Map of Fort and close-up of Manor

This thread hopefully concludes the goings on at the Manor.

To recap:
The wall surrounding the manor is 6-7 feet with broken glass set in the top. The north side of the grounds slope very steeply down to the water. There is only one ground floor opening: the front door. Gate and door are animated.
The manor is built of stone with a tile roof. Some windows on the second floor have heavy wooden shutters. There is a widow's walk at the top. It is the highest point in the fort.

The group has split into at least four separate sub-groups.
Visibility-limited replies follow.

[EDITED on Mon February 24, 2003 @6:38 PM (PST)]

Houma sees Nuyok attempting to pass him (the roach is standing in front of the doorway) and stabs at him as he passes. The adept is missed by inches and gains the corridor beyond.

Beka swings at Houma for Peaches' sake, cutting only air as the roach twists aside.

Vagrant moves forward and with a skill no one would have guessed he possessed, beds and throws the cockroach man. Though Houma is surprised, he rolls with the throw and seems unharmed. His chitinous armor takes the brunt of the blow. He rolls to his feet.

Faliol takes advantage of the throw to move past Houma into the hall and joins Nuyok at Mako's side.

Mako seems sick or exhausted. That shout took all his energy. With the fox and the adept to steady him, he catches his breath and begins his explanation. "Ash is mad," he begins.

In the Antechamber, Beka agin misses the riven commander. His clicking noises seem mocking.

Vagrant catches up to those in the hall as Mako continues his story.

"I was suspicious and confronted Master Ash. Don't look like that, I've trained to resist some adept abilities. I had no idea he was so powerful or so ruthless, though. He bragged about his plan. No time now, but I must warn you. Nuyok, you've been corrupted." At the look of frank disbelief on Nuyok's face, Mako grimaces. "Ash said you wouldn't believe, even if I told you. I don't think you can strike against him, Master."

As Mako explains, Rath once again misses the little cockroach.

From upstairs you hear a man's voice shout "POISON?!"

Considerations:
Houma seems impossible to hit, let alone squish.
Nuyok has been told he cannot strike Ash.
Mako knows more of the plan, and can tell it.
Party members are upstairs.
If you leave Houma behind he will probably kill Mako.
If you wait for Mako's story, you may miss helping the others upstairs
If you go upstairs without hearing more from Mako, you may be unprepared.

Choices?

OOC: Just kidding with the title.

I look about for a rug on the floor. "Vagrant and Nuyok, we need a net. Houma is too quick..." Surely an opulent manor will have a rug on the floor...

If I spot one, I will pick up one end and wait for someone else to grab the other end. Then we will rush down the hall towards Houma, squeezing him back until he is pinned.

OOC: Dodge this area affect entangle, roachboy!

[EDITED on Tue February 25, 2003 @6:39 AM (CST)]

Letting Mako's revelation sink in, Nuyok still says, "but Ash is not a villain, perhaps he has been corrupted too. If what you say is true, then perhaps my fight should be here." Drawing his sword, Nuyok will position himself between Houma and Mako, to defend him and hear him out.

To Faliol, "a tapestry might work for your plan as well."

To Vagrant, "they may need help upstairs."

Vagrant shrugs and heads up the stairs.

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OOC: BTW, not trying to be bossy, just figured if Nuyok can't act up there, Rath and Beka are so bad off, and Faliol is shopping for rugs, that leaves Vagrant...

I grab the nearest tapestry or rug that is available and look at Nuyok.

"Well? Don't just stand there, this takes two you know..."

Provided there is something available, Nuyok will give an assist.

Nuyok and Faliol seem to have a good idea. I will wait for them to attempt it and then try to skewer him through the rug (tapestry).

Rath, you should go upstairs and try to help the others. Nuyok, Faliol and I will see to Houma.

Mako, is there anything he needs to know before he goes?

Vagrant rushes upstairs to give aid.

Down below, Mako tells Faliol and Nuyok, "Long tapestries in the room beyond." He indicates the large central room, which stands two stories and has long tapestries hanging floor to ceiling. They actually prove to be rather thin things, though difficult to remove. It takes much tugging and cutting. Back in the antechamber, more blows are exchanged between Houma, Rath and Beka.

Things are not going well for he two friends. Houma remains nearly impossible to hit, yet he retains a deadly swordsmanship. Twice he scores hits on Beka, including one that drives her to the floor. Though each of them scores a hit on the cockroach, neither penetrates his armor. Finally, Rath catches him a spinning blow that cracks his carapace. Houma whirls about totally disoriented, only to have Nuyok and Faliol cover him with a torn tapestry. Though he is wiley and skilled, his strength is not great and he is quickly subdued by the four.

He is wiggling inside the wrap. If left to his own devices he will quickly escape.

Kill him?
Continue holding him?
Run upstairs?
Mako as already limped up the flight.

Choices?

Rath raises his ax over his head with both hands, his eyes meet Vagrant's disapproving stare, he looks back at Houma and thinks how he tried to kill Beka, or worse make her Riven. Rath looks back a Vagrant and seems to faulter. Then Able's piercing cries come back to mind and Rath's ax comes down (hopefully on Houma's head).

As he walks by a disgusted Vagrant Houma's blood dripping of his ax, "So I'm a murderer, I can live with that."

But Vagrant ran upstairs about three phases ago. Perhaps the image of Vagrant was vivid in Rath's memory.

Says it all.

"Nuyok, maybe it would be better if you stayed down here to look after Mako and Beka, Faliol and I will head upstairs and help the others with Ash."

"Regardless whether I am under a spell, so to speak, I have no interest in harming Ash, and may be of use, so upstairs I will go."

Nuyok will not intervene if Houma is attacked - he knows the score, and we're not in a situation to be taking prisoners, what with Reavers about.

Beka sends Rath a greatful look. She wanted to take care of him but it would have taken more time.

.oO(Remember, it is a "Savage Earth!")

I try to run upstairs but only manage a stagger. Still, I move with determination, one step at a time...

Cas, you hear a door slam and the sounds of fighting from some distant part of the manor. As you begin to lose consciousness, you hear Ash's voice shout, "POISON?!"
Beyond that you hear nothing but a steady drip. It sounds like rain.

OOC: Any chance you could create a completely OOC thread for those of us who are dead, unconscious, disabled, or just general incapacitated and maybe even add Beka to it so she can go ARRGH a whole lot? I promise to keep the details behind my situation completely, 100% spoiler free beyond being completely cryptic and ARRGH provoking. Besides, I don't see me waking up any time soon if at all.

If it's OOC, feel free to create something on the Campaign Messages page.
Otherwise, you have my permission to lurk.

You've got company.

Riccoco, I have included you in the visibility, since you are barely conscious. Enough to perceive, just not to act. It beats furry fantasies.

Riccoco lays upon the ground, moaning softly.

Before Handle can act, Ash recovers his own sword from the ground. "Attack me if you must, urchin," he says. "I can see it in your psyche."

Handle figures he can't get in any deeper. Apparently the mind screaming doesn't work? Anyway, as Ash straightens, Handle jabs forth with his poisoned blade. Ash reacts before Handle strikes, but even forewarned he is not fast enough to avoid the cobra-fast strike.

Ash looks at his bleeding forearm in surprise and then anger. "POISON?!" he shouts. "You've poisoned me. Me!" He gestures menacingly and Handle feels a sickening sensation. As if all the life were draining from his body. "Feel death, boy."
To his horror, Handle's skin withers and pales, the flesh turning papery and shriveling. He feels a hundred years old, bones brittle and muscles weak. He backs away in terror as Ash leaves him to die.

.oO(I flee one city, one adept, ugh, only to die at this raving mad masters body twisting, uhhh...)

Even if life clings to me, I lay as if dead in hopes of being ignored.

You've ruined me, Keith! Not only did you call Ricco a Furry... You called that bit a Fantasy! It was classic nightmare material!

I try to do more than just lay there and be unconcious and this is the thanks I get! I'd be if I wasn't so !

"Kill. Ash. Kill. Ash." The mantra helps her climb. Below the ground seems so close and so soft, like a pillow she could drop to without effort. Above the roof seems miles away. She remembers falling overboard as a small girl and being sucked down by a trick current.She watched the sun disappear and be replaced by warm comforting darkness. The feeling she had then is similar to the one she has now. How simple it would be to just let go. To give up.

"kill."
"ash."
"Kill."
"Ash."
She continues to climb.

Celeste will continue in her endeavors to gain access through the widow's walk....oO(....kill....must be a door that leads to the inside....Ash, kill......so tired...no...mustn't give up.....rest...when Ash is dead!....tired....Tjen....help me...)She pauses for barely a second or two to catch her breath, and then continues upwards.

Celeste pulls herself up the drainpipe until she reaches the overhang. The ground is twenty feet below and sharply tilted. This is by far the most difficult part. She bunches up and leaps outward for the edge of the gutter. To her relief, it is well-built and holds.
Stomache muscles screaming, she pulls herself up the overhang and onto the roof. The roof is tiled and slick with rain. Climbing to the top will be as difficult and dangerous as shinnying the drainpipe.
As she examines her situation, a trap door opens at the peak. Though it is dark and rainy, she can just barely make out a human figure mounting the widow's walk. She catches a brief glimpse of a watery blue lumina crystal before it is extinguished. It is not the color of Nuyok's crystal.

If it is indeed Master Ash, she knows that she will be far more visible to him than he to her. She has travelled with Nuyok long enough to know that darkness is small hindrance to spirit sight.

OOC: What do you mean If it is Ash? How many adepts do you have stashed around here anyway? Bones is dead.....ooohhh, I've got a BAD feeling about this....Able said Sandra was one of their linemen, didn't he.... Celeste will not attempt to hide from the figure (obviously that wouldn't work anyway), but will stand up draw her sword and yell, "ASH!!!" Celeste is hoping the others will hear and that she might draw Ash's attention away from the other group. OOC: What a great photo opportunity, all we need now is a little lightning to brighten up the stage

Ash looks startled, and then quickly regains his composure.
"By the Dancers, you lot are tiresome." A lightning bolt streaks across the sky and briefly illuminates the scene. Ash has been wounded several times already. His composure is nowhere near as solid as his voice indicates. His right hand bears a long well-crafted sword. The left hand bears...

a miniature reaver.

The sight of it alone is enough to give Celeste pause. She hesitates before acting. Finally, giving commands to her muscles, she forces herself to climb the steeply-pitched wet roof. Her hair is plastered against her face by the now-hard rain.
Ash watches her painful progress. When she has travelled nearly halfway, he says, barely loud enough to hear, "Foolish barbarian. Did you really think I would allow you to get to the top?"
Then Ash's face is illuminated by flickering blue light. At first it seems to Celeste that he is glowing. Then she sees her own shadow before her and hears the tell-tale rising scream.

Behind her, the reaver ascends to the height of the roof.

.oO(If I am going to be riven, so is Ash))OOC: How far is the Reaver from Celeste? How far is she from Ash?Celeste will advance on Ash, hopefully closing the distance between herself and Ash before the reaver advances too close) grab Ash and hold him between her and the reaver, or at least knock the artifact out of his hand, hopefully it will fall to the ground where one of the other PCs can grab it and take it to Nuyok.

"BY THE GODS OF THE DEEP! YOU ARE AN ABOMINATION! DIE NOW!" she shouts as she makes her move.
OOC: Better to burn out than fade away......the Kergan

Vagrant quickly ascends the staircase. Arriving on the second floor, the first thing he sees is the bodies of two of his friends. At least so he thinks.
Riccoco, is obvious enough, though unconscious. The other body wears Handle's clothes but looks like an emaciated corpse. Paper thin skin stretches over a rictus grin. Clothes drape undecorously from a skeletal frame. He looks dead.

Aware that any of the four or five doors in the hall might be a trap, he quickly opens the two adjacent to him.
The one at the near end of the hall is a closet, but the next one is a drawing room. To his horror, he sees the body of Cas the Vixen. She is enclosed by the window drapes, which seem to have a living grip on her. The drapes are drenched with blood and there is a sizeable stain underneath. She reacts when Vagrant opens the door, indicating that she is still alive.

Choices?
Check on one of your friends?
Pursue Ash?
Something else?

Cas, you can speak, though weakly.

Cas is too delirius given her current state to be thinking cognitively. She is muttering to herself in a very low voice over and over again, "..rip his throat... to Melia in Tallon..."

Cas is aware of the door opening but the damage to her psyche would be so great at this point that she wouldn't recognize it is Vagrant. Besides... she can only really register sound right now. Her rambling changes slightly and stops becoming repetative.

"...hit him with the book. That's good story..." their is a pause before another ramble emerges, "I wonder if they killed him. Did they ever find Rath. Too many holes to make a story. Horn is the only necessary hole." Cas grows quiet again.

OOC: My apology to those who get edited messages emailed to them.

[EDITED on Tue February 25, 2003 @4:45 PM (EST)]

OOC: sit on their hands and try (futiley) not to tell Vagrant what to do.

OOC: This is unexpected. So we have a thread for three dead people and Vagrant. The irony is so thick here I can taste it.

If Vagrant checks any of you, you may speak. (Riccoco has recovered to that extent.) Only Handle retains the ability to move, though.

He'll keep his distance from the 'coon. He can't understand anything he says, anyway! *G*

"My life sucks..." With a sigh Vagrant scrambles into
Cas location.

Removing his letter opener from his rags, Vagrant
moves in ready to strike at...the drapes? He whispers
in his raspy voice, "Girl, what do I do...how can I
dispatch this curtain, it's absurd!"

If the dastardly drapery attempt to attack him he will
plunge with his letter opener into the material.

If given the chance he will also look at the
connectors that join the drapery to the wall and also
try to get a glance outside the window.

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Leaving behind the dead riven, the party heads upstairs. There they find Vagrant in the rom marked "Drawing Room". The other open door near the top of the stairs is a closet.
Vagrant is attempting to cut a bundle free from the wall. Ash's curtains were animated and have a tight grip on Cas. There is a lot of blood on and around her.
In the hall, Riccoco is barely able to move, nearly paralyzed. At first Handle appears dead. Then he moves. He is a horrifying sight. He is emaciated to the point of mummification. His skin is ancient and papery; his hands withered, his breathing dry and dusty. He points to the door at the far end of the hall and croaks, "Ash."
Mako stands a bit straighter. "That's the stair access to the widow's walk. From there Ash can see the... the entire fort. He can direct those things like a conductor."

From somewhere outside, those of you who make honor PER rolls can hear Celeste's voice call out,
" Ash!!! "

Actions?

"Let's end this,"I walk out the door Handle pointed to and see if I can see AshPerception 12-
3d6: 7 Tue February 25, 2003 @9:23 PM (EST)

(compared to the rest of you!)
I go with Rath to throw Ash off the roof. From there I will leap down, landing lightly on my feet with my blade embeded through his chest. All will marvel at my ferocity and accuracy.

(OK, I go see if I can bleed on him.)

I accidentally bought conversation twice. Can I trade one of them for paramedics?

No. You must talk twice as much.

Perception roll, 12-
3d6: 9 Wed February 26, 2003 @6:04 AM (CST)

OOC: I heard the yell.

My eyes leap towards the roof as my big fox ears pick up Celeste's yell. With difficulty, I force my eyes to make a quick pass around the room. Friends are hurt everywhere I look.

.oO(Too much, too fast)

I stand there for a second, the day's mounting horror is close to breaking my resolve...

Listening...
3d6: 5, 5, 6 (STUN: 16, BODY: 4) Wed February 26, 2003 @10:53 AM (EST)

Didn't hear Celeste, heading where Handle directed...

Beka begins to move toward the end of the hall with Rath, then suddenly sinks to the floor. She finally feels the effect of her latest wounds. Her skin is pale and grey and she does not look strong at all. "You go on," she says, "I'll see what I can do for Cas."

Rath strides to the end of the hall, telling Nuyok not to let Beka die. The door has no handle or latch, like the front door. Again, the mighty arms swing the axe. This door is not as heavy as the front door and it soon is reduced to splinters. Beyond is a staircase.

Mako goes to Riccoco. "Bandit'll be fine soon enough," he says. "Same thing happened to me. Tires you out so all you can do is sit there and listen, but it wears off. I got no idea what happened to the kid. He looks riven." His face looks tired.

Nuyok, your spirit sight tells you that Cas is in the greatest need. She will die very soon unless drastic measures are taken. Beka can help you.
I assumed from your earlier posts that Nuyok would not wish to directly confront Ash.

That leaves Faliol, Rath and Vagrant capable of continuing on. Do you take any special precautions on the staircase? It bends once in the middle and heads to the left, out of sight, presumably towards the peak of the roof.

Ash is a Highmaster, discplined in morphia and psyche. He has Psyche-Shocked Riccoco and Morphia-Shocked Handle. The campaign guide lists Shock Psyche as Ego blast, but since this is the first time I have had a character use the power, I have changed it to Drain Stun, to be more in line with the other Shock Powers.
Neither will die, and both should recover soon enough on their own.

Cas has been deeply gut-stabbed and lost much blood. She is definitely in negative Body scores, and even after you heal her (assuming you do and are successful), will likely need a period of convalescence.

Beka's wounds are grave, but not critical.

Sorry, missed Vagrant's request for observations.

The drapes are removed easily enough out of combat, but it still takes careful work to pull them from Cas. Fortunately, there are others to help by the time you get her down.

As for outside, the shutters are shut fast and held by some force. Peeking throught the crack reveals only the darkness of night, though the rain is falling much harder now. Somewhere, the screams of reavers and people can be heard.

Vagrant gently rests Cas down on the floor. Using rags from his own attire he binds (probably poorly) any wounds he thinks are serious.

In a hoarse whisper to talks to himself and perhaps a bit to Cas, "Curse me for screwing off during the paramedics training. I would know more of what to do. Sorry for that little fox. Hang in there a bit and we'll get you out of here."

Vagrant tosses himself back onto his feet and meets up with the others. His crossbow emerges from his rags.

Rath will take point, and first do a quick look around the bend of the stairs.
If he doesn't see anything he'll continue on.

"Rath, you are too hurt! Let me go first. Mako, as we climb, tell us what the artifact looks like and what is the best way to fight him."

I half-move to the staircase, hold other half. I want to abort to a dodge if attacked.

.oO(That rat-hearted bastard dies this night! Hang on Celeste!)

Riccoco struggles to speak when Mako approaches, "He be blooded..." is all he can muster. The 'coon struggles to see Handle but can't seem to move more than his eyes.

Sorry for putting this here, Keith.

Jason, could you provide me with your email address so that I may ask you some questions about your Champs game?

Muhahaha!

Let me know when you get it so I can edit it out. Have a look at the HobbsGM-The Collector (Solo campaign) Or, RC Universe for some examples of my GMing.

[EDITED on Wed February 26, 2003 @10:54 AM (CST)]

Thanks, Jason. My email is down right now, but I will email you soon.

Why don't you just head over to RC Universe and apply?

We can discuss whatever you want on the Storyboard or campaign messages.

Sorry, didn't see this message till after our chat.
Boz

Quickly surveying the scene of carnage, Nuyok says "Rath, Faliol, Vagrant, see to Ash, but don't harm him unless absolutely necessary. If he is under a spell and can be freed, he may be needed for us to survive, with the Reavers and Riven around. Everyone else here will be alright, but I must attend to Cas immediately." Nuyok moves to tend to the little fox.

Nuyok will do what he can quickly to stabilize Cas, between PS: Healer (13-) and Paramedics (8-), and quickly assess how much time he can allocate toward attempting to heal her. Presumably we're talking minutes, so perhaps Nuyok could make a couple of attempts that take a couple minutes each? If so, here's a first and second (if needed) attempt:

PS: Healer, 13- (-4 for 8D6, +2 for several minutes of time), thus 11-
3d6: 4, 3, 1 (STUN: 8, BODY: 2) Wed February 26, 2003 @11:08 AM (EST)
Paramedics, 8- (complementary)
3d6: 2, 6, 5 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Wed February 26, 2003 @11:08 AM (EST)
Healing, 8D6
8d6: 2, 1, 3, 5, 1, 2, 6, 2 (STUN: 22, BODY: 7) Wed February 26, 2003 @11:08 AM (EST)

PS: Healer, 13- (-4 for 8D6, +2 for several minutes of time), thus 11-
3d6: 2, 1, 6 (STUN: 9, BODY: 3) Wed February 26, 2003 @11:08 AM (EST)
Paramedics, 8- (complementary)
3d6: 6, 3, 4 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Wed February 26, 2003 @11:08 AM (EST)
Healing, 8D6
8d6: 4, 1, 5, 3, 1, 5, 2, 4 (STUN: 25, BODY: 6) Wed February 26, 2003 @11:08 AM (EST)

.oO(So glad Nuyok isn't coming with us, I'm pretty sure that Ash got to
him during the sleep over.)

Ash IS Michael Jackson with even more drastic cosmetic surgery!
Poor Nuyok!

[EDITED on Wed February 26, 2003 @12:01 PM (CST)]

.oO(Nuyok is glad that all 3 able-bodied party members are leaving, so that he can "tend" to the injured - MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! LOL!)

I'm very good at it too!

I also help Nuyok tend to the others. I have paramedics at 11- (I think).
He is probably starting with Cas so I will see what I can do to make the others more comfortable while they wait and then I will help with Cas.
Handle
3d6: 2, 6, 6 (STUN: 14, BODY: 5) Wed February 26, 2003 @2:31 PM (PST)
I try to hide the look of horror that passes across my face but it slips out, "Eww!"

Riccoco
3d6: 1, 1, 4 (STUN: 6, BODY: 1) Wed February 26, 2003 @2:31 PM (PST)
Tired I can deal with!

Cas
3d6: 3, 1, 6 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Wed February 26, 2003 @2:31 PM (PST)
Hope this is helping!

Cas grows somewhat aware of her situation. With Vagrant cutting her free and getting rags, she slowly starts to recover a bit of her consciousness. When she finally opens her eyes and sees Nuyok she seems to let a lot of weight off of her mind, "It is good to see that Riccoco and Faliol didn't kill you after all."

She becomes much more aware of her wound now but doesn't want to let on that she realizes just how close she is to death, "After I rip his throat from his body and get a nice hot meal I have a story to tell you all. I promised, after all, to tell it for him." She will closes her eyes and devotes all of her remaining energy to staying alive.

[EDITED on Thu February 27, 2003 @12:46 PM (EST)]

OOC: Do you mean "Glad they did NOT kill me?"

Since this is likely the climax, I am making it visible to all. If your character is otherwise engaged, assume you can hear what is going on through the stairwell.

Rath encounters no traps upon the stairs, but there is a trapdoor at the top, which is locked. There is no leverage to swing his axe, but there is enough room for he and Vagrant to apply their shoulders to it. Beyond they can hear the screaming whine of a reaver. It must be right outside!

Outside, Celeste crouches on the slick tile roof. the only way she can reach Ash and avoid the reaver is to leap at him. Mustering all her dwindling strength and getting as sure a footing as possible, she leaps!
DEX= 3, 1, 5 STUN: 9 BODY: 2
"BY THE GODS OF THE DEEP! YOU ARE AN ABOMINATION! DIE NOW!" she shouts. Her body hurtles through the air to the top of the widow's walk and over the rail she scrambles, unfortunately still short of the Master. The reaver streaks behind her like lightning.
And stops at the rail.
Celeste can feel its awesome presence inches from her. If she were to reach out or lean, she would be instantly riven. The tendrils themselves lick at her body, as if tasting.

Ash raises his sword and advances to strike. His ornate rapier flashes and he thrusts right through Celeste's upper arm. Blood flows copiously. Celeste, if you are right handed, your falchion drops to the ground, as you are no longer able to use the wounded arm for this combat.
Note: Celeste is at negative body. Without quick treatment she will die. Exactly what "Quick Treatment" is, minutes or seconds, you have no idea. However, you may continue fighting. You'll just be dying on your feet.

At that moment the trap door pops open, levered aside by strong backs and shoulders. Rath, Vagrant and Faliol (the latter two already having readied weapons) spill out onto the roof.

Ash whirls at their entrance, clutches his talisman and shrieks, "Fools! Now everyone will be riven! Reave or die!"

From all corners come reavers! Four more scream in from different directions, surrounding the narrow widow's walk. The screaming makes communication nearly impossible. The only light comes from flickering tendrils that criss-cross the narrow catwalk.

Next post should end this!
Actions?

Situational modifier here.
All attacks are at -3 ocv, due to the nature of the light and the nearness of the reavers. You may elect to ignore the ocv penalty, but this will almost certainly result in a limb crossing the warded railing (2.5' high) and subsequent reaving.
Also, any critically failed roll (defined as 16 or higher) has a good chance of hitting a friend.


[EDITED on Wed February 26, 2003 @11:15 AM (PST)]

Celeste's falchion drops to the rooftop as she grabs her right arm with the left hand to slow the blood loss. As Ash turns to meet the new threat behind him, she takes a tentative step towards him. Unable to remain on her feet any longer, she stumbles and falls. (Hopefully into Ash--No Hostile Intent for him to detect....just can't stand up any longer) Dark rivulets mingle with the rain streaming from the rooftop, OOC: She was such a B----h to Nuyok, I wouldn't blame him if he let her bleed to death.oO(All gone, like tears....in the rain)

OOC: Celeste, I waited what seemed like three freaking weeks wrapped in drapes. You can just sit down and wait your turn while I am rescued for a change.

OOC: What I wouldn't give just now to be only trapped in draperies.

OOC: My, uh....bracelets are bigger than yours.

OOC: Mmmmm, bracelets, girgle-girgle... LOL!

OOC: EEP! Aparently you can't see what is going on. Sorry if you got this by email Celeste!

[EDITED on Wed February 26, 2003 @7:25 PM (EST)]

OOC: Due to limited visibility, you probably didn't have any idea that I was dying either, though I do recall someone saying 'sucking chest wound'.

[EDITED on Thu February 27, 2003 @1:01 AM (PST)]

OOC: At least I let you hear stuff. Carleton had me unconscious on the shuttle floor in MD for two solid weeks.

Sniff! No one came looking for ME...

OOC: Well, I would have if I had been there then....well, the new doctor in town would have.....

Well in my defense my character didn't even know yours, besides he was too busy
hooking up with his ex to worry about you

OOC: Geez, Nuyok's only got 2 healing hands, and they both only work while attached to his body while it's in 1 locaion?!

OOC: Are you saying, you prefer Cas' bracelets to mine?

OOC: Didn't say that, the bestiality thing's a bit kinky for me! LOL!

OOG How wide is the catwalk, how far away is Ash, where is Celeste exactly, yada, yada, yada...?

small map would be helpful, o' one of infinite patience!

Ask and ye shall receive...

Map of Roof

The hexes shown are 1 meter hexes for better position clarity. Since the footing and visibility are so precarious, assume them to be full size hexes for ppurposes of movement and range.

A picture says a thousand words.

Sorry, I couldn't post more earlier, because my daughter needed attention.
The roof is sheathed in overlapping slate tiles, now slick with the sudden heavy rain. There is a bit of wind up here, too, not enough to spoil arrows, but enough to move cloaks and hair.
The edge of the catwalk is a wrought iron fence, about 2.5 feet high. The catwalk itself is flagged with slate, but rough with good purchase, about three feet wide.

As himself is a tall sapre man, dressed all in grey. His neatly trimmed beared is the color of a brillo pad. His once orderly hair is now strewn with wind, rain and activity. His right arm (which bears an ornate rapier) is wounded in two places, but not seriously. His eyes are wild with heavy emotion, though he appears to possess immense self control.
His left hand bears the source of all the misery: a small black sphere, about four inches in diameter, which looks for all the world like a miniature reaver. It is fastened to his neck with a strong and supple silver chain.
The first sight of the horrible thing is enough to cause your courage to falter momentarily. The eye seems to slide off of it into a direction no sane mind would follow. It bends the world around it, twisting reality...
He raises it up and says, "Behold, the architect of my destiny and the herald of your dooms! Forged in the depths of the Middle World by the hands of the Rex Infernae: The Eye of the Reaver!"

Vagrant eyes the artifact and for a moment falls under its trance. Then shaking it off he realizes that this is the endgame. This is the moment where a hero is to die or shine. Vagrant intends to shine.

Dropping the crossbow to the roof he digs and digs in his rags until he finds what he was groping for. It fits into his hand like a glove...a glove he remembers well even amidst his dim memories.

Raising it in front of him he aims the barrel of the unfamiliar grey metal weapon directly at 'The Eye of the Reaver'. Vagrant braces and sets to best insure a direct hit and as his finger tightens on the trigger below the barrel he speaks, "Ash, I care nothing for this world or my own doom, but my friends do. Let's see what a piece of the past does to your future."

Vagrant prays to his God long gone and pulls the trigger.

.oO(The area's too small for this Ax)

My first action is to throw the Ax at Ash hopefully hit him but at least distract him, while drawing my knife with my other hand. I'm going to try for a grab. My plan it to grab him and throw him into a Reaver. Let's see how he likes a taste of his own medicine.

Celeste bleeds a little more.....

Riccoco reaches out and grabs Beka in a loving grasp, he breathes out, "My Chuckichiis, my loving breen. You be returnin' to ol' Riccoco."

Fade to black.

"YOU CAN'T BE HER. NOT ENOUGH FUR ON YOUR BRACELETS!"

Boom shi-ka-boom boooooooow!

Boom shi-ka-boom boooooooow!

(ever notice in a porno how the drummer gets excited and starts going faster and faster?)

OOC: Eeeeeeeeewwwwwww! Can't say that I've experienced that particular revelation

Fast draw bow, 12-
Fire at Ash.

Pray to Prometheus that I don't hit anyone else...

While the others stand in shocked amazement, Celeste falls into the grey Master. It is something he wasn't expecting and provides a slight distraction.

Maybe it will be enough.

Vagrant drops the crossbow, which clatters to the catwalk below, but stays within the rails. He digs into his rags and draws forth the archaic weapon.

Faliol nocks an arrow quicker than sight. The shaft flies true, straight through the crackling energy and into Ash's right arm. He screams and drops his sword from spasming fingers.

Mako crawls up onto the roof, taking in the scene with the skill of a practiced tactician.

Rath hurls his axe in the wake of Faliol's arrow. Indeed, it finds nearly the same mark. With surprisingly little blood, the axe takes his arm completely off. Ash stares at it with complete shock, his eyes refusing to accept what they see. If there is pain, he does not scream.

"K-kill you all," he croaks. "I-I'll set them to hunt you forever. Forever?" His remaining arm lifts up the Eye of the Reaver. It begins to glow from within, a perverse reversal of a reaver. Long after I am dead, y-" gasp "you and all you care for?"
"No, Vagrant!" shouts Mako. "He's already dead! Shoot the artifact!"

Vagrant responds like one used to military discipline. His strange weapon automatically switches from one target to the other. Time instantly seems to slow to a crawl. Ash's eyes focus on the barrel in confusion. "Whaaaaaat iiiiiissss thaaaaa--" he begins. Vagrant mutters words so long forgotten even the language is dead. His finger slowly, slowly squeezes. In his heart he believes it will work. It has to work. It must work!

Click.

"BANG!"
The world erupts into sound and motion.

A piece of lead smaller than a finger, forged in a forgotten time and place, hurled by an incomprehensible power is guided unerringly to the evil black thing. There is a noise like thunder, followed by a hurricane. Both the Eye and the gun burst into pieces. Vagrant clutches his hand. Ash is spun about by the blow, turns to regain his footing, only to have Celeste come up from beneath. With a look of horror you will carry to your graves, the would-be Master of Reavers topples from the widow's walk.
The reavers pounce upon him like sharks to prey. His screams echo over and over as he is literally pulled from one to another. Each time he changes into something progressively less human, until his form cannot even be described. Only the strongest of heart could bear to witness. His screams die as life leaves him and there is nothing left but a formless mortality.
Finally the reavers depart, bearing away the remains of the Grey Master.

Holding on to the wrought iron railing, Celeste watches horrified and yet satisfied that the ancient proverb of her forebearers once again rings true...."That which goes around, must perforce come around" And then she collapses as the last of her reserves run out.
.oO(Now...?)

[EDITED on Thu February 27, 2003 @1:22 AM (PST)]

My arrow hits Ash's arm, but it is not enough...

Rath's big axe takes off the same arm, and the bastard still stands...

Then Vagrant sets off some kind of explosion that also causes the artifact to explode!

I cringe slightly, not expecting the assault upon my ears...

Vagrant's strange weapon holds my attention for only a split second, until Ash gets toppled into the reavers by Celeste!

.oO(Big sister is still alive...uh-oh, down she goes!)

With the reaver next to us gone, I can squeeze past Rath! I scamper to Celeste, and immediately begin tending her wounds...

Paramedics, 12-
3d6: 13 Thu February 27, 2003 @6:17 AM (CST)

"She is badly hurt! We need Nuyok up here!"

OOC: Wow! What a finale!

.oO(Lotta blood, can't tell if I am making it worse or helping her!)

If I heard Celeste while downstairs, maybe the adept will hear me. I shout "NUUUUYYYYYOOOOKKKK!!!" at the top of my lungs.

"Rath, Vagrant! I don't know how to fix these wounds! She feels cold...Celeste! You did it! Ash is finished."

Spoken in a whimper, "...stay with us."

OOC: Good work everyone! No, really, I mean it! Excellent job!

OOC: Ah yes, now Nuyok can take over as the Master of Reavers, after his success in luring the party to take down Ash! LOL!

...for uppity Adepts!
LOL

I have to rate this game among the most rewarding RP experiences - EVER.

Wow!!! I am in awe...

So much good roleplaying... Tension till the last shot was fired (literally!)

Keith, if there is a Valhalla for GM's, you my patient friend, have earned your membership!

Nice, nice work everyone!

OOC: Yep, good stuff, quite entertaining!

.oO(Dammit Faliol, I'm a healer, not a miracle-worker?!)

OOC: LOL!

Personal favorite McCoyism, "Dammit Jim! I am a doctor, not a Mooncar conductor!"

was from SNL, where they had converted the Enterprise into a rotating restaurant. Bones is directed by Kirk to help a choking customer:
"Dammit Jim! I'm a doctor, not a-- oh."

OOC: Yep, that one was hilarious

Mako looks grim. "Healer Nuyok is in the middle of patching up the vixen," he says. If you interrupt him now, he'll lose her. We need Stout, ASAP!
"Big fella, scoop her up in those arms of yours and get her down to the Sanctuary. That's where you'll most likely find him. Don't tell anyone about Ash yet. I'll explain later."

"Leave Able to me. If he is peaceful, I won't attack him. If he has been driven mad by his reaving, I will defend us. We must get Celeste to Stout and nothing or no one is going to slow us down."

I pick up my sword/sling my bow and run downstairs. My aim is to make the way clear for Rath/Celeste. I open doors and make sure people are out of the way.

"Clear the way!"

Once at the front door, I draw my sword and say the password. What I do next is dependent upon what awaits me...

[EDITED on Thu February 27, 2003 @1:27 PM (CST)]

Rath carries the dying Celeste down the stairs, two at a time. Faliols sprints ahead of him, clearing the way and opening doors and gates. Able is nowhere to be seen.
The doors of the sanctuary are closed, but at Faliol's hurried knock and shout, they are opened wide enough to see the situation.
Inside are nearly two dozen civilians and several soldiers. Stout is among them. He is already tending to the wounded.
Rath burstst into the church carying Celeste. "We need a doctor, fast!" he and the fox shout in unison. Stout looks up from his patient. His face looks annoyed, but it seems to be a permanent fixture, not just a reaction.
"Put her down on that bench," he indicates. "If I can save her, I'll will." He examines her wounds carefully. "Has anyone seen the Healer, Nuyok? This is more suited to him. Her wounds may be beyond my skill."
At your denials, he looks grim. "I'll do what I can, travellers. I'll do what I can." He bends over her and gets to work.
Jareek and Kent gather closer and bow their heads in concern.
Jareek's voice sounds cracked with emotion. "We-- we'll stand guard here, me kit. You and Rath see if ye can fetch Master Nuyok as soon as may be."

Respond as you will, but I am going to assume you want to fetch Nuyok ASAP. Therefore, I am advancing you...

[EDITED on Thu February 27, 2003 @9:04 PM (PST)]

Once again, you return to the manor. You can still here distant sounds of occasional combat, bu the scream of reavers is nowhere to be heard.
There is one more difference. Far away down by the docks, you can see the paddle boat churning towards the harbor. Its lights are running and you can see soldiers upon the decks.
Good news, but you've got a job to do.

Proceed to sub-thread "Re-enter Faliol and Rath", where you will find a conundrum...

Waves break on the distant shore, the sound is comforting. The full moon is high and bright in the sky, whispers of clouds play over its face. A warm, gentle breeze tugs at the sails of the Sea Dog. No sign of rain, tomorrow will be a good day.

Celeste stands on the foredeck, undoing her long braid and allowing the wind to blow through her hair. She stands there for what seems a long time. No sounds but the gentle creaking of the ship as she moves through the water. No one pilots the Sea Dog, she seems to move of her own will; heading south, well south of Tallon. Tallon? The name seems familiar, and yet, unfamiliar. No matter, Sea Dog is whole and alive once more! .oO(I could stay here forever...but I am alone...my family is...) She loses her train of thought, grasping for images of her family. There is her mother, Solisti, but the other images are 'different' somehow, but they are family.

And then she feels a presence, so familiar, but absent for a while. A bootstep on the deck, a strong familiar hand upon her shoulder, she knows all will be well with the world.

The shore is almost completely out of sight now and the full moon is close to setting. Tjen holds her within his bronzed arms and she rests her head against his shoulder. --(I don't ever want to leave here...)----(I know, but I can't stay here..I'm not...)--

Barb, that was nicely done!

My attention is riveted upon Celeste as Stout examines her. I don't even hear Jareek and Kent approach until Jareek speaks...

I grab the old fox and hug him fiercely. I am too tired to whirl him in a big circle. I am too tired to care if anyone sees my tears.

"Pops....I am soooo sorry for leaving you at the gate! I didn't know which path was more dangerous. I shouldn't have left you.... If the reavers had gotten you..."

That is all I can manage before the horrors of this evening shut me down completely.

I have no idea how much time passes before my sense of duty flares to life.

.oO(Friends still need help...)

I let go of Jareek and stumble after Rath. One paw after the other...

OOC: Sorry I've been a little slow in posting, but I went down
hard yesterday. I needed to toilets, one for each end (Hmm that
might have been one of those "Too Much Information" posts.)

While Rath gives Celeste's hand a gentle squeeze, "You have to make it
Celeste you have to. If you don't I'll tell everyone how nice you are,
and make sure they bury you with flowers in you hair. I swear I will."

Rath then runs for Nuyok.

Once Nuyok has done what he can for Cas, he'll catch his breath, check on the others' condition, and ask what happened with Ash.

Extra speed, only for healing purposes and turning reavers.


Duplication would be cheaper, IMO.

Mini-Nuyok!

[EDITED on Thu February 27, 2003 @2:02 PM (CST)]

OOC: Mini Adept, we could just call him 'Ma' for short. hee hee

Got a 5 SPD already?! Just need to bump up PS: Healer, so I get a decent roll in a single phase, now that'd be healing! LOL!

OOC: Wouldn't Nuyok kind of already know something 'bad' had happened to Ash? Psychic awareness and all that?
But think on this a moment....you held off a Reaver that was under the control of a Demon King artifact....now that the artifact is gone....well, Nuyok is a lot stronger than I thought....and Brave. Brave enough to....nevermind......

...they would see his arm fall past the window.

Well, the Love Paddleboat IS in the harbor...

Twilight, soft music, deep friend Houma on a stick...

Cupid's calling Nuyok, will he accept the charges?

OOC: Now switching to porn HERO

OOC: Now that you mention it, it was pretty impressive

OOC: And look, after they dragged Ash's carcass off, they didn't come back....."They be skeert o' you Mister Nuyok!"

OOC: Hopefully not a matter of personal hygiene - LOL!

Nuyok went toe-to-tendril with that reaver.
I wish that my character had seen it...while not a handsome tail, it is an impressive feat!

OOC: An impressive feet--that toenail thing, you know?

I did think of the toenail when I typed "toe-to-tendril" but "impressive feat" was an unintentional double entendre.

Thanks for pointing that one out!

Mako looks gravely at Nuyok, and then the rest of the assembled heroes. When he speaks, it is in a voice slow and methodical.

"Highmaster Ash died defending Fort Lizard from an invasion of reavers summoned by a Demon King artifact."
He raises his hand to silence the chorus of protests.

"I'm sorry. I'm Sorry!
"But that's the way it has to be. Look at yourselves. Who is in your party?
"A Barbarian.
"Five Beasts.
"A Master of unquestionable skill, but uncredentialed standing."
He fixes Nuyok with a knowing look. "Master Ash spoke long while he had me pinned. He was going to re-make me into the head of an army of conquest.
"Beyond that, we have two merchants, neither of whom can raise the price to pay guild scouts.
"Finally, we have two riven."
There is a storm of protest and denial, which he once again works to suppress.
"Don't confirm or deny. I'm not gonna spill any secrets and if I don't know, I can't. Not if everyone else keeps a level head and gets their story straight. Listen carefully:
"If Higmaster Ash, Morphist and Psychist, well connected in Tallon is killed by wanderers with the aid of his own troops, there will be an investigation. With a judge who is a full Master Psychist. I will be forced to detain all material witnesses pending the investigation. Every secret one might have will come to light.
"Some of you got secrets; none of you got clout. Some of you might even have committed crimes. If so, I don't wanna hear about it." Though his eyes never move, it seems as though he is looking at YOU.
"Now if brave and noble Master Ash dies defending the fort and destroys a demon-King artifact that reaved many soldiers and innocent civilians, that's a different matter. A bunch of wanderers helped defend the fort and were chewed up by riven... and Ash dies a hero's death.
"And the real heroes of tonight's dirty work go unheralded."
He sighs, looking older than he did only two days ago.
"Your choice, heroes. I'll play it the way you want it, but I gotta know before I walk out that door."

Cas thanks Nuyok for the healing. She is still quite weak but stands getting a bit of support from Nuyok. She looks angry, upset, and relieved all at the same time. "I will want to talk with everyone and hear what everyone saw and encountered. I saw a side of Ash that none of you ever came close to seeing. Mako, I will write the epic of what happened today. I hope you will be willing to share your side of the story so that I may craft a thing of beauty."

Cas tries to stand on her own but still is weak and cannot, "I really need to get some sleep soon. Is there anything we need to do or should we all go to the tavern and relax?"

"Are you daft? Did you hear anything I just said? Master Nuyok, check her wits."
"If you want to tell the story you saw to anyone, anyone, you got troubles. I'll have to arrest you pending investigation. Even if I accidentally let you escape, there's enough people here in the fort that can recognize you. You'll be wanted."
Cas stumbles, almost as if she didn't quite hear the response, then sinks back down to the ground. Though Nuyok has worked miracles, she won't be walking under her own power for a while.
Mako looks around the room, standing taller and firmer than only minutes before. "People, see if you can talk sense into her. I can play it either way, but once you make the decision, you're stuck with it."

Respond to the sub-thread "Re-enter Faliol and Rath"

[EDITED on Thu February 27, 2003 @9:11 PM (PST)]

.oO(.....sleep...tired.....thirsty.....Ash dead )a tiny smile plays across Celeste's face only to be replaced by a body wracking cough. A trickle of blood weeps from the side of her mouth and then she lies still once more.

OOC: "I'd like to thank the Academy of Ridicoulous Light and Magic for the nomination and subsequent awarding of this Gravvie for Best Death Scene in an RPG... I'd also like to thank my GM, my Fellow Cast Members and all the Fans of the Savage Earth. wave, wave

...Beka sees you all snuggly comfy in Rath's arms.

I rather fight with reavers than get into Hurricane Beka's path...

OOC: Shouldn't worry, Celeste's heart belongs to another. Besides Rath does have two sets of arms, one for Beka, one for Celeste Next Month's issue of 4-Armed Riven--Special Feature--"Four-Armed Riven and Hot Normal Babes

[EDITED on Thu February 27, 2003 @12:28 PM (PST)]

OOC: For letting me throw Ash over the rail. Uh, I take it I am still breathing, barely?

OOC: Does this mean Nuyok is no longer "Jedi Mind-Tricked"?

Actually, the ley line will take a day or two to dissipate, even though Ash is dead. It is similar to the lines he let drop that allowed the reavers to enter. He dropped them two days ago, but only tonight did they completely fail.

Totally superfluous side point: This theme features prominently in the cycle of Merikian drama called the Paladin Play. From the website:
The Paladin Play
A Paladin or group thereof serves a master. The master is slain and the Paladin must avenge his death. The drama is heightened by the fact that the Paladin grows progressively weaker throughout the play, making his task much harder. Often the play requires travelling to the Wilds or a foreign city, further isolating the Paladin. The play concludes with a combat in which the Paladin, faced by vastly overwhelming forces, avenges the death of his master, usually dying in the end. Paladin plays are the most popular, possibly because of the simple plot filled with action and adventure.

OOC: Very interesting how things work out

Vagrant watches Ash's final moment and recoils from
the horror of it all. When he can take no more his
eyes fall to what's left of his weapon. Likely
sickened by it he drops the rest of it to the roof
top.

"One good thing about this world, weapons like that
are in short supply. More weapons of death this world
does not need."

"From now on, my only weapon will have to be this
simple bow."

With that he reaches down and returns the crossbow
underneath his rags.

"We're done here. What do we do next, my friends."

__________________________________________________
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Thanks everyone, that was COOL!
.oO(Now I hope none of us die in the aftermath.)

The little Chinchilla will be sore for some days to come, but she eventually comes round. "Ooooh... What hit me? Oh that's right, the wall. That bug-boy snuck up on me when I wasn't lookin'. Coward! Picthed me up against the stones. Million-to-one shot, but the lucky roach knocked me cold." Then she crawls slowly into Beka's pouch. Just before going to sleep she says, "Call me for breakfast. There's a pet."

The fox and the big barbarian riven return to the Drawing Room, where they find Cas sitting up on a couch. She looks weak as dishwater, but is breathing normally. Some of the eyes in the room are upon her. The rest are on Mako. There appears to be some tension in the room.
As they enter, Mako finishes some speech he was making, "--once you make the decision, you're stuck with it."

Cas is having a difficult time speaking but she must make her point now so that Mako understands, "I will not tell what was seen but what needs to be seen. That is the way of the story. Someone must write the story and I ask only that it be I. I can talk with you more about this later Mako... I really need to get some sleep."

Noticing Cas trying to get some sleep, I whisper "Stout requests Nuyok. He doubts his own ability to heal Celeste."

I walk to the couch (hopefully) with a blanket. I drape it over Cas and whisper, "Sleep peacefully, Cassandra. You are safe. Celeste made sure that you will never be tormented by Ash ever again."

I go into the next room looking for a blanket for Cas. I keep entering rooms until I find one.

"Mako is right, we do not need an investigation. Cas can still craft her story, but can change the names to protect the...er...innocent, and it will be regarded as a work of fiction. It appears I am needed elsewhere," and Nuyok moves to leave.

Upon Mako's mention of 2 Riven, Nuyok subtly takes a closer look at his fellow party members (obviously Rath is a given...Riven).

Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 3, 2, 1 (STUN: 6, BODY: 2) Fri February 28, 2003 @9:52 AM (EST)

You have examined the whole party in the past. Rath is the only riven. It is possible one could mistake Vagrant for a riven, given h habit of hiding himself head to toe.

Just checking in case someone in Rath's rescue party (or otherwise) had been changed in some non-physically evident manner...

"While we were not deputized, we were aligned with the
authorities here to a certain extent. I take a lot of
responsibility in the death of Ash and also believe
that people should stand for their crimes. As much as
I hate death and killing, Ash died in the heat of
battle--fighting the fort's authority. With Ash gone
I also see no good in causing more of a stir then this
mess has already caused. I defer to those that lead
our caravan, but I will keep my knowledge quiet if
need be."

__________________________________________________
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Of course you are right Commander. I was relieved to see Master Ash work so hard against the Reavers. I am so sorry at his loss. He was a hero.
.oO(TWO riven? Vagrant?)