Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Ankari]

These speeches and open declarations scrap my nerves raw. I continue to eye the rider atop a wolf leading other wolves in pursuit of dwarves and wonder what could possibly be misinterpreted about the motives of the wolfrider.

"Dwarves are being chased by a wolfpack. The leader is riding the alpha male. Warriors with shields cover the entrance. All who can aim and shoot, up here. Rydh, down with the muscle. Druids, do what you think is best!"

They approach and my heart races. Their are catalysts in life that go unnoticed and then there are catalysts that are misunderstood. I won't let this one be either.

 

[SeverinR]

"The gods be cruel!" I spit, "You sayin we have to help dem dwarts? Ah, Hades! The enemy of me enemy is me friend...for now! If any dwarts survive, I will make myself scarce, New people, know I meant to say hello, during a time of rest. Take no offense from my ignoring you when the dwarfs invade. I mean all offense to them Dwarts. I got the lead rider."
--I will site in on leader, I will do an aimed called shot if I can to his chest. If after dark, I have a good chance.--

 

[Phietadix]

((Map tonight. That will help. I had Ankari and Hiljikki on the second floor. Then Aliron went up. Baldhart and Rydh went upstairs, but Baldhart came downstairs and is looking out the door. Burnbright is up on the second floor next to where Ankari is. Everyone else is in the statue room on the main floor)).

((I thought we were all going up to where Ankari and Hiljikki are. Thus that is where my character will be))

 

[Nihal]

I follow them to the second floor, figuring they would know where they're going. If I'm able to find a sconce I place the torch there, if not I place it anywhere out of the way. Then I hurry to the general direction the other staircase would be, poking my head at every door I pass. I want to discover if the both of them lead to this area.

Whenever I find the other staircase or not I make sure I am alone and close my eyes, taking a deep breath. I start to chant, conjuring raw arcane magic.

[1d20+2] = 9+2 = 11 #Spellcast

Impossible! I feed the cold sweat in my face as the energy runs through my body, out of control.

[1d20+2] = 11+2 = 13 #Spell saving throw

I release the spell's energy, shaking.


((I've tried to cast 4 spells so far. 4 failed spells, LOL! I think I should try rolz.org? ;x

It was a Grasping Shock spell this time. Lvl 1.))

 

[SeverinR]

My arrow shot is aimed and called so I don't know modifiers, I rolled as day shot, if night then +2.
I think my trusted arrow did miss.
normal to hit day arrow [1d20+4] = 5+4 = 9
arrow damage [1d8] = 3

I will reload and aim again.

"I guess my vision was twisted, I saw Dwarts and another enemy, possibly goblins, attacking us. Prejudice skews the vision at times."
[Actually I missed the whole attacking party discription.]

Maybe we slow them down by killing the mount? We will fight them also." I switch 2nd aim to the lead mount.(no call shot)

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Ankari tells us what he sees.

To the fighters by the door, I politely say, "Please stay here, gentlemen. I don't plan to venture out far, as it is us and these walls that will keep Burnbright safe."

I step out onto the courtyard, just far enough that my voice will carry and echo through the outdoors, but close enough that I can dash indoors as soon as I see a threat.

"Dwarves," I shout, "follow my voice and take refuge here!"

I say even louder, "Wolf rider! The dwarves you pursue lead you to your death!"

I wait by the door, hoping the blue light that envelops me will attract those who we intend to save.

The blue looks good with your warpaint, Baldy.

I know! And it matches my dress, too. If I die here and am deemed worthy to be a valkyrie like you, do I get to keep the blue hue?

I'd rather not answer that. It wouldn't be the best pre-battle pep talk.

 

[Phietadix]

I walk back down to the Stature room. I figure even with my Javelins I'll be better off fighting below. I realize I haven't done the test of courage required by Tyr. I search through my backpack for an apple. I place it on my head. Turning to Cadell and I say.
"Shoot it." He hesitates, "Shoot it now." A fitting test of courage.

 

[Ireth]

I blink at the odd request, but take out an arrow and nock it to my bowstring. I draw as I inhale, and release the shaft with the exhale.

((Yikes. Even with bonuses that's a bad roll. XDDD I think I get +1 for DEX, which is also a prime, so... +2 total? Not sure. Still a fail.

Also, thanks bunches for letting me get directly back in the game, Phietadix! I was floundering for a while there. ^^))

My arrow misses, zipping harmlessly past Matthew and the apple on his head. I sigh in relief -- at least I did not hurt him!

 

[Phietadix]

((I really wonder what the Tests of Courage are excepted to be. Steerpike didn't really answer in the PM he sent me about it.))

 

[Ankari]

((I would assume it's something akin to running into the clearing and giving the dwarves a chance by delaying the wolf pack somehow.))

 

[Steerpike]

((Sorry for the delay. Map-making isn't my forte, and I don't have any special software so these take a while. Map below, with commentary in the next post! You might be able to see a larger version by just clicking this URL: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KLf9KDkgi94/USRc7mPQlJI/AAAAAAAACDU/FUts78ixZIU/s1330/gefjon1.jpg ))

 

[Steerpike]

(( I have Ankari, Aliron, and Hiljikki upstairs with the unconscious Burnbright. Mauve is by the door that leads down to the basement. Cadell, Matthew, and Rydh are also in the statue room. Baldhart is at the entrance to the courtyard, watching the approaching enemies)).


The dwarves are still some distance away, and any shot from the upper windows would be futile at this point, so Aliron holds his arrows. At the rate the three dwarves are moving, it will be at least a minute before they reach the entrance to the courtyard. Behind them, six tremendous wolves are in pursuit, each with some small, wiry creature perched upon its back. Though the dwarves are stout and making good speed, the wolves are faster. It is clear to those in the upstairs window, and to Baldhart at the front of the courtyard, that the wolves will overtake the dwarves before they reach the safety of the walls.


((The party members have time to move to where they want to be, since the enemies are not there yet. As for tests of courage for Matthew, there are no specific tests. It's just something you roleplay)).

 

[Ravana]

"Dwarves are being chased by a wolfpack. The leader is riding the alpha male. Warriors with shields cover the entrance. All who can aim and shoot, up here. Rydh, down with the muscle. Druids, do what you think is best!"

"Actually, I think the leader might be riding a female, though it's difficult to tell from this distance."

((No, I don't have a clue. I just said that.))

More generally addressing her companions:

"Oh: and all six wolves bear riders, not merely the lead one.

"Of dwarves, there are four. One is wounded, borne by two of the others. If they can make it to the temple, our numbers would draw level with the pursuers.

"And while this is not the sort of conflict she is accustomed to, this druid thinks it best that those with steeds take them into consideration. Because she can assure you the wolves will."

She directs Hirvi around the back of the temple, out of immediate sight. If it seems she has the time ((which I suspect she doesn't)), she removes his saddlebags and brings them into the temple… just in case. Then, if there is a window from which she can cover the entrance to the courtyard with her bow, she'll go to it. If there are none, she will take up station near the front door of the temple and wait with her spear. If there aren't enough windows to go around, she will suggest Burnbright take one instead… assuming she's capable at the moment. In all of these cases, once Hiljikki's in position she brings her flute briefly to her lips, shrills a high note, then puts it away. A moment later, a huge, glossy raven alights on a cornice, gutter, roof… whatever seems most conveniently nearby which will keep her in sight.

"You stay out of this," she addresses a pointy nose peeking from her cloak.

Glapsviðr confound their foul purpose, she thinks. Just in case anyone is listening.

•

((Map crossed my post. Window doesn't look like a viable option. Door it is—ideally, behind someone with better armor. Ready to fall back to the stairway in the direction the others have chosen. Uhm… the door to the basement is where?))

 

[Ireth]

Thrice-blast those wolves and their riders! I nod at Hiljikki's words and hurry out to retrieve Llucheden before the predators can.

((Not sure if that requires any special ability; if it does I'll roll for the necessary one. Might not be right away, as I need to go to sleep soon.))

 

[Ankari]

((Hmmm...Now that I know the dwarves won't make it.))

"Change of plans! Everyone downstairs to Baldhart. Archers, use the walls as cover!"

I pick up Burnbright and run downstairs to the left of Baldhart behind the wall. I set Burnbright down and place my cloak over her.

"Baldhart! You need to lead a group in a charge against the wolf riders! The dwarves need a diversion!"

 

[Sparkie]

Stillness

The steeling of the soul is what you will feel

Heart racing, pounding in your head

As the melee ensues

And you discover the blessing

Ecstacy and wonder

Of the fight.

Psalms of War - Codex 7:11

*****​

They're not going to make it. All of the dwarves will die. We'll all be next, probably just more food for the wolves. I breathe hard and fast, my whole body tense. Everyone else feels it too, I can tell. This could be the end.

And I can't stop smiling.

In a brief moment, I pray to Betula. I need not formulate the words in my mind, for he knows my heart. As my heart's prayer ends, I shout with all the power I can muster.

"Mount up and charge!"

I take off running through the courtyard, determined to make myself a distraction to the riders before they fall upon the dwarves. It may mean my very life is forfeit. No matter. If just one of the dwarves lives it will be worth it. I gird myself with faith as I run toward the riders. The only idea I have is to run straight at one of the pursuing wolves, slide down in front of it, and use my shield to (a) trip the beast and (b) hopefully protect myself from getting trampled in the process.

 

[Nihal]

((In truth I was on the second floor, having fun failing another spell. I'm down to 2 mana now, by the way.))


I peek out the window after the others start to go back to the first floor, trying to estimate the newcomers' distance. Shaking my head, I follow them down the stairs.

I am almost at my limit, now... No, I can't even try a diversion from distance. I look around, clutching my spear. That's it. I'll keep an eye on the girl, let them be carried by their bloodlust. This is where my last energy will be useful.

I position myself close to Burnbright, scanning the room trying to decide the most suitable place to run if I need to cast another spell and planning escape routes.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I run full sprint, knowing that Sirs Cadell and Matthew will be on the front with me by the time I reach the dwarves…

((I'm assuming Matthew and Cadell will reach Baldhart before the battle begins, if it takes a minute for them to reach us—half a minute if we're speeding toward them…))

…as the horses gallop beside me, I shout, "Flank with the horses! Three of us strike as one!"


I will not charge recklessly and leave myself needlessly vulnerable. I will stop short and take out the lead wolf and rider. There are other ways to gain the advantage in battle.

I look the alpha male in the eye. [INTIMIDATE]

 

[Steerpike]

((OK, moving into more structured turns. I'll allow at least 24 hours for people to get actions in. I won't assume anyone is charging onto the field of battle unless they say so.

Nihal - Ankari brought Burnbright outside and placed her along the courtyard wall where Baldhart is shown on the map. Mauve can go watch her there (or carry her off someplace I suppose).

Ravana - the door to the basement is set into the staircase, right behind where Mauve is currently shown on the map. There is no map of the basement right now, but I'll provide one if we need it.

Ireth - no roll needed to retrieve the horse. You have time to do that.

I will provide another map for the fight outside)).

 

[Nihal]

((Ok, I missed it, so, updating my actions. Are the squares 1ft now? I also need to know the usual range my runaway magic goes, haha.))


I follow them outside and make sure Burnbright is covered by the cloak from head to toe. Hopefully the goblins are going to miss her. I check if she's carrying any weapon (who knows if they forgot her crossbow downstairs and the rest on the horses), if she's not I leave my own dagger near her, under the cloak.

If I was the elf I would leave the child near the tree instead, but I won't dare to move her by now. I position myself near the campfire (no more than 25 feet away from the girl), my back to the wall and with all my senses alert, ready to dodge any attack.