[Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash — Legacy Forums

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#161

"If I recall correctly, this was but half their number, the other half certainly now aware of our murderous meddling."
The elf rubbed his chin - meeting the bossy rats head on would be folly.

"Helgkhor" he whispered, "can you lift me up to that crack over there in the floorboards? I may be able to see up to work fate a little in our favor."

If I see a sole rat, I would charm him - if two or more, it's Ithilianor! time.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#162

"Ey, your crow mentioned 4 up top as well. "

Metandris carefully scanned the top of the ship, and listened...

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#163

Helgkhor wipes the rat-men's blood and reeking entrails from his blade, then sheaths it. He hesitates only a few seconds--touching wizards is taboo after-all--but then quickly hoists Aredhel, trusting the elf to quickly root out more enemies or any nasty surprises.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#164

Bending down to pick up his pipe from where it had fallen during the fray, Korchel relit it with a brief burst of magical energy. His voice was low and raspy. "These are beasts of stealth. If any remain with the power to do us harm, they either seek to ambush us within, or hope to seize a better position through cunning."

The dwarven augur stepped back from the others, raising his arms to draw upon the place's energies. Finding his center, then spreading to embrace the area around him, Korchel's concentration broadened. His every sense, both magical and mundane, reached out to detect their foes. Drawing upon the dragon magic within him, the dwarf's nostrils flared. His eyes glittered in the dim light, seming almost reptilian for a moment.

At this point, he's just using his Perception skill...
(10:04:30) ChatBot: Wulfhere rolls 1d20 and gets 15.
+2 for his Perception skill makes 17.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#165

After a moments hesitation, Helgkhor lifted the wizard up to the crack in the wood, his muscles bulging as he supported the elf. "Aha!" Exclaimed Aredhel softly as he peered through into the interior of the vessel - a single leather-clad werebeast was indeed just walking down the stairs cautiously with a short sword in hand, peering around in confusion at the lack of it's bretheren. The wizard gave a quick snicker, followed by an arcane phrase and a quick motion of his hand.

The were creature halted in it's tracks for a moment, cocking it's head to one side quizzically. It scratched it's head in confusion and looked around the ship once more - it had not noticed the companions, as they were still outside at the entrance of the ship, along with the bodies of the three previous attackers.
Charm spell complete success; the wererat will act favourably to Aredhel.

Metandris looked above, his eyes squinting against the rain as he studied the side of the ship and tried to make out the top of it. The sickly druid thought he could hear voices through the patter of the rain, no more sounds could be made out.

Korchel also took the time to study the area; he took a step back and raised his arms dramatically. The Dragon Auspex let his senses reach out, snaking and twirling and probing around not unlike the wispy smoke which rose from his pipe. The dwarf studied the ancient walls of the ship - and he noticed one thing at the same time as Metandris did; there were rents made by claws all along the curved surface all the way up and down the ship - while it seemed quite hazardous for any of the companions to climb, it seemed the wererats with their sharpened claws often made use of the wood to travel up to the top of the ship - and probably to come down.
There was no movement from above at the moment, however.

Atacuso stood in the rain, straining his neck in an attempt to study the bite-mark on his shoulder - the damned thing hurt and itched. He had heard of folk getting the Swynnish mud in their wounds and getting near-fatal infections. The half-elf sighed; hopefully the same wouldn't happen to him!

Okey doke. So the group is still at the entrance of the first floor. A single were-rat has come down the stairs to investigate, however Aredhel has succesfully charmed it. On studying the exterior of the ship, Metandris and Korchel both noticed that the sides of the ship are used by the were-rats to climb up and down. Metandris has heard faint voices up on the top of the ship, but nothing can be seen along the rim of it. Atacuso hasn't made any action as yet.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#166

"Friends - may I introduce you to my favourite compatriot and best friend? Please join us - they are a little uncouth, but otherwise decent" the elf waved to the ratman.
Once it had skittered closer, Aredhel continued: "They agreed to come and help you. For, friend, I have learned that your very leader plots your demise! But if we join forces, we may bring him down, and you may be the leader!"
He looked at his fellows, and his eyes urged them to nod.
Then, he again gave the ratman a weary smile.
"See? They wish to help. Now, please, introduce yourself. They are a little shy."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#167

"Metandris, Druid," said Metandris, "Aye, I've heard how he treats you worse then scum."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#168

Warily eyeing the upper reaches of the vessel, Korchel's voice sank into a quiet hiss. "Let us complete our introductions within, lest we be interrupted. I fancy not the look of this... weather."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#169

"Mactiss..." The filthy wererat introduced itself as, and at Korchel's comment it nodded, "Yess, friends. Come within!" Luckily it did not notice the bodies of its friends strewn outside. And so the companions made their way inside the depths of the ship. The pitiful wererat grovelled before Aredhel, although it gave shifty glances and threatening looks to the rest of the group. (Charisma roll for Aredhel - success!)
"Fat Ratholta always had it in for Mactis!" The creature snorted - it's foul breath smelled of rotten meat and mould, and flowed over the group, causing Atacuso to dry retch. "Friend Elf... Mactis does not want to lead - just wants Ratholta's sack! The sack has much food - and Fat Rat does not share!"
Mactis skittered up close to Atacuso, conspiratively, it's offensive odour causing Carus to fly off the wizard's shoulder in disgust, "Aaah, but Ratholta is coward, see. Kill Clumm and Usk and the Fat Rat will give in! I knows it!"
Mactis set a steady glare on the rest of the group, "Yes, we share Ratholta's hoard... But, can we trust the friends of you, Elf?" Mactis snapped it's teeth in warning in Korchel's direction - he hadn't seen a dwarf before! And the masked mystic and hulking, muscled man? All very intimidating!
Lightning crashed somewhere outside, the sound causing the ship to vibrate and rattle ominously.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#170

Helgkhor eyes the sniveling, ensorcelled ratman with disgust. He can't bring himself to introduce his name to this miserable creature. He stands silently, eye-ing the ratman for signs of treachery, then follows the group into the bowels of the rotting hulk.

When the lightning cracks, Helgkhor smiles. Lightning he does not fear. He has been struck by a sky-bolt before...but the fear of this ship breaking apart and drowning them all, worries the giant.

Once more the albino's massive blade is unsheathed. Helgkhor tenses, peering about the shadows of the ship, as the floor-boards rattle and creak beneath his weight.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#171

In truth, Metandris was more conflicted then he showed.

The curse that afflicted these rat-men was not far different than what his own meditations would someday unlock.

The difference was his was controllable, and left his psyche mostly intact. Those untrained and unexpectedly thrown into a new form under the curse of Lycanthropy would frequently find their minds hopelessly torn, in some cases becoming more vile than the creature whose form they took - such as this fine fellow right here.

While it was possible to cure unfortunates such as these, the efforts were on par with Metandris's own quest, and would in no case profit himself or his people. Perhaps a quick death was the best cure for these wretched ones, if it could be dispensed without incurring one for himself in return.

Of course, Metandris said none of this, and the mask helped keep his face from betraying these thoughts also.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#172

As he put his pipe back away in his pocket, Korchel silently thanked his addiction for the damage it had wrought on his senses of smell and taste: The rat-thing's stench was barely noticable. It would still require all of his willpower to remain civil to the accursed pest. These rat beasts bore too close a resemblance to the horrors hidden beneath the dwarven enclaves of his youth. The murderous, diseased predators deserved nothing better than death.

"Friend... Mactiss. Show us where these others be, and their injustices shall be amended. Food shall be yours: Lots of delicious food!"

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#173

"Show us the best approach, around any traps, so that we may surprise that fiend! We are quite strong ourselves, but help if you manage!"
Sure, the rat stank, but then, Aredhel had his share of thick air and machine stench back home ... and lots more in Soglash!
Pragmatically, he shrugged and told his stomach to leave the objections to a more opportune time, a more suitable place.
"Lead on!"

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#174

Mactis's eyes lit up as the dwarf suggested food was his for the taking and he nodded enthusiastically, "Yess, this way then, new friends! We will show you the way through! Quietly now."
The wererat dropped to all fours and led the group into the ship. They had to tread carefully, as half the boards on the floor were rotted through and could collapse at any moment. Nonetheless, they made their way to the stairs leading up,
"Take care, now, friends! Second step drops through - turns you into shish-kabob!" The stinking vermin cackled quietly.
Atacuso had a look to the wall beside the stairs and noticed three spear-points roughly poking through it - a very basic trap, probably using pulleys and the victims own weight against it; the half-elf probably would have spotted it easily anyway!

Up the stairs they went, and found themselves in a small cabin which was very small - the only furnishing it had was a basic desk, bolted to the wall to prevent it sliding while travelling in the sea. A single torch lit the room, crackling away softly with the smell of oil. A closed door and a window featured on the far wall, although the window seemed too greasy and stained to see through clearly.
"Outside, he is, with his lackeys; Ratholta likes the rain! Stinking Fat Rat!" Mactis cursed and spat.

Just a quick post to keep us all moving; good to see everyone posting :D (except Dozus, who seems to have gone AWOL :c ) I'll draw up a quick map of the top deck today or tomorrow.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#175

Metandris had naught to say, but simply followed.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#176

"Gentlemen, I wouldn't mind if you could lead with fist and blade... and a hearty kick where necessary!"
Aredhel readied himself to break the window pane and sling unpleasantness at ratmen outside.
"Soon, a feast for crows!" Carus gloated, heedless of the fact that he was a raven. Let's hope other corvids were invited to the feast, too.

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#177

Moving adjacent to the chamber's narrow portal, Korchel unlimbered his battleaxe. The dwarven exile began chanting, his smoke-roughened voice rising in a sibilant incantation. Smoky threads of destiny began to take shape before him, ready to guide his weapon toward its target once the door was opened.

True strike cast...

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#178

The group glanced back and forth at one another; the time for hesitation was over. Helgkhor was the one who opened the door, pushing it gently out. The torchlight flickered, threatening to snuff out as a chill wind entered the cabin. Korchel uttered an incantation to augment his accuracy, and Aredhel readied his sling next to the window. Atacuso and Metandris both kept back a couple of paces. The half-elf readied his bow and Metandris's raccoon friend hissed quietly at his feet. Mactis kept back also, the filthy ratman sniffing the air nervously, "Fat-Rat and friends will be over the far side, friends! Careful of Ratholta's crossbow!"

Outside, the deck was slick with the drizzle of rain. The tattered remains of the main-mast stood tall in the middle, and off to one side was a rare sight - an ancient cannon, rusty and looking very tired. a staircase rested just to their left which led to the roof of the cabin.
On the far side of the deck, a ramshackle rain-shelter had been created using several sails stitched together and scavenged wood. Underneath this rain shelter, Helgkhor could see a massive ratman - at least a head taller than the ones down below and twice the girth - paced back and forth in front of a ragged 'throne-like' chair made from driftwood. Another were-rat stood next to Ratholta, watching it's leader fearfully. Helgkhor spotted the third ratman peering over the side of the ship, down to the ground. None of the creatures had noticed the door open yet.
"Argh, where is Mactis!?" Ratholta snorted, "I told him to come straight back up, damn it! What's going on down there! Clumm!"
The ratman peering over the edge jumped to attention and looked back to Ratholta, "I don' see nothin', Ratholta! Want me go down there?"
"No... Not yet - give that scrawny wretch another minute." Ratholta bellowed and sunk his grotty hand into a large sack behind his throne, pulling out a rotting apple and devouring it greedily. The third rat-man watched silently, licking it's lips.

Back in the cabin, Mactis wrung his hands together impatiently, "Yess, we should kill them all!"

Posting a little visual-aid map thing in OOC. Three rat-men are visible, and none have noticed the door open. What do you all do?

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#179

As the magic's power surrounded him, Korchel rushed forth to offer battle to the "fat rat". Draconic maledictions filled the air as the dragon augur raised his battle axe for a reckless, scythe-like slash.

(17:25:40) ChatBot: Wulfhere rolls 1d20 and gets 4.

REALLY?!?! WHEN IS MY GUY GOING TO ACTUALLY ROLL A #$%&* HIT?!?!?

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#180

Given that Korchel used True Strike, shouldn't a 4 be enough to hit?

Aredhel raised one eyebrow as the dwarf bumbled across the deck, fate twisting to let him avoid an oily puddle here, a tattered rope there... and then, the furry ball of fury flailed at the rat-man... most curious. He shrugged and sprayed one of the rat-guards with a little acid, to get the battle rolling - and to distract them a little from the reckless dwarf, no less!
"Carus, please - take a look at possible surprises on the field of battle, from above. No one should be able to object to your survey right now."
"And Mactis - there might be an opportunity to back-stab that despicable Fat Rat or his cronies when Helgkhor and Korchel are distracting them; please go ahead if you feel like doing so."

Re: [Decathros] Chapter 1: Sinking in Soglash

#181

When I was posting, I 'spaced out' that I had just cast. With true strike bolstering it, that becomes...
4 + 2 + 20 = 26

YES!!!!! Bwahahahaha! EAT STEEEL, YOU STUPID RAT!!

(10:57:14) ChatBot: Wulfhere rolls 1d8 and gets 2.
Damage: 2+3 = 5