Clay or other earth. Terrene is reliant and resilient. Fire, from the high Empyreal is easy to shape. Metal is rigid and holds a form and fears neither the sting of bacteria or the gradual destruction from thermal irregularities.
But meat? Meat is so . . . gauche. It's porous, leaky, squishy matter to work with.
Bet half the reason he's smeared two corpses all over the fields is he tried to get them to stand up under their own power, the bindings took fine, but the impulse delay of having to send signals through dead flesh made the things tear themselves apart as they stood up . . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 08 Oct 2024 12:07:13 No. 6119051 Report Quoted By:
>>6119049 muscles straining, skin stretching, ligaments moving and tearing, no living mind to direct it all. You account for the stress tolerance of the whole thing when its lying down but then it stands up, half congealed blood slurps through dead arteries, you've got thermal irregularities, stiffening, bloating, gas build-up, look, here, you've punched a wrack slice right through a sinew, so when you ask the thing to move it's going to tug that line and saw its own limb off. Happens more often than you think.
The traditional method for overcoming it is engraving your wards on copper plates then nailing those to the skull. Gets you a nice solid surface to work with but then the nails eventually work loose and its a whole *thing*.
--
So an hour or so later after Phridon and Icarus have decontanimated their gloves and scalpels and spent a fruitful few minutes discussion anatomy, the shambling broken bits they've left all over the field have done wonders for our supply situaton.
On account of how everyone watching has lost their appetite. One of them turned around. All the way around. The head popped clean off of the spine.
Apparently that happens to fleshbound animants, because intentonal engravings don't really know how to account for the pressure differentials. You bind the need to move into the shattered thing and throw some reflexes and mobility you've taken out of a convention rat or scraghound or bird into it to control the motorcortex and five minutes later one of the legs is broken because it started pumping its muscles too hard.
Icarus groans. Phridon groans. Two of the nearby ward specialists throw up. Though that could be wrack exposure.
A N Y W A Y, Phridon eventually offers, what we actually want to do here is Incarnate a Reflection. It's obviously heresy to do anything but the Empyreal Eye but "heresy" is a really strong word for what is a pretty simple process. If instead of all this mucking about with meat*bits* we instead bound a vestigal fragment of the Empyreal Eye into the form of the fallen, the flesh-housing would serve as a brief link to this world from the Other and let the animant move about until it inevitably detonated in a wash of fire. That always happens to the Flamebound, since meat is so leaky.
That Wrackcrystal idea was clever, though. They're good for absorbing backlash and energy. If we polished a few and stitched them into the stomach lining, the Incarnated vestige would probably be able to last longer because the Wrack-crystals would absorb some of the enormous pressure of the energy until they blew up. Novel theoretical idea but actually feasibly possible, given current understanding of Iconotheurgic manipulation.
HEY ANYONE AROUND HERE HAVE A NEEDLE KIT
GO FUCK YOURSELF YOU FUCKING FREAK
WHAT NO I NEED A NEEDLE KIT FOR SEWING A PIECE OF CRYSTAL INTO THIS CORPSE SO I CAN MAKE IT STAND UP
Weird. No one's volunteering to help. Well, luckily the Whitebone Needles are sharp enough . . .
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Quoted By:
You know, I was thinking that I'd stop him rather than help him refine his arts...
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 08 Oct 2024 12:22:19 No. 6119054 Report >>6118685 >>6118724 There are *some* benefits to working with flesh, which is probably why Animists keep trying. Bones are precious things. Some say they hold knowledge of your life. The soulstuff that is you seeps into them.
The theoretical idea is that if you nudged it right, the thing that used to be alive would have some of the reflexes still in it as it stands under the command of an Animist. You would not need to bind knowledge of how to fight, move, engage, interact, what affordances physics allow, imagine the savings in wards and concentration and focus, if all such things came with the horror you wrought.
The problem is that warding and binding bones and flesh and blood and all that is so terrible fragile. And once the thing thats warded degrades, the whole thing degrades. You carefully carve a sigil of command into the bones of your defeated enemies after cutting open their ribcage, they stand up, you have yourself a nice ready made army to take on the world and then four steps later they fall over because the ward grew a little hot, the bone started deforming and then the whole thing lost power and started going aberrant on you.
Incarnations bypass some of this because the benign intent of the Icon channeled into the flesh does have some understanding of the world around it. It senses through the corpses senses, it moves as it moves. It is, briefly, bound by it. The enormous power does eventually cause the whole thing to collapse but at its more reliable than fleshworking. And as at the attention of the Icon subsumes the flesh it is conjured into it grows in power. The animants burn brightest towards the end of their life, when they are more flame than flesh.
Could even try to do it with other Icons, but it's been centuries since anyone tried that trick and had it work reliably.
But look, add but a sliver of your own will to the corpse and it -- oh -- no -- that one popped like a burst dam. Hm. Get another one. And a cloth. Icarus needs to wipe his face.
Right, so, add a sliver of your own will to a vessel in better condition than that last poor guy and behold, see, the bones remember! The muscles move! It stands! It's a teetering amalgamation of bad ideas because the muscles are trying to contract without proper coordination from a functioning motor cortex and the metabolic system are not producing the energy products needed to power protein synthesis so the whole thing is actively breaking apart.
Though with the wrack crystals sewn up inside it and a few of the proper prayers, the overflow of random energy from the Other is subdued and it doesn't damage the vessel directly. Definitively lasting longer than the last one. Might be you get a minute out of this one before it falls apart.
So what if I moved *more* of my Will into it, Icarus asks?
Phridon waves it off. No, no, that's another trainee mistake. You end up incorporating *yourself* into a dead corpse? . . .
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 08 Oct 2024 12:33:30 No. 6119058 Report Quoted By:
>>6119054 . . . Bad stuff. You've split your consciousness down the middle, your original body is standing around metabolising and you're trying to run a human brain system on a literally defunct other human brain that isn't your original one, might have taken some prior use damage *and* is in a system that's not supporting it. Brains need oxygen, blood, all that nutrient gloop.
So I'd die?
No, you'd be putting yourself into a thing that's already dead. Stands to reason you can't die twice. You'd be Twiceborn? Yeah? You know about?
He's shaking his head so he might not know about those.
Well, thing is, right, you shunt your entire being into a dead thing. To Exceed is to Change. You'd lose a few useful functions of a living body, like tactile sensation, functional nerves, don't use corpses with optical nerve damage being blind SUCKS, etc, but if you don't go immediately crazy or kill yourself or accidentally discorporate your own existence, you could feasibly force the dead body to house your sense of self. Nudge it a little to be more accomodating. You'd have to develop the ability to see, sense, feel from scratch. Work up some solutions. It's been done.
Though rightly that's how you get Twiceborn Animants, you know, people free from the flesh but bound by the soul. The human body keeps wanting to go along with you, so even if your body is now made of rock and metal you'll still want to have joints and a jaw and a tongue to taste things and it's a whole mess trying to discorporate your own innate, intuitive sense of a body from the thing you're now inside and --
ah, whup, I think the binding is slipping it's going--- it's going.
[SPLORCH is the sound as the stumbling corpse-thing rips itself apart, turning an elbow 360 degrees through its own torso and after that it's just ruination]
Uegh. I think I got some in my mouth.
Oh, the headache?
Yeah, we just did just shunt a micro-fragment of our consciousness into a dead body. Do some breathing exercises, it'll come back eventually. Animist Fading. Other reason why you don't want to do too much at once.
Anyway, don't tell anyone about this, okay? Violating bodies is a Rat Crime, and we can't actually go subborning the honored dead least we violate their Loyalty in life and crack their Wills, so though this is all fun and games we'd be hung like eight times over if any Theurge saw us.
Then again they got kicked out of the city and the Senate hasn't published any new commentary on the old Animist laws, so if you get a good enough lawyer.
Oh did I *want* anything?
I was curious about what you were doing, Icarus, and also I need a bit of help because Decimus accidentally wrote a ward into his own brain and turned off his ability to feel any kind of fatigue. So he's already broken his arm from straining it too much lifting things.
If we don't fix that in the next hour he's going to do himself a world of pain.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 08 Oct 2024 12:51:39 No. 6119062 Report Doctor Lesin is starting to feel the strain of keeping so many people with an active deathwish alive.
Wicklighter
...are we /sure/ the theurges the Company's hired are actually earning their pay? You give them a moment's breathing room and they start bursting the world open and trying to reinvent the human body like they aren't already in a perfectly fine one.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 08 Oct 2024 13:17:53 No. 6119071 Report >>6119062 Caedo eventually gets involved and some ten minutes later Decimus is out like a light and Doctor Lesin can get to work trying to fix his arm.
Phridon yawns.
Icarus glances at him.
. . . Hey why dont you just toss that fatigue into a rock? You just did it with Decimus
Phridon gives a little shake of the head. Safer not to.
Safer? It's a rock
Yeah, well, it's a good trick. Keeps you going. Works well enough.
So it makes the world explode?
No, no, nothing like that. You don't feel as tired and you can get more done. Very useful trick. Most trainees get to it after they kill the part of their own soul that feels tired and need emergency surgery.
Icarus ponders for a little.
So what's the catch?
Phridon's reply is a prayer of benediction and another yawn. It's been a long day.
Well, your body still needs to heal. Tiredness and fatigue are signalling processes. You don't recover spent energy by removing the fatigue. You refresh your limiters and your body can go on for much further, but unless you top of your reserves you are actively cannibalizing yourself. Best if you remember to eat and drink while doing it and then it works fine. Very useful trick on the march. You probably dont want to do it for more than a day or two usually, jsut because you might get subtle damage build up if your body needs to recover. Though there's patchwork fixes for that too, if you find a source of Life. Considered a bit of a crime though, filch-stealing vitality from the world around you to keep going. Though it's not like anyone cares if you dry out a few plants giving yourself a boost. Probably better that way around anyway, don't shunt the fatigue away, shunt some energy into yourself. Also there's the other thing.
. . . The other thing?
Yeah the *other* thing!
Caedo quirks an eyebrow. What other thing?
Oh. Well. You know. The rocks.
Caedo dares to go on. What about them?
Phridon points at a nearby enomous, towering pillar of solid stone. If you go putting all your sleepiness into rocks you have to be a bit mindful because eventually the rocks wake up.
they what
Yeah. Wake up. Somtimes that's an issue.
One of the nearby troopers starts cursing loudly
--
>Icarus performs a Rat Crime >Icarus performs a Hound Crime >Icarus performs a Raven Crime >Anyone with certain Senses can detect the flavour of this on you, and may have particular feelings on the matter. The thick scent of bending bodies to your will lies in your soul. But it's the Leviathan Sea. Law out here is what you make it, surely. Any Free College Resonance Specialist calls this *Tuesday*. --
>Phridon spend as lot of time warding off a lot of trouble. Might get fatigued in the morning. --
>The Company scores a wonderful mix of coffee which the troopers really appreciate. The heady scent of it flows over the camp. The professionals brought a whole crate of the stuff. Incredible! --
>Decimus wards himself against sleep. There are Consequences. >Decimus loses 1 Speed. Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6119064 That’s what I’m saying!
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6119064 I fully agree with this sentiment. We need some kind of regulation or punishment for the theurges that go off the rails. People are literally dying because of their shenanigans.
Edward
>>6119152 Why don't we just shoot them?
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6119162 Because like Wick said, they are necessary for the wards and protection of the fates they provide. Though at a certain point you do have to weigh the scales a bit. How bad WOULD it get if we just didn't have them?
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Tue 08 Oct 2024 19:35:13 No. 6119204 Report [Meanwhile, Elsewhere]
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Tue 08 Oct 2024 19:53:54 No. 6119210 Report Quoted By:
>>6119204 It goes on for a while. Ink tries to pay attention. Something about counter-capture thrusts and sallies and secondary fallbacks. A part of her categorises the information, as always. But another part is too occupied staring down at the map. All that red. Closing in. One long semi-circle, spreading across the horizon. A little nucleus of blue around which perimeter patrols swirl. Tiny, comparatively. She just has to hope its enough.
" And . . .There. " She hears it now, too, the distant
BORK BORK BORK. Isenfrii must have an ear for them. A little while later a tired looking scraghound bounds through the guards, comes to a panting halt and snaps around the tent. The commander slides off of his folding chair and throws a small bit of jerky offhandedly, trading meat for a penned report delivered by a four pawed courier. Ink wouldn't have credited scraghounds with the capability to act as couriers before she came out here but the system works. The hound flops over in the shade of the tent, gnawing awayIsenfrii scans the paper. Takes a step back to the map and adjusts the position of a few tokens. Seems satisfied, though looking down at it, the strategical picture doesn't exactly seem improved by the fact that a few of the blues ones (hers! sort of! If she's the employer!) end up in the middle of a small red camp near the edge.
But that's why she hired a professional. Maybe there's some higher order operational victory in letting your own pieces be captured by the enemy.
" Good news? "
" Acceptable conditional ones. It adjusts the timetable, harsh though it already is. "
Ink feels it, then. The surge of sudden excitement.
" How much? I still need three more days. Four, if it works slow, but we're making progress so three should be-- " Isenfrii cuts her off, not rudely, but with a small nudge of a token. A little blue mass inside a sea of red.
" I believe I can provide four days, Miss Ink, though some of it we will have to delegate to my bannermen. "
" Shouldn't you be, I don't know, overseeing the strategical picture? Rallying troopers? I confess I don't entirely know what a commander *does* "
Isenfriis smile stays right where it is.
" As I keep telling my officers, a good commander does a lot but perhaps a great commander can get away with doing very little. "
" And you are . . ."
" A habitual workaholic "
" I don't think that's particular reassuring, given the topic "
" I never claimed to be great. I think you hired me and mine for my charm "
" Commander, I do need those three days. Four, if at all possible. Then afterwards, most of our problems should be resolved "
" Fascinating "
" What is? "
" I find myself wondering how a single woman and her four associates will 'resolve' a situation after more time has passed, in the middle of the Wastes, beset by an antagonist force that has not identified itself or issued terms, while our supply situation worsens. Very rarely do things improve simply because time marches on "
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Tue 08 Oct 2024 20:12:04 No. 6119217 Report Quoted By:
" Let me worry about that part, Commander, and you and your people can worry about your part. Which looking at that map of yours might need some worrying about. "
Isenfrii smiles, a little, again, and fetches pen and paper. Scratches the scraghound behind the ears, absently.
" Putting a lot of faith in my ability to extend trust to a woman whoose primary inducement to trust is the depth of her bank account rather than details and specifics "
" Hey, you signed the contract. 'I can't explain, don't ask' was part of the contract. Once we're through and it's all done, you and all your people can walk away rich and if you aren't overburdened with a surfeit of insight, anyone wanting to do so can't exactly claim you were responsible either, right? "
" See, that would be another reason not to trust you. The vaguely frightening implication that there's things I could end up being responsible for allowing "
" You know what I mean! "
" I think me not knowing is part of the whole point, Miss "
" Gah! "
Ink drops into silence. Asshole chessplayer conversationalist. The Commander finishes his missive. Dries it out and sands it down and rolls it into the scraghounds message tube. Adjusts its collar.
" Well, we've come this far " he continues. " Might as well see it through. I owe the old man that much. "
--
>>6117322 ATN MARKHAN,
RECIEVED MESSAGE.
GOOD BATTLE, WELL FOUGHT.
ENEMY SUPPLY CAMP ESTABLISHED AT POINT MIDNIGHT BLUE. MULTIPLE COMPANY CAPTIVES HELD THERE FOR TRANSFER ELSEWHERE.
TAKE BANNERS AND ADVANCE FOR FIELD ENGAGEMENT AT SPEED.
ENEMY MARCH COLUMNS SIGHTED ADVANCING FOR ENCIRCLEMENT. PREFERABLY, BE FASTER THAN THEM OR YOU MAY SUFFER MISFORTUNE.
TRAP PRESENCE AT MIDNIGHT AGAINST ROCKTEETH, SCATTER FORMATIONS, BURN SUPPLY CACHES, RESCUE CAPTIVES.
AFTERWARDS, WITHDRAW TO HAZESHIMMER BEFORE ENEMY PINCER PRESENCE PINS YOU. AM SENDING ENGINEERS SECTION TO PREPARE DEFENSIVE LINE. HOLD HAZESHIMMER FOR SEVENTY-EIGHT HOURS, THEN BEGIN BANNER BY BANNER WITHDRAWAL TO COMPANY HQ.
WILL SEND ADDITIVE SPECIFICS LATER.
-CMND ISF
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Tue 08 Oct 2024 20:21:39 No. 6119222 Report Well that's a set of ... interesting orders and no mistake. Shit, we might be in trouble here.>Tests: Navigate to Rallypoint Midnight Blue (Navigate 12, Logistics 12, I roll 6d6) >Order: I think the Reckless Ashfingers can take point, they're twitchy. Maybe we put all the blades in the middle? >Posture: I'd like us to be defensive - can we get the spears on the perimeters and the archers bundled near the middle of the column?
Wicklighter
Quoted By:
>>6119222 A night march is preposterous. We'd arrive so tired that I'm not sure we'd achieve anything, while they would have had all the time we were marching as extra time to have recuperated. Not to mention the possibility of getting lost at night in territory that the Windsworn know better than we do.
I say we aim to be on the march by dawn.
Anonymous
>>6119222 How feasible would it be march to the section of the Rockteeth Plateau that Scarlett and Martik are stationed at, and go to rest at an elevated position?
Expecting a sound night's sleep while directly adjacent to a Wrackfield is a highly dubious prospect.
Further, the behavior of the Windsworn during this skirmish seemed suspect. As night approached, they pulled away into the wastes, ceding the town to us despite having a substantial advantage in numbers and positioning.
Specters of instinct scratch at the recesses of my mind, whispering warnings against remaining here.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Tue 08 Oct 2024 20:57:59 No. 6119234 Report >>6119230 Possible but somewhat difficult because we dont know where Scarlett or Martik are, precisely. Somewhere to the coastbound side of the Wastes of here? Zivka might have tracked them down but Zivka ventured off on their own and has not reported back yet either. Our intelligence is therefore a little compromised.
If we wander towards their presumed locations we're blundering into a larger area of cliffs and hideways. The odds of finding them by accident is practically zero. We'd need some way to track Scarlett and we don't have that. It's incredibly difficult to find someone in the wastes by sheer accident, and presumably Scarlett and Martik has gone to ground and hidden themselves to avoid being found by the Windsworn. It seems unlikely we'd ever find them by accident. It's much more like that our hundreds of people marching is found by Scarlett. Mass has a quality all of its own.
For your second point, it may be valuabe to leave this area rapidly and we could move coastbound a ways and then rest for a few hours before scouting out the situation and seeing what we find. We could simply march away a little and camp somewhere else. We are already somewhat away from the village confines, up the road and near the old forts that Zivka and Scarlett found earlier. If you want more distance between ourselves and this place, it can be arranged too. Perhaps march a little, then rest for the night, then move again at dawn.
Regarding information, we could also dispatch a banner or two to scout ahead of the main formation? They might either find Scarlett or report things worth knowing. But that takes time and has no guarantees, and is part of a march order.
But unless you have some way to track down where Scarlett presumably is, or a very experienced tracker, we can't find her. And our experienced tracker left on a mission of their own.
Icarus
>>6119234 Sorry no, I've explained myself poorly.
Regrouping is not my intention.
I merely brought up Scarlett to give context to the general region that I was referring to. Any part of the nearby highlands would do, the closer the better frankly.
Searching for Scarlett and Martik just so we can link back up with them, especially in these conditions, would be a rather fruitless endeavor.
The overall idea was solely to move into the cliffs and foothills in general, to take advantage of their high-elevation and defensible qualities.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:DqesIsgA Tue 08 Oct 2024 21:25:23 No. 6119248 Report >>6119239 Seems straightforward enough. Though as it’s late evening now and if the Windsworn are at those cliffs, you’d be marching coastbound, arrive late at night, then try to setup a camp in the dark up hill and draw up for engagement in the morning. It’s likely to be a little fraught, though certainly possible enough.
Edward
>>6119248 How far away is the sunbaked fort to our north?
Wicklighter
Rolled 5, 4, 4, 2, 6, 3 = 24 (6d6) >>6119222 >Tests: Navigate to Rallypoint Midnight Blue (Thoughts 10+1, Logistics 12). Rion and/or Crushfists are pathfinders, they should probably also make navigation rolls. >Order: Whoever our standardbearers are, take point. Give the Company something to follow. Also keep the Ironwroughts close to hand at the front so they can sweep aside any roadblocks or chokepoints the Windsworn set up to keep us back when we near the rocks. Sunstained Spears second from the back with the Slick Slicers behind them to hurry them along. Maybe the two will counterbalance each other a little. >Posture: Keep more mobile troops and officers around the perimeter: blades, bows, the strikers, Kismet, Clear, Crushfists, Rion, Zivka... where's Zivka? Okay, scratch Zivka. Prioritise speed of march. >Time: Aim to be marching out when the sun crests the horizon on the morrow. Decimus
>>6119062 Decimus doesn't understand the concern. Abjuration is ablative warding. When it ablates enough condition, eventually it is eroded. Since sleep is an innate requirement to the continued human existence, eventually reality will reassert its self, erode the wards, and the fatigue will begin anew.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Tue 08 Oct 2024 21:53:50 No. 6119261 Report Quoted By:
>>6119255 You experience sleep deprivation and fatigue in your nerves, your body, your brain. It is not a thief in the night that sneaks in from the outside. It is not an arrow fired at a target in the distance, crossing space in a blink to hammer home. It is you. You cannot draw a line in the sand and declare it separate from yourself without declaring part of yourself separate from other parts of yourself. The partioning of your own being is the only way. A Ward is an edge that cuts between Here and There. It and This. Outside and Inside. Safe and Unsafe.
Sleep, hunger, sadness, joy, love, loyalty, despair, terror, need, urgency, all these and so many more are experiences of your mind, your being, your 'you', your animus.
To ward against them, you draw a line and declare that they shall not pass. But they shall not pass from where to where? From yourself to yourself. The Ward, finely made and finely drawn exists only in your mind. It is the only possible way to ward against such things, for the thing to prevent is the accumulation of fatigue and the build up of stressors. The enemy you wish to bar the gates against is already inside the fortress of your mind. They hold the walls. They are inside the house of your heart. You take a knife and cut them apart and declare they have no hold in your territory, but they *are* the territory.
A ward on the ground sketched with fine chalk can keep flame outside a spot. It can keep wolves at bay. A ward in the ground sketched cannot keep hunger from seeping in your stomach or fatigue from settling on your soul like a blanket. You stand within and bring your flaws with you.
So the knife you made cut part of your own soul to shreds and parted your own humanity. It is a lesson that all iconotheurges learn. You can ward against Terror and Hunger and Love and Joy and Fatigue and Strain and Stress, and all those things, when you do Ward against them, are surgeries of the soul.
Where do you think the ward is drawn? On the sand beneath your feet? On the wall by the door? What passage, what window, what road do you declare that hunger cannot travel down, that tiredness need not trek?
You draw the line in your mind, by focus and force. You have to. Where else would it go? You partion yourself and declare this experience not one you would want.
A useful trick, in some cases. It can dull pain and ward terror. Take the sting out of sorrow. Unfortunately, ward-scribbler, Hunger, held at bay, does not become satiation. Sleep, fough to a stand still, does not transmute to rest. Terror, stuck in a box, may fade but if you kill the part of you flinches and fears you kill the part of you that dodges and ducks. Pain, warded away by lines around a cut, lesson, but the wound remains.
So there's another lesson. The fatigue cannot begin anew. It never ceased in the first place. It was always inside you. You simply locked it at bay, for a time.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Tue 08 Oct 2024 21:58:38 No. 6119265 Report >>6119253 You can see it in the long, fading distance. For a single man, maybe twenty minutes hard walk. For a company of hundreds, maybe an hour in full. Maybe less.
You've been set up to retreat there in case there's any trouble all along, while caring for the wounded. It's what you've all been doing for the last hours.
>>6117224 >We are CAMPING OUT to the north of the collapsed fort. As one Zivka and Edward rouse they tell us the village is *spooky* and *weird*. The Warding Specialist go over it for ten minutes and report the same thing. Someone's tried some sort of ritual in here, an invitation, but no bread has been touched and no water drunk. It seems enormously unsafe to spend the night in the village. So we do not. >>6117224 >Luckily, [we] scouted out a good set of very defensible ruins a little further back down the road. Marching there now would be an inconvenience - we cannot leave the wounded - but it is so close that it serves as a formidable and excellent rally point. This makes camping out north of the slightly collapsed tower much safer, as we can reliably fall back into defensible terrain, no one would attack us at night anyway, and we need not move very far right now. Wicklighter
>>6119254 Everyone should keep in mind that just because I've rolled this, that doesn't mean this is the set in stone plan. If you've a competing vision, please bring it forward. If you've criticisms and adjustments to make, please make them.
Decimus
Quoted By:
Slowly sips coffee to ablate weariness. Remembers the blade of adrenaline which pierces the veil of fatigue. The wall of will which holds back the wolf of weariness. But perhaps theurgy is not the correct tool. Perhaps it is a blade too sharp and too hard. Perhaps the softer, more flexible and porous tools of chemistry and will are a better fit for achieving the desired goal of burning away the looming hours of the little death. What do you think my ashfingered friend? Should I have stuck to chemistry instead of embracing the unsetting glory of the Sun?
Markhan
>>6119222 >>6119254 Apologies for being so late command, being injured'll do that to a man, no matter where he's from.I agree with wicklighter's action, with the caveat that we have our fresh troops in the front, and our more beleaguered ones toward the rear, with the most damaged ones in the center, so they can be protected from an ambush if it occurs
Icarus
>>6119265 >>6119222 >Heading I support moving to either the Sunbaked Fort or Rockteeth Plateau, and then resting the company until dawn.
> Order Melee troops split in four parts. One group marching at the front, two on each flank, and the last positioned at the rear of the marching column. Clerks and non-combatants in the center of the formation. Ranged specialists positioned between the non-combatants and rearguard. Theurges positioned between the non-combatants and the melee specialists heading the march. Officers positioned at their discretion.
If we're going to Rockteeth, it would be wise to assign a few individuals skilled in pathfinding to march a couple hundred meters ahead of the main formation for scouting purposes - to ensure that the company doesn't walk itself into a ravine or something equally disasterous.
> Posture Tightly packed. Cautious. Defensive.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6119305 Please don't forget to roll. The more rolls involved the better, even if the plans are different.
Icarus
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 2, 3, 1, 2, 5 = 17 (6d6) >>6119324 Right.
>>6119305 Rolling the most pertinent skills I have. (Analysis12, Influence10)
Rion
>>6119222 >>6119271 I do happen to be quite fine with this plan. There's even a chance we'll see some Reavefoxes.
So incase it's needed someone can roll my pathfinding 10 check if lack time to do it.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Rolled 4, 2, 2 = 8 (3d6) >>6119452 Edward
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 2, 5 = 11 (3d6) >>6119222 >>6119305 I support the company moving to the Sunbaked Fort and resting there. (I will personally be occupied elsewhere) (Rolling Influence+Fast Talk 12 to motivate people)
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 3, 6, 3, 6, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2 = 30 (9d6) >>6119071 If it's not too late, I'd like to cash 1 Inspiration this ordeal produced and pick up Engrave.
So knitting intention into a linked target would be, for example, imbuing, say, a shield or a piece of armor with "desire to protect the wearer/wielder", right? This seems like a pretty straightforward case (that is, imbuing an intention into an inanimate object that more or less squares with its intended purpose). What about something like imbuing a random boulder with "hostility"? Or, furthermore, how would knitting intentions into living creatures work, especially if the intentions conflict with their current behavior?
If you want, this can be an in-game check, in which case,
>Ponder Engraving. [Thoughts 11, !Well Read] >>6119222 A night march now is nothing more than a very contrived way of committing collective suicide. The Company needs at least some rest (Icons know *I* need it after what I just went through), but we cannot be caught dawdling under any circumstances. The Windsworn are fast and sneaky. The less time we give them, the better. Though, again, we need some time, too. And preferably away from this damn Wrack-field.
>Navigate to Sunbaked Fort to rest and prepare for a pre-dawn/crack-of-dawn assault. Rion/Crushfists/someone more adept should take point. [Thoughts 11, Logistics 12] >Standardbearers, breachers, strikers, and ashfingers should form the vanguard. Powderhands and the pikes, backed up by blades and spears form the main body. Archers and stainfingers on the wings. >Adopt a compact posture. The last thing we need is stragglers (a good possibility, given how tired everyone is). Worse yet, any isolated element is liable to be pounced on by the Windsworn. Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Quoted By:
Rolled 6, 5, 4, 3, 5, 5 = 28 (6d6) >>6119222 >I will support the plan for us to go rest at Sunbaked Fort (Small Unit Tactics-12, Logistics 12) >Rion with Pathfinding-10 can take point >A tight formation with the least straggling possible considering how half mauled we are would be appreciated. and the march order here >>6119591 will do for me.
Markhan
>>6119300 Taking this back
>>6119591 I support this instead. A march to the fort to rest will give our wounded a bit more time to recuperate. An assault at dawn, presumable when several windsworn are still waking up, with the sun at our backs, is very advantageous
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Fri 11 Oct 2024 19:31:56 No. 6120856 Report Quoted By:
>>6120444 Then let's get on with it.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 15 Oct 2024 09:06:54 No. 6123482 Report Quoted By:
The Company withdraws, in drips and drops, back down the road to the old fort that Scarlett and Zivka marked on our maps earlier. In truth we had passed it going this way coming out, but paid it no heed. In the time since the wind must have shifted the sands a little and the old walls are more remarkable. Sleeping under the cover provides the troopers who make it that far with a nice windbreak. Comfortable. Some of them don't quite bother pushing all the way, and our camp ends strung out along the road like a centipede. Too many somewhat wounded, too many men too tired, too long a distance. Some of them simply collapse when the halt is called and pile into what tents and covers are available.>Company re-ordered, trooper adjustments applied, new kit and refits applied >Ready for engagement !
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 15 Oct 2024 09:12:33 No. 6123484 Report Quoted By:
The Rainboweyed Archers disband, heading back to Company HQ for advanced medical and long-term warding procedure. >Rainboweyed Archers disbanded >Readying for deployment. . . !
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 15 Oct 2024 09:22:59 No. 6123487 Report >>6119456 Somewhere else, as the light of the morning becomes the heatshimmer haze of the dawn, Scarlett and Martik are rustling in the bushes.
Down below this outcrop, one section of the Windsworn camp spreads out. Back down the other way is the Company. But it doesn't take a genius to notice that the dustplume in the distance is coming closer at speed. So maybe the Company will come *to you*.
The Windsworn have noticed too. They're running about, agitated. But a dustplume could mean many things. They're not quite as worried as perhaps one might expect. From the other direction, a few bands of their people have seeping into the camp.
And in the distance, a new section has appeared. Tents. A different style. Set up in regular lines with mechanical precision. Four men are on duty around them, still as statues, wearing what looks like pretty equipment.
Through Scarletts like gearwright spyglass, it seems she's spotted a small heavy infantry detachment among the Windsworn. Strange. Not their usual modus operandi.
Martik checks his equipment. Points at a patrol of Windsworn, yawning down below.
Looks like this place is bound to get quite exciting soon. So we should . . .
>. . . probably get out of here, circle back, and reconnect with the Company. Better deploy with them. >. . . circle *that way* and get closer to their camp. If we can scout out their people and their deployment patterns, maybe we can find a way to get closer to their prisoners. Better deploy in a forward, likely position. Dangerous, but with all the chaos, who'd notice you? >. . . Cause some havoc. We have gearwright kits and a surprising position. Surely we can lay some traps and prepare this area a little ? >You could, concievably, do something else? Do mind that the Windsworn camp is waking up, there's hundreds of them and two of you. You may need to be subtle. CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 15 Oct 2024 09:34:20 No. 6123491 Report Quoted By:
Rolled 13, 8 = 21 (2d13) Morning has not brought an improvement in everyones situation, nor does fresh brewed coffee and extra kit accrue to everyone. Sometimes, you wake up and marvel that you are still alive and it is all the joy you get.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Tue 15 Oct 2024 09:42:19 No. 6123493 Report Quoted By:
There's a momentary bit of confusion as two others are in the group are pointed out and the man in the armor barks a few commands. Though the Windsworn aren't meant to subject to military authority, this legio that Zivka met last night seems to hold some way over them. They bounce to obey, with spear and club, separating two of the Company troopers.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
>>6123487 >. . . Cause some havoc. We have gearwright kits and a surprising position. Surely we can lay some traps and prepare this area a little ? Could even set some of those traps to use those nifty powder charges (so long as it doesn't exhaust the powder needed for my weapon). Surely they don't expect anyone to be this close to them already.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Tue 15 Oct 2024 17:42:23 No. 6123651 Report Quoted By:
>>6123524 Hi.
Huh, strange place to be dropping your snapjaws all over the place. No, no, no, don't let me interrupt - I just, uhm, I just wanted to -mention- that there's a whole army and a half coming up down that-a-way who might want to know how things are holding up on this end and all.
Oh, is that a cross-snap wire in that knifegrass? Good choice. Very *mean*.
No no, don't let me stop you. I'm sure rooting around in knifegrass at the arse end of the morning setting up snare and noose for random passersby is a perfectly sane thing to be doing if you're a Company contractor. I've stopped questioning what you people get up to. You know one of your Iconotheurges tried to turn off his ability to feel fatigue? Basically crippled himself immediately.
Hey, uh, I don't mean to make comment on your work or anything but you sure you aren't overdoing it? I don't think anyone deserves to walk into a sparktrap this early in the morning.
Oh, right was there something I wanted yes yes right sorry I haven't slept a a lot. Starting to micro-dose.
Oooh, yes, yes, one of the officers wanted me to tell you to... get ... back in formation? Also wanted to know if you've seen any of the captives? Apparently I'm enough of a courier I get to be ordered around by someone with a badge, but you know what, fine, I bet it pays better than my usual line of work.
Oh you have seen some captives?
Hey they happen to have some extra dogs and a lean looking charmer with an axe with them? Oh not asking for any particular reason, it's just we maybe had some shortfalls while you were out frolicking in the sand.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:ozEen90G Tue 15 Oct 2024 18:05:03 No. 6123666 Report The... army? Well, uh, if you look over .. . *there*...>We are drawn up for a rapid dawn engagement. >The troopers are tiring, but they have managed to get a nights sleep and recover. Waiting out in the fort and Decimus' special coffee ration order has done a wonder for recuperation. >Though the actual engagement is likely in a new thread, you can take this time to: >Will probably leave this open for 48 hours or so, to get things settled. Rapidly less if we have a rapid response.
Scarlett !!V6gJpnd0vLG
Quoted By:
>>6123666 Huh, Martik's spear unit seems to have been... disbanded. That's odd, considering I sent two of them back to the company before me and Martik went off. I wonder where they went?
>Tell Martik he's free to either fall in with the Polemn Powderhands (my personal unit) or fall back to the company followers. Either way, pat him on the back and ask him to stay in touch. >Form up with the Solemn Powderhands >Relay my findings to the company from my very extended patrol #Scarlett
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 2 Inspiration 0.2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Harquebus (4d6 Impact, Likely to Terrorize; Malfunctions 16+; Reload 3 AP; steps give -1 Accuracy; +1 Club in melee)
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Trapping Kit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
2x Scarflask
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 11
#Gearwright 12
#Muskets 14
- Modern War: Throw a small powder-charge for 3 AP, Malfunction 14+, 2d6 EX.
#Poetry 12
#Weaving 12
#Authority 11
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Hopes and Fears 1: Add Rank to resist terror; Major action to reroll Will for nearby ally; +1 to Influence and Thoughts
!Well Read
!Well Mannered
!Crystaline Voice
Wicklighter
>>6123666 #Wicklighter
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 13/13 Focus 13/13
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6+1 Threshold 1d6
–Alchemineering Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Longblade - +1 damage, Sharp
0 Coinbits
-Secrets
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 9
#Filching 10
#Alchemineering 12
#CQC 12
#Blades 16
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Malice and Mirth 1: If unengaged, add rank to first skill test. If engaged, add rank to all Reaction tests
!Rikovan: Can spend Focus as I would Stamina, and always regain at least 1 Focus when I Recover
!Dangerously Lethal: Test against 10 + lethality modifier (the +, not the d6) to be lethally dangerous or to know how to become such
!0.6 Inspirations
!1 Authority, 1 Reputation
>Wicklighter is up by the front near the Blue Rats >The Ironwroughts should be up by the front too. Are they a vanguard or are they not? >Majorish action is to distribute some smoke bombs to the Red Snake Strikers, to use at their discretion. Does this require a roll? Edward
Quoted By:
>>6123666 >Form up with the Quiet Stainfingers. Can we climb somewhere in our deployment zone, near the front, to get a good vantage point? (Small Unit Tactics 11 if it's a roll) >Major-ish action: Distribute First Aid kits to the frontline units (Alchemineering 13) Weren't Montosi and I going to investigate the village weirdness overnight? What happened with that?
#Edward
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 2
Morale +1
Inspiration 0.6
–Stat
Reputation -1
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Harquebus [4d6 Impact, Terror, Malfunction 16+, 3AP Reload, -1Acc per step, +1 Club in melee]
One Memento [Locket with her picture]
6 bits
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
+2 Fast Talk
#Alchemineering 13 [First Aid, Salt, Gas, Smoke, Fire, Oil, Salt, Acid, Stimulant, 1AP=1 point or huck 1d3 with major action]
#Muskets 13
#Small Unit Tactics 11
#Boating 12
#Sea Navigation 12
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettle: If you start adjacent to an ally, they add +1 to all skill tests and speed. Spend 1 AP on behalf of ally
!Gunslinger
Icarus
>>6123666 #Icarus
=Metrics=
Vitality 12 // Stamina 13 // Focus 13
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
-Equipment-
Weaver's Whip
=Secrets=
#Iconotheurgy13
#Analysis12
#Wards13 (Base 10)
#Rope13
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Edges and Insights 1
!Threshold DR 1
!Mass Shunting
!Float Warding
!RAT CRIME 1
!RAVEN CRIME 1
!HOUND CRIME 1
> Take position atop the three-tile spanning rock formation immediately south of the Red Snake Slicers. > Attempt to convince some of the camp theurges to accompany and assist Icarus during the battle. > Use the major-ish action to climb to previously stated location. If an action is not required for positioning, engrave a Major Ward against projectiles on the ground beneath Icarus instead. Decimus
Quoted By:
My plan is to deploy with a melee trooper squad in the NE corner of the blue box and assault north to seize the first banner. From there I intend to either take the high ground or push north towards the large cluster of tents. I think that someone should go over the top and effect a rescue of the prisoners. However, I thaumaturged myself in the foot. I can come support someone from the heights if you feel you need it, but I'm probably not going to be hopping down the cliff face to come be the hero freeing prisoners. I see myself building a fortress on the height from which to incinerate the foe at [sense] range.
However, I am willing to support other plans who call for Iconotheurgical support. I intend to focus on wards, abjurations, and burning people to death, if I can overcome my experimental impulses.
>>6123811 It looks like Icarus is looking for some assistance. What magics are you looking to get up to in the coming rounds? I'm planning on avoiding High Crimes and sticking to the traditional practice of burning people alive with solar power.
I am willing to use my pre-assault action to cast an abjuration from projectiles on anyone who wants one. It may end up being first come first served.
#Decimus
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 8/8 Focus 10/10
Action 9 Speed 1 (oh, consequences)
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Authority +1, Rep +2
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Spear - R2, Impales, Throwable R?
Thaumatheurgy Kit
-Whitebone Needles - Wards 12. They taste like seashells and cement.
+Abjure: 3AP, T harm to Entities or T ablative shielding vs. specific danger
Carved Spiderwhale Figurine
+Worldlink - I am linked to all the items in my hex which do not resist me.
Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt, 1 Coinbit
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 13
#Skittersong of the Deep 14
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Professional 1: Add Rank to Will Rolls to resist Terror
!Clever: Adds to insight gained from Thoughs and Sense. Test 10+Rank to try something Clever.
!Short Descriptor: Clever Theurge who Carries Regrets and Sleep Debt.
Markhan
Quoted By:
>>6123666 #Markhan
-Metrics
Vitality 11/11 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 1
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 9 Reputation -2 Authority 2
Lethality 1d6+1 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Breacher's Kit, 6DR, 3DR on Limbs
Shortblade, Sharp
Halberd, Two Handed, Sharp, Impales, Shatters
Shield [30 HP, 5 DR, +2Def]
Dunerunner Dustcloak [???]
Empty Pockets
1 Bandage, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
1 Citation for Valour
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 11
#Polearm 14
#Small Unit Tactics-12
1.4 Inspiration
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Masks and Mettel 1: If you start *adjacent* to an ally, they add +1 to all skill-test and speed. Spend up to Rank AP on behalf of ally (caps per ally)
!Armored Advance: Intentionally body slam targets when entering their tile, deal 1d6+1 per straight line movement prior
!Incredible Impressive Bruises: When I flex I feel my best! ...This'll probably do something later
!Trophy Taker: Reroll any Stress Experience test once, for any reason and pick a preferred dice set
!Deflection Angles: Armored Advance also stuns
>Markhan will deploy alongside the Resolute Crows, don't think I'll be leaving them behind this time. The crows themselves are in a good spot, we can hold those chokepoints near us. >For a major action? Well Markhan will give a bloody rousing speech of course! >>6123717 Agreed, as usual Wicklighter, you've got a good head on your shoulders, the Ironwrought should be at the van.
Caedo !sJQRTYJUqI
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 1, 3 = 9 (3d6) >>6123666 >Deploy somewhere along the Vanguard with the Bound Blades >Majorish Action: Do a Religious Ritual vs 11 "Oh great Empyreal. Today we once again cross into your domain to strike upon enemies that have wronged us. I ask not that you spare any today but that you lessen our burden by relaxing your most effeverscent gaze. In exchange, we will burn down this camp of malvoyants and rescue our allies and friends to show remind them it is you who rules these desert lands."
#Caedo
=Metrics=
Vitality 12/12 // Stamina 13+1 // Focus 13+1
Action 9 // Speed 2
=Stats=
Will 10 // Health 10 // Grit 10
Sense 10 // React 9
Reputation 2 // Authority 2
Lethality 1d6 // Threshold 1d6
=Kit=
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Weaver's Whip
Whitebone needle [Float Warding]
1 Bit
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
=Secrets=
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Wards 13(10)
#Rope 14
-[Coiled Spite][Wolfspider Kiss]
#Small Unit Tactics 12
#Religious Ritual 11 (Pytherii)
=Traits=
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Masks and Mettle 1
!Well Read
!Threshold DR 1
!Wrack Woe
=Bannermen and Support=
(x6) Blade-11 troopers
(x1) Young but well adjusted expert in Triage, Surgery and medical matters
Kismet
Quoted By:
Rolled 3, 3, 5 = 11 (3d6) >>6123666 I bet there are archers up there. I’d put archers up there. We should disrupt those archers. Strikers lead the way!
>Embed with Red Snakes >Secure some extra fuel for the boys and I? It seems we’ll need it. (Authority 1) >Boost deploy on the tippy top of that mountain to our northeast #Kismet
-Metrics
Vitality 12/12 Stamina 10/10 Focus 10
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Paired Blades x4, sharp, throwable, Follow-Up every 3 margin
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 2/4, Speed 4
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Polished Dancer's Jade
-Secrets
#Knives 13
#Gearwright 13
#Dancing 12
#Wrackstone 9
#Thoughts 10
#Influence 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Professional 1: Add +1 to will rolls to resist terror
!Jinxed 1: Rank to crit fail threshold, absorb ally crit fails, enemies near me also affected by my fails
!Sideslipping Sidestep 1: Move past/through occupied tiles with Speed
Rion
Quoted By:
Rolled 4, 5, 5 = 14 (3d6) >>6123666 >Pick up Paired Blades from stockpile >Deploy on to middle high rock near Prisoner Camp using great skill of (Pathfinding 10) >Channel my inner Moth for it's time to get sneaky (Majorish action be hide) i do have this neat WispCloak after all. #Rion
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 13 Focus 13
Action 9 Speed 2
–Stat
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 12
React 10
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Paired Blades, Sharp, Throwable Follow-up every 3 Margin
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
BoostKit: Fuel 4/4 Speed 4
WispCloak: +1 Reaction
Bits of kibble: Animals like more
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Coinbits: 1
Inspiration 0.8
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Close Quarters 13
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina
!Of Cold Winds 1: If start unengaged Add rank to speed. If engaged Bonus DMG to first attack hit.
!The Flow: When you Defend, you perform multiple Step-Dodges. When you attack, targets get -1 skill.
Ssssh!
With These Hands:
Crushfists !dLoHn7SP2o
Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 6, 5 = 16 (3d6) >>6123666 >Pathfinding-10 to get closer within the camp in the North past the 1st set of tents and fence >A major action to hide with the wispcloak atop the rocks #Crushfists
-Metrics
Vitality 12 Stamina 12+1 Focus 12+1
Action 9 Speed 3+1
Reputation 2 Authority 0 Inspiration 0.3
–Stat
Will 11 Health 10 Grit 10 Sense 10
React 10
Lethality 1d6+1 Threshold 1d6
–Kit
Trencher Filters [+4HT vs Particles, +1 Fearless]
Uniform, DR 2
Shortblade, Sharp
Shield [18 HP, 3 DR, +2Def]
Boostkit, Fuel 4/4, Speed 4
!Ssssh!
Wispcloak, +1 reaction, major to hide in terrain/cover, move and do at half
Better Pair of Boots
Empty Pockets
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
-Secrets
#Thoughts 9
#Influence 10
#Gearwright 12
#Closequarters 15 (Rikovol)
!Chaos Snatch
#Pathfinding 10
-Traits
!Through Clenched Teeth 1: When you Recover, always regain at least 1 Stamina and 1 focus (Rikovol)
!Of Cold Winds 1: Unengaged +speed. Engaged +dmg
!Zanshin
Phridon !!i3QRqrs+o0C
Rolled 1, 2, 4 = 7 (3d6) >>6123666 >Deploy with the Sunstained Spears. Not quite in the van but not too far behind (Sluggish 7 is still Sluggish). >Majorish action: link with and Engrave protective intent into the men's shields. [Iconotheurgy 12?] I picked up Engrave with the inspiration I got from herding my fellow theurges.
#Phridon
-
Vitality 12 Stamina 14/14 Focus 13/13
Action 9 Speed 2
-
Will 10 Health 10 Grit 9 Sense 10
React 9
Lethality 1d6 Threshold 1d6
Reputation 2
Inspiration 0.8
-
Uniform, DR2
Shortblade, Sharp
Spear, Reach 2, Impales, Throwable
Shield [18HP, 3DR, +2Def]
Pockets with 2 entire coinbits!!!
2 Bandages, 2 Torches, 2 Bags of Salt
Whitebone Needles (Wards-13, Engrave)
-
#Thoughts 11
#Influence 12
#Iconotheurgy 12
#Spears 14
#Religious Ritual 11
#Wards 11 (count as Strict)
-
!Through Clenched Teeth 1
!Of Hopes and Fears 1
!Well Read
!Threshold DR +1
!Resonant
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:t3WXaagd Sat 19 Oct 2024 07:00:08 No. 6125632 Report Quoted By:
Command believes that’s everyone.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Mon 11 Nov 2024 12:30:17 No. 6139402 Report Quoted By:
" Tuesday " and other such lies. Listen, time flows curiously out here - alright? Better not think too deeply about it.
--
Everyone gets into position, such as it is - shuffling, shoving, moving. The sun shines down on the fresh dawning day. Caedo intones a prayer. The heat is a little less on the skin. Markhan belts out a speech. The troops laugh, appreciating the humour.
>>6125161 *Engrave*. The highest of the low arts, or the lowest of the high. Who can say? It's why they fear animists, you know. It's why the kind of things that iconotheurgic animists can do, should they set their mind to it, are cause for quiet dedication of specialized watchmen in Pyther. Push this too far, and you will find a Lanternlighter in your future, quietly, one day, when you least expect it, asking questions of your ambitions.
But until that day, simply think of it like this:
*Tug* briefly flares the world, but resets. A cunning Animist might very briefly harden weapons, weaken shields, flare fires, a host of other tricks.
*Engrave* is to Tug what a sword is to a cheeseknife. The alteration that you intone persists, drawing in and twisting the world.
From your training,
>>6112170 , recall that Tug intensifies 1 per 1 AP, or does so as a major action equal to margin + Threshold.
*Engrave*, always a major action, is fundamentally a Tug that does not decay until broken or abjured. It can even be Shunted elsewhere. It creates a new parameter. The outcome you get is usually much reduced, however - roughly 1/3rd Margin+Threshold.
This is where the Rules begin to bite: Consider that Engraving enhanced mobility, agility or strength into an ally does enhance them, and is very powerful. Consider also that interactions of multiple intentions can get squirrely, and Threshold that acts up can get problematic. The working might snap at an inoppertune time, or you might push someone's speed far beyond the human and their related qualities start changing beyond your intention.
It is *safer* (far, far safer) therefore to engrave inanimate material or situations. You make a sword sharper, it remains, mostly, a sword. You make a human hand sharper so it can punch through plate armor, the person that hand is attached to starts changing. We call this Drift, and it's a consequence of Animism in general; you'll just notice it more with Engraving if you push things too far ("Too far" is poetic speech for 'beyond the natural qualities of the person, if you crit a lot or if interactions occur')
For instance, those shields the troopers have now have offer a higher defensive bonus. This will break over time as the Engraving mars and scars, but until it does it's a pretty sizable addition to their capabilities.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Mon 11 Nov 2024 12:34:00 No. 6139403 Report Quoted By:
. . . You're now wondering why you can't then keep doing this - enhance the bonus again, make it twice what it is now. Even immaterial objects are bound to change; if you layer too intense engravings or parameter adjustsment on anything, Drift starts setting in. Those shields might become so defensive they start attracting danger to themselves from other sources, they might resist being brought into battle (on account of the danger!), they might make the men holding them overcome with need for caution.
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r
CompanyCommand !!8Og8gGv6k3r ID:X/uyQCKW Mon 11 Nov 2024 14:34:30 No. 6139449 Report Quoted By:
>>>6139420 Well, shall we stumble on with it?
