Autumn Adventure

[desertfox]

Weeks pass. The blazing sun shrivels the summer flowers on the hillside. Then its intensity fades. Autumn rains soften the horizon, bringing water to the parched earth.

 

Rumours arrive that Miletus has begun to decline. That the Prefect sent an expedition to Samos that was lost at sea. That there is infighting and even an an attempted takeover. Heracleia, Miletus’ unfortunate satellite, declares independence without an immediate response from the Champion army. Good news at last?
 

Yet the Bay cities seem to suffer new misfortunes. Trade dwindles further, with fewer ships arriving from Old Hellas or the Islands. Harvests are poor. And stories of monsters— reptiles in every case—fill the citizens with fear. A winged serpent flies over the city one morning, and fishermen are frightened by a dragon-like turtle that menaces the harbour. Further out in the Bay, even larger creatures are reported to have been seen.
 

One evening, as many in the city are readying themselves for their cot, a signal is heard by Micropolis’ most psychically sensitive citizens. Those who detect it, later describe a sort of whistle, in which some strange words might be discerned.

 

OOC

Refresh favours!
 

Explain where you are and what you are likely doing at this evening hour.
 

Make a SPI and SMA roll, taking the lower result. Success indicates that you notice the whistling ‘signal’ , shifts indicate that words can be faintly discerned.

[Ace Bronson]

---

Zorus

---

Zorus has been feeling listless and unfocused as of late. He struggles to make sense of what he learned in Miletus and what it portends for his hope. He was at first excited by the sudden appearance of these mythical creatures, a chance to show the people that he lived up to his legacy. But now that he knows they are some illusion, a fever dream crafted by sorceresses, he does not know what to think.

Zorus lays on his cot, resisting the urge to take another drink from his clay jug. He knows the direction that path leads...

He lifts his head. Is that... is that voices on the wind? Perhaps it is just the drink making his head swim, but no, there is a whistling signal and voices... He strains to hear what's being said.

 

 

 

---

Quick Stats

Parry: 6

Toughness: 10 (3)

Favor: 3

Status: Normal

Full Stats

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Strength d10, Vigor d8
Skills: Academics d4, Athletics d8, Common Knowledge d4, Fighting d8, Intimidation d4, Language ( Koine) d8, Notice d4, Performance d4, Persuasion d4, Repair d4, Riding d4, Stealth d6, Survival d4
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 10 (3)
Hindrances: Overconfident, Stubborn, Vengeful (minor) (1 Edge, 1 Attribute)
Edges: Legendary Hide (custom), Brawny (custom) Rock Slayer
Weapons: Spiked Great Club, 6 javelins, wineskin, 5 days rations, sack
Language: Koine (native, d8) Lydian (d?)
Current Wealth: 44ah

 

Edited April 10 by Ace Bronson (see edit history)

[Sir Lazeabout]

Pace 6, Parry 7 (1), Toughness 7 (1), Favour 3

Coroebus is in good cheer since his return. Being able to bring back some news has given him at least a spark of glory, and for a shameless self-promoter, a spark can be kindled into a blaze. Thus, he is spending his arrowheads in a tavern this evening, entertaining a merry company with his tales of adventure.

He stops with his brimming cup halfway to his mouth when he hears the distant whistling noise. Something about it is... haunting...

Edited April 11 by Sir Lazeabout (see edit history)

[desertfox]

"Citizens of Priene, hearken! The enemy .... sanctuary of Artemis .... I .... long serpent ..."

 

Both heroes hear the feminine, sing-song voice that sings in the ringing signal. But many--most--- words are inaudible.

 

The Strategos summons them immediately. They attend him in his well-appointed villa.

"Some folk are reporting a noise. Did you hear it? Yes! Ha! I didn't hear a thing. Look, I cannot deal with this matter without reporting it to the Assembly. Then everyone in the Bay will learn of our affairs. I am handing it over to you to deal with."

"I appoint the pair of you to the office of Lesser War Archon. Take these bronze daggers --they are a symbol of your new appointment. Your office does not require that you report to the City's assembly. Only matters of emergency regarding Micropolis' immediate defence must be disclosed. And , with these things, you have some clout. Within reason the citizenry is obliged to support you. You may even enlist a small company, up to a dozen volunteers at a stretch, if you decide on some expedition. Apart from that, tell nobody anything. Oh, and I am afraid that, concerning expenses, you are expected to draw on your own funds as a demonstration of your civic virtue. A 'privilege' you share with all the City's officers."

"Oh, and if you lose the daggers you need be ritually thrashed. Or was it lamed? The artefacts are direct gifts of Ares or Athena or some such. Don't worry too much, I am sure we can hammer out a replacement if need be. But do try to hang on to them."

 

OOC

Make a CK roll to interpret the bolded archaic words in the psychic message. Remember that many words were inaudible.

And set out a plan to investigate, now (light is failing) or the following day...

 

(This is a more action based adventure, btw, despite the mysterious start.)

 

 

 

 

[Sir Lazeabout]

Pace 6, Parry 7 (1), Toughness 7 (1), Favour 3

"Er..." says Coroebus, who isn't at all happy with the idea of being thrashed and/or lamed for not hanging on to his physical possessions well enough, especially since those tend to slip between his fingers. Still, there doesn't seem to be any dignified way of admitting as much, so he soldiers on. "The voice said something about a sanctuary of Artemis. We should ask the priests about it, I think."

[Ace Bronson]

---

Zorus

---

Zorus ignores the threat of thrashing. Let them try... He accepts the bronze dagger unceremoniously, stashing it carefully within his bull hide. He considers Coroebus' suggestions for a moment and then nods. "Yes, that seems like a good place to start. Let us begin our travels in the morning as the sun is already beginning to set."

 

 

 

 

---

Quick Stats

Parry: 6

Toughness: 10 (3)

Favor: 3

Status: Normal

Full Stats

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Strength d10, Vigor d8
Skills: Academics d4, Athletics d8, Common Knowledge d4, Fighting d8, Intimidation d4, Language ( Koine) d8, Notice d4, Performance d4, Persuasion d4, Repair d4, Riding d4, Stealth d6, Survival d4
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 10 (3)
Hindrances: Overconfident, Stubborn, Vengeful (minor) (1 Edge, 1 Attribute)
Edges: Legendary Hide (custom), Brawny (custom) Rock Slayer
Weapons: Spiked Great Club, 6 javelins, wineskin, 5 days rations, sack
Language: Koine (native, d8) Lydian (d?)
Current Wealth: 44ah

 

Edited April 13 by Ace Bronson (see edit history)

[desertfox]

The priestess of Athena is in a good morning mood. She is flattered to be consulted by the Archons.

"I have pieced together the following full message, assembling those who were sensitive to the signal."

"Citizens/ people of Priene , hearken! The enemy has (entered/ assaulted?) the sanctuary of the Huntress/Artemis. I await your rescue, facing the mouth of the Serpent."

The priestess explains that Priene is the poetic, oracular name for Micropolis. She suggests that the sanctuary is likely the shrine of Artemis on the nearby isle of Hybanda. While many believe it to be a ruin, she knows that a few secret worshippers (young women, hunters) occasionally visit the lonely place to make an offering. Perhaps a priestess or two still attends the altar?

As for facing the mouth of the serpent, she detects the style of an oracle or poet.

'No doubt she refers to the peril of Miletus' snakemen. If so take care. Engaging them directly in violence might draw our Micropolis--or Priene as we now know her--into conflict. Wear a disguise. Pray with me , so that the Lady Pallas will bless your plans with wisdom. You are her Archons now, her very children."

 

OOC

1. Pray with the priestess. On a successful SPI roll you get some serious good vibes from the action, gaining a Favour (a psychological advantage or actual divine aid depending on your view).

2. Take on a disguise if you like, explaining v briefly what steps you take to hide your identify as men of Priene. Coroebus especially might be identified on sight by a Champion. A persuade roll will indicate how successful this is.

3. Explain what you do next (quick look a the large scale map will show you where Hybanda island is). In terms of buying power I'll say that Zorus still has a store of a hundred arrowheads. Coroebus has ten, if that.

 

 

 

 

[Sir Lazeabout]

Pace 6, Parry 7 (1), Toughness 7 (1), Favour 3 4

Coroebus disguises himself as best he can with a deep hood and a bulky chiton with a sack of hay tied beneath it. Surely, no one will recognise him as the perfect physical specimen he is if he seems to be sporting a gut!

As far as securing a boat to Hybanda, he is forced to hope that Zorus has saved a few more arrow heads than himself...

Edited April 15 by Sir Lazeabout (see edit history)

[Ace Bronson]

---

Zorus

---

Zorus prays with the priestess with serious intent. He grumbles about the idea of disguising himself. He is not typically one for tactics of deception, nor is he particularly skilled at such matters. When he sees that Coroebus is taking that route he grumbles further but finally arrives on playing the part of a hunched old man under a deep hooded, tattered cloak. The grumbling reaches a crescendo when he realizes that he will need to fund their expedition with the arrowheads that he has so painstakingly saved over the years. This had better be worth it...

 

 

 

 

---

Quick Stats

Parry: 6

Toughness: 10 (3)

Favor: 3

Status: Normal

Full Stats

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Strength d10, Vigor d8
Skills: Academics d4, Athletics d8, Common Knowledge d4, Fighting d8, Intimidation d4, Language ( Koine) d8, Notice d4, Performance d4, Persuasion d4, Repair d4, Riding d4, Stealth d6, Survival d4
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 10 (3)
Hindrances: Overconfident, Stubborn, Vengeful (minor) (1 Edge, 1 Attribute)
Edges: Legendary Hide (custom), Brawny (custom) Rock Slayer
Weapons: Spiked Great Club, 6 javelins, wineskin, 5 days rations, sack
Language: Koine (native, d8) Lydian (d?)
Current Wealth: 44ah

 

[desertfox]

As Coroebus prays, the priestess exclaims that she detects a brightening of the morning sunshine in the shrine's high window. Surely Athena has approved the Archons' appointment as Her officers!

Afterwards, the pair busy themselves in the agora making small purchases for their disguises. Frightened shouts ring out from the waterfront, a few blocks below the market place. The Archons see that a huge monster , twice the size of an ox, has emerged from the sea. The dragon turtle spoken of by local sailors. The creature lumbers along the city quay, clumsily but with surprising speed. It lunges with its long neck at terrified locals.

 

OOC

As you have already noted, a favour goes to each Archon as result of successful prayer.

(Based on Coroebus' explode): the word soon gets around that Athena has 'approved' their new office. For the rest of the adventure, both Archons receive a +2 bonus to persuade actions (like gathering volunteers) based on this reputation.

1. Make an athletics roll to sprint to the quay in time to save a sailor or two from snatching

2. Roll an attack. The dragon turtle is Parry 7, Toughness 12 (4). TN3 versus missiles.

( chariot fun?

Coroebus can if he wishes leap onto a chariot--reqs a Hard (-2) drive/ride to leap aboard and take reins quickly. Using the chariot to make (50mph, apparently) passes against the dragon is tricky-- roll both fighting and drive/ride and take the lower roll to land a blow. But melee attacks do an extra 1d6 damage and his parry increases by 2.

Or instead throw javs -- take the worse of throw (athletics) and drive/ride. No change to damage.

)

 

[Sir Lazeabout]

Pace 6, Parry 7 (1), Toughness 7 (1), Favour 4 3

Swift as wing-footed Hermes, Coroebus rushes towards the scene and leaps onto a chariot! However, the horses are startled and he loses precious moments trying to convince them to do their equine duty...

Edited April 18 by Sir Lazeabout (see edit history)

[desertfox]

Heedless of Coroebus's arrival, the dragon turtle lumbers on. The huge monster blunders into a storehouse, crushing the flimsy structure and spilling its store of foodstuffs.

 

Zorus, still approaching, sees a half dozen labourers have been buried in the storehouse wreckage.

 

OOC

Let's divide the battle map into two zones so we can keep pace --

Street, along which Zorus is still approaching. Zorus' task is to free the trapped workers. Each round, Zorus can make a STR check to heave up beams and throw off barrels. Each success and raise frees a person from the debris. This task will likely occupy him for a few rounds.

Waterfront, which Coroebus has already reached and where he is attempting to mount a chariot. C can make another drive check, attacking straight away if he makes a raise (see above), merely boarding on a simple success (the animals are shying in the monster's presence).

 

Edited April 19 by desertfox (see edit history)

[Ace Bronson]

---

Zorus

---

Zorus rushes towards the fearsome monster of the sea, eager to give battle. As the storehouse just in front of him collapses he's faced with a dilemma. workers scream for help, trapped under the rubble. He couldn't just run past them and leave them to such a grisly fate. He turns aside and runs to the first man he sees and grasps the heavy beam that pins him to the ground. "Hold fast, man! I'll get you free." Zorus heaves and strains, corded muscles bulging, as he tries to lift the heavy beam.

---

 

OOC

Well, apparently I launch the beam into orbit. haha

 

 

---

Quick Stats

Parry: 6

Toughness: 10 (3)

Favor: 3

Status: Normal

Full Stats

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Strength d10, Vigor d8
Skills: Academics d4, Athletics d8, Common Knowledge d4, Fighting d8, Intimidation d4, Language ( Koine) d8, Notice d4, Performance d4, Persuasion d4, Repair d4, Riding d4, Stealth d6, Survival d4
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 10 (3)
Hindrances: Overconfident, Stubborn, Vengeful (minor) (1 Edge, 1 Attribute)
Edges: Legendary Hide (custom), Brawny (custom) Rock Slayer
Weapons: Spiked Great Club, 6 javelins, wineskin, 5 days rations, sack
Language: Koine (native, d8) Lydian (d?)
Current Wealth: 44ah

 

Edited April 20 by Ace Bronson (see edit history)

[Sir Lazeabout]

Pace 6, Parry 7 (1), Toughness 7 (1), Favour 3

"Giddyup, you lazy nags!" Coroebus complains, trying to get the horses to behave. "Can't you hear Destiny calling?"

[desertfox]

 

Onlookers are amazed by Zorus’ show of might. All six victims scramble free as he raises the roof’s huge main beam. An impossible feat. Surely he is a true son of Hercules!
 

Now the great reptile turns its head on its long neck. It sees a brave sailor charging with a spear. It rolls on its long flippers and crushes the poor fellow.

 

OOC

Wow, was not expecting Zorus to deal with that so quickly! So let’s dissolve the two zones and join things up. Zorus can now walk to / attack the monster from the street. And Coroebus has at last lined up his chariot for a pass along the quay.

Reminder that the dragon turtle is Parry 7, Toughness 12 (4). TN3 versus missiles.

 

Reminder about chariot drive by attacks. Roll both fighting and drive/ride. Take the lower roll to attack.. But melee attacks do an extra 1d6 damage and driver’s parry increases by 2. To throw javs -- take the worse of throw (athletics) and drive/ride. No change to damage.

 

Setting note:

These creatures appear to be more than just illusions. They are like the Tibetan idea of a ‘tulpa’, a thought-being brought into actual existence through concentrated imagination. ‘Psychogenesis’ in Mycenean lingo. But Zorus has seen that they have a slightly more fragile hold on reality than ordinary creatures, phasing out if struck a decisive blow (a wound essentially).
 

The monsters created by the Miletus coven all seem to be reptilian and are often ophidian.

 

Edited April 21 by desertfox (see edit history)