Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad soaks up the fireball and the rain of arrows, and continues to close the distance, bellowing a warcry as he draws nearer to the sorcerer. "Bloooood!"

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad moves to 10 yards.


Cassandra, would you like to be moving forward while you dodge?


Anoras is halfway to her destination.



Archer # 3 shoots at Thad's arm:
Skill ?? - 4 (range) -2 (leg) + 1 (time) + 3 (Acc) = skill -2 vs 13 .... its a miss!
Archer #2 aims at thad
Archer #1 shoots at thad's arm:

Skill ?? - 4 (range) -2 (leg) + 3 (Acc) = skill -3 vs 5.... its a hit!
6 imp damage, for 4 after DR unless Thad dodges!

Fireball throws a ball of fire at Thad's feet:
Skill ?? - 4 (range) +4 (hex) + 1 (Acc) = skill +1 vs 12.... The fireball hits for full damage this time:

Ummm... thats an 18. you don't have luck, do you?



Everyone but the archers steps forward, out of cover, with the skeletons forming a line, and the warriors and sorcerers in a line behind them, shoulder to shoulder.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

No, 100 is fine

The sorcerors are now in cover behind the skeletons instead of trees?

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

No, you can shoot at them unimpeded.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Okay start aiming at fireball guy

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Anoras will continue moving closer and trying to find the prisoners. If possible, she'll try to keep an eye on Cassandra and Thad. But right now her first priority is finding the prisoners.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad dodges the arrow hurtling at him, but soon falls victim to an especially potent fireball. Charred and burned, he still drags himself ever closer to his quarry.

OoC: Dodged arrow, fireball takes him to -4. Passed HT check to stay conscious. Passed HT for knockdown/stun for Major Wound. Require HT check (14) for every action going forward.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra has 1 second of aim at fireball


Thad moves to 7 yards.

Anoras is still about halfway to her destination.

Archer # 3 fast-draws an arrow and loads his bow.
Archer #1 fails fast draw and takes a whole second to draw the arrow
Archer #2 shoots at thad's leg
Skill ?? - 3 (range) -2 (leg) + 3 (Acc) = skill -2 vs 9... a potential hit!
But three damage won't get through the armor!


Fireball summons up another fireball


The other sorcerer says something, and the skeletons step forward with glistening weapons, to four yards away from Thad.


The Venasir warriors step up behind them, five yards away.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad sees the skeletons approaching, and halts his steps, readying his axe to find its home in the first enemy that approaches him.

OoC: Ready an attack against the first enemy who gets in range. Probably just getting incinerated, lol.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra has 2 seconds of aim at fireball.

Thad is four yards from the skeletons, and seven yards from the archers in the tree line. His throwing axe has reach one.

Anoras is hoping the distraction lasts long enough for her to achieve her objective.

Archer #3 aims at Cassandra
Archer #2 knocks their bow
Archer #1 fails to quick draw their arrow and spends the whole turn drawing

The Fireball scorcorer takes a moment to aim his ball of fire at Thad.
The other scorceror is 5 yards away, and makes a gesture... Thad feels a small tug at his mind, but its nothing... (yes, there were rolls... Thad rolled 10, Scorceror rolled 15)

The skeletons and warriors each move one step closer.

The skeleton with the blade on a stick thrusts it at Thad.

Skill??? vs 8 is a hit!
4 Impaling damage to the torso... the chain mail will absorb it!

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Aim for a 3rd second

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Anoras has Hidden Lore (Sorcery). I would guess that she would know if a sorcerer (or possibly a non-sorcerer) could tell who's a sorcerer or not regardless of how they're dressed. Can one tell?

This would be in the sense of "You see a person not dressed as a sorcerer. But as you're a sorcerer and/or have Hidden Lore (Sorcery), you can tell by their aura/whatever they are a sorcerer."

My suspicion is it wouldn't require a roll to know if a sorcerer/one with Hidden Lore (Sorcery) can recognize a sorcerer or not. But if it does, ericthered has my permission to roll for me.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Can one tell?....

Not through any arcane method.

However, scorcerors's minds have been altered by their use of magic, and they rarely conceal their identities as a scorceror unless they have a specific objective (they also generally obscure their previous identity before they become scorcerors).

If they are concealing, hidden lore would let you spot them through charms they've kept around anyway, or through mannerisms that give them away. You're not close to notice any of those right now.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad absorbs the spear thrust, and marches forward to confront the skeleton who attacked him.

OoC: Move action to get adjacent to attacking skeleton. Successful HT check to stay conscious.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra has three seconds of aim (is that the maximum, or can she get one more?)


Thad moves up to the skeletons.



Archer #3 aims for another second (total 2) at cassandra
Archer # 2 aims at cassandra
Archer #1 knocks their bow


Fireball looks at Thad, deciding if he wants to fireball his own troops. He does not, and Aims at cassandra


The second sorcerer is 3 yards away from thad. He makes another gesture.
Scorceror: Will ??? - 3 (yards) vs 12
Thad: Will 9 + 5 (amulet) vs 15

That resists the spell!



One skeleton with a spear, and one with a shield, both attack Thad with their main weapons:
Spear: skill?? vs 15 ... miss!
Sword: skill?? vs 5 .... hit! (not a critical)
Hit location... right arm!
5 points of cut damage, vs. 2 points of DR. it will do 4 damage if it connects.


The skeleton with the pole arm flips the weapon to attack with the spiked end ... and that's its turn. (I rolled attack, but it can't, stupid asterisks)



The warriors behind the skeletons are evaluating Thad.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

3 seconds is Max

So total +5

She will fire at fireball

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad effortlessly blocks the sword strike with his shield. Pushing past the pain of his wounds, he takes two mighty swings at the skeleton in melee range, hammering into its defenses with his powerful muscles.

OoC: Successful block. Successful consciousness check to act. Two successful Rapid Strikes with his axe, for 11 and 20 cutting damage. Take that!

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad's first blow is not blocked by the pole arm (rolled a 13), and the blow crunches through armor and into bone:

11 damage vs 3 DR (light scale) + 2 DR (skeleton bone) = 6 * 1.5 = 9 injury
The knockdown roll of 13 is unsuccessful, and the skeleton falls prone

The skeleton fails to dodge the second, stronger blow (dodge must be less than 10)
20 damage vs 3 DR (light scale) + 2 DR (skeleton bone) = 15 *1.5 = 22 injury
knockdown roll of 11 is successful!
The skeleton has taken a total of 31 damage. It is still moving, but it is prone, and its core has been shattered.

Cassandra looses an arrow at fireball

Skill 16 - 10 (range) + 2 (time) + 3 (Acc) = 11

Fireball dodges and looses his aim:

Dodge??? +2 (feverish dodge) vs 10 = success!

Fireball aims at cassandra again
The winged mask scorceror makes some sort of gesture, but Thad doesn't feel anything this time.

Archer #3 aims for the third second at cassandra
Archer # 2 aims for a second second cassandra
Archer #1 aims at cassandra

The spear and sword skeletons each attack thad!
The sword skeleton rolls a 14 ... which is not enough!
The spear skeleton rolls a 9, which is a hit. 1d6+1 rolls max damage = 7 if not blocked, for the torso (DR 4)

I'm setting up a hex grid, and a soldier or two still needs to attack, but I need to figure out which.

As a note, I'm pretty sure Anoras's charm is the only reason Thad is standing right now. And his HT.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra realizes now she is about to be under a hail of arrows

She prepares to dodge and backs up two

All Out Defense Dodge

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Battle Map

A Venasir Warrior steps forward and swings a sword at Thad's chest, as hard as he can.

Skill??? vs 11 is a hit

8 cut vs 4 DR

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Glad it's helping!


Anoras will continue looking for the prisoners. If reasonably possible, she will watch for Thad and Cassandra, but her first priority is finding the captives.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad blocks the skeleton's spear, and tries to back away from the warrior's sword, but he's too slow and takes a brital slash across the chest. He steps back into the melee and hammers away at the Venasir warrior in retaliation.

OoC: Successful block. Failed Dodge + Retreat against sword, take 6 more damage (not enough to force any HT rolls). Successful consciousness check to act. Step back to starting space, Rapid Strike against Venasir warrior. 2 successful hits for 16 and 18 damage.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

The warrior misses his block by inches, and the axe slips past his defenses. he takes 16-3 DR = 13 damage and 13*1.5 = 19 injury.



He falls to the ground with negative HP, but remains conscious.



Will thad strike him again or redirect that strike to another target?

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

OoC: I'll go ahead and redirect to the adjacent standing skeleton if possible.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

The skeleton catches the axe on its blade. (rolled a 7)


Its been five seconds since I noted Anoras was halfway to her destination, so I think she has something like 35 seconds left until she gets there. She is on the edge of the trees and can see the battle going on.



The enemy has no unconscious casualties yet, but two warriors have been shot with arrows and reduced to under 2/3rds HP, and and one skeleton and one warrior are prone (in a pile), both under 0 HP.



Archer #3 shoots at Cassandra... potential 4 damage to the left hand.
Skill ?? - 10 (range) + 2 (time) + 3 (Acc) = skill -5 vs 7
Archer #2 aims at Cassandra (three seconds total)
Archer #1 aims at Cassandra (two seconds total)


Fireball throws his projectile in a long high arc at cassandra
Skill ?? - 10 (range) +1 (aim) + 4 (aiming at hex) = skill -5 vs 6
Perfect success. Fireball's fireball throwing skill is 11.

4 (9/2) damage vs effective DR 2 (torso DR vs fire is 4).

Given the arc of the throw, the fact its at the edge of the distance, and the all-out defense (dodge) that was taken, I will allow dodging this attack.


The Bird Wing sorcerer sends another spell at Thad's mind
Skill?? - 3 (range) vs 8
Thad Resists: Will 9 + 5 = 14 vs 15


Thad is stunned. He must take a do nothing his next turn and then roll vs stunning (at +5 from the amulet). It is revealed the Sorcerer has a will of 12.


The Skeleton with the sword swings at a random location on Thad: its a hit! rolled a 12. Its revealed that skeleton has sword skill 13. potentially 5 cutting damage to the right foot.



The Skeleton that was knocked down with its ribs crawls into Thad's hex.
The Swordsman he knocked down recovers from the blow.
The spear skeleton steps into the "Hex of Death" and attacks a random location...at least it meant to. Instead it critically misses, tripping over the all the people in the hex and dropping its spear.
A sword skeleton moves two hexes to get close to Thad and makes a wild swing. It strikes the torso (rolled a 6)... but it will be unable to penetrate Thad's armor.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra will indeed try to dodge!

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

I'm confused. You say Thad resisted the spell, but then say he's stunned. Is the stun some lesser effect that occurs on a resist?

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Sorry: "Thad's resistance fails"

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Anoras (thinking): We are so outnumbered! I have to get to where I can release the captives so we have a chance. Otherwise....

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad's mind goes momentarily blank from the sorcerer's spell. Fortunately, his finely trained combat instincts still allow him to block the attack by the skeleton, and the impact of the blow snaps him out of his reverie. He growls at his enemies, with renewed determination to crush their skulls under his axe.

OoC: Lucky block on the attack, even with Stun penalties. Successful recover at the end of this turn.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra dodges the fireball with an 11


Archer #2 shoots at cassandra
skill??? - 10 (range) + 3 (acc) + 2 (time) = skill -5 vs 9...
At exact hit! skill is known to be 14 now
Hit location is torso, damage is 5, with potentially 1 penetrating for 2 injury
Archer #1 aims at cassandra (three seconds aim total)
Archer #3 quickdraws and knocks an arrow

Fireball aims at cassandra again

Bird Wing seems pleased that his spell have at least some effect, and tries it again! He is disappointed!
Skill 12 - 3 (range) vs 12 = -3
Thad: Will 9 + 5 (charm) vs 8 = 6

The skeleton with the sword on thad's right swings for a random location: his right leg! an 11 is a hit! 7 potential damage, with 4 cut getting past DR, for a potential 6!
The spear skeleton also attacks at a random location... the right leg again! the attack roll is a 5, which is not a critical hit and may be defended against. 6 damage, with 3 impaling getting past DR, for a potential 3.
The left sword skeleton hacks at a random location: 10 is a hit, and its for the left arm. 5 cutting damage, vs DR 2, with potential 3 cut damage for 4 injury.
The skeleton by Thad's feet tries to grab them, making an all out attack to hit cancel the -4 for being prone... but fails with a 13.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra will continue to try and All Out Dodge, since she doesn't think she can actually get her own shot in, at least she is drawing fire from Thog

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad swats away the first two attacks with his axe, then blocks the third with his shield. Then he slams his spiked shield into the standing skeleton with the sword, aiming to shatter the dry bones.

OoC: Successful consciousness check. Two Successful parries and a successful block (accidentally labeled it as a Dodge on the dice log). Successful shield bash for 5 cr damage.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Vietnamese Flower Spam reported.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Never thought I'd see a double axe block followed by a shield bash... well done. Spiked shield does Impaling? I don't think it matters in this case...


It takes 5 damage to the torso. The spikes are not well suited for bone, but the violence of the bash does the job just the same. Not a major wound. (HP is 12, they definitely have unliving)



"Thog"?


Archer #1 shoots at Cassandra
skill??? - 10 (range) + 3 (acc) + 2 (time) = skill -5 vs 12 ... its a wild miss!
Archer #2 starts aiming at Cassandra
Archer #3 fast-draws an arrow and knocks it
Fireball keeps aiming at Cassandra (2 seconds)


The wounded swordsman collapses in the "hex of death", unconscious.



The Non-damaged sword skeleton attacks a random location, and potentially hits the left leg for 9 damage
The warrior with the polearm seems to be barely holding on from the arrow wound, and thus not attacking.
The skeleton with the spear attacks a random location (the torso), and threatens 7 impaling to the chest.
The damaged upright skeleton attacks a random location. It also attacks the left leg (rolled a nice attack roll). 8 Cutting damage before DR.

The skeleton on the ground tries to grab a foot again. It misses.


Bird Wings just stands there, staring (critical failure on stunning attempt... he's stunned himself)

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad deflects the first blow, but the spear drives home, piercing his armor! Not even flinching, Thad blocks the last attack, then bashes at the damaged skeleton, trying to take it down.

OoC: Successful parry, failed parry for (7-4)x2=6 damage (not quite enough to force a death check!). Successful block. Successful consciousness to act. Successful shield bash for 8 damage.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

The two shields meet each other and bounce off! (block roll was 7).

(its been pointed out to me the spiked shield still does crushing... but as I said, it doesn't matter in that instance)



Archer #1 fast draws an arrow (fast draw skill is 13) and knocks it

Archer #2 has two seconds of aim at Cassandra
Archer #3 aims at Cassandra
Fireball keeps aiming at Cassandra (3 seconds)


Bird Wings keeps on just standing there, but then comes to himself. (recovers from stunning himself)


The Non-damaged sword skeleton attacks a random location, and potentially hits the left arm for 6 cutting damage. 2 DR at that location.
The spear skeleton stabs randomly, but just targets the torso for 2 damage ... it will bounce off.
The damaged sword skeleton misses.

So does the skeleton on the ground.


One of the warriors with a sword starts yelling something in Venasir, and warriors look expectantly at the sorcerers.


Anoras is 32 seconds from her destination.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra all out dodges and backs up two yards

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad fails to block the sword, taking another cut to his arm. He lashes out with his axe to take down the damaged skeleton.

OoC: Unsuccessful block. Successful death check. Successful consciousness check. 2 successful rapid strikes, targeting damaged sword skeleton for 19 and 15.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

The skeleton blocks one blow and parries the other (really good rolls... I rolled again just to make sure the log was working. The parry says block)

Archer #2 has three seconds of aim at Cassandra
Archer #3 has two seconds of aim at Cassandra
Archer #1 aims at Cassandra

Fireball launches a fireball at Cassandra, but it falls just short (no roll, she's out of range. Though a house rule to increase range by 20% by taking a -4 to skill would be interesting)

Cassandra fails to notice something.

Raven wings spends more time trying to futilely stun Thad.

The undamaged sword skeleton attacks a random location. 8 Cutting damage to the torso
The spear skeleton attacks a random location ... and misses outright
The damaged sword skeleton attacks a random location potentially has 5 cutting damage to the torso
The ground bound skeleton grabs at the foot again... another miss (the -4 from being suck on the ground is a big deal...)


The Venasir warriors start to back away from the fight, except for the one with the glaive


Anoras is 31 seconds away.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra all out dodge and move back 2 more

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad blocks the first blow, but takes the other blow to his chest despite stepping back to dodge, although it barely penetrates his armor. He steps back up and strikes again at the damaged skeleton.

OoC: Successful block. Unsuccessful dodge + retreat (1 damage after DR). Step up and Rapid Strike. Two successful hits for 14 and 18 cut damage.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

The skeleton continues its string of excellent parry luck, with a 7 for the shield and a 9 for the sword.



Archer #2 shoots at cassandra
Skill ?? - 10 (range) +3 (acc) + 2 (time) = skill -5 vs 13 is a miss!

Archer #3 has three seconds of aim at Cassandra
Archer #1 has two seconds of aim at Cassandra


Fireball shouts and aims a fireball at what seems to be the cluster around Thad


Bird Wings slowly backs up, concentrating on... something


Cassandra is struck in the face by a dive-bombing bird for 1 damage. (rolled Per to let her spot it... wasn't much good). That triggers a knockdown roll.... which succeeds (HT 14 is pretty high)


A swordsman lifts grabs the Glaive guy to carry him, and the spear gear grabs the feet of the swordsman who collapsed on the hex of death.


The spear skeleton steps forward from the hex of death, and all of the skeletons switch over to all-out defense, except for the one on the ground, which crawls back into the hex of death.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra will attempt to fast draw her sword and smack the bird

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

It attacked in the middle of the move, not at the end.


EDIT: which would have meant it missed. Wow my brain was mush Friday. Stuck a bunch of rolls for the wrong game in the chat, and now this (and the other game had some mistakes made too). so cassandra didn't get hit, but absolutely missed the bird (ending movement in her hex won't change that result, so there is no reason to do it)

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Oh, then fast draw the sword and AoD parry and step 1 back then instead

She hopes to parry it to oblivion next it attacks

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thad tries to press the attack as the skeletons begin to retreat, but the exertion finally catches up with him. He collapses from his wounds!

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

The warriors keep backing up, and the skeletons follow, letting Thad just lie there on the ground. Fireball hits him with a blast. It does 8 damage before DR.



The archers do their best to hit Cassandra over the next four seconds:


Archer #3

Skill ?? - 11 (range) +3 (acc) + 2 (time) = skill -6 vs 8 is a hit!
3 imp potentially to the left leg... I think that's an armor bounce.
This archer makes the following fast draw


Archer #1

Skill ?? - 11 (range) +3 (acc) + 2 (time) = skill -6 vs 7 is a hit!
1 Imp* to the right leg... I think that's an armor bounce
This archer fails the following fast draw
*the roll referenced the wrong archer



Archer #2

Skill ?? - 11 (range) +3 (acc) + 2 (time) = skill -6 vs 9 is a near miss!
(skill is revealed to be 14)
The archer makes the fast draw roll


So Cassandra gets three seconds of action.

At the end of those four seconds:


Archer #3 has three seconds of aim
Archer #1 has one second of aim
Archer #2 has one second of aim


The bird is flying in a wide circle trying to get behind Cassandra



Anoras is 26 seconds away.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

At this point Cassandra doesn't want to be outflanked and seems things are not working out for Thad, so she turns and bolts

She first round 2 facing changes, run 5
Second round run 7
Third round sprint 8

She figures she is going to get nailed in the back, but hopes not enough to stop her

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

OoC: Updated HP from fireball, not enough for a death check yet. I don't think I have anything to do until I make a check to regain consciousness in an hour.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

She'll continue to move. (I don't know if she knows what's going on with Thad and Cassandra.)

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Cassandra turns and runs as fast as she can. At 8/yards per sec, it will take her 12 seconds to reach the safety of the trees. (4 of those have already passed)

The archers fire after cassandra as she flees.

Archer #3 skill-6 vs 12... failure (second 5)
archer #3 quick draw vs 16 ... failure (fast -draw is 15)
Archer #2 skill -7 vs 9 ... failure (second 7)
Archer #2 fast draw vs 12 ... success
Archer #1 skill -7 vs 12 ... failure (second 7)
Archer #2 fast draw vs 7 ... success
Bird attack to skull from behind capped at 9 vs 11 ... miss.

Archer #3 skill -7 vs 7 ... success (second 11)
hit location 5... face... I think this gets turned into a skull hit from behind?
6 Impaling to the skull.... I think that means a single point of damage gets through the 1DR cloth cap, the 2 DR leather helmet, and 2 DR skull. That's an automatic knockdown check.
Archer #2 skill -7 vs 7 ... exact hit. skill is 14.
Random location... 11. Groin Hit.
7 damage. Ouch. I think that's vs. 4 DR.
Archer #3 skill -7 vs 12... miss.

They got kind of lucky there at the end... I look forward to Cassandra's response. Her High HP may pack off here. She is by her pack on a stick.

The warriors pull back and watch Thad from the cover of the trees, along with the skeletons, sorcerers, and archers.

Anoras is now 18 seconds away, almost to her target (I think she'll have the floor pretty darn soon). She can see that Thad is down and Cassandra is running away.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

12 damage on her total as the groin only has 3 DR and is x2, and the 1 damage to skull is x4

Not enough to slow her yet. She tries to keep going if she makes the HT save on the skull hit

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

HP 20 and HT 14 carry the day! Cassandra rolls a 12, stays up, and makes it to the safety of the woods with her full speed intact!


What is her next course of action?


Unless she starts a big interaction, we then see what Anoras finds... and probably what happens to Thad as well.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

She will just hang out in the trees then

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Will she get her pack?

Cassandra hides in the forest. She doesn't have stealth, but at 200 yards and with cover, she probably doesn't need it (-12 to spot, and negate the +10 for being in plain sight)

wow, I've never seen Perception 8 matter this much.

The Enemy moves to their forest and seems to just wait.

Thad lies unconscious in the open ground between them.

Anoras reaches her destination behind the enemy. She finds the forest trail they were using, but there is no sign of any prisoners... including on the trail: the most recent footprints are all the boots of warriors or the naked bones of skeletons

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

She will try to do so yes

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Anoras is surprised; this is not what she expected. She now wonders if our group attacked the wrong enemy group (a group without prisoners). This is a mystery to investigate.

But for what Anoras will do next, I'm thinking about this:

"Cultural Familiarity....In fantasy worlds, the GM might wish to have one culture per race...." (GURPS Basic 4th p. 23). As this is a one-shot, I figured that would apply for Haunden and Venasir, especially as we're practically "next-door neighbors." I purposely "overspent" to buy Cultural Familiarity: Venasir so that Anoras would know even tiny details of the Venasir. And she has their language for both spoken and written at Native level. And she has Fast Talk. And she has a high IQ. My thinking is she could pass for a native Venasir better than some Venasirs! (Or Venasirians. However you'd say it--Anoras would know.) ericthered, as you're the GM who of course makes all final decisions in this game, do you agree?

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Yes, Anoras can pass for a native... presuming she has the right clothing and accessories, and as you've clearly indicated multiple times in the past that this is an option you've , I'd assume she has this ready. Its just minor style stuff.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thanks! I wanted to be certain I was thinking right. Anoras will prepare for her entrance.... (As will I--adjusting my plans to fit the circumstances.)

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

I think it is time to execute your plan. One PC is waiting and watching, and the other is unconscious.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Agreed.

OOC: In the last couple days, I've been dealing with some significant issues IRL. But I realize the adventure is now waiting on me. I'll work to come up with a post in the next 12 hours.

EDIT: Had it up and posted in less than 2 hours.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Here it is:


A reminder of this post from January 24, 2024 (it's been months for us, but a short time for Anoras, Cassandra, and Thad):

(Anoras speaking to Thad and Cassandra):

(Considering the current circumstances, I think the first story.)

Anoras will keep in mind the names of those nearby castles (I'm posting them here so I can find them easier.)

Anoras will put her broadsword, fishing pole, etc., in a spot. Somewhere she can find (the tree with the horizontal branch, or the tree that splits at the base, or the dead tree, whatever is available). But not the first aid kit.

She will be dressed Venasir-appropriate--and with a piece of Haunden fabric as a gag around the back of her head and over her mouth. And her "hands will be tied." (She has Escape and Flexibility and the fishing line.)

She will wait a bit, then come out from behind the Venasir group. She will make noise--kick a tree, do a muffled and angry-sounding scream, etc.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Several of the warriors turn around to look at her, as does the fire-ball masked sorcerer.

One of the warriors, one with a square face,narrow nose, and bushy hair handing loose strides forward to her and asks (not her it seems) "Did the Haunden we attacked have any prisoners?"

Without turning around, the bird-marked sorcerer said "I didn't spot them until they attacked us. They don't have any now. That archer is still watching us though."

The warrior with the bushy hair and square face pulls the gag out of her mouth "who are you? how did you get here?"

Fireball inspects her closely, mostly her face, then says, "She's won't work for mine. I still have to get the full quota."

The Bushy-haired warrior: "Is she useful as a skeleton? we lost quite a bit in this attack, and we can't have her warning her people we're coming."

Fireball: "Warriors are better... but no one else has to know that."


almost everyone has weapons out, but no one has them ready. Busy-hair has sheathed his sword.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

(Anoras speaking in Venasir to the Venasir, looking at the warrior with the bushy hair and square face): "How do you think I got here? Didn't you just pull a gag out of my mouth? Can't you see my hands are tied? Set me free now!"

(Anoras looking around) "Did you capture those lousy Haunden kidnappers? (Still looking) Where are your prisoners? I only know the basics of the Haunden's evil plan. The kidnappers know more. Where are they?

"No, first we have wounded to deal with. They didn't take my first aid kit. Untie me so I can treat the wounded."

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

OCC: I take it you're deliberately ignoring the discussion of whether to turn you into a skeleton or not?


Bushy haired warrior: "They're over there. You're over here." That does seem to settle his question though.



He makes no move to untie her.



That sounds like a fast-talk attempt to get more information... please roll!




Another warrior with a sword, this one with a nasty wound, says "We could sure use some medicine. We've got three bad causalities."


Fireball: "Surprise is more important than healing."


Bushy Hair: "With respect, Mystic, three of my soldiers are useless, and they're all front-line troops. We'd be relying on skeletons to win and archers to grab."


Fireball: "Then you'll use the archers!"


Bushy Hair: "We can get both. Tie her legs and put a sword to her back."

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Yes, quite deliberately. She's talking as if such an idea is too stupid to even consider. (She hoped something like this thought might occur to the Venasir. "Let's see, we turn a quite possibly innocent sister Venasir into a skeleton, getting one inferior warrior at the possible cost of our own executions for murder. Or we can have a healer who can save our lives. Hmm....")

Agreed. Before I roll, this is for talking them into telling Anoras where their current enemies are. Their enemies including those Haunden captured and those they just fought/are fighting--i.e. Thad and Cassandra. Yes, Anoras knows where T and C are, so that won't get her any new information, so might seem useless. But she wants the Venasir to tell her where they are so she can justify knowing that.

EDIT: If I don't get a roll bonus for a convincing story, made roll by 9. If I get a bonus, critical success. Either way....

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

EDIT: Apparently this post didn't happen so can be ignored.

OOC: Please forgive me for posting the below ahead of time. If my doing this is a problem and the below has to be ignored, please let me know. But as the other two players are now waiting on me, I'm hoping to decrease their wait. So the below is assuming the Venasir do untie Anoras' hands so she can do her healing work.

OOC: While I realize the Venasir don't know Anoras, in every society I can think of, in a medical emergency the healer usually has top priority. I do understand that, until they see her do healing stuff, they may well be skeptical. Although the fact she's carrying a first aid kit should give them a clue she's really a healer.

OOC: When she stops to grab hold of a tree, it will be a slowing down stop. A sudden stop with a sword pointed at your back....

(After they tie Anoras' legs, put a sword at her back, and untie her hands)

"Are you so afraid of an unarmed healer that you insist her legs be tied and she have a sword at her back?" (Anoras makes a dismissive Venasir gesture--modern American equivalent would be shaking her head in dismissal.)

She'll head toward the nearest badly-injured warrior. Before she gets there, she'll stop and grab hold of a tree. She'll breath deep for a few seconds, then speak.

(Facing no one) "How do you expect me to concentrate on healing the wounded like this?"

(Facing Fireball): "Mystic, you are obviously highly skilled in the ways of marvelous magical miracles. Would you choose to do your work with your legs tied and a deadly sword pointing at your back?"

(Facing the Bushy-haired warrior): "Would you?"

(Facing no one) "Do you all want the wounded to die? Or do you want to untie my legs and take that sword away from my back so I can do my work?"

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Fast talk succeeds!

Wounded swordsman: "The giant is bleeding to death on the ground out there. The archer has run away and is hiding, but the mystic apprentice has eyes on her. We beat 'em good. When she moves away, we'll make the giant into a skeleton."


Have you noticed they are talking about attacking the local Venasir? You have successfully convinced them you're a local Venasir. That seems to indicate you are an enemy.


Sorry if I'm triple checking, but I feel like I'm not communicating well. This is the last check. You're willing to let the people who think you're an enemy even in your disguise untie your bad hand tie and tie a real leg tie so that you can heal them?

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Actually, no. In case I missed it, I just did two searches, one for the word "Holidor", and one for the word "Venasir". I searched through every post in this thread, Warriors of Haunden (IC), from the beginning of March to now. I didn't see anything about their attacking Venasir/Holidor. What I read was this:

If I'm missing something, please let me know.

Thanks for asking.

As for the "bad hand tie," Anoras had mentioned different possible plans based on circumstances. The "bad" hand tie was part of one of the possible plans, but not one she used. As is common with escape artists, her hands are really tied--but in a way she could escape from if needed.

A lot of this confusion I think has to do with me not seeing anything about the Venasir talking about attacking Venasir. I figured as Anoras spoke fluent Venasir, and they saw her hands were tied, and that her mouth was covered with a Haunden fabric gag, they would think she was a captured Venasir and thus a likely ally.

So apparently I'm not understanding what's going on. If you could point out the post(s) where the people who have Anoras were talking about attacking the local Venasir, maybe I can understand where we're at.

OOC: I'm not as good at Escape as Anoras is. But just to make sure I could still do it, I just tied my hands behind my back with several knots--and got out by myself. And I have tied myself to the point the person trying to untie me wanted to give up and use a knife to cut the rope. As the person behind Anoras is holding a sword....

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Here:

I thought I had said rather more. But the "Her People" here refers to the Venasir. That's... very subtle. More subtle than I thought.



Lets add to it to make it clearer.



Bushy Beard: "If she's not adequate, then she's not from Holidor. She won't be able to warn them."
Fireball: "we don't know where she is from. I don't want to take any risks that we alert the castle. We only have one chance."

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

OK, that explains my confusion.

The statement wasn't made by Fireball, it was made by a warrior. Some of our warriors aren't the brightest people around when it comes to distinguishing cultural norms, etc.

And in an emergency situation, the fact someone's clothing seems more typical of those a day or two in that direction (Holidor) rather than this other direction (Haunden) could be insignificant. And at that point, they wouldn't know what direction she came from anyway.

And, critically important, when that statement was made, she hadn't yet spoken. Changing clothes is easy; changing native language isn't. For all they knew, she could have been a renegade Venasir who escaped to join them. Or she could have been a Haunden dressed as Venasir to fool the Venasir. Or she could have been a Haunden who had battle-torn clothes, so put on some replacement clothing from a recently killed Venasir. Or....

So for those reasons and more, I didn't take the warrior's statement as significant.

So thanks for the clarification.

Now I'm going to have to throw out all the various plans I had, and come up with a new one. Oh well--that happens in roleplaying games!

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

ericthred, I guess to avoid further confusion, I'll wait on posting what Anoras does until you let me know if I'm thinking right or not.

This is what I'm thinking. Everything that was posted before happened as posted. Those statements immediately above were just made. So Anoras realizes she was thinking in the wrong direction, and now has to change plans.

Is that correct?

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

They're said everything I've said they've said.

They haven't tied her feet and untied her hands yet.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

(Anoras facing no one in particular) "Are you all so afraid of an unarmed healer that you insist her legs be tied and she have a sword at her back? How do you expect me to concentrate on healing the wounded like that?"

(Facing Fireball): "Mystic, you are obviously highly skilled in the ways of marvelous magical miracles. Would you choose to do your work with your legs tied and a deadly sword pointing at your back?"

(Facing the Bushy-haired warrior): "Would you?"

(Facing no one) "Do you all want the wounded to die? Or do you want to free my hands, and let my legs and back be as they are, so I can heal?"

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Rolled Fast talk for Anoras to convince them to untie her so she can do first aid... success by 1. (rolled a 14)

Bushy Beard : "Can't one of you curse her or something? That would be as effective as tying the legs."

Fireball: "I don't have that gift yet." He seems personally offended at the universe about that.

Wings: "I do. He looks at the tree wounded warriors. Perhaps we need this. I will mark her.

Hidden Lore vs. 15... bare success.

Anoras has heard of this mark... the mark by itself does nothing but provide connection between her and the sorcerer. Once that connection is there, he can freely place effects on her, tracking her, or trying to kill her or drive her mad into attacking her compatriots.


She would have to see the specific mark to know if she can get rid of it or not.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

As this seems to be a magical mark that could potentially be used to give the sorcerer Wings power over Anoras, would she get some kind of resistance roll?

(Anoras looking at Wings) "So you put a mark on me? Is that how you treat tied up, defenseless women who are trying to help?"

(Looking variously at Wings, Fireball, the Bushy-haired Warrior, etc.) "While I'm trying to save your allies's lives in spite of your efforts against me, think for a moment. Instead of running off, I came here to help you. While bound and gagged. Does that sound like an enemy come to attack you?" (She makes a dismissive gesture--American equivalent might be shaking her head in disbelief.)

Assuming they did untie her hands and didn't tie her legs, she'll start heading toward one of the downed wounded. Then she'll stop.

(Speaking to no one in particular) "Wait. Did you say there's a downed giant? Is that a young man about, say, two or three heads taller than me?" (Pause) "The one who would know about it uses an axe--was the giant using an axe? If so....yes, I see axe wounds on some of you. By the stars, you said he's bleeding to death! If he's dying, I must save him first! He might know the secret...no, he would know. That secret could help save our lives!"

(Looking at the wounded swordsman) "You told me he was...over there!"

She'll start heading in the direction the wounded swordsman said the giant was.

OOC: Ericthered, to move things up to get Kalzazz and RainyDayNinja back in the game, if you need a roll(s), you can roll for me.

OOC: Note that earlier Anoras said, "Did you capture those lousy Haunden kidnappers?" That statement could refer to "lousy" kidnappers who are Haunden--or it could refer to Venasir or others who captured "those lousy Haunden." Or it could mean something else. Yes, most of the time it would likely refer to the first possibility. But it was spoken by a woman who had been bound and gagged who was walking into a battle zone. And she is Broad-Minded, so the fact they're Venasir wouldn't automatically turn her against them. As Anoras saw no prisoners, before she spoke, she thought of the possibility "These aren't the (Venasir) we're looking for."

OOC: It was Anoras's plan from the beginning to try to treat Thad first. But she (and I) was only guessing at what was going on. So she came in a way that made her look like she wasn't a threat, and it would leave her the option of choosing her story based on the circumstances.

But right now, she's going to Stubbornly insist on treating the wounded--the giant first. (Yes, I know that could work against her--but Stubbornness and Code of Honor (Professional) are Disadvantages....)

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

She gets a resistance roll, yes, but the scorceror knows if it succeeds or not. She also gets resistance rolls from further attacks.


"Yes. That's exactly how I treat my victims." He sounds pleased with himself.


Fireball: "Shut up! you want to help? you're getting to help. Don't make us listen to you whine!"


This is predicated on her receiving the mark ... if you want to try and run at this point, we can do that too. I'll let you know what you need to get rid of it after you decide to stick around to have it cast at you.


(He rolls a 7, she rolls an 8, he wins... so his skill is at least an 11)


The mark manifests as a visible rune on the back of her hand.



"You are in my power now. I will always know where you are, and should you run, I need not follow you to strike you down."


Wings: "No! you heal them in my order!"
Fireball: "That man is dangerous. And the archer is still there."
Bushy Beard: "Interrogating him is probably worth it. We just need to get rid of the archer."
Wings: "she's remarkably patient. And completely oblivious. And wounded."
Bushy Beard: "We could have the archers cover us. Or use the skeletons."


Bushy Beard: "Stop! not before we tie him up! and not while the archer is still watching!"


A pair of skeletons march out to drag Thag into the trees.


Yeah, I'm being agressive about rolling for you.


They assume you're talking about Thad and Cassandra.



If you're looking for conformation about if this is the target group... they have skeletons and fireballs, and they've talked about taking captives. But haven't proven that they were 100% the ones who pulled off the attack.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

Thanks. She won't try to run. Her Stubbornness and Code of Honor (Professional) and Broad-Mindedness (not all Venasir are bad) tell her she's staying to heal the wounded.

I know in some cases historically, a healer was not expected to treat the enemy. In others, they were. But right now she's not sure what's going on. And importantly, healing the wounded seems her best option for finding out what's going on. And she definitely wants to help Thad, and hopefully Cassandra.

Also I'm assuming the "Bushy-Beard" and the square-faced "Bushy-haired Warrior" are the same person. If I'm wrong, please let me know!

Anoras makes a couple mental notes.

1) Fireball and Bushy-haired Warrior discussing things together seem to come up with decent ideas. The warrior seems to know what he's talking about. And it seems like the warrior might be a decent person who's following orders, but also isn't afraid to question them. She'll keep that in mind.

2) She'll think that soon either that mark on her hand will get removed, or Wings will get removed. Or both. If Wings gets critically wounded, oh well. Her Code of Honor doesn't cover abusive killers.

If Anoras can start healing Thad during the below conversation, she'll do so. She wants to start healing him as soon as possible.

(Anoras speaking to Bushy Beard) "You seem to know what you're talking about. Wise choice on getting the giant away from the archer for all our safety. But please don't have the giant tied up--that could interfere with my healing. And if I cannot heal him, there will be no interrogation. I'm sure your archers or the skeletons would be perfectly capable of keeping an eye on a man who's going to die if I don't save him so we can learn what he knows.

"Oh, and also think what if the archer truly is on the same side with the giant? Then the archer will not attack those with the giant for fear of killing the giant. And you know, it's possible that archer might know....might be worth capturing for interrogation instead of killing the archer. Yes, definitely worth it. But you of course know that can wait."

(Anoras speaking to the group in general) "Oh, another thing, on the interrogation. Do any of you speak Haunden? I can speak it roughly. A patient is more likely to talk to his healer than to anyone else."

(Note: "I can speak it roughly" is literally true. She can. She didn't say she can only speak it roughly....)

Thanks. Anoras is hoping that while she's treating the wounded, they'll talk amongst themselves--and she can learn.

Again, as soon as she can, she'll start working on Thad.

Re: Warriors of Haunden (IC)
 

I know some of my recent posts are pretty long. I'm trying to cover as much as I reasonably can so that RainyDayNinja and Kalzazz can get back in active play.