in character 2. The Black Script (continued)

[Sir Lazeabout]

OOC: I'm spending a Hero Point to have brought a bottle of antidote to this particular poison.

Lifeblood 8/10 Arcane Points 11/11 Hero Points 4/5

Falling back, his wounds stinging with poison, Balathu fumbles in his healer's pouch for a bottle of antidote and downs it quickly. As he does so, he tries to hold the slorths off with his sword, but their sinuous grace lets them evade his blade.

Edited April 8 by Sir Lazeabout (see edit history)

[Excior]

Suddenly, the chains fell from around the blue giant, clanking to the floor, allowing Jouka to stand to his full height—a feat he had not accomplished in many moons. The strength that the chains had drained from his body quickly returned with his newfound vigor. As a Slorth advanced, its needle-like fangs aimed at Jouka's arm, the creature's attack was futile against the leather and iron bracer on his massive forearm, causing no damage.

In an instant, all the pent-up rage and humiliation that had been building inside Jouka was unleashed. The blue giant wrapped his massive arms around the creature's head and began to squeeze. A sickening crack echoed in the chamber as the abomination twitched violently in Jouka's grasp.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the room, other Slorths attacked Jouka's allies. The sounds of struggle and combat filled the air as the creatures faced off against the courageous intruders.

With each squeeze, Jouka exerted his newfound strength, his eyes blazing with determination. The Slorth struggled against his powerful grip, its movements growing weaker as Jouka's relentless hold tightened. Finally, with a final convulsive shudder, the creature went limp in his arms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OOC:

Jouka needs a base of 9+ to hit as described on page 66 of the rules under resolving attacks.

Jouka rolled a 10 but the creature has a defense of 1 does that mean that Jouka hit or missed?

Spending a hero point to turn my roll into a mighty success and do a bloody slash/crushing blow and add +6 to his damage

 

Edited April 8 by Excior (see edit history)

[Dybrar]

Tɪᴋɪɴᴀ ᴛʜᴇ Tʜɪᴇғ (sheet)Lifeblood: 8 / 8   Defence: 1          Hero Points: 3 Even as she nimbly backed away from the melee again, she could not help but marvel at the giant's unleashing his wrath. Such strength! At the very least she could see now why the manse's inhabitants had gone to such lengths to keep their hulking captive restrained. Noting that he was unarmed – a sensible precaution, from his gaolers' perspective – the thief hesitated for a moment before letting the simple iron dagger she habitually kept up one sleeve slip into her hand. It was purely a hold-out, a weapon reserved for the most desperate of moments. She could scarcely recall ever using it with aggressive intent: a dagger was bound to make precious little difference indeed in her hands. If wielded by a more robust individual, however… “Uh, hey?” Tikina called out. Had she heard the giant's name correctly when he had invoked his gods? “Jouka? Maybe you could, ah, use this? Catch!” Flipping the dagger in her palm, she threw it to him underhand. No doubt it would look like a toy in his grasp – albeit a sharp, pointy toy still capable of inflicting harm. Having done this she produced her sling somewhat reluctantly, seeking a likely target. Freeing the blue giant from his chains no doubt would remain her chief contribution to this skirmish; drawing attention to herself by attacking any of these monstrous creatures seemed less than wise. Yet the idea of doing nothing, or selfishly attempting to remove herself to safety, also did not sit well with her.

Mechanics

Tikina draws her dagger and tosses it to Jouka (if he is willing to receive it). Not that it's a great weapon, but d6L+STR damage should still beat d3+STR/2!

I am not clear on whether any of the slorths are currently at less than full health. If so, I will attack whichever one is the most severely injured at this time in a probably pointless attempt to finish it off; otherwise I will choose a target that cannot easily reach Tikina.

EDIT: the attack is a hit if Tikina's target is at Point Blank range (i.e. within her sling's range increment of 30') and she thus gains the +1 modifier.

Edited April 11 by Dybrar (see edit history)

[roryb]

The projectile hit the already wounded slorth facing off against Asara, hitting it in the throat. The thing dropped dead. Balathu had just imbibed his antidote, but still fought off the two remaining monsters in the room. They slithered, swiftly shifting to the left and right for an opening to present itself. For the time being, the Zaluti outcast was able to maneuver, but kept losing ground. Both Jouka and Asara were now clear to engage these last fiends.

Milord cawed as the caged creature just beside Tikina rattled again against its restraints and howling a mournful song.

Player Expendables

Asara		Tikina		Balathu		Jouka
Hero Points	3	Hero Points	3	Hero Points	4	Hero Points	4
Lifeblood	14	Lifeblood	8	Lifeblood	8	Lifeblood	14
				Arcane Points	11	Fate Points	0

 

 

OOC Notes

This is turn two. And Tikina’s target is within point blank range. It’s not a great diameter to this roundish chamber. However, it is lofty. Three points is enough to finish off Asara’s second opponent. Once Balathu goes (or is he doing defense only again?), then it’s the enemies’ turns.

1. Jouka
2. Balathu
3. Tikina
4. Slorth
5. Asara

Slorth

Strength 1, Agility 1, Mind 0, Appeal 0
Melee 2, Ranged -1, Initiative 0, Defense 1
Guardian 1, Slave 1
Attack: Bite +3, damage 1d3
Lifeblood 8 each

Traits:

• Poisonous Bite (roll a strength-based task to avoid a powerful toxin that puts its victims to sleep in 2 turns)
• Constriction (on a Mighty Success during a physical attack, a medium-sized or smaller victim is caught in its coils and must make a Tough (-2) strength- or agility- based task to escape. During construction, the victim suffers 1d3 points of Lifeblood damage)

 

Slorth1	Slorth2	Slorth3	Slorth4	Slorth5
Vs. Asara	Vs. Asara	Vs. Balathu	Vs. Balathu	Vs. Jouka
Dead	Dead	8 LB	8 LB	Dead

 

 

[roryb]

The fiends struck out again at the embattled Balathu, hissing and frothing as their coils attempted to trip the Thulian. He avoided the first, but felt the sting in his shoulder as the second found an opening.

Player Expendables

Asara		Tikina		Balathu		Jouka
Hero Points	3	Hero Points	3	Hero Points	4	Hero Points	4
Lifeblood	14	Lifeblood	5	Lifeblood	8	Lifeblood	14
				Arcane Points	11	Fate Points	0

 

 

OOC Notes

With Balathu in full defense mode, I’ll jump to the enemies’ actions.

1. Jouka
2. Balathu
3. Tikina
4. Slorth
5. Asara

Edit. #4 hits Balathu for max damage. Another strength-based task is needed from him to avoid the poison. Eek!

Slorth

Strength 1, Agility 1, Mind 0, Appeal 0
Melee 2, Ranged -1, Initiative 0, Defense 1
Guardian 1, Slave 1
Attack: Bite +3, damage 1d3
Lifeblood 8 each

Traits:

• Poisonous Bite (roll a strength-based task to avoid a powerful toxin that puts its victims to sleep in 2 turns)
• Constriction (on a Mighty Success during a physical attack, a medium-sized or smaller victim is caught in its coils and must make a Tough (-2) strength- or agility- based task to escape. During construction, the victim suffers 1d3 points of Lifeblood damage)

 

Slorth1	Slorth2	Slorth3	Slorth4	Slorth5
Vs. Asara	Vs. Asara	Vs. Balathu	Vs. Balathu	Vs. Jouka
Dead	Dead	8 LB	8 LB	Dead

 

 

Edited April 11 by roryb (see edit history)

[Neopopulas]

Barbarian 2 | Hunter 1 | Soldier 0 | Mercenary 0 || Strength 2 | Agility 2 | Mind 0 | Appeal 0
Melee 2 | Ranged 0 | Defense 2 | Initiative 1 || Hero Points 2 / 5 | Lifeblood 14 / 14
Equipment: Battle harness (-1), Sword, Axes (2)
The Valgardian Blade: AttackAttack:drop(3d6,lowest,1)+4 | DamageDamage:drop(2d6,lowest,1)+2 || Twin Axes: AttackMelee: 2d6+4 | Thrown: 2d6+2 | DamageMelee: 1d6+2 | Thrown: 1d6+1

---

Asara charges in towards the monsters crowding around Balathu, she literally stomps on the slithering creature and moves up its back to drive her sword down through its head, riding it as it falls she continues on to nearly slash the second in half.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Hero Points!

So close to that nat 12, but i'll spend a hero point to make a second attack,
CARNAGE

 

[roryb]

The remaining monster spouted gouts of blood from its neck just below its hideous human-like head. Eyes wide, it slithered back away to try and return some of its vigor.

Player Expendables

Asara		Tikina		Balathu		Jouka
Hero Points	2	Hero Points	3	Hero Points	4	Hero Points	4
Lifeblood	14	Lifeblood	5	Lifeblood	8	Lifeblood	14
				Arcane Points	11	Fate Points	0

 

 

OOC Notes

Turn 3 begins! Only one remaining with 1 Lifeblood. We start anew. I think this turn will not last long.

1. Jouka
2. Balathu
3. Tikina
4. Slorth
5. Asara

Slorth

Strength 1, Agility 1, Mind 0, Appeal 0
Melee 2, Ranged -1, Initiative 0, Defense 1
Guardian 1, Slave 1
Attack: Bite +3, damage 1d3
Lifeblood 8 each

Traits:

• Poisonous Bite (roll a strength-based task to avoid a powerful toxin that puts its victims to sleep in 2 turns)
• Constriction (on a Mighty Success during a physical attack, a medium-sized or smaller victim is caught in its coils and must make a Tough (-2) strength- or agility- based task to escape. During construction, the victim suffers 1d3 points of Lifeblood damage)

 

Slorth1	Slorth2	Slorth3	Slorth4	Slorth5
Vs. Asara	Vs. Asara	Vs. Balathu/Asara	Vs. Balathu/Asara	Vs. Jouka
Dead	Dead	Dead	1 LB	Dead

 

 

[Sir Lazeabout]

Lifeblood 5/10 Arcane Points 11/11 Hero Points 4/5

Feeling faint after a second dose of the poison, Balathu still tries to strike at the last standing monster. If he can just remain awake for a few seconds longer...

Edited April 12 by Sir Lazeabout (see edit history)

[roryb]

The arcane magician’s arc went wide as his eyes began to feel heavier. The bleeding slorth proved too fast for him.

Player Expendables

Asara		Tikina		Balathu		Jouka
Hero Points	2	Hero Points	3	Hero Points	4	Hero Points	4
Lifeblood	14	Lifeblood	5	Lifeblood	8	Lifeblood	14
				Arcane Points	11	Fate Points	0

Balathu. Falls asleep at the start of turn 5

 

OOC Notes

Next!

1. Jouka
2. Balathu
3. Tikina
4. Slorth
5. Asara

Slorth

Strength 1, Agility 1, Mind 0, Appeal 0
Melee 2, Ranged -1, Initiative 0, Defense 1
Guardian 1, Slave 1
Attack: Bite +3, damage 1d3
Lifeblood 8 each

Traits:

• Poisonous Bite (roll a strength-based task to avoid a powerful toxin that puts its victims to sleep in 2 turns)
• Constriction (on a Mighty Success during a physical attack, a medium-sized or smaller victim is caught in its coils and must make a Tough (-2) strength- or agility- based task to escape. During construction, the victim suffers 1d3 points of Lifeblood damage)

 

Slorth1	Slorth2	Slorth3	Slorth4	Slorth5
Vs. Asara	Vs. Asara	Vs. Balathu/Asara	Vs. Balathu/Asara	Vs. Jouka
Dead	Dead	Dead	1 LB	Dead

 

 

[Dybrar]

Tɪᴋɪɴᴀ ᴛʜᴇ Tʜɪᴇғ (sheet)Lifeblood: 8 / 8   Defence: 1          Hero Points: 3 Destroying the last guardian of this awful place ought to afford the group some respite for the time being – at least, unless that yowling beast should manage to break free of its iron cage. But that was a less immediate concern than putting down the remaining serpent-thing, and thus Tikina took up her sling again in an attempt to do just that.

Mechanics

Making a sling attack against the remaining slorth! I assume I am/can get to within Point Blank range for the +1 modifier.

[roryb]

Hit between the eyes, Tikina's projectile dropped the last one dead. Shortly after, Balathu slumped to the ground, having succumbed to the slorth's toxic bite. Although he was ashen-faced, he seemed still to be breathing.

The beast in the cage continued to throw itself against the bars of its cage, even if less vigorously now. The other manacled emaciated men continued to vocalize in torment. The group was still locked within this dismal prison of misery, though starlight continued to stream through several openings in the ceiling through the various hooks and chains suspended therefrom.

Player Expendables

Asara		Tikina		Balathu		Jouka
Hero Points	2	Hero Points	3	Hero Points	4	Hero Points	4
Lifeblood	14	Lifeblood	8	Lifeblood	8	Lifeblood	14
				Arcane Points	11	Fate Points	0

 

OOC Notes

Killed the last! What next?

Slorth1	Slorth2	Slorth3	Slorth4	Slorth5
Vs. Asara	Vs. Asara	Vs. Balathu/Asara	Vs. Balathu/Asara	Vs. Jouka
Dead	Dead	Dead	Dead	Dead

 

 

Edited April 20 by roryb (see edit history)

[Excior]

Jouka slid the small dagger into his belt and approached the caged beast, making soothing animalistic sounds as he drew nearer. With deliberate care, he reached his massive hand up and placed it on the lion-like beast's snout, gently rubbing it while working to unlatch the cage door with his other hand.

"Easy, Tatonka," he murmured in a deep, calming voice. "You will be free soon enough."

The creature, its eyes reflecting a mix of fear and curiosity, seemed to respond to Jouka's touch and voice. As the latch finally gave way with a soft click, Jouka swung the cage door open, stepping back slightly to give the beast space.

"There you go," Jouka said, his tone reassuring. "You're safe now."

The lion-like creature hesitated for a moment, then cautiously emerged from the cage, sniffing the air and eyeing Jouka with wary gratitude. Sensing the creature's wariness, Jouka remained calm and still, allowing it to approach him at its own pace.

As the beast drew nearer, Jouka extended a hand, palm up, offering friendship and trust. The creature sniffed his hand, then leaned into Jouka's touch, a silent gesture of acceptance.

With a nod of satisfaction, Jouka gestured for the creature to follow. Together, they joined the others in the room

[Dybrar]

Tɪᴋɪɴᴀ ᴛʜᴇ Tʜɪᴇғ (sheet)Lifeblood: 8 / 8   Defence: 1          Hero Points: 3 She looked on, baffled, as the blue giant went to free the beast. Either it was not as savage as she had believed it to be, or else the giant possessed a singular bond with the creature. In any case, Tikina resolved to give it a prudently wide berth until she had a better notion of what she was dealing with here. “Balathu,” she murmured, taking note of the fallen sorcerer now that all their enemies lay slain. Swiftly padding over to him, she knelt by his side and eyed him uncertainly. “Um. Balathu?” the thief repeated, more loudly this time, trying to shake him awake.

[Neopopulas]

Barbarian 2 | Hunter 1 | Soldier 0 | Mercenary 0 || Strength 2 | Agility 2 | Mind 0 | Appeal 0
Melee 2 | Ranged 0 | Defense 2 | Initiative 1 || Hero Points 2 / 5 | Lifeblood 14 / 14
Equipment: Battle harness (-1), Sword, Axes (2)
The Valgardian Blade: AttackAttack:drop(3d6,lowest,1)+4 | DamageDamage:drop(2d6,lowest,1)+2 || Twin Axes: AttackMelee: 2d6+4 | Thrown: 2d6+2 | DamageMelee: 1d6+2 | Thrown: 1d6+1

---

"It seems he may have succumbed.. A shame we no longer have our alchemist with us.." she eyes the large blue man "Well big boy i don't suppose you know if your captors kept any antidote around?"


 

 

 

 

 

 

Hero Points!

 

 

[Excior]

“Not likely,” Jouka says while walking toward the other captives, Tatonka trots up beside the blue giant as he crosses the space to where the prisoners are. ”Bhanomuzz,  my master, and his companions are not only vile sorcerers but they are also Morgal.”

Jouka lays his free hand on one of the bound slaves and says a small prayer before plunging the knife into his heart. He then moves on to the next prisoner who looks up at him with pleading eyes. The Blue Giant says another prayer and likewise slays him.  As he moves on to the next Jouka continues. “He and  his companions are not human, they are a coven of Morgal that sailed here in haste to search for an artifact known as the script, I overheard them talk about it over many nights while they feasted on the lifeblood of these unlucky souls.” Jouka continues on his grisly task. “We were oarsmen on the ship, they did not find my blood palatable so left me alone.” With his grisly task complete he offers the young girl her dagger back. “They are in league with a circle of yellow Druids followers of Morgazzon the mad I think.”