Convergence (Chap IV) — Legacy Forums

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#81

Judging from his basic appearance, this was no man, but an ogre…or at least partly. His broken common tongue was a bit hard to understand. This will be fun…
Quickly he considered his options. With as much of an accent he could muster, he called on his rudimentary knowledge of the ancient ogre tongue and hoped.

“My name is Kasin Mirinar. I am traveling to Jantir, and this seems the most direct route. I haven’t the time nor desire to change course now. Who are the Verbeeg, and why should I avoid them?” He pulled out a water skin from the folds of his robes and, brushing the long red tendrils of red hair hanging in his face out of the way, offered it to the ogrish fellow.
He smiled broadly, a slight twinkle in his eye “Perhaps…” the twinkle in his eye turned a bit more mischievous “I might assist you in some way. It seems only fair for having warned me of some impending danger or other. There is strength in numbers, or so I’m told.” He looked up at him from his rather modest height.
“I think two is a number I might be more comfortable with…if you don’t mind.”

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#82

Aerex watched cautiously as Vorodon spoke to the hooded man some distance away. "Wonder what they're saying," he murmured, his hand resting just above the hilt of his rapier. Still covered in mud, Matare was on edge, and who wouldn't be? Mud slides, giants, mysterious hooded men - it was all a bit much. He folded his arms and walked over to Talia. "Well, Voro hasn't ripped him in half yet," he commented. "That's probably a good sign." He smirked slightly at his own joke. His face turned serious again. "You sure you're okay?" he asked. So soon after Aerex had her, she was nearly lost to the earth. It wasn't something the ranger took lightly.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#83

Talia nodded slightly. She was still watching Voro and the stranger, her hand on one of her fans. "I will be. That sort of thing..." She shrugged. "Bad memories, which bring out a lot of fear that I really should be old enough to push aside now. That was the worst of it; I wasn't hurt all that much." Then, more to herself than to him, she muttered, "I hate being weak."

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#84

"We all have our weaknesses," he said softly. "No one's invincible. Everyone has to push those fears aside, keep death away for another day. I think that's just how life is." He reached out and brushed a mud-coated lock of hoary hair from her face. "Besides, you're still here. That's what counts in the end."

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#85

"But it's such a childish weakness..." As he brushed her hair away from her face, she smiled slightly. "I suppose so." She relaxed the slightest bit. "Thank you." Then she craned her neck to peer at Voro and the stranger again. "It's taking longer than I expected." Although, as Aerex had said, it was probably a good sign that Voro hadn't attacked yet.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#86

"Apparently, I am weak as well, Talia. Will you let me confess my weakness, damsel fair?"
A tense pause ensued, with eyes turning towards him.
"I know it is inappropriate, but... my weakness... is that I ... suffer from a lack of patience. I will have to interrupt Vorodon's rural encounter, lest we all take root, and the hill folk partake on Kyrian fruit next autumn."

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#87

Aerex let the elf catch a brief, seething glare before speaking. "He's right, we probably ought to head over there. If they're not hostile, we might want to have someone a little more soft-spoken than Voro do the talking." He glanced at Talia, then stepped back. "Lead the way, Sir Knight," he offered, gesturing politely. "Surely you can charm the stranger with your chivalry."

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#88

Talia rolled her eyes at Kyrian, but fell into step behind him. The man knew how to ruin a moment... It couldn't be helped. Although some day, she meant to tell Aerex more about it. Kyrian had a point, she decided. She was starting to hate this area and all the mud, and wanted to get going again.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#89

Brown Borgradoc walked brazenly, yet almost casually, his watery eyes making out the new marks and potential adversaries. He could spy three from this distance. An armored knight (oyster) beside a snow-white mount (dinner), a short, wiry man or maybe half-elf (inconsequential), and a woman (woman!) with strange, silver hair, which could be seen from beneath clumps of wet, brown mud. None of the three looked to be wizards to the Verbeeg leader, and for this he was thankful.

Having bypassed the last remaining hill, between his group and the soon-to-be unfortunate travelers, the four verbeeg now came fully into view.

Sixty to seventy feet ahead the three travelers were, at the base of a large hill, which looked to the Verbeeg as if it had recently "collapsed" due to the incessant rains. The mud would be the least of their problems this day, Borgradoc thought and smiled.

"I am Brown Borgradoc" the mighty verbeeg anounced suddenly in a brash, baritone, which easily reached the ears of the adventurers-upon-return.

"All your thing are belong to us!" chimed in Yoord in harsh common, proud of himself for a moment, until Brown Borgradoc silenced him with a quick slap.

"You are travelling through my domain", continued Borgradoc, "And if you do not wish to die a slow and painful death, you will lay out your arms, step lively closer, and shed yourselves of all valuable belongings."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Talia stared at the giant. Were these ogres? There were four of them. Two armed with spears, one, a disturbed fellow to be sure, was on all fours, wearing an iron collar, attached to a thick leather leash, which was held by the obvious leader. This so-called, Brown Borgradoc.

You can either chat, or if you like, we can roll initiative :P. The four verbeeg are sixty feet away from you. They do not as of yet, spy Vorodon and Kasin. If you choose to roll initaive, I already rolled, and all you dextrous peoples won!

Siren, made some homebrew rolls. Your weapon is successfully made. Attack rolls using the bow however, will be difficult at best.

CM, well, you could try to sneak up behind them, but as per your question, the terrain indeed is not suitable for undetected approach.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#90

Aerex swallowed. Awesome, he thought as the giants made their demands. Verbeeg thugs are just what our day needed. He quickly glanced over to where Voro and the stranger were. If he could have their attention, things would be considerably easier.

Matare cleared his throat. "Worthy and powerful Borgradoc!" he said as loudly as he could without sounding ridiculous. "Our apologies for intruding on your domain! As you can see, we are somewhat disturbed from our path. We come from far-off lands to negotiate trade and treaties with foreigners. Perhaps you, O Master of the Verbeeg, would care to create a treaty? We do not wish to cross your laws and regulations! Let us speak as righteous men, of great deeds and action!" Aerex prayed that Voro or the stranger - whoever he was - would hear them and scurry over.

(OOC: Attempting to distract them with a persuasive speech - roll whatever you must. :wink:)

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#91

"Oh. Lovely." Talia muttered under her breath. She stepped slighly behind Aerex and slowly produced her other fan and slid it open, trying not to attract attention. She didn't think this was going to be pretty. The crazy one with the collar fascinated her in a disturbing way. He was going to be dangerous. Him and the leader looked like they were going to be the biggest threats.

She thought for a moment, trying to decide which to focus on when they inevitably got tired of playing. She had almost settled on the leader when she realized the other one was saying something very excitedly over and over again. What was- Oh. Oh hell no. She resisted the urge to kill him on the spot. But when all hell broke loose (because, let's be realistic, that was inevitable), he was going to die.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#92

Well, this was unexpected. The little one speaks for them. Quite eloquent too, Borgradoc thought. He has even heard of their kind apparently. He had mentioned the great race of Verbeeg by name. The verbeeg leader, likewise was not sure what exactly if anything this small man was offering. This mildly intrigued him. But only mildly.

"You speak well. Speak on, but do so quickly. Soon it will grow dark." Borgradoc answered in turn.

Yoord and Mrok sported deflated looks. Their leader was doing what they despised. He was speaking to their prey again.

Dog, also known as Ubu, began to mutter something, while kicking up mud with his meaty forearms. "Woman. Woman. Woman"

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#93

Well. This wouldn't end prettily, Adan knew. There'd be more blood spilt this day, he could see it coming. With luck, very little of it would be his. No. Not with luck. With the blessings of Trigu.

It was with a brief prayer whispered on his lips, over and over like a mantra, that the cast-off began to burrow himself partially into one of the piles of mud, to use it for both concealment and protection as he shot the great bow from his prone position. Setting his feet to the shaft, and the 'gifted' Verbeeg bolt to the wire of the bow, he tested the draw weight gently, being sure not to fire too soon, as he took aim at the nearer crossbowman.

Lord Trigu, I beg of thee, grace me with the precision and strength to prevent the suffering of others at the hands of these monsters in Your Glorious Name.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#94

"I call dibs on the leader" Kyrian spoke to his fellows, excited, a Jantiri accent surfacing faintly - it was there he learned the tongue of Man.

He proceeded forward, covering about a third of the distance between the parties.

"What he meant was the following - I challenge you, Borgadoc the Brown. No need nor desire to slay your motley band, no need nor desire to endanger my retainers. Step forward, and fight me like a man!"

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#95

Cats and Dogs

My retainers? So, this was their leader...the knight, beside a delicious looking horse, thought Borgradoc. This threw him a bit. The small man sounded eloquent. This oyster sounded arrogant, and he wasnt quite an elf. What was he?

Borgradoc considered for a moment, then unclasped Dog's leash from its collar.

"Fool. I was tired, and was considering letting you all live." He spoke loudly now, in Kyrian's direction. "You do not deserve to be slain by Great Borgradoc himself. So you can fight my dog instead"

"Kill, Ubu, kill" he whispered to the deranged verbeeg, and a moment later, the awkward, maniacal creature was charging the elven knight on all fours, without warning, quickly covering the remaining distance between the verbeeg and Kyrian who stepped forward. As he neared, Ubu reared for attack, which in his case apparently involved nothing but his teeth, long, iron-like, dirt-encrusted nails, surprising agility and prodigious strength.

initiative re-rolled for Kyrian and Ubu. Kyrian wins. Quick question. Are you mounted or on foot?

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#96

Some distance behind the four verbeegs, unseen by the companions, the other two behemoths aimed their huge, wicked crossbows toward the group, awaiting Borgradoc's signal.

What was it again? Dumjakk asked himself. Fire when I raise my arm? Or when I drop it? I didnt miss the signal already, did I?

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#97

The verbeeg's threats echoed across the muddy slopes. So... Borgradoc thought that he could threaten travelers here? The Son of Gorye would show him why this place was called the Ogre Hills!

Turning from the traveler, Vorodon noisily rushed up the hillock dividing him from the imminent fight. At the top, he paused for a moment, assessing his newly arrived foes, then turned back and gestured as if he were pointing to several men. He waved a dart, signaling his imaginary troops to move behind cover around the enemy flank, then barked out “Wait for my order!” in the pidgin Hill Tongue.

Turning back, the massive myrmidon of the hills sauntered toward his foes. The harsh syllables of the ogre's tongue came to his mind more readily than they had earlier. “Fool Borgradoc, your lies have not gone unnoticed! The Son of Gorye has returned, and offers mercy! Surrender now, for you stand within the very jaws of Gora’am the Purifier!”

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#98

“Wonderful…a fight. I do enjoy a bit of exercise now and again” he said, a devious grin spreading slowly across his lips. Watching the ogrish fellow intently, he shed his pack off into a nearby bush. Better be careful with that, no one pays for broken merchandise…

Watching the “Son of Gorye” closely, he pulled a parchment from his scroll case. A ballad, but it would suffice…
Moving quickly, he drew his yarting from the folds of his robes, glancing up at this rather imposing man at the top of the hill. This had better work…
He rushed struggling up the hill a few yards from the ogre, dropping his robes to the ground along the way. Lifting his yarting to his chest, the parchment tucked into his belt, he began to translate the ballad on the scroll in the deepest and most booming voice he could muster, playing a haunting, dirge-like melody deftly on the stringed instrument…

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#99

Surprises. Borgradoc did not like surprises. And this latest one seemed dire. An ogre from the village? And more behind him? This was a trap!! The evoking of Gora'am the Purifier's name did little to improve the situation.

Surrender however was not in the cards. Too late for that, if the ogre was not bluffing. Now Brogradoc grew angry at himself, for being too bold, and for "hunting" too close to Cottar's Bale. He underestimated his opponent once more.

"Kill them all! Kill them all! KILL THEM ALL!!" Borgradoc screamed, all pretenses at "enlightened villainy" cast aside, and raised his arm sky-high to signal his hidden crossbowmen. This will be a bloodfest, he thought suddenly. His time in the good graces of the stupid villagers was over now.

Yoord and Mrok hesitated only a moment, unsure of what was happening, but then rushed forward, their spears brandished, saliva flying from their mouths, as they cursed in the ugly tongue of the Verbeeg.

Borgradoc never felt fear, but concern clouded his misshappen head. Mayhaps I should escape during this fracas? The lives of his gang members mattered little to him after all. Only his own life mattered.

"Whats this now?" He suddenly looked to a nearby hillock anew. A spell singer? again? This was all too much for the Verbeeg leader. He waited for his troops to engage then began backtracking toward his hidden crossbow wielders.

All hell was breaking loose. Luckily for the adventurers-upon-return, hell breaking loose, was old hat for them. What was truly frightening, was that they preferred it this way.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#100

Ok, action time. I shall await Kyrian's attack on "Dog", but the rest of you are free to attack now. Two verbeeg are rushing madly at you, closing the distance, allowing you to attack first. (Dog is already "here", but he has eyes only for Kyrian and his horse). Two huge crossbow bolts whistle through the air, but both miss badly. Your move.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#101

For the briefest of moments, a tinge of surprise floated down the spine of the armored man burrowed into the mud at the top of the hill. His own trick, it would seem, had been borrowed by another. But now would not be the time to fall into the chorus, especially of that tune. Not when he had his own surprises to grant. A moment of casting his eye about to locate his Brother, to signal him to take cover, and Adan began to draw his great bow, trying his very best to take a bead on the near crossbowman as he did so.

Trigu, god of all, guide the flight of this arrow where you will!

Release!

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#102

"Coward!" shouted Vorodon as he saw the huge brigand retreat. He considered heaving a dart at the verbeeg's retreating figure, but the range was too far. With an inarticulate roar that echoed through the hills, the volgotoi warrior hurled his deadly missiles at the bandit's approaching allies.

(OOC: Vorodon will target those who most directly threaten his allies, giving priority to those already wounded.)

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#103

Adan and Tristan, and big, flying bolts

Coward. This did not sit well with Brown Borgradoc as he backed up quickly and turned to escape.

Whhhhoooooooooommmmmm.....THHUNGGG!

What was that? Dumjakk thought to himself as he turned toward his half-brother Limper who was some distance away. The crossbow wielder's answer came suddenly.

Limper howled and roared. It seemed for a few moments that his screaming was the loudest sound in all the world. To his credit, Limper still held his huge crossbow, bolt still cocked, but now the verbeeg had risen form his hidey hole, and jumped up and down in obvious and extreme pain. Sticking out from his backside, was a crossbow bolt. A verbeeg bolt to boot. So deep was it lodged in the verbeeg's arse, that only a few inches could be seen of the foul missile.

Dumjakk looked around confused. Limper hopped from foot to foot, and swung around violently, sending his own cocked bolt a'flying.

whhhoooooommm, thhhungg!

Limper's bolt hit Dumjakk in the thigh, and now Dumjakk was howling as well, and pointing his crossbow back at Limper, as he lodged another one of his own missiles into the apparatus.

Just as this was happening, Borgradoc backed up enough to now be near his two "archers".

"What are you fools doing?!" Borgradoc raged, and at this Dumjakk stopped just as he was about to spear Limper with a bolt.

Limper, however, was still screaming maniacally, his face contorted with fear and rage, and ignored his leader entirely.

Borgradoc scanned the terrain. So the ogre forces were behind them as well. For a moment Borgradoc paused, unsure of what to do.

"Dumjakk, you blithering idiot, you are being fired upon from behind! To me, now!" then, "If anything moves. Anything. Anything other than Limper (who was still howling), FIRE!! Understand? UNDERSTAND?"

Dumjakk managed to nod, his own thigh wound now bleeding profusely.

"Forget Limper. Come. We will go back down into the gorge, you and I"

Carefully, the two made their way away from the battle, and back from whence they came. Back, but towards the exact spot where Tristan and Adan were half-buried in mud, and waiting.

Trigu was with you, Adan. A 19! :shock: I'll wait on Tristan. Hehe, CM has a lot to catch up on

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#104

He watched as the obvious leader of these “ruffians” turned tail and began to run, the ogrish fellow shouting at his back.
“Damn shame, that is” he chuckled, watching the scene before him closely as he set his yarting down on a small patch of grass relatively free of muck. This is bad…

Looking at the fray at the base of the hill, his eyes shifted from the people engaging what looked to be a band of mad ogres and his weapons.
Sure wish I brought a bow or something…

With no more than half a second’s hesitation, he slipped his arm into the straps of his buckler. Pulling his dagger from his belt with the same hand, the curved point facing down, he loosed the strap on his broadsword and began his mad rush down the hill at top speed, laughing and drawing his sword.
This is going to be interesting…

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#105

waiting on Tristan, Kyrian, Talia, and Aerex for their attack/actions, then I'll post the battle at the base of the hill. First thing that happens will be Voro's dart flying. Then Wand's mad dash :P

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#106

Talia sighed in irritation. Well, if the dog... thing was fighting with Kyrian, she couldn't get a clear shot, and the knight wouldn't appreciate it any way. Voro had returned, that was good. She shifted her focus to the leader. She still thought he was the biggest threat, and she was in a foul mood any way. She darted past Aerex, her readied fan suddenly spinning through the air at the leader. She followed it, charging towards him with her other fan held at the ready. Oh, he'd regret demanding tribute from this group. A lot.

(OOC: Throwing at Borgradoc, and trying to close the distance as fast as possible so I might pummel him next round.)

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#107

Lord of All, All glory is yours, now and forever! I am thy vessel, fill me as thou shalt, and release me as thou shalt!

His bow redrawn during the moments of confusion and discussion, Adan had spent long moments trying to draw the bead on his next target... at least until the bead decided to draw itself for him. One shot. It would have to count. He would have to wait until Borgadoc was nearly upon him, to swing up and fire, such that the small giant would be so large and close to fill his entire field of fire... ...and then pray he could get away, sliding and rolling upon the mud. It would be madness at best. But it would seem the Lord was taking his evening meal with a side of Extra Chaos tonight. Perhaps he and Tristan might yet live, but for now, he would wait, motionless within the cold, viscous ooze.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#108

Matare groaned slightly. "I love it when our plans come together," he muttered. Cautiously walking backward, Aerex smoothly pulled out his short bow, knocked an arrow, and let it loose at one of the charging Verbeeg, aiming for its ugly head. It would be easier to handle one berserking giant than two. Out of the corner of his eye, he noted with a hint of pride that Talia was charging straight for Borgradoc. The glint of the sun in her flying fan shone like a jewel.

(OOC: Attempting to fire and put the teensiest more distance between Aerex and his foes.)

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#109

"Rancid worm! Return and kiss my blade!" Kyrian called, adrenaline rushing through every fiber of his being, the hunt, the battle upon him.
Dog's head was exposed, wih him being on all fours - that is where he would strike. He pounced, swinging the Carmine Rose in a wide arc.

"Die like the dog you are!"

His quarry was fleeng. Kyrian would have none of that. Right after his strike, he surged past the ogres, towards Borgadoc. "Let me turn you red, Werepig of Feculent Hue!"

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#110

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for His Name sake. Yea though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou annointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely mercy and goodness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

"We find ourselves in the Valley brother. Yet we need not fear, for Trigu's Hand will cover and protect us in the face of the worst the Evil One throws at us. We'll wait until they get close enough so that that bow of theirs is useless, then unleash the wrath of Trigu upon them. The blood of the innocent shall be avenged this day." Tristan's demeanor had changed completely from what he had been before. There was no hesitation, no doubt in his voice or mind. To him, his faith was all he needed to charge the jaws of evil with a stick. This was a different priest than the one who had cried for mercy for the false prophets at Bale's Root. No mercy would be given to those who heeded not the warning of the priest.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#111

1.5 Rounds, Part I (If you are featured here, feel free to act. Part II coming shortly for the others)

Kyrian’s blade struck true, perhaps even too easily, lacerating Dog’s fetid flesh like butter in the hot sun. Cheek, and ear, and nose, bits of neck and great clumps of hair, tore cleanly off the left side of the Verbeeg’s face and skull, blood spurting profusely, and shingles of cheap ring mail flying through the air. The blade’s precision however, enabled the charging behemoth’s mad rush to go on, and as Kyrian side-stepped swiftly, Dog went stumbling forward, crashing momentarily into the base of the mud-gorged hill. Burrowing out with rage, Dog once more assaulted the elf, ignoring its own bloody half-face, and leaping this time, smashing directly into Kyrian’s mailed form. Knocked off his feet, Kyrian was now on his back in the mud, with Dog clumsily astride his chest and raising his massive fists to pummel Kyrian’s helmed face. A shot like that, Kyrian had time to muse, would most likely permanently fuse the metal of the helm with my skull.

Kyrian hit for 11 dam. Dog missed. Dog won initiative. Dog bowled Kyrian over, knocking him flat on his back. For 2 dam. Your move. Then initiative. *rolling* You win. You have two attacks/actions

The iron dart bore deep enough into Yoord’s fleshy shoulder to crack a piece of the Verbeeg’s shoulder blade. The pain must have been intense, yet Yoord’s visage changed little from the hideous, squinty-eyed, foaming-mouthed, countenance it already portrayed. Swinging his spear wildly, in lieu of his planned lunge, while trying to ignore the shooting pain, Yoord’s weapon missed the ducking Talia badly, swishing overhead in a wide time-consuming arc, as the Bladedancer, ran around the behemoth, as a hart would run past a sleeping bear. Talia did not even slow her sprint, as she easily bypassed Yoord’s hulking form, and continued her pursuit of the retreating Borgradoc. Angry now, for her steel fan had missed its mark, clanging off an exposed boulder and sending sparks flying. The weapon ricocheted and buried softly into a pile of mud, a mere ten feet from Borgradoc’s back. As Talia gained, she could make out screams of pain and the sound of bolts whistling through the air. So Borgradoc had more men, she thought, but why were they screaming? Second fan clutched tightly, Talia continued on, then slowed instinctively, as she spied one Verbeeg jumping up and down uncontrollably and shouting in excruciating discomfort. Ahead, another forty feet now, was Borgradoc fleeing with one other crossbow wielding verbeeg, heading west in the direction of the Great Gorge, and less than a thousand feet away now from its cusp. Suddenly, Borgradoc stopped and turned, signaling his lackey Dumjakk to turn as well, and pointed at Talia. Dumjakk fired a bolt. A missile whizzed, and suddenly tore through the leather and flesh of Talia’s left arm, then continued on its trajectory. A direct hit may have been fatal, but as is, the wound was not deep.

Adan and Tristan were buried in mud a mere ten feet away from the two Verbeeg, who were now eyeing Talia, and had their backs to the Triguians.

Talia missed with initial fan throw, Yoord, rushing by, missed Talia, then Dumjakk grazed her arm with a bolt. 4 dam. Initiative rolled. Talia wins. Tristan and Adan are free to act as well, unseen as of yet by the two Verbeeg, now staring down the coming Bladedancer.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#112

His move might have been wiser - lying in the mud, Kyrian realized that Dog probably used his head only for eating. He'd notice a lack of it only when it was time to munch on the bones of the fallen.

Not that the pooch would ever munch anything again if Kyrian had any say in the matter.

Hissing, he grasped his weapon by the blade as well as the hilt, and ran the humming metal's edge across the ogre's exposed throat. Truth be said, he liked fighting people more. People were easy to dispatch by one strike, covering in agony as soon as they suffered but one blow. You could dispatch a man by loping off his hand, slashing him once across the belly, or prodding him in his family jewels.

The blade's tip was pointed towards that rabid mutt from the last strike, seeking but a target. Kyrian thrust it towards dog's underbelly.

"Hardly sporting. But well - I don't do sport!"

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#113

Talia snarled as the verbeeg scored on her arm. It hurt, but it wasn't enough to stop her. She was more irritated about missing her throw; she probably couldn't grab the fan just now without sacrificing some momentum, which she did not want to do yet. She could fight with one fan as well as two. She went straight for Borgradoc, steel glinting as she slashed at the behemoth. If all went well, her own forward motion would make the blades bite harder. In any case, she meant to keep going past him; she sensed that close quarters would be inadvisable for someone of her relative smallness. Plus, a moving target was always harder to hit.

((OOC: I'm aiming at a hit and run, here. One charging attack, and keep going.))

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#114

1.5 Rounds, Part II

Mrok meanwhile focused his spear attack on the backtracking Aerex, who had effortlessly notched an arrow and let loose, at the marauding Verbeeg. The missile struck the misshapen giant in his belly, causing him to grunt and slow his stride briefly. Another arrow fired before the monster could reach the wiry ranger, and another hit, this one also burrowing into Mrok’s fleshy gut. Then another dart, iron, cruel, and familiar, flung once more with uncanny force, and penetrated entirely into Mrok’s mid-section joining Aerex’ twin arrows. Mrok howled but kept coming, finally lunging at Aerex with his twelve-foot spear, but missing, staggering forward, and turning to face the elusive little man once more. Uphill and behind, Vorodon drew more darts, deciding on his next pin-cushion.

With a scream in tongues unknown came the downhill mad rush of the bold and mysterious stranger, Kasin Mirinar. Dagger and broadsword slashed through the air, the dagger missing, but the broadsword slicing the surprised Mrok, across the verbeeg’s back and drawing a thin red line. Mrok whirled, and impaled the bravado through the gut and out the back with his massive spear. Mirinar’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at his own navel. A mortal wound, yet, it would not kill him in the short term....it had happened too quickly. Impaled now though as he was, Mirinar feebly swung his blade, missing the giant, as Mrok brought his second hand, and full strength to lift the spear and thrashing salmon aloft into the air. Now airborne, Mirinar slowly started to slide down the weapon’s shaft. His eyes began to cloud. Yet another dart, merciless missile that it was, burrowed into Mrok's thigh, yet the now crazed verbeeg still held Mirinar aloft.

Aerex hit with both arrows (+1 for bow due to rangerhood :)). 9 dam. Vorodon has hit with all 3 darts so far. Two on Mrok and one on Yoord for a total of 3 and 7 dam respectively. Mrok missed. Mirinar hit with broadsword. 4 dam. Mrok really hit Mirinar (20), impaling him, and dealing 13 dam. Mrok is now holding Mirinar aloft and getting ready to swing him around by the spear, either using him to bash Aerex or flinging Mirinar several dozen feet, along with his spear. Initiative won by Aerex, Mirinar, Vorodon.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#115

Into the Valley I go...

The verbeeg that had approached their position were distracted by the approaching brown...female? He wasn't entirely sure because of what looked like mud covering her, but the long white hair and lithe build suggested to the priest that this was a woman. A dangerous one, judging by the length her thrown fan had flown. She certainly held the remaining one as if she knew what she was doing. The archer of the pair of verbeeg had just fired his weapon, the bolt passing through the woman's arm. While the verbeeg's aim showed that it had been smart to stay under cover earlier, he could no longer do so.

"Peace be with you, brother." he whispered as he stood and unclipped his mace from where it always hung on his belt, eying the bladedancer as she continued her charge. He made a long couple of steps, aiming for Dumjakk, the archer. He was already injured from the mishap earlier, once he was out of the fight, Boradoc would be easier to take down.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#116

Cat, Dog, Verbeeg, Aerex, and Dart.

The weight of the stinking behemoth began to crush Kyrian and take his breath, yet his blade had accomplished its task, slicing a river of running blood, across the verbeeg's soft neck, and moments later plunging point first into the creature's intestinal sack, just above the groin. Dog roared as more blood pumped from his neck, and came down with full force on Kyrian. Apparently he could use his head for one more thing, and that was head-butting Kyrian's face full bore, smashing into the knight's helm, and sending thousands of jagged, icy shards, into the the nerve-endings of Kyrian's skull. For a momment all was black for the knight, but only for a moment. Had his head been resting on rock and not mud, it would have been much worse for Kyrian. Dog's meaty hands, now closed around Kyrian's neck entirely, squeezing the life from the knight, even as his blade dug cleanly deeper, like a surgeon's scalpel, into Dog's underbelly, freeing countless milk-white writhing snakes from his gut, and even as the blood from his throat spilled freely forth. Silently, another dart dug into Dog's back. From this, Dog expired. Vorodon's missile had taken what little life Dog had left.

Now Yoord charged Aerex and managed to nick the ranger with a with the tip of his spear. Aerex grimaced. His bow was no longer useful. Yoord was upon him.

From beneath the suddenly rigid Dog, rose Kyrian, slowly, covered in blood and mud, and convulsing in short rapid breaths.

Kyrian did some major damage, 19. Vorodon's bolt finished Dog. 4 dam. Kyrian suffered 9 dam. Yoord did 4 dam to Aerex. Aerex, Kyrian win initative. Vorodon loses his first initiative roll.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#117

Talia, Borgradoc, Dumjakk, and the Holy Men

Borgradoc's eyes bulged open as Talia just kept coming. Brave woman, he thought. "Fire" he yelled at Dumjakk, but the lackey had already missed, and now the Bladedancer was too close for the massive crossbow to be effective. Borgrdaoc stiffened as naked steel cut into his arm. Swinging around to strike back at his opponent, the verbeeg swung his fist at empty air, Talia was already ahead and now behind the verbeeg leader again, swift as a cat, some distance away.

At that moment came the justice of Trigu, in the form of Tristan and his trusty mace, leaping from his hiding spot, and charging Dumjakk spouting prayers of retribution, a steely loook in his eyes. Even as he charged, a thought crept into Tristan's mind. He had known this woman. Flying steel fans were not a common weapon in these parts, or any other.

The mace thudded into Dumjakk's spine, and the verbeeg screamed, turning quickly and smashing Tristan with his crossbow, the armor doing little to dull the jarring pain. Tristan dropped, but rolled and rose again, fires of the holy spirit burning in the young priest's eyes. Only death would stop Tristan now, and maybe not even that.

Borgradoc panicked slightly and withdrew his own weapon for the first time that day. A massive iron, chain which had hung around the giant's waist as a belt, and was now fully brandished, as Borgradoc the Brown swung wildly, slicing the air in slashing arcs. Anyone who came close, would be struck. As he swung the chain, the verbeeg started moving again, toward Talia, toward the spot where Adan was hiding, and hopefully toward the gorge and salvation. Borgradoc cursed under his breath that the oncoming Dusk had would render his trained eagles useless. The desperate giant ran and swung.

Incidentally, the arse-bolted Limper runs off screaming in a random direction, leaving the scene of the battle and his comrades entirely.

Talia took a slice O' Borgy. 5 dam. Tristan landed a beaut on Dumjakk. 6 dam. Dumjakk crashed his cross bow into Tristan. 7 dam. Borg missed a forearm backhand on Talia. Talia, Adan, and Tristan win initiative. Tristan's first attack was a free action/suprise attack.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#118

((OOC: Here's hoping this isn't a really, really stupid idea.))

Talia skidded around, neatly reversing herself. She took a moment to orient herself, then bolted forward again, towards Borgradoc. She wasn't stupid; she knew that chain he was swinging around was lethal. But this time, she meant to have the thrice-damned mud work for her. Just before she got within range, she threw herself down, turning the charge into a slide. She had aimed low this time, at his massive ankles, meaning to hamstring her opponent, or at least make a good try for it. And if she did this properly, once past him, she'd be able to roll into a better stance... hopefully picking up her other fan on the way, or at least landing close enough for it to be practical to grab it.

((OOC: God, I hope that made sense.))

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#119

Vehement prayers of wrath and retribution for the countless innocents lost over the ages of time to monsters like this spilled forth from the priest's lips even as the back of his mind took note of the bladedancer sliding towards Borgradoc in the mud. Talia will be fine, worry about your own neck... He had no time to figure out how he made the connection since his old traveling companion was covered in mud, but now that he had noticed the connection, it was obvious to him. He swung again at the verbeeg in front of him, praying desperately that he'd be able to take this opponent down before Talia's removed her pretty little head from her pretty little neck.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#120

Aerex grunted and spat at the creature. "The Dynast curse you!" he grunted, shoving the bow awkwardly into its quiver and tearing his rapier and dagger from their respective sheathes. He was grateful the stranger had tried to assist and now worried for the man's life, but nothing could be done until his own safety was secured. He gave a combination slash-thrust at the Verbeeg assaulting him, hoping the one with the now-impaled stranger would be held off for the time being.
(OOC: Attacking Yoorg!)