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Post by Dalai Llama on Oct 26, 2016 21:28:49 GMT
The hawk had been patient. The wind soaring beneath his wings, he had bid his time, patiently waiting for his chance to arrive. The rabbit below had finally left the thicker part of the forests and ventured to the outskirts, to the greener parts of the grass, in hopes of a pleasant meal.
His little nose trembled a few times, before he lowered his head to eat. The hawks moment had come. With a mighty scree, it dove down, the air rushing past its feathers. The rabbit, compared to the speed of the descent in slow motion, raised his ears, then his head. And even as instinct took over and its legs were trying to move away, it was clear that his fate was all but sealed.
Time seemed to pass slow as tar as the predator closed in the last few remaining paces, claws outstretched, ready to break the other poor critters neck. Ever so slowly did death approach...
"NOW!" was the shout from the forest, as suddenly legions and legions of grass and bush sprang into motion, rallying to bipedal feet, bursting from the shrubbery. They stormed out with cries of war, brandishing weapons from club to sword. Men and women clad in lumps adorned with dirt and moss had come to take what was not theirs.
On the nearby road, cries of panic could be heard. The travelling merchant caravan fell into chaos as it was quickly apparant that the few guards they had brought would not hold this tide, and wealthy men tried to spur their horses, oxen or donkeys into a speedy retreat. That is when the first arrows hit the foremost cart. Unleashing a whiney of pain, a frantic horse tried to escape its bondage, only to ram the cart into the cut down tree that was blocking the plastered path. And with the sound of creaking wood and ripping leather, the horse took off, leaving the cart as added hindrance for those behind.
The capital was only half a day away, and noone had suspected such an ambush on the route between it and its port. But fate had not forsaken this place yet, because among the merchants and travellers, there were those with the ability to change destiny. Those with the power to create legends and challenge the insurmountable.
Heroes.
As the scholars of old would far later attest, it was not coincidence that they would meet here. Over this age loomed a dire peril, and the world had summoned its guardians to duty. This was but their wake-up call.
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Post by Alex L. Ehrenwall on Nov 1, 2016 23:12:49 GMT
You can almost smell it from here - The merchants words and the spark of excitement in his eyes when he spoke of Charouse still lingered in Alexanders mind as he took his routine jog along the length of the column.
Tall and wide-shouldered, even for an Eisen, he leisurely overtook the slowly moving merchant carts, trotting oxen and horse wagons. So far the journey had been pleasant and rather uneventful. A few broken wagonwheels had been the worst of their troubles.
As a matter of fact, he had been quite lucky to meet this caravan bound for Charouse. While it meant a small detour from his original path, his years in the army had taught him the joy of traveling with others, rather than alone. He cherished the talking, the joking and the occasional songs sung by the merchants.
And while he was at it, why not risk a look at l'Empereurs famous capital city.
They say the taverns there have a special charm to it and he was sure it would help him find his own style of tavern for when all matters were settled.
On top of that, the caravan leader had payed a handsome sum to have Alexander guard his wares and wagons.
Alexander had just passed the Montaigne nobleman's carriage. Here he had met Friederike Bähr, an acquaintance from his days traveling with his grandfather. Her family had given them shelter and yet Alex's grandfather wasn't quick enough to protect them when they were raided by bandits. He had always regretted that.
Alex's thoughts were cut off abruptly, when he heard a shout echoing through the surrounding fields: "NOW!"
Followed by a group of hidden ambushers jumping out of the fields to the side.
'Brigands! Looks like our luck has run out' , Alexander thought to himself, cursing the fact that they hadn't sent out anyone to check the path in front of them.
In but a moment he lept onto one of the carts, trying to get a better view of the situation. His eyes darted around the premise, picking out the important details with military precision.
The Merchants and their entourage were panicked, the few guards that had been hired were in disarray. The attackers had the numerical advantage and the surprise on their side, but they were not much more than a ragtag band of hungry peasants.
Alexander hated the thought of hurting those in need, but he had pledged to protect the merchants and the peasants had made the wrong choice.
He cast off his traveling cloak, revealing his fighting uniform. After a quick flex of his muscles, all doubt had left his mind. The guards needed direction. And he would provide it.
Throwing his glinting panzerhands,the gold and bronze embellished "Zwillingssonnen"(twin suns) into the air, Alexander Ludwig "The Panzerfaust" Ehrenwall let out a shout to gather the attention of both friend and foe: "Everyone! Do not panic! Stay together! Let's show those petty thieves what we're made of!"
And with that he jumped off the wagon, eager to draw the attackers attention to himself and away from the panicking merchants.
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Post by Francois on Nov 1, 2016 23:41:28 GMT
Francois reclined comfortably in the shade of a small section of bushes about fifty yards from the road, just exposed enough to let the breeze caress his skin. For as much of a city child as he was there was something tranquil and peaceful about the countryside, although he would miss the sights and smells of the city before the day was done.
He leisurely picked his teeth with a stick as the sun encroached upon his position, wondering if he’d have to move before the caravan he was waiting on arrived. The tax collector was due any day now, and while this was the third day of his stakeout, and a boring one at that, he knew the importance of getting an early look at how many guards and how large an entourage would be accompanying the very tempting and lucrative target he’d set his eye on.
He’d seen the large tree blocking the road, one that wasn’t there the day before, but he paid it no mind. In fact he was pleased by its presence, it would give him a chance to observe his quarry’s talent at dealing with unexpected obstacles – and he hoped those talents were sparse.
Hearing the approaching caravan before he saw it, Francois raised his head slightly, then dropped it again in frustration. This wasn’t the troupe he was waiting on, just another merchant procession making its way to the capital and with his interest waning, he was about to close his eyes when the shout came from the opposite side of the road, spurring him to action.
Recognizing a few of the locals charging the wagons as disgruntled residents of le Petite Charouse, impatient men and women who were not satisfied with the meager existence forced upon them, he quickly realized the inevitable conclusion to all this - that their meager existence was about to be ended. The wagons had a number of guards, in fact one was rallying the others even now, reacting quickly and earning Francois’ grudging respect, but the young city rat could not let his disillusioned fellow members of Charouse’s dregs of society die here.
They might be in the wrong, but a hungry man does not deserve death for trying to feed his family – unfortunately, sometimes society and the fates saw things differently. Running towards the inevitable confrontation, Francois tries to wave off the attack, to convince Jean-Luc that this was not going to be the simple shakedown that the attackers were hoping for.
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Post by Blaise Deneuve du Surlign on Nov 2, 2016 0:05:58 GMT
Blaise had been relaxing in his carriage, trying to read the latest comedic and scandalous plays coming out of Charouse: if he wanted to be able to talk fluently at the best parties, he needed to be up to the minute with the targets of the satirists.
As he smoothed his moustaches thoughtfully, the sound of shouting outside penetrated his consciousness and caused him to frown. Putting down the put-down he had been perusing, Blaise slid across to the carriage window and stuck his head outside.
"Friederike, quelle passé la? Zut, Eisen. Friederike, what is happening out there?"
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Post by La Moruna on Nov 2, 2016 10:16:46 GMT
The Inquisition would never dare to like inside Charouse... right?
That was the mindset that lead Leonor to smuggle herself among the travelers aiming for the capital; it had been a surprisingly nice welcome, the Montaigne civilians much more accepting of an Castillian than the soldiers she had met, the peasants hungry for the ministrations of a priest of Theus.
When the bandits sprouted from the forest, her first thought was towards the Inquisition Holy Office; after all, it was not the first time that they delegate their bloody work to thugs. Then again, there were all too many wealthy merchants and debutantes around - lack of other targets would not be the issue.
As the Eisen warrior steps forward, La Moruna draws her fencing sword with a flourish while kissing her Cross. "Let's strike the fear of Theus upon the sinful."
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Post by Amerigo de Bernoulli on Nov 2, 2016 14:35:45 GMT
As he heard the commotion erupt around him, blood rushed to Amerigo's face, tinging the shadows beneath the travelling cloak he wore with red. He couldn't have an easy trip, could he? Nothing happened quietly in this blasted nation and for someone who was hoping to get in and get out with as little publicity as possible, that was a complicating factor.
Cursing beneath his breath, he leaned forward and peered through the flaps on the wagon he rode in. Violence would be coming. He slid silently from the cart as the driver tried to wrangle the horse pulling it under control and began to stride off without a word. He was close enough that he could make it on foot. All it would take was blending into the treeline and he'd be home free and off to find Amelia.
That was the hitch of course. What would Amelia say about such things?
Cursing again, he fingered the dagger concealed at his side. She wouldn't leave the caravan to its fate. And so, of course, neither could he.
Amerigo ducked low and maneuvered around to conceal himself from the threat as best as possible - he would assail them from the shadows and, Fate be willing, come out of the encounter with his presence still unnoticed.
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Post by Friederike K. Bähr on Nov 2, 2016 15:29:17 GMT
"NOW!"
I looked up. I've been counting steps, breaths, trees, Alexanders rounds around the caravan... anything really. It's been a boring trip and a bit slower than when I travel alone. But I have signed a contract with a noble Montaignian man, and since I can always need the extra cash to send some home, I agreed.
Obviously, it's lots of trouble that the caravan gets attacked. Looks like lots of men and women, sprouting out of an ambush. But a small part of her is grateful for some action.
I turned my head around, looking baffled into the worrying face of my contractor.
"Sir, it looks like there are some men and women looking for trouble. I suggest you hold on tight, but - don't worry, it looks like I'm not the only capable fighter around". I smile.
Saying this, she heard Alexander yelling
That dude.. just like his grandfather.
And with that, I unsheathe my great sword from my back and ready myself for the attacks.
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Post by Blaise Deneuve du Surlign on Nov 2, 2016 21:29:07 GMT
"Sir, it looks like there are some men and women looking for trouble. I suggest you hold on tight, but - don't worry, it looks like I'm not the only capable fighter around". "It's good to have you looking after me," Blaise said, then grinned as she headed off. "But I'd better be prepared anyway..." He looked round the interior of his carriage, then swore. "The pistol's are packed away in the luggage. Blaise stripped his gloves off his hands, showing the much-scarred palms then pulled out his belt knife, "This is going to hurt..." |
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Post by La Moruna on Nov 2, 2016 21:37:26 GMT
As others readied themselves and jumped to different contributions to the defense of their fellow travellers, Leonor pondered how to best assist. There were many surprisingly competent-looking fellows around her, however, the bandits still overwhelmed them in numbers.
Time to even the odds.
Borrowing a page from her cousin's hateful Little Book of Dooms, Isabella started waving around her cross and rapier, sprouting words of condemnations, rebuking the bandits for their sinful nature and driving doubt and fear into their superstitious hearts.
"AH! Look at you, turning your back to the Love and Reason of Theus! Do you think your beer and pleasures of gambling halls will ease your lives? Perhaps, but the cursed coins you seek to take from our corpses will weight you down into Legion's realms! Repent! Abandon your greed, for you are consumed by it. Blind to Love your seek that which does not belong to you! Are you men, the blessed and bright children of Theus are you Kobolds, driven by your Greed to Murder!
"Run away from my mercy, Men. Kobolds, run into my blade."
(Approach)
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Post by Francois on Nov 2, 2016 22:34:57 GMT
Most of these wretched creatures deserved the violent fate that they hurtled down the road towards, but a few of them were true innocents swept up into the fervor of easy money. Francois scanned the throng of attackers for those who deserved salvation from the death awaiting them in this confrontation, hoping to persuade them away from this course of action before it was too late.
Assuming that his slight stature would belay threats of violence against him, Francois rushed towards the pending fray, intent on saving as many souls as he could today.
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Post by Alex L. Ehrenwall on Nov 2, 2016 22:48:25 GMT
Rushing towards the attacking bandits, Alexander scanned for signs of any leaders or more impressive looking individuals. He had learned how important morale is to a fight and if he could knock out a few of the beefier looking men, it would help his cause twofold.
For one, the less capable guards had one worrisome opponent gone. And two, some of the not entirely enthusiastic looking brigands would surely turn tail and run if they saw him knock their meatshields into dreamland.
"To battle! " He let out another roaring battle-cry as he charged at the enemies like a crazed bull.
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Post by Finn Nibelsang on Nov 3, 2016 11:11:16 GMT
Finn woke to the sound of yelling and abrupt halt of the wagon. Suprised, he quickly got up from his stony rest, and looked outside. So many angry people. On both sides. Well this wasnt good, clearly.
Quickly getting out of the wagon, he pulled himself onto the top of his carriage. People were already preparing for the frey, and the merchants were quite panicky. Still, he saw familiar Eisen figures taking the lead in the counter attack, giving him a bit of reassurance. Though there were a lot of bandits approaching. Many times more than fighters on our side, he figured. But their morale seemed low, and their organization lacking. Maybe there was a leader to scout out, or at least someone that the others seemed to cling to. Take down the queen early in chess, and the unschooled enemy would surely forfeit soon.
But where to find in these people in these masses? His eyes quickly glanced from left to right, where the bandits were charging against the tiny force of steadward heroes. And over the broken carriage at the front. Mist, verdammter*. Ok, whoever is in that cart needs help, and while he was doing that he might as well try to figure out where the most valued of their enemies were taking their charge. He stood up, and went to jump to the next cart.
*well crap
(Approach)
Jumping from wagon to wagon to the front while using my eagle eyes to get a better overview of the enemy forces and their own. Does Notice/Finesse sound fitting?
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Post by Dalai Llama on Nov 4, 2016 0:34:54 GMT
This is an action sequence. You are faced with four pirate brute squads with strength 3 charging your position. But there are yet more nearby, as the arrows from the woods attested, and no leader in sight.
Finn can roll Notice/Finesse, but as this is an action sequence, you might end up doing a lot of improvisation down the line if you go with that.
For Alex I'd say warfare/brawn.
Francois, for your gutsy approach, I'd say convince/resolve, as it will not only take a lot of resolve to dissuade already commited forces, but also to keep your cool under the circumstances.
La Moruna, weaponry/panache for the preaching fencer.
Blaise, I have honestly no idea. Weaponry most likely, but I cannot make out a trait from just what you wrote in your approach.
Amerigo sounds like hide/wits.
Friederike, holding the line, is most likely weaponry/resolve.
Is that satisfactory to everyone that received their suggestions? If so, roll, if not, tell me.
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Post by Blaise Deneuve du Surlign on Nov 4, 2016 1:02:35 GMT
Sorry I wasn't clear. The plan is to use Porté to summon the pistol and then see where things had got to by then.
What are you doing about Flair? I assume everyone gets first use. Did anyone sound dramatic enough?
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Post by Finn Nibelsang on Nov 4, 2016 1:12:53 GMT
Finn can roll Notice/Finesse, but as this is an action sequence, you might end up doing a lot of improvisation down the line if you go with that. The basic idea is that in this first action, I actually do very little myself besides moving to the front of the caravan, but can supply opportunities to others with raises gained from noticing bad dudes, so I can send the actual fighters in favourable positions. Is that reasonable? |
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