Connak approaches the downed wolves and whispers parting words for their spirits. "Normally wolves run in large packs and are wise enough to avoid the civilized races. These are just two and were driven by disease or desperation. It is already a sad outcome. It would only make it worse to toss the bodies aside and not make use of what we can. Can anyone here skin and butcher them?"
“Good, I’m glad we agree on this, I’ll see what I can do.” Brutus unrolls His pack of leatherworking skills, taking out knives and tools that seem too delicate for the size of his hands. As he does his work, he is constantly talking, telling stories to the wolves, laughing, praying, all the way until he is finished.
Skinning; butchering Wolf 1: 11; 9
Skinning; butchering Wolf 2: 22; 21
Brutus would want to collect teeth, bone, claws as well if possible.
(OOC: Brutus takes two hours to gut, skin and quarter the two slain wolves. He claims two wolf pelts and about thirty pounds of fresh meat. He carefully removes the teeth and claws and places them in his backpack. The innards, rib cages and spinal columns he leaves for the vultures to pick through.)
It is now 5pm, and Brutus estimates there is roughly two hours left before sundown. The party makes its way carefully down the trail for another hour until they see the slowly spinning blades of the windmill at Umbrage Hill. Loud banging can be heard in the distance along with a shrill, piercing, inhuman voice:
”If you let me in, perhaps I shall do you the favor of devouring you head first, rather than feet first...”
As the second wolf collapsed, Barric scans the rest of the trees and the road behind to ensure they were not being flanked. His breathing was slow, measured. It had always been like this. The fear, his constant companion, had faded when the battle began, pushed down to a tiny core deep inside.
As Tebesha'l walks past to inspect the carcasses, the fear threatens to return, but Barric keeps it repressed, the success of his shot and the adrenaline of the fight invigorating him. He knew that when he slept, his dreams would be full of blood and the sobbing cries of the dying as they often were these days. But for now, calmer, steadier, he rejoins the others. He looks into the air as the firbolg takes out his tools.
"Perhaps it would be wiser to stay under the cover of the trees while we take the time to skin the beasts. This manticore is still out here somewhere. I do not know if it is attracted to the scent of blood, although I would not be surprised."
He pulls the bodies under the trees, and gives his assistance to Brutus as the hide peels off, the sight of mangled flesh causing him to pause, until he shakes it off and forces himself to see the task finished.
Connak will tell the others, "That doesn't sound good. Lets get a better vantage point to see what's going on. Take care, we were warned manticores are formidable."
Connak will search for favorable terrain with line of sight to the door of the windmill that can hopefully provide light cover I can use for my 'Mask of the Wild' feature.
Vaxis bristles at the sound of this grisly threat, and wisps of frost can be seen flaring from his nostrils. He seems angry, and he looks to the right, where his "invisible friend" is.
"If you're not being helpful, than be silent spawn of Tiamat!" He whispers
He turns back towards the group, realizing he spoke aloud. Without missing a beat, he says, "I'm not one for hiding, vaex. I will attempt having talk with this creature. Just...make sure I am not it's next meal."
He begins walking towards the sound.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Saturday and Tuesday: Eberron
Player - PBP: (Vaxis, Dragonborn Cleric of Bahamut, DoIP), Discord: Byron Bojengles III (Dragonmarked Half-Elf Rogue/Warlock Hexblade)
“Oh no.” Is the only thing Brutus says, not just walking or skirting around for a better vantage point. Brutus picks up the pace just shy of a full sprint towards the windmill. “She doesn’t doesn’t want to be friends, she already has them already!” He shouts as he runs.
Tabeshal'l gives out an annoyed " Tsk. And me who thought only humans were fools...!" in elvishbefore projecting her thoughts towards Connak, raising her finger in the wood elf's direction:
" Thuniviel ! We'd better get ready. The dragonkin has decided to go gamble his life away, and our forest giant friend is now trotting after him. This looks bad. Keep me informed, I'll try to get as close as I can without raising the manticore's suspicions."
After she sends her Message she turns to Barric and says cooly, switching back to Common:
" Tell me you're smarter than these two ? ...for Mighty Sehanine's sake, tell me you are, man-born."Her eyes remain fixed on the soldier with a cynical glint, awaiting an answer.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV) " Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII) " Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr) " This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
As Vaxis and Brutus make their way up the hill, they find what they were expecting to find: a manticore pounding on the heavy wooden door while threatening the site’s only resident, Adabra Gwynn, who can be seen in a second story window.
The manticore is focused on getting into the windmill and has not yet realized the others are approaching.
Vaxis looks to Brutus and whispers, “You still have that meat, yes? I am having theory. We offer food and promise of more food, perhaps it may have flight in its feet. If at any time in talk I am saying ‘scales’, we attack before it attack us. Yes?”
As the old texts once again start flooding Tabesha'l 's memory, the elf sends out her psychic energy towards Vaxis, urgently pointing towards the follower of Bahamut as he climbs up the hill:
" Vaxis. Manticores hate and fear your dragon-kind. It is known. Avoid direct confrontation at all costs. I repeat: avoid direct confrontation ! She's liable to attack you on sight !!!"
After a few seconds she adds: "... although maybe one of us could try to approach her and use the white dragon's presence in the area as a decoy, or even a threat. She must be afraid of it. We need to think on this. But you should stay away ! Don't rush into this, or you risk your life and all of ours, dragon knight !"
Right at that moment she spots the manticore turning towards the two figures climbing up the hill.
" Moonbow's Bane... Elder Gods, help us." the elf mumbles to herself.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV) " Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII) " Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr) " This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Post #66 I was looking for cover or light cover in line of sight of the windmill door. Do I find any? Regardless, same thing happens, question is am I hidden or not?)
Connak will draw an arrow and take a bead on the Manticore, watching what the dragonborn and the firbold will manage to do. But at the slightest inclination of violence, Connak will release his arrow.
Brutus continues his jog up the hill straight towards the Manticore. Looking up towards the window. “How did you know what we were here for?” Now sauntering up to the area close to the windmill. Bringing his attention to the Manticore with a friendly disposition.
”Hello there friend, people call me Brutus. I’ve been told that you may be around here looking for food. I’ve brought you some, please don’t eat the lady... she has things she wants to do today, I’m sure of it. What’s your name, friend?”
As he says this he begins to bring out half of the meat, putting it in his pot and holding it out for the Manticore and continues with his word vomit. “I can cook it if you want.... thing is, food is getting scarce around here. Just earlier we ran into some starving wolves.... one thing lead to another and here we are with some meat! You should probably take this for energy and try to fly far away from here. That White dragon, but not this white (nodding to Vaxis) dragon.... a real one is eating everything in sight, leaving less food for you. It’s time to find a greener pasture if uh, you know what I mean. Do you like stew?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As they hear the manticore, Barric dashes off the road and crouches down behind some rocks, trying to give a smaller target and blend in. He turns to motion to the others, and sees Vaxis and Brutus charging up the hill and Connak loping away on his own. He groans to himself. No plan, no discussion, no discipline. Just targets on a hillside, spread out, easy pickings.
He frantically motions to Tabesha'l to find some cover. He rapidly whispers in Elvish:
"Man-Born but Elf trained. The others are brave, but battlefields are full of brave, dead men. If they stir up the beast, we might be able to surprise it from behind while it is focused on tearing them apart. Stay with me, if it spots us I can draw it away from you. I hope your magic is up to this, because we've lost the element of surprise."
Barric will begin to carefully circle around to the other side of the windmill unless Tebesha'l does not follow. Stealth: 17
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vaxis begins to speak, and suddenly is aware that the firbolg beat him to the punch. His maw snaps shut as he listens. Finding his voice, he says, "Unless you would like to face the dragon. That can also be arranged."
His nostrils flare out, and a wisp of frost escapes.
"The choice is your's."
(Persuasion/Intimidate advantage 21)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Saturday and Tuesday: Eberron
Player - PBP: (Vaxis, Dragonborn Cleric of Bahamut, DoIP), Discord: Byron Bojengles III (Dragonmarked Half-Elf Rogue/Warlock Hexblade)
Tabesha'l feels a slight modicum of relief as she realizes the human soldier, at least, has some inkling of a strategy. A basic one, but better than none. She points her finger towards Barric and gives him a nod as she starts following him.
" There's another opening right there. I can invoke a cloud of fog if we need a diversion. Let's get into position, I'll be right behind thee. "
Stealth 20 - Moves 2U / 3L / 2U or wherever Barric is going.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV) " Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII) " Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr) " This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
The manticore stops pounding on the heavy wooden door and swivels to face Brutus and Vaxis. It cants it’s head from side to side, much like a lizard does as it sizes up an insect before deciding on how to best get the creature into its mouth. As Brutus begins to speak, the manticore releases a terrifying laugh, which sounded more like a scream with the tempo and inflection of laughter. The incredulity of one so profoundly naive as Brutus appeared to be struck the monstrous beast as truly humorous.
But then Brutus mentioned dragons, a WHITE dragon to be precise and clearly here was one standing upright, wearing chain mail right in from of the manticore’s eyes! As Vaxis’ nostrils flair, the wisps of frost lend credence to Brutus’ claim of dragon heritage, and Vaxis’ promise to arrange a meeting with the cruel white wyrm tapped into the greatest fears and insecurities held deep within the manticore’s evil heart.
The manticore bellows out a roar that sounded as if a thousand lost souls were screaming from the depths of the Abyss, leaps into the air on leathery wings, and fires a volley of tail needles at Vaxis and Brutus to cover its escape. When they look back, the manticore is already hundreds of yards away..
Manticore attacks Brutus: 18 vs. AC 14, dealing 7 piercing damage on a hit.
Manticore attacks Vaxis: 11 vs. AC 18, dealing 7 piercing damage on a hit.
(OOC: Vaxis has successfully scared off the manticore! For now...But still another awe-inspiring masterstroke! Vaxis has earned a point of inspiration!)
Barric watches the fleeing manticore, dumbstruck, then glances back at Tabesha'l. He begins to laugh, barely able to stand upright, the tension of the moment and the flood of relief clearly making him giddy. He manages to gasp out a few words.
"Perhaps...perhaps we give them too little credit."
He notices that some of the spines from the creature's tail found their mark, and walks over to Brutus, still chuckling, to make sure the firbolg did not take any serious wounds.
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Connak approaches the downed wolves and whispers parting words for their spirits. "Normally wolves run in large packs and are wise enough to avoid the civilized races. These are just two and were driven by disease or desperation. It is already a sad outcome. It would only make it worse to toss the bodies aside and not make use of what we can. Can anyone here skin and butcher them?"
“Good, I’m glad we agree on this, I’ll see what I can do.” Brutus unrolls His pack of leatherworking skills, taking out knives and tools that seem too delicate for the size of his hands. As he does his work, he is constantly talking, telling stories to the wolves, laughing, praying, all the way until he is finished.
Skinning; butchering Wolf 1: 11; 9
Skinning; butchering Wolf 2: 22; 21
Brutus would want to collect teeth, bone, claws as well if possible.
(OOC: Brutus takes two hours to gut, skin and quarter the two slain wolves. He claims two wolf pelts and about thirty pounds of fresh meat. He carefully removes the teeth and claws and places them in his backpack. The innards, rib cages and spinal columns he leaves for the vultures to pick through.)
It is now 5pm, and Brutus estimates there is roughly two hours left before sundown. The party makes its way carefully down the trail for another hour until they see the slowly spinning blades of the windmill at Umbrage Hill. Loud banging can be heard in the distance along with a shrill, piercing, inhuman voice:
”If you let me in, perhaps I shall do you the favor of devouring you head first, rather than feet first...”
As the second wolf collapsed, Barric scans the rest of the trees and the road behind to ensure they were not being flanked. His breathing was slow, measured. It had always been like this. The fear, his constant companion, had faded when the battle began, pushed down to a tiny core deep inside.
As Tebesha'l walks past to inspect the carcasses, the fear threatens to return, but Barric keeps it repressed, the success of his shot and the adrenaline of the fight invigorating him. He knew that when he slept, his dreams would be full of blood and the sobbing cries of the dying as they often were these days. But for now, calmer, steadier, he rejoins the others. He looks into the air as the firbolg takes out his tools.
"Perhaps it would be wiser to stay under the cover of the trees while we take the time to skin the beasts. This manticore is still out here somewhere. I do not know if it is attracted to the scent of blood, although I would not be surprised."
He pulls the bodies under the trees, and gives his assistance to Brutus as the hide peels off, the sight of mangled flesh causing him to pause, until he shakes it off and forces himself to see the task finished.
Connak will tell the others, "That doesn't sound good. Lets get a better vantage point to see what's going on. Take care, we were warned manticores are formidable."
Connak will search for favorable terrain with line of sight to the door of the windmill that can hopefully provide light cover I can use for my 'Mask of the Wild' feature.
Perception: 13
Vaxis bristles at the sound of this grisly threat, and wisps of frost can be seen flaring from his nostrils. He seems angry, and he looks to the right, where his "invisible friend" is.
"If you're not being helpful, than be silent spawn of Tiamat!" He whispers
He turns back towards the group, realizing he spoke aloud. Without missing a beat, he says, "I'm not one for hiding, vaex. I will attempt having talk with this creature. Just...make sure I am not it's next meal."
He begins walking towards the sound.
DM - Saturday and Tuesday: Eberron
Player - PBP: (Vaxis, Dragonborn Cleric of Bahamut, DoIP), Discord: Byron Bojengles III (Dragonmarked Half-Elf Rogue/Warlock Hexblade)
Other games: (Aardwolf MUD, Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Pokemon, Borderlands {all})
“Oh no.” Is the only thing Brutus says, not just walking or skirting around for a better vantage point. Brutus picks up the pace just shy of a full sprint towards the windmill. “She doesn’t doesn’t want to be friends, she already has them already!” He shouts as he runs.
Tabeshal'l gives out an annoyed " Tsk. And me who thought only humans were fools...!" in elvish before projecting her thoughts towards Connak, raising her finger in the wood elf's direction:
" Thuniviel ! We'd better get ready. The dragonkin has decided to go gamble his life away, and our forest giant friend is now trotting after him. This looks bad. Keep me informed, I'll try to get as close as I can without raising the manticore's suspicions."
After she sends her Message she turns to Barric and says cooly, switching back to Common:
" Tell me you're smarter than these two ? ...for Mighty Sehanine's sake, tell me you are, man-born." Her eyes remain fixed on the soldier with a cynical glint, awaiting an answer.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV)
" Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII)
" Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr)
" This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
As Vaxis and Brutus make their way up the hill, they find what they were expecting to find: a manticore pounding on the heavy wooden door while threatening the site’s only resident, Adabra Gwynn, who can be seen in a second story window.
The manticore is focused on getting into the windmill and has not yet realized the others are approaching.
Vaxis looks to Brutus and whispers, “You still have that meat, yes? I am having theory. We offer food and promise of more food, perhaps it may have flight in its feet. If at any time in talk I am saying ‘scales’, we attack before it attack us. Yes?”
DM - Saturday and Tuesday: Eberron
Player - PBP: (Vaxis, Dragonborn Cleric of Bahamut, DoIP), Discord: Byron Bojengles III (Dragonmarked Half-Elf Rogue/Warlock Hexblade)
Other games: (Aardwolf MUD, Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Pokemon, Borderlands {all})
As Tabesha’l watches Vaxis stride toward the manticore, something rumbles in her memory that she had not recalled earlier...
Intelligence (History): 14
...manticores are absolutely terrified of dragons and hate them with a burning passion.
From her vantage point on the second story, Adabra Gwynn spots the approaching Vaxis and Brutus and readily calls out to them:
”Oh, you there! Kind sirs! Please can you assist me? This terrible beast is trying to have me for its lunch! Please make it go away!”
And with that, the manticore turns and sees the two adventurers approaching up the hill...
(OOC: I hope you have something interesting to say)
As the old texts once again start flooding Tabesha'l 's memory, the elf sends out her psychic energy towards Vaxis, urgently pointing towards the follower of Bahamut as he climbs up the hill:
" Vaxis. Manticores hate and fear your dragon-kind. It is known. Avoid direct confrontation at all costs. I repeat: avoid direct confrontation ! She's liable to attack you on sight !!!"
After a few seconds she adds: "... although maybe one of us could try to approach her and use the white dragon's presence in the area as a decoy, or even a threat. She must be afraid of it. We need to think on this. But you should stay away ! Don't rush into this, or you risk your life and all of ours, dragon knight !"
Right at that moment she spots the manticore turning towards the two figures climbing up the hill.
" Moonbow's Bane... Elder Gods, help us." the elf mumbles to herself.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV)
" Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII)
" Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr)
" This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
(Post #66 I was looking for cover or light cover in line of sight of the windmill door. Do I find any? Regardless, same thing happens, question is am I hidden or not?)
Connak will draw an arrow and take a bead on the Manticore, watching what the dragonborn and the firbold will manage to do. But at the slightest inclination of violence, Connak will release his arrow.
(Just reading Discord now. Stealth: 26)
Brutus continues his jog up the hill straight towards the Manticore. Looking up towards the window. “How did you know what we were here for?” Now sauntering up to the area close to the windmill. Bringing his attention to the Manticore with a friendly disposition.
”Hello there friend, people call me Brutus. I’ve been told that you may be around here looking for food. I’ve brought you some, please don’t eat the lady... she has things she wants to do today, I’m sure of it. What’s your name, friend?”
As he says this he begins to bring out half of the meat, putting it in his pot and holding it out for the Manticore and continues with his word vomit. “I can cook it if you want.... thing is, food is getting scarce around here. Just earlier we ran into some starving wolves.... one thing lead to another and here we are with some meat! You should probably take this for energy and try to fly far away from here. That White dragon, but not this white (nodding to Vaxis) dragon.... a real one is eating everything in sight, leaving less food for you. It’s time to find a greener pasture if uh, you know what I mean. Do you like stew?”
persuasion: 3 for dis/advantage: 12
As they hear the manticore, Barric dashes off the road and crouches down behind some rocks, trying to give a smaller target and blend in. He turns to motion to the others, and sees Vaxis and Brutus charging up the hill and Connak loping away on his own. He groans to himself. No plan, no discussion, no discipline. Just targets on a hillside, spread out, easy pickings.
He frantically motions to Tabesha'l to find some cover. He rapidly whispers in Elvish:
"Man-Born but Elf trained. The others are brave, but battlefields are full of brave, dead men. If they stir up the beast, we might be able to surprise it from behind while it is focused on tearing them apart. Stay with me, if it spots us I can draw it away from you. I hope your magic is up to this, because we've lost the element of surprise."
Barric will begin to carefully circle around to the other side of the windmill unless Tebesha'l does not follow. Stealth: 17
Vaxis begins to speak, and suddenly is aware that the firbolg beat him to the punch. His maw snaps shut as he listens. Finding his voice, he says, "Unless you would like to face the dragon. That can also be arranged."
His nostrils flare out, and a wisp of frost escapes.
"The choice is your's."
(Persuasion/Intimidate advantage 21)
DM - Saturday and Tuesday: Eberron
Player - PBP: (Vaxis, Dragonborn Cleric of Bahamut, DoIP), Discord: Byron Bojengles III (Dragonmarked Half-Elf Rogue/Warlock Hexblade)
Other games: (Aardwolf MUD, Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Pokemon, Borderlands {all})
Tabesha'l feels a slight modicum of relief as she realizes the human soldier, at least, has some inkling of a strategy. A basic one, but better than none. She points her finger towards Barric and gives him a nod as she starts following him.
" There's another opening right there. I can invoke a cloud of fog if we need a diversion. Let's get into position, I'll be right behind thee. "
Stealth 20 - Moves 2U / 3L / 2U or wherever Barric is going.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV)
" Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII)
" Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr)
" This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
The manticore stops pounding on the heavy wooden door and swivels to face Brutus and Vaxis. It cants it’s head from side to side, much like a lizard does as it sizes up an insect before deciding on how to best get the creature into its mouth. As Brutus begins to speak, the manticore releases a terrifying laugh, which sounded more like a scream with the tempo and inflection of laughter. The incredulity of one so profoundly naive as Brutus appeared to be struck the monstrous beast as truly humorous.
But then Brutus mentioned dragons, a WHITE dragon to be precise and clearly here was one standing upright, wearing chain mail right in from of the manticore’s eyes! As Vaxis’ nostrils flair, the wisps of frost lend credence to Brutus’ claim of dragon heritage, and Vaxis’ promise to arrange a meeting with the cruel white wyrm tapped into the greatest fears and insecurities held deep within the manticore’s evil heart.
The manticore bellows out a roar that sounded as if a thousand lost souls were screaming from the depths of the Abyss, leaps into the air on leathery wings, and fires a volley of tail needles at Vaxis and Brutus to cover its escape. When they look back, the manticore is already hundreds of yards away..
Manticore attacks Brutus: 18 vs. AC 14, dealing 7 piercing damage on a hit.
Manticore attacks Vaxis: 11 vs. AC 18,
dealing 7 piercing damage on a hit.(OOC: Vaxis has successfully scared off the manticore! For now...But still another awe-inspiring masterstroke! Vaxis has earned a point of inspiration!)
Barric watches the fleeing manticore, dumbstruck, then glances back at Tabesha'l. He begins to laugh, barely able to stand upright, the tension of the moment and the flood of relief clearly making him giddy. He manages to gasp out a few words.
"Perhaps...perhaps we give them too little credit."
He notices that some of the spines from the creature's tail found their mark, and walks over to Brutus, still chuckling, to make sure the firbolg did not take any serious wounds.