Map of Fort

Map of Gatehouse

I am including all in the visibility of the end of this encounter, since the remainder of the characters have been drawn by the sound of the deezel hitting the fan. If anything doesn't make sense to the newcomers, blame it on the night and confusion of battle.

Drawing a bead on the largest of the attackers, a great brute with arms like huge bludgeons, Riccoco lets fly a shaft that buries itself deep in the monsters side.

Beka takes stairs three at a time and rounds upon the top to see Mako and a swordsman pitched in combat with four riven. A pool of burning oil spreads beneath their feet. The ballista crew, with no clear angle to the megadeezel are drawing their swords.

Faliol is too close to the gatehouse to get a clear shot and hops as quickly as he can to the edge of the tower. Snapping off a quick shot, his arrow flies wild and disappears into the night.

Celeste mounts the stairs on the far side of the Gatehouse, mirroring Beka. She must skip the last few steps, for the oil is already beginning to create a small waterfall of fire.

Mako's sword hits his a opponent, a swift-looking riven with bright green fur and four blazing red eyes. The riven is stunned by the force of the blow

The Riven's companion comes to his aid. His sword thrust passes completely through Mako's torso, piercing his lower right side. This seems to make Mako mad...

A Riven covered by spinedog spines slices the other readied swordsman across the chest. A bloody gash appears.

The soldier returns the attack, but winces and his sword misses his opponent

The first Ballisteer reaches Mako and chops the green furred riven, severing his collarbone. The riven screams and staggers and falls down the western stairwell, where he lies still.

The second Ballisteer misses the spiny riven. His knuckles drag painfully across the spines and he cries out in pain.

The bludgeon fisted riven strikes Mako's companion with a crushing blow. Luckily the man spins and avoids the worst of it.

On the western tower, a bowman plants an arrow deep into a fourth riven, a thing with mucousy skin and thick tail.

On the eastern tower, another archer misses his target.

Riccoco hits the bludgeoner with a second arrow. Now it sports identical arrows protruding from each side.

Beka chops the mucous-man with a disturbing squulch! It screams a gurgling "Gggllaaaahagh!".

Faliol draws his bow and lets fly, but the arrow agin goes wild as the tower and wall shake again. The megadeezel is still alive and very annoyed about something. It thrashes wildly, dislodging stones and wrenching the portcullis like pipe-cleaners.

Celeste's falchion shatters innumerable spines on the spiny riven, the blade taking a large hunk of meat from its torso.

Mako, blood pouring freely from his side, brings his sword around in an arc upon the mucous-man, nearly separating him into two. The body slumps to the ground, and where it touches the burning oil gives off a terrible stench and bursts into flame.

The spiny riven clutches its side and rushes across the roof. It jumps over the side of the gatehouse, landing on the wall near the winch room door.

Working in concert, the three soldiers under Mako's command stab the bludgeoner from three different sides. It doesn't even have time to scream before it hits the roof and rolls into the flames.

Riccoco sees no more archery targets and drops his bow. Clutching his tridents he calls, "You hoomans stay in case they be sendin' more again' us!"

Faliol lets fly an arrow with such force that the spiny creature is knocked bodily against the wall of the gatehouse. He is not even sure if the creature is alive or dead before Beka drops on it from above. The sound of snapping bones can be heard as the sword woman drives her boots with full force into its chest.

Celeste rushes to Mako, and helps to stanch the flow of his blood. He shrugs off her efforts and rushes to the side of the roof and shouts into the gatehouse below, "Spears! Spears into the murderhole!"

This is followed by tremendous bellows. Half the crew on the wall around the gate are knocked from their feet as the stone seems almost to buckle. Finally, the monstrous deezle can take no more and retreats. It's back a bloody ruin sporting broken spear shafts, it staggers away. It gets halfway to the edge of the forest before Mako's command rings out, "Fire!". Two ballista bolts fly and the monster drops dead on the road.

Edited for continuity error. Thanks, Celeste!

[EDITED on Tue December 24, 2002 @10:20 AM (PST)]

OOC: Uh, Mr. Green Riven was lying still at the bottom of the western stairwell....he couldn't swipe at Mako....must have been his evil twin

If all the Riven on the rooftop are incapacitated (dead) Celeste will move to the wall to check on what is going on down below, as in: are there more Riven attempting to scale the walls? Is the Cockroach General in view? What might he be doing now that the megadeezel is dead? Any sign of the Reavers? If there are Riven below, Celeste will take aim with her bow and attempt to take them out. If more have mounted the tower, she will engage them with sword. She will specifically seek out the Cockroach General if he is anywhere on or near the gate.OOC: Deep in the 'plaktow'

OOC: in love?

OOC: Love, Schmove. Hey, just because Celeste kills for money these days, it doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy her work! Susan's response to that part of my post proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that she has indeed been "assimilated" by the Geek Borgs (Mediterranean branch of the family) not to be confused with the Scandinavian branch of the family, the "Smorgas Borgs"
: D

[EDITED on Tue December 24, 2002 @2:42 PM (PST)]

Cas is impressed at the scene. She was worried, not that she would ever tell anyone this. She sees no sign of the reavers but doesn't hesitate from her plan one bit. She looks to Nuyok and makes sure he is right there. He will get no further than two hexes at any time from her.

"Seems we have arrived just in time", Nuyok says slightly sarcastically. "Any apparent reason for this attack, or the retreat other than the obvious?" "Anyone severely hurt?" Nuyok will take a look over the wall to see where the attackers retreated to, and whether there are any reavers about.

PER, 13-
3d6: 4, 3, 5 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Tue December 24, 2002 @9:03 PM (EST)
Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 6, 6, 4 (STUN: 16, BODY: 5) Tue December 24, 2002 @9:03 PM (EST)
Detect Hostile Intent, 11-
3d6: 6, 5, 1 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Tue December 24, 2002 @9:03 PM (EST)

Celeste moves over to where the Adept is standing. Quietly she says, "I believe Commander Mako is in need of your skills Master Nuyok. He seemed to brush it off, but unless my eyes have deceived me, he took a nasty wound to the belly." With her hand, she indicates where she saw the sword pierce Mako. "I can assist you with any wound binding if needed."

"I'll check it out, we don't need to lose him."

Nuyok will take a look Mako's way.

Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 5, 4, 4 (STUN: 13, BODY: 3) Wed December 25, 2002 @1:55 PM (EST)
PER, 13-
3d6: 3, 1, 5 (STUN: 9, BODY: 2) Wed December 25, 2002 @1:55 PM (EST)

Leaping over pools of flame and smoldering corpses, Riccoco eventually arrives to the top of the Gatehouse and surveys the scene. "Will the Twisted be comin' again? Do the Caravan be livin'? Celeste... Where be that gimp-footed fox kit?"

Rath goes running to Beka, hoping the confusion of the recent battle will keep people from noticing how "different" Rath is. "Beka! Are you all right? What is going on?"

"You're late to the party my friend. As to our "gimp footed friend' Faliol, last I saw he was over there." Celeste looks to where she last saw Faliol.

Perception Roll 12-
3d6: 5, 1, 4 (STUN: 10, BODY: 2) Fri December 27, 2002 @12:25 AM (PST)

Celeste points to Faliols location.

[EDITED on Fri December 27, 2002 @12:26 AM (PST)]

AAAAARRRRGGHHH!!

I thought the game was on hiatus! No emails for a long time! Got curious and just found out the game was going without me!

Must kill something!!!!



KILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OOC: I thought AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHH! was Beka's quote. And if you must kill something, please kill the reavers, or at least the Cockroach General. : )

Should have checked the site earlier. Been really busy. Can't believe Faliol missed - gasp - TWICE!!!

(Hangs head in shame....)

OOC: There will be monsters aplenty to kill, (believe me....)

.oO(Proteus' Stones! I'm not going near that mess.)

I continue to stay to the shadows and cover, but am raeady to jump out to help anyone if I can, presumably whenit is sae for me to do so and I'll look good doing it.

OOC: IF anyone ses me and calls I'l go to help them.

The soliders busily work to put out the fire. Apparently, there are buckets of sand up here for just that purpose. It is not difficult, since the constant drizzle of rain helps. You can hear some of the soldiers cursing while they work, though: the rain spatters the oil.

Looking out onto the field, you can see no sign of the riven, only the huge carcass of the megadeezel, which Nuyok with a glance assures you is still alive, but slowly dying.

Mako leans against the battlement, one arm held tight to his torso. "They failed," He says. "Their intent was to smash that gate and their battering ram wasn't up to the job. We can relax a bit. Unless they have another trick to play, they can't breach the wall. The reavers can't get in. As for the riven themselves, well, we have a fort; they don't."

He gives orders to see about the fortification of the gate. The doors were badly cracked, but stout planks are put across them until daylight. Soldiers begin the task of putting anything heavy and handy behind the doors, starting with a few rows of sandbags.

After about an hour, the commander approaches the adept. "Master Nuyok," says Mako, grimacing through evident pain, "Might I see you privately for a bit?" Assuming Nuyok agrees, he will lead them to the briefing room used earlier. Cas rotests at the door that she does not intend to leave Nuyok. An argument looks about to ensue when Mako says, "It doesn't matter. She can come along." The three of them disappear into the room.

Back on the battlements, the rest of the party can see that the jungle has returned to evident peacefulness. No sign of the riven returns and the megadeezel finally lies still.

As the caravaners congregate, Riccoco peers at each in turn. He glances out towards the bay and the lanterns there before speaking in a hushed tone, "Any of you be hearin' anythin' from the folks sent out to watch the waterways? This 'coon not be convinced the Twisted be done for the night."

OOC: that anyone was sent out to the waterways.

"No, Ricco, I've not heard any response from the waterway. Has anyone else heard anything?" Celeste looks around at the other members present.

"Yes, that was far too easy," Nuyok says with a suspicious look over the wall. "Is the waterway a possible means of evacuation, if necessary?"

"is it a means of entry?"

"If someone could help me down the stairs, I would gladly go check the waterway with them...."

.oO(Damn twisted paw! After ripping off Nuyok's toenail, I don't dare ask him to heal me....)

"Mako indicated that we won't be needed on the wall for the time being..."

Riccoco glances about at the gathered caravaners before saying, "Mako be sayin' some folks should walk the water side o' the fort. Case the Twisted be tryin' to come through that-a-way."

Thoughtfully scratching under his chin and then taking to twisting the whiskers on one side of his muzzle, the 'coon says, "With Nuyok an' Cas missing... This 'coon don' be seein' the Handle anywheres neither... Mayhap, we should be splittin' up and havin' a close look aroun' the 'beach'. Rath could be helpin' Gimpfoot along wit Beka an' a lantern. Celeste an Riccoco could be checkin' along the other side."

Riccoco peers questioningly at each gathered Caravaner and grins wolfishly, "Who be wit' ol' Riccoco?"

OOC: Nuyok and Cas are here?!

OOC: I thought the two of you went off with Mako...

OOC: Hell, I figureed that everyone could see the Mako thread, so we weren't that *far* from one another.

OOC: We could see the thread, but actually the three of you went into the briefing room, which I believe is down one level from the roof....So, did you heal Mako? or did the tough guy say it was just a scratch?

These are the words that lead one to believe that you two were alone with Mako, in private.

"After about an hour, the commander approaches the adept. "Master Nuyok," says Mako, grimacing through evident pain, "Might I see you privately for a bit?" Assuming Nuyok agrees, he will lead them to the briefing room used earlier. Cas rotests at the door that she does not intend to leave Nuyok. An argument looks about to ensue when Mako says, "It doesn't matter. She can come along." The three of them disappear into the room."

As all can see, 'tis plainly Keith's fault for not providing transparent, porous walls!!!!

edited for spelling error.

[EDITED on Wed January 1, 2003 @9:14 PM (CST)]

OOC: We moved to talk to Mako while you healed him. I got confused by post visibility myself because both threads are visibile to all so I've just been playing Mrs. Observe Everything.

says Celeste. "We can check on the last of the lanterns and see if they are still lit. I'm betting the riven won't be trying to get in until the lanterns have all gone out." She looks at Riccoco and the rest of the assembled group. "And still no sign of the reavers... or this Houma person"

OOC: Are we doing this or no? Waiting for Keith to sort it out, or everyone just getting lazy? Let's not lose interest!

Those of you who were at the briefing remember Mako specifically ordering one of the lieutenants(?) to take some soldiers to the harbor.
Also, you remember he gave you tacit permission to place yourselves where you thought you would do the most good. Now, you told him you were going to be on the walls, but you might construe it that you could go over to the waterfront if you thought you could be of more help there. It's up to your party how you want to handle it.

Riccoco mulls over his last thought, "Did Mako be sendin' a group of men to the Harbor already? Mayhap, goin' there would leave the walls undefended..." As the 'coon turns to ask Beka her thoughts on the matter, Peaches, Shado, and Doom move into the area.

OOC: Just doing my part to create Order from Chaos... Yeah, right. Hold your tongue, Bozimus.

OOC: Just can't seem to shake the image of it standing up and saying "I Arthur!"

Thrackerzog? Four Yaks and a Dog?......Susan?

"Now you're just being cheeky"

OOC: And here I just thought I was doing it on purpose! : )

Beka, you see Peaches scampering along the battlement towards you. Somewhere during the fight or the clean-up, she bailed. "Well, that's a couple of twisted interlopers that won't be getting up any time soon." She wipes her little sword clean and hops up into her pouch. "These bigjobs are pretty brave when it comes to facing danger, but they're shy cubbies when it comes time to mop up."

Faliol, you are approached by Shado. The big cat is noiseless as he walks along the battlements. His sleek tail twitching is the only sign of excitement. "Red, are you having trouble with that ankle? I know a few things about wrapping such injuries."
He looks at the bandaging. "But it looks well-wrapped already. Who did that work?"

OOC: I don't recall who wrapped my ankle, I cannot find the post that contains the info.

"Yes, Shado, that paw hurts, but it will heal over time. (insert name) wrapped it for me, but thanks for the offer. Did they try anything at your end of the wall?"

The black cat grins a very sharp grin, but there is no humor in it. "No, you had all the excitement here. I am wondering about the harbor, but it all seems quiet now. The doctor has walking sticks and canes if you need one."

Faliol, I thought your ankle had been wrapped by Celeste. If it was never stated, let's make that the history of it. As for its condition, as long as it remains wrapped, you should be able to use it normally. It will only be a hindrance during moments of extreme activity, and even that just for the evening.

"We were just talking about checking the harbor. Things appear calm here. Shall we go see the waterfront?"

I catch the eye of one of Mako's soldiers. "If the Commander inquires, we went to check the waterfront."

I gingerly go down the stairs to the ground floor.

Rath, you are approached by a large soldier with a thick walrus mustache and a perpetually gloomy expression. "Hey, fella. We need all the folks with some muscle down at the gate to lift the last beam up. You look like you done some heavy work. Give us a hand down here. Not that it'll do much good. They'll probably have a flying deezel next." He gestures for you to come down the stairs and help him and two other burly types to pick up a big timber.

I'll make sure Beka is okay and then follow to help put up the beam,
making sure that my shirt is tucked in and my cloak wrapped around
myself.

The beam is heavy, but the four of you manage to lift it up into place. You notice that there are slots and grooves in the masonry designed to hold extra reinforcement should the gate be damaged. As the timber settles into place, the soldier addresses you again.
"Thanks, traveller. I would have thought that Mako would have someone as strong as you up here on the wall. Not that it will make any difference. In the long run, we'll probably all get riven."

"I wasn't feeling well when I first came here, so I went to the inn, I'm
feeling a little better now though. What do you think is making the
Reavers attack this place?"

The big sad man sticks an exploratory finger in his ear and digs thoughtfully before answering.
"Well, my granny always told me that the reavers was servants of the Demon Kings. She always said they worked alone too. I think the Demon Kings are coming back, probably to wipe us all out or enslave us. Probably turn us all inta gibbering monsters first."
The soldier next to Doom barks a short laugh. "Stones, Gloomy Gort! You'll tell the guy the world's ending next."
"How do you know it ain't?" replies Doom. " ' ends a little bit each day."
The other man continues, "Nah, son. Don't listen to Grimmy 'ere. What we got here is a coincidence. Sure reavers attack alone, but they got ta cross paths sometime. We just drew the short stick this time."
The third soldier interrupts, "Listen to me Snout," referring to the second soldier, whose proboscis is truly a marvel, "I told you before, it all started when that Horn fella came to the fort. He's a reaver magnet."
Snout rejoins, "No such thing as a reaver magnet, Motley. 'Sides, Master Ash checked him out personal-like. Poor sod's just been through a rough patch, what with all his friends getting riven."
Motley takes this in ill humor. "You mark my words Snout, Doom, New Guy. While that Horn is here, we ain't gonna get any peace." He stalks off o his position along the wall.
Snout looks to Doom. "Motley keeps that up, he's gonna take yer moniker, Doomy. We'll have to start callin' you Chuckles or something."
Doom merely shrugs and gazes thoughtfully back towards the inn.

It's nice to see you here. You missed a bit of the action but I'm sure there's more to come.
Tucking in a bit of his shirt that was threatening to come out.
Looking him full in the face, worry darkening her eyes, "Are you alright now?"

"Yeah, I'm fine now," sheepish look, "I don't know what came over me, it
was weird, it's passed though, nothing to worry about...So what happened
out here?"

Handle, your last post was a little open-ended. Did you want to go help with the battle mop-up, or go directly back to investigating Horn?

Vagrant, same question?

Cas sticks her head in from the Questions thread (actually from the building she disappeared into earlier), "Riccoco, we need you in here for a moment if you aren't to busy but you look pretty bored so why don't you come on in. I'd tell you what for but I'm not completely sure of it myself. What I can tell you is that it doesn't involve any super secret spy stuff."

Riccoco nods quietly to Celeste as the door opens and Cas peeks out. Ricco's chest swells out and his knowing grin beams brightly, "You see, Faliol. It only be a matter of time before Riccoco be gettin' the respect he be due! They be needin' him for a bit of spy..." His voice trails off and his shoulders slunch slightly as Cas finishes her request.

The 'coon starts to stay something, then just shrugs, and follows the vixen into the building.

.oO(I be thinkin' it be spyin' for sure! Mayhap it be somethin' even more important! Tails not be everythin', Red...)

Celeste nods back to Riccoco and watches as he leaves. Having seen Mako take the swordpoint full through the torso, and having mentioned it to Nuyok, she has a good idea what it is that Cas is referring to, but is uncertain as to why they need Ricco.

Celeste will continue on in the direction of the last of the lanterns. She checks between towers 5 and 9 watching the darkness for any signs of movement.

Perception Roll 12-
3d6: 4, 2, 5 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Sun January 5, 2003 @12:34 AM (PST)

The jungle is deep and dark in the flickering lantern light. No movement is seen and only distant animal noises come to you on the rainy night air.

I cock my head in Ricco's direction, momentarily non-plussed by his comment.

.oO(That problem with his bray has sapped his self-worth...)

Quietly, so as not to embarass the 'coon before the others, "Ricco, your worth is readily apparent to those with an open mind. Whatever Mako plans for you to do, remember that you have already proven your bravery to all that matter. Don't take chances with your life to impress these strangers. We have pushed our luck to the limit this night. It may not hold out much longer..."

.oO(Look at his whiskers twitching! His blood is up and it will likely get him hurt...)

Pausing at the entrance to the briefing room (or whereever it is we are...), Ricco gives Faliol a split-second appraising look. Excitement and thoughts of glory slip away from his features for a fragment as the 'coon considers the words of the kit.

The moment passes and Riccoco seems to shrug off the advice and slips in behind Cas.

... Riccoco bolts out the door and runs down the steps, headed into Fort Lizard proper. He doesn't stop for chit-chat or even a moment's hello. He sprints pell mell into the night.

OOC: I'm truly pleased to have this game going again. It truly is my favorite, I think. Out of eight games!

This game has become my favorite as well.

With a great GM and great fellow players, how could it not be my favorite?

8 games?!?! I am doing good to handle the 4 I play in...

edited - forgot one game. Must use fingers to count...

[EDITED on Tue January 7, 2003 @6:10 AM (CST)]

Three?
I'm finding it hard to keep up with one!
Where does the time go?
Oh Yea, I have a 15 month old and 20 8 year olds.
Lucky me!

Funny, it's my favorite too!

OOC: This will be my favorite campaign as soon as I get XP. *wink wink*

I'll immediately begin attempting to figure out who you are!! It has been a thought I've contemplated before. Keith wouldn't let the cat out, though! Or, should I say fox?

The man can keep a secret!!!

He never (to my knowledge) told any of you that Nic Sando was in the house!!!

MONKEY!!!!

is not Nic Sando.

The truth is much more horrible...

Hinting that I MIGHT be Nic Sando, aka Rage379, must have stopped Jason's heart!

Someone difibrilate(sp?), heck, someone shock him back to life!!!!!!



ZZZZZZZAAAAAAAPPPPPP!!!!!!

Paramedics roll, 12-
3d6: 11 Tue January 7, 2003 @2:34 PM (CST)

OOC: You're so Reedickulass! I knew you weren't Nic Sando. You wrote in complete sentences. I am curious who you are and why the deception was necessary...

Are you saying you only play in three games? How many do you run? One? I'm on your trail Bozimus. It is only a matter of time! Muhahahahaha!

My name?

My real name?

Only if you are sure you can handle the awful truth....

Only if you swear yourself to secrecy...

Is D.B. Cooper.

Whatever you do, for pity's sake, don't tell Ashcroft!!!

The investigations continue.

Do you play in any other games with me?

Are our characters friendly?

You are Unknown... But, how Unknown? Amazingly? Incredibly? Perhaps... The Unknown?! The Great Unknown?

My search may lead me back to Hero Games...

Jason gets out his giant magnifying glass and double-brimmed hat in plaid.

Jason, I don't believe we are in any other games together. I think this is the first game we have played together, but I am not positive. Too many anonymous people in PBeM to be sure. I am playing in four games, running none.

As far as hiding my ID, my reasons are simple. I have had a couple of verbal dustups with players in other PBeM games and I have been engaged in some major flame wars on the net. I don't want anyone to get back at me through my characters or by sending me a virus. While the odds of joining the same game as those that bear me a grudge are slim, it has happened once already.

How suspicious and paranoid we are...

No problem. I've given up.

I didn't mean to trigger a psych lim or anything. Forget I mentioned it.

OOC: I won't tell anyone if you share some of that 10 mil with us.

I owe Celeste some oil. When we get time, I will pay her back.

OOC: Hey, Deebs, I'd rather have part of the 10 million, hey, how was it falling from 30K feet? Personally, I hate heights.

Celeste returns from the far end of the wall., Entering the top of the gate she looks around to see if any of the caravan members remain atop the gate. If Mako has not returned to the gatehead, she will check in with Abel and advise him that all is still quiet on the far end of the wall.

Noticing Celeste returning, I pause midway down the stairs.

OOC: Assuming Beka is nearby.

"Ladies, want to go to the harbor and check on the situation?"

(see a proper Elipsis)
Nyahaha?

I thought you said Rage 378.