Trial by Fire - IC Thread

[Psychie]

Since Spider doesn't know about the movement out in the woods, she will pause in her chatting with the soldiers to finally turn and give Milo a long look, then adds a sly sexy smile. "Master Milo. I have noticed that you have been watching me all afternoon. Is there something I can do for you? Or perhaps, to you?"

 

[D. Rex]

D. Rex

It is now fully dark, and the soldiers are talking amongst themselves about setting up a series of overnight watches, setting up a schedule of who's going to be up at what time. Bard is making strides in getting close to Mahina, making her laugh at your stories, when you suddenly notice a flicker of movement in the shadows made by the large fire in the middle of the camp. Something is out there, and it is not alone, and it seems that only you have noticed it.

Bard was... probably not as helpful as Spider was. But it fit the role for what the folk here thought of them as. Still, he felt pretty bad about it. He'd would have to make it up to her, he promised himself.

The movement caught his eye. What.... his eyes moved, rather than the forecast, instead to the party around him. They seemed to be focused on building the camp. Good... because he could only suspect what might be in these woods. Imps, the snow man, his circle. Nothing he had to fear, not personally anyway. However Bard could not yet let any action be taken. He had been hoping to have started his plan when he first met them, but they were already breaking down camp. Along the way he had considered pulling Mahina off somewhere behind a pretty copse of trees, but though better of it with Milo around. Waiting for camp was definitely the best option. And he needed some time to work. He was glad he did wait, though, it was very pleasant getting to know her.

Still. He had to know. And thankfully it was at this time that Spider approached the one that might be most suspicious of his disappearance. Bard almost cringed at Spiders words. Not because of jealousy(maybe only a little) but how absolutely blunt they were. If he ever said a thing like that to a girl, he'd be spitting teeth for a week.

Thankfully men were much easier to convince, but the poor girl definitely needed a hand here. So Bard approached them with a hearty laugh, he elbowed Milo in the ribs and whispered to him, "Ey, them spiders are magic in silk sheets." He said in suggestive tones, "From what I hear, her named is well earned. Sure she bites... but she will also suck you dry, if you know what I mean." Bard said with an obvious wink.


"Anyway!" He said, as he clapped Milo on the back. "I got to go take a leak. And mind you, Master Milo, like I said Spider is a good girl." He concluded and made his way out towards the woods where he had seen the movement.


Instill Lust in Milo for Spider
Excellency 4mt with stunt. 17 die
A mighty 12 sux

 

[Sherwood]

The assorted soldiers give off a chuckle as Spider makes her comment to Milo, and they increase their laughter at Bard's comment. Milo smiles, then finally he snaps his fingers together. "I've finally got it! I remember seeing you before! I knew you looked familiar. I spotted you in Nexus at a tournament. That's right." He looks over at Bard and says, "No wonder you hired her as your protection. She is a master with the blade." Now that he's finally been able to place where he's seen Spider, his level of aggravation is lessened. It was bothering him for some time.

The Dynast then turns to Spider with a smile. "Your skills with the sword are impressive. Perhaps I can test your ability, blade versus blade, in a friendly match. Just to see how well you handle yourself."


When Bard makes his announcement that he's following a call of nature and heads out into the trees away from the fire, what you find out there is not something to set your mind at ease. Fresh animal tracks that look like a dog footprint can be seen, but by the size of the prints, these dogs are the size of a small horse. There are at least five different sets of tracks that you can see. You doubt that this is the work of your fellow Exalts.

 

[D. Rex]

The assorted soldiers give off a chuckle as Spider makes her comment to Milo, and they increase their laughter at Bard's comment. Milo smiles, then finally he snaps his fingers together. "I've finally got it! I remember seeing you before! I knew you looked familiar. I spotted you in Nexus at a tournament. That's right." He looks over at Bard and says, "No wonder you hired her as your protection. She is a master with the blade." Now that he's finally been able to place where he's seen Spider, his level of aggravation is lessened. It was bothering him for some time.

The Dynast then turns to Spider with a smile. "Your skills with the sword are impressive. Perhaps I can test your ability, blade versus blade, in a friendly match. Just to see how well you handle yourself."


When Bard makes his announcement that he's following a call of nature and heads out into the trees away from the fire, what you find out there is not something to set your mind at ease. Fresh animal tracks that look like a dog footprint can be seen, but by the size of the prints, these dogs are the size of a small horse. There are at least five different sets of tracks that you can see. You doubt that this is the work of your fellow Exalts.

Bard frowned. This is definitely not something he was expecting. Not at all. But what were they? Bard fished his brain for any tails that might explain such prints.

( Sherwood
Can I make a lore or performance roll to pull on Bards kmowledge of tales to get an idea what the tracks might be? I assume Lahor's simhata, but Bard might not have any such experience with the beasts to assume as much.)

 

[Sherwood]

Can I make a lore or performance roll to pull on Bards kmowledge of tales to get an idea what the tracks might be? I assume Lahor's simhata, but Bard might not have any such experience with the beasts to assume as much.)

You can do a Int + Lore or Performance, with a +2 dice bonus to either one, your choice.

 

[D. Rex]

Int + per + 2: 3sux

 

[Sherwood]

There is one threat that comes to mind that this might be. A pack of Rock Wolves. They are nasty Wyld twisted predators that are literally made of stone (thus the name Rock Wolf) and are known to be cunning hunters that will eat almost anything that moves. If this is what is lurking out here, everyone in Mahina's camp are in danger.

 

[D. Rex]

There is one threat that comes to mind that this might be. A pack of Rock Wolves. They are nasty Wyld twisted predators that are literally made of stone (thus the name Rock Wolf) and are known to be cunning hunters that will eat almost anything that moves. If this is what is lurking out here, everyone in Mahina's camp are in danger.

Bard swallowed hard. This was not good if the tales he knew were true. And the worse part being that neither he nor Spider could operate at their full power to protect the dynasts and their men, not without revealing what they were.

Didn't matter at the moment, the camp was in danger. Bard turned and ran back to camp, not bothering to hide the urgency in his movements.

"Rock Wolves!" He proclaimed. "At least five of them. They are circling the camp! Ready yourselves."

 

[Psychie]

Spider's playful banter is immediately stopped when Bard calls out the alarm, and her hands go to the hilt of her sword as she jumps to her feet. Her initial reaction would normally be to shift into her hybrid form, but that would not end well for the budding relationship with the Dynasts that Bard has worked so hard on. I will have to be careful and not spend any Essence to cause an anima glow. It will be tricky, but I'm sure that I can handle this with just skill on my side.

 

[Sherwood]

Kuaidao nodded at Maja. "Okay. We've found the first one, and we should be able to find it again later on." he said. "Let's head to the next one, shall we?"

It does not take long for the two of you to find the second one of the mountain passes. You vaguely remember this one, as it is the same one that you took to get there in the Stormwind Rider spell. This one is not quite as narrow as the first one you looked at, and as such will be harder to block enough to slow or stop the approaching Realm forces.

 

[Sherwood]

Bard swallowed hard. This was not good if the tales he knew were true. And the worse part being that neither he nor Spider could operate at their full power to protect the dynasts and their men, not without revealing what they were.

Didn't matter at the moment, the camp was in danger. Bard turned and ran back to camp, not bothering to hide the urgency in his movements.

"Rock Wolves!" He proclaimed. "At least five of them. They are circling the camp! Ready yourselves."

When Bard comes running back into the camp shouting his warning, the soldiers spring into action and draw their weapons, circling around Mahina. Milo jumps to his feet and draws his daiklave with a flash.

Psychie and D. Rex Join battle rolls, please

 

[Psychie]

Spider flips her cloak back to draw her twin blades out, looking around for any signs of an imminent attack.

A total of 11i

Spoiler

Health Levels
- 0 [ ]
- 1 [ ][ ]
- 1 [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] - [ ]
- 3 [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] - [ ]
I

Willpower: 7

Essence: 1
Personal: 16
Peripheral: 38 / 28
Committed: 10

Join Battle: 11 +3i successes (+5i for 3m with Sinuous Striking Grace)

Parry: 6 - +1 from the Hundred Rings
Evasion: 4
Resolve: 4
Guile: 1

Natural Soak: +5 - +2 from Beast Form Empowerment, +2 from Hearthstone
Armored Soak: +8, Hardness +7 - +2 Soak, +1 Hardness from Argent Handshake Mien
Total Soak: +13L - +2 from Beast Form Empowerment, +2 from Hearthstone

Weapon Damage
Paired Moonsilver Short Daiklaves
Attunement: 5m; Type: Light (+5 ACC, +10 DMG, +0 DEF, OVW 4)
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Hearthstone slot(s): 2

 

[D. Rex]

When Bard comes running back into the camp shouting his warning, the soldiers spring into action and draw their weapons, circling around Mahina. Milo jumps to his feet and draws his daiklave with a flash.

Psychie and D. Rex Join battle rolls, please

"HRRMMMRAA", Bard barked in a sound that made the air quiver. "HRRRAA." He barked again. Rather than grabbing for his instrument as he got closer to Mahina, he was instead warming up his voice. And as it should be, as it carried with it the same danger as one drawing a sword.

He thrust out both fists and made a wide stance with his legs, beating on his chest then slapping his thighs as if he was preparing a war chant. "Behold. The silver voice of the Nightingale. Gentle be its cooing, but to its foes its voice cracks like the thunder that splits the stone."

"Be not afraid of what you are to witness. For my ki, like the crystal fountain of Hu-shakgra Isle, overfloweth, and shall sweep away all that trespasses. Be not afraid, for my ki, like the Lamp of Tumon-ra, shall cut through the darkness and all those who claim it as their home. The creatures of the wyld shall not have us this day or the next. Let the tremor of my voice power the beat of your hearts, that each blow you lay onto our enemies will strike true and strike strong." He chanted.


Join Battle: 11

Re-roll 1s in join battle for all allies. +1 temp willpower to me if I win join battle

5 personal motes

Spoiler: Inspiring Battle Hymn

Inspiring Battle Hymn
Cost: 5m; Mins: Martial Arts 3, Essence 1;
Type: Supplemental
Keywords: Mastery
Duration: Instant
Prerequisite Charms: Voice of the Night Bird

As battle breaks out, the Nightingale raise her voice in a song that promises triumph, steeling the hearts of her allies so that they may fight more fiercely.

Inspiring Battle Hymn rerolls all 1s on the Join Battle roll of the martial artist and all allies capable of hearing her. Characters who received this benefit add +1 Resolve against threats, supernatural fear, or similar forms of influence for the duration of the fight.

Mastery: If the martial artist wins Join Battle, she may gain a single point of temporary Willpower, or grant it to an ally who also won Join Battle. This can raise characters above their permanent Willpower.

 

[Sherwood]

With the sudden burst of activity in the camp, the Rock Wolves burst into view. There are actually six of the large stony creatures, with one being bigger than the other five. Clearly it is the Alpha of the pack.

D. Rex and Psychie go first

Current Initiative order:
11 - Spider <====
11 - Bard <====
10 - wolf 1
10 - wolf 2
9 - Milo
8 - Alpha wolf
7 - Mahina
7 - wolf 3
6 - wolf 4
4 - wolf 5

 

[D. Rex]

With the sudden burst of activity in the camp, the Rock Wolves burst into view. There are actually six of the large stony creatures, with one being bigger than the other five. Clearly it is the Alpha of the pack.

D. Rex and Psychie go first

Current Initiative order:
11 - Spider <====
11 - Bard <====
10 - wolf 1
10 - wolf 2
9 - Milo
8 - Alpha wolf
7 - Mahina
7 - wolf 3
6 - wolf 4
4 - wolf 5

At what range are they?

 

[Sherwood]

Short to Close.

 

[D. Rex]

With the sudden burst of activity in the camp, the Rock Wolves burst into view. There are actually six of the large stony creatures, with one being bigger than the other five. Clearly it is the Alpha of the pack.

D. Rex and Psychie go first

Current Initiative order:
11 - Spider <====
11 - Bard <====
10 - wolf 1
10 - wolf 2
9 - Milo
8 - Alpha wolf
7 - Mahina
7 - wolf 3
6 - wolf 4
4 - wolf 5

Bard stays close to the soldiers and Mahina. They didn't seem ready to engage, which Bard was glad. He did not want to risk anything happening to her. To that end he needed to make sure he kept the wolves away from them.

Bard thrust forward an open palm, "HAAA!" He shouted, and his voice left his throat with the crack of an explosion. Sweeping up snow, leaves, and branches as the near invisible wave of force slammed into the Alpha wolf.


Withering attack
Acc 5, stunt 2, dex/ma 11

Sux: 9

 

[Sherwood]

You hit it with 4 successes, and its Soak is 10. Go ahead and roll your damage

 

[D. Rex]

You hit it with 4 successes, and its Soak is 10. Go ahead and roll your damage

4+1str+10dam =15 -10sk= 5die

4 sux

 

[Sherwood]

Psychie is up

Current Initiative order:
11 - Spider <====
11 - [Bard]
10 - wolf 1
10 - wolf 2
9 - Milo
7 - Mahina
7 - wolf 3
6 - wolf 4
4 - wolf 5
4 - Alpha wolf

Round 2
16 - Bard

 

[D. Rex]

Psychie is up

Current Initiative order:
11 - Spider <====
11 - [Bard]
10 - wolf 1
10 - wolf 2
9 - Milo
7 - Mahina
7 - wolf 3
6 - wolf 4
4 - wolf 5
4 - Alpha wolf

Round 2
15 - Bard

16 for round 2 Bard, +1i then +1i for each sux, right?

 

[Psychie]

Thinking that if they were able to stop the Alpha, the rest of the pack might flee, Spider lets out a loud yell of her own as she leaps at the thing with a double sword swing.

Only 8 successes to hit

Spoiler

Health Levels
- 0 [ ]
- 1 [ ][ ]
- 1 [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] - [ ]
- 3 [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] - [ ]
I

Willpower: 7

Essence: 1
Personal: 16
Peripheral: 38 / 28
Committed: 10

Join Battle: 11 +3i successes (+5i for 3m with Sinuous Striking Grace)

Parry: 6 - +1 from the Hundred Rings
Evasion: 4
Resolve: 4
Guile: 1

Natural Soak: +5 - +2 from Beast Form Empowerment, +2 from Hearthstone
Armored Soak: +8, Hardness +7 - +2 Soak, +1 Hardness from Argent Handshake Mien
Total Soak: +13L - +2 from Beast Form Empowerment, +2 from Hearthstone

Weapon Damage
Paired Moonsilver Short Daiklaves
Attunement: 5m; Type: Light (+5 ACC, +10 DMG, +0 DEF, OVW 4)
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Hearthstone slot(s): 2

 

[Sherwood]

16 for round 2 Bard, +1i then +1i for each sux, right?

Ah, yes. You are correct. I'll fix it.

 

[Sherwood]

Psychie With the Onslaught penalty of being hit by two attacks, its DV is only 4, so you scored 4 successes. Its soak is 10.

 

[Psychie]

I want to add another 5 dice of Strength from Personal Essence

4 sux + 10 weapon + 10 str -10 soak.

5i damage

Spoiler

Health Levels
- 0 [ ]
- 1 [ ][ ]
- 1 [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] - [ ]
- 3 [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] - [ ]
I

Willpower: 7 / 8

Essence: 1
Personal: 16 / 11
Peripheral: 38 / 28
Committed: 10

Join Battle: 11 +3i successes (+5i for 3m with Sinuous Striking Grace)

Parry: 6 - +1 from the Hundred Rings
Evasion: 4
Resolve: 4
Guile: 1

Natural Soak: +5 - +2 from Beast Form Empowerment, +2 from Hearthstone
Armored Soak: +8, Hardness +7 - +2 Soak, +1 Hardness from Argent Handshake Mien
Total Soak: +13L - +2 from Beast Form Empowerment, +2 from Hearthstone

Weapon Damage
Paired Moonsilver Short Daiklaves
Attunement: 5m; Type: Light (+5 ACC, +10 DMG, +0 DEF, OVW 4)
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Hearthstone slot(s): 2