(Troy/Luca/Canny Adventure 3): The Basilisk Graveyard

[archolewa]

Torch: 43 minutes

Canny spends a couple of minutes studying the tracks more closely. From what she can tell, two creatures dragged their way through the intersection. Looking more closely, she spies two more sets of footprints as well. But these look a bit more nimble. They did not smear, and they look much thinner, skeletal even. She paces a little bit into each corridor. Near as she can tell, there is only the one set of tracks. They started somewhere to the left, and went right. She finds no evidence of any of them starting right and going left, or of other tracks to the left.

Though, she didn't go very far into either corridor. Plus, dust doesn't leave the best tracks. But the fact that there is dust to be disturbed at all probably means there aren't regular patrols through here.

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Canny}

After a few minutes of intense study, I turn to the group, gesture for them to come close, and whisper. “None went to the left. Two sets of dragging prints, probably zombies, went from left to right. Bright! I missed it the first time. But there are also another two sets of prints. They’re very thin. Most likely skeletons. So, we know we have at least 4 enemies to the right. I see no sign of any to the left, unless they’ve been there a long time.”

[Kenjosephus]

Troy

Four,huh?

He ponders for a bit.

Let's scout out the right path then. See if the path on the right connects to the graveyard or at least have a shoot of whatever in the graveyard would notice any of the fighting there.

[archolewa]

Torch: 40 minutes

The group creeps right down the corridor. Canny eases towards the back, alongside Luca, longbow held loosely in one hand, her other resting near her quiver. Troy creeps along beside Beverly, sword seeming to catch the torchlight and convert it into a pale blue glow. Gwen moves to join him, stepping just in front of the torchbearer, holding her halberd tight. Luca lurks behind the group, crossbow raised.

Before long, the group hears a faint shuffling and rattling. Soon, dim figures can be made out at the edge of the torchlight. Two slender, shuffling figures with pale, loose, rotting skin. Everyone can feel a faint warmth against their chests where the amulets rest.

The magic of the amulets mean anybody could potentially sneak up on the undead without being noticed, so time for a group dexterity check to see if the undead see you guys. Troy, Canny and Luca all get to include their Move Silently bonus. 1d20+13+5 + 1d20+16+4 + 1d20+14+5 + 1d20+13 + 1d20+9 = 117 > 20*5 = 100

The undead do not respond in any way to the approaching group.

The team has surprise! Actions please. Gwen is going to move in and try to hook one of the zombies with her halberd. Beverly is going to take a few careful steps forward to try to bring more of the undead into the light.

The zombies are at the edge of the torchlight, so about 30 feet away.

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Canny}

Canny takes an arrow from her quiver, nocks it, and takes aim at the farthest of the undead. Let the close combat fighters take the nearer ones. It’s more efficient. She draws her bowstring back, but waits until one of the melee fighters moves in before loosing. No need to let the flaming kinsuckers know we’re here until killing them again. As soon as the first of the group takes a swing, Canny will let her arrow fly.

[Juramenta]

oocI'm back and ready to go!ooc

Luca notices Canny already getting into position to knock one of her arrows.
Not wanting to be outdone by the newest addition to their jolly rack tack group of fine adventurers. He silently takes aim while constantly staying aware of his ally's movement. Making sure he knows exactly where they are located, to avoid shooting them in the back once he releases the trigger.

[Kenjosephus]

Troy

Seeing the undead, Troy tenses with fear but grit his teeth and resolve as he lunges in to attack the nearest undead with his bastard sword.

Welcome back Jura

[archolewa]

Luca sights down his crossbow as Beverly steps forward to reveal the two
skeletons lurking behind the zombies. Not wanting to risk hitting one of his
allies, he aims for one of the two skeletons behind the zombies, making sure to
aim for the most decrepit of the two. His crossbow twangs, and the bolt, driven
with extra force by the magic of his crossbow, punctures the skeleton's skull,
and the undead monstrosity silently collapses.

A pale flue flame races up Troy's enchanted sword as he aims to decapitate the
nearest zombie, an especially decrepit specimen. The zombie stumbles on one of
its barely functional legs right as Troy's blade arcs, slicing off naught but
a few strands of scraggly hair. The creature stops, and lurches around, dead
eyes locking on the Lupine, and hideous mouth opening.

Canny holds her shot, carefully studying the larger of the two skeletons. As
Troy charges, and Luca's crossbow twangs, she pulls her arrow to her cheek
and aims for the soft spot at the base of the skull, and lets fly. Her arrow
flies true, buries itself up to the shaft in the skeleton's skull, and drops
it in a clatter of bones.

Even as the skeleton drops, Gwen hooks her halberd on the largest zombie's
shin and pulls. Her halberd tears off some of the creature's flesh, and the zombie
topples to the ground with a moan.


Initiative:
Luca: 1d20+2 = 20
Troy: 1d20+2 = 12
-- Lost --
Canny/Gwen: 1d20+1 = 5


Luca shoot: Nat 20, hit. damage: 5. Skeleton had 2 HP.

Troy attack: 1d20+1(AB)+1(magic sword)+2(from behind)+8(AC) = 14 < 20

Canny attack: 1d20+1(AB)+1(close range)+2(from behind)+4(sneak attack)+1(skilled vs. armed)+7(AC) = 27 > 20
damage: 1d8+1 x2 (sneak attack) = 18, skeleton had 8 HP.

Gwen Hook attack: 1d20+1(AB)+1(strength)+2(from behind)+8(AC) = 20 == 20, damage = 1+1 = 2,
zombie saving throw vs paralysis: 1d20+6 = 12 < 20, zombie is prone. Attacks against it have
a +4 bonus, zombie takes a -4 penalty on saving throws, and a -2 penalty to attack rolls.

Actions please!

The one zombie is going to try to stagger to its feet and attack Gwen. The zombie that Troy tried
to attack is going to attack him.

Gwen is going to try to keep the zombie she is fighting on the ground (i.e. use a hook attack again).

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Canny}

Canny’s not proud. Whatever flaming idiot once said, ‘Never kick a man when he’s down’ never fought in a real war, never faced undead who were already cheating death, never realized that killing one works better than wounding several because it lessens the chance that one of your opponents will get off an attack or even just a lucky break.

With her chosen skeleton down, the scout shifts her aim to the zombie writhing on the ground while drawing and nocking another arrow. Time to put it out of my misery. Surprise no longer concerns Canny. She waits for a clear shot so as to avoid hitting Gwen. When the opening comes, Canny lets the arrow fly.

[Juramenta]

Troy
Welcome back Jura

oocThanks and sweet sword by the way!ooc

He grins seeing the first one drop to the ground ''Time to deal with the next one'' he thinks to himself as he starts reloading.
Once again staying careful not to shoot his own allies, he searches for an opening to take the shot.

[Kenjosephus]

Troy

Troy curses as the blade misses by an inch

Lucky bastard. he muttered, before pressing the zombie in front of him with strike after strike of his new blue flame blade.

[archolewa]

Troy checks his swing, and brings it back around in a swift, arcing cut. The
blade is so perfectly balanced it feels almost like an extension of is arm.
Blue, flickering flames race up the edge as it slices through the zombie's
rotting skull like a scythe through wheat. The top half of the zombie's
head goes flying. The creature stumbles a moment, and then collapses.

Meanwhile, Canny and Luca both look for an opening to put a missile in
the prone zombie. Canny just can't get a clear shot in the tight corridor,
and is forced to abandon her attempt. As the zombie stands, Gwen
instinctively shifts a little to the right, and Luca standing at a slightly
different angle, sees a shot and takes it without hesitation. The bolt
embeds itself in the zombie's torso as it stands, causing it to stagger,
throwing off its own attempt to punch Gwen.

Gwen hooks her halberd in the zombie's leg again, and heaves, trying to
put it back on the floor. But her halberd slices the already damaged
leg clean off and the zombie collapses, its magic no longer capable of
keeping the rotting body together.

Silence, save for heavy breathing.


Initiative:
Troy: 1d20+2 = 22
Canny: 1d20+1 = 10
Luca: 1d20+1 = 4
-- Lost --
Zombies 1d20: 14
Gwen: 1d20+1 = 13


Troy attack: 1d20+1(AB)+1(longsword+1)+8(AC) = 26 > 20
damage: 1d8+1+1(longsword+1) = 7, zombie has only 4 HP, zombie down
Canny: 1d20+1(AB)+1(Dex)+1(Short range)+4(sneak attack)+4(prone)+2(skilled vs unarmed)+8(AC) = Nat 1??? Miss.
Luca: 1d20+1(AB)+1(Dex)+1(Short Range)+1(Skilled vs. unarmed)+2(crossbow+2)+4(prone) = 24 > 20 hit (used Juramenta's roll, but with the correct modifiers)
damage: 6
Zombie: 1d20+2(AB)-2(prone)+2(AC) = 11 < 20
Gwen attack: 1d20+1(AB)+1(Str)+4(prone)+8(AC) = 32 > 20
damage: 1+1 = 2, Zombie had exactly 2 HP left, zombie is down.


For defeating two skeletons and two zombies, the team gets 2*20 + 2*10 = 60 XP/4 = 15 XP, Gwen gets half or 7.5 rounded up to 8.

Also, I find it hilarious that each of you got exactly one kill.

[Juramenta]

ooc I subtracted the bolts and added the xp.
Quick question for Chary. Do you prefer if I only do ooc as ooc and not the entire post in red to reduce the strain on your eyes?
Similar, I can keep using '' to indicate a spoken sentence is starting or ending, as the blue color probably isn't working for you, right? /ooc

[Juramenta]

Luca checks everyone out, making sure no one got hurt.
Once he realizes everyone is doing fine, he takes a few steps forward past the destroyed undead in order to face the entire group.
''Now would be a good a time as any'' he mumbles to himself before speaking up.

’’Ever had a moment where you see magic happen and feel blessed by the gods of merely being near it? Seeing it all on display right in front of your eyes. What a perfect execution of moves, my dearest friends. Not one scratch was taken on our end.
The lovely Canny, not even having had a chance to properly talk to each other and already she is moving in sync with the rest of us’’ Luca gracefully says without looking at anyone in particular. He then turns his attention to Canny after his last sentence.

’’I saw the goblin getting distracted looking at the pointy end of your arrow, giving me the opportune opening to get my shot off. You are no stranger to working in a team. Of that, I am certain Chandelaria Lockewright, Blooded of the 3rd? Recon Brigade was it? The rest remains a mystery for now. Who exactly are you? Well, aside from being a stunning enigma for our eyes to gaze upon. I assume you came here with a reason, did you not?’’ taking his flamboyant looking hat off to make a short yet elegant bow before placing it back on his head.

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Canny}

Trying to get a bead on the zombie but not finding one clear enough that she trusted taking the shot with Gwen so close, Canny mutters some choice curses at the zombie, making biologically impossible suggestions for fornication. She breathes a sigh of relief as Luca is able to find an opening and takes the shot. Nodding, she returns her arrow to her quiver and affixes the longbow by its strap.

Canny listens to Luca ramble on about the fight that just concluded, making it sound a whole lot more exciting than it was.

Bard, she thinks to herself. Bard, minstrel, or harald… Maybe a skald. But as he goes on and starts speaking directly to her, Canny mentally adds, Noble born. Watch your mouth, Canny.

When Luca finally stops talking and bows to her, Canny returns the bow, a fair bit more deeply. She intends her bow to be that of a simple soldier to a lesser lord. Surely the high nobility wouldn’t be in a situation like this.

“Yes, milord Luca,” Canny starts, hoping that a simple ‘milord’ will suit since she doesn't know his actual rank. Usually that’s safe enough until the noble clarifies their title. Most nobles assume peasants are too stupid to know the niceties of rank and privilege – until it has been pointed out to them, at least. Then woe betide any commoner foolish enough to forget it later. “You have a good memory for names.”

“Chandelaria Lockewright, Blooded of the 3rd Recon Brigade, at your service, milord,” she says bowing again. “But please feel free to call me ‘Canny.’ Nearly everyone else does, and it’s much more practical in dangerous situations.”

The scout grimaces when Lord Luca asks for her purpose in being here. “That is a rather long story, Lord Luca,” she says. “And a rather embarrassing one at that. Would you be satisfied with knowing that I was ambushed by these flaming, Kinslaver-forsaken…” She catches herself a bit too late to stop the curses from escaping past her lips. “My apologies, milord. Long habit of speaking like a soldier in the trenches. Please forgive me.” She hesitates a moment, trying to recall where she left off. “Anyway, this pathetic group of goblins hauled me down here and have kept me bound hand and foot for…” She shrugs. “I don’t know how long, really. It’s hard to say when I haven’t seen the sun or eaten any meals. Nothing to tie the passage of time. But when I heard your party’s human voices, I dedicated it was the best time to try to make my escape – while the ashen…” She cuts herself off and redirects her speech into a more appropriate tone. “While the goblins were distracted, milord.”

[Juramenta]

Luca gives Canny a gentle smile hearing how she addresses him.
’’Nice change of pace over being called a charlatan. Although Troy often uses master as well, what an absolute elegant gathering I keep finding myself in. She is no mark though, the eyes tell a different story’’ he mentally thinks to himself as he observes Canny.

’’Feel at liberty to simply call me Luca as well, then, Canny. We are among friends here.
Maybe your ‘long’ tale is best saved for when we can share an ale at a later time?’’ he suggests, giving her a gentle nod.
He then turns to Troy.
’’Ready to continue or do you wish to search the bodies of the fallen?’’ he asks, looking at the disgusting looking undead. The way he looks at them definitely hints that he isn't planning on touching them himself, not even if he had a ten-foot pole to do it with.

[Kenjosephus]

Troy

Troy nods, hearing Canny's testimony while he takes notice of his surroundings, specifically if there is a pathway that leads up to the graveyard from this chamber.

Sure, but.. i don't think these undead have anything to carry. What we fought are animated bones and walking deads with nothing but naked skin,right?

He glances towards Canny, trying to catch her attention before he says..

Forgive me for not knowing, Blooded is.. the name of rank in the Refugee's army, correct? Seer's be praised for having a veteran of the trenches in our group.

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Canny}

Canny inclines her head to Lucas, a moderate bow. “Thank you, Luca,” she says, respectfully. “I appreciate the courtesy. I promise I will remember your station when we are in public.”

The scout chuckles. “An ale, Luca?” she says, “A good, stout whiskey more like - a whole flaming bottle. But, yes, it is definitely a tale for later. At camp at the very least.”

Turning to Troy, Canny says, “I have seen undead with minor items from time to time, but it is uncommon. Don’t ask me where they carry them. Some sort of Kinslayer blighted heresy, no doubt.”

Canny nods to his other question. “More or less. Blooded’s not a formal rank. Only nobles ever carry real rank. But, yes, Blooded means I have seen combat. Run of the mill soldiers don’t technically have any rank. But among our own… A recruit is green, someone who has enlisted but hasn’t finished training. If you get paired with one, they’ll need help to do anything right, including wipe their own arse…” She glances at Luca, cringing her face and shrugging. “Sorry, milord… Crude, but true. Don’t rely on one for anything. A trained’s a little better. They have finished training but haven’t yet seen real combat. Expect them to soil themselves at the first sight of blood… vomiting or out the other end or both. But at least they know enough to clean themselves up afterwards. A blooded’s seen real fighting, faced the Kinslayer’s abominations, and survived to tell about it. We know when to run, when to hide, and when to stand our ground.”

Canny shrugs. “But I was never a front-line fighter… at least not intentionally. I was primarily a scout – spent more time behind the Kinslayer’s line than standing in front of it. My family are locksmiths by trade. I was no exception before I enlisted. But making traps sometimes involves incorporating traps for security. My instructors in training heard that, and they looked at me like I was gold. I was labelled a trapsmith and sent to dismantle the Kinslayer’s traps or to set our own.” She shrugs again. “To be wholly honest, I’m better at taking traps apart than I am at finding them. But when I see one, I can generally handle it – even if some idiot recruit is standing right on it and can’t move without dying.”

[archolewa]

en Luca finally stops talking and bows to her, Canny returns the bow, a fair bit more deeply. She intends her bow to be that of a simple soldier to a lesser lord. Surely the high nobility wouldn’t be in a situation like this.

“Yes, milord Luca,” Canny starts, hoping that a simple ‘milord’ will suit since she doesn't know his actual rank. Usually that’s safe enough until the noble clarifies their title. Most nobles assume peasants are too stupid to know the niceties of rank and privilege – until it has been pointed out to them, at least. Then woe betide any commoner foolish enough to forget it later. “You have a good memory for names.”

Gwen snorts, and covers her mouth with her hand.

She catches herself a bit too late to stop the curses from escaping past her lips. “My apologies, milord. Long habit of speaking like a soldier in the trenches. Please forgive me.”

Gwen's shoulders start to shake, and a faint sound, maybe giggles, maybe sobs(?) slips free from behind her gauntlet.

Canny inclines her head to Lucas, a moderate bow. “Thank you, Luca,” she says, respectfully. “I appreciate the courtesy. I promise I will remember your station when we are in public.”

Another snort from the tall guardswoman.

She shrugs again. “To be wholly honest, I’m better at taking traps apart than I am at finding them. But when I see one, I can generally handle it – even if some idiot recruit is standing right on it and can’t move without dying.”

Somehow, extensive training in manners from her mother no doubt, Gwen manages to keep things contained (if barely) until Canny finishes. Once it becomes clear she has nothing more to say, the sound Gwen makes grows loud enough that it is clearly laughter, though she does maintain enough self-control to keep the sound soft. She removes her hand from her mouth, revealing a broad grin. "Uncle Lucky...nobility! Buaahaha! Oh Seer, I wish Akiri were here. Heheehehehehe! I assure you Canny, Uncle Lucky, oh my mistake--snort--- Lord Luca's breeding is no better than mine or yours."

She throws a teasing wink at Luca. "A good deal worse in fact, if my mother is to believed."

[Kenjosephus]

Troy

Trinkets, huh? Not that it would be accepted by merchants of the Refuge anyway.

He then takes a look at the body of the undeads, then inspect it for anything that they bring.