Muttering a short curse under his breath, Cyouni decides it's not a good idea to blatantly walk around trying to look for the boy, especially given how he'd stand out in the empty alleyway. Producing a silvery cloak from his satchel, he drapes it around himself before hunting for any traces of the boy.
The swordsman/mage's eyes flick around the alleyway, checking for watchers, before he bends down to scan the ground for any tracks the boy might have left.
At first glance, it didn't seem as though there were any tracks to follow. The cobblestone alley didn't leave much in the way of allowing footprints, and the alley was covered in boxes and trash to prevent anything out of the ordinary from sticking out.
The investigation was cut short, however, as the shadows around both sides of the alley in front of you rippled, melting away from the wall until they revealed a pair of ruthless looking women, daggers drawn and resting in their hands with a sense of familiarity one only sees in experienced fighters. One of them grins wickedly. "Well, well...looks like we got ourselves someone who thinks he can nose into our business."
The other one cackled, stepping forward. Their eyes burned with evil intentions as they looked at you. "We don't particularly like nosey-roseys 'round here, do we, sis?"
The first girl's grin faded, and she glared at you with open malice. "That's okay. We got ways of dealing with noseys." Turning her head, she put the fingers of her free hand into her mouth and whistled loudly. From behind the two girls, two doors exploded open as a pair of muscled men rushed into the alley, fists clenched as they roared, looking back and forth for a moment. They seemed to be crazed, lost in a rage only they knew. Their eyes settled on the two girls and lingered.
The girl turned her head back to you, grinning again, her busy hand tightening around the hilt of a dagger that seemed too long for casual use. "Don't worry - we'll make it quick."
The pair of men roared again and charged down the alley towards you.
Quote from Encounter! Fend off the group of assassins! »
A group of assassins got the drop on you! They don't seem particularly friendly, either...best to deal with them as quick as possible, before they deal with you.
The battle starts with your first move. Assume the berserkers will reach and attack you during your first combat phase. After the surprise attack, combat phases will proceed as normal according to turns.
Luu / Ultima
"The kids are locals from the surrounding homes," the guard explained as they moved. "We don't know if they're directly involved, but them poking around the robbed stalls gives us reason to believe they know something we don't. We need any lead we can get right now --"
A sudden burst of commotion interrupted his explanation from an alleyway down on the right side of the road you all are currently running down. Cityfolk darted from the alley's opening, yelling and moving away from the commotion. Roars from the alleyway cut through the commotion - it sounded almost like a fight was breaking out in the alley. The lead guard cursed under his breath, and pointed for the other two guards to move with him towards the alley, hoping to get there in time to stop the commotion.
OOC: If Luu and Ultima join in to defend Cyouni, they will enter the battle during Turn 2. Everyone should roll for initiative to decide turn order. Assume the assassins rolled a natural 20 by getting the jump on Cyouni.
Ultima sees who is against who and almost grabs Luu and drags him to the alley. "We gotta help him!" He says, putting on a brave face and rushing over to the alley. He failed to grab Luu, though, instead inadvertently letting Luu choose to join or not.
Things were moving much too quickly for Luu's liking, but he supposed the best option was to move with them. He strode towards the alley, steeling himself to react to the cause of the uproar.
Cyouni's not particularly disturbed - this is along the lines of what he expected was going to happen. A trail of black mana traces itself around him as he slowly straightens, drawing his sword from its sheath on his back. He settles into a stance with the blade pointing backwards; it has its disadvantages, but the advantage is that it's difficult to tell his range. As one of the barbarians gets close enough, a spell flashes from Cyouni's hand, twisting the barbarian in pain. Taking this chance, Cyouni steps forward, his blade flashing out from the side to dispatch the barbarian.
He's unable to stop the other as a result, and takes a slash on his flank. The mage takes a few steps back, shifting the blade to a guard stance. He glances down at the wound, making sure it's not restricting his movement.
Swamp, cast Wring Flesh on one of the two attacking me, block that one as well with 1/0 weapon.
OOC: Heh, your bad luck at dice is as legendary as it appears, Cyouni.
The dead barbarian collapsed onto the ground, flesh melting away as the remnants of the spell that summoned it to life began to fade. There wasn't enough time for the adventurers to contemplate the meaning of that, however; the living barbarian roared, its eyes crazed with a lust for more of the blood it's already tasted. It turned around, charging at Cyouni for another pass.
The twin assassins, on the other hand, growled at the newcomers who were approaching the alley. Their bodies dissipated into black shadow as they swirled around Cyouni, rushing towards the alley's entrance as they re-materialized in mid-air, blades lunging for the newcomers.
OOC: FYI: We can use our weapons to block the Cutthroat il-Dal ones, even though they have shadow.
"Crap" is the word Ultima mutters under his breath as he pulls out his not very intimidating wooden katana and plunges it into the incoming lady's chest. Her dagger still reaches him, cutting him in a painful place, but she's essentially a dead lady walking, and breathing her last breaths. Ultima, closing his eyes and making sure not to look down once he re-opens them, expedites the process by separating head and shoulders, making sure she suffers as little as possible. (OOC: That is just 1 power against one toughness, I'm not roleplaying double strike.) He opens his eyes, and locks them on how Luu and Cyouni deal with this, not looking down and subconsciously wiping the blood off of his katana so he doesn't get reminded. Watching them, he calls some wisps of blue around him in case something happens.
OOC: My life: 16
Played an Island
Cutthroat il-Dal toughness: 0 (from 1, my weapon is 1/0 period, so she died)
Seeing the women growl before melting into shade, Luu drew his knife and stood, patiently standing by to react to any offense on their part. He didn't have to wait long. The assailant reappeared before him in the same second and attacked, slashing him several times. In spite of its speed and constitution of shadow, though, a quick flick of his dagger across the throat affected it like any normal being. Guessing Cyouni could handle the final one, as he had evidently killed its twin, he turned to look outside the alley to ensure nothing out of the ordinary was happening elsewhere.
It was possible that this could be a distraction intended to draw the investigation away. In case it wasn't and the others did require assistance, though, he called a grain of white into the half-hourglass of his left hand.
OOC: Take the attack's damage and kill the cutthroat with 1/0 weapon, then play Plains.
As the berserker charges at him, Cyouni manages to deflect the attack into a less vital place. It's not something he can handle forever, but the threat's over now.
Another thread of black mana traces itself around him as he shifts the blade up over his shoulder, ready for the berserker's final attack.
Ultima, seeing how Cyouni seems to be the sole focus of the last remaining attacker, Ultima sends the blue wisps of mana into the berserker, causing it to shrink immensely, then, looking down at it only to make sure he hit it, stabs down through the miniature muscle man. The man perseveres long enough to slash Ultima on the leg. It hurts, but he would live. The same could not be said for the man just shrunk and stabbed.
OOC: Take 1, life down to 15. Cast Diminish and block for Cyouni with 1/0 weapon. If blocking for another player is impossible, then life is 16 still, the Diminish is still cast, but on Cyouni's turn, and Cyouni can take the one and kill it. Or not take one and kill it. My post will be edited if blocking a creature headed for another player is impossible.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
OOC: Unnecessary, but still effective. Battle complete! Cyouni recovers the Whispersilk Cloak back into his satchel; cards in graveyards across all players will remain there, however, as per the usual rule.
The berserker - smaller than he was just a moment ago - collapsed and melted into the cobblestone alley, disappearing in a tuft of red and black smoke. The guards behind the three of you approached closer to the alley, with the lead guard spitting on the ground nearby. "Seems the thief knows we're here," he grumbled, leaning forward on his polearm as he stared at the three of you. "Regardless, our only lead is still to interrogate the children. We best be off, before more assassins come to finish the job."
"Okay" says Ultima. "We don't really have any choice, we have to find the thief." Then he gets an idea. "Wait, you think those girls might have been the thief or thieves? They could melt into shadow-hence the daylight attacks, and everyone was scared of them-for good reason." Ultima then sighs. "Well, they're dead, so we have to interrogate the kids."
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Luu shook his head. "It's doubtful that the thief itself would be desperate or stupid enough to attempt to eliminate any investigation personally. But it's very likely that the thief could hire--or otherwise obtain--," he added, recalling the way the warriors had disappeared when killed, "security with its pickings."
Cyouni considers the guard's words. It appears that, as he thought, the children were somehow related to the thefts. "You may want to send a few of your men to watch a certain merchant," he adds, giving the merchant's description and location. "If the children are related to this, he is as well. He may even have been the one to send these assassins."
The guard frowned at that news, nodding his head towards the other two guards. They saluted the guard and turned to head back where they had come from. "They'll take care of the merchant. We'll deal with the kids. C'mon - their house is only a few minutes away."
Turning away from the alley, the guard moved back into the streets, which were finally starting to resume their normal activities after the commotion. As they walked, the guard continued to talk about the investigation. "The kids are pretty well known around here - nice boys, don't get in more trouble than most other kids do. It doesn't make sense why they'd be involved in something like this."
"Maybe it's for the sake of their families." Ultima says. "The thief is obviously not above force, even if it's not his or her own. He or she could be blackmailing the kids."
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
"Right," Ultima mutters. "Vigilantism..." It is clear he's attempting to fit as many pieces together as possible. "Luu brings up a good point and an even better question."
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Absently realizing his sword's still in his hand, Cyouni replaces it in its sheath on his back.
Privately, he disagrees with the others' sentiments; after all, it was only due to that child that he was in the alley in the first place. Outwardly, he simply nods, saving his observations for later.
(OOC: Glad I wrote down my plans for this...been so long, I feel like I'd have forgotten by now. >.>)
The guard simply shrugged. "I've never heard of vigilante kids before, so I don't know if that's true or not. There, across the street."
His footsteps slowed as he raised his hand, pointing across the street towards a group of kids playing what seemed to be some kind of game involving balls and sticks. On seeing the guards, though, a few of the kids signalled for a pause of the game. One of the older kids stepped forward, a young lad of about ten or eleven with short, ragged blond hair. "Somethin' we can do for ya?"
The guard's eyes narrowed, as if irritated at the boy's front. "Knock your tone, boy. We heard you were nosin' around some of the thefts."
The group of kids chuckled. The boy tilted his head back, crossing his arms. "Yeah, so what? We were diggin' around for clues to figure out who was hurtin' our families."
Another girl spoke up from in the group. "My father's business was ruined. Some of us don't get to eat. Our moms and dads spend their nights crying because we can't eat. All we're doing is tryin' to help."
(OOC: Leaving this open-ended so you can question the kids how you wish.)
"OK, something's wrong." Ultima says, leaving optimism in favor for thinking it all through. "I'm not sure if it's the treatment of the people or the possibility they're lying or both, although I think kids see the world clearest of all. Did any of you see colored wisps coming from any mean people?" He asked the children.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Perhaps no one else had ever heard of children looking to fight for something other than increased mollycoddling, but Luu had. It was only a few years ago that he believed the sweat and blood of his bodily vessel would drown war and the unblunted blade of his mind would cut it off at the roots. He worked to mediate, to comfort, and even to bribe and lie if he thought it would prevent fighting. If there were people here for whom he felt real sympathy, it was the children claiming similar desires and methods. As a matter of fact, though, he had failed to accomplish much as a boy and made to bide his time instead. He could see himself advising the young ones to do the same someday.
The present was distinctly not some day he was willing to consider, however. He adopted a sympathetic expression and knelt before the girl. It was likely that bringing himself to the children's level would keep them from feeling as though they were being threatened, the shared height allowing them to keep their perceived power. Then Luu started things off with a small question. "I'm sorry, that must have been a horrible thief to ruin a business with one robbery. Or did the thief attack several times?" He recalled that only seven shopkeepers had been hit, but he wondered if there had been any repeats. Besides, he'd like to test the waters before asking too much and losing a potential source of crucial information.
The swordsman/mage's eyes flick around the alleyway, checking for watchers, before he bends down to scan the ground for any tracks the boy might have left.
At first glance, it didn't seem as though there were any tracks to follow. The cobblestone alley didn't leave much in the way of allowing footprints, and the alley was covered in boxes and trash to prevent anything out of the ordinary from sticking out.
The investigation was cut short, however, as the shadows around both sides of the alley in front of you rippled, melting away from the wall until they revealed a pair of ruthless looking women, daggers drawn and resting in their hands with a sense of familiarity one only sees in experienced fighters. One of them grins wickedly. "Well, well...looks like we got ourselves someone who thinks he can nose into our business."
The other one cackled, stepping forward. Their eyes burned with evil intentions as they looked at you. "We don't particularly like nosey-roseys 'round here, do we, sis?"
The first girl's grin faded, and she glared at you with open malice. "That's okay. We got ways of dealing with noseys." Turning her head, she put the fingers of her free hand into her mouth and whistled loudly. From behind the two girls, two doors exploded open as a pair of muscled men rushed into the alley, fists clenched as they roared, looking back and forth for a moment. They seemed to be crazed, lost in a rage only they knew. Their eyes settled on the two girls and lingered.
The girl turned her head back to you, grinning again, her busy hand tightening around the hilt of a dagger that seemed too long for casual use. "Don't worry - we'll make it quick."
The pair of men roared again and charged down the alley towards you.
Luu / Ultima
"The kids are locals from the surrounding homes," the guard explained as they moved. "We don't know if they're directly involved, but them poking around the robbed stalls gives us reason to believe they know something we don't. We need any lead we can get right now --"
A sudden burst of commotion interrupted his explanation from an alleyway down on the right side of the road you all are currently running down. Cityfolk darted from the alley's opening, yelling and moving away from the commotion. Roars from the alleyway cut through the commotion - it sounded almost like a fight was breaking out in the alley. The lead guard cursed under his breath, and pointed for the other two guards to move with him towards the alley, hoping to get there in time to stop the commotion.
OOC: If Luu and Ultima join in to defend Cyouni, they will enter the battle during Turn 2. Everyone should roll for initiative to decide turn order. Assume the assassins rolled a natural 20 by getting the jump on Cyouni.
MtG:RPG - Kai
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Initiative:
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
Cyouni's not particularly disturbed - this is along the lines of what he expected was going to happen. A trail of black mana traces itself around him as he slowly straightens, drawing his sword from its sheath on his back. He settles into a stance with the blade pointing backwards; it has its disadvantages, but the advantage is that it's difficult to tell his range. As one of the barbarians gets close enough, a spell flashes from Cyouni's hand, twisting the barbarian in pain. Taking this chance, Cyouni steps forward, his blade flashing out from the side to dispatch the barbarian.
He's unable to stop the other as a result, and takes a slash on his flank. The mage takes a few steps back, shifting the blade to a guard stance. He glances down at the wound, making sure it's not restricting his movement.
Swamp, cast Wring Flesh on one of the two attacking me, block that one as well with 1/0 weapon.
Life: 17
1x Swamp T
1x Whispersilk Cloak
Graveyard:
1x Wring Flesh
And my impressively bad dice luck continues.
The dead barbarian collapsed onto the ground, flesh melting away as the remnants of the spell that summoned it to life began to fade. There wasn't enough time for the adventurers to contemplate the meaning of that, however; the living barbarian roared, its eyes crazed with a lust for more of the blood it's already tasted. It turned around, charging at Cyouni for another pass.
The twin assassins, on the other hand, growled at the newcomers who were approaching the alley. Their bodies dissipated into black shadow as they swirled around Cyouni, rushing towards the alley's entrance as they re-materialized in mid-air, blades lunging for the newcomers.
Board State - Start of Turn 2
Enemy
1x Vulshok Berserker, , attacking Cyouni
1x Cutthroat il-Dal, , hellbent, attacking Luu
1x Cutthroat il-Dal, , hellbent, attacking Ultima
Cyouni (17)
1x Swamp
1x Whispersilk Cloak
Luu (20)
(no mana)
Ultima (20)
(no mana)
Turn Order: (Enemy) -> Ultima -> Luu -> Cyouni
MtG:RPG - Kai
"Crap" is the word Ultima mutters under his breath as he pulls out his not very intimidating wooden katana and plunges it into the incoming lady's chest. Her dagger still reaches him, cutting him in a painful place, but she's essentially a dead lady walking, and breathing her last breaths. Ultima, closing his eyes and making sure not to look down once he re-opens them, expedites the process by separating head and shoulders, making sure she suffers as little as possible. (OOC: That is just 1 power against one toughness, I'm not roleplaying double strike.) He opens his eyes, and locks them on how Luu and Cyouni deal with this, not looking down and subconsciously wiping the blood off of his katana so he doesn't get reminded. Watching them, he calls some wisps of blue around him in case something happens.
OOC: My life: 16
Played an Island
Cutthroat il-Dal toughness: 0 (from 1, my weapon is 1/0 period, so she died)
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
It was possible that this could be a distraction intended to draw the investigation away. In case it wasn't and the others did require assistance, though, he called a grain of white into the half-hourglass of his left hand.
OOC: Take the attack's damage and kill the cutthroat with 1/0 weapon, then play Plains.
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
Another thread of black mana traces itself around him as he shifts the blade up over his shoulder, ready for the berserker's final attack.
2x Swamp
Graveyard:
1x Wring Flesh
Board State - Start of Turn 3
Enemy
1x Vulshok Berserker, , attacking Cyouni
Cyouni (14)
2x Swamp
1x Whispersilk Cloak
Luu (16)
1x Plains
Ultima (16)
1x Island
MtG:RPG - Kai
OOC: Take 1, life down to 15. Cast Diminish and block for Cyouni with 1/0 weapon. If blocking for another player is impossible, then life is 16 still, the Diminish is still cast, but on Cyouni's turn, and Cyouni can take the one and kill it. Or not take one and kill it. My post will be edited if blocking a creature headed for another player is impossible.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
The berserker - smaller than he was just a moment ago - collapsed and melted into the cobblestone alley, disappearing in a tuft of red and black smoke. The guards behind the three of you approached closer to the alley, with the lead guard spitting on the ground nearby. "Seems the thief knows we're here," he grumbled, leaning forward on his polearm as he stared at the three of you. "Regardless, our only lead is still to interrogate the children. We best be off, before more assassins come to finish the job."
MtG:RPG - Kai
"Okay" says Ultima. "We don't really have any choice, we have to find the thief." Then he gets an idea. "Wait, you think those girls might have been the thief or thieves? They could melt into shadow-hence the daylight attacks, and everyone was scared of them-for good reason." Ultima then sighs. "Well, they're dead, so we have to interrogate the kids."
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
Turning away from the alley, the guard moved back into the streets, which were finally starting to resume their normal activities after the commotion. As they walked, the guard continued to talk about the investigation. "The kids are pretty well known around here - nice boys, don't get in more trouble than most other kids do. It doesn't make sense why they'd be involved in something like this."
MtG:RPG - Kai
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Privately, he disagrees with the others' sentiments; after all, it was only due to that child that he was in the alley in the first place. Outwardly, he simply nods, saving his observations for later.
The guard simply shrugged. "I've never heard of vigilante kids before, so I don't know if that's true or not. There, across the street."
His footsteps slowed as he raised his hand, pointing across the street towards a group of kids playing what seemed to be some kind of game involving balls and sticks. On seeing the guards, though, a few of the kids signalled for a pause of the game. One of the older kids stepped forward, a young lad of about ten or eleven with short, ragged blond hair. "Somethin' we can do for ya?"
The guard's eyes narrowed, as if irritated at the boy's front. "Knock your tone, boy. We heard you were nosin' around some of the thefts."
The group of kids chuckled. The boy tilted his head back, crossing his arms. "Yeah, so what? We were diggin' around for clues to figure out who was hurtin' our families."
Another girl spoke up from in the group. "My father's business was ruined. Some of us don't get to eat. Our moms and dads spend their nights crying because we can't eat. All we're doing is tryin' to help."
(OOC: Leaving this open-ended so you can question the kids how you wish.)
MtG:RPG - Kai
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
The present was distinctly not some day he was willing to consider, however. He adopted a sympathetic expression and knelt before the girl. It was likely that bringing himself to the children's level would keep them from feeling as though they were being threatened, the shared height allowing them to keep their perceived power. Then Luu started things off with a small question. "I'm sorry, that must have been a horrible thief to ruin a business with one robbery. Or did the thief attack several times?" He recalled that only seven shopkeepers had been hit, but he wondered if there had been any repeats. Besides, he'd like to test the waters before asking too much and losing a potential source of crucial information.
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner