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Post by waysoftheearth on Dec 28, 2010 19:05:59 GMT -6
Erimus casts his gaze to the ruined caravan for any sign of digging tools -- spades, picks, shovels, anything.
"This will be a sore task indeed. A mass grave and a prayer for the fallen may be all we can manage," he says, fingering the Holy symbol about his neck absently.
"These other scum," he doesn't even indicate the Goblin corpses, "we can leave to bloat, rot and be picked apart by carrion feeders."
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Post by chicagowiz on Dec 28, 2010 21:20:03 GMT -6
((OOC: Roughly two dozen men, another half dozen goblin bodies and the remains of six draft horses, leaving two unaccounted for.)) Assuming that I find no trace of Corrine and I can tell that horses are unaccounted for, I'll look around to see if I can find them. I won't leave the circle of light from the fire. GALAX to KIB: Why are you so sure they were kidnapping her? Her body could be somewhere around here. Or worse... GALAX says nothing to ERIMUS's speech.
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Post by ehiker133 on Dec 28, 2010 22:04:35 GMT -6
"Hey, don't go too far from the fire... and don't go messin' up the tracks by traipsing all over them in the dark, neither! We'll be able to make more sense of it in the morning light."
He smiles jovially (or as pleasantly as he can, given the circumstances) to show he has the best intentions in his rebuke.
"Speaking of morning... we should set up watch shifts through the night to make sure the fire stays lit and the wolves keep away."
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 29, 2010 7:11:57 GMT -6
Looking around you can all see that three of the wagons are burnt debris now with no chance of their fires spreading, there are smashed open chests and casks all over the area. The fourth wagon, the first one, remains untouched by fire though it has been ransacked thoroughly as well.
The snow blows anything light and not tied down around the camp, so bits and pieces of clothing and paper flutter here and there. With this being the supposed end of winter this year it looks like the spring thaws did not come as early as some had hoped OR the gods thought one more snow might be good for the lands.
The fire that Nemmet has put together and is being fed by Kib and others lights up the surrounding new center of "camp" well. The battle was brutal and quick, looking you can see where there are large marks, holes in the snow where the humans seemed to appear out of the snow and mud. This was not random, the brigands new where to hit and when it seems....
Nemmet looks at Erimus but speaks to the group as he brings another pile of tinder for the fire. "Sir, all the food seems to be gone, I did find two casks that would hold snow we could use those to gather water."
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 29, 2010 7:14:01 GMT -6
((OOC: Roughly two dozen men, another half dozen goblin bodies and the remains of six draft horses, leaving two unaccounted for.)) Assuming that I find no trace of Corrine and I can tell that horses are unaccounted for, I'll look around to see if I can find them. I won't leave the circle of light from the fire. GALAX to KIB: Why are you so sure they were kidnapping her? Her body could be somewhere around here. Or worse... GALAX says nothing to ERIMUS's speech. Galax can see that Nemmet seems very skilled at survival, he is checking everything very closely and avoiding the goblin dead as well. Looking across the snow and mud you can see the tracks of two horses heading off to the foothills to the northwest. The tracks quickly vanish from site as soon as they get past the light of the various fires....
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Post by Professor P on Dec 29, 2010 8:38:24 GMT -6
Fennick searches his immediate surroundings for other assailants.
If none are present he will remove his scimitar from the goblin corpse and with a short prayer will clean and sheath the sword. He will then gather his shield, pack, and a piece of wooden caravan lit on fire as a torch and search the nearby, fire-lit area for the wounded and other caravan members.
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 29, 2010 9:04:35 GMT -6
Fennick searches his immediate surroundings for other assailants. If none are present he will remove his scimitar from the goblin corpse and with a short prayer will clean and sheath the sword. He will then gather his shield, pack, and a piece of wooden caravan lit on fire as a torch and search the nearby, fire-lit area for the wounded and other caravan members. Seems that the battle has ended you no longer hear the ringing of metal upon metal, though the coppery smell of death does still linger in the air to your nose. Saying a quick prayer and finding a brand, looking around you can see others gathering near a fire that has been put together. There is no sight of the brigands or goblins that started the attack...
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Post by chicagowiz on Dec 29, 2010 9:29:53 GMT -6
GALAX point out the tracks to KIB. "Maybe the bandits took the horses to take the girl away?"
GALAX will poke into the holes that the ambushers had made, maybe they dropped something?
If nothing else happens, GALAX will get as warm as he can and wait for morning to see what the group will do. He doesn't talk much, choosing to listen mostly to the conversation.
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Post by Mushgnome on Dec 29, 2010 9:34:30 GMT -6
GALAX to KIB: Why are you so sure they were kidnapping her? Her body could be somewhere around here. Or worse... Kib shrugs and points to the goose-egg on his head, to indicate he's as clueless about the situation as everyone else. He finishes up chores around the campsite, then tightens the straps of his armor and hoists his trusty battleaxe to stand guard.
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Post by Professor P on Dec 29, 2010 11:49:46 GMT -6
Fennick walks towards the gathering caravan members.
Hail brothers. Is there anybody that needs immediate aid?
He waits for a reply and then wheezes before continuing.
I saw the brigands kill caravan master Tobin and steal away the lady Corrine unharmed. They spoke in the goblin tongue and another language I have never heard. Did any one have a good look at one of the masked brigands, or understand what it was they spoke?
By Sarenrae, we must save the Lady Corrine.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2010 16:55:20 GMT -6
"Hallo, d**n leg, O Bother."
From just over the close hill, leaning on his staff a mage limps towards the fire.
"It appears the nasites have been run out, I was injured and found myself awakening under some snow over there.
Points with his staff.
"Seems that the Goblinius lost the battle, is there any warm water for tea?"
Nigel
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Post by waysoftheearth on Dec 29, 2010 17:38:41 GMT -6
"Salutations, Brother Fennick," intones Erimus, bowing his head slightly. "I am uninjured, thank you."
Then, after Nemmet speaks, he replies "Good suggestion, lad,", and watches briefly as his dogsbody sets about filling the casks with snow.
Then he sets about his own task.
"We had best construct ourselves a shelter till morning," he says, "What is left of the wagons should do amply."
He investigates the largely intact wagon to see if it will provide shelter for all. If not, he looks toward constructing a lean to against the side of the wagon with whatever materials are at hand.
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 29, 2010 21:26:06 GMT -6
"Salutations, Brother Fennick," intones Erimus, bowing his head slightly. "I am uninjured, thank you."Then, after Nemmet speaks, he replies "Good suggestion, lad,", and watches briefly as his dogsbody sets about filling the casks with snow. Then he sets about his own task. "We had best construct ourselves a shelter till morning," he says, "What is left of the wagons should do amply."He investigates the largely intact wagon to see if it will provide shelter for all. If not, he looks toward constructing a lean to against the side of the wagon with whatever materials are at hand. Using what you have and keeping the fire going, you find that the lean can actually keep four resting comfortably. With Nigel now back amongst you, there are nine bodies. A quick watch order is established, Fennick tends to what he can and soon the first watch is standing. The steam and fog eventually lift during this watch leaving a clear view of the ambush site, again stressing the miracle that you weren't all killed. The watch standers have a boring night, nothing happens, even the wolf calls stop and the second watch is up. The second watch is cold, the weather turns and even Shuney is covered though the snow does stop the wind picks up and what little relief dawn brings it doesn't bring any real warmth.... It is now morning....
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Post by ehiker133 on Dec 30, 2010 0:21:08 GMT -6
As the morning sun breaches the horizon, Liam wakes up, dons his armour and straps on his equipment, and has a small bite to eat. After that, he begins examining the horse tracks to see where they went and how many goblins and/or humans went in the same direction.
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Post by waysoftheearth on Dec 30, 2010 0:26:04 GMT -6
Erimus awakes with the chill dawn, and as is his custom, kneels to make his morning prayers.
Eyes closed, he mutters mantras of thanks for the survival of those among the present company, for the safekeeping of the souls of those departed, and also for the well being of the kidnapped woman, Lady Corrine.
This done he rises, and in the notable absence of any rations, blows out his mustache as he tightens the belt around his belly a notch.
"We have good reason to pursue these knaves," he tells the company as they rise. "For one thing, we cannot call ourselves honourable if we do not attempt to rescue the Lady Corrine. And for another, they have made off with our supplies and we will want food in our bellies ere night falls!"
Erimus instructs Nemmet to assist him into his plate armour and then to gather their scant possessions, as he prepares to make good on the pursuit.
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Post by waysoftheearth on Dec 30, 2010 0:32:13 GMT -6
Once into the protective carapace of etched metal plate armour, Erimus trudges over to where Liam appears to be searching for a tracks.
"You have their trail, Master Liam?" he asks enthusiastically. "Then let us bring this fight to them!"
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miked
Level 3 Conjurer
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Post by miked on Dec 30, 2010 6:39:34 GMT -6
Laric awakes to the chill air and makes ready for the days tasks. He also attends Liam and studies the tracks, using the skills his father taught him years ago as a poacher/hunter.
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Post by Mushgnome on Dec 30, 2010 7:54:59 GMT -6
Kib, never much of an outdoorsman, eagerly awaits the trackers' assessment.
In the meantime, he looks around for any useful scraps of rope, cord, wire, nails, etc. "Rats for dinner, I suppose," he mutters to himself, "unless we catch up with them that pinched our victuals."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2010 8:09:06 GMT -6
Nigel builds up the fire with the destroyed carriages and throw Goblin bodies on the pyre with unuseable items, pulling out anything that might be helpful.
Belts, pocket knives and such for someone else to access.
"I am making a pile over here Gents for those that know what they are doing."
Nigel
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Post by Professor P on Dec 30, 2010 8:26:12 GMT -6
Fennick awakens and begins with his morning benediction to Sarenrae. He prays for the well-being of the Lady Corrine, as well as the souls of those caravan members now departed, and for his companions that have survived. He implores for guidance on how to best reach and save the Lady Corrine and counsel on the mysterious brigands and red-capped goblins.
Good morning brothers. I am in agreement with Master Erimus, we must procure the safety of the Lady Corrine. I will complete the burial of our lost comrades and give them their last rites.
While completing the preparation of the burial and last rites, Fennick searches the bodies for any parchments, trinkets, etc., which will give clues as to whom was lost and next of kin to be informed of their friends or family-members murder.
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 30, 2010 11:16:25 GMT -6
As the morning sun breaches the horizon, Liam wakes up, dons his armour and straps on his equipment, and has a small bite to eat. After that, he begins examining the horse tracks to see where they went and how many goblins and/or humans went in the same direction. As morning dawns and the group begins it's morning routines Liam can see that the Red Caps were being more cautious then they normally are but still not good enough to fool his trained eye. Three groups separated from the battle one group marched back along the caravans path, no more than a dozen in that group...and they were the most stealthy. The second group made up of a booted feet marched along the path the caravan would have taken, complete with a set of wagon tracks... The third mixed group made hast heading northwest, traveling quickly and for the most part light though at least one of the sets of booted feet was carrying a load but still maintaining a good pace.
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 30, 2010 11:21:01 GMT -6
Laric awakes to the chill air and makes ready for the days tasks. He also attends Liam and studies the tracks, using the skills his father taught him years ago as a poacher/hunter. Taking a look at the trails you realize that Liam knows his woodcraft, you might have missed that group back tracking if he hadn't pointed them out to you...but from knowing the area just a bit better your not happy with the group heading northwest. They are heading into some small foothills and the only thing there are the ruins of the Blackthorne Abbey. Clerics who studied there were dedicated to Loviatar (pronounced loh-VEE-a-tar) goddess of pain, hurt and torture.
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 30, 2010 11:33:56 GMT -6
Fennick awakens and begins with his morning benediction to Sarenrae. He prays for the well-being of the Lady Corrine, as well as the souls of those caravan members now departed, and for his companions that have survived. He implores for guidance on how to best reach and save the Lady Corrine and counsel on the mysterious brigands and red-capped goblins. Good morning brothers. I am in agreement with Master Erimus, we must procure the safety of the Lady Corrine. I will complete the burial of our lost comrades and give them their last rites.While completing the preparation of the burial and last rites, Fennick searches the bodies for any parchments, trinkets, etc., which will give clues as to whom was lost and next of kin to be informed of their friends or family-members murder. Most valuables are gone but you do find an odd trinket here and there but more importantly you do find a ripped page out of Tobin's ledger showing who needed to get paid at the end of the caravan, along with their home steadings. The vision comes to you, The goblins are cheering, drinking celebrating in some cavern or rough cut room and then the good time ends as a man, human bare chested comes into the room. His chest is criss crossed with scars, he leads something into the room with him, a scared human male, he looks very beaten. The goblins draw knives advancing on the man as he is tossed to the ground, his mouth open in a soundless scream. The man turns and on his back is the symbol of Loviatar a cat of nine tails barbed.Then the vision is gone...
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Post by Professor P on Dec 30, 2010 12:08:59 GMT -6
Most valuables are gone but you do find an odd trinket here and there but more importantly you do find a ripped page out of Tobin's ledger showing who needed to get paid at the end of the caravan, along with their home steadings. The vision comes to you, The goblins are cheering, drinking celebrating in some cavern or rough cut room and then the good time ends as a man, human bare chested comes into the room. His chest is criss crossed with scars, he leads something into the room with him, a scared human male, he looks very beaten. The goblins draw knives advancing on the man as he is tossed to the ground, his mouth open in a soundless scream. The man turns and on his back is the symbol of Loviatar a cat of nine tails barbed.Then the vision is gone... Fennick reads over the page from Tobin's ledger, looking for names he may recognize from his conversations with caravan members or known local lore. He also searches for any mention of the Lady Corrine. While reading, Fennick thinks back to his teachings in theology to gather any of his learned lore regarding Loviatar. OOC: Does Fennick recognize the tortured man?
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Post by chicagowiz on Dec 30, 2010 12:19:38 GMT -6
GALAX to all: "No. We may have good reason, but we do not have good advantage nor good information. It's obvious our enemies are well organized, well equipped and we are lucky to escape with our lives. I would much rather make for Rivers Edge, rearm, get information on what we face, maybe get some help and then come back. I'd rather not throw my life away chasing willy nilly after some tracks."
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 30, 2010 12:58:10 GMT -6
GALAX to all: "No. We may have good reason, but we do not have good advantage nor good information. It's obvious our enemies are well organized, well equipped and we are lucky to escape with our lives. I would much rather make for Rivers Edge, rearm, get information on what we face, maybe get some help and then come back. I'd rather not throw my life away chasing willy nilly after some tracks." (OOC: Waiting to see if I found anything in the holes and at this point, I'd share any items found.)There was nothing in the holes from last night, going over those again in the daylight to confirm there is nothing there...
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 30, 2010 13:08:06 GMT -6
The caravan was heading to Rivers Edge, you are roughly between 5-7 days from there and you are also the same distance between where you are and Twin Forks. The foothills are roughly 12 miles away...I know that didn't happen in character but there are somethings better just out there.
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Post by Professor P on Dec 30, 2010 13:16:23 GMT -6
The caravan was heading to Rivers Edge, you are roughly between 5-7 days from there and you are also the same distance between where you are and Twin Forks. The foothills are roughly 12 miles away...I know that didn't happen in character but there are somethings better just out there. OOC: Foothills? And again, excuse my ignorance in the matter, but 12 miles is the equivalent of how many hours/days of march by foot?
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Post by Ronin84 on Dec 30, 2010 13:33:41 GMT -6
The caravan was heading to Rivers Edge, you are roughly between 5-7 days from there and you are also the same distance between where you are and Twin Forks. The foothills are roughly 12 miles away...I know that didn't happen in character but there are somethings better just out there. OOC: Foothills? And again, excuse my ignorance in the matter, but 12 miles is the equivalent of how many hours/days of march by foot? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FoothillsI would judge in this weather the better part of the day, moving at the land speed of the dwarf.
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Post by Professor P on Dec 30, 2010 13:46:11 GMT -6
OOC: I suppose I wasn't very specific. You said the group was 12 miles away from the foothills. Do you mean the foothills of the Fang Mountains or just some random foothills?
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