Quinn Stasi
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Looking down the hallway you can see it's a mess of confusion. Patients who were fit enough to walk around, are doing so as the staff tries to settle them down. You can also see that several of the more buff looking members of the Ward's staff are at the ward's door, blocking the way.
Over the murmurs of the occupants, the faint sound of fire bells ringing in the distance is somewhat audible for a second. Then the lieutenant begins to scream and laugh.
"I TOLD YOU. I TOLD YOU!"
The ward had become a madhouse. (Please roll two percentiles.)
Ewan Stark
Zephyr, Foehn Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
Hayden's answer is curt, but self explanatory. "You were there."
He motions for you to walk towards the tent as the others identify themselves.
"Iam Salom? From the Salom family from the Assembly? Lucky us." Hayden says as starts to make his way to the tent.
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
Reita looks at Leftina.
"Unusual?" Reita asks.
"The Maestro doesn't like unusual. star stealer.." Leftina finishes the thought.
"Star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer."
The voice starts to repeat itself steadily, taunting you.
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Shut up! Keegan rolls a few gems between his fingers. "Look, if you're worried about getting in trouble, I can make it worth your while. In any case, Maestro is going to want to hear what I have to say. I imagine he would be more angry if you didn't let me in. Besides, you know him. I'm sure he already knows I'm here."
TheMadjaiSir Madjai of SanSanMinnesotaRegistered Userregular
edited September 2008
Ewan sighs. Typical military reaction. I'm on a need to know basis.
Ewan perks up at the mention of Iam's family name and it's connection to the Assembly. Ewan gives Iam a funny look and waves towards the tent. "After you, Mister Salom."
TheMadjai on
"Yeah, TheMadjai knows whats up." --Lardalish
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Surprised by the informality of this new caretaker, Brottor stands near the door of the room. "Ungart, so are you going to be the one to tell me what interest you have with me?"
"It's good to see you again sir!" Lothril exclaims from where he stands. Still trying to forget about his close encounter back in the street, Lothril makes his way up to Wesley. (If there is an open seat, I would like to sit down, if not I just stand)
"It sure is good to be out of that," Lothril says with true happiness in his voice. "But if you don't mind me asking sir, uh, just where are we, and where are we headed?"
Lothril Issrin
Zephyr, ?? - Wonderbird Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
"We're aboard the Wonderbird." He chuckles. "I didn't name it, but it's the fastest vessel we could muster. That teleportation circle was a rush job but it's good to see that it got you here intact. I'm glad you delayed, actually. It would have been a lot worse for you if you'd ported in while we were climbing. In a few minutes, we'll be at Foehn."
Wesley's area of focus was the mastery of the magical processes that went on unseen within the Teleportation circles and gates. The man knew the Wonders in and out. He motions for you to take a seat on one of the leather couches.
"When we get there, our friend is going to be introduced to some of the more experienced interrogators that they have there." He waves his hand, and mouths out some words.
You hear them as though he was whispering directly into your ear (Ghost Sound). "We need to know how the Merkabans got their hands on those Black Knights... they're Wonders."
Speaking normally he adds "And what's even more worrisome are those." He nods. In the direction of what you think would be Merkaba, you can make out a large mass of red stars glowing brightly in the night sky.
Ewan Stark
Zephyr, Foehn Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
The interior of the tent is neat, and the piles of paper neatly stacked on the desk suggest that somebody had been busy lately. On a nearby table there's a theatre map. The number of warship models on the table is somewhat depressing.
Hayden takes a seat and grabs a writing pad. Your guess is he's just writing down your names.
"So. There's not much for me to say at this point. What I need to know from you is an account of what happened on your warships during the Retribution assault. One at a time."
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
There's a pause before she replies to you.
"Straight to the point, hm? This will save us a lot of time. The Highborne they are so difficult for people that have been rescued." She slides off the table, and walks over to the large window in the room.
"But I won't bore you with the details. I'm sure you've heard the rumours anyway, you people talk so much." She shakes her head.
"The fact of the matter is your people need you for a task. We've taken a look at the other Lowborne survivors, and they are lacking. All the lowborne speak of you. Your actions in Konstogar were admirable to watch. All of your actions... the level of devotion to your people displayed there, it was a shame--" (PI: S) The way she stops in midsentence feels almost like someone told her to stop.
"We're getting off track. You're going to fight the Merkabans." she puts a finger up to her lip. "Though, I guess should have asked that one."
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
«He's not going to go away.» Leftina begins to speak in Elven. It's been a while, but seeing as you're a somewhat affluent and worldly Highborne you can speak the language. They don't know that. Their dialect appears to confirm that they were Etesian... Lowborne. «Is he going to try to bribe us with those gems?»
«He's staring at us. Must be really desperate. Maybe we should just let him, it'll draw less attention.» (ADip:S) Reita says.
«Ok. And if he angers the Maestro we'll be able to kick that seedy little face of his in♫» Leftina smiles.
"Enter." Reita nods for you to go up the entry ramp, her hand at the hilt of her rapier.
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
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TheMadjaiSir Madjai of SanSanMinnesotaRegistered Userregular
edited September 2008
"Ewan Stark, sir. Scout assigned to the Dancing Lightning. I first noticed something was wrong when the Lightning did not descend to drop-off altitude approaching Merkaba. I approached the cockpit and inquired as to what was wrong. It was at this time that the fleet had decided to break off the attack, and were turning around. I noticed from the cockpit that there was a great number of what appeared to be... well.. red stars in the sky around the Merkaban capital. As they got closer, we noticed that the light was a by-product of their vessel. Some type of single-capacity craft that was designed to protect the passenger during flight. We didn't see where they launched from, but it was clear where they were headed. When they got in range of the fleet, the shell they were in separated and they began flying quickly towards the fleet. They were Black Knights, sir.
The Lightning was rocked by an impact and I headed below deck to see what had happened. Something had blown a hole in our side, and we had lost a good number of the men on board. Our ship was rocked again by another imapct, and seeing the disarray and no commanding officer nearby, I ordered the men to ready their grapples in case we needed to ditch. I shouted up to the cockpit to get us within range of a carrier so we could hide in her shadow, but there was no reply. I went up into the cockpit and it had taken a direct hit. The cockpit was completely exposed to the outside, and the pilot was gone. Lisette was piloting the ship, sir. I do not know how she managed to survive the blast. She directed me below deck and told me to grapple away and save as many as I could. I tried to convince her to come with us, but the danger to the rest of the fleet was too great to leave a ship unpiloted.
I went back below deck and ordered the men to grapple to the nearest carrier. I was the last one to grapple, and the last thing I remember was the ship we grappled to exploding, and I was falling.
The next thing I remember, Iam Salom was standing over me, and myself and some of the men you see here were on a small island in the Lands Below. Raoul had appeared to have been there for some time, and the rest of the men were wandering the wreckage. I noticed a strong storm was moving in, and ordered Iam to look for shelter in the woods while Raoul and myself tried to find a comm crystal amongst the wreckage. We weren't able to find anything, and with the storm bearing down on us, I decided to look for Iam. When I found him, he mentioned finding what appeared to be an older keep on the island. He also mentioned a gate chamber. I gathered the men and Iam led us to the keep.
Upon arrival, Raoul noticed the presence of the gate chamber and instinctively found it. It was he, sir, who was able to lock in the sigil sequence to Foehn and got us to the... ruins... where we were picked up. Without Iam and Raoul, sir, it's entirely possible that none of us would be alive."
Didn't want to risk rolling low.
TheMadjai on
"Yeah, TheMadjai knows whats up." --Lardalish
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
A chill creeps along Quinn's back at the lieutenant's screams. My weapon. If I get my weapon I'll be okay. He limps back into his room, tosses his cane aside, and opens his closet. He straps on his armor clumsily as his fingers drip with sweat; he is shaking uncontrollably by the time he finally finishes. When he grabs his morningstar though, he feels a sudden surge of confidence and calm. He lifts the emblem in his other hand and stares at it for a moment, then places its chain over his head and lets the symbol hang down over his chest.
Using the morningstar as an impromptu cane, Quinn hobbles back out to the hallway, intent on helping the staff bar the door.
I'm just assuming the emblem has a chain looped through it so I can wear it as a necklace.
Quinn Stasi
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
You close the door behind you, shutting out the chaos in the ward. Slowly, painfully, you put your armor on and place your emblem around your neck. (Sure. It can have a chain, it's your emblem. :P) When you're done, you make your way towards the door...
And find yourself back in Cornales, sprawled on your back in a field of debris. Everything was dark. Far away, you could hear screaming. The cries of pain and death as the war waged on without you. The distant booms of shells as the Knights were forced to bomb the down after it was lost. Somewhere nearby were the corpses of your friends. It was time to die. Even the pool of blood you were in had gone cold. All you had to do was let go.
"Quinn. Get up. Now!" You open your eyes. You're back on Foehn. The area glows orange from a raging fire nearby... the ward. Whatever happened you were blown through the wall and into the fountain. You recognize the voice as being Mariposa's.
"We need to get out of here, now." She removes what's left of the door from your body and helps you up and out of what was left of the fountain.
There were bodies were strewn everywhere, and most of them looked like they weren't moving. Mariposa turns her attention towards these people. (PS:P) You notice as she moves away that she was injured herself.
"There's a Gate Chamber not too far away from here." She helps another cleric to his feet. The ground shudders from another explosion elsewhere. The time between them becomes less and less. "If it's still there... we may survive this. Hurry. I'll meet you there."
She continues to look around and help others.
Skill Challenge Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber. Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis)
(It's like I'm Jerry Bruckheimer... Also: You've taken 23 points of damage from this event, making you bloodied.)
Ewan Stark
Zephyr, Foehn Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
Hayden raises an eyebrow at you as he finishes up writing notes from your account.
"Well. You have quite the memory." He places his pen and paper onto his desk. "Using the Black Knights like that. It's an interesting theory. And you're too modest, Ewan. Without you to lead them around it seems that none of you would have made it back here alive. I'll keep that in mind."
He'll keep that in mind? The way he says it makes it seem like you did something wrong.
"Anyway. The man in the robe you saw earlier is one of the Caretakers. They seem to run the show here in the Alabaster Citadel, and they've given us these lovely accomodations." Hayden doesn't seem to pleased with the situation.
"Our pilots and small craft are combing through what's left of Foehn for survivors. I've got nothing for you to do at the moment, but you'll all be reassigned once things settle down a little. I'm sure some of you've got friends or family to look for out there. You're dismissed."
(Quest Cleared! Get to the Alabaster Citadel without dying. (+125 XP)
SubQ: Iam survives. (+15 XP), Other: 500+ word speech. rofl... :U(+15 XP)
You can say something to Iam or Raoul, or Hayden. You can also decide to not post a response. Please say so in the OOC if you want to just move on. :P In either case once Ewan leaves the tent on the update after you will be bumped up in time to Tuesday, AKA Ceasefire Day 6. Having Hayden kick you out of the tent counts as leaving too. :P Record the XP gain on your sheet, prz.)
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
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TheMadjaiSir Madjai of SanSanMinnesotaRegistered Userregular
edited September 2008
"Sir." Ewan has questions, but can tell from Hayden's demeanor that they would be ill-received. Ewan turns to Iam. "Heading home?" Ewan instantly regrets his choice of words. 'Home' is probably in the ocean.
TheMadjai on
"Yeah, TheMadjai knows whats up." --Lardalish
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
The horror of the sudden explosion makes Quinn want to run as far as possible, but seeing Mariposa selflessly run back to the other victims compels him to stay. "Mari, we'll have a better chance of surviving if we stick together. The sooner we get these people back on their feet, the sooner we can all get away."
He looks around the bloody field, trying to figure out which victims he can help most.
Quinn Stasi
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Skill Challenge Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber. Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis) Progress: Successes 0 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
It doesn't take much looking around to see who's breathing and who's not. To cover the Ward quicker, you look in a different area than Mariposa. Given the size of the explosion you're surprised that anybody survived, including yourself. You can see the two wounded on the ground in the direction you were looking. One is in a gown and looks to be hurt pretty badly, the other is wearing cleric attire. He's in bad shape himself, but at least he wasn't injured prior to this.
In the distance you can see a fireball light up the sky. The ground shakes and wavers. Even in the strongest storms, the islands never shook or waved. This was all leading towards something bad, you think to yourself. Off to the side, Mariposa is busy helping another injured person.
(If you wish to help someone, you can a) Use the Heal skill to Stabilize, then allow to Use Second wind (Roll a Heal with number of rolls set to 7, note: 3 failures before an initial success may kill someone. Each roll consumes 3 seconds, the DCs are not the ones in the PHB.) b) use healing word. (Note: 5 minutes will probably not pass between posts, so use these carefully. Other Clerics can use healing word as well.)
Ewan Stark
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
The Knights all breathe a sigh of relief as everybody is dismissed from Hayden's presence. Your detailed summary more than accounted for their actions. You got the feeling that he realized that the others had frozen up under the stress. It was an understandable weakness, and while Hayden wasn't as thunderous as Andrei, he was damn close to it. When you get out of the tent, a few pat you on the back, thanking you for your words and actions. Iam continues to walk with you and finally answers your question.
"Home? It's a time of crisis. I'm sure my family is hidden in some fortress by now." Iam looks angry. "The Lowborne have gone too far!"
"It's just like Rueben said, they must be eliminated. None of us will ever be at peace so long as we have to watch whats under our feet." one of the Knights is still walking with you.
Rueben Aveli was the commanding officer of your brigade when you'd were like Iam. A few months into your carreer he was forced to retire due to injury. He would later marry the CO of the first division, Els Aveli. Before the war broke out, she retired to have a child. Both were serving in an advisory capacity over the course of the Merkaban-Highborne war, Els for the scouts, and Rueben for the knights. The war had changed him for sure. The Rueben you knew would have never thought that.
(For a really brief rundown of the current structure of the knights, check the OOC later (tomorrow)... I'm sleepy. :U As a slight retcon here Hayden Gretz would actually run the scouts division/corp though, just fyi. Also, the people that run the two brigades that make up said division/corp don't have names because I don't know if they're dead or not yet. ;p)
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
They guide you through his ship and back to that familiar chamber. At the far side of the room the Maestro sits on his couch. The smoke dancer is simply sitting around as well. She must be taking a break, you think to yourself.
"This is the second time you've interrupted my day, Keegan. What is it you want this time?" he sits up. "More gems?"
From the looks of things, he wasn't doing much.
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Hearing his actions declared as 'admirable' was a tough blow to Brottor. He pauses for a moment, "Fight the Merkaba? I would give my life to avenge my comrades, however I would not throw it away in a futile attack on them. I assume you have a plan? Perhaps this new ship would take part in it."
"We may have a problem," Keegan says, getting right to the point. "I've been hearing a voice. Someone, or something, keeps whispering to me. Calling me star stealer. I thought you might know something about that."
TheMadjaiSir Madjai of SanSanMinnesotaRegistered Userregular
edited September 2008
Ewan stops walking and pulls Iam and the others aside. Taking a look around to ensure no one is watching or listening, Ewan lowers his voice. "What did you have in mind? Surely none of you think that this attack is going to go unanswered. You want to be a part of the strike force to return the favor? Then keep your heads down and your eyes open. Iam, see if you can find out what Els is up to. No one but no one is going to launch an attack on the Merkabans without intel, and no one gets intel like a scout. Reuben was my CO back when I was a pup, so I'll see what he knows."
Ewan looks over the faces of the men in the ring to see who's buying into this.
Take ten Perception on the men: 17
TheMadjai on
"Yeah, TheMadjai knows whats up." --Lardalish
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Ewan Stark
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
They're all buying into what you said. It's almost like you've been leading these men around for years.
"I don't know what to do, Ewan. I guess we should just wait and see what will happen. I mean look where we are! The Caretakers are Highborne, I'm sure they're going to blow all the Lowborne away!" Iam smiles at you.
"We're going to be there when it happens too!" one of the Knights you pulled off to the side says.
"You think they survived the attack?" Another asks. It made sense, you'd only seen Hayden so far. Perhaps they'd show up in the next few days.
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
"Oh, we have a plan in mind. But it most certainly doesn't involve this ship. Our plan is of a more discrete nature." She pauses again, perhaps to allow you to digest that information. "Your world is at a crossroads, Brottor. Even the demihumans are on the move. For the first time, your people possess destructive power on par with the gods."
If the Merkabans possessed such power and the Alabaster Citadel was able to withstand such a weapon, then what did that say of its owner? The pause for reflection allows her to gather her thoughts again.
"Our reason for existing is to care for the Citadel; their Wonders pose no threat to us." (PI:S) Her nonchalant expression almost makes it seem like the Caretakers have even worse Wonders at their disposal.
"Yet, we can't turn a blind eye to this. The plan we have involves restoring balance to the world. But the Knights are blinded by hatred and pain. They simply can't be trusted to carry out our suggestion alone. You're going to help." She stops herself again. "I mean, we would like you to help destroy those Wonders."
Waiting for a reply she steps away from the window and makes her way to the opposite wall. A few old spears are mounted there. She runs a hand along the edge of one of them before looking at you. "Please?"
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
"We may have a problem?" The Maestro's voice takes on a falsetto. "I don't think my ears are working too well these days. Perhaps all those explosions got to me."
He motions for you to come closer and the "twins" move behind you.
"Could you repeat that, Nightbird?"
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Quinn decides that healing the cleric first will make the job of helping everyone easier. He kneels by the cleric's body and begins to try to revive him, using everything he learned in basic training along with everything he saw in the hospital over the past few months.
"I don't know where the voice is coming from. As far as I can tell the Caretakers and Knights aren't aware. But someone is. Someone who can get inside my head, apparently." Keegan glances around the room, looking again for exits and features that he can use to his advantage should things go sour. "I need to know what I stole, Maestro. I know it's a star map, but it must be something more than that. The more I know, the easier I can keep all this from coming back to you."
TheMadjaiSir Madjai of SanSanMinnesotaRegistered Userregular
edited September 2008
Ewan's tone suddenly becomes deadly serious. "Iam, I understand your anger. And believe me, I share it. But it's important, especially so in times like these, that we focus out anger where it is due. This attack and the likely thousands of our brethren that lie dead or dying are not the product of all Lowborne. Women, children, even civilian men are not to be blamed or cursed for what the Merkaban military has carried out. Do you understand? The sins of the father are not passed on to the son, not in a civilized world."
TheMadjai on
"Yeah, TheMadjai knows whats up." --Lardalish
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
The information Lothril had just received shook him a bit. Both matters at hand concerned him. Lothril thinks back on his teachings at the Guild. He knew he had heard about Wonders before, but he was obviously not the expert Wesley was. Searching his memory, Lothril tried to remember if he has heard of the Black Knights before.
Lothril Issrin
Zephyr, ?? - Wonderbird Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Up until the point where Wesley confirmed they were actually Wonders, you'd heard a lot of rumours about the Black Knights. Guildmembers that fought with the Knights reported of seeing creatures donned in all black metal. They were tall, lanky things with swords in their forearms. They were vicious things. The word was that the Merkabans had unleashed demons.
"Hmm... I'm not sure, but perhaps our friend could enlighten us." He gestures for the Knights to bring the Spy to them.
They do so, the man snickering all the way.
"So you've seen them, yes?" His head lolls to the side. "The red stars. Trust me when I say that you should only worry when they start turning blue."
"Attention civilian ships: Please evacuate Foehn airspace immediately... All civilian ships clear Foehn berths and airspace immediately."
The communications crystal in the room resonated with that forced message.
"It's starting♪" the Spy grins.
(PP:S) Some of the stars are turning blue.
Quinn Stasi
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Skill Challenge Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber. Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis) Progress: Successes 0 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor 1 of ?
"*Cough, cough* Ha... patient tending the doctor? Ugh... what... what happened?" The Cleric gets up, thanks to your assistance. A quick glance at the scene around him and what happened doesn't matter. He immediately sets off to work. Looking around, you can see several other injured people. Mariposa is working on one of them. "Tend to this one. There are others who are more injured far worse."
(PP:S) The explosions haven't stopped, unfortunately. Far off along the horizon of Foehn, there's a massive fireball as one of those freighters that served as a refuge for the Lowborne is hit. You utter a silent prayer for their souls, as you realize that the skies over Foehn are filled with many airships fleeing.
Just in the direction of the red stars, you can see a collection of beacon lights. It was the Armada. The colorations on some of the beacons were off. The Armada wasn't even flying in any formation you were familiar with. They were swerving rapidly around each other. Two of the beacons merged in the distance and then went out.
Ewan Stark
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
"How can you believe that? I'm certain that the even Lowborne refugees here are crying and morning our losses, right?" One of the Knights raises his voice. Iam says nothing.
A group of what are clearly Lowborne refugees off in the distance stares at you.
"Hey, settle down." Another knight adds.
"Bah!" the Knight storms off into the direction of the military encampment tents. It was best he went that way. The group slowly drifts apart until only Iam is left.
"I'm... I'm going to go look for Els." he nods and parts company with you.
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
"Coming back to me? Is that a threat?" Maestro "Has the great Nightbird, having failed to handle his simple task stealthly, decided to come back to me, in my ship, and tell me that he's been made?"
"star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer."
The Maestro starts to laugh.
"You're a funny guy Keegan. But what it really is, and by extension how I intend to use this is none of your concern." He pulls out the little cube out mockingly.
"star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer."
If the voice was being subtle before, now it's kicked into overdrive. Your head starts to ache.
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
The explosions in the sky unnerve Quinn, and he realizes how little time they have before the destruction would overwhelm everyone on the ground. He moves towards the person Mariposa pointed out and kneels down, clutching his emblem briefly before starting to work on healing the victim.
"You want me to take part in some plucky little group of characters to take on the Merkaba like some campy street play? My whole division couldn't fight off one of their forces! Look at the ships around you! The ones that returned are nothing more than flying pieces of junk! And dont try to pull this high and mighty bullshit with me. You have some motive behind this that Im not seeing, this is not just for my benefit. If you were such a benevolent force you would have fought back. This ship alone could have turned the tide in several places, but from the looks of it I doubt it even left the port."
TheMadjaiSir Madjai of SanSanMinnesotaRegistered Userregular
edited September 2008
Ewan opens his mouth to stop Iam, but decides to let him go. Kid's got enough to deal with without a moral lesson. With a sigh, Ewan turns on his heel and goes off to find Reuben. Old man ought to know something, and even if he didn't, it's a good excuse to grab a quaff of ale.
TheMadjai on
"Yeah, TheMadjai knows whats up." --Lardalish
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Look, if you want something to happen, you need to help me out here. I know I stole the stars, okay? How about we move on to what you want me to do about it?
Keegan rubs his eyes and tries to focus. "I'm not threatening you, Maestro. I'm trying to make sure that one of my clients retains the level of secrecy that he paid for. You know as well as I do that no one saw me, but something is happening to me. I think it might be magic, but I'm not sure. That's why I've come to you for help. Help, Maestro, not harm."
Quinn Stasi
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Skill Challenge Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber. Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis) Progress: Successes 0 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor (2 of 2)
"Why?" The man you've resuccitated looks towards the sky. It's almost like he didn't want to be helped. The three of you are able to come to the aid to some... but more could have been saved if the doors hadn't been blocked. (You saw 2 at first - cleric + patient 1, cleric treated patient 1 while you did patient 2, mari did one more as well. However, time is up for this area. the possibility of "Bad" increases over each cycle.)
Mariposa is standing over another two when the walls of the Ward cave in. The rush of air hurts your lungs, and hot ash burns the exposed skin on your body. Your thoughts go immediately to those who were just wearing gowns.
"Shit." That was the last word you'd expected to hear from Mariposa. She pulls our her holy symbol and utters a brief prayer. Divine light bathes the area for a moment, and one of the fallen patients gets up. She's probably hurt worse than you are, so pushing herself like this is bad. She helps the patient to her feet, and they make your way to you.
"We need to get out of here... if we stay here any longer, we'll be joining them." Admitting this hurts as much as hearing it. Once again, you've survived where many would die. But at least you weren't alone this time.
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
You think that response as hard as you can without looking like a madman. Maestro interprets that delay before you speak as desperation. It was in a sense.
"I see Keegan.. Come over here. If this is some kind of magic, there has to be some kind of mark or sigil on you." He places the cube down beside him on his couch. Maestro seems genuinely interested in helping you. But then again the words of that scorpion who crossed the river on the back of a frog seemed pretty genuine in that old fable.
"steal stars."
At least it switched up that time.
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
The woman looks at you, the expression on her face unchanged. If the pause that came was from her being shocked, angry, surprised or even hurt by your outburst you couldn't tell. She had the poker face of an experienced diplomat. Finally she moves, seating herself back on top of the desk. She taps on it with her index finger. (PP:S) You notice there's a device of some sort on the desk, it looks out of place in the room. It was probably something that belonged to the Caretaker.
"Hm." When she notices that you've taken note of the device, she stops tapping on the desk. "Fortunately for you, I took precautions to keep our conversation private. An outburst like that when you're the only Lowborne aboard a Highborne" the emphasis is strong, even for her. "warship is quite brave of you. This ship, the Conquerer as they've named it, led their attack. I'm sure you've heard of their Retribution Day, right?"
While the refugee freighters the Highborne so graciously stuck you aboard were populated by Lowborne refugees from many places including your home region, they were all crewed by Highborne. Days before Retribution Day the Knights aboard seemed antsy, and you had caught bits and pieces of the speech by their leader. That you all wound up a large metal box aboard the Alabaster Citadel served as a pretty good indication of the Highborne's success.
"This ship was built for that day. The Highborne intended to reduce the city of Merkaba to rubble, you see. It was going to be a symbol of their might, their ability to prevail against an enemy who would resort to using the forces that even your whole division failed to protect against. I can assure you that this ship went out there. This ship even led their charge. But the Merkaban's didn't just have Devastators." (PInt:S) You recall that term being used by the Merkabans to describe the Black Knights. "In fact..."
The door opens on some unseen cue and Naro is ushered in. He looks at you and then over at the Caretaker. "Did you know that she's the Voice of the Caretakers? Their lead representative, if you would. I think that's amazing! And she wants to talk to us! Fancy that!"
"Naro," the The Voice stops him before he gets sidetracked. At least her high and mighty demeanor was useful for something. "Show the man the photographs you have in your pack."
"Yes! Of course! Brottor. This is what I wanted to show you before I was arrested!" he rummages through his bag, and pulls out a large sheet of paper, it was creased heavily. "I had such a hard time taking these. Calvin made the Explorer (Naro's Yacht) swerve like a madman. I nearly lost the camera!"
It's a photo of Foehn, taken at night during its destruction. (He'd have a late 1800s style camera, functionally slow exposure time) The photo looks like a bunch of white streaks against a dark background. It's almost a good thing that you weren't on his Yacht now, because you'd probably have beat him over the head with the paper. All that trouble for some squiggly lines?
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Quinn's eyes sting from the ash blasting through the air. He coughs, then places one hand on his emblem and the other on Mariposa's shoulder. "Mari, you need to lead the way to the gate; I'll clear the path of any obstacles in our way. But you can't use up all of your strength on these people..."
As he speaks, the emblem grows cooler under his hand, from comforting to icy in the span of seconds. He feels a strange rush of calm flow over him, and dark shadows curl around his arm and then twist into Mariposa.
Use healing word on Mariposa. She regains a healing surge plus 1d6+3.
He removes his arm from her shoulder, shocked slightly by what he just did, and readies his morningstar to clear away any barricade in their path. As he moves towards the hospital exit, he whispers a quiet prayer to those still dead and dying, asking the Raven Queen to guard their souls. He swings his morningstar into the flaming brush, trying to knock it aside and clear a path.
Keegan hesitates for a moment, then stumbles toward Maestro, exaggerating his pain. He grits his teeth through a forced grunt, then falls, just barely catching himself on the couch. I hope he buys this... With enough distraction, perhaps Keegan could pocket the cube and silence this cursed Voice.
Quinn Stasi
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Skill Challenge Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber. Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis) Progress: Successes 1 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor (2 of 2)
* Basic Attack - Success - Clearing out a path.
"Uh... thanks." Mari looks at you weirdly. Your shocked reaction to your own actions is what freaks her out a little. Fortunately for the both of you, you don't linger there. The charred branches are easily broken away by your attacks, and you head out of the ward.
It was amazing how quickly this area had been consumed in flames. There were still red stars in the direction of Merkaba, but they seemed to be clearing up. Even against the smoke laced sky normal colored blue and white stars had come out. The potential reason why red stars were vanishing didn't bring you that much comfort though.
"It's just up the street." Mari has a patient in tow as she walks out towards you. She points to the left then notices the huge blaze in the middle of the road.
"Great, The way is blocked. We're going to have to go around." She points forward. "If we cut up a street, we may be able to turn down that road. The Gate Chambers are built contain massive amounts of magical energy. The fires won't hurt."
Foehn shudders, no doubt another explosion has occurred somewhere. Everyone waits for you to lead the way.
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
The Smoke Dancer watches as you stumble your way over to the Maestro's couch. Leftina and Reita take no chances, flanking you the entire way. They stop just when you lurch forward onto the couch. It gave them enough distance to react and attack. The two had seen their fair share of trickster halflings.
It was very rare for another man to get this close to the Maestro. His expression is somewhere between disgust and revulsion. It was the perfect distraction. The way you land, the cube bounces to be just out of sight for the two. You would still have to play it carefully though.
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Brottor closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "I apologize for my outburst. Having everyone you love massacred weighs heavily on one's mind. I do wish to strike back at them but you have to understand, seeing those Devastators in action... I don't see how anything other than a massive counter attack will have any effect. Especially if those black knights are the least of my worries. Well, what are these...lines Im looking at?"
"We'll go around then, but I think we'll have to break through any other barriers we come across." Quinn heads up the street, keeping an eye out for any potential danger as they go.
Quinn Stasi
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Skill Challenge Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber. Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis) Progress: Successes 2 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor (2 of 2)
* Basic Attack - Success - Clearing out a path.
* Perception - Success - Leading the way.
At this rate, there wouldn't be much of a city left. Fires roared and raged all around, and the ground's constant trembling made you question if the island would even last. You couldn't travel along this street further, but it was possible to go left now. Debris was scattered all around, but some debris didn't appear to come from the buildings. Looking at a larger fragment, you realize that it was actually a chunk of airship hull.
With the mess of airships fleeing above you it was to be expected. Falling airships would kill you just as dead as falling stars, so it was best to keep moving.
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
"Well. I can try." She raps her nails against the desk.
The way she explains it to you takes a lot of time and for once today Naro's presence was useful to you. Her explanation was easy enough to understand for somebody with an arcane background, but the only magic you had was in your halberd. Naro takes in the information and helps make sense of it though.
The gist of it is that each one of those lines on the photograph are actually trails of light left behind from what you would best understand as being magic missiles. That was simple enough. Her casually stating that a single one of those missile was equal in power and effect to a conclave of archmages simultaneously using that spell on a single target wasn't exactly settling though.
"So you see now why a massive counter attack isn't good? Even if the Zephyr Knights had the resources left to do it again, the result would no doubt be the same." She gets off the desk and walks over to you.
"They could have just as easily wiped out all of their ships the first time. In fact, they actually avoided causing massive damage to the heaviest ships in this fleet. It was their symbol." Between the Black Knights and these "missiles", everybody knew that Merkaba was the force to be reckoned with.
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
"I ... I'm sorry, the pain is just ... " he trails off, trying to look and sound as desperate as he can. He sits down on the couch, trying to nonchalantly place himself between Maestro and the cube, while still keeping it out of site of the wonder twins. This better be worth it, he thinks to the Voice.
Thievery check: So sneaky! (1d20+12=22)
(Just a little truth-in-rolling, I think I rolled this twice, but the page gave me an error the first time. I don't know if there's a way to find old rolls, if it did actually roll. The description on the old one was a little ahead of what I'm actually doing in this post anyway.)
"Hmm... well what would you have me do? With an attack force as large as theirs they probably have a well fortified position. How do you expect me to get in there?"
Quinn Stasi
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Skill Challenge Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber. Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis) Progress: Successes 2 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor (2 of 2)
* Basic Attack - Success - Clearing out a path.
* Perception - Success - Leading the way.
Moving down this street you easily spot the remains of an airship that has crashed. It didn't seem likely that anybody would survive such a fall.
To your left, there is a glowing crater. The walls between of the two buildings next to it have caved in, and smoke and flames pour out of the buildings. Directly ahead the way was blocked off by more flames.
"There's a side street... if we get through there we'll be able to make it to the Chamber!" Mari yells.
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
"We want you to take part in some plucky little group of characters to take on the Merkaba like some campy street play." Somehow, when she says it the notion doesn't sound as crazy.
"Oh? A street play? I love those!" Naro claps a few times and then stops under your collective stares.
"As I mentioned earlier, our plan requires a more discrete approach. It's hardly been a week since their Retribution Day, and already there are reports of chaos breaking out. The partial destruction of Foehn unleashed massive amounts of magical energies, which have made monsters go wilder than usual. Work within this chaos, find where the Merkabans are hiding the Wonders and eliminate them." She walks past you and towards the door. "Unfortunately, I've run out of time. You people keep us rather busy."
The Caretaker who accompanied you to the Conquerer enters. "Come. We leave this now."
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
You easily palm the cube, without even the Maestro noticing. He waves a hand over you.
"Strange. I don't detect anything." The man's eyes narrow at you. "Are you trying to pull one over me?"
"Star Stealer."
"What? Who said that?" Maestro looks across the room. There's nobody there. Leftina and Reita turn their attention to the doorway. (PP:S) There is only one entrance/exit to the room that you can see. If the Maestro had another way out, it was well hidden.
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Slightly taken aback at having his own words thrown back at him, Brottor turns to the caretaker as she leaves, "Who are these people Im supposed to be questing around with? I would like to get to know them if Im going to have to trust them with my life."
Lothril Issrin
Zephyr, ?? - Wonderbird Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
The Wonderbird has just reached Foehn. As it does a flyby of the island, you can see many small vessels heading away. Towards the direction of Merkaba, below the blue and red stars you can make out the beacon lights of the Zephyr Armada. The beacons are swerving wildly, and there are occasional flashes of light that could only be one thing: explosions.
"Impossible..." Wesley has no words.
(PP:S) One of the blue stars actually looks as if it's growing, no, it's headed right towards you...
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
The Voice turns to face you again. There is a slight hint of impatience in her voice. "There will be seven of you. The Knights will field four of your number from their ranks. The other three will be our choice."
Sensing that answer wasn't going to suffice she adds. "You're welcome to come with me now to meet one of your partners, Brottor. Havarn..." She looks at the other Caretaker and he nods.
"So then, if you're coming with me, decide now. I'm already late as it is."
tastydonuts on
“I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
Posts
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Over the murmurs of the occupants, the faint sound of fire bells ringing in the distance is somewhat audible for a second. Then the lieutenant begins to scream and laugh.
"I TOLD YOU. I TOLD YOU!"
The ward had become a madhouse. (Please roll two percentiles.)
Ewan Stark
Zephyr, Foehn
Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
He motions for you to walk towards the tent as the others identify themselves.
"Iam Salom? From the Salom family from the Assembly? Lucky us." Hayden says as starts to make his way to the tent.
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
"Unusual?" Reita asks.
"The Maestro doesn't like unusual. star stealer.." Leftina finishes the thought.
"Star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer."
The voice starts to repeat itself steadily, taunting you.
Ewan perks up at the mention of Iam's family name and it's connection to the Assembly. Ewan gives Iam a funny look and waves towards the tent. "After you, Mister Salom."
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
"It sure is good to be out of that," Lothril says with true happiness in his voice. "But if you don't mind me asking sir, uh, just where are we, and where are we headed?"
Zephyr, ?? - Wonderbird
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Wesley's area of focus was the mastery of the magical processes that went on unseen within the Teleportation circles and gates. The man knew the Wonders in and out. He motions for you to take a seat on one of the leather couches.
"When we get there, our friend is going to be introduced to some of the more experienced interrogators that they have there." He waves his hand, and mouths out some words.
You hear them as though he was whispering directly into your ear (Ghost Sound). "We need to know how the Merkabans got their hands on those Black Knights... they're Wonders."
Speaking normally he adds "And what's even more worrisome are those." He nods. In the direction of what you think would be Merkaba, you can make out a large mass of red stars glowing brightly in the night sky.
Ewan Stark
Zephyr, Foehn
Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
Hayden takes a seat and grabs a writing pad. Your guess is he's just writing down your names.
"So. There's not much for me to say at this point. What I need to know from you is an account of what happened on your warships during the Retribution assault. One at a time."
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
"Straight to the point, hm? This will save us a lot of time. The Highborne they are so difficult for people that have been rescued." She slides off the table, and walks over to the large window in the room.
"But I won't bore you with the details. I'm sure you've heard the rumours anyway, you people talk so much." She shakes her head.
"The fact of the matter is your people need you for a task. We've taken a look at the other Lowborne survivors, and they are lacking. All the lowborne speak of you. Your actions in Konstogar were admirable to watch. All of your actions... the level of devotion to your people displayed there, it was a shame--" (PI: S) The way she stops in midsentence feels almost like someone told her to stop.
"We're getting off track. You're going to fight the Merkabans." she puts a finger up to her lip. "Though, I guess should have asked that one."
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
«He's staring at us. Must be really desperate. Maybe we should just let him, it'll draw less attention.» (ADip:S) Reita says.
«Ok. And if he angers the Maestro we'll be able to kick that seedy little face of his in♫» Leftina smiles.
"Enter." Reita nods for you to go up the entry ramp, her hand at the hilt of her rapier.
The Lightning was rocked by an impact and I headed below deck to see what had happened. Something had blown a hole in our side, and we had lost a good number of the men on board. Our ship was rocked again by another imapct, and seeing the disarray and no commanding officer nearby, I ordered the men to ready their grapples in case we needed to ditch. I shouted up to the cockpit to get us within range of a carrier so we could hide in her shadow, but there was no reply. I went up into the cockpit and it had taken a direct hit. The cockpit was completely exposed to the outside, and the pilot was gone. Lisette was piloting the ship, sir. I do not know how she managed to survive the blast. She directed me below deck and told me to grapple away and save as many as I could. I tried to convince her to come with us, but the danger to the rest of the fleet was too great to leave a ship unpiloted.
I went back below deck and ordered the men to grapple to the nearest carrier. I was the last one to grapple, and the last thing I remember was the ship we grappled to exploding, and I was falling.
The next thing I remember, Iam Salom was standing over me, and myself and some of the men you see here were on a small island in the Lands Below. Raoul had appeared to have been there for some time, and the rest of the men were wandering the wreckage. I noticed a strong storm was moving in, and ordered Iam to look for shelter in the woods while Raoul and myself tried to find a comm crystal amongst the wreckage. We weren't able to find anything, and with the storm bearing down on us, I decided to look for Iam. When I found him, he mentioned finding what appeared to be an older keep on the island. He also mentioned a gate chamber. I gathered the men and Iam led us to the keep.
Upon arrival, Raoul noticed the presence of the gate chamber and instinctively found it. It was he, sir, who was able to lock in the sigil sequence to Foehn and got us to the... ruins... where we were picked up. Without Iam and Raoul, sir, it's entirely possible that none of us would be alive."
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Using the morningstar as an impromptu cane, Quinn hobbles back out to the hallway, intent on helping the staff bar the door.
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
And find yourself back in Cornales, sprawled on your back in a field of debris. Everything was dark. Far away, you could hear screaming. The cries of pain and death as the war waged on without you. The distant booms of shells as the Knights were forced to bomb the down after it was lost. Somewhere nearby were the corpses of your friends. It was time to die. Even the pool of blood you were in had gone cold. All you had to do was let go.
"Quinn. Get up. Now!" You open your eyes. You're back on Foehn. The area glows orange from a raging fire nearby... the ward. Whatever happened you were blown through the wall and into the fountain. You recognize the voice as being Mariposa's.
"We need to get out of here, now." She removes what's left of the door from your body and helps you up and out of what was left of the fountain.
There were bodies were strewn everywhere, and most of them looked like they weren't moving. Mariposa turns her attention towards these people. (PS:P) You notice as she moves away that she was injured herself.
"There's a Gate Chamber not too far away from here." She helps another cleric to his feet. The ground shudders from another explosion elsewhere. The time between them becomes less and less. "If it's still there... we may survive this. Hurry. I'll meet you there."
She continues to look around and help others.
Skill Challenge
Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber.
Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis)
(It's like I'm Jerry Bruckheimer...
Ewan Stark
Zephyr, Foehn
Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
"Well. You have quite the memory." He places his pen and paper onto his desk. "Using the Black Knights like that. It's an interesting theory. And you're too modest, Ewan. Without you to lead them around it seems that none of you would have made it back here alive. I'll keep that in mind."
He'll keep that in mind? The way he says it makes it seem like you did something wrong.
"Anyway. The man in the robe you saw earlier is one of the Caretakers. They seem to run the show here in the Alabaster Citadel, and they've given us these lovely accomodations." Hayden doesn't seem to pleased with the situation.
"Our pilots and small craft are combing through what's left of Foehn for survivors. I've got nothing for you to do at the moment, but you'll all be reassigned once things settle down a little. I'm sure some of you've got friends or family to look for out there. You're dismissed."
(Quest Cleared! Get to the Alabaster Citadel without dying. (+125 XP)
SubQ: Iam survives. (+15 XP), Other: 500+ word speech. rofl... :U(+15 XP)
You can say something to Iam or Raoul, or Hayden. You can also decide to not post a response. Please say so in the OOC if you want to just move on. :P In either case once Ewan leaves the tent on the update after you will be bumped up in time to Tuesday, AKA Ceasefire Day 6. Having Hayden kick you out of the tent counts as leaving too. :P Record the XP gain on your sheet, prz.)
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
He looks around the bloody field, trying to figure out which victims he can help most.
(If the guards normally escort him in, he'll wait for them. Otherwise he'll head straight for Maestro.)
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber.
Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis)
Progress: Successes 0 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
It doesn't take much looking around to see who's breathing and who's not. To cover the Ward quicker, you look in a different area than Mariposa. Given the size of the explosion you're surprised that anybody survived, including yourself. You can see the two wounded on the ground in the direction you were looking. One is in a gown and looks to be hurt pretty badly, the other is wearing cleric attire. He's in bad shape himself, but at least he wasn't injured prior to this.
In the distance you can see a fireball light up the sky. The ground shakes and wavers. Even in the strongest storms, the islands never shook or waved. This was all leading towards something bad, you think to yourself. Off to the side, Mariposa is busy helping another injured person.
(If you wish to help someone, you can a) Use the Heal skill to Stabilize, then allow to Use Second wind (Roll a Heal with number of rolls set to 7, note: 3 failures before an initial success may kill someone. Each roll consumes 3 seconds, the DCs are not the ones in the PHB.) b) use healing word. (Note: 5 minutes will probably not pass between posts, so use these carefully. Other Clerics can use healing word as well.)
Ewan Stark
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area
Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
"Home? It's a time of crisis. I'm sure my family is hidden in some fortress by now." Iam looks angry. "The Lowborne have gone too far!"
"It's just like Rueben said, they must be eliminated. None of us will ever be at peace so long as we have to watch whats under our feet." one of the Knights is still walking with you.
Rueben Aveli was the commanding officer of your brigade when you'd were like Iam. A few months into your carreer he was forced to retire due to injury. He would later marry the CO of the first division, Els Aveli. Before the war broke out, she retired to have a child. Both were serving in an advisory capacity over the course of the Merkaban-Highborne war, Els for the scouts, and Rueben for the knights. The war had changed him for sure. The Rueben you knew would have never thought that.
(For a really brief rundown of the current structure of the knights, check the OOC later (tomorrow)... I'm sleepy. :U As a slight retcon here Hayden Gretz would actually run the scouts division/corp though, just fyi. Also, the people that run the two brigades that make up said division/corp don't have names because I don't know if they're dead or not yet. ;p)
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
"This is the second time you've interrupted my day, Keegan. What is it you want this time?" he sits up. "More gems?"
From the looks of things, he wasn't doing much.
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
Ewan looks over the faces of the men in the ring to see who's buying into this.
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area
Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
"I don't know what to do, Ewan. I guess we should just wait and see what will happen. I mean look where we are! The Caretakers are Highborne, I'm sure they're going to blow all the Lowborne away!" Iam smiles at you.
"We're going to be there when it happens too!" one of the Knights you pulled off to the side says.
"You think they survived the attack?" Another asks. It made sense, you'd only seen Hayden so far. Perhaps they'd show up in the next few days.
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
If the Merkabans possessed such power and the Alabaster Citadel was able to withstand such a weapon, then what did that say of its owner? The pause for reflection allows her to gather her thoughts again.
"Our reason for existing is to care for the Citadel; their Wonders pose no threat to us." (PI:S) Her nonchalant expression almost makes it seem like the Caretakers have even worse Wonders at their disposal.
"Yet, we can't turn a blind eye to this. The plan we have involves restoring balance to the world. But the Knights are blinded by hatred and pain. They simply can't be trusted to carry out our suggestion alone. You're going to help." She stops herself again. "I mean, we would like you to help destroy those Wonders."
Waiting for a reply she steps away from the window and makes her way to the opposite wall. A few old spears are mounted there. She runs a hand along the edge of one of them before looking at you. "Please?"
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
He motions for you to come closer and the "twins" move behind you.
"Could you repeat that, Nightbird?"
Diplomacy check. Work with me here Maestro. (1d20+4=9)
Apparently the voice in my head is getting to be a tad distracting.
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Despite his knowledge concerning the Knights, he was still concerned about the stars.
"I've yet to see stars like that. Do you have any idea what they are?"
Zephyr, ?? - Wonderbird
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
"Hmm... I'm not sure, but perhaps our friend could enlighten us." He gestures for the Knights to bring the Spy to them.
They do so, the man snickering all the way.
"So you've seen them, yes?" His head lolls to the side. "The red stars. Trust me when I say that you should only worry when they start turning blue."
"Attention civilian ships: Please evacuate Foehn airspace immediately... All civilian ships clear Foehn berths and airspace immediately."
The communications crystal in the room resonated with that forced message.
"It's starting♪" the Spy grins.
(PP:S) Some of the stars are turning blue.
Quinn Stasi
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber.
Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis)
Progress: Successes 0 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor 1 of ?
"*Cough, cough* Ha... patient tending the doctor? Ugh... what... what happened?" The Cleric gets up, thanks to your assistance. A quick glance at the scene around him and what happened doesn't matter. He immediately sets off to work. Looking around, you can see several other injured people. Mariposa is working on one of them. "Tend to this one. There are others who are more injured far worse."
(PP:S) The explosions haven't stopped, unfortunately. Far off along the horizon of Foehn, there's a massive fireball as one of those freighters that served as a refuge for the Lowborne is hit. You utter a silent prayer for their souls, as you realize that the skies over Foehn are filled with many airships fleeing.
Just in the direction of the red stars, you can see a collection of beacon lights. It was the Armada. The colorations on some of the beacons were off. The Armada wasn't even flying in any formation you were familiar with. They were swerving rapidly around each other. Two of the beacons merged in the distance and then went out.
Ewan Stark
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area
Merkaban-Highborne War, The Day after Retribution Day
A group of what are clearly Lowborne refugees off in the distance stares at you.
"Hey, settle down." Another knight adds.
"Bah!" the Knight storms off into the direction of the military encampment tents. It was best he went that way. The group slowly drifts apart until only Iam is left.
"I'm... I'm going to go look for Els." he nods and parts company with you.
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
"star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer."
The Maestro starts to laugh.
"You're a funny guy Keegan. But what it really is, and by extension how I intend to use this is none of your concern." He pulls out the little cube out mockingly.
"star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer. star stealer."
If the voice was being subtle before, now it's kicked into overdrive. Your head starts to ache.
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Keegan rubs his eyes and tries to focus. "I'm not threatening you, Maestro. I'm trying to make sure that one of my clients retains the level of secrecy that he paid for. You know as well as I do that no one saw me, but something is happening to me. I think it might be magic, but I'm not sure. That's why I've come to you for help. Help, Maestro, not harm."
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber.
Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis)
Progress: Successes 0 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor (2 of 2)
"Why?" The man you've resuccitated looks towards the sky. It's almost like he didn't want to be helped. The three of you are able to come to the aid to some... but more could have been saved if the doors hadn't been blocked. (You saw 2 at first - cleric + patient 1, cleric treated patient 1 while you did patient 2, mari did one more as well. However, time is up for this area. the possibility of "Bad" increases over each cycle.)
Mariposa is standing over another two when the walls of the Ward cave in. The rush of air hurts your lungs, and hot ash burns the exposed skin on your body. Your thoughts go immediately to those who were just wearing gowns.
"Shit." That was the last word you'd expected to hear from Mariposa. She pulls our her holy symbol and utters a brief prayer. Divine light bathes the area for a moment, and one of the fallen patients gets up. She's probably hurt worse than you are, so pushing herself like this is bad. She helps the patient to her feet, and they make your way to you.
"We need to get out of here... if we stay here any longer, we'll be joining them." Admitting this hurts as much as hearing it. Once again, you've survived where many would die. But at least you weren't alone this time.
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
"I see Keegan.. Come over here. If this is some kind of magic, there has to be some kind of mark or sigil on you." He places the cube down beside him on his couch. Maestro seems genuinely interested in helping you. But then again the words of that scorpion who crossed the river on the back of a frog seemed pretty genuine in that old fable.
"steal stars."
At least it switched up that time.
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
"Hm." When she notices that you've taken note of the device, she stops tapping on the desk. "Fortunately for you, I took precautions to keep our conversation private. An outburst like that when you're the only Lowborne aboard a Highborne" the emphasis is strong, even for her. "warship is quite brave of you. This ship, the Conquerer as they've named it, led their attack. I'm sure you've heard of their Retribution Day, right?"
While the refugee freighters the Highborne so graciously stuck you aboard were populated by Lowborne refugees from many places including your home region, they were all crewed by Highborne. Days before Retribution Day the Knights aboard seemed antsy, and you had caught bits and pieces of the speech by their leader. That you all wound up a large metal box aboard the Alabaster Citadel served as a pretty good indication of the Highborne's success.
"This ship was built for that day. The Highborne intended to reduce the city of Merkaba to rubble, you see. It was going to be a symbol of their might, their ability to prevail against an enemy who would resort to using the forces that even your whole division failed to protect against. I can assure you that this ship went out there. This ship even led their charge. But the Merkaban's didn't just have Devastators." (PInt:S) You recall that term being used by the Merkabans to describe the Black Knights. "In fact..."
The door opens on some unseen cue and Naro is ushered in. He looks at you and then over at the Caretaker. "Did you know that she's the Voice of the Caretakers? Their lead representative, if you would. I think that's amazing! And she wants to talk to us! Fancy that!"
"Naro," the The Voice stops him before he gets sidetracked. At least her high and mighty demeanor was useful for something. "Show the man the photographs you have in your pack."
"Yes! Of course! Brottor. This is what I wanted to show you before I was arrested!" he rummages through his bag, and pulls out a large sheet of paper, it was creased heavily. "I had such a hard time taking these. Calvin made the Explorer (Naro's Yacht) swerve like a madman. I nearly lost the camera!"
It's a photo of Foehn, taken at night during its destruction. (He'd have a late 1800s style camera, functionally slow exposure time) The photo looks like a bunch of white streaks against a dark background. It's almost a good thing that you weren't on his Yacht now, because you'd probably have beat him over the head with the paper. All that trouble for some squiggly lines?
As he speaks, the emblem grows cooler under his hand, from comforting to icy in the span of seconds. He feels a strange rush of calm flow over him, and dark shadows curl around his arm and then twist into Mariposa.
He removes his arm from her shoulder, shocked slightly by what he just did, and readies his morningstar to clear away any barricade in their path. As he moves towards the hospital exit, he whispers a quiet prayer to those still dead and dying, asking the Raven Queen to guard their souls. He swings his morningstar into the flaming brush, trying to knock it aside and clear a path.
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber.
Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis)
Progress: Successes 1 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor (2 of 2)
* Basic Attack - Success - Clearing out a path.
"Uh... thanks." Mari looks at you weirdly. Your shocked reaction to your own actions is what freaks her out a little. Fortunately for the both of you, you don't linger there. The charred branches are easily broken away by your attacks, and you head out of the ward.
It was amazing how quickly this area had been consumed in flames. There were still red stars in the direction of Merkaba, but they seemed to be clearing up. Even against the smoke laced sky normal colored blue and white stars had come out. The potential reason why red stars were vanishing didn't bring you that much comfort though.
"It's just up the street." Mari has a patient in tow as she walks out towards you. She points to the left then notices the huge blaze in the middle of the road.
"Great, The way is blocked. We're going to have to go around." She points forward. "If we cut up a street, we may be able to turn down that road. The Gate Chambers are built contain massive amounts of magical energy. The fires won't hurt."
Foehn shudders, no doubt another explosion has occurred somewhere. Everyone waits for you to lead the way.
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
It was very rare for another man to get this close to the Maestro. His expression is somewhere between disgust and revulsion. It was the perfect distraction. The way you land, the cube bounces to be just out of sight for the two. You would still have to play it carefully though.
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber.
Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis)
Progress: Successes 2 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor (2 of 2)
* Basic Attack - Success - Clearing out a path.
* Perception - Success - Leading the way.
At this rate, there wouldn't be much of a city left. Fires roared and raged all around, and the ground's constant trembling made you question if the island would even last. You couldn't travel along this street further, but it was possible to go left now. Debris was scattered all around, but some debris didn't appear to come from the buildings. Looking at a larger fragment, you realize that it was actually a chunk of airship hull.
With the mess of airships fleeing above you it was to be expected. Falling airships would kill you just as dead as falling stars, so it was best to keep moving.
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
The way she explains it to you takes a lot of time and for once today Naro's presence was useful to you. Her explanation was easy enough to understand for somebody with an arcane background, but the only magic you had was in your halberd. Naro takes in the information and helps make sense of it though.
The gist of it is that each one of those lines on the photograph are actually trails of light left behind from what you would best understand as being magic missiles. That was simple enough. Her casually stating that a single one of those missile was equal in power and effect to a conclave of archmages simultaneously using that spell on a single target wasn't exactly settling though.
"So you see now why a massive counter attack isn't good? Even if the Zephyr Knights had the resources left to do it again, the result would no doubt be the same." She gets off the desk and walks over to you.
"They could have just as easily wiped out all of their ships the first time. In fact, they actually avoided causing massive damage to the heaviest ships in this fleet. It was their symbol." Between the Black Knights and these "missiles", everybody knew that Merkaba was the force to be reckoned with.
(Just a little truth-in-rolling, I think I rolled this twice, but the page gave me an error the first time. I don't know if there's a way to find old rolls, if it did actually roll. The description on the old one was a little ahead of what I'm actually doing in this post anyway.)
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
Foehn, Knight's HQ - Medical Ward
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
Objective: Escape to the Gate Chamber.
Primary Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Heal (Wis), Perception (Wis)
Progress: Successes 2 of ?, Failures 0 of 3
* Perception - Success - Seeking out other Ward survivors.
* Heal - Success - Aiding Ward survivor (2 of 2)
* Basic Attack - Success - Clearing out a path.
* Perception - Success - Leading the way.
Moving down this street you easily spot the remains of an airship that has crashed. It didn't seem likely that anybody would survive such a fall.
To your left, there is a glowing crater. The walls between of the two buildings next to it have caved in, and smoke and flames pour out of the buildings. Directly ahead the way was blocked off by more flames.
"There's a side street... if we get through there we'll be able to make it to the Chamber!" Mari yells.
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
"Oh? A street play? I love those!" Naro claps a few times and then stops under your collective stares.
"As I mentioned earlier, our plan requires a more discrete approach. It's hardly been a week since their Retribution Day, and already there are reports of chaos breaking out. The partial destruction of Foehn unleashed massive amounts of magical energies, which have made monsters go wilder than usual. Work within this chaos, find where the Merkabans are hiding the Wonders and eliminate them." She walks past you and towards the door. "Unfortunately, I've run out of time. You people keep us rather busy."
The Caretaker who accompanied you to the Conquerer enters. "Come. We leave this now."
Keegan Lyriao
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - The Broken Wing
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Tuesday
"Strange. I don't detect anything." The man's eyes narrow at you. "Are you trying to pull one over me?"
"Star Stealer."
"What? Who said that?" Maestro looks across the room. There's nobody there. Leftina and Reita turn their attention to the doorway. (PP:S) There is only one entrance/exit to the room that you can see. If the Maestro had another way out, it was well hidden.
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
Zephyr, ?? - Wonderbird
Merkaban-Highborne War, Retribution Day
"Impossible..." Wesley has no words.
(PP:S) One of the blue stars actually looks as if it's growing, no, it's headed right towards you...
Brottor Ungart
Alabaster Citadel, Refugee Area - Conqueror
Post Merkaban-Highborne War, Ceasefire Day 6
Sensing that answer wasn't going to suffice she adds. "You're welcome to come with me now to meet one of your partners, Brottor. Havarn..." She looks at the other Caretaker and he nods.
"So then, if you're coming with me, decide now. I'm already late as it is."