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Day 5
Feb 12, 2013 23:41:42 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Feb 12, 2013 23:41:42 GMT -5
Day 5Our heroes had unpleasant dreams of dragons. This made the morning more unsettling; it is said that one dreams of dragons not long before they meet their end at once. Preparations were quiet, and at the break of dawn our heroes were off into the wild once more, headed South towards the Free Islands. Whether it'd be to the completion of their mission, or their final resting place, they could not say. Moving along the Sangmon mountain range, our heroes follow it further South towards the border. Though they were spared sleeping under the red stars last night, there is a palpable darkness in the air that our heroes can sense. But the uncertainty, the unknown, would soon drop from their minds, as they take to the road, our heroes hear the sounds of angry warriors. Running down the side of the mountain, an Ulanese woman flees for her life from three Ulanese warriors. The warriors and the woman are all wearing colors familiar to Nergüi, indeed, these were his people. The woman was not completely defenseless. As the horses drew closer, she boldly tumbled and let them pass her. As she scrambled to her feet, the spear on her back now lay in her hands, pointed straight at the warriors. One of them let loose an arrow, which was haphazardly deflected by the woman. The horsemen circled the woman, who showed the ferocity of a tiger backed to a wall, keeping her eyes on the three as best she could. From this distance, Nergüi can hear their Ulanese taunts and insults at the woman, as well as their vulgar suggestions. But more importantly, from this distance, Nergüi recognized the woman. Baichu, Nergüi and his family knew hers well. She and Nergüi have in fact known each other since they were children.
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Day 5
Feb 13, 2013 0:49:43 GMT -5
Post by Barnzi88 on Feb 13, 2013 0:49:43 GMT -5
Tun Si kept a grimaced gaze downward as her thoughts drifted to last night's dream. Or rather, a nightmare of their possible impending doom, one she couldn't put out of her mind. Perhaps the next time they stop and rest at a shrine, she'll take her worries in prayer to a jizo statue.
Sounds of angry cries and stampeding horses snap Tun Si back to reality, and she looked up to see the Ulanese woman being pursued. Surely, they couldn't just move and pretend it never happened. "Should we not assist her?" she urged worriedly.
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Day 5
Feb 13, 2013 2:30:28 GMT -5
Post by Cole Deschain on Feb 13, 2013 2:30:28 GMT -5
"I must assist her. The rest of you are free to choose."
The Beggar Khan leaned forward and whispered into his horse's ear, a simple "Go" in Ulanese. The creature surged forward as its rider drew an arrow from his quiver and drew back his bowstring.
He didn't shout a challenge, or make any threats. He simply put three arrows in the air as soon as he was close enough, each targeting one of the horsemen.
[Ranged 1: [dice=20]+14= 22
Ranged 2: [dice=20] + 14= 24
Ranged 3: [dice=20] + 14= 31
All further bumped by Leading the Charge, Shot on the Run, and Skirmish][rand=348323970107430558252193992152952344690280561295255114246880877262]
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Day 5
Feb 14, 2013 0:24:26 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Feb 14, 2013 0:24:26 GMT -5
An arrow flies into the shoulder of one of the Ulanese men.
[1 pt damage]
As he cries out, dropping his own bow, a second arrow zooms past the face of the second man, and the third arrow hits the third man straight into his neck. The man chokes on his own blood as he falls off his horse, said horse straying off.
The two remaining Ulanese warriors turn to see Nergüi charging towards them.
"Chagatai..!?" Baichu gasps.
"Spirits.. it's Chagatai the Bastard!" One of the warriors shouts. The injured companion raises a saber while the other brings up his bow and they abandon Baichu, headed straight towards the Beggar Khan.
Battle 4: Chagatai the Bastard
Terrain: Slope of a mountain. Enemies currently have combat advantage.
Enemies: Ulanese warriors of the Gaheris tribe.
Aeon [dice=20]+0 Nergüi (Surprise First Strike brings to front of the list) Tama [dice=20]+0 Duk: [dice=20]+1 Akane [dice=20]+2 Tun Si [dice=20]+1 Nam Il [dice=20]+1
Turn Order 1-Nergüi 2- Gaheris Raiders 3- Duk 4- Tama 5- Tun Si 6- Akane 7- Baichu 8- Nam Il 9- Aeon
The first raider banks away from Nergüi with two flung arrows [Skirmish + Leading the Charge + Shot on the Run]
Nergüi Defense Roll: [dice=20]+11+2(skirmish) - Success Nergüi Defense Roll: [dice=20]+11+2(skirmish) - Hit
Nergüi ducks against the first arrow, but the second pierces his side, through his already battered armor.
[1 pt. damage]
The second raider takes aim with his saber as he rides past.
Nergüi Defense Roll [dice=20]+11+2(skirmish) - Success
Fighting through the pain, Nergüi deflects with a bold slap from his bow.[rand=58967741757302525869528828400097478781576555686222342133843142664]
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Day 5
Feb 14, 2013 20:26:17 GMT -5
Post by AzalaTerran on Feb 14, 2013 20:26:17 GMT -5
Nan Fa Ra Duk watched, eyes wide and mouth open as Nerguii rushed the attackers, arrows striking two targets before engaging them in combat.
"Dragons be damned! We're going to die to bandits before we even get anywhere!" the Geshou lamented.
"Still," Duk thought, "The Khan wouldn't rush to help just anyone out, especially if they were fool enough to be caught alone on the roads. This might be a good chance to get back in dirty Ulanese' good graces."
Duk rode forward, hand out, towards the woman shouting, "Quick, get on!"
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 16:07:40 GMT -5
Post by RoseNasty on Feb 15, 2013 16:07:40 GMT -5
A wall of djinnfire suddenly blazed between Nergui and the remaining Ulanese warriors as Tama rode up, eyes glowing and bow drawn.
[dice=20] +9 (djinnfire)
"This is your only warning! Turn around and ride away, vermin!"
[dice=20] +7 (Intimidate)
[rand=7758388279471546038747837068513036965086066164076317240815423429012]
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 16:35:03 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Feb 15, 2013 16:35:03 GMT -5
The horses of the Gaheris raiders are more than startled at the blazing blue and yellow lights of Tama's Djinnfire.
"Chagatai the Bastard rides with demons..!"
The second one grinned and drew his bow to the sky, with an arrow with a unique head.
"But he does not ride with Hell." The warrior launches the arrow into the sky, and it produces a sharp whistle that echoes through the entire region. At its peak, the reflection of the arrowhead glistened in the sunlight. Nergüi and Baichu knew this maneuver well, and Tama had seen it before as well.
It meant that not too far from here, perhaps even over the hill, was an Ulanese encampment, each member a capable warrior ready for blood with the lives of many on their swords and arrows.
As Duk reached Baichu, he was not expecting the young woman to grip his hand with such strength and lift herself up so forcefully that the Geshou nearly fell off his horse. He then realized as he righted himself that Baichu had sat in front of him and literally taken the reigns of the horse. With great skill she dashed to Chagatai's side.
"We need to leave, that is the Raban platoon..!! Why didn't your solder simply burn them??"
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 16:41:46 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Feb 15, 2013 16:41:46 GMT -5
Akane winced at the loud whistle that the arrow carried. "Well, that hurt..." Akane than noticed she and Tun Si where the only ones not in the fight, then she noticed Nam Il. "Well, I guess we better get into the fray." Akane than jumped off her horse and started sprinting towards the fight.
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 16:52:26 GMT -5
Post by Cole Deschain on Feb 15, 2013 16:52:26 GMT -5
"Your guess is as good as mine!"
Chagatai called over the roar of the flames.
"We need to run. NOW!"
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 17:02:18 GMT -5
Post by Barnzi88 on Feb 15, 2013 17:02:18 GMT -5
Tun was about to join the fray along with Akane til Nergui shouted out for everyone to escape.
Looking worried, she shot several glances over the hill and listened out for any war cries and thundering of horses.
[Perception] [dice=20]+14
[rand=87142449291422965387914178427309636369874468073217447463632561266]
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 17:08:37 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Feb 15, 2013 17:08:37 GMT -5
Slowly, but sure, Tun Si, and then the others, hear a rumbling thought only suitable for distant thunder.
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 18:34:47 GMT -5
Post by RoseNasty on Feb 15, 2013 18:34:47 GMT -5
Tama lets out a frustrated grunt, vacillating between retreating and standing her ground, but finally turning around to flee. I HATE running....
Left with no other choice, Tama quickly comes up with a plan. "Aeon! Neutralize these two!" she yells, referring to the two enemies, as she readies her horse. "Everyone! Run! And do not stop until I say so!"
As everyone retreats, a single flame of djinnfire glows in the middle of the field and grows outwards, burning the ground and erasing their tracks. That should give us time...
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 18:42:38 GMT -5
Post by Barnzi88 on Feb 15, 2013 18:42:38 GMT -5
At Tama's behest, Tun Si pulled at her mount's reins and immediately took off in the opposite direction.
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 21:27:02 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Feb 15, 2013 21:27:02 GMT -5
Akane skidded to a stop before sprinting in the opposite direction. "That is not fair!"
Akane looked up to see Tun Si turning her horse around. "SWALLOW! A little help!?!"
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Day 5
Feb 15, 2013 21:57:52 GMT -5
Post by Barnzi88 on Feb 15, 2013 21:57:52 GMT -5
Tun Si shot a glance over her shoulder at Akane and saw she was without her mount. "Oh. Coming!"
The young monk quickly tugged the reins to maneuver her horse back around and towards Akane. Leaning out form the side, she stretched her hand out and grasped Akane by hers, pulling her right up and seating her at the rear.
Her seer friend now collected, Tun Si raced her mount away from the approaching danger.
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Day 5
Feb 17, 2013 22:33:50 GMT -5
Post by cancerbones on Feb 17, 2013 22:33:50 GMT -5
Aeon spurs his mount as he sends forth a spear of psychokinetic energy into the minds of the two combatants as he turns and follows the others in flight.
"We need to cover our tracks!
((dominate [dice=20]+15 on both))
[rand=684804798103869295270181726664390370373963378376991171450354159]
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 5
Feb 17, 2013 23:19:29 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Feb 17, 2013 23:19:29 GMT -5
Akane hugged Tun Si around the waist to hang on. "Thank you."
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Day 5
Feb 18, 2013 8:08:48 GMT -5
Post by Cole Deschain on Feb 18, 2013 8:08:48 GMT -5
The Beggar Khan turned in the saddle, launching a parting volley at the raiders, two at arrows at the man who still held a bow, one at his wounded counterpart.
(OOC: Whether Aeon's mojo works on them or not)
[Ranged 1: [dice=20]+14= 30 + Skirmish + Shot on the run
Ranged 2: [dice=20]+14= 28 + Skirmish + Shot on the run
Ranged 3 (Targeting wounded guy): [dice=20]+14= 17 + Skirmish + Shot on the run][rand=770934329963269653968099801214054344263298519224389578228549984]
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Day 5
Feb 18, 2013 23:17:35 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Feb 18, 2013 23:17:35 GMT -5
Aeon: success Aeon's mind harpooned the Ulanese warriors, leaving them sitting ducks for Nergüi's arrows. Battle OverOur heroes rode as fast as they could, soon leaving the road to further cover their tracks, heading through a swamp. Late afternoon hit, and our heroes finally found themselves safe. Deep in the swamp, they stop to rest. While our heroes were fortunate that they had eluded the Gaheris platoon, it was not without cost; amidst the chaos, Akane's horse, and her belongings, were left behind. [Akane has lost her items that were not in her side pouch. This include large items such as rations, bedroll & extra clothes, etc.] While anyone could rest assured that the Ulanese would not harm a perfectly good horse, it was safe to say that they were now short transport, to say nothing of the loss of her supplies, and for the time being, they now had an extra traveler with them. Said woman, Baichu, sat on a log away from the others, checking her own supplies and spear.
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 5
Feb 18, 2013 23:58:49 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Feb 18, 2013 23:58:49 GMT -5
Akane had her back turned from the group. She had lost supplies before but it still peeved her slightly, she still had her seeds for her spells and flowers for her ritual, so not everything was too bad. Akane turned slightly to Tun Si.
"Good thing I didn't take your Hair Pin...otherwise we both wouldn't have it anymore." Akane tried to hide her slight frustration through a fake smile.
(Bluff [dice=20]+1)
The smile was there but her aura was telling the group other wise.[rand=26222455035895116123982004355639205133165000006568888978108298033]
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Day 5
Feb 19, 2013 2:04:54 GMT -5
Post by Cole Deschain on Feb 19, 2013 2:04:54 GMT -5
Nergüi approached Baichu and spoke in calm, level tones.
"So what was that about? I know Gaheris is a pig, and those he favors even moreso, but I didn't think even he would condone an assault on a member of ou- his tribe."
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Day 5
Feb 19, 2013 3:18:30 GMT -5
Post by Barnzi88 on Feb 19, 2013 3:18:30 GMT -5
Tun easily saw through Akane's smile, and slightly chuckled at the hairpin comment, but she didn't scold her for her loss. Smiling kindly, she assured her.
"At least you get to keep your life. And besides, I'll gladly share my rations with you if you need it."
She then glanced over at Baichu with curiosity, and quietly observed her.
[rand=6257718144915998976260262541472956345726968720566699685431085527]
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Day 5
Feb 19, 2013 22:57:19 GMT -5
Post by RoseNasty on Feb 19, 2013 22:57:19 GMT -5
"That's a lovely thought," Tama addresses Tun Si and Akane, "but the fact is the loss of the horse burdens everyone in the group. No matter how small the disadvantage we have may seem, we simply cannot afford it. This mission must be taken seriously and mistakes like that can't be made. Stay focused and stay smart or we won't survive."
With that out of her system, Tama moves to join Nergui and the newcomer in their conversation.
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Day 5
Feb 19, 2013 23:30:19 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Feb 19, 2013 23:30:19 GMT -5
Baichu looks up to Nergüi, giving him a look of familiarity she gave to none of our other heroes.
"Gaheris grows crueler by the day... Our tribe moved deeper into the wilds, so far from any of the others neighboring tribes.. we felt trapped. He's gripped our tribe in fear of his wrath. My family.. ..all fell victim to that wrath.."
INSIGHT: Tama: [dice=20]+8= 26 Nergüi: [dice=20]+5= 9
Tama can sense that there was more, a lot more, that Baichu was not saying. Nergüi is not quite as perceptive. Then again, keeping to oneself was simply Ulanese in nature, and Nergüi was never known, even by Baichu, for his inquisitiveness.
Baichu looks away, like she wants to change the subject. Her voice resparks memories in Nergüi that he had long put to rest. She looks up to Nergüi and Tama.
"So.. a woman leads your section? That is a refreshing change of pace, I must admit.. ..I could never imagine you letting someone else lead, Chagatai.." She teases, trying to bring a smile to a face that has clearly seen and been through enough to make her world-weary.
INSIGHT: Tama: [dice=20]+8= 16
Even in their short time together, Tama could tell that it was rare for Nergüi so speak so politely to anyone, and the way Baichu spoke to him, if it wasn't already obvious that they have known each other for a long time, it was sure as rock now. Learning Nergüi's real name, Chagatai, seemed like a plus, as well.
Meanwhile,
Nam Il sits on a log reviewing maps near Nan Fa Ra Duk and Aeon Singh.
"Oh.. it looks like Kanikame Cave is located right next to Calrong Harbor.."
Duk and Aeon have both been to Calrong. They knew much better than anyone else in the team of its nature, with amazing seafood, powerful crime syndicates, and teeming with hedonistic delights. Calrong Harbor was wild and terrible and amazing all at once; Duk recalled the lyrics of a famous Geshou,
"One night in Calrong and the world's your oyster, The bars are temples but the pearls aren't free, You'll find a god in every golden cloister, And if you're lucky then that god's a she"
Duk could swear the spirits filled him up with glee. [rand=913543659203546749330982199426443055926555219915637390346498672321]
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Day 5
Feb 20, 2013 2:57:15 GMT -5
Post by Cole Deschain on Feb 20, 2013 2:57:15 GMT -5
"This Tama, Baichu. She is fierce, formidable and she suffers the rest of these... people... with more patience than I could ever manage."
The khan actually smiled at that, the relatively gentle expression seeming endearingly out of place on his features.
"They're infinitely less useless than most of the people I've met since entering Fa Rei. Even the geshou has his uses."
Chiefly in amusing me with shrieks of terror.
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Day 5
Feb 20, 2013 4:25:19 GMT -5
Post by RoseNasty on Feb 20, 2013 4:25:19 GMT -5
Tama's keen eye perceives a certain hesitation from Baichu, but more impressively, she notices a rather surprising shift in Nergui's- or rather Chagatai's- demeanor as he talks with her. She simply nods appreciatively at his compliment, as affecting as it was, and tries to dissimulate how pleasing it was to hear. To that end, and for the purpose of getting back to the matter at hand, she directs the subject of conversation elsewhere.
"Pleased to meet you, Baichu." Tama offers her a cup of water and continues, "As I understand it, you two know each other from childhood, and are from the same tribe, correct? Ulan is a long way from here, did those warriors chase you all this way?"
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Day 5
Feb 20, 2013 18:49:47 GMT -5
Post by AzalaTerran on Feb 20, 2013 18:49:47 GMT -5
Nan Fa Ra Duk, sat near Nam Il, idly strumming on and tuneing his GuQin. When he heard Calrong he quickly strummed the tune for the "One night in Calrong" made so famous by the Geshou Tóu mù léi. "Finally, some good news. A chance to kick back and relax. I can finally get some decent wine and medicine."
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Day 5
Feb 20, 2013 20:16:32 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Feb 20, 2013 20:16:32 GMT -5
"No," Baichu replies to Tama, "They're here for raiding and scouting purposes."
The nonchalant manner in which Baichu said this almost startled Tama. But the Ulanese live in a harsh land that yields extremely little as far as meat, fish or soil for agriculture, even wood and minerals. Though many viewed them as nothing more than pillaging barbarians, the cold truth is that for them, it was survival.
"..I left Ulan of my own accord. I've been making my way South, to the Free Islands." She looks to Nergüi.
"The stories they tell here of the Beggar Khan.. Of course, it had to be you. I'm glad you're not dead yet, Chagatai."
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Day 5
Feb 20, 2013 21:29:24 GMT -5
Post by cancerbones on Feb 20, 2013 21:29:24 GMT -5
Aeon sighs exasperatedly.
"That must literally be the only song they play in Calrong. Walk into any bar, club or casino and some two-bit geshou is playing their version of it."
Aeon puts his finger on a streetmap of Calrong.
"My master owns this gambling house. The steward knows me, we should be able to stay there while we are in town."
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Day 5
Feb 20, 2013 21:47:04 GMT -5
Post by RoseNasty on Feb 20, 2013 21:47:04 GMT -5
Tama was definitely further perturbed at Baichu's words, as she had already been ruminating on how such a large unit of these barbarians got through Fa-Rei's borders in the first place. Visibly, she only clenched her jaw and brought her hand to her chin, pensively. She continued, either not realizing or not caring that she was interrupting a dialogue between her and Chagatai.
"Seems almost an inconceivable stroke of bad luck that you should run across the very group of men you were trying to escape..."
[dice=20] +8 (Insight)
Tama helped Nergui on the battlefield without hesitation out of friendship, but she would be a fool to trust Baichu right off the bat.
[rand=8940825355239213716480025555938564446838060393937555202734656632]
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