VIII. Flight From the Dark, Part VIII.After another delay (hopefully not too many more of these) we are back again!***
Silent Wolf:
I am deeply touched by the prince's sympathy. There are no real words to express such gratitude. I nod silently to him, taking in the graveness of the situation here. I move as best I can towards the pavilion, though my mind is only able to think of the struggle on the bridge.
Texan Kai:
The bridge is currently calm, though it is bloodstained from recent combat. Soldiers on both sides are dressing their wounds and sharpening their blades; a new assault could come at any time.
The prince allows you to enter his pavilion tend before he follows you in with his personal guards. Inside the canopy is a large wooden table, partially covered by a parchment map of this province of Sommerlund. Yellow blocks positioned at Holmgard, Toran, and other strategic points mark Sommlending forces; ebon blocks represent the forces of the Darklords. You feel a chill up your spine when you see that the forces of the enemy vastly outnumber those of Sommerlund. Surrounding the table are small wooden stools. The prince offers you a seat while he sends a runner to fetch the physician. Within moments an elderly man dressed in a white robe arrives. He wrinkles his nose at your torn clothing and begins to wash your wounds with a small phial of clean water before he wraps them with Laumspur-packed linen bandages.
(Give me two rolls and add them together!)
Silent Wolf:
7
Texan Kai:
(Those are BOTH rolls?!)
Silent Wolf:
(Okay make that 7+3.)
Texan Kai:
The physician completes his initial treatment of your wounds (restore 10 EP- that takes you to 16 by my records)
Silent Wolf:
(Sounds right. I should probably pull my sheet up about now. )
Texan Kai:
He hands you a vial of reddish liquid - immediately you tell that it is a potion of Laumspur. "I need to save my bandages for the soldiers, but I can offer you some Laumspur. Drink this, my lady," he suggests. "It will help your wounds heal more effectively."
Silent Wolf:
I throw my head back and guzzle it down without hesitation. "Many thanks. " I'm feeling much better already.
Texan Kai:
You feel the fatigue of the road melt away as the Laumspur takes its effect. (Restore 5 EP!)
(I have you at 21/25 now.)
The physician bows to you and the prince before he returns outside. The Prince then orders his guards to stand watch outside and allow no admittance except in the event of an attack. He then closes the door flap and sits across from you.
"Time is of the essence Lady Silent Wolf, so we will need to be quick here. We will not be able to hold Darklord Haakon from the bridge forever. He has not arrived in force, so we are dealing with his outriders for the moment. Once the bulk of his troops arrive, our odds of holding the bridge will vanish. At the same time I cannot detach soldiers to escort you to Holmgard. If this bridge falls, the capital will be surrounded. So there is only one clear choice here."
He looks at you, apparently waiting to see if the tactical training of the Kai was one of your strong suits at the monastery.
Silent Wolf:
(I am resisting the urge to say blow the bridge.
)
Texan Kai:
(say whatever is on your mind!)
Silent Wolf:
"What about taking out the bridge? Especially if they make it far enough across. We obviously can't afford to let them take it. Better to lose the bridge altogether. "
Texan Kai:
The prince smiles broadly. "Yes! While I am loathe to destroy the ancient bridge that our ancestors built, there is no other choice here. Unfortunately, we have no tools for the task. But in the enemy camp there is likely a cache of those infernal Black Cubes so prized by their sorcerers. My men are not rangers… so it falls to me to ask if you would volunteer for this dangerous mission. You are the only one in camp that stands a chance of successfully infiltrating the enemy camp and destroying the bridge. My men and I will provide a distraction on the bridge to allow you to get inside. Will you do this for us, Silent Wolf?"
Silent Wolf:
I wear a brutally wicked smirk. I am definitely liking the prince and his plan. "You know that i must. How could I deny Sommerlund any chance at victory?" I lean in towards the prince, eagerly licking my lips. "Just tell me anything I need to know. "
Texan Kai:
"Your bravery is a testament to your Order and to Sommerlund, Silent Wolf. Though you might perhaps be a lone wolf for this mission."
The Prince reveals his strategy for you. He and his troops will provoke the enemy and engage them at the bridge. This diversion will hopefully distract the enemy sentries along the river long enough for you to swim across the rapids and infiltrate the camp. You may leave your backpack and any items in the safety of the pavilion, as the more you carry, the more you will be weighed down as you try to swim across. Once inside the enemy camp, you must locate the Black Cubes. Once you have done this, set fire to one of the enemy tents. The pillar of smoke and resulting commotion in the enemy camp will alert the prince's army that you have acquired the cubes. The prince and his troops will then start to withdraw from the bridge. After that, you will need to make your way to the bridge, detonate your volatile cargo, and return to the safety of the prince's camp.
"Do you have any questions, Silent Wolf?"
Silent Wolf:
"Lone Wolf? That does have a nice ring to it.." I lean back, processing his words, and nodding in understanding. "Only one tent? Hrm.." This seems like a sound strategy, if a bit desperate. Sometimes such things must be done. Plus, I've never gotten to blow up a bridge before, much less at the behest of the prince and for the sake of my nation. "Alright. Let's do it. "
Texan Kai:
"You can burn the whole damn camp down if you like," the prince chuckles, "but remember your mission is to get the cubes, blow the bridge, and get back here alive. As soon as we see smoke coming from the enemy camp, you'll have about five minutes to get back to our lines. Now, let's get you prepared."
The prince beckons you to follow him to the quartermaster tent, where you will be supplied and where you may safely store un-needed gear.
The quartermaster tent itself has largely been picked clean of supplies, as every last bandage, whetstone, and weapon is in the field among the prince's troops. An older and grizzled sergeant with white hair is the only soldier present at the tent. Too old to fight on the front lines, he has been given the duty of managing the supplies for the Kingsguard detached for the prince's protection. He salutes the prince and then bows to you respectfully. "How may I serve you, m'lord?" he asks Pelethar.
The prince explains your mission to the sergeant. He replies, "Going to blow the Alema Bridge?" he looks to the prince with a wry grin.
"The Royal Bridge," Prince Pelethar corrects, an equally amused smile creasing his face.
"As you say, my prince. Though we older folks from these parts still remember that old stone bridge as the Alema Bridge, as it was named before your grandsire added this land into the royal domain."
"For the best," Prince Pelethar answers. "The King is responsible for defending the country and the people, and the bridge here is a critical strategic holding for the kingdom."
"Yes, my prince," the grizzled old sergeant replies in agreement. "Now, let's get the Lady Kai ready." He rummages through what crates and boxes have not yet been emptied. As he does so, you can hear the companies of men outside yelling insults at the Giaks and Drakarrim on the opposite bank. Hearing the commotion also, the prince smiles, approving of the spirit of his soldiers.
The sergeant hands you a leather satchel for which to carry your explosive cargo (mark this a Special Item which you sling across your back). You are also given some burnt cork to blacken your face and hands.
"One more thing," the sergeant adds, handing you a thin vial of azure liquid. "It's Sabito extract. For the river, in case the current is too strong for you." (Mark this as a Backpack Item. When consumed, it will allow your body to absorb oxygen from the water for a short time.)
The quartermaster also suggests that you leave most of your equipment in safekeeping at the tent, so that you are not overburdened when trying to cross the rapids of the river. (Your backpack will make swimming awkward - and the water will ruin your meal - and the weight of your weapons (except the dagger) will give you penalties when trying to cross the river)
Silent Wolf:
I give the quartermaster a nod as I take the explosives bag and the vial. I also sit down my backpack, keeping my dagger with me. " I guess my broadsword would just get in the way.." I state, trying to convince myself of that, and only partially succeeding.
Texan Kai:
(Ok, mark your equipment that you are leaving behind to show that it is not in your possession at the moment. So you are just taking the Steel Dagger, the Sabito, and the Satchel with you?)
Silent Wolf:
(Sounds about right.)
Texan Kai:
You set aside your Backpack, Broadsword and Quarterstaff. The sergeant assures you that he will take care of it until you return.
The Prince shows you outside. "Go downstream a bit and keep out of sight until the fighting on the bridge starts up again. We will draw off their sentries for a while. Best of luck, Silent Wolf," the prince bows to you.
Silent Wolf:
(They're probably going to all die and the place will be blown to smithereens. Never gonna see that stuff again, am I?)
Texan Kai:
(Maybe. Maybe not.)
Silent Wolf:
I say my farewells and all that to the Prince and the Quartermaster, and quickly slip out of the camp and start off downstream. I do my best to escape notice.
Texan Kai:
You make your way past the prince's camp, the sounds of soldiers fading in your ears as you move through the trees. You have no problem picking up the prince's booming voice though as he challenges the enemy:
"Haakon! I'm calling you out, you bastard! Come face the pride of Sommerlund!"
The prince repeats his challenge in the Giak language for good effect. You hear an angry commotion in the enemy camp as black-armored soldiers begin shuffle towards the Sommlending front lines like a kicked over ant's nest.
Silent Wolf:
(Ooh. I do like him!)
Texan Kai:
(Yeah the people of Sommerlund love the prince. They aren't hoping for the current king to die of course, but there are widespread expectations that Pelethar will be a wonderful king.)
Silent Wolf:
I edge closer to the bank, and after checking my surroundings, I head right for the water.
Texan Kai:
You hear defiant yells and cheers among your countrymen as battle is joined on the bridge! From where you are, you do not see any enemy sentries. The trees will provide you excellent cover, but first you must swim across. While an excellent swimmer, you have been reluctant for years to enter deep water.
(Remember why?)
Silent Wolf:
(No. Should've studied harder.
)
Texan Kai:
(Remember your backstory - you nearly drowned as a child. Your elder brother Jen died trying to save your life.)
Silent Wolf:
(Ahhhh. Okay.)
Texan Kai:
(No bonus for you!)
Silent Wolf:
I push back mentally, doing my best to bury such bad memories, and I take the vial in my hand, removing the top and tossing the contents into my mouth.
Texan Kai:
The blue liquid tastes faintly like bitter seaweed as you force yourself to swallow it all. You feel nothing different save for a foul aftertaste in your mouth. But your Healing skill tells you this is not unusual. As the distant sounds of combat and whistles of arrows and crossbow bolts become more frenzied, you gingerly step into the fast-flowing water.
(You will need to give me two rolls here due to the width of the river. Hunting would have helped you here. Give me one at a time- the first one, now)
Silent Wolf:
10
Texan Kai:
Despite the strength of the mighty river, you take to it like a fish. You are now halfway across.
(Roll number two!)
Silent Wolf:
7
Texan Kai:
(Good enough)
The river carries you a few yards downstream, but you make it across the opposite bank with no serious difficulty. There are trees all around you that you can use for cover as you silently approach the enemy camp.
Silent Wolf:
I make generous use of the tree coverage to hide my approach, taking everything in as quickly as I can and scanning the area.
Texan Kai:
As the prince predicted, the Giak sentries in the enemy camp have abandoned their posts to observe the fighting at the bridge. From your vantage point behind a thick oak tree, you can see that the enemy has not bothered to set up even the most rudimentary defenses: there is not even a presentable fence to keep you out. Clearly the commander of Haakon's outriders was not expecting to be forced set up camp here at this bridge.
You pause a few minutes for the last few patrols to move away from your position. You do not feel the sense of dread that you did at the Kai Monastery when you set eyes on Darklord Haakon. Either his aura is masked by some enchantment, or he is not present with this particular unit. You wonder briefly why the prince challenged Haakon if the Darklord was not in residence with these troops, then you realize the prince's purpose: the prince's taunting was also for the benefit of his weary soldiers.
You see few Drakkarim in the camp. Most of the troops here are Giaks. This tells you that this unit is a fast-moving light infantry company, rather than a heavy shock unit. No wonder why the Prince and his men are able to so easily hold the bridge despite being vastly outnumbered. However, this means that the bulk of Darklord Haakon's army is father down the road. You must find the cubes before long!
(Give me a roll, add +3 for Tracking)
Silent Wolf:
13
Texan Kai:
(I want your dice when I play D&D.)
Silent Wolf:
(Oh yes they are being kind to me thus far.)
Texan Kai:
You are able to navigate the camp with ease as if you were a soldier in the enemy army. You use the tents as cover as you proceed towards the center of camp- sure this is where their quartermaster tent is to be found.
As you duck and weave past smelly hide tents, you spot a pair of Giaks hobbling towards you. You duck back behind a flap of tent, hopefully just in time to not be seen.
(Give me a stealth roll. Camoflague would have helped you here.)
Silent Wolf:
5
Texan Kai:
You curse your luck as you hear the Giaks pick up their pace. You cannot tell if they saw you, but you sense that they are aware that something is amiss nearby.
Silent Wolf:
I hold my breath and continue laying in wait. I rest my hand on the hilt of my dagger, in case the need arises.
Texan Kai:
(Ok, give me a roll. But remember your Kai skills! In a situation like this, you can use Mind over Matter to create a distraction. Fighting in the middle of the enemy camp is very likely to get you captured or killed. Stealth is a good ally to have here. Consider this some friendly advice from your GM
)
Silent Wolf:
6
Texan Kai:
(You are lucky. Had you rolled odd it would have been very bad for you.)
You hear the Giaks rummaging through the next next to you. Perhaps they thought you were in that one. Your good fortune will not last if you stay here though.
Silent Wolf:
I sneak a peek out of the tent to locate the two Giaks, and quickly move past them while they are distracted. I continue looking for the cubes.
Texan Kai:
You quietly make your way to a large tent several muddy rows from where you left the Giaks. This hide tent is dyed black. There is red script written in the snakelike Giak script. the meaning is clear: "Keep out!"
Naturally you ignore the warning. Inside the tent are stockpiles of arrows, crossbow bolts, dark iron weapons of all kinds and several opened crates. One of them contains what you seek: several Black Cubes. These devices are inherently fragile and unstable. Once activated, they could detonate at any time!
Silent Wolf:
I grab a number of cubes and make my way out!
Texan Kai:
(How many? And you are physically touching them?)
Silent Wolf:
(I don't know. How many is good? 4 or 5? And maybe I can use my bag to pick them up?)
Texan Kai:
(Cough cough *Mind over Matter* cough cough. You really need to start being aware of your Kai Skills. Remember, just one of those cubes was enough to punch a large hole in the walls at the Monastery.)
Silent Wolf:
(Oh yeah, I know. I am forgetful. It's easier when I can have them on an actionbar!)
I use mind over matter to pick two cubes up. This should be more than enough to take out the bridge. I hope.
(I don't always know when they're applicable, I guess. You're just going to have to beat me over the head with them, I guess.)
[We took a bit of a break here due to the GM suffering through a thundering migraine.]Texan Kai:
(Remember, you are ALWAYS free to try them when you think they might help you. Just ask and I'll make a ruling on it. Asking for more information won't hurt you.)
That being said… The Black Cubes are right in front of you. You can hear the battle for the bridge raging in the distance.
Silent Wolf:
I use my mind over matter ability to pick up two cubes.
Texan Kai:
The two cubes hover lightly in the air above their crate, as if suspended by invisible strings.
Silent Wolf:
(How long can I hold them like this, or is it bag time? I'm overthinking.)
Texan Kai:
(Give me a knowledge roll. Add +1 for Mind over Matter. Sixth Sense would have told you
)
Silent Wolf:
9
Texan Kai:
During your time in the lecture halls given in the Lore Hall of the Spirit, you occasionally managed to pay attention to the lessons on the Darklords' insidious weaponry. The Black Cubes were crafted by the Nadziranim, evil practitioners of right-handed magic in service of the Darklords, for use as explosives. These items are highly unstable and could detonate at anytime once they are primed by a brief touch from a mortal being. As long as you have them suspended in their air, they will probably remain dormant.
You also recall that the Black Cubes were specifically designed to be used by Vordaks. Those foul undead creatures have more control over the Black Cubes than living creatures.Silent Wolf:
After determining that I am way more awesome than a Vordak (and prettier) , I slowly start to exit the tent, cubes in tow.
Texan Kai:
(Yes indeed. Your flesh is not rotting. And how are they 'in tow?')
Silent Wolf:
(levitating near my hands? Does that work?)
Texan Kai:
(It does, though if your concentration breaks - like getting into combat - you will have to roll to see if you can keep them suspended)
You toe the flaps of the quartermaster tent open. The noise of battle at the bridge is a constant reminder that you need to complete your mission before returning to the Prince's camp. You now have the cubes, but how best to create a disturbance and fire in the enemy encampment?
Silent Wolf:
(Are there any firepits nearby?)
Texan Kai:
(Yes, near the billeting areas for the Giaks. You will have to do some sneaking around so as not to get caught. And keep in mind you do NOT have your hands free right now since you said that you are levitating the cubes by them.)
Silent Wolf:
Keeping focus on my cubes, I stalk my way through the camp towards the billeting area, attempting to keep as quiet as possible as I make my way through.
Texan Kai:
(Remember, you have that leather satchel to safely store the cubes. And give me a stealth roll.)
Silent Wolf:
(Oh yeah, I remembered that the other day, but then I forgot again.)
Texan Kai:
(Don't forget things! That's why you have that character sheet
)
Silent Wolf:
8
I also quickly store the cubes in my satchel!
Texan Kai:
You sneak through the enemy camp. The noise of battle grows fiercer. You can hear the battle cries in Sommlending and in Giak grow more desperate, though as to which side is currently prevailing, you cannot tell.
You are on the southeast part of the enemy camp and spy a squad of half a dozen Giaks sitting around a fire pit tending to the embers and roasting meat. Given the Giak preference for flesh, you wonder if the meat is rabbit, deer, or something less savory.
Silent Wolf:
(Hrm...so they're being slackers!)
Texan Kai:
(They seem to be resting from battle. The commander of this regiment can't throw all of the troops in at once at the bridge, so it is likely that these guys went in during an earlier assault before you arrived at the prince's camp.)
Silent Wolf:
(What are my options with them?)
Texan Kai:
(There are a few immediate choices. You can fight all six of them, create a distraction to hopefully lure some or all of them away, abandon this location and search for another one, or return to the bridge without having burned the enemy camp. All of these options have various consequences. Keep in mind the longer you take to burn the camp, the most desperate the fighting will get at the bridge. And you've already taken a while due to searching through the enemy camp for a firepit - Which means the GM is keeping a tally of the time you are spending in the camp for reasons unknown to you
There's also the more obvious choice…)
Silent Wolf:
(Apparently i am oblivious to it.
)
Texan Kai:
(Consider your current equipment and what you have already seen in the enemy camp.)
Silent Wolf:
(I feel blonde. Can I just throw a cube at them?)
Texan Kai:
(You can do that. Do you want to?)
Silent Wolf:
(Would I get myself killed?)
Texan Kai:
(Possibly. *cough cough* blow up the quartermaster tent *cough cough*)
Silent Wolf:
(I did think about that, but I wasn't sure that would do much. Fair enough. I am special!)
Texan Kai:
(Remember there were dozens of cubes in there! Plus the enemy weaponry.)
Silent Wolf:
Slipping a hand carefully into my satchel, I carefully remove one cube, making extra sure not to touch the other cube. I slip back a little ways towards the Quartermaster's tent, and toss the little bastard inside!
(I think I would do better if I stopped second-guessing myself.)
Texan Kai:
(Give me another stealth roll as you return to the tent. And yes. It would.)
Silent Wolf:
Ooh, 10!
Texan Kai:
You return to the quartermaster tent. Resisting the urge to facepalm, you pick up one of the cubes from your satchel. Immediately the cold black metal begins to vibrate softly. You toss the cube inside the tent. You can hear a soft rattle as the cube's vibrations rocket against wooden pallets.
Silent Wolf:
(LOL I like the facepalm part. Quite appropriate.)
Texan Kai:
It would be unwise to linger here.
(I know
Ready for another facepalm moment?)
Silent Wolf:
I run towards the bridge, quickly! I do try somewhat to be a little quiet, but moving from the tent is the most important thing.
(Probably.)
Texan Kai:
(Are you running through the enemy camp or trying to sneak through undetected? As usual, there are consequences to both options. And You could have looted the enemy quartermaster tent for weapons and gear. Too late now!)
Silent Wolf:
(Of course. I thought about that, too! I really need to allow myself to use my brain.)
Texan Kai:
(Yeah. That's really handicapping you here.)
Silent Wolf:
I just run.
Texan Kai:
(Ok so you are dashing through the enemy camp. Give me a roll, add +3 for Tracking.)
Silent Wolf:
Roll(1d10)+3:
8,+3
Total:11
(I am my own worst enemy. Now you know why!)
(At least the dice believes in me!)
Texan Kai:
You speed your way through the enemy camp, speeding past several astonished Giak grunts and their sergeants. You can hear cursing and howling as you leave them in your wake. You make your way to the bridge, where the Sommlending are fighting a last-ditch effort to hold the Alema Bridge. You can make out the prince's standard among your countrymen.
Then a deafening explosion rock your ears and a blast wave knows you from your feet. You land face-first into the mud. You turn your face as the ringing in your ears thunders in your skull and see a sprouting mushroom cloud where there enemy quartermaster tend once stood. Doubtlessly your efforts have ended the lives of many of the enemy, plus ruined their munitions.
(This is true. The dice have saved your life several times already.)
Silent Wolf:
(Would it be advisable to aim for a pylon?)
Texan Kai:
(You must construct additional pylons!
It will take a few minutes for the Sommlending to react to your 'signal' and withdraw from the fighting. Meanwhile you still need to make it to the bridge. Presently you are still running through the enemy camp.)
Silent Wolf:
I quickly make my way towards the bridge, running as fast as physically possible, and try to plan ahead for the best position to take up to unleash my last cube.
Texan Kai:
Your lungs burn for oxygen as your legs take you to the bridge as last as your legs can carry you. You could throw it into the center of the bridge. But before you can, your still-ringing ears hear an inhuman bellow from behind you. You turn and see a giant grey bipedal reptilian creature brandishing a large battle-axe crafted from black steel. Salive drips from its mouth as its orange eyes observe you. It is a Gourgaz!
You remember Master Blazing Stag teaching you about these creatures: they originally lived in the Maakenmire swamps south of Sommerlund, and are often used in Draklands armies. The Gourgaz are large and fearsome creatures that secrete pheromones that drives Giaks into a battle-lust. For these reasons, they are often found among the shock-troops of the enemy.
You cannot evade battle and must fight this creature to the death.
(I'll give you a brief turn to react to the situation before the Gourgaz is upon you.)
Silent Wolf:
I quickly scan the scene for anything I can use as a weapon, besides my pitiful dagger. Hopefully I am also good at dodging.
(More facepalm time.)
Texan Kai:
You curse yourself at leaving the enemy quartermaster tent untouched before you destroyed it. You have only the steel dagger that you looted in the tunnel several hours ago, as well as your Kai skills, cunning, and grit to avail yourself against this beast.
(Yes, not looting the enemy camp was an… oversight. Ok, combat time.)
Silent Wolf:
(/cry)
Texan Kai:
(Describe your tactics.)
Silent Wolf:
I take a defensive approach against the monster, and utter some insults at it. It may not care, but it makes me feel a little bit better!
Texan Kai:
(K, roll your CS. No Weaponskill bonus. But you don't get a penalty either since you are at least armed)
Silent Wolf:
Roll(1d10)+0:
10,+0
Total:10
(I really need to go to the casino more often.
)
Texan Kai:
(The dice save you yet again! Ok, you are defending. Give me a roll to see how you did.)
Silent Wolf:
Roll(1d10)+0:
8,+0
Total:8
Texan Kai:
The monstrous creature swings his black steel axe, hoping to end your life in one blow. Your agility and defensive maneuvers save your life, leaving you with only a modest cut on your arm as the axe blade passes by.
SW: 19/25 (-2)
Gourgaz: 30/30
(Tactics!)
Silent Wolf:
I don't even notice the cut on my arm, too focused on not being sliced in half by this massive beast. I seriously regret not taking Snow Raven's advice on taking that Mindblast class right now.Then I remember hearing that many of these creatures are immune to it anyway. So who knows. Too late for regrets at this moment, though. I charge this bastard, unleashing a blood curdling cry of fury as I ready my blade at him.
Texan Kai:
(K, roll it!)
Silent Wolf:
Roll(1d10)+0:
10,+0
Total:10
Texan Kai:
(I wish I had your dice.)
Silent Wolf:
(I must have sent the programmer some naughty photos and didn't know it.)
Texan Kai:
As the creature recovers from its swing, you dart in with your dagger and drive it into the creature's knee. With a sickening sound, you pull back on the blade and pop the creature's kneecap loose. The Gourgaz howls in agony and drops to the mud. Its amber eyes glare at you with unabashed hatred.
SW: 19/25
Gourgaz: 16/30 (-14)
(Tactics!)
Silent Wolf:
I cackle gleefully at the monster, and take aim again, charging at him, aiming for the hatefully little amber eyes.
Texan Kai:
(You are still recovering from your charge, but you can pick another tactic.)
Silent Wolf:
Okay, I maneuver, instead. Still aiming for the eye.
Texan Kai:
(And now you know why Snow Raven preferred daggers. They are quite good in close combat! And roll it.)
Silent Wolf:
Roll(1d10)+0:
9,+0
Total:9
Texan Kai:
Your dagger sinks into the Gourgaz's eye. Foul-smelling ocular fluid sprays all over your hand. The creature has no answer as the pain overwhelms it. It can but howl in rage.
SW: 19/25
Gourgaz: 5/30 (-11)
(The dice are seriously saving your bacon here! Tactics!)
Silent Wolf:
(I will most likely never get this lucky again in my life.)
Texan Kai:
(That is possible! The game books are notorious for punishing bad luck.)
Silent Wolf:
Smiling, and thinking of how proud Snow Raven would be of me right now, I maneuver around the creature once more, striking out with my dagger once more, my eyes and aim at his throat.
Texan Kai:
(Nice incorporation of emotion and memories in your attack. And roll it.)
Silent Wolf:
Roll(1d10)+0:
9,+0
Total:9
(Apparently! I must be cheating and not knowing it.)
Texan Kai:
(haha)
Silent Wolf:
(Can't complain about it saving
here, though. This is likely when I rolled 100 for the bag in Obsidian Sanctum, and then rolled 100 for the drake.)Texan Kai:
Effortlessly, you finish off the Gourgaz. You open its throat with your pilfered blade, and the creature's hot sticky blood showers you. You have slain the Gourgaz!
SW: 19/25
Gourgaz: DEAD
Almost immediately you can see the Giaks on the bridge begin to falter and the prince's battered but rallied troops take the bridge, slaughtering every Giak in their way. You see Pelethar among them. Several arrows are sunk into his armor, yet he continues to lead his troops. He sees you standing over the dead gourgaz and waves you towards his troops.
(Make a roll as the remaining Giaks take potshots at you.)
Silent Wolf:
Roll(1d10)+0:
2,+0
Total:2
( /pout)
Texan Kai:
A flash of pain flares you your leg as an arrow sinks into your shoulder. (-5 EP). You cry out in pain but do not falter. The Prince's soldiers form a protective shield wall around you and Pelethar as you reach the Sommlending ranks.
"Have you the cube," the Prince asks as you fall back to your side of the river. The prince's voice seems strained as if he is fighting through some terrible pain. You can see several gouges in his steel armor. Blood is dripping from him, though he is trying to hide it.
Silent Wolf:
I grimace as he speaks, but the knowledge of what rests inside my satchel makes the pain much more bearable. I grasp the satchel, and give him a supremely satisfied grin. "Only one left. The rest of them...may have blown up. Wonder how that could have happened..."
Texan Kai:
The prince smiles from behind his faceplate. You throw the Black Cube to at the center of the bridge, taking care not to strain your shoulder. You are at the relative safety of your camp when the thing detonates, sending the ruins of the ancient stone bridge to the bottom of the river.
You and the prince are taken to his pavilion with the medics examining both of you for wounds. They first look to the Prince, but he commands them to first ensure that your wounds are not fatal. Reluctantly they obey until the prince begins moaning in agony, his strength of will finally unable to withstand his injuries.
The medics grimace and mutter softly among themselves as they strip the prince of his armor. You can smell fresh blood as the plates of his battered armor are removed. You look at the prince and see that his wounds are dreadful. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of his steel plate that he has not already sustained fatal wounds.
The medics begins doing what they can for the prince, but without more Laumspur, he will not have long to live.
Silent Wolf:
I stand and go to his side, my eyes pleading with him to hold on a little longer. "Could I go and find some Laumspur for you?", I ask the medics.
Texan Kai:
(*cough cough* check your Kai skills, *cough cough)
Silent Wolf:
(Oh, Haha yeah. That too.)
Not waiting for their response, I place my hands on the Prince, and close my eyes, concentrating on my Kai Healing ability.
Texan Kai:
(Give me a roll.)
Silent Wolf:
6
Texan Kai:
You feel some of the warmth leave your body as the prince's wounds begin to knit and the slow of blood slows to a trickle. You do not know if you have saved his life, but some color returns to his cheeks. He takes your hands in his and says to you: "Silent Wolf, you must take a message to my father. The King must seek that which is in Durenor or all is lost. He will know what you mean. Take my horse and ride for the capital. May the luck of the gods ride with you. Looks like you will be a lone wolf yet again," he chuckles softly.
With that his eyes flutter and close as he passes out, though he still breathes.
***
There were more than a few occasions when I wanted to just scream at her to remember her Kai Powers and equipment. But a gentle warning I think was best. This is the first book, after all. As it was, the dice seriously kept her alive through this session. I was not expecting her to kick the crap out of the Gourgaz. As for Pelethar, I was keeping track of how long she took in the enemy camp. The longer she took, the more likely Pelethar would be fatally wounded at the bridge. After she messed around looking for a firepit, Pelethar's odds were not good. Had she not killed the Gourgaz so quickly, Pelethar would have died there at the Alema/Royal Bridge. Since she used her Healing on him (after being prompted), Pelethar just might live, though the odds are still not in his favor. We will find out later. Next time… the Highway… the River… or the Graveyard?