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Post by Axle on Jul 4, 2010 2:09:33 GMT -5
I followed Dred and Liam as they made their way silently to the saddest looking inn I'd ever seen, and believe me I'd seen some rubbish places. Liam whistled a perky tune, but Dred seemed troubled.
It was weird, it was like he'd seen something or heard something that none of the rest of us had.
As we reached the door, I grabbed Dred's arm. He jumped a little, I hadn't expected that.
I tried to keep my voice calm as I asked, "What's wrong?"
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Post by oracle on Jul 4, 2010 13:01:35 GMT -5
(OoC: Incidentally I kinda like the Liam leaving things open here, so we're going to distract you all by now entering the fight scene. Saphire you can certainly use the fight that springs up as a chance to enter, cavalier method is always fun. Spectre if you get someone up you can join in too by all means.)
BiC:
"The docks?" Rynak's mind began catching up, the lack of sleep was catching up, slowing his normally fast brain. "That's only two blocks from here, and if they catch a ship we'll never catch them!"
Rynak wheeled his horse around and yelled, "Liam, pay attention we have to go! They're here, we have to catch them!" Rynak immediately took off down the south street towards the docks. His horse at a full gallop as citizens dived out of the way of the warhorse. The rest of the night patrol was fast on his tail.
They turned the corner, and faced the open ocean with all the docks in view. They didn't need to look far though, the peir directly in front of them was the sight of a shaddy deal. Rynak's eyes flew immediately to the object being passed between two of them, a pure silver circle with four points each with their own gem, the crown of Naost. The crown was being passed from a small, human-bird creature (known as a duck in Naost) to a man wearing a dark hood and cloak, only his tan nose and ornate sword handle were visible.
The bandit gang was all gathered on the pier, and everyone seemed frozen for a second as they noticed the four guards that had suddenly appeared and seen their transaction. Both sides were surprised to the point where neither moved for several seconds. Then both groups began organizing themselves.
"We can't get our horses onto that small a peir, dismount," Rynak ordered and the night watch followed in perfect unison. As they dismounted they drew their weapons and shields, Rynak's mace leading the way.
"I count eleven Rynak, 5 ducks, a trollkin, two goblins, an orc, and two humans. We're outnumbered." Fin observed as the guards casually marched in wedge formation towards the pier. Two guards flanked Rynak on either side.
"F****** ducks. I never believed the myths that they were just a race cursed by the gods for being backstabers until now." Tsean cursed.
"We can handle them," Rynak stated confidently, "Capture the hooded guy. Watch that second human, I don't think he's human, look at the teeth. If we can get the orc and him though we're home free. Attack!"
Meanwhile the other side organized as well. Ishana slipped the crown into his wide sleeves and left a pouch of gold coins in the duck's hand. Then he drew a white handkerchief from his other sleeve and waved it to one of the nearby fishing boats. The boat, piloted by his personal guard turned towards the docks immediately.
"What we do Rhin? Guard men here," The orc asked in his usual obtuse manner.
Rhin really felt the urge to slap the stupid brute, but he was a duck and were circumstances different he would have to use all his astounding intellect to avoid being eaten by him. "We fight stupid, we've got our money, now we dispose of the witnesses."
The gang formed its own formation, with the goblins and trollkin at the front, followed by the ducks and last the real toughs. There was always that hope that the goblins would put a spear into their opponents, it was rarish, but just as effective as any other spear. Besides Rhin like many smart ducks prefered to be out of the range of the lucky shot as long as possible.
Rynak's men sped up to a full run as soon as their feet hit the peir and charged their enemies. The fight had begun.
(OoC: There you go, join in how you wish, even being part of Rynak's charge is allowed. Kill the little ones how you like, but no godmoding the emissary, Rhin, the second human or the orc.)
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Post by sapphiresmoke on Jul 4, 2010 19:23:51 GMT -5
Mura was walking along the docks, wondering where she'd sleep that night, when she heard the unmistakeable sounds of a fight. Her initial reaction was to turn away, search for an obliging hayloft somewhere toward the center of town, but then she heard the screech of a fighting goblin. Excellent luck - she'd lost the group she'd been tracking when they entered the city, and they'd just revealed themselves to her again. Another stroke of luck: now she had help in killing them.
Increasing her pace to a quick jog, she got just close enough to the fight that she could see what was going on. A group of soldiers was fighting a mixed group, only a couple of goblins that she could see along with other creatures she'd seen allied with goblins before. It didn't matter to her whether they were all goblins or not. They deserved to die, all of the foul race and the races that helped them, for what they'd done to her family.
She stalked a little closer, instinctively falling into the hunting crouch her father had taught her despite the lack of woodland scenery, and raised her bow, pulling an arrow from the quiver at her shoulder. It would be difficult shooting. The soldiers were intermixed with their enemies now, but she could see a few clear shots that shouldn't endanger any of the humans more than was necessary.
Aiming carefully, she whispered, "Odayla, guide my bow," and released the arrow.
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Post by oracle on Jul 4, 2010 21:09:09 GMT -5
Rynak, at the most exposed point in their formation was soon fighting three opponents, all ducks. He didn't mind though, they were about the size of the goblins and a sweep with his shield knocked them back and jostled their duck-brains quite a bit. A mace to the same duck-brain finished off the middle one.
Only Jaek and Fil could also reach opponents on the narrow pier. Their axes clashed with a pair of goblin spears, but the flimsy goblin weapons were held by even flimsier creatures, and their reflexes seemed incredibly slow compared to the two night watchmen. The goblins put all their effort to defense until they each were struck down with axe blows.
Rynak was occupied with several ducks all at once. They had seen his shield bash manuever and were ready for it now, and they moved always trying to capitalize on their superior numbers, one darting in with shortsword while a companion also attacked. Rynak was having difficulty watching all three at once until an arrow split the air.
The unexpected arrow flew dangerously close to the face of the goblin fighting Fil, and then burried itself in one of the ducks fighting Rynak. The other ducks looked towards where their new attacker was, and Rynak immediately capitalized, smashing one in the stomach with his mace and then throwing his weight behind his shield to send the other one stumbling off the pier.
"Naost smiles on us today boys! We have a new friend!" Rynak cheered to the rest of the soldiers and twirled his mace once as he prepared to charge the remaining three. They were all that stood between him and that man in the hood.
"Ku'thu, Squinch, Two-Tooth get in there and earn your keep!" Rhin ordered the remaining three of his band. His fellow ducks had been taken down much too easily. He drew his own short sword and his buckler and prepared himself as well. "Ishana, as long as you're trapped on this peir with us I suggest you help us win."
"I thought you could handle it Sir Rhin, but I will help." The hooded man gave another signal to the oncoming boat. One of the men on board headed to the rail of the ship and placed a crossbow against the rail of the ship. He fired the bolt towards the mystery archer Mura, they had to get that archer, because none of the rest of Rhin's gang carried a ranged weapon. The soldiers needed only to hold them on the peir, the archer could do the rest.
The trollkin, human appearing person, and orc drew their own weapons and charged. Rynak immediately knocked the trollkin back with a well placed mace strike. The physically disabled version of the trolls were not only the size of goblins, but very similar to them in skill, they posed little threat to Rynak.
Ku'thu, the "human" and Two-Tooth proved much more formidable though, as Ku'thu struck back at the guard formation with his own shield rush. Ku'thu was strong beyond belief, it was unnatural only more to confirm Rynak's suspicions. He pushed Rynak along the pier as the guard commander tried desperately to slow the charge to a slow walk. Two-Tooth meanwhile engaged Fil and Jaek with a two-sword fighting style and was keeping both highly trained fighters on the defensive. The fight was not over by a long shot.
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Post by oracle on Jul 4, 2010 21:19:32 GMT -5
(OoC: It's difficult to describe these races in words sometimes, and especially in my last few posts so here's some quick clarification:
Trollkin are the result of a curse placed on the Uz races (trolls) and are similar to trolls, but usually weaker and dumber. They get bullied and slaved in pretty much any society, the most unlucky ones are known as food. Approximately 5% of all trolls born are trollkin so ineffective at anything they are actually used for food for trolls (a society that allows canibalism.)
Ducks, it is not known how exactly these creatures came to be. In general they look like daffy duck, but angry and usually carrying a sword. For some bizairre reason they tend to follow death cults mostly.
Please note though that trolls are not all bad, you will probably end up working with one, and a death cult may be your best friend.
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Post by Genesis on Jul 5, 2010 12:49:08 GMT -5
While they had been in the inn, Dred knew something was about to happen. Whatever sort of creature had been stalking them had been daring, or angry, enough to follow them into town. He hoped it wasn't a banshee, otherwise the whole town would go raving mad. And even worse, it's master might even know where he was.
A nagging suspicion tickled his mind yet again, that the guards would arrest him when this was over. It wouldn't be the first time. Dred felt that Rynak could be trusted, but he wasn't so sure of the others. It didn't help that he was starting to become a little delirious from hunger, and some townsperson was likely to die.
A sudden touch made him jump. "what's wrong?" Skye asked. She was trying to keep calm, but her voice seemed tense.
Liam kept whistling as Dred led her off a little ways to the side and chuckled, "What do you think will become of me when this is over, Skye? What will they do with the monster?"
As he was speaking, Rynak rushed out with the other guards in tow, and Liam looked like he was about to follow. For some reason, Dred wanted him to stay. Maybe it was because of the fact that Dred had choked down bread, water, and singed meat for the past few days. Maybe it was because he was thirsty.
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Post by sapphiresmoke on Jul 5, 2010 20:20:07 GMT -5
Mura grinned as her first arrow took out one of the ducks outnumbering the human in the most decorated uniform. She heard a jubilant shout a moment later but didn't pay attention to the words, too busy choosing her next target. A movement on the closest boat caught her eye, and she focused more closely on those on board. One of their gazes was clearly focused on her. A hooded figure made some sort of signal, and she glanced hurriedly around.
Just as the crossbow on the second boat fired, she leapt aside. The bolt grazed her left arm, and she cursed under her breath, gritting her teeth. She nocked another arrow, but the crossbow had greater range than her simply crafted hunting bow - there was no way her arrow would go far and fast enough to kill, even if she managed to aim perfectly. Her only advantage was speed.
She loosed a shot to distract the crossbow before ducking to the side, slipping into the shadow of a tall stack of crates as she would vanish into the shadows of the forest. There she checked the scratch on her arm, determining that it could wait for real tending until the fight was over, and chose her next target to release another arrow.
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Post by Spectre on Jul 6, 2010 9:36:46 GMT -5
Wren slowly opened his eyes, squinting against the bright sunlight filtering through the trees. As he attempted to sit up, a throbbing pain in his skull made him fall back among broken pieces of wood. Lying there, he tried to remember what had brought him here.
He’d been hunting in the forest near his home when he was captured by orcs. Slavers, probably. He dimly recalled a ship, and slipping in and out of consciousness after several days. Then he was thrown into a caravan, and after a few more days a fierce storm arose, and then… nothing.
Standing gingerly, he inspected himself: blood covered one arm, and his plain tunic was ripped, but he wasn’t severely hurt. For a moment, the pain returned and Wren nearly fell, reaching out to grab a wheel axle sticking out of the mud. Surprised, he looked up: the destruction was everywhere, centered around a large tree. Wood planks and splinters littered the ground, and two deep wheel ruts led from a curve in the now-muddy path directly to the tree. The horses must have bolted off the trail, causing the cart to crash and fall apart. And the driver… shocked, Wren recognized a mangled corpse impaled by debris as that of one of the orcs. The other must have run off.
Without thinking, Wren began searching through the rubble for something, anything. He found his hunting knife in the belt of the dead orc, and recovered a small leather pouch from the wreckage of the cart. Opening the lid, he picked up a fist-sized, red-streaked stone that seemed to shine in the sunlight. He’d found it last winter, noticing that it felt warm, even on the coldest nights. Its presence was somehow comforting, and he’d begun keeping it with him before he was captured.
Now, looking at his last memory of his home, the full reality of the situation began to set in. He had no idea where he was, no food, no money… Wren tried to blink back tears. What if he never saw his home, his family, again? After a few minutes, he brought his hand across his eyes and decided to keep moving. With no sense of direction, he began to follow the path the way the cart had been traveling. He walked the rest of the day. When the sun’s last rays were disappearing from the sky, Wren scaled a small hill at the edge of the forest. Over the rise, he finally saw the city the slavers were taking him to- the port of Iah. --------------------------------------
In the days following his arrival, Wren had been able to work in the tavern for food and a decent bed. Often he helped loading cargo on the docks for extra pay, and the sailors would sometimes give him advice. Soon, Wren had gained some experience in both sailing and fishing. Though he’d learned where he was, no one seemed to have any information regarding other islands. Eventually, he realized that returning at all would be difficult, if not impossible. Still, he clung to the hope that he would see his home again. -------------------------------
A few weeks after, he was heading toward the docks when an arrow shot past, far to his right. Looking to the path the arrow had taken, Wren saw some human guards, vastly outnumbered, fighting a group of goblins, ducks, humans... An orc.
He stopped cold. The orc was the same that had captured him, without question. Suddenly afraid, he began to run back, then stopped. He couldn't be ruled by fear. Not now. Closing his eyes, Wren grasped the hilt of his wide dagger and turned back. Running along the dockside path, he saw that the guards were winning, but still in danger. The orc was an experienced fighter, and the humans were turned to the sea, gazing at a far-off ship. Wren quickly saw that a heavy crossbow was aimed toward the guards. The monsters were luring them into a trap. He had to warn them!
He ran faster, yelling, trying to get their attention before it was too late...
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Post by oracle on Jul 6, 2010 14:58:29 GMT -5
OoC: Dred and Skye might want to move to the area fairly sure. Could determine what we do after the fight. By the way Axle I'm going to steal Liam for this. Don't worry I'll give him back alive... maybe.
BiC:
The archer person was gone, which meant the crossbow had to be turned onto the guards. He fired the next bolt at one of the guards standing in reserve, Liam. The guard was wide awake though and took the bolt off his shield, preventing serious damage. The crossbowman began reloading his crossbow, but this time with a different intention. Their ship was practically at the docks, and once Ishana was on board it mattered little what happened to the gang, they could just sail away.
Some newcomer came up to them screaming about something or other. Tsean was the first to notice and he yelled back, "Careful citizen, help if you will, but it is dangerous here."
Rynak was getting nowhere in this contest of strength, it was time to change tactics. Rynak took a sudden quick step back and Ku'thu fell forward with the force of his own push. Acting fast Rynak placed hands on top of his opponents now exposed back. He pushed down as he struck upwards with his knee. His opponent took the blow full in the face, as the knee strike drove him back to standing up.
The "human" had blood all over his face and he instinctively raised his hands to protect his broken nose. Rynak only needed the few seconds the instinct allowed him. Planting the the mace head into his opponents stomach, shattering ribs and forcing his opponent to crumble to the ground. He had to get back to the front of their line.
As Fil and Jaek managed to hold an even fight with the orc, suddenly it changed tactics. It switched both blades suddenly to Fil. The originally far hand slashed across Fil's face, but the close hand did the next bit of damage, slicing through muscle and bone on Fil's axe arm. The guard yelled in pain, but it was cut off as the orc finished by slamming into the guard and throwing him off balance and into the ocean.
Jaek had been too slow to save Fil, but not too slow to take advantage though. His axe connected with Two-Tooth's leg, and cut clean through it. The orc began collapsing with one of his legs suddenly severed. Jaek wasn't done though, with a warcry of his own he swung back, and caught the orc in the arm as he fell. The orc's arm was also instantly severed and he left the creature bleeding on the pier.
Rhin was running out of gang members fast, these guards were certainly better than the palace ones they'd fought earlier. The one with the axes who'd just dispatched his orc was exposed though. Rhin had his shortsword in hand, and while he may have looked small and weak, he knew how to plant a sword in an opponent. He took his opportunity, and the shortsword plunged itself into Jaek's abdomen, slipping under the ribs. The mighty guard collapsed over his own opponent.
This fight was getting too close Ishana was very glad that the gangplank for his ship had just been lowered. He began a very stately walk up the plank, knowing that he was now home free. He didn't however expect Rhin, ever the opportunist, to be right on his heels.
The duck had used the time he got from removing the nearest guard to board the ship right behind Ishana, and he was shaking the gangplank dangerously.
So close they were almost to safety, but the guards were on their heels.
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Post by Axle on Jul 6, 2010 20:47:58 GMT -5
I think I may keep Skye out of this fight. Remember, she is just a human girl. Liam's all yours to do what you will. Return him, dead, alive, or maimed. There's no fee for damaging a character beyond repair, unlike a library book . By little dog went wild on one. I'll be back in three days, I've got another photo thing. Just knock Skye cold or something. I trust you Oracle ....sort of.
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Post by Genesis on Jul 6, 2010 21:45:03 GMT -5
Dred hated to leave her there, but she wasn't looking to well, like she was sick or something. Leaving her with one of the sherrif's men and the innkeeper who looked decent enough to look after her, he pursued the guards. WHen he reached the scene, the battle was in full swing, blood and metal flying everywhere. There was some hunter fellow near the pier, firing at a crossbowman on a swiftly approaching ship. THe tall man stood behind the frenzy obviously waiting for the ship to arrive, and if the guards didn't get through soon enough, the crossbowman could pick them off, now that the hunte rhad vanished. Dred decided his course of action quickly. RUnning past a fisherman who was running to Rynak's aid, he stopped the man and quickly handed him his cloak and boots, before plunging headlong into the water, setting a direct course for the ship.
Making sure he stayed submerged least he be spotted, he saw a guard fall into the sea in a cloud blood. Good thing it wasn't close enough to taste.
When he reached the ship, he sunk his nails between the planks and made his way up onto the deck.
Not even bothering to draw his dirk, he wasted no time dripping on the planks, but instead he dashed for the crossbowman who was positioned at the bow of the vessel...
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Post by Spectre on Jul 7, 2010 11:49:20 GMT -5
"Careful citizen, help if you will, but it's dangerous here!" One of the guards had heard Wren, but it seemed too late; the crossbow fired. However, its target simply deflected the bolt with his shield. He quickly realized that these guards were well-trained fighters, and his help may not be needed. It seemed Wren had been wrong. The ship's crossbow was not meant to trap the guards, but to provide covering fire as the bandits attempted to escape.
A pain in his side made Wren stop running. Grabbing the stone out of his belt pouch, he quickly dropped it with a gasp of pain. It had burned him! Quickly, the rock faded from a previous bright red to its original color. He carefully picked it up; now it felt normal. But there was no time to ponder the mystery-- a blurred gray figure nearly collided with Wren, forcing a cloak and leather boots into his arms before dashing out onto one of the docks and leaping into the water.
He stared out over the water, but saw no sign of the man. Turning back to the battle, it was nearly finished. One of the guards was struck into the ocean, but the other sliced off the orc slaver's arm and left him on the pier to die. A flurry of weapons, and suddenly only two guards and two bandits remained. The human and duck fled, taking to the ship with the guards right behind them.
Too far from the battle to help, Wren only stared as he made out the shadowed man climbing up the side of the ship. Immediately, he leapt over the side and rushed towards the crossbowman. From his vantage point near the docks, Wren could tell that whether or not the guards caught the bandits was dependent on the heavy crossbow. "Naost help you," he whispered to the strange figure.
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Post by sapphiresmoke on Jul 9, 2010 16:44:28 GMT -5
Mura had fitted another arrow to her bow when she heard a cry of warning and a response from one of the soldiers. Glancing toward the sounds, she spotted a newcomer - this battle was drawing all sorts, she thought, amused. Just as quickly as her attention had been drawn to them, it was drawn away as a tall, dark figure appeared on the boat with the crossbow. She cursed silently. Another enemy? Where had this one come from? He raced for the crossbowman, looking far too ready to kill to be an ally to the man. Which side was he on?
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Post by Genesis on Jul 10, 2010 18:15:31 GMT -5
THe crossbowman heard Dred coming and turn to face him, but Dred had already sunken his claws into the crossbowman's throat and very nearly tore the head off.
the crossbowman's companion shouted in suprise and Dred promptly stomped on his chest, snapping the sternum off of the ribs.
Shaking with thirst, but able to control himself, he wrenched the crossbow from the fluttering hands of the drowning crossbowman and loaded it, pointing it directly at the gangplank on which the the cloaked man and duck hurried forward on.
(OoC: about how many guys are on the boat, I don't remember)
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Post by oracle on Jul 11, 2010 10:33:57 GMT -5
(OoC: There are only those two who are fighters, but I would assume a crew of about 15 sailors. The ship is small, but not a just a fishing boat.)
BiC:
Ishana took the last steps on the gangplank and was onto the edge of the ship. The first sight he was greated with was a man with a crossbow, but not his man with a crossbow. Who was this powerful ally the guards had? He had boarded the ship so quickly and dispatched the few guards he had brought.
Ishana had tricks of his own though as he drew the skinny rapier blade under his cloak. He could not use the blade itself in time, but he placed a finger on markings on the blade´s hilt. The marking was a perfect circle with a dot in the center, a fire rune. As the bolt was fired a blast of fire erupted from Ishana towards Dred. It was at close enough range it would probably hit, but due to the quickness he had to cast it at he couldn´t heat it enough to cause serious burns. The intent was simply to throw the man off the ship.
The blast was just in time, as the man shot the crossbow bolt it collided with the burst of flame, which forced the bolt up and off its original path. It barely scrapped his shoulder as it passed. Ishana silently thanked the gods for the redirection (normally I would provide the god´s name, but I don´t have my list with me). One way or another he needed to take advantage of the chance his fire burst would hopefully give him. He needed to take off now.
Rhin was almost on board, followed closely by those guards. He didn´t have time for the duck though. The Empire had used its tool, and now it had no need of it. Ishana gave the plank a swift kick and knocked it away from the ships deck. With it gone the ship should be able to leave port immediately.
Rhin however ended up falling straight into the water. He cursed his backstabing employer, as he swam to the surface. His head broke the surface and he was immediately greated by Rynak´s metal gloved hand, grabbing him by the shirt and hauling him out of the water.
(OoC: I went through that a little fast, but whatever.)
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