Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2015 0:16:41 GMT -6
The Siege of Orbania and the Fall of Durant
The tapes are slowly being converted to mp3's but until then here is the transcript from this great adventure!
Characters
Nogel of HyborniaNPC-An older man who is a king in his own country. The Battlemaster is his title and his title is worn around his waist in the form of the Belt of Herak, a belt of strength given to the victor of a kingdom wide tournament and legally challenged by anyone who has the balls to fight the Battlemaster.
Durant- A psionicist from a far away island nation, Durant is unique in his abilites here on the continent of Mikhal. He is a young man who knows he has god like powers but he refrains from using his powers for evil. He would like to think he is unconcerned with what goes on here but he is young and is easily goaded or baited into confrontations with the "mundanes" (non psions).
Mikael of Emerald-An elf from the Emerald Forest, Mikael is not very smart but he is a capable swordsman who is loyal to the group. He is quiet and slow to anger. Normally Mikael speaks only when he feels it is necessary.
Foxbane-A human shepherd from the eastern border of the Kingdom of Renalse, his father was taken by Renalsite soldiers for reasons unknown. Foxbane and his brother Killian left their home to find their father and have joined Nogel and his company.
Bayushi Tomaru-A samurai traveling from the far east, Tomaru met the group in Orbania and his skill and wisdom were recognized and added to the group. Tomaru wears a mask to hide a scar.
Slag-A dwarf of Munzil-Galazar he lived among the humans near the Mannis Mountains until Renalsite soldiers burned his village. Slag was horribly burned but recovered and seeks vengeance.
Sylviste-An elven thief/mu, Sylviste's people have left the territory because of Renalsite expansion and racial prejudice. Sylviste wants revenge on the Renalsites and has a general dislike for any humans.
MarcordNPC-A human lawyer and a citizen of Renales, Marcord was the original traveler among them all and through his travels he has become friends with all of them. Marcord is no warrior or mage but his wisdom in etiquette, local customs, and the law have made Marcord perhaps the most valuable member of the company. Marcord's history is tragic but his future is even worse.
ZemusNPC-A human priest of Heimdall, Zemus is an outlaw priest in Renalse. The kingdom's recent change in the state religion from The Nors to the Sword Rulers made Zemus a wanted man when he refused to convert. He was captured and left for dead on a raft floating down the river. The group rescued him and he joined, saying his mission was to "build a bridge and restore the Nors". Zemus is pious, opinionated, and brave. He is also crass and easily offended. His holy powers have saved his life on more than one occasion and he even defeated Nogel in the Orbanian Arena by successfully casting a hold spell on Nogel (Hey, even the Battlemaster can roll a '1').[/url]
Post subject: Game Update from 6-1-04
Game Update
3807, Harven, 1, 2
The CELTs Camp, Eastern Lavindy Forest, 2 Kleks West of Orbania
Highsun
Nogel changes his mind and decides to leave Daynore behind. He finds two men to guard Daynore (with Marcus's permission).
The group leaves the camp.
One Half Klek West of Orbania, Renalse
Almost Lowsun
The group (Nogel, Tomaru, Thaylon, Durant, Mikael, Zemus, and Foxbane) stop and look for the best way to approach the city walls. The clear cutting and the farming make for a clear view of the city walls and outlying farms.
They hear a man screaming for help and people moving into a communal barn among the peasant farmer homes. Nogel reminds everyone they will not be distracted from their mission (to attack the Synods in the Crystal Castle).
From the north two soldiers ride south, close to the walls. They pass by the racket from the barn and continue south, around the walls.
Nogel urges everyone to move quicker and he heads towards the Army gate.
As they pass nearer to the barn they see people standing around but the commotion has stopped. The group moves closer to the city.
The group finds cover around 300 spans from the city walls. A ditch with some vegetation provides cover. The Army gate is being closed. Nogel thinks they have not been spotted and thinks the riders urged the gates to be closed, probably because of the CELTs diversionary attack.
The big heavy gates are being shut by four guards. One guard appears on top of the wall.
Foxbane offers to shoot at one of the guards, Nogel says no.
Nogel asks Thaylon is he has memorized 'sleep'.
Thaylon says he has but he wants to save it for more than one target.
Nogel asks Durant to do as before, opening his dimension door. Nogel says he would like to diable the gate, making it stay open should they need an escape route.
Nogel reminds Durant that once they get to the castle to shut his "door" so nothing can get out. Durant acknowledges Nogel's command.
Durant says he needs to get closer to open his doorway. Thaylon tells him to do it and Nogel gives Thaylon a stern look.
Durant says the greater distance the greater the chance of failure and he would prefer to get closer.
Nogel points out a lack of cover and points out the one lone guard on top of the wall.
Foxbane offers to shoot the guard.
Mikael asks Durant if he can open a door halfway to the wall so the group can get to the wall quicker.
Nogel tells Foxbane to go ahead and try a bow shot.
Mikael and Tomaru also get out their bows.
Foxbane is 20 missile squares away, medium range. He fires and hits! Mikael shoots at the same time and he hits too.
The guard, clad in chain mail and carrying a halberd, groans out and falls over.
Foxbane shouts in glee and immediately unstrings his bow.
Nogel orders everyone to run and they head to the wall.
More guards get to the top of the wall and by the time the group is 50 spans away the guards prepare to fire their crossbows.
The group make it to the base of the wall before the guards can fire. The batter is sloped but the guards still can't get a good shot as they try to peer down.
Durant pulls out his portable hole and places it on the wall. He looks through the 1 span hole and sees the back of a building around 10 spans inside the wall.
Durant asks NOgel is he wants in and and NOgel says "I think we all want in!. Hurry"
Durant opens his dimension door. From the other side they hear the guards yelling to get ready.
The group all pass through the dimension door and are momentarily dizzy and stunned.
One startled guard yells, throws down his sword and runs off screaming.
Four guards come out of the gateway and see the group. The hold their halberds in a guard.
One of the guards gives a half hearted order for the group to surrender.
Durant says "It looks like you got us boys."
Tomaru says "This is a Sword Ruler Castle? I'm sorry, we were going to storm another one to the east. We must have got lost."
Foxbane says "A band of smart asses" to no one in particular.
The guard in the back appears to be around 15 and genuinely frightened.
The waether is cold and clear with a few low lying clouds drifting by. Most building have smoke issuing from their chimneys. The normal sounds of the city are heard.
Nogel relaxes visibly.
Foxbane stpes forward with his staff in hand and says "I've got a better idea." He begins counting aloud the guards, then turns and counts the group. "I suggest you give up or you're going to be killed."
The guards shuffle nervously.
The front guard says they are not going anywhere, claiming they have taken an oath to defend the city. He then says to Foxbane "If that's the way it's gotta be, then god damn it, do it!", seemingly resigned to his fate.
Tomaru asks their names so they can be remembered.
The guard shouts back that it doesn't matter and to say they were brave sword ruler guards.
Durant asks Nogel what he wants to do.
Nogel walks up, grabs the halberd of the lead guard, and snaps the blade off.
"You're bravery is noticed, but for the health of the youngster behind you, I suggest you let us pass. When we are done with this city-"
The guard says "No, No!" and tries to stab Nogel with his broken haft. With unreal speed Nogel slashes the guard down and bood sprays into the air.
The other three guards remain still until Nogel tells them to go. They run away.
Durant asks how they should disable the door.
Nogel goes over to the portcullis winch and asks Durant to make the winch and lock mechanism one piece so the portcullis can not be lowered.
Nogel turns the gear that lifts the portcullis.
Tomaru suggests using halberds to jam up the gears. Durant says they don't need to do that.
After Durant looks over the gears he uses his 'molecular bonding' power to make it immovable. Nogel seems agitated that Durant is taking his time.
Durant's first try fails but his second succeeds.
Nogel, looking around the gateway, comments on how the Orbanians seem to know how to construct defenses. Tomaru says they don't know how to man them.
Nogel says "On to the castle." As the group moves down the road people shut their doors and slam their shuttered windows, hoping the group will not come and murder them, even if the group has no intention of doing so. It seems their reputation is growing!
As the get closer to Zeerkirk they hear the sound of a huge gathering and eventually they see the back of a crown which appears to encircle Zirkirk, something is going on. The group passes a bridge some 600 spans away from Zeerkirk.
Nogel suggests moving south to find a way less filled with people. They move.
They see four Orbanian guards moving their way. The guards hold out their halberds and shout "Halt!"
Nogel orders them to stand down. The guards stop.
"By the regent, I place you all under arrest. Throw down your weapons and come peacebly with us." Nogel shakes his head, almost with pity now does he view the guards.
Nogel moves forward. Foxbane strings his bow. Durant tells Nogel they need to hurry before someone's mind might be controlled.
Mikael decides to go with Nogel, then Tomaru follows.
Rising above the city stands Zeerkirk, glittering in the failing light.
Nogel, Tomaru, and Mikael threaten the guards.
Nogel slashes one guard, wounding him gravely. The guard keels over.
Foxbane decides not to fire an arrow into melee for fear of hitting his friends.
The three other guards make clumsy attacks and all miss.
Mikael slashes his attacker with his short sword and drops him, the guard screams.
Tomaru misses his attacker with a slash from his katana.
Nogel kills another guard. The remaing guard begs for mercy. Tomaru tells him to drop his weapon. The guard drops his halberd and runs off.
Three middle aged women are seen herding some young children into the temple of Balo. The children seem interested in watching the fight.
The group keeps moving south until the reach the Forest Road. The same group of people seem to be watching something that is on the circle road that goes around Zeerkirk.
Nogel seems disgusted and directs everyone over to a store front. They are by a hitching post and a discipline stump (the wood piece where the instant justice is delivered by the guards). Foxbane notices a decomposing hand by the stump. He looks around and sees someone slam their shutters from the upper floor of the building.
Nogel asks Durant to look and find out what the crowd is looking at.
Durant decides to ask Aegir for help in his task, saying a prayer before attempting to use his psionic powers. "C'mon Aegir, don't blind me with your, don't punish me now."
Durant uses his 'clairvoyance' and puts his remote view some 20 spans above the ground and just in front of the crowd.
The remote view opens above the circle road. Durant describes what he sees to the group. The group is 200 spans away from the circle road.
Durant sees people lined up around the road. No one is on the road. As he views every direction he notices something coming from his left, or the west.
He sees ten Orbanian clad soldier types walking to the east. The people watching cheer. Behind the first four guards there are three men wearing tabards that bear the charge of eight lines from a center point, all looking like arrows. As Durant describes this Mikael says "The symbol of chaos."
Each of those three are holding what appears to be the head of a mind flayer and they are holding the tentacles. They have one of the tentcales in their mouths and as they squeeze the bloated head of the mind flayer they move the other stiffened tentacles. DM Note:The three men would be best described as playing bagpipes.
Behind those three are another three men, dressed in rags and in sad shape. They are carrying huge wooden swords and the crowd throws rotten fruit and rocks at the three sword bearers.
Behind those three are three more Orbanian guards. Even with them is a man with a black hood with a whip, whipping the men carrying the three huge swords. He seems to be the new executioner.
Durant says the middle man carrying the over sized sword is Marcord! Foxbane shouts.
Durant asks what they should do. Nogel yells "What do you mean, it's Marcord!" He runs to the crowd. Everyone follows.
Nogel moves through the crowd, creating a pathway. His great strength causes several people to fall away and everyone makes it to the circle road. The crowd sees this and people begin shouting at them. The crowd seems especially displeased to see Zemus.
Durant keeps his clairvoyance running.
Foxbane waits for Durant to catch up to him and asks him if he can make his viewing keep up with Marcord. Durant says he can see them for now. Foxbane let's Durant move ahead of him. Foxbane and Durant make it to the circle road.
The crowd throws rotten food at the group. The executioner whips the prisoner on the left. The guards and the prisoners do not see the group moving up behind them.
Tomaru gets hit in the head with a rock. It bounces off his helmet and the crowd cheers.
Nogel moves towards the executioner and slashed him down from behind. The crowd yells.
The rear guards turn and point their halberds at Nogel. The flaypipers keep playing. The corwd is too loud for all the guards to hear the commotion behind them.
Durant stops his clairvoyance.
Foxbane surveys the circle road and esitmates it is 30 spans wide. He sees 60 spans of open clear cut ground from the road to the moat of Zeerkirk. There is no fence, balustrade, or wall near the moat.
Foxbane moves to get a clear shot at the executioner. Seeing him chopped down, he sets his sights on one of the flaypipers.
Mikael and Tomaru move to threaten the guards. Tomaru decides to attack a flaypiper instead. Tomaru says "C'mon Marcord, we're busting you free!"
Durant sees the executioner lying still on the ground. He waits and watches the scene.
Foxbane shoots and downs one of the flaypipers, the musical instrument making a moaning sound as the air leaves it's bladder.
Mikael sticks a guard and downs him. Nogel picks another guard for death. The poor guard never had a chance.
Zemus and Thaylon decide to move to the three carrying the over sized swords but remain behind the fight, watching the crowd and ducking thrown rocks and food.
Durant decides to try his clairvoyance on the room in Zeerkirk where he had seen the mind flayers. His power does not work. He cringes.
Durant tries again. This time it works and he sees the same thing as before. However, as he's watching he sees the lidless milky white eyes of the mind flayers change to black and the vision of the interior of Zeerkirk is shut off! Durant gets a terrible headache and blood drips out of his nose. He remains standing despite the pain and the headache begins to subside. Durant wonders how the mindflayers did that as he wipes his nose and sees the blood on his hand.
The last guard in the back and the two flaypipers flee! Tomaru strikes at the guard but misses.
Zemus, Thaylon, and Mikael move to the prisoners. They see the prisoners tied to the swords by a strap of leather. Nogel rips the strap off Marcord and Marcord falls to the ground.
Nogel asks Marcord is he's all right and Marcord moans.
Foxbane launches another arrow at a guard but misses.
The guard Tomaru is fighting slashes him, Tomaru winces in pain.
Foxbane launches another arrow at the same guard and misses again!
The guards in front move to attack the group. Mikael decides to help Tomaru who might be overwhelmed.
Durant sees the last three guards intent on Tomaru. He uses his 'compact' power and shrinks one of the guards halberd. The guard shouts in surprise!
The guards threaten Mikael and Tomaru. They all miss their swings.
Foxbane moves to Durant. Durant tells him "The three are still in the room in the castle."
Foxbane sees Durant's bloody nose. He asks if Durant got hit with a stick and Durant says no "They noticed I was peering at them and they shut off my viewing."
Tomaru slashes at a guard but only hits chainmail. Mikael swings his short sword and another guard yells as he falls.
The other two prisoners are released by Zemus and Thaylon.
Zemus drops his horn but is able to recover it.
Foxbane puts his bow away, slinging it over his shoulder. He is beginning to feel the added weight of the brigandine armor he is wearing but he is glad for it's added protection.
The crowd appears to be moving towards the group, hatred boiling over.
Tomaru's attacker withdraws.
Durant, Foxbane, and Mikael move towards Nogel, noticing the crowds hostile intent. Nogel picks up Marcord.
Zemus and Thaylon direct the two other prisoners to follow them. The prisoners accept the invitation.
Seeing the crowd, Nogel orders everyone to go to the castle. He turns and moves towards Zeerkirk, onto the open ground. Everyone follows as more items are thrown at them from the crowd. Foxbane glares at the crowd.
Durant yells for Nogel but Nogel does not stop nor turn. Moving northwest the group moves to Freeman's Lane and to the moat. They see the drawbridge is up.
Nogel orders Foxbane "You, provide cover. Zemus? Go and try to keep the crowd back."
Zemus says "Give me a chance" and Thaylon moves with him. "Now is a good a time as any for my sleep spell!"
The group sees the moat is 20 spans wide and that the castle walls extend down into the water of the moat. The wall where the drawbridge falls has no curb, meaning the wood of the drawbridge is flush with the castle walls when upright.
Foxbane moves about 10 spans from the group. Durant sees Nogel put Marcord on the ground. He tells Nogel what he saw in Zeerkirk.
More long range rocks come flying at the group from the slow moving mob. There appears to be at least 300 angry peasants moving, albeit slowly. None of them are armed but many are picking up random rocks and throwing them.
Foxbane looks for someone throwing at them. He unslings his bow and decides he's had enough.
Tomaru sheathes his katana and unslings his daikyu (oriental longbow). The sight of a 7 span long bow makes some of the peasants hesitant and they leave the front of the mob. More peasants move forward to take their place. The peasants seem intent on moving forward with caution.
Foxbane picks a peasant getting ready to launch a rock and shoots him with an arrow! The crowd gasps but keep aggressive. Foxbane knocks another arrow.
Durant tries his clairvoyance to see into the room in Zeerkirk with the servants. His psionics goes awry and he is blind, again! [blind for 1 span]
A great noise comes from Zeerkirk. The stones begin to twinkle and shine, the sound of a hurricane building. A crackling circle of energy forms at the bottom stones by the water of the moat and travel upwards to the top of Zeerkirk, eventually flying straight up and into the sky, out of sight. Everyone is amazed and frightened by this. One of the peasant's voices pierces the darkening day "The Sword Rulers are angry!"
As quickly as it came it is over and everyone resumes their adversarial positions. Zemus and Thaylon begin casting spells.
Thaylon puts several peasants to sleep and Zemus causes several peasants to stop moving and fall over.
Foxbane picks another peasant and fires, killing another one.
Nogel yells out "We'll have to keep moving!"
As the group look back they see more peasants coming from the north side of Zeerkirk. The group is now surrounded by almost 600 angry peasants, all wanting horrible things for them.
Zemus and Thaylon fall back and tell Tomaru to follow them.
Durant asks Nogel "Do you want to go in?"
Nogel says "Of course I want to go in!"
"I'm trying to open a door!"
"Well do it quick" said Nogel, "we've got to about the count of three before we're crushed into the water!" Nogel then turns and while looking at the moat he says "I wonder what is in that water."
The crowd seems to be getting even more aggressive, now only 30 spans away.
Foxbane yells "Nogel, we better do something here! I can't swim!"
Durant tries to see inside Zeerkirk again. His clairvoyance works but he is unable to see anything. He realizes his power worked but is cut off from Zeerkirk. He tells Nogel this.
Mikael asks Durant "Can you get us out of here?"
"It'll take a little while and I can get us on the other side of the crowd but I won't say they won't notice us."
Tomaru fires an arrow and kills another peasant. The group continues to dodge rocks and assorted detritus, many splashing into the moat and bouncing off Zeerkirk.
The crowd is almost to the group. Nogel orders "Everyone, draw your weapons and form a circle around Durant. Fight like there is no tomorrow!" Everyone hears Nogel's commands.
Foxbane slings his bow and holds forth his staff. Mikael readies his shortsword. Tomaru drops his daikyu and pulls his katana. Zemus readies his holy symbol as if to cast a spell. He wonders why he never bothered to pick up a sword or spear to use at just such a time as this. Thaylon thinks this might be the end.
Durant uses his clairvoyance power and views from above the crowd. He sees past the circle road the ring of official buidlings, such as the Hall of Records and barracks for the Orbanian guards. He swivels his viewing and sees the mob and his group as well.
It is a miracle no one has been severely injured yet with all the flying debris.
Everyone falls back to form a protective circle around Durant. The crowd hurls insults and rocks.
The two unnamed prisoners remain by Marcord.
Durant sees where he wants to be. In his mind he creates a link and focuses his energy. He creates a 'dimension door' and yells that it is open. He immediately steps through and is on the far side of the Hall of Records.
From where Foxbane is, he sees Durant say something and move, then disappear. This is because the dimension door is invisible from the back side! The crowd that saw that gasps, others are too busy throwing things.
As more rocks come down upon the group they move quickly through the portal. All make it and all are disoriented for a quick moment, the travel making them nauseous and dizzy.
Foxbane is the last to go through and after he steps through Durant stops the doorway from being.
A lone family, doing chores in their yard, runs into their home and slam the door. Many slamming of doors ans shutterings of windows can be heard as the group regains their composure and set off, away from Zeerkirk.
Durant's clairvoyance shows the crowd milling around now, wondering what just happened.
Durant announces he is blind, although it is temporary.
Nogel orders Zemus to help Durant. He says they will go east and find a place to gather themselves. He suggests the section of Orbania that was burned by the fire recently.
As they move into the burned out section the smell of burned wood and other things assails them.
After Nogel creates a temporary shelter out of refuse he asks if anyone is hurt.
Foxbane tells him that Durant has a bloody nose.
Durant tells what happened.
Thaylon says Marcord is the worst. Tomaru says he is slightly injured.
Foxbane looks at Marcord and sees he is awake but hurt.
Thaylon looks at the two prisoners and tells them it is time for them to go. The prisoners thank them and go.
Durant wants to know who the prisoners were, Marcord says they were petty criminals.
Nogel asks Marcord what he was doing here. Foxbane repeats the question.
Marcord says "I can't explain it. I was in the CELT camp and yesterday I felt a calling to come to the city. I couldn't resist."
Foxbane rolls his eyes and sighs. Durant can't see that.
Marcord continues "I started coming here, I walked and walked until I made my way down to the castle. Apparently somebody recognized me or something but I was picked up by the guards, charged with treason, and set to die. I was beaten, humiliated, and told I was a traitor to the Sword Ruler way and the House of Atreides. They made me carry these swords around Zeerkirk as a spectacle to show the people what happens to traitors to the Sword Rulers."
"But still" said Marcord "there was something here that made me come here and I don't know what. It reminded me of when I was down in the castle at Poducca. Something happened here and I don't know what it was."
Nogel says that makes no sense.
Marcord says he can't explain it.
The group hears someone shouting "I think they went that way!" off in the distance.
Durant asks Marcord "Do you think you were in control of yourself?"
"I don't give a <expletive deleted>" yelled Foxbane "we need to leave! They're gonna be comin", I don't want to question this prick now! Let's go!"
Durant says condescendingly "I thought we were here to be in hiding."
Nogel says "Calm down Foxbane. We're still getting in that <expletive deleted> castle. Some of us just aren't going."
Turning to Durant, Nogel asks "You can't open a door to the castle now?"
"I can't see inside it. I would doubt that a door would open."
Nogel moves and looks beyond the makeshift walls. "I can see the top of it from here."
Foxbane begins to speak when Nogel tenses and tells everyone to be quiet.
Trampling feet go past some distance away.
Nogel says "We still have to get in there."
"What did you say now?" asks Durant to Foxbane.
"You can't get us in that room or you can't get us in the castle?
"I can't get us in the room and I tried the castle itself. They've put up some kind of barrier that prevents me from-"
Marcord interrupts "Have you tried the courtyard to the castle, not the actual inside of the castle?"
Durant says "No, I haven't."
Nogel turns and affirms what Marcord asked.
Marcord says "Yes, that's where I was charged and found guilty of treason. Inside the castle walls there is an open area that is actually quite nice, not for me that day."
This comment brings derision from Thaylon. "It was nice and he was getting his ass beat!"
Marcord acknowledges the irony of his remark.
Foxbane and Tomaru make fun of Marcord. Nogel tells them to be quiet, anger flaring in his eyes. Foxbane and Tomaru wisely fall silent.
Durant asks where the courtyard is and Marcord says it is in the middle, some 150 to 200 spans past the outer wall.
Durant successfully uses his clairvoyance to view the courtyard. He sees a fountain, a garden, benches, and a platform with steps. He also sees six doors leading from the courtyard to inside the square keep.
Foxbane urges the group to go now.
Durant asks how far away they are from the castle now.
Nogel estimates at least 1000 spans, maybe 2000. Nogel asks how close they need to be.
Durant says "The closer the better."
"How close" asks Nogel again" do we need to be?"
"As close as possible, the closer the better. The further away the more difficult for me to do."
Slightly agitated, Nogel says "We can't get too much closer, without encountering what we did before so yo are going to have to be more specific when I ask you this question."
Durant says any of the building that circle the castle would be ideal.
Nogel says "You are blind. If you can't open up the <expletive deleted> door from here-"
"It's too far is why" says Durant pointedly.
"How close do we have to get?" asks Nogel for the third time.
Durant pauses before answering. "At least 200 yards from the center of the courtyard but that is extremely difficult to open at that range."
Nogel says they need to get back to where they were, meaning the circle road.
Nogel asks Zemus what he can do. Zemus says he can not travel that way.
"I may be able to stun the crowd but it will not get us across the moat."
Foxbane suggests waiting for darkness.
Nogel says the longer they wait the more men will come back from the diversion.
Foxbane suggests running to the moat, that "they can't catch us."
Nogel says "We can't run with Durant being blind."
Durant wonders about approaching the castle from the other side, saying the crowd was not encircling the castle the last time he looked.
Tomaru thinks there will be people there. Durant thinks they will not be at the opposite side of the castle now (east).
Marcord reminds them people were all the way around watching him carry the sword. He suggests they go back down the road. He sighs and says "If there are people there, Nogel, you may have to start killing all of them."
"Well <expletive deleted> it then "says Nogel with finality" they're going to die."
"When we get down there "Nogel turns to Zemus"I'm going to hold them off while you cast your protections spells on us. Then Durant will open a door to the courtyard."
Zemus says "I can cast them one after the other, it might take a while though."
Nogel says "That's just the way it is."
"Just make sure you tell us" says Foxbane" when you're done because Durant won't be able to see when you are done."
Durant says "Maybe, maybe not." Durant considers how much time has passed and thinks he will get his sight back in the near future.
Tomaru asks Zemus if he can cure Durant's blindness.
Durant says Zemus can not, he says his blindness is a side effect of his psionic powers and it will go away on it's own.
Foxbane tells Tomaru that Zemus is not touched with the healing powers.
Tomaru says "Not that type of a priest."
"Sure" says Foxbane " whatever that means."
Nogel says they are going to try.
Durant suggests going to a building instead of doing all this in the open "where the crowd is".
From the background noise of the city comes this clear strong voice "Come out, come out wherever you are!"
Nogel says "About <expletive deleted> time that son of a bitch showe up."
He walks out from the rubble, Foxbane moves to Durant.
Durant has never heard this voice before.
Nogel says "I was hoping you hadn't of left, Sixto."
Nogel turns his head and says "Mikael, 100 hundred paces right, get your bow ready! Thaylon, left! Zemus, I need that spell now."
Mikael begins moving and readying his bow.
"Oh no you don't, "yells Sixto " I've got this place surrounded with crossbowmen."
Nogel sneers back confidently "Fine, let them fire once, then they'll be dead, and you know I don't lie." Turning to Zemus he says "Cast that spell on me now!"
Almost hysterically, Sixto shouts "Stop that Nors man!"
Most of the group begins moving away from the makeshift cover provided by Nogel's meager construction skills. Foxbane remains, staying close to Durant and Marcord. Foxbane can see they are in trouble and can see the corssbowmen.
They see Sword General Sixto, covered from head to toe in shining metal some 50 spans away. They see they are surrounded by some 40 crossbowmen, all wearing the device of the cut gem, heraldry of the Orbanian guards.
From one of the guards on the heroes left (east), the shout of warning comes. "General, left!"
Everyone looks and sees coming from the western direction a group of 12 brightly tattooed elves attacking the nearest Orbanian guards. War cries and singing blades come forth and half of the guards must defend themselves against the Eagle Clan!
Nogel, Mikael, and Thaylon are greatly relieved and invigorated at this turn of events. The others don't understand what is happening but are gladdened by any help at this point. They have not yet encountered the Bladesingers of Jasmine Canyon. If Durant could see he would recognize them as well. Alas, Durant is still blind.
Nogel shouts out "Holy Heracles!"
Sixto shouts "Fire!"
Foxbane surprises Durant and pushes him down to the ground, hopefully to protect him from missile fire.
Durant yells in surprise and says "We're under attack!"
Foxbane shouts back "Get down, they're shooting crossbows!"
"Why didn't you just tell me to get down?"
"Because I thought it would be funnier knocking you on your ass you blind freak."
Almost all of the missiles miss their mark, however.
Thaylon is struck by a crossbow bolt. Luckily he was not casting a spell or it would have been wasted. The pain from where the bolt creased his rib cage is bad enough.
Zemus casts 'protection from evil' upon Nogel. Nogel protects Zemus from incoming missiles. Nogel deflects a bolt away just in the nick of time. He eyes Sixto and bloodlust grabs Nogel. Nogel can think of only one thing, unleashing the legions of Hades upon the spawn of Mechanus.
20 guards against 12 bladesingers. Shed no tears for the outnumbered, for victory is not assured by numbers. Coming from the burned remnants of town, death on wings strikes swiftly.
Tomaru wishes he had not left his bow behind at Zeerkirk. He readies himself for melee, charging the nearest crossbomen.
Nogel charges Sixto. He strikes true with his great scimitar. Sixto remains standing but sparks fly as the Battlemaster's weapon scrapes steel upon steel. A large chunk of Sixto's armor flies off and Sixto yells out in pain and anger.
Zemus moves to engage other guards closer to where Marcord, Foxbane, and Durant are (north).
Thaylon moves and attacks a guard, mortally wounding him.
Tomaru misses his attack.
The guards move and surround Zemus and Tomaru. Sixto withdraws as guards move up to surround Nogel. More guards move to engage Mikael. None of the guards move to attack Foxbane yet.
Surrounded, Nogel is attacked from all sides. Most are blocked are miss, but one attack hits Nogel in the groin, bypassing Nogel's defenses! The surprise and pain is overwhelming and Nogel is stunned! He may be in trouble!
Nogel gets hit three more times and is beginning to look the worse for wear. He is not knocked down.
Tomaru has five men on him. They attack with some success. Tomaru knows this is a battle not for the weak.
One guard moves up to threaten Foxbane. He turns to face the guard. Foxbane swings his staff at the guard but misses. Foxbane is stuck through a hole in his armor. He bravely stands his ground.
Zemus is getting the most ferocious attack but his armor and his luck prevail. One of his attackers falls down!
Mikael decides to aim an arrow at Sixto, taking care not to hit Nogel, shooting over the top of Nogel's melee. Mikael misses badly.
The sounds of the dead and dying can be heard echoing throughout the blackened area.
The guards continue hacking away at a stunned Nogel. One of the guards gets up while the rest mercilessly slash and poke. Nogel begins bleeding from multiple slashes, most of which would have killed lesser men. Luckily none of them strike him in any vital places and Nogel's head clears.
Tomaru is struck two more times. He begins to hope for better fates and thinks of his faith.
Thaylon dodges one attack.
Foxbane is struck in the right ear, causing a ringing sensation and bleeding.
Zemus is attacked four more times and all are missed or deflected. The guard that fell gets up.
Mikael drops his bow, draws his sword and moves to help Zemus. He slashes a guard and the guard flies off to the side, clutching the wound in his side.
Nogel slashes a guard, killing him.
Tomaru calls out "Amaratsu, guide my sword"[ rule #14] followed by a loud shout, summoning his inner strength (chi) for a killing blow. He brings his katana down on one of his attackers. His blade scrapes chainmail.
Thaylon attacks and kills another guard.
Zemus misses with his holy symbol, not much of a weapon really.
Nogel chops down four more guards that were attacking him. He is now free and clear.
Sixto continues to back away.
Nogel sees his friends in trouble and sees Sixto getting away. He must decide what is more important.
End Game
Players Present:Old School (John M.), Broom (Sean S.), Czar (Jim G. ), Mapman
(Rick W.)
_________________
The tapes are slowly being converted to mp3's but until then here is the transcript from this great adventure!
Characters
Nogel of HyborniaNPC-An older man who is a king in his own country. The Battlemaster is his title and his title is worn around his waist in the form of the Belt of Herak, a belt of strength given to the victor of a kingdom wide tournament and legally challenged by anyone who has the balls to fight the Battlemaster.
Durant- A psionicist from a far away island nation, Durant is unique in his abilites here on the continent of Mikhal. He is a young man who knows he has god like powers but he refrains from using his powers for evil. He would like to think he is unconcerned with what goes on here but he is young and is easily goaded or baited into confrontations with the "mundanes" (non psions).
Mikael of Emerald-An elf from the Emerald Forest, Mikael is not very smart but he is a capable swordsman who is loyal to the group. He is quiet and slow to anger. Normally Mikael speaks only when he feels it is necessary.
Foxbane-A human shepherd from the eastern border of the Kingdom of Renalse, his father was taken by Renalsite soldiers for reasons unknown. Foxbane and his brother Killian left their home to find their father and have joined Nogel and his company.
Bayushi Tomaru-A samurai traveling from the far east, Tomaru met the group in Orbania and his skill and wisdom were recognized and added to the group. Tomaru wears a mask to hide a scar.
Slag-A dwarf of Munzil-Galazar he lived among the humans near the Mannis Mountains until Renalsite soldiers burned his village. Slag was horribly burned but recovered and seeks vengeance.
Sylviste-An elven thief/mu, Sylviste's people have left the territory because of Renalsite expansion and racial prejudice. Sylviste wants revenge on the Renalsites and has a general dislike for any humans.
MarcordNPC-A human lawyer and a citizen of Renales, Marcord was the original traveler among them all and through his travels he has become friends with all of them. Marcord is no warrior or mage but his wisdom in etiquette, local customs, and the law have made Marcord perhaps the most valuable member of the company. Marcord's history is tragic but his future is even worse.
ZemusNPC-A human priest of Heimdall, Zemus is an outlaw priest in Renalse. The kingdom's recent change in the state religion from The Nors to the Sword Rulers made Zemus a wanted man when he refused to convert. He was captured and left for dead on a raft floating down the river. The group rescued him and he joined, saying his mission was to "build a bridge and restore the Nors". Zemus is pious, opinionated, and brave. He is also crass and easily offended. His holy powers have saved his life on more than one occasion and he even defeated Nogel in the Orbanian Arena by successfully casting a hold spell on Nogel (Hey, even the Battlemaster can roll a '1').[/url]
Post subject: Game Update from 6-1-04
Game Update
3807, Harven, 1, 2
The CELTs Camp, Eastern Lavindy Forest, 2 Kleks West of Orbania
Highsun
Nogel changes his mind and decides to leave Daynore behind. He finds two men to guard Daynore (with Marcus's permission).
The group leaves the camp.
One Half Klek West of Orbania, Renalse
Almost Lowsun
The group (Nogel, Tomaru, Thaylon, Durant, Mikael, Zemus, and Foxbane) stop and look for the best way to approach the city walls. The clear cutting and the farming make for a clear view of the city walls and outlying farms.
They hear a man screaming for help and people moving into a communal barn among the peasant farmer homes. Nogel reminds everyone they will not be distracted from their mission (to attack the Synods in the Crystal Castle).
From the north two soldiers ride south, close to the walls. They pass by the racket from the barn and continue south, around the walls.
Nogel urges everyone to move quicker and he heads towards the Army gate.
As they pass nearer to the barn they see people standing around but the commotion has stopped. The group moves closer to the city.
The group finds cover around 300 spans from the city walls. A ditch with some vegetation provides cover. The Army gate is being closed. Nogel thinks they have not been spotted and thinks the riders urged the gates to be closed, probably because of the CELTs diversionary attack.
The big heavy gates are being shut by four guards. One guard appears on top of the wall.
Foxbane offers to shoot at one of the guards, Nogel says no.
Nogel asks Thaylon is he has memorized 'sleep'.
Thaylon says he has but he wants to save it for more than one target.
Nogel asks Durant to do as before, opening his dimension door. Nogel says he would like to diable the gate, making it stay open should they need an escape route.
Nogel reminds Durant that once they get to the castle to shut his "door" so nothing can get out. Durant acknowledges Nogel's command.
Durant says he needs to get closer to open his doorway. Thaylon tells him to do it and Nogel gives Thaylon a stern look.
Durant says the greater distance the greater the chance of failure and he would prefer to get closer.
Nogel points out a lack of cover and points out the one lone guard on top of the wall.
Foxbane offers to shoot the guard.
Mikael asks Durant if he can open a door halfway to the wall so the group can get to the wall quicker.
Nogel tells Foxbane to go ahead and try a bow shot.
Mikael and Tomaru also get out their bows.
Foxbane is 20 missile squares away, medium range. He fires and hits! Mikael shoots at the same time and he hits too.
The guard, clad in chain mail and carrying a halberd, groans out and falls over.
Foxbane shouts in glee and immediately unstrings his bow.
Nogel orders everyone to run and they head to the wall.
More guards get to the top of the wall and by the time the group is 50 spans away the guards prepare to fire their crossbows.
The group make it to the base of the wall before the guards can fire. The batter is sloped but the guards still can't get a good shot as they try to peer down.
Durant pulls out his portable hole and places it on the wall. He looks through the 1 span hole and sees the back of a building around 10 spans inside the wall.
Durant asks NOgel is he wants in and and NOgel says "I think we all want in!. Hurry"
Durant opens his dimension door. From the other side they hear the guards yelling to get ready.
The group all pass through the dimension door and are momentarily dizzy and stunned.
One startled guard yells, throws down his sword and runs off screaming.
Four guards come out of the gateway and see the group. The hold their halberds in a guard.
One of the guards gives a half hearted order for the group to surrender.
Durant says "It looks like you got us boys."
Tomaru says "This is a Sword Ruler Castle? I'm sorry, we were going to storm another one to the east. We must have got lost."
Foxbane says "A band of smart asses" to no one in particular.
The guard in the back appears to be around 15 and genuinely frightened.
The waether is cold and clear with a few low lying clouds drifting by. Most building have smoke issuing from their chimneys. The normal sounds of the city are heard.
Nogel relaxes visibly.
Foxbane stpes forward with his staff in hand and says "I've got a better idea." He begins counting aloud the guards, then turns and counts the group. "I suggest you give up or you're going to be killed."
The guards shuffle nervously.
The front guard says they are not going anywhere, claiming they have taken an oath to defend the city. He then says to Foxbane "If that's the way it's gotta be, then god damn it, do it!", seemingly resigned to his fate.
Tomaru asks their names so they can be remembered.
The guard shouts back that it doesn't matter and to say they were brave sword ruler guards.
Durant asks Nogel what he wants to do.
Nogel walks up, grabs the halberd of the lead guard, and snaps the blade off.
"You're bravery is noticed, but for the health of the youngster behind you, I suggest you let us pass. When we are done with this city-"
The guard says "No, No!" and tries to stab Nogel with his broken haft. With unreal speed Nogel slashes the guard down and bood sprays into the air.
The other three guards remain still until Nogel tells them to go. They run away.
Durant asks how they should disable the door.
Nogel goes over to the portcullis winch and asks Durant to make the winch and lock mechanism one piece so the portcullis can not be lowered.
Nogel turns the gear that lifts the portcullis.
Tomaru suggests using halberds to jam up the gears. Durant says they don't need to do that.
After Durant looks over the gears he uses his 'molecular bonding' power to make it immovable. Nogel seems agitated that Durant is taking his time.
Durant's first try fails but his second succeeds.
Nogel, looking around the gateway, comments on how the Orbanians seem to know how to construct defenses. Tomaru says they don't know how to man them.
Nogel says "On to the castle." As the group moves down the road people shut their doors and slam their shuttered windows, hoping the group will not come and murder them, even if the group has no intention of doing so. It seems their reputation is growing!
As the get closer to Zeerkirk they hear the sound of a huge gathering and eventually they see the back of a crown which appears to encircle Zirkirk, something is going on. The group passes a bridge some 600 spans away from Zeerkirk.
Nogel suggests moving south to find a way less filled with people. They move.
They see four Orbanian guards moving their way. The guards hold out their halberds and shout "Halt!"
Nogel orders them to stand down. The guards stop.
"By the regent, I place you all under arrest. Throw down your weapons and come peacebly with us." Nogel shakes his head, almost with pity now does he view the guards.
Nogel moves forward. Foxbane strings his bow. Durant tells Nogel they need to hurry before someone's mind might be controlled.
Mikael decides to go with Nogel, then Tomaru follows.
Rising above the city stands Zeerkirk, glittering in the failing light.
Nogel, Tomaru, and Mikael threaten the guards.
Nogel slashes one guard, wounding him gravely. The guard keels over.
Foxbane decides not to fire an arrow into melee for fear of hitting his friends.
The three other guards make clumsy attacks and all miss.
Mikael slashes his attacker with his short sword and drops him, the guard screams.
Tomaru misses his attacker with a slash from his katana.
Nogel kills another guard. The remaing guard begs for mercy. Tomaru tells him to drop his weapon. The guard drops his halberd and runs off.
Three middle aged women are seen herding some young children into the temple of Balo. The children seem interested in watching the fight.
The group keeps moving south until the reach the Forest Road. The same group of people seem to be watching something that is on the circle road that goes around Zeerkirk.
Nogel seems disgusted and directs everyone over to a store front. They are by a hitching post and a discipline stump (the wood piece where the instant justice is delivered by the guards). Foxbane notices a decomposing hand by the stump. He looks around and sees someone slam their shutters from the upper floor of the building.
Nogel asks Durant to look and find out what the crowd is looking at.
Durant decides to ask Aegir for help in his task, saying a prayer before attempting to use his psionic powers. "C'mon Aegir, don't blind me with your, don't punish me now."
Durant uses his 'clairvoyance' and puts his remote view some 20 spans above the ground and just in front of the crowd.
The remote view opens above the circle road. Durant describes what he sees to the group. The group is 200 spans away from the circle road.
Durant sees people lined up around the road. No one is on the road. As he views every direction he notices something coming from his left, or the west.
He sees ten Orbanian clad soldier types walking to the east. The people watching cheer. Behind the first four guards there are three men wearing tabards that bear the charge of eight lines from a center point, all looking like arrows. As Durant describes this Mikael says "The symbol of chaos."
Each of those three are holding what appears to be the head of a mind flayer and they are holding the tentacles. They have one of the tentcales in their mouths and as they squeeze the bloated head of the mind flayer they move the other stiffened tentacles. DM Note:The three men would be best described as playing bagpipes.
Behind those three are another three men, dressed in rags and in sad shape. They are carrying huge wooden swords and the crowd throws rotten fruit and rocks at the three sword bearers.
Behind those three are three more Orbanian guards. Even with them is a man with a black hood with a whip, whipping the men carrying the three huge swords. He seems to be the new executioner.
Durant says the middle man carrying the over sized sword is Marcord! Foxbane shouts.
Durant asks what they should do. Nogel yells "What do you mean, it's Marcord!" He runs to the crowd. Everyone follows.
Nogel moves through the crowd, creating a pathway. His great strength causes several people to fall away and everyone makes it to the circle road. The crowd sees this and people begin shouting at them. The crowd seems especially displeased to see Zemus.
Durant keeps his clairvoyance running.
Foxbane waits for Durant to catch up to him and asks him if he can make his viewing keep up with Marcord. Durant says he can see them for now. Foxbane let's Durant move ahead of him. Foxbane and Durant make it to the circle road.
The crowd throws rotten food at the group. The executioner whips the prisoner on the left. The guards and the prisoners do not see the group moving up behind them.
Tomaru gets hit in the head with a rock. It bounces off his helmet and the crowd cheers.
Nogel moves towards the executioner and slashed him down from behind. The crowd yells.
The rear guards turn and point their halberds at Nogel. The flaypipers keep playing. The corwd is too loud for all the guards to hear the commotion behind them.
Durant stops his clairvoyance.
Foxbane surveys the circle road and esitmates it is 30 spans wide. He sees 60 spans of open clear cut ground from the road to the moat of Zeerkirk. There is no fence, balustrade, or wall near the moat.
Foxbane moves to get a clear shot at the executioner. Seeing him chopped down, he sets his sights on one of the flaypipers.
Mikael and Tomaru move to threaten the guards. Tomaru decides to attack a flaypiper instead. Tomaru says "C'mon Marcord, we're busting you free!"
Durant sees the executioner lying still on the ground. He waits and watches the scene.
Foxbane shoots and downs one of the flaypipers, the musical instrument making a moaning sound as the air leaves it's bladder.
Mikael sticks a guard and downs him. Nogel picks another guard for death. The poor guard never had a chance.
Zemus and Thaylon decide to move to the three carrying the over sized swords but remain behind the fight, watching the crowd and ducking thrown rocks and food.
Durant decides to try his clairvoyance on the room in Zeerkirk where he had seen the mind flayers. His power does not work. He cringes.
Durant tries again. This time it works and he sees the same thing as before. However, as he's watching he sees the lidless milky white eyes of the mind flayers change to black and the vision of the interior of Zeerkirk is shut off! Durant gets a terrible headache and blood drips out of his nose. He remains standing despite the pain and the headache begins to subside. Durant wonders how the mindflayers did that as he wipes his nose and sees the blood on his hand.
The last guard in the back and the two flaypipers flee! Tomaru strikes at the guard but misses.
Zemus, Thaylon, and Mikael move to the prisoners. They see the prisoners tied to the swords by a strap of leather. Nogel rips the strap off Marcord and Marcord falls to the ground.
Nogel asks Marcord is he's all right and Marcord moans.
Foxbane launches another arrow at a guard but misses.
The guard Tomaru is fighting slashes him, Tomaru winces in pain.
Foxbane launches another arrow at the same guard and misses again!
The guards in front move to attack the group. Mikael decides to help Tomaru who might be overwhelmed.
Durant sees the last three guards intent on Tomaru. He uses his 'compact' power and shrinks one of the guards halberd. The guard shouts in surprise!
The guards threaten Mikael and Tomaru. They all miss their swings.
Foxbane moves to Durant. Durant tells him "The three are still in the room in the castle."
Foxbane sees Durant's bloody nose. He asks if Durant got hit with a stick and Durant says no "They noticed I was peering at them and they shut off my viewing."
Tomaru slashes at a guard but only hits chainmail. Mikael swings his short sword and another guard yells as he falls.
The other two prisoners are released by Zemus and Thaylon.
Zemus drops his horn but is able to recover it.
Foxbane puts his bow away, slinging it over his shoulder. He is beginning to feel the added weight of the brigandine armor he is wearing but he is glad for it's added protection.
The crowd appears to be moving towards the group, hatred boiling over.
Tomaru's attacker withdraws.
Durant, Foxbane, and Mikael move towards Nogel, noticing the crowds hostile intent. Nogel picks up Marcord.
Zemus and Thaylon direct the two other prisoners to follow them. The prisoners accept the invitation.
Seeing the crowd, Nogel orders everyone to go to the castle. He turns and moves towards Zeerkirk, onto the open ground. Everyone follows as more items are thrown at them from the crowd. Foxbane glares at the crowd.
Durant yells for Nogel but Nogel does not stop nor turn. Moving northwest the group moves to Freeman's Lane and to the moat. They see the drawbridge is up.
Nogel orders Foxbane "You, provide cover. Zemus? Go and try to keep the crowd back."
Zemus says "Give me a chance" and Thaylon moves with him. "Now is a good a time as any for my sleep spell!"
The group sees the moat is 20 spans wide and that the castle walls extend down into the water of the moat. The wall where the drawbridge falls has no curb, meaning the wood of the drawbridge is flush with the castle walls when upright.
Foxbane moves about 10 spans from the group. Durant sees Nogel put Marcord on the ground. He tells Nogel what he saw in Zeerkirk.
More long range rocks come flying at the group from the slow moving mob. There appears to be at least 300 angry peasants moving, albeit slowly. None of them are armed but many are picking up random rocks and throwing them.
Foxbane looks for someone throwing at them. He unslings his bow and decides he's had enough.
Tomaru sheathes his katana and unslings his daikyu (oriental longbow). The sight of a 7 span long bow makes some of the peasants hesitant and they leave the front of the mob. More peasants move forward to take their place. The peasants seem intent on moving forward with caution.
Foxbane picks a peasant getting ready to launch a rock and shoots him with an arrow! The crowd gasps but keep aggressive. Foxbane knocks another arrow.
Durant tries his clairvoyance to see into the room in Zeerkirk with the servants. His psionics goes awry and he is blind, again! [blind for 1 span]
A great noise comes from Zeerkirk. The stones begin to twinkle and shine, the sound of a hurricane building. A crackling circle of energy forms at the bottom stones by the water of the moat and travel upwards to the top of Zeerkirk, eventually flying straight up and into the sky, out of sight. Everyone is amazed and frightened by this. One of the peasant's voices pierces the darkening day "The Sword Rulers are angry!"
As quickly as it came it is over and everyone resumes their adversarial positions. Zemus and Thaylon begin casting spells.
Thaylon puts several peasants to sleep and Zemus causes several peasants to stop moving and fall over.
Foxbane picks another peasant and fires, killing another one.
Nogel yells out "We'll have to keep moving!"
As the group look back they see more peasants coming from the north side of Zeerkirk. The group is now surrounded by almost 600 angry peasants, all wanting horrible things for them.
Zemus and Thaylon fall back and tell Tomaru to follow them.
Durant asks Nogel "Do you want to go in?"
Nogel says "Of course I want to go in!"
"I'm trying to open a door!"
"Well do it quick" said Nogel, "we've got to about the count of three before we're crushed into the water!" Nogel then turns and while looking at the moat he says "I wonder what is in that water."
The crowd seems to be getting even more aggressive, now only 30 spans away.
Foxbane yells "Nogel, we better do something here! I can't swim!"
Durant tries to see inside Zeerkirk again. His clairvoyance works but he is unable to see anything. He realizes his power worked but is cut off from Zeerkirk. He tells Nogel this.
Mikael asks Durant "Can you get us out of here?"
"It'll take a little while and I can get us on the other side of the crowd but I won't say they won't notice us."
Tomaru fires an arrow and kills another peasant. The group continues to dodge rocks and assorted detritus, many splashing into the moat and bouncing off Zeerkirk.
The crowd is almost to the group. Nogel orders "Everyone, draw your weapons and form a circle around Durant. Fight like there is no tomorrow!" Everyone hears Nogel's commands.
Foxbane slings his bow and holds forth his staff. Mikael readies his shortsword. Tomaru drops his daikyu and pulls his katana. Zemus readies his holy symbol as if to cast a spell. He wonders why he never bothered to pick up a sword or spear to use at just such a time as this. Thaylon thinks this might be the end.
Durant uses his clairvoyance power and views from above the crowd. He sees past the circle road the ring of official buidlings, such as the Hall of Records and barracks for the Orbanian guards. He swivels his viewing and sees the mob and his group as well.
It is a miracle no one has been severely injured yet with all the flying debris.
Everyone falls back to form a protective circle around Durant. The crowd hurls insults and rocks.
The two unnamed prisoners remain by Marcord.
Durant sees where he wants to be. In his mind he creates a link and focuses his energy. He creates a 'dimension door' and yells that it is open. He immediately steps through and is on the far side of the Hall of Records.
From where Foxbane is, he sees Durant say something and move, then disappear. This is because the dimension door is invisible from the back side! The crowd that saw that gasps, others are too busy throwing things.
As more rocks come down upon the group they move quickly through the portal. All make it and all are disoriented for a quick moment, the travel making them nauseous and dizzy.
Foxbane is the last to go through and after he steps through Durant stops the doorway from being.
A lone family, doing chores in their yard, runs into their home and slam the door. Many slamming of doors ans shutterings of windows can be heard as the group regains their composure and set off, away from Zeerkirk.
Durant's clairvoyance shows the crowd milling around now, wondering what just happened.
Durant announces he is blind, although it is temporary.
Nogel orders Zemus to help Durant. He says they will go east and find a place to gather themselves. He suggests the section of Orbania that was burned by the fire recently.
As they move into the burned out section the smell of burned wood and other things assails them.
After Nogel creates a temporary shelter out of refuse he asks if anyone is hurt.
Foxbane tells him that Durant has a bloody nose.
Durant tells what happened.
Thaylon says Marcord is the worst. Tomaru says he is slightly injured.
Foxbane looks at Marcord and sees he is awake but hurt.
Thaylon looks at the two prisoners and tells them it is time for them to go. The prisoners thank them and go.
Durant wants to know who the prisoners were, Marcord says they were petty criminals.
Nogel asks Marcord what he was doing here. Foxbane repeats the question.
Marcord says "I can't explain it. I was in the CELT camp and yesterday I felt a calling to come to the city. I couldn't resist."
Foxbane rolls his eyes and sighs. Durant can't see that.
Marcord continues "I started coming here, I walked and walked until I made my way down to the castle. Apparently somebody recognized me or something but I was picked up by the guards, charged with treason, and set to die. I was beaten, humiliated, and told I was a traitor to the Sword Ruler way and the House of Atreides. They made me carry these swords around Zeerkirk as a spectacle to show the people what happens to traitors to the Sword Rulers."
"But still" said Marcord "there was something here that made me come here and I don't know what. It reminded me of when I was down in the castle at Poducca. Something happened here and I don't know what it was."
Nogel says that makes no sense.
Marcord says he can't explain it.
The group hears someone shouting "I think they went that way!" off in the distance.
Durant asks Marcord "Do you think you were in control of yourself?"
"I don't give a <expletive deleted>" yelled Foxbane "we need to leave! They're gonna be comin", I don't want to question this prick now! Let's go!"
Durant says condescendingly "I thought we were here to be in hiding."
Nogel says "Calm down Foxbane. We're still getting in that <expletive deleted> castle. Some of us just aren't going."
Turning to Durant, Nogel asks "You can't open a door to the castle now?"
"I can't see inside it. I would doubt that a door would open."
Nogel moves and looks beyond the makeshift walls. "I can see the top of it from here."
Foxbane begins to speak when Nogel tenses and tells everyone to be quiet.
Trampling feet go past some distance away.
Nogel says "We still have to get in there."
"What did you say now?" asks Durant to Foxbane.
"You can't get us in that room or you can't get us in the castle?
"I can't get us in the room and I tried the castle itself. They've put up some kind of barrier that prevents me from-"
Marcord interrupts "Have you tried the courtyard to the castle, not the actual inside of the castle?"
Durant says "No, I haven't."
Nogel turns and affirms what Marcord asked.
Marcord says "Yes, that's where I was charged and found guilty of treason. Inside the castle walls there is an open area that is actually quite nice, not for me that day."
This comment brings derision from Thaylon. "It was nice and he was getting his ass beat!"
Marcord acknowledges the irony of his remark.
Foxbane and Tomaru make fun of Marcord. Nogel tells them to be quiet, anger flaring in his eyes. Foxbane and Tomaru wisely fall silent.
Durant asks where the courtyard is and Marcord says it is in the middle, some 150 to 200 spans past the outer wall.
Durant successfully uses his clairvoyance to view the courtyard. He sees a fountain, a garden, benches, and a platform with steps. He also sees six doors leading from the courtyard to inside the square keep.
Foxbane urges the group to go now.
Durant asks how far away they are from the castle now.
Nogel estimates at least 1000 spans, maybe 2000. Nogel asks how close they need to be.
Durant says "The closer the better."
"How close" asks Nogel again" do we need to be?"
"As close as possible, the closer the better. The further away the more difficult for me to do."
Slightly agitated, Nogel says "We can't get too much closer, without encountering what we did before so yo are going to have to be more specific when I ask you this question."
Durant says any of the building that circle the castle would be ideal.
Nogel says "You are blind. If you can't open up the <expletive deleted> door from here-"
"It's too far is why" says Durant pointedly.
"How close do we have to get?" asks Nogel for the third time.
Durant pauses before answering. "At least 200 yards from the center of the courtyard but that is extremely difficult to open at that range."
Nogel says they need to get back to where they were, meaning the circle road.
Nogel asks Zemus what he can do. Zemus says he can not travel that way.
"I may be able to stun the crowd but it will not get us across the moat."
Foxbane suggests waiting for darkness.
Nogel says the longer they wait the more men will come back from the diversion.
Foxbane suggests running to the moat, that "they can't catch us."
Nogel says "We can't run with Durant being blind."
Durant wonders about approaching the castle from the other side, saying the crowd was not encircling the castle the last time he looked.
Tomaru thinks there will be people there. Durant thinks they will not be at the opposite side of the castle now (east).
Marcord reminds them people were all the way around watching him carry the sword. He suggests they go back down the road. He sighs and says "If there are people there, Nogel, you may have to start killing all of them."
"Well <expletive deleted> it then "says Nogel with finality" they're going to die."
"When we get down there "Nogel turns to Zemus"I'm going to hold them off while you cast your protections spells on us. Then Durant will open a door to the courtyard."
Zemus says "I can cast them one after the other, it might take a while though."
Nogel says "That's just the way it is."
"Just make sure you tell us" says Foxbane" when you're done because Durant won't be able to see when you are done."
Durant says "Maybe, maybe not." Durant considers how much time has passed and thinks he will get his sight back in the near future.
Tomaru asks Zemus if he can cure Durant's blindness.
Durant says Zemus can not, he says his blindness is a side effect of his psionic powers and it will go away on it's own.
Foxbane tells Tomaru that Zemus is not touched with the healing powers.
Tomaru says "Not that type of a priest."
"Sure" says Foxbane " whatever that means."
Nogel says they are going to try.
Durant suggests going to a building instead of doing all this in the open "where the crowd is".
From the background noise of the city comes this clear strong voice "Come out, come out wherever you are!"
Nogel says "About <expletive deleted> time that son of a bitch showe up."
He walks out from the rubble, Foxbane moves to Durant.
Durant has never heard this voice before.
Nogel says "I was hoping you hadn't of left, Sixto."
Nogel turns his head and says "Mikael, 100 hundred paces right, get your bow ready! Thaylon, left! Zemus, I need that spell now."
Mikael begins moving and readying his bow.
"Oh no you don't, "yells Sixto " I've got this place surrounded with crossbowmen."
Nogel sneers back confidently "Fine, let them fire once, then they'll be dead, and you know I don't lie." Turning to Zemus he says "Cast that spell on me now!"
Almost hysterically, Sixto shouts "Stop that Nors man!"
Most of the group begins moving away from the makeshift cover provided by Nogel's meager construction skills. Foxbane remains, staying close to Durant and Marcord. Foxbane can see they are in trouble and can see the corssbowmen.
They see Sword General Sixto, covered from head to toe in shining metal some 50 spans away. They see they are surrounded by some 40 crossbowmen, all wearing the device of the cut gem, heraldry of the Orbanian guards.
From one of the guards on the heroes left (east), the shout of warning comes. "General, left!"
Everyone looks and sees coming from the western direction a group of 12 brightly tattooed elves attacking the nearest Orbanian guards. War cries and singing blades come forth and half of the guards must defend themselves against the Eagle Clan!
Nogel, Mikael, and Thaylon are greatly relieved and invigorated at this turn of events. The others don't understand what is happening but are gladdened by any help at this point. They have not yet encountered the Bladesingers of Jasmine Canyon. If Durant could see he would recognize them as well. Alas, Durant is still blind.
Nogel shouts out "Holy Heracles!"
Sixto shouts "Fire!"
Foxbane surprises Durant and pushes him down to the ground, hopefully to protect him from missile fire.
Durant yells in surprise and says "We're under attack!"
Foxbane shouts back "Get down, they're shooting crossbows!"
"Why didn't you just tell me to get down?"
"Because I thought it would be funnier knocking you on your ass you blind freak."
Almost all of the missiles miss their mark, however.
Thaylon is struck by a crossbow bolt. Luckily he was not casting a spell or it would have been wasted. The pain from where the bolt creased his rib cage is bad enough.
Zemus casts 'protection from evil' upon Nogel. Nogel protects Zemus from incoming missiles. Nogel deflects a bolt away just in the nick of time. He eyes Sixto and bloodlust grabs Nogel. Nogel can think of only one thing, unleashing the legions of Hades upon the spawn of Mechanus.
20 guards against 12 bladesingers. Shed no tears for the outnumbered, for victory is not assured by numbers. Coming from the burned remnants of town, death on wings strikes swiftly.
Tomaru wishes he had not left his bow behind at Zeerkirk. He readies himself for melee, charging the nearest crossbomen.
Nogel charges Sixto. He strikes true with his great scimitar. Sixto remains standing but sparks fly as the Battlemaster's weapon scrapes steel upon steel. A large chunk of Sixto's armor flies off and Sixto yells out in pain and anger.
Zemus moves to engage other guards closer to where Marcord, Foxbane, and Durant are (north).
Thaylon moves and attacks a guard, mortally wounding him.
Tomaru misses his attack.
The guards move and surround Zemus and Tomaru. Sixto withdraws as guards move up to surround Nogel. More guards move to engage Mikael. None of the guards move to attack Foxbane yet.
Surrounded, Nogel is attacked from all sides. Most are blocked are miss, but one attack hits Nogel in the groin, bypassing Nogel's defenses! The surprise and pain is overwhelming and Nogel is stunned! He may be in trouble!
Nogel gets hit three more times and is beginning to look the worse for wear. He is not knocked down.
Tomaru has five men on him. They attack with some success. Tomaru knows this is a battle not for the weak.
One guard moves up to threaten Foxbane. He turns to face the guard. Foxbane swings his staff at the guard but misses. Foxbane is stuck through a hole in his armor. He bravely stands his ground.
Zemus is getting the most ferocious attack but his armor and his luck prevail. One of his attackers falls down!
Mikael decides to aim an arrow at Sixto, taking care not to hit Nogel, shooting over the top of Nogel's melee. Mikael misses badly.
The sounds of the dead and dying can be heard echoing throughout the blackened area.
The guards continue hacking away at a stunned Nogel. One of the guards gets up while the rest mercilessly slash and poke. Nogel begins bleeding from multiple slashes, most of which would have killed lesser men. Luckily none of them strike him in any vital places and Nogel's head clears.
Tomaru is struck two more times. He begins to hope for better fates and thinks of his faith.
Thaylon dodges one attack.
Foxbane is struck in the right ear, causing a ringing sensation and bleeding.
Zemus is attacked four more times and all are missed or deflected. The guard that fell gets up.
Mikael drops his bow, draws his sword and moves to help Zemus. He slashes a guard and the guard flies off to the side, clutching the wound in his side.
Nogel slashes a guard, killing him.
Tomaru calls out "Amaratsu, guide my sword"[ rule #14] followed by a loud shout, summoning his inner strength (chi) for a killing blow. He brings his katana down on one of his attackers. His blade scrapes chainmail.
Thaylon attacks and kills another guard.
Zemus misses with his holy symbol, not much of a weapon really.
Nogel chops down four more guards that were attacking him. He is now free and clear.
Sixto continues to back away.
Nogel sees his friends in trouble and sees Sixto getting away. He must decide what is more important.
End Game
Players Present:Old School (John M.), Broom (Sean S.), Czar (Jim G. ), Mapman
(Rick W.)
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