A Journey to Hadrigon

[Arik]

This is a roleplay I'm starting. If you'd like to participate, please send me a private message within the next two days.

The roleplay will be about a group of several adventurers who are sent by King Wenreald to Hadrigon to try to make peace with the nation, as it is considering attacking Tysa.

[Arik]

If you'd like to participate, you don't have much time in which to sign up, so please do so soon!

[Arik]

The roleplay will begin tomorrow.

Again, if you want to sign up, please do so soon!

[wetheril]

Could you provide more details? It's been a while since I've participated in a D&D style roleplay...so if that's what you have in mind, I might consider signing up.

[Zen And Tonic]

Well, if it sounds fun, I might sign up. How about more details?

[Arik]

Originally, I sent roughly this post as a private message to someone who was considering joining.

I should mention that only one other person has signed up (though people are considering signing up).

Some rules:

Please don't annoy the other players.

Please send me a private message if you have any questions.

You may use your skills and powers in appropriate situations.

This is a tough roleplay, so please don't participate with any character who have less than 165 MR and SP, 25 NvR, and 65 AS&P (Diplomacy in particular is recommended to be 75+).

Please keep track of any items you acquire during the roleplay. If you come across weapons or armor, you may equip them. Please also keep track of miscellaneous items.

Backstory: Recently, King Wenreald met a messenger from Hadrigon. This messenger said that the Hadrigonian city-state of Orrokk was considering attacking Tysa, and that if Wenreald did not send a group of adventurers to Orrokk to negotiate within the next month, Orrokk would attack Tysa. The messenger said that the ruler of Orrokk, who was named Kagharain and had received power after a recent bloody struggle, also demanded that these adventurers bring at least three hundred million gold pieces and 750,000 adventurer tokens, three-fourths in the form of magical weaponry and armor. Wenreald was horrified, but since Orrokk is actually far more powerful than Tysa, he agreed.

Wenreald has already decided to send the following adventurers on this journey: Arik, Varagg, Kadr, Severian (all of whom are my characters), Fyrna, and Tallys (yes, Tallys.) A few other adventurers may end up journeying to Orrokk as well. These adventurers will be accompanied by four thousand Graldok troops.

[zmflavius]

Originally, I sent roughly this post as a private message to someone who was considering joining.

I should mention that only one other person has signed up (though people are considering signing up).

Some rules:

Please don't annoy the other players.

Please send me a private message if you have any questions.

You may use your skills and powers in appropriate situations.

This is a tough roleplay, so please don't participate with any character who have less than 165 MR and SP, 25 NvR, and 65 AS&P (Diplomacy in particular is recommended to be 75+).

Please keep track of any items you acquire during the roleplay. If you come across weapons or armor, you may equip them. Please also keep track of miscellaneous items.

Backstory: Recently, King Wenreald met a messenger from Hadrigon. This messenger said that the Hadrigonian city-state of Orrokk was considering attacking Tysa, and that if Wenreald did not send a group of adventurers to Orrokk to negotiate within the next month, Orrokk would attack Tysa. The messenger said that the ruler of Orrokk, who was named Kagharain and had received power after a recent bloody struggle, also demanded that these adventurers bring at least three hundred million gold pieces and 750,000 adventurer tokens, three-fourths in the form of magical weaponry and armor. Wenreald was horrified, but since Orrokk is actually far more powerful than Tysa, he agreed.

Wenreald has already decided to send the following adventurers on this journey: Arik, Varagg, Kadr, Severian (all of whom are my characters), Fyrna, and Tallys (yes, Tallys.) A few other adventurers may end up journeying to Orrokk as well. These adventurers will be accompanied by four thousand Graldok troops.

4000 Graldok troops!?!?!

That's like declaring war!

[Arik]

Ah, yes...I should have mentioned that the road to Hadrigon has recently become infested with thousands of Uprooters.

In addition, the other city-states may not like the "gifts" being delivered to Orrokk...

[wetheril]

While this an interesting premise...have you thought that the 4000 troops might not make it in there without considerable attention?

And if there's a full-out war, 4000 might not even be enough. IMHO, a small expert group for reconnaisance sounds ideal, with a large troop squadron as follow-up in case war is declared. But it's your roleplay, and I'm no tactical expert, so it's your call!

[Arik]

Wenreald no longer has funds to support (many) more troops. So he chose the best 4,000 troops, and (again, something major I neglected to mention––sorry)
paid to have several trained in magic.

[Arik]

In addition, the other city-states...well, I can't reveal it to you. But you will learn.

[Zen And Tonic]

Hmm, a "tough" RP, you say? That might not be my cup of tea, then - I've never really participated in an RP before, and I was hoping to do it mostly for fun.

I'm in if you don't mind putting up with some newbie mistakes and a tendency to write characters with a bit of levity to them. Otherwise, I'll wait until next time. :P

[Arik]

That's OK, Zen and Tonic. By "tough," I primarily mean that you should have high stats.

[Zen And Tonic]

Cool, I'm in. Let me know what I have to do.

[Arik]

Zen and Tonic, if you don't know how to participate in a roleplay, here's how: When the DM/GM (the person who controls the world––in this case, me) posts something, you have to post your character's response.

Example:

Me: King Fred the Lecherous says to you: "The ogres still ravage yonder hillside. Will you help me slay them?"
You: I say, "I'm going home, Fred––I won't risk my life for you!"
Me: Fred says, "Then die!" and lifts his sword. What are your MR and SP?
You: 32 and 47.
Me: Fred kills you with one blow.

[Arik]

The roleplay begins now!

The troops and adventurers are making good progress through the steep hills. You had to fend off an Uprooter attack, but it was very small, and you are now camped among two large hills at night. The air is filled with rambling tales, ribald jokes, and the sound of soldiers practicing fighting. You wander off among the soldiers and adventurers, ready to see what will happen.

IF YOUR LUCK STAT WITH NO ITEMS EQUIPPED IS EVEN: Near the fire, you see Tallys telling a tale of a happier time when he spent his time fighting Halgirom in Tarn instead of selling Megnun's Warblade to, as he puts it, "every little b@stard with 480 ATs in his pocket." Suddenly, he sees you, and he grins.
"Hello!" he cries. "I have a gift for you...but it'll cost you 150 Adventurer Tokens. And no, you can't get refunds for stuff you bought from me so you can buy this baby."

Do you have 150 free ATs?

IF YOUR LUCK STAT WITH NO ITEMS EQUIPPED IS ODD BUT NOT A PRIME NUMBER: By the fire, you encounter three men playing some sort of riddle game for gold. One invites you to join. Do you accept?

IF YOUR LUCK STAT WITH NO ITEMS EQUIPPED IS A PRIME NUMBER: A bearded man approaches you. A strange look is in his eyes, and he looks vaguely familiar. "Want to spar?" says the man. (No, it's not Barynbor.) Do you agree to spar with the man?

[Zen And Tonic]

I make a show of reaching for my coinpurse, but stop short.

"Ah, Tallys. You, of all people, should know where my hard-earned tokens have gone to. Can't say I have any more to spare."

My hand comes to rest, instead, on the pommel of a long, curved knife at my hip.

"But perhaps, instead, you may have a favor to ask of me? A purse that needs to be lightened, or some treasure that has fallen into undeserving hands? A suggestion for some beast, or an... acquaintance that has been somewhat bothersome lately? My services are always available for an old friend like yourself."

I grin slightly.

[Arik]

"Hmm," says Tallys as he contemplates this offer. Finally, he says to you: "Wellllllll, I will lower my price to 16 free ATs if you can answer all three of the limerick-riddles I ask you.

The first is:
There once was a man from Thylloer;
while he and his people sailed o'er
Vast seas indeed,
he met this strange beast
and stabbed it right to the core.

(No, you can't use Google or the Sryth Wiki.)

[Zen And Tonic]

"I'm afraid I do not have the presence of mind for riddles tonight, old friend. Maybe next time."

I sit back down, wondering idly where if it was to late to get a steaming mug of palo somewhere in the camp.

[Arik]

A young adventurer who introduces herself as Fyrna says that she will show you where palo can be obtained. She leads you through the red glow of the flames to several barrels.

You're drinking some palo––a strange, bitter brand; not very good.

How many consecutive days have you visited the CHR?

[zmflavius]

Zmflavius wakes up and gives the bearded guy a once-over.

"You're the person from Trithik...right?"

He draws his blade and adopts a fighting stance.

[Arik]

"Hmm...no, I be not from Trithik, but I have met you once near there."

He glares at you.

"If you defeat me now," he says, "I will tell you a secret."

Do you agree to spar?

[zmflavius]

I agree.

"Didn't I win last time?"

[Arik]

"Yes," says the man. "Had I defeated you, I would not be talking to you right now."

Will you use your current equipment to fight the man? (You can't use powers or special items––not even QS 20s.)

[Arik]

By "current equipment," I mean the equipment currently shown in your profile.

[zmflavius]

Yes.

[Arik]

After a while, the bearded man says:

"Enough! I can see you have great skill."

(I'll private-message what he says next to you.)

[zmflavius]

"Thank you...huh? Where'd he go?"

[Arik]

"Who?" says a soldier.

[zmflavius]

"Err...nobody."

[Arik]

A few hours pass. You wander around the tents, meeting various people. After a while, several people in an ever-growing group pass by you, shouting: "Uprooters! The Uprooters are coming toward us!" You can see the terror on the faces of the people next to you who have heard this, and are making their way through the camp to warn people.

Looking up, you see what appears to be an army of Uprooters coming toward the camp!

[zmflavius]

I use elementalism to attempt to burn them.

[Arik]

You light large groups of them on fire, but they still approach the camp. Some groups of soldiers are releasing erratic bursts of Nevernal energy at the Uprooters, or charging into their ranks.

Now a large group of Uprooters is charging straight for the camp!

[zmflavius]

You mean they weren't charging straight into the camp before?

I jump onto Ventus (my horse) and charge screaming and taking potshots with my fancy new bow.

[Arik]

You mean they weren't charging straight into the camp before?

This particular group is running more quickly than the others, which is what I meant. Sorry if it was unclear.


Anyway, you shoot a few Uprooters, but now they're attacking you. You manage to fend several off, but you lose 20 SP.

You see Tallys and a few other adventurers charging up to the group of Uprooters, killing most––but one of the adventurers, someone whom you've seen before, bragging of his skill in combat (his name is Kadr) is hit by an Uprooter's club. He falls to the ground, where you see him vanish under the feet of Uprooters.

[zmflavius]

I then charge the uprooters there, shimmering silver longsword drawn.

Oh, and I use restro to heal myself.

[Arik]

You and the other adventurers quickly kill every Uprooter, except for two massive Uprooters who stand between you and the rest of the horde.

The first of these gives a roar and charges. He reaches Tallys's horse and crushes the horse's neck with his thick fingers; it slumps to the ground, dead. With another howl, he picks up Tallys and throws him.

[zmflavius]

I use fortification to protect Tallys, and Destruction on the Uprooters.

[Arik]

Both Uprooters scream in pain; the second seems weakened. But the first barely seems weakened at all, and it swings its club down at your sword, snapping it like a twig.

[zmflavius]

"ARGH, BASTARD!"

I immediately jump on it and begin using unarmed combat.

[Arik]

It picks you up and throws you.

You lose 135 SP.

[zmflavius]

/em groans.

"PALK! PALK! PALK!"

Zmflavius waits expectantly.

[Arik]

The two large Uprooters both fall, and a wave of energy seems to pass through the ranks of the Uprooters, killing several.

You look at the sword; it now has the jagged number 3 across it.

[zmflavius]

Zmflavius stows away the item, and picks up the pieces of his shimmering silver longsword. He then starts looking for someone to reforge it.

[Arik]

You see the remaining Uprooters fleeing.

As soon as you enter the camp, you hear people cheering and yelling "ZMFLAVIUS! ZMFLAVIUS!"

"Ya killed 'em," says a soldier. "I don't know how ya did it, but ya did."

"But what about the wounded?" says another soldier. "You're a trained mage––will you let them die?"

[zmflavius]

I start using restoration.

"Do we have any other healers here?"

[Arik]

Three hundred or so soldiers step forward.

[zmflavius]

"Okay...how many wounded are there?"

[Arik]

After several minutes, you find fourteen wounded and eighteen dead. Tallys is one of those wounded, but his wounds still seem severe.

[zmflavius]

"You, you, you, and you. Come and help."

[Arik]

In a few minutes, you have all of the wounded stumbling back to the camp.

[zmflavius]

"So...are there any plans now?"

[Arik]

"Zmflavius, your valor is great," says a man walking toward you, whom you recognize as Thane Marindol. "You may rest; I will select several adventurers to keep watch."

[zmflavius]

"Thank you sir, but I feel we cannot rest. We have a mission to complete."

[Arik]

"As you wish," says Marindol. "You must guard the camp until midnight."

[zmflavius]

What time is it now?

[Arik]

"An hour before midnight," says Marindol.

[zmflavius]

"Okay then."

[Arik]

The hour passes, and you see nothing out of the ordinary.

After the hour, Thane Marindol tells you to return to your tent.

[zmflavius]

I return to my tent and rest.

[Arik]

The night passes, and the following several days are uneventful.

Four days after the Uprooters attacked your camp, you have camped. You are approached by a man, who says to you: "D'ya want ta play a game of doom's will?"

[zmflavius]

"Ehhh, I'm not particularly endeared to games of chance. Especially those where my margin of winning is particularly bad."

[zmflavius]

"Err, I'm not particularly endeared to games where my chances of winning are marginally small. So, no thanks."

[Arik]

"Then would ya play i' wi' Adv'nturer Tawkens?"

[zmflavius]

"God, no! I usually lose at games of chance."

[Arik]

"Fine," says the man, and walks off.

[zmflavius]

Zmflavius looks around. He checks his map to see where they are.

(The big map that completely covers northern sryth)

[Arik]

Many miles to the SE of Tysa.

[zmflavius]

That meaning?

[Arik]

I meant the SW of Tysa, not the SE. Sorry.

You're about 1/2 of the way to Hadrigon––only slightly away from Tysa. You're directly SW of Mount Maeltar, but not far from it.

[zmflavius]

"Hmmm...Say, sir (Thane Marindol)? Are we going directly to Orrokk or to another city state first?"

[Arik]

Thane Marindol says: "Do you mean Kardsen, Zmflavius? No––we are traveling around Kardsen."

[zmflavius]

"I actually also meant if we were going to stop at another city-state. Because according to my map...we will go very near Sar-Inik."

[Arik]

"Sar-Inik? No. Remember, Zmflavius, those who dwell in the four Hadrigonian city-states aside from Orrokk do not support what we are doing. In fact, it's quite surprising that we have not been attacked by them already."

[zmflavius]

"Still, if they are against us, and Orrokk is against us, could they just be gathering together for an assault on us?"

[Arik]

"Orrokk simply wishes to have our gold," says Marindol. "But the other city-states believe that Orrokk will try to conquer them, and so they are afraid now that they know that Orrokk is receiving such a vast amount of gold, weaponry and armor, for they fear Kagharain. The other city-states are quite possibly also powerful enough to conquer us, but they have no interest; I suppose that Kagharain simply desires power, whether it be in Hadrigon or in Tysa."

[zmflavius]

"Just how powerful is Orrokk? And who could be supplying them?"

[Arik]

"Who could be supplying them?" says Marindol. "Orrokk's population is very high (though it is one city, it's half as large as Southern Tysa) and every citizen older than six serves in the military. Igtheon is not supplying them with troops––they are simply far more powerful than we."

[zmflavius]

"Who could be supplying them?" says Marindol. "Orrokk's population is very high (though it is one city, it's half as large as Southern Tysa) and every citizen older than six serves in the military. Igtheon is not supplying them with troops––they are simply far more powerful than we."

"Six!?!?"

Zmflavius pauses, then asks,

"Do we have any plans?"

[Arik]

"We tell Kagharain not to attack us, and that we will supply him with anything he desires." Marindol smiles faintly. "As I recall, you and some other adventures wondered at the outset of our journey why so many troops accompany us. Partially, it is because both Wenreald and I suspect that Kagharain will ask us to aid him in conquering Hadrigon––or an area greater still."

[zmflavius]

"We tell Kagharain not to attack us, and that we will supply him with anything he desires." Marindol smiles faintly. "As I recall, you and some other adventures wondered at the outset of our journey why so many troops accompany us. Partially, it is because both Wenreald and I suspect that Kagharain will ask us to aid him in conquering Hadrigon––or an area greater still."

"Anything he desires...personally, I would rather not cooperate with the...what's his title again?"

[Arik]

Marindol chuckles. "Taara'yin."

[zmflavius]

"Oh right. Well, thank you sir."

I then wander around camp looking for a way to while away the time.

[Arik]

The man who asked yo before to play doom's will sees you again, and says:

"Ya sure ya don' wanna play doom's will wi' Adventurer Tokens?"

[zmflavius]

"No, I still don't want to play. But do you know where I can find a smith who can repair my sword?"

[Arik]

"'E's over there," says the man, pointing northeast.

[zmflavius]

"Thank you."

I go looking for the smith.

[Arik]

After about fifteen minutes of asking for directions, you find him.

He's an old, fat, bald man sitting by a fire.

"What do you want?" he asks you.

[zmflavius]

"Err...I broke my sword fighting the uprooters, and I was wondering if you could repair it for me?"

[Arik]

He looks at the sword, and says:

"That blade's near beyond repair--I could fix it for you, but it would be quite costly, and the sword might never work like it once did."

[zmflavius]

"Hmmm, so, could you tell me how I could fully repair it? I've never really known how it works, you see, I traded another sword to a shady peddler for it."

[Arik]

"Only the most experienced mage could hope to fully repair that blade, and their services often cost thousands upon thousands of gold pieces. As for how it works, tell me more about the sword you traded for it."

[zmflavius]

"Well...would you believe me if I told you that a maniac demon gave it to me because I defeated him and his former champion in battle, the thing gave me the jitters whenever I wielded it, and then I finally decided to get rid of the damned thing by trading it off."

[texlaw1992]

... I'm enjoying the storyline.

[Arik]

Thanks, texlaw1992 (and Zmflavius and Zen and Tonic's decisions have influenced the storyline, so this is a collective "thanks" ;)

Anyway...

"Yes," says the man, "I would believe you. You fought in Silverwysp during the attack that took place?"

[zmflavius]

Zmflavius blinks.

"Wha..."

[Arik]

The man grins. "I repaired the weapons of the soldiers there."

[zmflavius]

"Oh...well thanks anyways."

[Arik]

"I asked what sword you had traded that for," says the man, "because I know a peddler in Trithik who trades certain demonic weapons for the sort of weapon you carry."

[taproot97]

Taproot is roaming around the camp when he suddenly spots a bearded man who looks vaguely familiar. Taproot goes to meet him.

[zmflavius]

"I asked what sword you had traded that for," says the man, "because I know a peddler in Trithik who trades certain demonic weapons for the sort of weapon you carry."

"It was called...Iakor's Deathblade. Why do you ask?"

[Arik]

"I ask because the weapon this peddler trades for Iakor's Deathblade, by itself, is easy to repair, for it is truly a simple sword. However, it has been treated with certain magical items--so to repair it, one needs...hmm, let me see...three takabak hearts, some powder ground from griffon teeth, and a vial of demon blood."

[zmflavius]

"I ask because the weapon this peddler trades for Iakor's Deathblade, by itself, is easy to repair, for it is truly a simple sword. However, it has been treated with certain magical items--so to repair it, one needs...hmm, let me see...three takabak hearts, some powder ground from griffon teeth, and a vial of demon blood."

"Amazing. All things from enemies I usually fight all the time, but none of which are here at the moment."

[Arik]

"Well," says the man, "for twenty thousand gold, I could give you a sword to replace that which you have lost."

[zmflavius]

"Are you serious...First off, I don't have 20k gold."

[Arik]

"I suppose I could lower the price to five thousand gold pieces, 12 Adventurer Tokens and a favor."

[zmflavius]

"Can I see the sword?"

[Arik]

Zmflavius:
"Certainly," says the man. He walks off, and returns several minutes later with
a sword. The sword's hilt is covered with leather dyed green, and the blade is sharp.
"It's a magical blade," says the man. "Sometimes, it can blast a foe with fire."

Taproot:
The man says to you: "Do you wish to spar?"

[zmflavius]

((I use parantheses for when I'm not talking in-character) Can I see the stats?)

[Arik]

+18 MR, +5 SP, +4 NvR.

[zmflavius]

I refuse.

Putting the shards in a secure part of my backpack, and making sure none are missing, I then pull out Trielra's staff.

[taproot97]

Hmmmmmmmm. What's in it for me ?

[Arik]

Taproot:
"If you do not wish to, Taproot, you do not have to," says the man.

Zmflavius:
What do you do now?

[zmflavius]

Let's see...I look around for griffons, or takabaks.

[Arik]

After wandering around for a while, you are attacked by a carnage crawler, which you easily dispatch.

Do you continue looking?

[zmflavius]

Yes.

[Arik]

An armoured scavenger attacks you, which you kill.

Do you continue looking?

[taproot97]

Bring it on!

[zmflavius]

Yes.

[Arik]

Taproot: What's your MR/SP?

Zmflavius: After wandering for a while, you come across a group of Uprooters. They don't see you. Do you attack them?

[zmflavius]

No.

[Arik]

You come across a bearded man wandering by a stream. "Do y' know where Thedr'gon be?" he asks you.

[zmflavius]

"No...only thing I've heard of that sounds close to that is Thedrigor, and it's rather far from here."

[Arik]

"Thedr'gor," says the man, "be a kingdom. Thedr'gon, be some sort of island."

[zmflavius]

"Nope."

[Arik]

"Ah, well," says the man. "Th'n d'ya wish ta buy a few am'lets from the Freel'nds of Pyrwyn?"

[zmflavius]

"Sure. I'd like to see them first though. Speaking of the freelands, could you tell me about them. Little enough news reaches here from there."

[taproot97]

Mr :166 , sp:164

[Arik]

Taproot: You spar for a while with the man, but in the end he defeats you. Looking disappointed, he wanders off into the camp.

Zmflavius: "Here be the amulets," says the man, and he shows you four diamond necklaces. "They be magic, I've heard. As f'r the Freelands, there be trouble in 'em––an evil sorc'rer named K'thrygg is trying ta conquer the Freelands, or so I've heard. I don't hail fr'm the Freelands, but I know a man who does––says he fled from 'em."

[zmflavius]

(stats?)

"Hmmm...where ARE you from. Your accent certainly isn't Northern Broadlandish."

[Arik]

(The stats of the amulets are +5 MR, +6 SP, +5 NvR for the first; +4 MR, +3 SP, +10 NvR for the second; +8 MR, +7 SP for the third; and +3 MR, +10 SP, +3 NvR for the fourth.)

The man says: "I be from X'qhhaaeg, a city in South'rn Sr'th."

[zmflavius]

"How much for the third one?"

[Arik]

"Th' th'rd cost sixteen th'sand gold pieces an' twelve advent'rer tokens."

[zmflavius]

"Errr...no thanks. I haven't got the money. But one more question, did you pass through any other lands coming here? We have very little news at all here in Tysa to tell the truth, outside of the area of the Northern Broadlands, Hadrigon, and Central Broadlands. And news from nations outside Tysa really is only sketchy at best."

(BTW, is this RP canonical with your FF about Kaar-graak-sai?)

[Arik]

The RP is unrelated to and inconsistent with Adventures of Arik in Kaar-grakk-sai.

Anyway, the man says: "I sailed to Port H'llik––sorry."

[zmflavius]

"Ahhh...but did you stop by in any foreign ports nevertheless?"

[Arik]

"In Thedr'gor, yes. Thedr'gor."

[zmflavius]

"Thedrigor? Like, in High Thedrigor?"

[Arik]

"Yes."

[zmflavius]

"So...is anything happening there?"

[Arik]

The man suddenly pulls out a sword, and says, in a voice different from that which he used previously: "Follow me, or I will kill you!"

[zmflavius]

"Huh? Ok then..."

[Arik]

He places a strip of black cloth over your eyes and begins to lead you through the trees. "Don't use magic," he warns.

[zmflavius]

"First, where are you taking me?"

[Arik]

He smacks you across the face. "Quiet!"

[zmflavius]

So...I keep moving I guess.

And keep my ears open.

[Arik]

After what feels like several hours of walking, the man stops, then shoves you into a chair; you feel a rope biting into your arms.

You're quickly tied to the chair, and you hear someone else's footsteps.

"Tell us all you know about Orrokk and Wenreald," sneers a Vorenthan voice––accompanied by the sudden feel of a blade at your neck!

[zmflavius]

I use destruction on the chair, so it breaks, then I fall back to avoid the blade. I then remove the blindfold and use unarmed combat.

[Arik]

There are four men in the clearing: the man who led you into this, and three Vorenthans. The Vorenthans draw swords; one slashes at your left hand. You pull it back fast enough that you only lose your ring finger and fifth finger, but you take a -5 penalty to your Unarmed Combat skill from now on.

[zmflavius]

I pick up my fingers and use my QS to heal them back. Then I use destruction on them.

[Arik]

The man who led you here and the first Vorenthan are killed; the other two escaped the radius. One hurls a shuriken at you, which hits you; you lose 11 SP.

[zmflavius]

(what about my fingers)

I then use necromancy on the two dead people and have them attack them. I also then attack them with unarmed combat.

[Arik]

Your fingers healed back with the QS.

The resurrected men attack the two remaining men; the second easily severs both of their heads with his sword even before you attack. You miss both of the men, and the second stabs you. You lose 20 SP.

[zmflavius]

Since we're obviously at close range now, I use destruction on the guy who stabbed me.

[Arik]

He bursts apart.

[zmflavius]

I then beat up the last remaining guy.

[Arik]

He slashes your face. You lose 5 SP.

[zmflavius]

I use destruction on him.

[Arik]

He bursts apart.

[zmflavius]

I loot their bodies (wasn't one of them selling some amulets?)

[Arik]

You find the amulets.

[zmflavius]

I also cut their heads off what remains of their bodies and stow them in my backpack.

I then get back to the camp using divi.

[Arik]

You arrive back at the border of the camp.

[zmflavius]

I report to Thane Marindol.

[Arik]

He tells you to enter his tent, and gives you a mug of palo. "You look troubled," he says.

[zmflavius]

I report on everything that happened and show him the heads.

[Arik]

"Did you wear the amulet?!" he yells.

[zmflavius]

"No...not yet. Why?"

[Arik]

"The Vorenthan may be hiring human mages, or buying magical items from them," says Marindol, now calmer. "The amulets sound as though they have been subject to Kirireen's Curse, which will corrupt the mind of anyone who wears them; it is possible that the amulets twisted the mind of the man so that he served the Vorenth––"

A shrill horn is sounded.

"They're attacking!" gasps Marindol before the horn's voice ceases.

[zmflavius]

I immediately rush out, Grand Ashen Bow held at ready.

[Arik]

You can see many other soldiers, weapons ready. A horde of Vorenthans has nearly entered the camp; fighters are keeping them at bay.

[zmflavius]

I start firing with my bow.

[Arik]

One arrow impales a Vorenthan; he falls.

[zmflavius]

I continue firing. I estimate how many there are.

[Arik]

You guess there are 600 to 850.

Your next three shots all impale enemies, but your fourth shot just misses a Vorenthan who is the largest man you have ever seen––about half again as tall as you. He roars in anger and charges straight toward you, swinging a mace.

[zmflavius]

I shoot his kneecaps while running backwards...I'm a grandmaster archer, I can do it.

[Arik]

You hit his kneecaps. He screams and falls to the ground.

[zmflavius]

I continue firing arrows.

[Arik]

You impale another two.

[zmflavius]

(Impale? With arrows)

I keep shooting and see if anyone needs restro.

[Arik]

Before you can fire another shot, you see a Vorenthan throwing a dagger at your left arm––you don't even have time to duck. Your left arm is severed.
You lose 35 SP. (By the way, this means that you lose half of the MR/SP/NvR bonuses from your sleeves and gauntlets, rounded up.)

[zmflavius]

I use my second QS heal to sew it back on. I then use destruction on that Vorenthen.

[Arik]

The Vorenthan implodes. (Your hand attaches back onto the stump.)

A soldier right next to you creates an awkward magical barrier in front of both of you; he then gestures to the left. Looking where he points, you see what is barely recognizable as the head of Thane Marindol, smeared with mud and gore, a jagged crack splitting the skull's center halfway down.

[zmflavius]

Wow.

I immediately see how many soldiers are left.

[Arik]

You estimate about 3,000.

[zmflavius]

And Vorenthans?

[Arik]

About 550.

[zmflavius]

Ok...what's the natural terrain like?

[Arik]

Flat where you are, more steep where most of the Vorenthans are. No trees. To the right of your camp, there's a shallow stream.

[zmflavius]

I use elementalism to cause a rockslide.

[Arik]

A few are buried, but most escape.

[zmflavius]

"So...who's in command now?"

[Arik]

As soon as you speak, the soldier next to you screams as a thrown axe severs his leg. The colored barrier fades, and he falls.

[zmflavius]

I use restro on him, and then replace the barrier with fortification.

[Arik]

The soldier gets up. At the same time, an arrow flies against the border, but is deflected.

[zmflavius]

I check to see how many vorenthans are left.

And if anyone is in command.

edit: I mean in command of the Tysians

[Arik]

It appears that about 500 Vorenthans are left. It also looks like no one is commanding the Tysian soldiers.

[zmflavius]

Ok...should anyone be in command (like, shouldn't there be a second-in-command?)

[Arik]

Higher-ranking Tysian fighters should be commanding individual groups, but it doesn't seem like anyone is.

[zmflavius]

I attempt to rally everyone then.

[Arik]

Most soldiers don't appear to take any notice. A few approach you, though.

[zmflavius]

How many?

[Arik]

About 40.

[zmflavius]

And...how much authority do they have?

[Arik]

About 35 of them have no authority over other soldiers. Five command small groups.

[zmflavius]

How good are they at fighting?

[Arik]

MR 40-75 or so.

[zmflavius]

What about the Vorenthans?

[Arik]

Around MR 105-120.

[zmflavius]

I try and rally as many people as possible and then order a retreat. Then I count how many are left.

[Arik]

Around 2300.

[zmflavius]

Rallied?

[Arik]

Yes. The 40 other soldiers assisted you.

[zmflavius]

I group together the 1000 best soldiers in one group and have them move to the side of the camp opposite where the Vorenthans are attacking with instructions to hit the Vorenthan's flank when I engage them. Then, I take everyone else and launch an attack on the Vorenthans.

[Arik]

As you attack, the Vorenthans charge, swinging weapons and killing dozens of soldiers. Soon you're almost entirely surrounded by Vorenthans; only three or four Tysian soldiers are near you. One Vorenthan smashes you with a mace. At the same time, a Vorenthan swings a sword at your wrist. It severs your hand. Overall, you lose 43 SP.

[zmflavius]

Are my QS heals back yet?

If not, I use restro on my hand.

[Arik]

Your hand heals back, costing you 1 NvR. However, your Glittering Ice Shield is still on the ground.

[zmflavius]

I pick it up.

And then I survey the battlefield momentarily.

[Arik]

Both groups of Tysian soldiers are being driven back; both are becoming scattered.

[zmflavius]

How many Vorenthans are left and how many Tysians?

[Arik]

About 2050 Tysians; about 400 Vorenthans.

[zmflavius]

I try and rally the remaining soldiers.

[Arik]

About 100 approach you.

[zmflavius]

I use divination on the group to find any traitors.

[Arik]

About twenty, none of whom command groups, have met with the Vorenthans in secret and given them valuable information. While none of these traitors killed the other Tysians in battle, they were deliberately fighting the Vorenthans badly, and avoiding killing them.

[zmflavius]

I kill all twenty with destruction.

[Arik]

The other soldiers stare at you in shock.

[zmflavius]

"Treason."

[Arik]

"What have they done?" says a soldier.

[zmflavius]

They

met with the Vorenthans in secret and given them valuable information. they were deliberately fighting the Vorenthans badly, and avoiding killing them.

[Arik]

"How do you know this?" asks another soldier.

"I think he divined it," says yet another.

[zmflavius]

Divination.

And to prove it, I use it on them and reveal what I learned.

[Arik]

They are convinced.

"So what now?" shouts one soldier.

[zmflavius]

"We retreat. We can't hold off the Vorenthans right now and another attack would waste more men."

I cover the rear.

[Arik]

You begin a retreat with the men you have. When the other Tysians see your group retreating, most attempt to join you, though many of them are killed. But the Vorenthans see you attempting a retreat, and they follow.

[zmflavius]

I order all eighty original men using divination to split up into small groups of 5 or less, and dodge and avoid the Vorenthans. I order all of them to meet back up at Tallys's Trading Post, and give them the location of the place.

[Arik]

The men begin to flee. About half make it out of sight; the other groups are attacked. At the same time, three large Vorenthans carrying battle axes see you and attack.

[zmflavius]

Triple Destruction from the back of my horse. And then I ride away at top speed.

[Arik]

You are not pursued. A few arrows are shot at you, but they all miss.

[zmflavius]

I ride north.

[Arik]

You ride for a few hours before you see several Uprooters advancing toward you.

[zmflavius]

So...where am I?

And I ride around them.

[Arik]

You're in the middle of a dense forest.

One throws an axe at you, but it misses.

[zmflavius]

I mean, where in Tysa?

I spur my horse forward.

[Arik]

Near the edge of the Copper Wood.

You easily ride past them.

[zmflavius]

I ride for the Trynd River.

(You have a map, right?)

[Arik]

Yes.

You eventually pass the Copper Wood and enter the road. You ride a while longer before you see masked men riding past you.

[zmflavius]

I use divination to find out who's following me.

[Arik]

Robbers.

[zmflavius]

I shoot them all with my Grand Ashen Bow.