KHAZUUL

Jan 19, 2024 12:17 am

Saffron

Saffron's face betrays no emotion as Freki informs her they eavesdropped on her talk – a stoic front, cold as stone. She responds with a quiet exhale.

"It is a sensible thing to do. Yet, it's a good few miles to the north. Nightfall would catch us before we reached it."

The rain pours down, methodically washing away her brother's blood from her attire.

OOC:

Saffron's stash is in the hex to the north and will require 2 watches to get there. It is currently the beginning of second watch. I'll bring it up in Discord!

Sow

Harrigan

Jan 19, 2024 5:43 am

"Tomorrow then?" Sow chimes in, risking joining the conversation without being formally invited in. "Maybe the blasted rain will have stopped by then."

OOC:

Keen to go! Also, playing in a virtual con all weekend, so limited time for GP. Back to normal Sunday night, but please auot-pilot Sow as necessary! Just keep her stinky.

Jan 19, 2024 6:50 am

"Tomorrow then!" Freki agrees.

He looks up at the light filtering through the clouds and canopy and estimates that they still have a good chunk of the afternoon left before they have to be back at camp. "We've got a bit more time before dark. Let's do one more loop of those animal trails we followed yesterday. Maybe we'll get lucky."

As they go, Freki continues brainstorming with Cutwell about how to take down the Grimjaw, "Yeah, a spiked pit could work, but it would take a lot of digging. I have these tranquilizer darts," he says as he shows the doctor, " but they wouldn't have enough punch to make that giant count sheep. I made this stuff from mushrooms in the north. Maybe if I can find something similar here I could make a large enough batch to coat one of your pit spikes!"

Jan 19, 2024 6:57 am

Day 5, Second Watch
Hex: 3
Wilderness Action: Supply Action
Weather: Inclement (Add a Fatigue or add +1 watch)

In the rain, the Hunters persist, laboring to secure enough supplies for an expanded foray into the jungle. Yet, beneath the practical drive for provisions, there simmers a potent thirst for payback against Grimjaws. Tracing the wreckage in its wake, you silently and cautiously trail the creature.

This course of action pays off doubly! You stalk Grimjaws' path long enough to know that it has headed North East, which may be an indication of it's where it lairs. And, you are delighted to discover Grimjaws has left you a present - a freshly killed Lorry lies dead in the mud, only partially eaten by Grimjaws, leaving you plenty of meat on the bones. You hastily carve and process what you can of the carcass before venturing back to camp.

OOC:

Wow, 10 rations and +1 fatigue for each of you. Saffron will have 5 slots for carrying food after taking a fatigue.

As the begins to dip beneath the cliffs of Khazuul, you return to base. There is a good deal of stir in the camp, as many of the Hunters heard Grimjaws' roar, and are wondering if any Black Skulls fell prey. Word quickly spreads about your terrible loss, but the Hunters are equally impressed that so many of you survived the encounter with the legendary monster.

"Tell us the tale!" calls out one man, while another shouts "How in the blazes of hell did you escape?" Even Tunny seems interested to hear.

In the crowd, a handsome new arrival to the camp named Flint watches the returning Hunters as the others gather around them to hear their tale.

Warden

Jan 19, 2024 3:52 pm

OOC:

Maps!

[ +- ] Khazuul Hexmap

[ +- ] Dario's Map

[ +- ] Freki's Treasure Map and Cutwell's Compass

Jan 20, 2024 11:36 am

Cutwell waves away the gathering crowd with his metal hand; almost slapping the hands away as he moves his group through the men.

The rations had done little to lift his mood.

"We didn’t escape, did we? Less you count losing two of us as escaping."

Cutwell supposed that some of the men gathered about might consider that a good trade; another skin to save their own. Sourly, he moves to the part of the campground that they had carved out for themselves on nights precious.

"Mangey shower, ain’t they?"

Last edited January 21, 2024 12:04 pm

Foreman Tunny

Jan 20, 2024 4:13 pm

Foreman Tunny

Tunny is confused by Cutwell's comment about escape. "You're here, and not in the mud. That's more than most can say after they meet Grimjaws."

He pays you your 5 glass beads each, and surprisingly, pays out Thorn's and Samir's share as well. "The Great Leveller comes for us all, but few can say they faced it like that. Brave men, the both of them." The genuineness seems strange on this bully's face, but there it is.

OOC:

That's 30 glass beads to share amongst 4. If we're doing the excess goes to Cuteell's bandage fund, that's 9 to Cutwell and 7 to everyone else.

Warden

Jan 20, 2024 4:48 pm

Windyridge Inactive for 1 months

As you head to set up camp, you overhear hushed voices speaking about you as you set up camp. "That's Ironfist's crew," one whispers. "Luckiest bastards in Khazuul!" another chuckles.

Flint

Jan 20, 2024 10:42 pm

Camped alone, a sullen man stares into a meager fire contemplating his lot in life. When a group of dinosaur fighters arrives back at camp he looks up. The ensuing commotion piques the blonde-haired man's interest sufficiently that he ceases his reverie and makes his way over to the rag-tag bunch, gleaning what he can about the men and the two women. He watches them make camp, grabs his pack, and decides to wander over.

"I couldn't help hearing about your daring feats and the loss of two of your group. I'd be willing to throw in my lot with you folks if you need another to help out. My sword has seen plenty of action and I still live to tell those tales! You'd find me an asset."

Flint was of noble birth. He spoke well but loudly with a boomy voice that could make a man cringe. His tall and athletic presence was imposing if not downright intimidating which stood in stark contrast to his gentleness when it came to animals. Disciplined when he wanted to be, reckless when he didn't, he had one terrible weakness. Women. He couldn't resist them, and it was often mutual. The fairer sex was the reason for his current predicament.

Jan 20, 2024 11:55 pm

OOC:

Yeah, I think we can keep the bandage fund going. I've updated my sheet with 7 more beads.

After Cutwell storms off to mourn the fallen, Freki turns to address the gathered crowd and solemnly tells the story of the encounter.

"We are exhausted, frustrated and saddened by the loss of our friends, so excuse our mood ...

"As we walked the animal trails looking for food, suddenly Grimjaws materialized out of the morning mists. Roaring like a roll of thunder had fallen upon us, it immediately attacked. Samir was the closest and was run down immediately as the rest of us scattered.

"Ironfist taunted the beast, clanging his metal arm to get the monster's attention. It gave the rest of us a chance to escape, but Saffron and Thorn tried to recover the mangled Samir.

"Somehow Ironfist evaded Grimjaws, but the beast returned to eat his initial kill. It was able to follow the trail of blood left by Saffron and Thorn dragging Samir's body.

"They tried to escape as Grimjaws feasted on the boy, but it was too fast, swallowing the body in a single gulp and thirsting for more. Thorn heroically cast a bottle of wildfire at the monster, scorching its flank. It was enough of a distraction to let Saffron escape, but Ol' Grimjaws burst through the flames and angered by the burns, chased down Thorn with a vengeance.

"The only reminder of our hero when we returned to the site after the beast had feasted and left was ashes from the wildfire and his sword," Freki holds up Thorn's two-handed sword in tribute. There was flame-shaped charring etched along the length of the blade from the wildfire, "From hence forth it will be called Thorn's Immolator! Like a phoenix, it has been reborn from the flames of a dying hero and one day it will bite deep into the scarred beast that killed its former master!"

With that he strides off to make camp with the rest of the group, hoping that the story would ignite and spread, making it easier to recruit members to their team, especially if they ever get the chance to organize a large scale raid against Grimjaws.

It looks like the story is already working as a man steps up and asks to join the party.

"Welcome, my name is Freki," he grasps the strangers hand. "Yes, we would be happy to have you. Although, we are leaving camp bright and early tomorrow for a overnight trek into the jungle. It will be our first time to venture that far from camp. You are welcome to join us if you are willing to brave night in the jungle. What is your name and how long have you been in Khazuul?"

OOC:

At some point during the Make Camp action, Freki will tend to the kennels and also ask around to buy a tent/tarp.

Last edited January 21, 2024 4:33 am

Jan 21, 2024 12:12 pm

"This lad hears how we’ve lost two today, and wants to join up with us, does he? Something not right with his head, I reckon, don’t I?" Cutwell says, tapping his head and looking at Flint; his sour mood doing away with his usually affable self. "Ain’t you afraid you’ll get done up like the other two?" he asks the man, and thinks he catches the man’s eye drift to Saffron and Sow for a moment. There’s fire in Cutwell’s mind tonight. Better if it had chased down the beast…

He waves his own question away, before talking to Freki. "Reckon you ought to write that one down. Thorn’s Immolator, was it? Spose we’ll have to make good on the, what’s it called… the prophecy. Then they’ll talk about the sword, won’t they?"

Last edited January 21, 2024 12:12 pm

Warden

Jan 21, 2024 7:40 pm

Windyridge Inactive for 1 months

While you are chatting, a few men come up to Freki, curious about the sword. They ask to see the fire markings on the blade.

"That's a Marchguard's blade," a young Union man remarks. "That's no Angland steel, that was forged in Adua, in the King's own forges. Look at the stamp, it bears the King of the Union's own marking."

Flint

Jan 21, 2024 11:34 pm

"No, I've learned to live for the moment," he says to Cutwell. "Worrying about what might be is a foolish endeavor. You escaped a formidable adversary which makes yours a fine group to be associated with."

Gripping Freki's hand strongly, the man introduces himself. "I am Flint, formerly of the Marchguard and now looking for some adventure and excitement and that is a very fine sword quite similar to mine."

Jan 22, 2024 1:06 am

"I wonder if there's a bard around, maybe up in Vanguard Bastion, that we can share the tale with," Freki replies to Cutwell.

When Flint mentions his past Freki asks, "Marchguard?! Did you know our fallen companion then? He was from your ranks as well." Freki isn't sure about the size of the force and whether it is likely two previous members would know each other.

"It is a fine blade," Freki adds after Flint admires the weapon. "I don't have much experience with swords, perhaps you could show me how to use it properly. Better than having it hang off the back of my pack if we get into another fight."

Jan 22, 2024 3:16 am

Windyridge Inactive for 1 months

"Alright, well I did warn you, didn’t I? No one can say I didn’t warn ya!" Cutwell says, and then gestures for the man to sit and join if that’s what he wants to do.

To himself then, he grumbles:

"Can’t swing a cat for all the bloody Marchguard in this place…"

"Cutwell." he says then, clearing his throat and putting his hand forward for shaking.

"Right, go on then! Dinner and a show! Let’s see you swing that thing about, Freki!"

Flint

Jan 22, 2024 3:51 am

"Alas I did not know the fine man. The Marchguard are scattered throughout the land. It would have been an honor to have met him. As for sword training, it is not something learned quickly and it takes years to perfect. But I'd be happy to show you the rudiments sometime and anyone else curious to see how they do."

Flint shakes Cutwell's hand and eyes the metal arm. "Nice appendage. Does it serve you well? A weapon always equipped, eh?" Slapping the man on the shoulder he lowers his voice and leans in. "I do appreciate the warning."

Jan 22, 2024 10:14 am

"Like it, does ya?" Cutwell says, showing off the arm a little more. "Serves me well, alright. Look at what it did to him." he says, pointing to Freki’s shaved head. "Its like night and day with him. You wouldn’t recognize him if you’d met him a few days ago. Can do you one like that, if you like?" he says, eyeing up the golden locks on the man’s head.

Jan 23, 2024 6:16 am

Freki smiles at Cutwell's encouragement to tryout the newly named blade. He's a big man, stong and fit from years of handling, even wrestling, large animals, so hefting the great two-handed sword is not a problem. Unfortunately, he isn't use to swinging weighted objects around a high speeds and the momentum catches him off guard.

Despite starting slow with a few smooth easy movements, his first full speed slash pulls him spinning forward and crashing to the ground in a splatter of mud, nearly taking Cutwell's head off in the process.

A wide eyed Freki looks at Cutwell with initial concern, but when he sees he narrowly missed the doctor, he breaks out into a hearty laugh, "Well, my friend, I almost took off a little of your hair to return the favour!"

Getting back up he adds to Flint, "I can see what you mean, I'm going to need a bit more space to get used to this thing, but a few pointers to keep my balance will probably go a long way. Seems like doing damage isn't going to be the problem, it's avoiding hurting myself or anyone else around me," he jokes.

Last edited January 23, 2024 6:16 am

Jan 23, 2024 7:21 am

"He’s like one of them lads what comes out of the trees, ain’t he? Naked as the day they was born, and swinging a great big sword over their heads. You must have met a few of them, ain’t ya, Marchguard?" Cutwell says, laughing and starting to feel the heaviness of the day lift from his shoulders.

That was the way, wasn’t it? The sullen march back the camp, before the eventual drinking of wine and reminiscing about the poor bastards who’d ended up in the mud that day!

Sow

Harrigan

Jan 23, 2024 8:10 am